The Google Nexus Player has been available in the US, Canada, and Japan for a while now. If you are a fan of the Nexus Player in the UK who has been waiting to get hands on the device, your wait will end this week. Amazon UK has listed the device for pre-order at a price of £79.99 and the shipping date is listed as March 26.
The device will have all the same features in the UK that it has in the rest of the world. It is light on connectivity with only a USB connector, HDMI, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The Bluetooth connectivity is used for the included remote control and to connect an optional game controller. That optional game controller sells for £34.99.
Hardware and Performance
Hardware inside the round case includes 1GB of RAM and 8GB of integrated storage. While 8GB might not seem like a lot of storage for modern devices, Google anticipates that most users will be streaming content from online sources rather than storing it locally. The Nexus Player is equipped with a 1.8GHz Intel Atom processor paired with PowerVR Series 6 graphics, ensuring smooth performance for streaming and gaming.
The Nexus Player’s hardware is designed to handle a variety of tasks, from streaming high-definition video to playing Android games. The device supports 1080p video output, making it suitable for most modern televisions. Additionally, the PowerVR Series 6 graphics provide enough power to handle casual gaming, which can be enhanced with the optional game controller.
Software and Features
The Nexus Player runs on Android TV, Google’s platform for smart TVs and streaming devices. Android TV offers a user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Play, YouTube, and Google Assistant. Users can download a wide range of apps and games from the Google Play Store, expanding the functionality of the device beyond just streaming.
One of the standout features of the Nexus Player is its voice search capability. The included remote control has a built-in microphone, allowing users to search for content using voice commands. This feature makes it easy to find movies, TV shows, and apps without having to type on an on-screen keyboard.
The Nexus Player also supports Google Cast, enabling users to cast content from their smartphones, tablets, or computers directly to their TV. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to share photos, videos, or even web pages on a larger screen.
Comparisons and Market Position
In the competitive market of streaming devices, the Nexus Player holds its own against other popular options like the Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. Each of these devices has its unique strengths, but the Nexus Player’s integration with the Google ecosystem makes it an attractive choice for users already invested in Google services.
For instance, Amazon Fire TV offers a robust selection of content and a powerful voice assistant in Alexa, but it is more tightly integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem. Roku, on the other hand, provides a vast array of channels and a neutral platform, but it lacks the deep integration with Google services that the Nexus Player offers. Apple TV is known for its sleek design and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, but it comes at a higher price point.
The Nexus Player’s competitive pricing at £79.99 in the UK and $99 in the US makes it an affordable option for those looking to upgrade their home entertainment system without breaking the bank. The optional game controller, priced at £34.99, adds an extra layer of functionality for casual gamers.
The Google Nexus Player is a versatile and affordable streaming device that offers a range of features to enhance your home entertainment experience. With its powerful hardware, user-friendly software, and seamless integration with Google services, it is a compelling choice for anyone looking to stream content, play games, and access a wide range of apps on their TV.
via Amazon
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