Review
Roderick Scott 0

In the past, Google has had countless attempts of getting into your living room w/ the failed Google TV and the Nexus Q which never made it to market.  But that didn't stop them.  Last year the company finally found a way w/ last year's Chromecast.  A $35 HDMI dongle that could share content form your computer, tablet, or phone to your TV was genius.  So much so that plenty of other companies have begun following suit.  

So what's next you might ask?  Use that to fix what didn't work within the previous years.  Enter: Android TV.  Google made sure to utilize their casting (now coined Google Cast) on top of being able to access services to stream movies, music, TV shows, and games form the Play Store.  The ASUS-crafted Nexus Player is the 1st amongst the new line of Android TV.  So we've had some time to get familiar w/ it we'll let you know if this should be in your home or not.

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 Streaming

Out of the box, you have the usual suspects to choose from in regards to streaming options to choose from.  Google Play Games, Play Movies + TV, Play Music, Songza, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, TED, Pandora, iHeartRadio, VEVO, Daily Motion, Plex, Crackle, Food Network, and tons more.  No HBO Go though.    Everything opens fast and downloads depend on your strength of your connection (of course).  It will only get better when even more content becomes available.  

Voice Search

Even though Amazon already uses this for their streaming box, Google has mastered voice search on all things mobile and remains here on the Nexus Player.  Just hit the button and begin speaking.  I just did the one search that matters and scanned for all things Batman.  It showed me all of the animated + feature movies, TV shows, and even content from YouTube.  Google's voice search on Android TV is spot on and takes on full advantage of Google Search algorithms.  

 

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Gaming

For those of you w/ the $40 Bluetooth-enabled game pad controller, you can enjoy games on the Play Store w/ a console-like feel.  The layout of the game pad is similar to the Xbox so console gamers will be familiar.  I played Asphalt 8 on it as the controller gave me the feel as if I was playing Forza or Gran Turismo.  While for those of you w/o the controller, there are still games available for you to play w/ just the standard remote.   All games within the Play Store aren't optimized for Android TV there are definitely enough to get you started.  

Nexus Player grade

Google finally has their answer for Apple TV w/ the Nexus Player and this is only the beginning.

TG 2 Cents

While getting the product demo for the Nexus Player I asked, "Do I now throw my Chromecast out?"  Nope.  This is set to do more than the Chromecast for more $$$.  Not to replace it but to add more abilities to it while creating another tier of Google's streaming solutions.  The Nexus Player is super-small as it doesn't take up much space at all.  You will have to get your own HDMI cable though.  It is a small puck-sized console that you can place it anywhere.  The Nexus Player and other forms of Android TV will be for those seeking a more robust at-home streaming solution than the Chromecast. 

To Buy Or Not To Buy

If you already have a Chromecast and don't have another TV in the house, this probably won't be for you.  But if you don't have one and are in the market for streaming solution, this is made just for you.  For those of you who do buy one, you'll get a $20 Google Play credit to get you started.  
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Author: Roderick Scott

Father. Husband. Creative. Mild foodie. Batman in my dreams.