A new device made by Google recently made its way through the hands of the FCC with model number H2G2-42, product name of “H840 DEVICE,” and a description that says it “functions as a media player.” Yes, a media player. This new device is powered by an external source (AC adapter), so it’s likely not a smartphone or tablet, can connect via WiFi over 802.11 b/g/n, and has the ability to be hooked up to a display. So what is it? The FCC filing only gives us what I just listed, so it’s tough to tell. One thing we do know is that Google made a media streaming device last year with all of these characteristics, which you may be familiar with as the Nexus Q. 

As you know, the Nexus Q did not arrive again at Google I/O after failing to launch after last year’s unveiling, nor did many things that most of us were expecting (new Gmail, new Nexus 7, etc.), but sources of ours told us a week ago that there is another Nexus Q-like device potentially in the works from Google. It’s currently codenamed “Wolfie,” has an RGB LED light, and when (or if) it is released, will have an “emphasis on gaming.” We still aren’t sure if this is it or if we’re even going to see it reach customers hands. With that said, FCC filings are almost always a good sign of things to come.

Plus, we would love to see Google make up for the current Nexus Q situation. The current model has suffered from streaming errors for months now. And with the newest release of Google Music, the current Q is no longer even supported (at least for the time being).

Via:  FCC | Tablet Guide

Cheers Frits!

New Media Streaming Device Made by Google Hits FCC, Please be a New Nexus Q is a post from: Droid Life

Not only did we not get a new version of the Nexus Q yesterday at Google I/O, but to make matters worse, anyone who has one of the original versions from last year has found that they can no longer use the media center with the newest version of Google Music. Once the new version of music has been installed on your phone, there isn’t an option to switch over to the Q. That’s right, the number one reason to own a Q is now not even an option. 

A Googler named Paul, who has been responding to feedback over the last month at their official product forums concerning playback issues on the Q confirmed that the Q is now essentially nothing more than a paperweight:

Hi everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to report this issue. As you noticed, the latest version of Google Play Music isn’t compatible with the Nexus Q. The Nexus Q devices given to last year’s I/O attendees and provided free of charge to those who ordered are not compatible with the current version of Google Music.

Read into that however you want, but he didn’t exactly say that the Nexus Q is 100% dead, he just said that this version of Music isn’t compatible. That could mean an update will add functionality or that the Nexus Q app simply needs an update. For now, though, this news shouldn’t exactly excite anyone.

For weeks now, the Q has suffered from playback issues that Google admittedly was “aware” of and “working on.” In fact, two days ago, Paul told frustrated Q owners that the streaming issues were still something the Nexus Q team had on their radar. And now, this happens.

I for one am not happy about this as I have a Q and even purchased a set of bookshelf speakers to be used along side it. But forget me, there are people out there who purchased (as in paid good money for) a Nexus Q through say eBay or other outlets and are now left with a product that no longer works. Frustrating, to say the least.

Hopefully, we see something change for the better in the very near future.

Update:  Google Support pages have been updated to display the following message:

Please note that currently, All Access can be accessed through the Google Play Music mobile app or a desktop browser and is not compatible with Nexus Q.

So don’t rule it out yet – there is still a chance that the Nexus Q will live on.

Via:  Google Product Forums

Cheers Dr0me and John!

Nexus Q Officially “Incompatible” With Latest Version of Google Music (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

One of the bigger surprises to come out of last year’s I/O keynote was the announcement of the Nexus Q. The spherical entertainment system was meant to bring Android and Google Play right into your living room, but for the price of $300 many weren’t sure if it was worth it for what it did. After only a month of sale, Google put the Q on hold indefinitely and now with I/O coming up again, rumors are contradicting each other over whether or not the Q might be given a second life. 

Today, AllThingsD published a story  that has sources familiar with the matter saying that the device will not be seeing any press this year. However, everything that we have been hearing from sources says that the Q will be getting some sort of re-vamp at this year’s I/O. Hints of a link to Google’s new Gaming service and maybe even a shape change could give the Q a second life if Google does it right, but we will have to wait until I/O to see.

What would it take for you to be interested in the Nexus Q?

Via: AllThingsD

Could the Nexus Q See a Rebirth at This Year’s I/O? New Report Says No is a post from: Droid Life

Google I/O 2013 is next week. Hard to believe, right? It seems like only a few weeks ago that we were freaking out as the Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Jelly bean (Android 4.1) were all being unveiled through Google Play as we were entering the day 1 keynote of 2012′s I/O. But here we are, almost a year removed from that event and six months out from Google’s cancelled winter event that was supposed to feature the Nexus 4, Nexus 10, new version of Jelly Bean (Android 4.2), and an updated HSPA+ version of the Nexus 7. So as we approach next week, we thought we should drop some of our own predictions, include a few rumors that are floating about, and even a few whispers that have entered our inbox over the last week or so.

Ready? Here is our list of Google I/O predictions. 

• New Nexus Q:  We’ve talked a lot about the return of the Nexus Q on various DL Shows, because we all love the idea that it could become something phenomenal. As you all know though, the Nexus Q was announced at I/O last year, then essentially killed off weeks later before it ever shipped to anyone. Google realized it had either half-assed the product or that it really was lacking any sort of real functionality that could justify its steep price. So is it going to return? Sources of ours have led us to believe that it is indeed returning, only this time with an emphasis on gaming. Details are scarce, so we aren’t sure if it’ll take the OUYA approach or be something different altogether. There is also a chance that the hardware changes to be more cube-like, however, I hope that it doesn’t. I personally love the hardware of last year’s Nexus Q.
• Gaming Center:  Proof of an Android-powered gaming center surfaced a couple of weeks ago through a teardown of the Google Glass .apk, so we’re pretty sure this is happening. We’re talking in-game chat, lobbies, leaderboards, and achievements across all of your Android devices. At this point, we’d be surprised if this new gaming center doesn’t show up, especially after seeing the Google I/O sessions list which talk about “developments in mobile gaming.” If the Nexus Q information we received is also on point, a gaming center would fit nicely into that type of hardware.
• Android 4.3:  There have been zero signs that Android 5.0 is on the verge of a release. Reports across the tech blog world (including our analytics) show only that an Android 4.3 exists. It’ll likely still be Jelly Bean, just like Android 4.2 was. So what happened to Key Lime Pie? Your guess is as good as anyone’s at this point. I’m sure it’ll be here, but for now, life is with Jelly Bean.
• Babel:  Google Babel is the new unified chat service from the search giant that we have been leading the charge on in terms of coverage. We were the first to report the name “Babel,” provide the feature list for it, give an idea as to which of Google’s services it’ll take the place of, and which platforms it’ll launch on. From what we understand, it’s definitely on the way. While we can’t confirm that it will for sure launch at I/O, how could it not? Google’s developer event is the perfect place to launch a new unified chat service. Keep in mind that another insider is reporting that it may actually launch publicly as Hangouts.
• New Gmail:  According to an insider who has taken a liking to The Verge’s forums, Gmail will get an overhaul and launch at Google I/O. It’ll be “Holofied” with a slideout navigation panel. I’d assume that means it’ll look a lot like Gmail for iOS, which we have been waiting some time for. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was improved even over the iOS version.
• Wearable Tech (Google Watch, Glass, etc.):  Do we even need to mention that Google Glass is going to be everywhere at I/O this year? It’s a given, right? OK, moving on. We have seen rumors suggesting that a Google smartwatch is in development by the Android team. While I can’t say for sure that we’ll see this at I/O (thinking more holiday season), I’m pretty certain they are indeed working on Google Watch with NFC built in.
• Chrome Dongle:  Chrome OS will most certainly have another major presence at I/O once again this year, but the big question is, “In what form?” How does a Chrome dongle sound? I’m envisioning a product similar to those Android-on-a-stick drives, only this would contain Chrome OS and be plug-able to almost anything. I’d imagine that this would also be an insanely cheap way for Google to push Chrome OS, even more so than their ultra-affordable Chromebooks. Seems wild, I know, but think about it.
• What about new Android devices? (Nexus 4 LTE and Nexus 7):  Haven’t heard a thing about either. The Nexus 4 LTE seems pretty unlikely at this point, but don’t put it past Google to re-work their latest smartphone mid-year. They couldn’t ignore the criticism over their choice to keep out LTE from the original Nexus 4, so anything is possibly.Should they release an LTE model that works on AT&T (like the HTC One), I’ll be the first in line to pick one up. And what about a revamped Nexus 7 for 2013 with a higher resolution display? Rumors suggest that it’ll be here in July and with a Qualcomm processor. That’s about all we know. If I were a betting man, I’d think that we’ll see it at I/O.

Seems like a lot of stuff on Google’s plate for next week. Will we see any of it? All of it? None of it? I can’t wait to find out. I/O is always our favorite event of the year.

Any predictions of your own?

Google I/O 2013 Predictions, Speculation, and Rumors: New Nexus Q, Android 4.3, Chrome Dongle, New Gmail, and More is a post from: Droid Life

After what seemed like an apparent last call for the Nexus Q from Google, the CyanogenMod team pulled a Pet Sematary and have brought new life to the orb. But is it true that sometimes, dead is better? The nightly build for the device, codenamed steelhead, brings the Nexus Q to Android 4.2.1 and adds actual use for the device such as access to apps and things of that nature. Why Google didn’t do this in the first place is still beyond us. 

If you own one of these devices, hit the link below and get to hacking. As for my Nexus Q, I am about to hit the forums and figure out how to get it up and running so we can possibly do a hands-on video. That would be fun, right?

Via: CyanogenMod

Nexus Q Back From the Dead Already, CyanogenMod Releases First Nightly Build is a post from: Droid Life

This morning, Google updated the Nexus Q page in Google Play to read “no longer available for sale.” This may not seem like news at first glance, but up until today, the page read “This device is not for sale at this time,” giving us some hope that it would eventually return. We aren’t sure if this new status change means it’s never coming back or not, but it certainly doesn’t sound positive. In fact, the Galaxy Nexus and 8GB Nexus 7 both say “no longer available for sale” and definitely not ever coming back. 

As you may recall, the Nexus Q went into limbo back in July as Google took it back to drawing board to re-work its features. They also rewarded early pre-orderees with free devices. Since then, we haven’t heard one word about the device, though we were crossing fingers that it would return as an all new home entertainment beast at this year’s Google I/O. We’ll see.

Via:  Google Play

Nexus Q Status Changes to “No Longer Available For Sale” From “Not for Sale at This Time” is a post from: Droid Life

This afternoon, Google posted Android 4.1.2 factory image files for the “yakju” Galaxy Nexus and the “soju” Nexus S. They previously released the same files for the “takju” Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7, so that about wraps up their world unlocked GSM lineup. All that’s left are a couple of Nexus S models and the device expected to receive the update months after everyone else, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus (“toro”).

On a side note, the first factory image for the Nexus Q (“tungsten”) has also been posted. It’s an Android 4.0.4 build IAN67K.

Via:  Google

Android 4.1.2 Factory Images for “yakju” Galaxy Nexus and “soju” Nexus S is a post from: Droid Life

With Google announcing that retail release of the Nexus Q has been put on hold, we would actually like to thank them for this decision. We’ve had our Q’s since May of this year and personally, I’ve used mine about 5 times in total. Each of these times were just to show it off to friends, which was then followed by the question, “What does it do?” Well, it doesn’t really do much at all actually. Google, being the type of business they are, have seemingly realized this and are now going to give the Nexus Q some added features which will then make it more of an easy sale than just being a black orb that lights up and streams your Play content for $300. 

So, what should they add to the Q to make it more interesting to consumers? We would like to think that everyone’s first inclination would be apps – we want applications on this thing. Throw in access to Google Play and add a user interface that will allow us to cut through the b.s. leading us straight to the goods such as Netflix and other applications we would want to access on our living room’s HDTV. Sure, that’s a fantastic thought, but then we’re just paying for a “Made in the U.S.A.” Google TV set-top box. Why would anyone want to pay an extra $200 for this? Long story short, I don’t think the masses would.

What do you think Google can add or change about the Nexus Q to make you want to buy it? Will they lower the price upon completion of the new software or could they just add the ability to install apps? For right now, it’s hard to see a positive outcome for this piece of hardware that was originally produced with very few useful purposes to consumers. I hope Google can prove me wrong.

How can Google Improve the Nexus Q to Get You to Buy One? is a post from: Droid Life

According to an email that just arrived in a couple of our readers’ inboxes, Google has decided to delay the consumer launch of the Nexus Q. After hearing initial feedback from users, they have decided to postpone launch while they work on making it even better. In the mean time, they plan to send free Nexus Qs to those that pre-ordered. Talk about a deal, right? 

While we do not know how they plan to improve the product, we can guess that they will focus on its limited abilities. The idea of the Q is quite brilliant, but it needs a much broader range of functionality. Maybe we’ll finally get more services and some sort of a UI. This is exciting news.

Here is the email:

We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.

When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.

To thank you for your early interest, we’d like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.

Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.

The Nexus Q Team

We should also note that the Play store listing for the Nexus Q has changed to “This device is not for sale at this time.”

Cheers Alcaron, Jerry and Ryan!

Google Delays Consumer Release of Nexus Q, Rewards Pre-orders With a Free One is a post from: Droid Life

Today, Google pushed out updated versions of the Nexus Q, YouTube, and Play Movies & TV applications. For the Q app, it now supports Android devices running 2.3.3+ which should make Gingerbread owners a bit happier once they receive their Nexus Q in the mail. As for the YouTube app, it has now spread Nexus Q support for Android 4.0 devices and earlier, as well as as allowing earlier versions of Android to use the app as a remote to play videos on other devices. Lastly, the Play Movies & TV app has been beefed up with faster downloads and a playback fix which plagued a few LG devices.

Go grab the updates in Google Play and enjoy your content to the fullest extent.

Nexus Q | YouTube | Movies & TV

Cheers Bob!

Google Pushes Out Updates for Nexus Q, YouTube, and Play Movies & TV App is a post from: Droid Life

Either the Nexus Q is a bigger hit than any of us had imagined or Google simply produced very few to see if anyone would buy it. Yesterday, the device appeared to be in stock with a shipping time frame of “3-5 days,” but as of today, it has changed to “2-3 weeks.”

Could the Nexus Q end up being a hit? To see if it is something that will fill a void in your life, check out our initial hands-on with it.

Play Link

Google Sells Through Initial Batch of Nexus Qs, Now Shipping in 2-3 Weeks is a post from: Droid Life

The Nexus Q is in stock! Is your $300 ready? No?

I’m still trying to figure out the Nexus Q. Since I attended Google I/O, I’m in the fortunate position of having one already, but that doesn’t mean I’ve come to some official conclusion on whether or not it will be a success.

I have forced myself on some weekend days to spend time with my Nexus 7 and Q together, crushing YouTube videos left and right. I have yet to use it with Google Music though, since I have a Sonos system throughout my house. Watching movies from Google Play also hasn’t appealed to me since I have OnDemand and Netflix. For me, the use cases are limited to YouTube. As someone that has never been a YouTube junkie, you can imagine how I feel on that front.

So now that the opportunity is here, are you taking the dive? We have already seen some movement on the hacker side of things, but there is still a long way to go. I still can’t help but wonder why this doesn’t have Google TV or some sort of UI on it. It’s built like a beautiful rock and would be a shame if it fails.

Play Link

Nexus Q Appears to be in Stock, Ships in 3-5 Days is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Developers are really starting to push out the goods for the Nexus Q lately. The newest development stage for the orb is to turn it into a fully functional Pong controller. That’s right, folks. Good ‘ol Pong.

Update: As many have voiced, the game is called Brick Breaker in the video. But with no bricks, my mind went straight to Pong.

Any guesses on what other groundbreaking advances we can expect from the Q in the future?

Via: Engadget

Video: Nexus Q Hacked to Play Pong is a post from: Droid Life

So, the Nexus Q isn’t completely without a purpose anymore. A developer over at XDA has pushed CyanogenMod’s Trebuchet launcher through ADB to the device, allowing it to perform tasks other than the ability to only stream content from Google’s servers. Applications like Netflix and Angry Birds can also be installed and even controlled via a connected keyboard and mouse. 

As of right now, the hack is only for advanced users, but please feel free to give it the once over if you’re in possession of a Q and want to tinker around with this interesting piece of Google technology. Below is a video of what the Nexus Q is now capable of, which is fantastic news for anyone who thought the Q was yesterday’s news.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Engadget, XDA

Developer Pushes Launcher Through ADB to Nexus Q, Makes Device Actually Kind of Cool is a post from: Droid Life

The Nexus Q, one of the more intriguing announcements that took place at Google I/O, has received an official iFixit tear down treatment. Taking it apart is a relatively easy affair as long as you have the right tools. The Nexus Q stands up there right alongside the Nexus 7 with its repairability score of 8 out of 10 (10 being the easiest to repair). And what about that claim that the Q was “built and manufactured in the USA?” 

One of the reasons the Nexus Q was so high in price ($299.99) was simply the fact it was put together in the States. People like the sound of that. iFixit has found however that while overall the device was manufactured here in the States, a few bits and pieces of the device had to be imported. Nothing too major though and other than the risk of touching the large (warning label applied) capacitor, it is fairly easy to tear the Q down to its basic parts.

Via: iFixit

Nexus Q Receives Tear Down: Made in USA, But Parts May Be From Somewhere Else is a post from: Droid Life