The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is working on an Android-based video game console, as well as a smart watch. The company is said to be working on both projects in order to be ready to compete with products believed to be in the works from Apple.
WSJ, via MacRumors:
The people briefed on the matter said Google is reacting in part to expectations that rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release.
Google is also reported to be continuing development of the Nexus Q, the media console that was announced, but never released. The Q was designed to compete with the Apple TV and other devices of that ilk.
It has long been suggested that Apple may use the Apple TV as a trojan horse to make an entry into the console gaming market. Earlier this year, Nat Brown opined that Apple could “destroy” console gaming by allowing third-party gaming apps on the Apple TV.
Apple has introduced AirPlay Mirroring for iOS devices running iOS 5 or higher. Developers have exploited that ability by turning the Apple TV into a gaming console by proxy, using the second screen capabilities to basically turn the iPad or iPhone into a controller for action seen on the Apple TV. A game released today, (Motion Tennis), takes the idea a step further, turning the iPhone into a motion controller, ala Nintendo’s Wii, that allows using the device as a tennis racket.
Google began work on their own smart watch around the time rumors began to fly that Apple was working on a watch of its own. Wearable computers and fitness devices have risen in popularity recently, and other companies, including Samsung and Microsoft, are said to be working on their own wearable devices.
The WSJ reports that Google is looking to design and market their devices in house, hoping to release at least one product this fall.
