Here’s hoping you weren’t planning on using one of Google’s Nexus Qs any time soon — the company has just revealed to pre-order customers that it has postponed the device’s consumer launch because users wanted more out of the curious little orb.
That said, Google’s tiny media streamer has been unceremoniously yanked from the Google Play store. All interested consumers can do now is give the company their email address for future updates on the situation, as there’s no word yet on when Google expects that full-blown launch to take place.
Thankfully, there’s a silver lining to be found here: anyone who already pre-ordered the Nexus Q will receive a developer unit (a.k.a. the existing device that Google gave out in droves at I/O) for free. Seeing how the developer device is exactly what those customers pre-ordered in the first place, I’d say they’re making out pretty nicely. Still, there are some intriguing new questions at play now — what exactly does Google plan to add to the little guy to make it more of a competitor in a space already crowded with arguably superior hardware?
An actual user interface would be a nice place to start; while the dev model connects to a television just fine, users have to select content for the Nexus Q to play from a wirelessly-connected Android device. Being able to call up YouTube videos and movies from the Google Play Store directly on the television screen (perhaps using those additional Android devices as remotes) could help the Nexus better hold its own against the Apple TV and the Boxee Box. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Google cram support for more media sources into the thing too — Netflix, Hulu, and the like would be great additions to a device that otherwise lives solely within Google’s content ecosystem.
Google is playing its cards close to its metaphorical vest, but for now here’s the email notice in full courtesy of Droid-Life:
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.