Google just introduced its new Nexus player made in collaboration with ASUS, ready to launch as the first device running the new Android TV platform.

The new set-top streaming box is the first real Android TV device and it sounds quite promising in all aspects. The Nexus Player comes as a four-inch device shaped like a hockey puck, ready to stream your movies and TV shows just like the Apple TV or the Amazon Fire TV, while also allowing users to play games. With a neat suite of apps, games, and a sleek user interface (UI), the Nexus Player is shaping up as a powerful contender in this segment of the market.

The new Nexus Player packs an Intel Atom processor clocked at 1.8GHz, paired with PowerVR Series 6 graphics, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage capacity. While the device is powerful all around, it also stands out of the crowd due to its voice search feature built into the remote control. Moreover, the Nexus Player also has Chromecast, as well as a gamepad that is ready for some cool Android gaming in the living room.

"The Nexus Player console is designed to fit beautifully alongside your current home entertainment setup," Google touts.

"Nexus Player comes with a voice-activated remote, perfect for playing casual games and finding your favorite shows."

"Gamepad for Nexus Player (sold separately) is engineered for fine-tuned control of your favorite Android games."

Users can find new shows to watch by navigating through the flat interface of apps, scrolling up, down, left, or right, with the remote control's d-pad. At the same time, users can simply tap the voice search button at the top and just speak into the embedded mic to find what they're looking for, without having to search through their library. Apple TV users, for instance, can only do this through their iPhone.

Android TV, meanwhile, will learn your preferences and automatically suggest what to watch, while the built-in Chromecast functionality will allow users to easily stream video from their phone to the big screen.

Google has also thought of gamers, as the Nexus Player allows them to tap into the comprehensive library of titles available in the Play Store. Moreover, users can play their favorite multiplayer games with friends, as the Nexus Player comes with free online multiplayer from Google Play Games. The gamepad comes with two joysticks, a d-pad, four buttons, and bumper buttons at the top.

The Nexus Player will go up for pre-order on the Google Play store on Oct. 17. Google has not shared pricing details yet, but ReCode reveals that the Nexus Player will cost $99, while the game controller will be sold separately for $39.

For more information about the new Nexus Player, head over to the product page at this link and watch the video below.