Google I/O 2014: Android TV to debut today, June 25 - What to expect
Google is expected to introduce a new Android TV at its I/O 2014 conference and more information has surfaced ahead of the official unveiling.
The Google I/O 2014 developer conference is set to kick off today, June 25, and one of the most exciting announcements will reportedly be an Android TV set-top box.
News about an upcoming Android TV set to debut at Google I/O 2014 first surfaced back in April, claiming that it would launch as an Android implementation designed to work well with big screens. The session schedule for the conference doesn't give any hints in this regards, but Android TV is nonetheless is expected to debut at the event and at least one partner should introduce an Android TV set-top box.
In separate reports, both the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and CNET claim that Google will launch an Android TV set-top box from a yet-to-be-known manufacturing partner. The WSJ says the device will carry the manufacturer's brand, but there's also a chance the Android TV line could carry branding similr to Google's Nexus lineup.
CNET, meanwhile, reports that the Android TV set-top box will pack an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor under the hood, but Intel-powered models are in the cards as well.
Gaming is expected to be a major strong point for Android TV devices. Users will reportedly be able to use their Android devices as controllers to play games on TV, and will also be able to start a game on their smartphone and continue where they left off on their Android TV. Google has reportedly teamed up with several major game developers to have a range of titles available at launch.
In addition to gaming, the upcoming Android TV is also expected to boast a full media experience, granting access to popular music and movie services such as Pandora, Spotify, Netflix, as well as Google's own Play portfolio.
Google is expected to make several exciting announcements at its I/O 2014 conference in addition to this Android TV, and we'll keep a close eye on the event to bring you the latest news. Stay tuned for more information as soon as it becomes available.