SYDNEY: Google is bringing Android TV to Australia officially, with the Nexus Player going on sale next week in retail stores nationwide. Dick Smith and JB HiFi will both be carrying the Nexus Player for a recommended retail price of $129. Update: The game controller is available separately for $49 through the same channels.
If you’ve already got a great big TV and you’re in no hurry to upgrade, the Nexus Player gives you the complete experience of Android TV without having to spend thousands of dollars on a new telly. Announced at Google I/O last year, Android TV has the ambitious goal of putting Android inside the TV, and from my quick play with a demonstration unit, it delivers.
The remote has a handy (and accurate) microphone which interfaces with Google’s voice search system, making content discovery, apps, music and videos really easy to navigate.
For those who want to get into a bit of gaming, there’s a game controller available as well, and a really cool feature play games on your TV, and then continue on your smartphone where you left off (with supported games, presumably).
Last, but not least, is that the Nexus Player offers the same functionality as a Chromecast, so you can throw content from your phone or tablet to it as well, offering a truly integrated experience.
The Nexus Player from Asus will be available at JB Hi-Fi and Dick Smith next week for $129. Let us know if you’ll be getting one!
