Google I/O wrapup: Razer microconsole, Android TV

Google's I/O 2014 conference unveiled plenty of goodies for tech-heads and gadget lovers, including a few nuggets for all of the video game enthusiasts out there. Engadget helps us break it down:

Android TV is Google's new set-top-like platform designed to deliver video content from the Google Play Store and third-party apps such as Netflix, along with live TV. Android TV works similarly to Google's Chromecast dongle, allowing users to push content from other devices onto the TV. Android TV will also enable gaming on the big screen – users will be able to connect different Android devices to the TV to act as controllers. It uses Android L, the coming Android UI update, and it will be built into a few of next year's smart TVs, including those from Sharp and Sony. Android TV launches later this year.

Razer is developing a separate microconsole that runs Android TV, but with an "emphasis on gaming." Razer promises the tiny console will enable "hardcore" gaming, though it also streams movies, music and other apps. Razer isn't providing any details about how the console will work, how it's controlled, how much storage it has, when it will launch, or any other important questions. The image of the console itself is a render.

And then there's Google's Cardboard VR headset. It's made out of actual cardboard – you can make a headset yourself out of extra-large pizza boxes, if you so wish – with your smartphone strapped to the front with a rubber band. Cardboard works with existing apps Google Earth, YouTube, Photo Sphere, Exhibit, Street Vue and Windy Day. Exhibit allows you to inspect important artifacts from different angles, Street Vue offers a drive through Paris, and Windy Day is an interactive animated short.