Nexus Player
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Sling TV brings its cord-cutter app to Android TV devices
So far, Dish has done an exceptional job of launching its internet television service, Sling TV, on most major mobile and stationary platforms. And now Android TV is the latest to offer support for the cord-cutter app, joining others like iOS, Roku, Xbox One and, of course, Android in doing so. At the moment, Sling TV on Android TV really just means being available for the Nexus Player, although there are many devices launching soon with Google's newly minted ecosystem on board. Sling TV also announced ESPN Deportes (the Spanish version of ESPN) has been added to its channel lineup, which it will be including as part of the Latino-tailored, $5-per-month Deportes Extra pack.
Google Nexus Player review: a strong, but flawed, introduction to Android TV
Google has been trying to get into the living room for a long time, but it hasn't always worked out. The Google TV platform it launched four years ago never really took off and the curiously shaped Nexus Q was so beleaguered by its limited functions and high price that it didn't stand a chance. Last year, however, Google finally managed to get a taste of success with the Chromecast, an inexpensive video-streaming dongle that was so simple it eschewed the need for a remote control or dedicated UI. Almost too simple, some would say -- you still need another device lying around to cast content to it and the lack of a UI means it's not quite as user-friendly as a Roku or an Apple TV.
Google reveals $99 Nexus Player game console, controller
Google announced the upcoming release of the Nexus Player, a $99 set-top box and video game console compatible with thousands of Android apps. The hardware boasts a 1.8GHz Silvermont quad-core Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage space, and supports 1080p video streaming via services like Netflix and Hulu. Google will also launch a twin-stick controller peripheral priced separately at $39, putting it in direct competition with Amazon's Fire TV console. The Nexus Player launches on November 3, and pre-orders open on October 17. [Image: Google]
