Color me disappointed.
Was expecting a lot from this prezzo, but it doesn't look like the Android R&D / Nexus budget is going anywhere guys.
What it feels like we instead got was an improved streaming device, new tablet, and overpriced Nexus phones looking more and more like iDevices.
Epic fail, Google. :/
Not getting a mention during a new hardware release does not mean it's not getting love in the future. Android TV is still getting Marshmallow soon. Also, I expect the Android TV devices to get all the enhanced Chromecast features as they are castable targets. I'm happy that I'll be able to cast Photos to my Shield TV, I really hope they also made the app leanback friendly, currently it's unusable with a controller.
Don't forget that a lot of TV's are natively running the OS (like the entire Sony line) which gives Google a huge Trojan Horse into many homes not specifically looking for it. They won't be leaving us out to dry just as Apple has actually started to compete with them. It takes time, but I expect very good things in the future.
The main problem through and through with Android TV is lack of development of apps. I think the hardware is fine and Google is pushing Marshmallow, so there is some optimism that Google wants this to succeed, but Google and other app developers need to get serious about the brand or it will die quickly when users to go other brands that are actively being developed.
Yep, we really need to see something new soon! Though one thing that is a little promising, is the changes coming to the Chromecast app (such as recommendations etc), will probaly use the same algorithms as on Android TV. Probably means they will improve soon.
Though, shouldn't Android M bring improvements to Android TV?
I don't see what is really needed for Android TV? Most of Android TV's shortfall is big name apps, which seems to be slowly trickling out.
I was almost on the verge of buying a Shield TV and waited to see if there was new development on the platform. The only news we got is that the Nexus player will have Android M.
Now I'm hesitant into investing into a Shield especially that I'm in Canada and the price for the 16Gb will be 319$ CAD after currency exchanges and import fees
Wow, this really sucks. I guess we know why there's no Google Photos or an updated Google Music for AndroidTV.
I definitely thought they were going to at least support the platform for at least another year before abandoning it.
Seems like Google is going to let the Nexus Player fans bitch and complain and get pissed off that it seemingly gets lost in the shuffle.
I dont want all this shit baked into my TV. I want a stand alone player that gives me access to everything I want. Don't want to have to sideload this, that and the other thing. Make the damn thing just like using every other Android product so it doesnt end up sitting in an unused room like my poor Co-Star was relegated to.
Let's not let the disappointment get out of hand. While I completely agree, let's think of it another way, there for sure ARE major improvements in the works. We just have to wait longer than we thought and hoped. I bet before the end of the year, we'll know something.
Google usually don't fix bugs when they are busy doing big changes. The Nexus Player is still littered with bugs, so obviously I'm right. :)
Yeah I am very disappointed. Android tv is the device I have been waiting for. I love mine. I just hope they don't give up on it.
Yeah, very disappointed with this. The potential for Android TV is absolutely enormous, but instead it looks like they want to just focus on Chromecast.
I just wanted a Nexus Player with wired ethernet. :(
Seems like they're betting everything on casting as the lowest common denominator. Very disappointing, am doubting buying an Nvidia Shield now when it seems Google might yet again abandon a product.
I'm not just disappointed, I'm actually kind of pissed off. While it's really cool that Chromecast finally gets a UI improvement (well there was basically NO UI before) it really undercuts a lot of the features of AndroidTV. PLUS there is still no mention of how casting to AndroidTV will be improved, since right now it's really shitty. The fact that when you cast to AndroidTV.
For however disappointed us users are (well "pissed" for me), imagine how angry Nvidia probably is! They bet on the Nvidia Shield set top box hardcore, forgoing a new tablet and releasing that instead. I'm pretty sure they want to build on that product for sometime to come, but how can they do that with an OS that isn't being developed and even cheaper solution from Google right around the corner?
I'd love to consult for google on their Android TV... Here's to dreaming.
It would have been nice to see a new Nexus Player with HDMI in (the most requested feature from Google TV Days) 4K and full sized Ethernet port. with a controller and Gamepad for $149.99. Or with just the standard for $99
IF ATV had an integrated DVR built-it, it would be the killer media OS. Also, the fact that you need separate apps to run on Android TV and you don't just inherit all or most of the Play store when buying an ATV device is beyond my understanding.
They did say that the current Nexus Player will get Marshmallow, so that's something I guess.
GOOGLE BOOKS
I'm surprised they didn't release something as well, given the great sale price they've been having on the Player 1. However, it's still a very good unit. I would think they would want their flagship Android TV device to have 4k, and maybe a little CPU/GPU boost to show off high end Android games, but it still does most of what people need.
The other thought that I had was that they had so many major product announcements. Especially with the Chromecast, maybe they didn't want to overload the news and end up with one product getting overlooked too much. They might come out with something next month to get in on the Christmas shopping season, once the buzz from the phones, tablets, and Chromecasts have run their course.
I'm glad my nexus player isn't obsolete yet. I bought it quite recently :)
Chill out. We didn't see anything from android wear or auto either, it doesn't mean those platforms are dead as well.
The Chromecast went 2 years without an update, no reason to freak out and think this is the end, it just was a good opportunity to refresh the Chromecast
I'm very disappointed/concerned from the Android TV front as no mention was made of it during the event. I was hoping Google would really put some effort into Android TV to push adoption and development, instead I'm worried about the future. I was about to buy an Nvidia Shield TV but now I'm rethinking that... On the phone side I'm very interested though.