When Android TV was announced, Google made it very clear that the platform would be very good for gaming. So how can Google possibly prove it with hardware? Enter Razer. The company is going to launch a “micro-console” this fall that is powered by Android TV. It will still doing everything else an Android TV device can do, but Razer is likely going to make sure the internals prove to be remarkable compared to the competition. Right now, though, we do not have any specs to tell. A statement from the company's CEO, Min-Liang Tan, says their micro-console will be “a console of the future.”
Hit the break for Razer's full press release.
RAZER DEVELOPING NEW MICRO-CONSOLE TO CONNECT ANDROID ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LIVING ROOM
Gaming, music, movies and more to stream from new Razer micro-console powered by Google Android TV
SAN FRANCISCO (Google I/O 2014) – Razer™, a provider of connected entertainment devices and software “for gamers, by gamers,” announced today plans to create a Razer micro-console. The new device, powered by Android TV, will stream movies, music and other apps for large-screen entertainment with an emphasis on gaming.
Android TV is an entertainment interface that allows users to find and enjoy content on their televisions. The Razer micro-console can be navigated with a special mobile application that operates from any Android tablet or smartphone. Voice control is built into Android TV, leaving access to entertainment just a few words away.
Enhancing the gaming experience on Android devices is a key focus for Razer. Razer’s experience in designing high-performance gaming systems, controllers, keyboards and mice will contribute beneficially to the device development. Gaming-related software is also an area Razer knows well. With 9 million active users registered on its platform, the company offers a range of applications for communication, performance optimization, and device personalization.
“This is a console of the future,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “Built on Google’s incredible Android TV platform, the Razer micro-console incorporates not only hardcore and casual gaming, but music, movies and other entertainment and social applications, all on an affordable system.”
The award-winning Razer design team is developing the Razer micro-console. This same team engineered thin and powerful PC systems, including the Razer Blade and Razer Blade Pro laptops, the Razer Edge gaming tablet and, most recently, the modular PC prototype Project Christine.
Razer previously demonstrated success blending hardware and software together with the Razer Nabu smartband, a 2014 “Best of CES” winning device. Over the past two years, Razer won a combined four official “Best of CES” awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show.
The Razer micro-console is scheduled to be released this fall.
Great, but can I add a webcam and get hangouts on the tube?
Hm, good question. I’m sure someone will make a peripheral to go with Android TV hardware.