Google to Make Gaming Console?

[Frezzato]

An excessively long post on The Wall Street Journal claims that Google is going to make a console, "according to people people familiar with the matter".

Amazingly, the WSJ "article" refers not to confidential sources within Google, but rather just "people", which is pretty much how tabloid journalism works. The resulting articles on both Eurogamer [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-28-google-is-developing-an-android-based-video-game-console-report] and Joystiq [http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/27/wsj-google-developing-android-console-eyes-on-apple-ouya/] have appropriately taken a more judicious approach, both referencing The WSJ, using just a few short sentences. Clearly, neither Joystiq nor Eurogamer have been able to verify the WSJ claim.

I suspect the reality is that Google might develop some sort of Android-powered smart watch, and The Wall Street Journal threw in the gaming console rumor simply because the Android-powered Ouya released this week. To make a claim that Google is watching closely the reception of Ouya and plans to make their own console is fairly ridiculous I think, as it hasn't really gone well [http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/99-kickstarter-console-ouya-sells-out-but-is-dogged-by-poor-reviews-8674427.html] for Ouya. Then again, Google has done some pretty cool stuff before, like their involvement with (the free) OpenOffice and the development of driverless robot cars.

Part of me hopes that Google is somehow involved with making a gaming console and another part of me hopes that Google really isn't viewing the sold-out status of the Ouya on Amazon as a good sign, as that's more likely due to poor administration.

*EDIT* Oh right, sorry. I know that people sometimes end their musings with just "Thoughts?" but I'm genuinely interested in hearing what people think is really going to happen. Google's kind of nuts, but surely not that nuts, right? The WSJ claims that Google is making a move for both a smart watch and console simply because they want to beat Apple to the punch. A watch I can understand, but a console?

Wall Street Journal Live [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323689204578571992848684764.html]

 

[DoPo]

I dunno - this reminds me of that rumour about Google few years ago. Some sketchy article said that they must be developing a new browser because apparently there were sites accessed from the Google offices but the browser used refused to identify itself. A lot of people dismissed it because "Well, obviously, Google just removed the identification to steamline it a bit". That was several months before Chrome, by the way.

However, is this true, I don't know. Google certainly can make a move towards the gaming scene. There is little stopping them doing whatever they want, really. But I can't say how likely it is or not, as they can just start doing anything tech related on a moments notice and it won't be a surprise.

CAPTCHA: u jelly?

 

[RJ 17]

Microsoft should have outsourced the XBone to Google, I bet they could have done a lot better with it...and we wouldn't have to have Windows 8 on a game console.

Then again, considering all the hubbub about Google Glass, they probably would have made the Kinect even creepier.

 

[Estranged180]

Look at the bright side. A Google console would know what you're looking for, and give you several games like what you were looking for, but not quite exactly what you were looking for. And after the M$ fiasco, I think they'd at least try NOT to involve Google Glass. I mean, people die while texting. What would a Google Glass enabled console do?

 

[doomed89]

Google would need to partner with a major publisher if they want to make a serious console, an open system console wouldn't work because consoles are closed systems by design. Every open system capable of playing games has other functions, hell gaming isn't even their main function (ie tablets, pcs, phones). An open system console is a pipe dream that isn't going to happen. And since all the major publishers are busy making ps4/xbone games I doubt it will happen.

 

[nevarran]

Not another console, please. Google, make something useful with your money.

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

I don't see the need for Google to make a dedicated console. Android OS is already light enough to have the benefits of a gaming console. There's also a rumor that they're making the new Android 5.0 OS work better with tv interface. I expect Google to make a high end version of the Nexus Q but to be used as an android mini pc with good enough hardware to run games well.

As for things I want, maybe they'll make an official android controller and hopefully add more gaming features (optional of course) the new Android OS. And that's my 2¢

Edit: also Google would have access to different hardware manufacturers and I could see them using Asus to make such a device

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

Why doesn't McDonald's jump in while we're at it and give us the McConsole?

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

Microsoft should have outsourced the XBone to Google, I bet they could have done a lot better with it...and we wouldn't have to have Windows 8 on a game console.

^^^second this. Google knows how to make products people want. Microsoft only knows how throw around their money and influence to strong arm their customers/the tech industry/fanboys

 

[Smooth Operator]

Well a console yes but not in the way you imagine, this one will not be for games this is to meet Apple head on with their console, basically media "app" machine for your TV so people can be that little bit more lazy.

But with them having a web based OS this could extend to some strange new dimensions for people who are just petrified of anything resembling a computer.

 

[FalloutJack]

Why doesn't McDonald's jump in while we're at it and give us the McConsole?

Hive five, dude.

OT: I dunno. Given the state of Youtube, I wouldn't say they're ready for this.