According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is developing an Android-powered gaming console that could soon take on the new Sony PS4 and the Microsoft Xbox One. Also tipped is a gaming platform from Apple, which is set to make an announcement about gaming when it rolls out a TV later this year.
The report says Google hopes to ship at least one of the products by Xmas and plans to both design and market the products directly. ChannelNews understands that the internet search company has already spoken to several gaming companies about structure and design and which processors will be used to power the new console. We understand that Google has also had meetings with Intel about its new gaming platform.
Verge says that in recent months, Android gaming consoles like Ouya and the GameStick have received a tremendous amount of attention – the Ouya went on sale at retailers just this week – but according to the Journal’s sources, Google’s move to create a console is also based on expectations that Apple will add gaming to a future version of an Apple TV.
Games that run on Android software have proved very popular, and sales are growing much faster than games made for the big-name consoles supplied by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, claims the WSJ.
People briefed on the matter say Google is reacting in part to expectations that rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release.
An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
