New Google Media Player Shows Up at FCC

Liliputing reports that a new media player from Google has appeared at the FCC, described as a device that "functions as a media player".

Test reports show that the unannounced device is a Digital Transmission System (DTS) that supports Wireless N connectivity. Its product name is listed as "H840 Device" and the model name or number is "H2G2-42". The device has also been tested while connected to a Dell 24-inch monitor (2408WFP) via a USB port.

Unfortunately, that's it in regards to details: there are no hardware specs, diagrams, instruction manuals or even images of the supposed device. Is this an updated version of the Nexus Q which was pulled from Google Play last summer, or a completely new device sporting a non-globe form factor?

Reports of a new media player arrives after Google launched a new "All Access" music streaming subscription service within Google Play Music last week. For $9.99 USD a month (or $7.99 if you sign up before June 30), users can create personalized radio stations based on a previewed track pulled from "millions" of songs, add albums to a new Listen Now library that combines both purchased music and content offered via the service, create playlists, explore recommendations and more.

Google's Nexus Q, which is currently not listed on Google Play, was an orb-shaped media streaming entertainment device running Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich." It was slated to be the first social streaming player, a ball-shaped device that streams your favorite entertainment from Google Play and YouTube "to the biggest speakers and screen in the house". Hardware included a dual-core TI OMAP4460 SoC, 1 GB of LPDDR RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, Bluetooth, 802.11 b/g/n wireless connectivity, NFC and more.

But the device, originally introduced on June 27, 2012 at the Google I/O 2012 Keynote, never officially launched (despite appearing on Google Play) thanks to the initial wave of poor reviews. The biggest complaints stemmed from its high pricetag compared to similar products with a wider library of services. It didn't even offer Netflix or Hulu, locking the user to just Google Play's offerings.

However just after CES 2013 back in January, Google stated that the company listened to feedback stemming from the Nexus Q and was hard at work revising the device, confirming that it wasn't discontinued despite reports. That said, there's a good chance a revised version has landed at the FCC, one that addresses every complaint made against the original device.