Typically, when we talk about Razer, it usually involves tablets, laptops, mice, headphones and so on. But just recently, the company stepped out of the PC gaming theme and revealed the Nabu smartband that pulls information from a user's smartphone. Now the company is entering Android territory with both feet by developing an Android TV-based micro-console.
"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."
According to Razer, the design team behind Razer Blade and Razer Blade Pro laptops, the Razer Edge gaming tablet and the modular PC prototype Project Christine is developing the Android TV console. The key focus will be enhancing the gaming experience for Android gamers. Razer's history in designing peripherals and performance gaming systems will also contribute to the development.
Android TV was announced on Wednesday, a new operating system aimed at the living room. Android TV is a platform that will be integrated into smart TVs, consoles and other third-party devices. The big deal here is that developers can use the same tools used on Android devices to create apps for Android TV. That means apps you can purchase on a tablet, and then play it on the device, on a smartphone and on Android TV.
Previous reports indicated that Google would launch its own gaming console to take on OUYA, GameStick and Mad Catz's M.O.J.O. Instead, Google has created a platform for device makers to use, such as Razer's own micro-console attempt. Games that run on Android TV can be controlled using smartphones and tablets.
"The Razer micro-console can be navigated with a special mobile application that operates from any Android tablet or smartphone," according to Razer's press release. "Voice control is built into Android TV, leaving access to entertainment just a few words away."
Razer's upcoming micro-console is expected to ship sometime this Fall. The company didn't provide any hardware details, but we expect more information to arrive within the next several months.
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