When we discuss about the current and next generation gaming consoles nowadays, the focus almost automatically shifts to the likes of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One from Sony and Microsoft, respectively. However, The Wall Street Journal, citing "people familiar with the matter," reported that Google may soon join the gaming console race and is currently working on an Android-based gaming console set for launch this fall.
Google, also developing an Android-based smartwatch alongside the gaming console, is looking to spread its reach beyond just smartphones and tablets. The news that Google is developing smartwatches and gaming consoles, means that the company is looking to counter any threat from Apple, which may also release similar gadgets in the near future.
"The hardware plans are the latest sign of Google's determination to build on the success of Android, the software it launched in 2008 that powered 75% of all smartphones and 57% of tablets shipped globally in the first quarter, according to the research firm IDC," WSJ said.
"Games that run on Android software have proved particularly popular, and they are growing more quickly than games made for the big-name consoles supplied by Microsoft Corp., Sony Corp. and Nintendo Co. The appeal of such games has prompted the development of new devices aimed specifically for Android by other hardware companies."
While Google is yet mention anything about this officially, the company may have taken a cue from the likes of Sony and Microsoft which recently unveiled new versions of their PlayStation and Xbox game consoles, which are expected to go on sale later this year.
The gaming industry is growing bigger ever year and, according to market researcher PwC, "Together with Nintendo, sales of the games for these devices accounted for most of the $24.9 billion spent world-wide last year on console games."
Google is also said to be eyeing the OUYA's release, waiting to see just how Android consoles can perform. However, it also appears that Google is "reacting in part to expectations that rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release."
None of the companies have commented on the report.
