Apple I- Phone

Google reportedly working on wireless home entertainment system

By Mikey Campbell

Published: 07:57 PM EST (04:57 PM PST)

Google's Android unit is rumored to be developing a wireless home entertainment system that is capable of streaming music throughout the home, and if launched would be the first consumer electronics product designed and marketed under the Google brand.

Citing sources familiar with the project, The Wall Street Journal reports that the internet search giant's Android mobile platform division has led a "multi-year effort" to develop the system, which is rumored to launch sometime this year.

Thus far, Google has concentrated on developing the software that powers partner Android device makers' hardware, like Samsung's Galaxy line of phones or Google TV products branded by Sony and Logitech.

The proposed wireless system could mark the start of a new era for the company where, much like Apple, it will develop an ecosystem of Google-designed and branded software and hardware.

According to the sources, the system will stream music from Google's online music store to Google-branded speakers or other WiFi-connected devices and can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet, akin to Google TV. However, the device or devices are meant to be a system solution and not just a set-box or integrated TV component made by an outside vendor.

The product described smacks of Apple's AirPlay wireless system, which connects iOS devices and computers running iTunes to Apple TVs, third-party stereos and other enabled devices to stream music and video. Non-AirPlay capable products can also stream audio via output from the company's AirPort Express base station.

While Apple relies on iOS, iTunes and other proprietary software and third-party hardware to power AirPlay, Google will reportedly use a version of its Android platform to do the same.

Apple AirPlay featuring an enabled B&W Zeppelin Air speaker dock. | Source: Apple

Some app developers have bemoaned the Android operating system's fragmentation as many OEMs make tweaks to the software, and was at one point such an issue that Google had to implement stricter "non-fragmentation clauses" to remedy the situation.

The problem of fragmentation is essentially a non-factor for companies that are in control of both the software and hardware facets of product creation. Google could possibly be looking for that level of consistency with the rumored product line.

With its new system, Google hopes to undercut competitors like Sonos, a wireless entertainment system pioneer that focuses solely on streaming music.

Sonos cofounder Tom Cullen notes that from a financial perspective, the idea of relying only on music streaming services would be a misstep for Google.

"I'd be stunned if they actually thought it was worth it, because it's peanuts for them," Cullen said of possible revenue from the venture. Cullen's company managed $200 million in sales last year, compared to Google's $38 billion.

However, the rumored product could indeed support more than just basic audio by leveraging the Android-based Google TV to stream video as well.

Google TV products by Sony and Logitech. | Source: Google

Google's purchase of Motorola Mobility may also yield helpful patents such as "Televation," which allows users to rebroadcast live video content to other devices in the home.

It is unclear how Google intends to market the system, and no estimated was given as to a possible launch date.

*Instant 3% AppleInsider Reader Discount Applied When Adding Items To Your Cart

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs did serve on White House council in '90s
Swiss company seeks iPhone, Apple TV ban over alleged patent infringement
Apple looks to end Motorola patent attack in Germany with U.S. suit
Apple now offers basic 13-in. $999 MacBook Air to education buyers
Apple lodges new suit against Samsung over autocorrect, screen unlock
Apple to disrupt notebook space with radically redesigned MacBook Pros
AT&T's 4G-compatible micro-SIM cards prompt speculation of LTE 'iPad 3'
2%-3% dividend suggested as best use of Apple's $100B in cash
German court dismisses Motorola's 3G-related suit against Apple
Motorola puts blame on Google for lag on Android updates
Apple again highlights Siri with new 'Road Trip,' 'Rock God' iPhone 4S ads
iTunes customers facing mysterious account hacks, disappearing gift card money
Apple said to be in 'crunch mode' to ready 'iPad 3' apps for on-stage demos, ads
Google reportedly working on wireless home entertainment system
Samsung Galaxy 10.1N cleared for sale in Germany
Inside Sandboxing: how Apple plans to make the Mac App Store as secure as iOS
AT&T throttling unlimited data users starting at 2 GB per month based on location
Apple employee says upcoming iPad 3 to have "truly amazing" screen
Workers' rights petitions delivered to Apple's Grand Central store
US NOAA ditches BlackBerry, chooses Apple's iPhone and iPad
FBI file on Steve Jobs reveals he was considered for White House position
Apple now worth more than Google and Microsoft combined [u]
Apple exploring 3D frame-of-reference iOS interface based on eye, light location
Apple said to hold 'iPad 3' event first week in March
Pictured Sharp LCD panel claimed to be Retina Display for Apple's 'iPad 3'
Leaked photo allegedly shows outside back cover of Apple's next iPad
Alleged Foxconn hack allowed bogus orders to be placed for vendors
White MacBook sales come to close as Apple ceases sales to education institutions
Google says it won't support fair licensing in open standards as Apple, Microsoft, Cisco have
Cisco backs Apple's ETSI request for fair and open licensing of standards patents
Doubts cast on likelihood of quad-core A6 CPU in third-gen iPad
Path apologizes, offers opt-out for address book uploading
iTunes Match generates 'magic money' for music copyright holders
Siri rumored to gain support for Mandarin, Japanese and Russian in March
US Air Force may buy 18,000 Apple iPads for cargo aircraft
Purported 'iPad 3' back panel shows space for larger battery, new LCD
Worker abuse petitions to be delivered Thursday at Apple's Grand Central store
Microsoft joins Apple in pledging support for injunction free, FRAND patent licensing
iPhone best at retaining resale value and offers lowest total cost of ownership
iTunes-sponsored live Paul McCartney concert to stream for free on Apple TV

View the original article here