Google delays Nexus Q launch, will send free dev devices to pre-order custo

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

Google delays Nexus Q launch, will send free dev devices to pre-order customers

Google has just let us know that it is delaying the launch of the Nexus Q as it works to improve the device. The Nexus Q order page on Google Play has been taken down, and now simply leaves customers with a note that the device "is coming soon." It's not all bad news for those who pre-ordered, however: Google has informed us that those who did reserve the device will be receiving the dev unit for free. The dev unit is the new name for what Google I/O attendees received last month and what we reviewed. Below is an email sent out to those who pre-ordered. Google simply says that it will be sending out the Nexus Q preview units "soon."

We gave the Android-based media streamer a 5.0, and the device was criticized by the press at large due to its premium price tag and minimal feature set. Its $300 price-point was due to its highly-publicized US-based manufacture. We haven't received any details from Google clueing us in as to how it will alter the device, but the email sent to pre-order customers suggests that the changes will come on the software side.

Developing...

We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.

When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.

To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.

Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.

The Nexus Q Team

Source: The Verge

[BajiRav]

I guess Google has its own KIN only worse.

[Lachlan]

I guess Google has its own KIN only worse.

ya they would of only done this because the lack of interest in it and very poor sales.. pretty sad that they have had years to work on google TV yet they cannot sell them in high quantities..

[George P Global Moderator]

I call it, another DOA product, one more for the Google graveyard. I'll bet you Google Glass will join the list in time as well.

[ichi]

I guess Google has its own KIN only worse.

So far those that preordered got it for free, and Google went back to add features that people were requesting.

While I don't think the Q is going to be a huge success I don't see how it's anything like the KIN (let alone worse).

[BajiRav]

So far those that preordered got it for free, and Google went back to add features that people were requesting.

While I don't think the Q is going to be a huge success I don't see how it's anything like the KIN (let alone worse).

Microsoft launches hardware and cans it a few weeks later : Google launches hardware and cans it even before launching it

[ichi]

Microsoft launches hardware and cans it a few weeks later : Google launches hardware and cans it even before launching it

Even if the Q was actually completely canceled (which so far doesn't seem to be happening, although it might, who knows) the only customers that would be let down with no updates or whatever would be a few lucky ones that got it for free.

On the other hand if it's true that they'll be adding some extra features before release, Q might turn out to be something actually worth the $300 (which it wasn't IMO).

[BajiRav]

Even if the Q was actually completely canceled (which so far doesn't seem to be happening, although it might, who knows) the only customers that would be let down with no updates or whatever would be a few lucky ones that got it for free.

On the other hand if it's true that they'll be adding some extra features before release, Q might turn out to be something actually worth the $300 (which it wasn't IMO).

KIN customer similarly got new phones and/or refunds. Not sure what you are trying to get at. If they fix all the problems raised in most reviews, it will be a new product even if the hardware remains same.

[ichi]

Not sure what you are trying to get at.

That so far it has nothing to do with the KIN, it just got delayed to add extra functionality.