It was 2014, there was a lot of enthusiasm for Android L (which would later become Lollipop) and Google, riding the wave, presented what was in fact the first set-top box equipped with Android TV produced in collaboration with ASUS. Who are we talking about? Of course, the Nexus Player!
After a little more than a year and a half from the initial launch, however, Google has decided that ... that's okay: in fact, the Mountain View big, after having supplied some retail stores (mainly US) with the latest available stocks, has in fact withdrawn the Nexus Player (and related controller) from Google Play Devices thus sanctioning the definitive end of its life cycle.
The Nexus Player is still available at some retail stores
says a spokesperson for Google, who also praises the success of Android TV and the many activations around the world. In fact, in itself, the Nexus Player was not a device with a disarming success but it was "limited" to being a good springboard for the Android spin dedicated to televisions.
However, it remains to be understood how long the Nexus Player will continue to receive updates, although it would not be new if these were discontinued after the release and readjustment of the Android N code.
It is not yet clear if Google intends to produce a second generation of Nexus Player but the hypothesis is rather remote, also given the presence on the market of other valid Android TV devices - including the new and powerful Xiaomi Mi Box, which will arrive in the coming months.
Goodbye Nexus Player, it was still a pleasure!
