Google Inc is postponing the launch of the Nexus Q, the Internet giant’s first self-designed and marketed consumer electronics device, in a smudge on its budding hardware credentials.<\/p>\n
The company announced the indefinite delay of the orb-shaped media player device in an email on Tuesday to customers who had pre-ordered the made-in-America gadget, saying it wanted to add more features and functions. It offered a “preview version” of the streaming device for free instead.<\/p>\n
Unveiled alongside the better-reviewed Nexus 7 tablet at Google’s I\/O event in June, the Nexus Q received much less fanfare than the Google-designed tablet.<\/p>\n
Many reviews of the device focused on its lack of usability and features. It was slated to go on sale this month.<\/p>\n
As part of Google’s foray into consumer hardware, the Nexus Q was touted as being made in the U.S.A. and reflected the nascent trend of “reshoring” manufacturing operations.<\/p>\n
The cross between a streaming video box and an audio amplifier is Google’s first end-to-end hardware undertaking, a facet of its broader push into a hardware arena dominated by Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics. Apart from the Nexus 7, Google is also promoting its “Google Glass” augmented-reality eyeglasses.<\/p>\n
The Internet search leader began selling the Nexus 7 this month, to strong reviews.<\/p>\n
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