WSJ: Google Is Also Testing a Hangout-Equipped Set-Top Box
If Chromecast isn't enough, the Wall Street Journal is now reporting that Google has also been working on another living room device: a set-top box with a heavy emphasis on communication.
According to the newspaper, ex-Android head Andy Rubin demonstrated a Roku-style set-top box to a select band at CES earlier this year. It's main selling point was, apparently, a heavy Hangouts emphasis: it featured a video camera and motion sensor to let you video call from the comfort of the sofa. It also ran Android apps, games, and streaming services like Netflix.
The paper claims that the original plan was to launch that device at I/O—which obviously didn't happen. If there's any truth in these rumors, then, that suggests that either Chromecast may have taken its place, or that we can expect a more fully-featured living room device from Google in the future. Or it's all junk. [WSJ]