Last week it was reported that Google had approached the Federal Communications Commission to seek approval for testing on a mystery “entertainment device” and just a day after making the somewhat obvious prediction that Apple will launch its next iPad at a March press event respected news source The Wall Street Journal believes it’s sussed out what Google is working on.
The statement submitted to the FCC by internet giant Google reads:
“Users will connect their device to home Wi-Fi networks and use Bluetooth to connect to other home electronics equipment. This line of testing will reveal real world engineering issues and reliability of networks. The device utilizes a standard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module, and the planned testing is not directed at evaluating the radio frequency characteristics of the module (which are known), but rather at the throughput and stability of the home Wi-Fi networks that will support the device, as well as the basic functionality of the device.”
The WSJ claims the gadget in question will bring Google into the hardware consumer market with “a home-entertainment system that streams music wirelessly throughout the home and would be marketed under the company’s own brand”. Think of a Google-made version of Apple’s Airplay, perhaps.
The Gadget Helpline predicted something similar when we heard the description of the scarcely detailed device but were thinking something Android-based hardware and akin to the Apple iPod Touch, which could exchange data, files and media with a number of connected devices. And of course Google has spent much of the past 12 months establishing itself as a legit carrier of music and music-related content so the general feeling is that this will capitalise on that progress.
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