Streaming Flashback #2 Google Nexus Q: Google's Ambitious OTT Experiment Now A Collector’s Gem

The Google Nexus Q, unveiled at Google I/O in 2012, was an ambitious, if short-lived, device aimed squarely at the burgeoning OTT and Connected TV (CTV) markets. At first glance, it appeared futuristic—a sleek, spherical device promising seamless media streaming directly from the cloud.​

Google's vision for the Nexus Q was clear: to redefine the living room entertainment experience by integrating cloud-based services deeply into home entertainment. Users would leverage their Android devices to stream YouTube, Google Play Music, and Google Play Movies directly to their television, eliminating the need for physical media or extensive local storage.​



But beyond its novel design and promise, the Nexus Q signaled Google's early recognition of OTT's immense potential. At a time when streaming was still in its growth phase, Google anticipated a shift towards cloud-centric entertainment, betting on the rise of connected ecosystems within households.​

In many ways, the Nexus Q was positioned as Google's response to the Apple TV, which had already gained traction as a compact and user-friendly streaming box. While Apple focused on simplicity, integrating iTunes content and AirPlay into a refined user experience, Google took a more experimental path with the Nexus Q. The design was bold, the cloud-only model was ahead of its time, and the emphasis on social playback—letting multiple users queue content—was an interesting divergence from the personal streaming model embraced by Apple.​

Despite its ambitious scope, the Nexus Q stumbled, primarily due to its limited compatibility, high price point, and lack of standalone functionality. Unlike later successful products such as Chromecast, it required specific Android devices and did not allow independent app installations, significantly limiting consumer appeal.​

The Nexus Q was announced at a price of $299 and briefly made available for pre-order. However, due to early feedback about its limited functionality and high cost, Google postponed its official launch. Ultimately, it was never sold to the general public but was instead provided for free to customers who had pre-ordered and to attendees of the Google I/O conference, making it more of a limited pilot than a widespread commercial release. By January 2013, the Nexus Q was officially discontinued and removed from the Google Play website.​

Yet, its underlying concept—seamless cloud integration and direct content streaming—set foundational ideas that Google later perfected with Chromecast and Google TV platforms. The Nexus Q, despite its commercial failure, demonstrated Google's foresight into how OTT and CTV would evolve, paving the way for more accessible and versatile products that dominate the market today.​

For collectors and technology enthusiasts, the Nexus Q holds significant value as a rare piece of Google's hardware history. Its scarcity, unique design, and status as Google's first ambitious attempt at an OTT streaming device make it a highly sought-after collector’s item. Owning a Nexus Q is not just about having an innovative piece of tech; it represents possessing a tangible piece of the early evolution of the OTT and CTV markets.​

In retrospect, the Nexus Q was less of a product misstep and more a visionary experiment, highlighting Google's early ambitions and strategic thinking in capturing a market that would soon become central to media consumption globally.​

This vision has been realized over the past decade. YouTube's ascent to becoming the most-watched streaming platform on connected TVs is the culmination of a 10-year effort. As noted by Kurt Wilms, senior director of product management at YouTube, the platform's dominance in the living room is a result of long-term investments in connected TV, even as the industry shifted focus to mobile devices in the interim.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier

Independent streaming and iOS engineer

Last modified: April 19th, 2025