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Google delays Nexus Q launch, will send free dev devices to pre-order customers

Google delays Nexus Q launch, will send free dev devices to pre-order customers

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Google has delayed the Nexus Q as it works to improve the device and add to its feature set. The company will be giving away the current dev version of the device to those who pre-ordered, and it will be shipping soon.

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Google has just let us know that it is delaying the launch of the Nexus Q as it works to improve the device. The Nexus Q order page on Google Play has been taken down, and now simply leaves customers with a note that the device "is coming soon."

It's not all bad news for those who pre-ordered, however: Google has informed us that those who did reserve the device will be receiving it in its current form for free. This unit is what we reviewed and what was given out to Google I/O attendees last month, and it is now being called a "preview" device. It's unknown whether or not these preview devices will be upgradable down the line, but Google says that it will be sending out the Nexus Q dev units to pre-order customers "soon."

We gave the Android-based media streamer a 5.0, and the device was widely criticized by the press due to its premium price tag and minimal feature set. Its $300 price-point was due to its highly-publicized US-based manufacture. We haven't received any details from Google clueing us in as to how it will alter the device, but the email sent to pre-order customers (below) suggests that the changes will primarily come on the software side. Currently, the Nexus Q can only play back content from Android devices, and lacks its own user interface. If we had to guess, we'd say that Google will address that issue before it commits to a re-release.

We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.

When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.

To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.

Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.

The Nexus Q Team