Google Inc. is reportedly developing a videogame console and a wristwatch that will be powered by the Android operating system in its latest effort to branch out beyond smartphones and tablets.
Games that run on Android are typically very popular causing the market for games that run on the operating system to increase. The Wall Street Journal reports the games are so popular they move more quickly than games made for the big three gaming companies: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.
Sony and Microsoft have each unveiled new versions of their popular gaming consoles, the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, respectively. The two devices go on sale in November. As a result, Google is hoping to debut its devices later this year as well.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports Samsung has confirmed it's working on a smartwatch device powered by Google Android. Many believe these latest hardware moves by Google is an effort to combat rumors that Apple will be attempting to break into the same market. Rumors for an iOS powered iWatch have been floating around for quite some time. In fact, Apple has filed for a trademark for the name "iWatch" in Japan and possibly Russia, hinting the device is inevitably on its way. In addition, the company is rumored to be developing some kind of gaming system to be released with the next installment of the Apple TV product release.
With gaming consoles making a lot of money in the tech industry, it only makes sense that both Google and Apple will attempt to throw their hats into the ring. Meanwhile, Google already has a leg up over competitor Apple Inc. in the emerging wearable tech industry with its augmented reality spectacles called "Google Glass." The iWatch was expected to be Apple's answer to the Glass but with Google likely launching an Android-powered smartwatch as well, it's unclear if Apple will have enough appeal to work its way to the top of the wearable tech market.
