When the Nexus Q at the Google I/O event in June, it peaked many developers’ interests, in spite of its ambiguous design. Less than a month later, the device has already gone through the tear-down and tinkering procedures of any other Android device. XDA developers – the main community for android development – made several posts documenting the hacking of the Nexus Q . The developers posted tutorials ranging from unlocking to rooting the Nexus Q.
Even though developers have been busy modifying the Nexus Q, the device seemingly failed to make a lasting impression for average consumers. Android, when compared to their main competitor Apple, seems more complicated and requires more knowledge with tech gadgets. Despite Android’s various efforts to familiarize users with the UI, such as adding helpful tips and notes when first using the device, Apple continues to be the simpler choice and caters to a larger audience. The vague description at the keynote and the strange sphere design of this new Google product only further supports the fact that Google have yet to adapt and accommodate a larger consumer base.
That being said, the Nexus Q ultimately seems to be the Android device of the future. Since the official use of the Nexus Q is still unclear, several developers have taken the device in their own hands and created something amazing. But don’t take my word for it; here are two videos uploaded on Youtube which showcase the power of the Nexus Q:
1. This first video demonstrates the MANY apps and functions that the Nexus Q has. The UI is controlled with a mouse and possibly a keyboard and uses a monitor as a display. Uploaded by developer “davidnhutch” from XDA, the future of the Nexus Q seems bright, with a lot of potential. Since this is only in the early stages of development, one can imagine how useful this device could become.
2. The second video is a RAW, unedited of the Nexus Q running CyanogenMod 9 ( an extremely popular ROM). Unlike the last video which shows off the apps and functions, this video shows how Nexus Q itself is capable of running CM9 with a few functions working. While this may not mean a lot to most people, it is quite a feat for the Nexus Q to be running a custom ROM. A custom ROM is almost the final stage of development for any device; it is proof that the device is fully customizable and able to be maximized to its full potential.
