Here's my review:
Google Nexus Player by ASUS
Contents and Build
Included is the Nexus device itself, power adapter, a remote control which looks like an Apple remote control, two AAA batteries, and warranty booklet, and a card manual. The device looks sturdy and well-built. It is heavy enough that it won’t be dragged out of position even if you use a recently coiled HDMI cable. It looks elegant and will look good in most home theater setups.
However, there is no HDMI cable included which is disappointing. There is no USB port, but there is a micro USB port. This is not a deal-breaker for me as I only use NAS, but the lack of a USB port may be disappointing to others.
Interface
Setup is a breeze. Select the language, connect to WiFi, login to Google account, and it’s done. The remote control is intuitive to use, and there is also a remote control app which can be downloaded onto your mobile phone. The Android TV interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. Also, since this is a Nexus device, updates are often available. I have already updated it to Android Marshmallow. Also, navigating the interface is a pleasant buttery-smooth experience!
There are a few negatives though. There is no prompt that an update is available, and I had to go to the Settings > About Device to check on updates. Also, there are apps that need to be resized as it exceeded the TV screen by a few centimeters, and I could not find anything in the settings to resize the apps to fit the screen.
Media Content
This is perfect if you have heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, as Play Movies, Play Music, and Play Games are all very well integrated. In any event, if you are like me who have never purchased anything from Play Movies and Play Music, essential apps are available such as ES File Explorer, Kodi, MX Player, and a couple of apps which offer free and/or paid online channels. Tons of games are also free, including my favorite Badlands.
The downside is the Google Play Store is not the full blown version but the Android TV version. Hence, there is no IFLIX. What’s shocking though is that there is no Spotify. I am not sure if side-loading those apps will work but I will try it one of these days.
Media Player
Picture quality is good, and audio is good as well. I could not tell any difference from the Nexus Player or WDTV Live’s picture quality, and that means all is well. I use Kodi for playing movies and TV shows from my NAS. Both Buffalo Cloudstation and WD MyBook Live were detected with no issues. MX Player is also available, but I have yet to test an external HDD. I have no complaints with Nexus Player as my new media player. I bought this primarily to replace my aging WDTV Live.
Buy, Try, or Don’t Buy? This is an easy BUY for me.
