Google Nexus Q – the first social streaming media player, available for pre-order today for $299

Google revealed today during the first day Google I/O keynote an intriguing device, that caught the entire blogosphere by surprise – the Nexus Q.

The Google Nexus Q is not a smartphone or a tablet, but rather a home media player shaped like an orb, and set to cost $299. The device, currently available in the US, will act as a liaison between your Android device and the consumer electronics in your house. You’ll be able to connect the Q to your TV or stereo, and play music or a movie straight from the device, while your smartphone will act as a remote control.

Underneath that alien exterior, the Nexus Q is actually a small Android computer, powered by Android 4.0 ICS. The device features a dual-core TI OMAP 4460 processor, which is the same silicon found in the Galaxy Nexus, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage. The Q can connect to the rest of your gadgets via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI or USB. The device will be able to power a pretty good set of speakers too, and has a built-in 25W amplifier.

You will be able to connect multiple Nexus Qs to a single Android device, meaning that you will be able to control all your gadgets at the same time. Moreover, multiple Android users can collaborate to create social playlists.

Check out the presentation videos: