SAN FRANCISCO — Google will mirror Apple’s winning hardware-software formula with an Android-powered entertainment system that wirelessly streams content through homes, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
The Journal cited unnamed sources as saying Google will take the unprecedented step of stamping its own brand on the home-entertainment system, which was expected to debut this year.
Google, which announced in August it is buying US smartphone maker Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in cash, said it would not comment on “rumor and speculation.”
The California-based technology firm has openly shared a vision of its open-source Android software being used to power a wide array of devices aside from smartphones and tablets.
Google also operates an Internet music service along with video-sharing website YouTube, both of which have potential to provide digital content to home entertainment systems.
Apple has proven the money-making power of combining devices, software and digital entertainment material in its iPad, iPhone, and iPod devices.