Motorola Bringing Android to Set-Top Boxes?

By Geoff Duncan Published April 16, 2009

Motorola Bringing Android to Set-Top Boxes?

Device makers have been pondering whether Google’s Android platform will migrate from smartphones to other types of consumer electronic devices…and the the answer appears to be "yes." In what may be the first non-phone device to sport Android, Motorola has unveiled plans to convert its au Box set-top box (available via KDDI in Japan) from its own VIP1830 platform to Android.

The au Box is designed to service as digital media center for users who have mobile phones but who don’t have PCs in the home: it can play CDs and DVDs, transfer music and digital content to mobile devices like PMPs and phones, and rip CDs for use on portable devices. The existing au Box is available to KDDI subscribers for about $3 a month, and integrates wireless and broadband Internet connectivity to top into digital television and download services.

Recommended Videos

Motorola hasn’t announced when an Android-based version of the au Box might be available, or whether it plans to market the product outside of Japan, although reports have the company prepping to demonstrate the Android-powered au Box at the Japanese CEATAC trade show in early October. Given Android’s capabilities, industry watchers expect the Android au Box will be able to surf the Web.

Computer makers like Hewlett-Packard and Asus are looking at using Android for lightweight, ultraportable notebook computers and netbooks.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Branded Content

Shine this holiday season with Laifen Black Friday discounts — biggest of the year

Laifen Hairdryers+toothbrush hero image

I don’t have to tell you that Black Friday and the holiday shopping season offer some of the biggest and best discounts of the year, up to 40% off on smart home tech. All you have to do is look around a little. For example, Laifen Tech is hosting a huge sale right now on a wide variety of its smart products, such as the Laifen Wave toothbrush, accessories, or its Laifen Hair Dryer. One of its best deals nets you a BOGO — buy one get one bundle — which includes the Laifen Swift Special and Wave ABS toothbrush. Normally $230 for that bundle, it’s 30% off, down to $160. That’s one heck of a deal and saves you $70, but it’s not the only one available. Let’s get into it.

First things first: Why Laifen?

Smart Home

Best Ninja Foodi deals: Pressure cookers, grills, and air fryers

Unloading food from the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL.

The Ninja Foodi lineup offers a range of small kitchen appliances such as air fryers and pressure cookers, and it’s even known to make some impressive indoor grills. All of these appliances are in play for some savings right now, as there are some great Ninja Foodi deals to shop. They even include some of the best air fryer deals we’ve come across of late. Below you’ll find what we feel are today’s best Ninja Foodi deals. You’ll also find some information on why each device might be the right choice for your kitchen. As well, you can further your kitchen savings by having a look at today’s oven deals, refrigerator deals, and coffee maker deals.
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro 8.5-quart multicooker — $137 $150 9% off

The Ninja Foodie PossibleCooker Pro is capable of saving you a lot of counter space, as it can replace 14 different cooking tools and appliances. It can slow cook, steam, warm, sauté, steam, and roast, and it can do the work of appliances such as cast iron skillets, saucepans, stock pots, and Dutch ovens. It’s perfect for entertaining, as it has an 8.5-quart capacity that allows you to make foods like chili for up to 20 people. The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro cooks up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, and offers easy cleanup with a nonstick pot.

Smart Home

Best Keurig deals: Get perfect coffee at home every time for $60

The Keurig K-Duo coffee maker sets on a kitchen counter.

Today you can start the day off with both a great cup of coffee and some savings. Coffee maker deals are pretty easy to come by right now, and Keurig, more specifically, is seeing a lot of its coffee makers discounted. Keurig often places models among the best coffee makers, so just about every Keurig deal is worth taking a look at. We’ve rounded up all of the best Keurig deals going on right now, and below you’ll find all of the details. If you’d like to feel out some similar options you can also take a look at the best espresso machine deals and best Nespresso deals taking place today.
Keurig K-Mini coffee maker — $60 $100 40% off

The Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker is a stylish coffee maker that looks good in any kitchen or break room. It suits smaller spaces particularly well, as it’s less than five inches wide. Despite its smaller size, it’s still fully capable. It can brew any cup size between 6-12 ounces, and it’s able to brew coffee, tea, cocoa, and even iced beverages. The Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker has easy cord storage for transport and tidying up your countertop after use, and an energy efficiency feature turns the coffee maker off automatically 90 seconds after your last brew.