Chromecast may just be the beginning of Google’s assault on the living room

A new report suggests that Chromecast may just be phase one of Google’s plan to take over the living room. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company showcased a prototype of an Android-powered set-top box to select individuals as early as the Consumer Electronics Show this past January. The device, which was reportedly similar to Apple TV, is said to have included a video camera and motion sensors that would allow owners to use Google’s Hangouts service for video conferencing. Other features reportedly included the ability to download Android apps, play games, watch movies and TV shows from the Play store, and stream content from services like YouTube. The device was being shown off by then Android chief Andy Rubin and was reportedly set to launch at Google I/O in May. It is unclear if the device was scrapped for the recently announced Chromecast TV dongle, or if it might arrive somewhere down the road.