Android Set Top Box Hits Japan

Who says that the Android platform is just meant for netbooks and cell phones? This free operating system from Google seems intent on taking over the other gadget platforms, including a TV set top box from KDDI of Japan. After all, it makes sense for the manufacturers to hand down the savings achieved by using Android instead of purchasing licenses for Windows Mobile/CE or Symbian. Motorola is first off the blocks to release its new ste top box in Japan, where it will be known as the au Box. The au Box can be used to rip, store and playback digital movies and audio over your TV, in addition to performing transcoding of files should you want to transfer those for later viewing on cell phones and other portable devices hooked to KDDI’s network.