Google has announced a new tool for game developers which should go a long way to improving the multiplayer experience for Android TV owners.
The Nearby Connections API, which was announced at the Games Developers’ Conference conference in San Francisco, will allow multiple Android smartphone and tablet owners to use their devices as a controller.
The launch of the API is a boost for the fledgling Android TV platform, which previously only allowed a single device to be used as a controller when gaming.
Nearby Connections, Google says, negates the need for gamers to buy additional controllers in order to enjoy their favourite Play Store games. The API drops in the coming weeks, while gamers should begin to see its fruits by the summer time.
Read more: Philips Android TV first impressions
The Google Developers group has released a demo video where you can check out a four-player Beach Buggy Racing battle.
Could this be a boon for Android TV? Or is it another gimmick that’ll fail to ignite interest in Google’s latest efforts to take over our living room televisions? Let us know your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
