The Google Nexus 7 tablet is so hot, you cant even find one in a store nowat least the 16GB version. But not only is Kansas City the envy of every other metropolis in the U.S., people there who ante up for the Google Fiber with TV get a free Nexus 7 that they can use as a remote, or for consuming media all on its own. While theres no word on if the free tablet is the 8GB model or 16GB version, does it really matter?
The Google Fiber site also shows the Chromebook as an option for $299. Even though some people have criticized the web-centric laptop, Google recently announced some important improvements to the device. And lets be honestyoure not going to find a laptop much cheaper.
Pro: Storage Galore
The DVR box that comes with Google Fiber TV lets users record up to eight shows at one time. Its 2TB hard drive also means you can store as much as 500 hours of HD video. Thats a lot of episodes of 30 Rock you can have at your beck and call.
And people who opt for the Internet-only version get 1TB of cloud storage on Google Drive. That means a users every digital asset can be accessible from any Internet-connected device or computer whenever he or she needs it.
Con: No ESPN
Sports fanatics won't like this. A lot of people can probably live without some of the channels not currently included in Google Fiber TV, such as Disney, AMC, TBS, TNT, and HBO; but the exclusion of ESPN might be a deal killer for some.
Apparently Time Warners channel is too rich for Googles taste. ESPN charges cable providers around five times more than the average network, reports Time.
The good news is Google appears to be negotiating with some networks so as to get a more complete offering. By the time Fiber goes live, maybe some of these big guns will be on board.
Con: Dont Expect it Anytime Soon
Speaking of the rollout of Fiber in Kansas City, its not going to happen overnight. After September 9, Google will announce a calendar that shows which neighborhoods will get it when.
