(Telecompaper) Google has announced the Nexus Player, an STB built by Asus with an Intel Atom 1.8 GHz quad-core processor. It is due to launch in the US and Canada in early November for USD 99, reports the BBC. Android engineering vice president Hiroshi Lockheimer explained that Google has been working closely with TV and content app developers to optimise their apps for TV viewing, whereas "On Google TV you could get lots of apps, but a lot of the versions were just big tablet versions on a 50 inch screen that just didn't feel right." He added that there was a new set of guidelines for apps before they can be added to Android TV's version of Google Play, including supporting remote control. The Nexus Player will come with a built-in microphone and a remote control. An add-on controller will be available for purchase to play video games. Google also announced that Sharp, Sony and Philips will build Android TV into future TV sets, with more manufacturers to be announced later. Samsung is considering it, Lockheimer said.