It never rains, but it pours. Just a few hours ago we reported that the Samsung HomeSync popped up on the manufacturer's registration page, despite being unavailable for purchase four months after its scheduled release. Now a page for the HomeSync has gone live on Samsung's online store, curiously marked as an AT&T model. Unfortunately there's no way to order one, or even see how much it will cost.
The HomeSync is Samsung's take on Google TV, which very emphatically is not a Google TV. It's more of a home media server, assuming that you're OK with all your media either being served up by a Samsung device or bought from Samsung's Media Hub service or Google Play. The set-top box runs a highly customized version of Android and includes a 1 terabyte hard drive for videos and apps. Video and audio can be mirrored from the Galaxy S4 via AllShare Cast (including content from the Play Store) and the box itself has access to the Play Store and Samsung's proprietary content. For a hands-on look at the HomeSync, check out our coverage from Mobile World Congress way back in February.
The device manual (PDF link) also popped up on Samsung's site, but it yields no clue to price or availability. Considering that we've seen two major breaks on the web, I'd say that a launch is imminent. The curious mention of AT&T on the product page may imply that Samsung wants to promote the HomeSync in carrier stores.
Price will be the make-or-break factor here. With the Chromecast and Roku already covering some of the HomeSync's media-centric functions well below the $100 level, Samsung will have to work the storage angle hard to make its alternative appealing.
Source: Samsung
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