Google working on Android-based gaming console

Google is building a game console and a smart watch, both powered by its Android operating system, sources told the Wall Street Journal. Looking to spread Android beyond smartphones and tablets, Google is creating the console and the watch as pre-emptive strikes against similar devices rival Apple is rumored to be preparing, the sources told the Journal. Google is reacting in part to expectations rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release, people familiar with the plans said. The report said the Internet search giant will design and market the devices itself and release at least one of them this fall, the Journal reported Friday. The console would take advantage of the growing popularity of games running on the Android software, as the numbers are growing more quickly than games made for consoles supplied by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo.