But if you're one of the lucky few who ordered it early, you're in for a pleasant surprise: It will arrive without a bill.

Just Take It

Google this week sent out notices to those early adopters to let them know the device is still on its way, gratis.

"When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview," read the notice posted by several recipients on Google+. "The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better."

"To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device."

But those visiting the former order page at Google Play, the technology giant's online store (formerly the Android Market) will get this notice: "The Nexus Q is coming soon. Sign up to get the latest news directly from Google."

The Android 4.0-powered device was introduced at Google's I/O developer's conference in San Francisco in June with a $300 price and allows people to point their Android-powered devices at the Q and transmit movies, songs or other media to devices connected by cords, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

It is similar in design to Apple TV, the set-top box that also streams content but is far cheaper, at $99 for the latest model.

Too Much Coin

Michael Inouye, a digital home analyst at ABI Research, said Google was wise to delay the Q's distribution because the device was overpriced.

"The concept of the Nexus Q makes sense -- namely reinforcing and complementing Google's ecosystem by supporting YouTube and Google Play," Inouye told us. "Apple has a similar arrangement with its Apple TV, iTunes, iOS, and computing products. The key difference however rests with the number of third-party services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, MLB, etc. that the Apple TV supports -- plus the STB also costs $200 less. Others like Roku offer even less expensive alternatives and more content than the Nexus Q."

Inouye adds that while it makes sense to market a complementary device to Android smartphones and tablets, the limited feature set was still a major setback.

"Some might argue that the ability to power speakers (integrated amp) brought the Nexus Q closer to a docking station, which can cost in excess of $300," he said. "But the main premise/value still targeted video, which like Google TV was too limited."

Some of those posting about the Nexus Q on Google+ wondered if the reboot of the Nexus Q would mean new hardware or just new software , so those who have the prototype could eventually upgrade.

Recommended Reading: Search & Destroy: Why You Can't Trust Google Inc. Synopsis: This is the other side of the Google story. In Search & Destroy, Google expert Scott Cleland, shows that the world's most powerful company is not who it pretends to be. Google pretends to be a harmless lamb, but chose a full-size model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex as its mascot. Beware the T-Rex in sheep's clothing.