Search engine outfit Google is expected show off the set-top box today during its developer conference.

The set-top box will be powered by Google's new Android TV software designed to play movies, games and other content on television. 

Tech companies from Microsoft to Apple are vying for space on the TV with limited success. Amazon unveiled a $99 video streaming device "Fire TV" video and game streaming device in April, with hopes of boosting its main online retail business over the longer term.

In December 2012, Google sold its set-top TV box maker Motorola Home to Arris Group for $2.35 billion, which is why we are a little surprised that the search engine has released something new on the telly side.

Word on the street is that the box will not have Google’s name on it.