OUYA Game Console: What the Nexus Q & Google TV Should Be

You may have heard of the Kickstarter project for the open source gaming console OUYA (Pronounced Oo-yu). Its been talked about in the positive and the negative. The console will run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) at its core with a Tegra 3 quad core processor, 1 GB RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, 8GB built in memory, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, HDMI with 1080p support and USB 2.0, not to mention a console controller. Now, some people are shouting that the open source game console has been tried before and failed. Those same people claim that this console will fail just as hard. Yet others shout that this console will be a success because it is designed around Android and that operating system isn't going away anytime soon. With over 50% of the smart phone market share, not to mention a rising share in the tablet market, basing the gaming console around the Android OS is a better move than making an OS from the ground up. Add to this the fact that emulators for other game consoles such as the N64 & PS systems among others and its a huge win for gamers everywhere. But I'm not arguing for the Ouya Game Console based off of the gaming ability. I am arguing for the Ouya Console because of it's entertainment functionality.

Gaming is of course a part of the devices draw. It is awesome that you can do that on your TV. You can do the same with any Android tablet or phone. But as a dedicated entertainment system and living room computing device it is even more awesome! Stream video through Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Youtube and more. Stream music as well. Heck, you can play ANY music or video file via the USB 2.0 port or even by streaming from on device to another such as a PC or another mobile device. You can connect any Bluetooth peripheral to it as well. Stream music to Bluetooth headphones, connect other controllers like a Wii remote, PS3 controller or remote control. Since hacking of the Ouya Console is encouraged, really the limit is in imagination of the hacking and programing community. A community that is alive and well in the Android ecosystem! Currently with 24 days left on the Kickstarter project, you can grab a console and controller for $99.00. If you think of getting this device as an investment in a potential gaming console, that's a big risk because as a console it may not pan out. But, if you purchase the device as a multi-media solution then this is the device for you. Google has released Google TV and the Nexus Q. Both  of them are good but lacking.

Now we haven't seen Ouya as a finished product yet, so there is a chance it won't be as awesome as a multi-media device for your living room as I am hoping it will. Still, I'm betting on it as a win. Check out the project. If it looks to be a fit for you, consider investing in it. At $4.6 million and counting, 35,999 other investors think its a good gamble. Oh, and did I mention the project has 26 days to go? Well, now I did.

UPDATE: Whoohoo! I love it when I'm right. At 8.5+ million, this game console is looking very, very good. The Kickstarter project is over, but the games have just begun. Before finishing some major names officially jointed the club in supporting the OUYA. Check out the Kickstarter page above for details.

The Pocket TV: Mobile Has Just Gotten Cooler

Android Ice Cream Sandwich on my TV? Yes please!!!

Some projects on Kickstarter are just cool. Others are freaking AWSOME! The Pocket TV just so happens to be one of the latter. Running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) this USB thumb drive sized computer turns your display of choice into a fully functional entertainment and presentation system without anything other than the device and remote. So long as the display in question has a HDMI-in, you are cooking with jet fuel baby! Plug and play. In my geeky little mind this is a massive plus because I have an Android 4.0 tablet. The customization of this micro computer is ideal. I also have a Logitech Revue Google TV box, and I'll be honest, I'm replacing it with the Pocket TV. Google's biggest mistake with the Google TV is, in my mind, that they didn't just make it Android for TV. This is that in a nut shell.

 First Impressions

The specs for the device seem a little on the low side when you first look at them. A 1 GHz processor is a little on the low side, but considering the 1080p dedicated GPU makes it all better. The majority of processing needs for games and movies comes from the graphics. It helps that Ice Cream Sandwich is the best and most effective version of Android yet.

Mobile Gaming but Better!

Speaking of games! The Pocket TV comes with a USB port on the back! A lot of Android games are coming with controller options now so you can have a mobile gaming platform on your hands. And I'm not talking about Angry Birds or Cut the Rope either. Games like ShadowGun, Asphalt and more. Then of course there are the countless emulators out there for older games going from the PlayStation and the Nintendo 64 and back. I'm sure PS2 and Xbox emulators aren't that far off either.

The Project

The Kickstater Project is fully funded, so if you jump on board it isn't because you have a dying desire to help this project float. No my friend, there is no altruistic excuse for your to drop so dough here, this is all about you. The projected availiabiltiy of the Pocket TV will be October, so you are investing in the future, but consider how jealous your family, friends and co-workers will be when you show them your new toy this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. If you are in the US or Canada, you're looking ad dropping $120 (includes shipping) for the pocket TV with basic remote. If you want the Air Remote, your total will be $145 including shipping. That's not bad considering that the retail price is $190 AND your get it before your snobby relative who always lords it over you that he or she has the latest and greatest first. If you are that snobby relative, well... you spent less for the latest and greatest then. To check out the project and more details, click this link.

P.S. You can also control the Pocket TV from your Android or iPhone. Just another reason to love this idea!