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.

Chameleon for Android Tablets

A couple years back the best option for an Android tablet was some crappy thing thrown together in China that was basically a large poorly designed phone. A year ago the Android tablet started to take form. The evolution was much like that of the initial Android phones. It was a rough start, but now the tablets offered are amazing. Android 3.0 to 4.0 are all well designed tablets. But here's the thing, Android is all about customization! My phone is customized to fit me personally and it is amazing! The same goes Android tablets, but because they are a bit newer the possibilities are still developing. Here is where Chameleon comes in. This project is a custom launcher (or skin) for Android tablets running 3.2 and up and is based off of your preferences.

The pitch is really simple. You use different apps at different times of the day and/or depending on where you are at. Why should you have to swipe between home screens to get where you want to be? Well, Chameleon answer that. The launcher uses GPS for geofencing and/or by wifi networks to determine with home screen is front and center when you turn on your tablet. Examples. You wake up in the morning to a screen with email, news and traffic front and center. You arrive at work with a email, calender and office software. You go to lunch at your favorite cafe and your social network & personal stuff screen pops up when because it recognizes the wifi network. Just before quitting time the home screen with traffic and new pops back up. When you arrive home your entertainment home screen is front and center. The best part is that every home screen is customizable. Also you can switch between the different screens with a swipe of a finger just like normal Android. Also, it is much prettier than the basic Android home screen options. Don't get me wrong, the default options for Android are awesome, but Chameleon takes it to the next level. It doesn't hurt that Chameleon adds eye candy to the mix. 

So for the next 15 days Kickstarter will be hosting the fund raising that gets this software off the ground. Expect release of the product is September 2012 in the Google Play store (and hopefully others). But if you want to jump into customized home screens before everyone else AND without having to pay extra. A $5 donation gets you into the game early.

Here is the Kickstarter project. If you missed the donation window, here is the website.

Elphi Smart Plug: Life at Your Fingertips

This smart plug allows you to control your appliances from a distance. Consider this the natural evolution of the clap-on clap-off device. Using your Android or iPhone you can monitor and control power going to electronics in your home. Set devices on timers or control them at will with ease. It also has power monitoring abilities. This is great for energy conservation minded folks. But the thing is, this project needs your help. For $89 or more pledge you get in on a device that will become common place in the near future. The higher amounts you pledge the more plugs you get. Check out the project. As of the writing of this post there is 15 days left to the project and they haven't made goal yet. Join the Kickstarter project to make this dream a reality!

SensorDrone: A Make Your Phone Do More

The advent of the smart phone has done a lot. Starting with IBM, the smart phone has evolved into micro computers that can do more, faster than devices of the past. 

 Enter the SensorDrone. This little jewel makes it so you can measure things your phone would not be able to on its own. For $175, you can jump on board for a device that allows you to measure 

Be it Android or iPhone, if the application is enabled to connect to the SensorDrone then you can use it.

The device has an air, temperature and light sensor built into it. Additionally, there is an expansion post built into it. 

If you are interested in getting a sensor like this, you can get this device for just $175. When this hits the retail stores, you'll pay $199 for it. Click here to join the Kickstarter project.