Interweb Buzz: Ouya

There has been quite a stir for the Ouya (“ooh-yuh”) video gaming console. For those of you who haven’t heard about this new console it’s probably due to the fact that its in early production, fundraising status. Julie Uhrman is the host of the kick starter account for this project. She was asking for $950,000 to help create this 99$ android based console. In just 8 hours she surpassed her goal. They are currently at 35,682 backers with $4,554,112 in total so far with 26 days left to go.

Ouya is Determined to be a platform that makes great games for free accessible to consumers. According to the kick starter the Ouya models its free to play format from games such as, League of Legends and Team Fortress 2. She goes to state that having the console be android based allows for easier source coding which will encourage developers to come to this platform. What I like about her pitch is she encourages hackers to take a crack at it, stating it’s easy to root! What’s even sweeter, the fact that it runs on android means any app can be installed onto the console. Ouya also plans to support Twitch.TV so you can watch streams of Dota2, League of Legends, and StarCraft2. In addition Uhrman is working with award winning designer, Yves Behar, and his firm fuseproject to create an elite controller for Ouya.

Ouya Specs

Console

• Tegra 3: Quadcore ARM CortexA9 + GPU
• 1 GB LPDDR2 RAM
• 8 GB on-board flash
• HDMI connection to the TV at 1080p HD
• WiFi 802.11bgn
• Bluetooth LE 4.0
• Enclosure opens with standard screws
• No disc drive

Controller

• Wireless controller with 2.4Ghz RF
• Standard game controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button)
• Touchpad, for porting mobile games more easily
• 2x AA batteries
• Enclosure opens with standard screws

OS and Software

• Android 4.0
• Custom TV UI
• Integrated custom game store — find and download games (and other apps)
• Includes SDK for game development
• Ability to root device without voiding warranty

Source: Kickstarter, Kotaku