Ouya: Bringing Open Source Gaming to your Big Screen TV
Android is working hard on a new system that could shake up the gaming scene. At the head of the development stands Muffi Ghadiali, who is in charge of making the OUYA product, hardware and software. Muffi joined OUYA from Lab126, a part of Amazon, where he worked on the Kindle line of products. Muffi’s main goal is to ensure that OUYA meets the needs of gamers and developers. Here is what we know so far about the little mystery machine.
- Developers, we’re working to get an SDK in your hands as fast as we can, please be patient. It will be pretty simple to start, using the existing Android SDK and adding the ability to promote your game, and to charge OUYA customers. We’ll add to it as we go.
- We’re getting our ducks in a row on the hardware production. NVIDIA is helping us with production designs, and selecting the right device manufacturer. We’re in talks with a few manufacturers. I was just playing with our circuit board yesterday.
- NVIDIA is also helping us maximize the performance of our Tegra 3 chips — they’ll work even better than the demos you see online. We’ll be able to support some intense games.
- There will be an Ethernet jack due to the many requests and customer feedback received. We have a lot of consoles to make, so I wouldn’t expect too many more changes to the spec.
Hexus reported the following specs and information regarding Ouya:
“OUYA is supposed to be the first completely open console and now, to make good on that promise, the makers have announced that rooting instructions will be provided to anyone who wishes to access the console system on a level onlyrooting allows.The record breaking OUYA Kickstarter project, which has raised $5.5 million with 15 days left to go, promises to bring simple open source gaming to your big screen TV. The console is keenly priced and powerful, your $99 gets you an Android ICS Tegra 3 powered device. As a refresher the OUYA console specs are listed below;”
- Tegra3 quad-core processor
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB of internal flash storage
- HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth LE 4.0
- USB 2.0 (one)
- Wireless controller with standard controls (two analogue sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button), a touchpad
- Android 4.0
- Ethernet port
It’s first exclusive, Human Element, is being developed by former Call of Duty staffer Robert Bowling. He has officially pledged support on the open-source system by announcing that a prequel to its major 2015 release Human Element will appear only on the Ouya.
What do you think gamers? Are you excited for the potential that Ouya brings? Do you plan on adding one to your home upon release?
