Sub-$100 Android-based console reaches Kickstarter goal

A proposed console based on the Android operating system with a price of under $100 could soon be a reality.

A new start-up developing the Ouya console has already secured private funding, but sought an additional $950,000 via crowd-funding site Kickstarter. It reached its goal in just eight hours, and at the time of publishing this article, has collected in excess of $2.7 million from over 21,000 backers.

The console will be open to any developer looking to publish games directly onto it without any licensing fees or attached royalties, under the condition that a portion of the game will be free, either by way of a lite version or a free demo. Besides games, the console will also support Android apps.

Several game developers have come out to support the Ouya concept, including Minecraft developer Mojang, inXile Entertainment’ Brian Fargo and thatgamecompany’s Jenova Chen.

The console is scheduled for launch early next year. Here are some brief specs:

• Tegra3 quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal flash storage
• HDMI connection to the TV, with support for up to 1080p HD
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth LE 4.0
• USB 2.0 (one)
• Wireless controller with standard controls (two analog sticks, d-pad, eight action buttons, a system button), a touchpad
• Android 4.0

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