console - Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Jun

Mad Catz Makes M.O.J.O. Android-Powered Game Console Official

Posted by Ryan Whitwam in Apps/Games, Games, News

Just in case you needed another dedicated Android gaming device to choose from, Mad Catz has made the M.O.J.O. console official. You may know Mad Catz as the maker of the cheap third-party game controllers you were always forced to use at friends' houses. Well, now it's making a game console. What could go wrong?

There aren't a lot of details on the M.O.J.O., but we do know it will have 16GB of internal storage, two USB ports, HDMI, and WiFi. Internals were not detailed, but earlier reports indicate a Tegra 4 chip could be used. The press release didn't clarify that point, but Nvidia's latest and greatest would at least make for an interesting angle when the OUYA runs on Tegra 3.

Jun

Mad Catz Preparing M.O.J.O. Android-Powered Game Console For Debut At E3

Posted by Jeremiah Rice in News

Stop me if you've heard this one before. Mad Catz, purveyor of game controllers and Nintendo cases to rich and poor alike, is preparing yet another Android-powered game console in the vein of OUYA and GameStick. Information on Project M.O.J.O. is buried deep in the company's 2013 fiscal earnings report, with a reveal scheduled at the Electronic Entertainment Expo next week.

Mad Catz CEO Darren Richardson was quoted in the earnings report:

At next week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles we will unveil the keystone product in our GameSmart initiative, Project M.O.J.O., an android micro console configured to harness the maximum gaming horsepower from an android device.

May

[I/O 2013] Google Gives Developers A 'Better Distribution Experience' In Revised Play Store Console Coming 'This Summer'

Posted by Liam Spradlin in Applications, Development, News

Between Hangouts, the gorgeous new Maps, Play Music All Access, and everything else discussed in I/O's opening keynote this morning, several revisions to the Play Store developer's console were announced.

Perhaps the most interesting addition to the console will be an organized method for alpha and beta testing, and staged rollouts. Basically, developers can select alpha and beta testers, receiving all feedback directly (instead of through reviews) and, when the time comes, roll out the app to certain percentages of the user base.

The changes also include a major help in ensuring your apps make sense to international users – a full translation service by which developers can order specific translations, come back a week or so later, and download the translations directly from the console.

May

Bluestacks Announces GamePop, A Free Gaming Console With A Monthly Subscription That Plays Mobile Games On Your TV

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Games, News

Guys, stop talking about the Ouya for a second. Bluestacks has a different console it would like you to pay attention to: GamePop. The company that has previously worked on interoperability between Android software and other platforms, is now launching a console of its own. The hardware—including a console and physical controller—will be entirely free for people who pre-order. The catch? You have to pay for a subscription to play games.

The entire package will come with one console and one physical controller, though you'll also be able to use your smartphone as a controller as well. If you pre-order by in May (which you can do starting now) the service will cost $6.99 per month and the hardware will be free.

Apr

Xbox SmartGlass App Updated With Support For Tablets Larger Than 7", Always-On State

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Applications, News

A few months ago, Microsoft announced the SmartGlass app for Xbox, a companion application that allows you to navigate and control your console from your phone or, up until recently, 7" tablets. Now, version 1.5 has rolled out that adds support for larger slates. Including 10" devices like the Nexus 10, which is kind of great.

On a larger tablet, the UI actually doesn't look much different from the interface on the TV itself, so it's extremely intuitive. Also, this update brings an always-on state, so your device won't shut off while you're using the companion app. SmartGlass is free on the Play Store and the update is available immediately.

Mar

MakerBot And OUYA Team Up To Let You 3D Print Your Own Console Case

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Games, News

We don't get to talk much about 3D printing here at Android Police because it's not a technology that's terribly mobile-focused (nor is it even that commonplace yet), but suffice to say, it's amazing. While this may not be about making prosthetic body parts, vehicles, or bikinis, MakerBot and OUYA are partnering to allow users to print their own enclosures for the hackable console. This may be the coolest way to customize a game system yet.

Console customization isn't anything new to hardcore gamers. There have been kits, accessories, and tools to make your hardware your own for ages.

Mar

Break Media Launches GameFront, Provides Video Walkthroughs On Your Android Device

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Games, News

When I was younger, video game tips came in one of two forms: a Nintendo hotline that you could call to get someone to walk you through the game, or you could find a written guide in one giant doc with some kind of ASCII art at the top. You kids today get all the nice stuff. Like video walkthroughs delivered directly to your phone or tablet via Break Media's new GameFront app.

The app is completely free and has access to tons of videos covering a variety of games for various platforms. The walkthroughs are curated, so it's not just a random assortment of links to YouTube clips.

Feb

Ouya Announces Finalists For Its 10-Day Create Competition And Some Of Them Look Fantastic

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in Games, News

We're all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Ouya and the one question we need to have answered is whether or not the platform will be able to acquire enough interesting games to be worthwhile. One of the ways the company is generating interest and content is with a 10-day developer competition. Keeping in mind that the entire programming process occurred in a little more than a week (and in some cases, less than that) and all the titles are unfinished, here's a look at some of the games that may end up on the console.

Avner

This might just be one of the most visually-polished games to come out so far.

Feb

OUYA Plans To Buck The Game Console Trend And Release New Hardware Every Year

Posted by Jeremiah Rice in Android OS, News

Yearly releases of flagship hardware are a staple of the smartphone world - in fact, we're generally pretty pleased if twelve whole months can pass before we get a "+" or "HD" slapped onto our formerly cutting-edge phone. But in the console world, it's a different story, with at least five years between major releases being the norm. Android-powered gaming console OUYA intends to take the mobile approach, according to Joystiq. OUYA CEO Julie Uhrman had this to say:

As it relates to iterating the console and refreshes, our strategy is very much similar to the mobile strategy. There will be a new Ouya every year...

Feb

Ouya Will Be Sold At GameStop, Best Buy, Target, And Amazon, Controllers Will Cost $50

Posted by Eric Ravenscraft in News

We've only got about a month left before Ouya units start landing in the hands of backers and a few months before the full-blown retail launch. A retail launch that we now learn will include GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Amazon, and an undisclosed number of other sellers. Yes, including brick-and-mortar stores. Things are starting to look pretty good for the little console that could.

Speaking in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ouya's CEO released a few extra details, including the price: $100 for the console, which we knew. However, controllers will also be available for $50. Note the distinct lack of the word "extra" before "controllers." You see, the touchpad-enabled handheld can be adapted for use on other devices.