There’s a new kind of video game platform coming out, and you guessed it – we Nerds are excited about it. This isn’t just any old Xbox or Playstation though – it’s something completely different, and it’s making as much as possible free. This will be a platform to keep an eye out next time your kids are asking for video games: it’s cheap, has tons of games, and you might even end up finding yourself using it as a TV.
The device is called OUYA. It runs a version of the same operating system that is used in Android phones, but it is operated by wireless controllers (up to 4), and connects to your television or projector.
Now the Android operating system is open source, which means anyone can contribute to the project before it goes through a final review. The same thing extends to the OUYA, which means that independent game developers can release their games for free or cheap on the store.
That brings me to the most exciting part about this console: the games are free! Sort of. The device connects to the internet and will allow you to play a part of any of the games on the store before you decide to buy it. That means no wasting money on games you won’t play, plus the way the store is set up means that you’ll actually be paying the artists – not just the production company.
Now on top of this, the device works as a TV. Just in the way that you can watch Netflix on your Android phone, you’ll be able to watch streaming internet video on your OUYA. With the amount of content being delivered to the web, this box could easily replace most of your TV service.
Now how much does this super-device cost? Thanks to the power of crowd-sourcing through Kickstarter, it will only cost $99. The first units are already shipping to early supporters of the project, and the retail version will likely follow shortly behind. It’s certainly a device worth keeping your eye on while the rest of us Nerds make sure it’s safe for humankind to use!
About The Author: Andrea Eldridge is CEO and co-founder of Nerds On Call, a computer repair company that specializes in on-site and online service for homes and businesses. Andrea is the writer of a weekly column, Nerd Chick Adventures in The Record Searchlight. She prepares TV segments for and appears regularly on CBS, CW and FOX on shows such as Good Day Sacramento, More Good Day Portland, and CBS 13 News, offering viewers technology and lifestyle tips. See Andrea in action at callnerds.com/andrea/.
