Ouya - Gamers, Developers, and Hackers Dream of 2013

[dlevere]

By Infamous_Gam3r



The Ouya is built for gamers, it’s for the tech-savvy developers who like to create, and a hackers playground. It connects to your TV as any other gaming console would, built on a modified version of Android. Priced under $100, it comes with a beautifully designed controller with a touchpad and the console itself is no smaller than a rubix cube.

As far as gaming goes, you wont be buying any discs for this console, that’s right, every game compatible with this console and in its’ store is available for download. Not only do you not have to deal with scratched discs anymore, but the games are free!

For gamers – a powerful but inexpensive alternative to traditional consoles, with great games:

All games are free to play (within game items, paid version after free trial, etc.)

Will play great games – from AAA to indie – including hardcore and more mainstream titles

Can support other Android apps – will launch with TwitchTV (live streaming for games,watch games like StarCraft and League of Legends on your TV)

For developers – this is your console:

Supported by respected developers: Notch (Mojang), Brian Fargo (inXile), Adam Saltsman(Canabalt), Ed Fries (original Xbox team), and others.

Any developer can publish a game – every console includes an SDK, no extra fees.

Custom OUYA SDK will be built on standard Android platform, with links into OUYA game promotion and in game purchase API.

Developer chooses pricing, as long as initial download is free (standard 30% to OUYA).

For hackers – built to be hacked:

Rooting the device will not void your warranty; easy to root; every unit has a debug console.

For hardware hackers, opens with standard screws; USB port for making peripherals; PCB designed to hack (clearly documented test points)

OUYA – the company:

Founded by Julie Uhrman, who started in the video game industry 10 years ago (GameFly, IGN, Vivendi Universal)

Raised money from individuals, no venture capital – investors include Jay Adelson, founder of Digg; Joe Greenstein, founder of Flixster; Hosain Rahman, founder of Jawbone; Eric Hautemont, publisher of Ticket to Ride and other award winning board games

OUYA TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Console:

Tegra 3 Quad-core processor

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

Ethernet

Controller:

Wireless controller with 2.4Ghz RF

Standard game controls (two analog sticks, dpad, 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

The console is slated for release in March, 2013.

[bungholio]

For hackers – built to be hacked:
Rooting the device will not void your warranty; easy to root; every unit has a debug console.

All games are free to play (within game items, paid version after free trial, etc.)


Consoles that are easy to hack that also involve your credit card to buy things online is not a good combo. If that's the case, I'd never input data that allows me to purchase things, and I'd never use a single bit of info for it that I would use for any other things, like passwords, email addresses, or anything.

That sounds safe only if you never intend to input any information that you use for anything else and no accounts for bank accounts or credit cards.

[dlevere]

I would use a prepaid credit card for this. A one time use.

[dlevere]

Ouya Development Consoles Ship, SDK Released

By Juleskane

We just licked the stamps and waved a fond farewell to 1,200 OUYA Developer Consoles. These are the early versions of OUYA that developers will use to start making games. They’re on their way to developers around the globe – by land, air and sea. OK, only by air — we want you to get them quick. Devs, expect them on your doorstep within the next few days.



First to accurately guess how many units are in the crate above (and tweet the answer to @playouya with #ouyacrate) wins a Dev Console. No, seriously.

We know some of you just… can’t… wait. You’ve been checking off your calendar along with us. Forget the holidays! There are games to build!

If you’re like us, you’re frustrated that shipping companies haven’t invented teleportation yet. To scratch that OUYA itch, we made you a short unboxing video. Check it out:

Here’s a list of the Dev Console package contents if you can’t watch the video right now:

• Jet-black OUYA Devs package — “Thanks for believing”
• Official Developer Welcome Letter (Frameable!)
• One frosted translucent OUYA Dev Console
• Surprise! We included a Micro-USB port, for your computer-hooking-up pleasure.
  
• Two frosted translucent OUYA Dev Controllers
• Batteries included!
  
• HDMI cable
• Micro-USB cable
• Power adapter

There you have it. The OUYA Dev Console – sleek, solid and…see-through! (We’re, ahem, open.) As we said previously, these kits are very special. They’re a one-off design – “rare drops” for the most discerning and faithful developers whom we’re looking forward to meeting in the coming months.

They’re a work in progress, so we want your feedback. (Yes, we know the D-pad and triggers on the controller still need work — the final version will be different.) There will also be plenty of bugs…help us find them so we can fix ‘em! Please leave feedback on our forums at devs.ouya.tv.

And a little bonus is that the Dev Console has an early early early (you get that?) version of what our console UI will look like. We’ve been working on it, and we think you’ll love where we’re going with it. For now, here’s a screenshot of what it might look like when Kickstarter backers get their consoles in March…



So if you haven’t already guessed it, we’re opening up the OUYA Dev Portal, where developers can get all the information they need to start making games!

Devs, now’s the time to jump in and give the Dev Portal a whirl! Log in with your #ouyausername, download the OUYA Development Kit (“ODK”), participate in the developer forum where you can give feedback, ask questions, discuss and get ready to test your game on your incoming Dev Console.

And, just to underscore our commitment to creating this platform together with you developers, we’re releasing our ODK under a free software license.

We gave away a bunch of Dev Consoles to aspiring developers in our #myouyagame giveaway — but if you don’t have a Dev Console, we have instructions on how to get started making games for OUYA with off-the-shelf hardware included within the ODK.

We’ll be living together within the Dev Portal from now until launch – answering your questions, applying your feedback, and generally getting to know all of you as developers. We can’t wait to meet you – so come say, “hi.” And make some great games now, kk?

Viva la revolución,

Juleskane and all of us at OUYA

[dlevere]

Ouya Game Jam starts next week

By Rob Beschizza

Game magazine Kill Screen is running a 10 day online game jam for the forthcoming Ouya linux game console, beginning next week. Founder Jamin Warren says they've built a $45,000 prize pool, and gathered judges such as Adam Saltsman, of Canabalt fame, The Guild's Felicia Day, and Phil Fish, creator of FEZ. Previously.