OUYA : At First Glance

For those who care, my initial assessment of the OUYA console and entertainment system is positive.  The only reservations I have at this time are in it’s not being an Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii.  Which it isn't trying to be, but when you have the controller in your hand it’s almost by second nature you expect to command the same activity on the TV screen that more expensive consoles offer.

One thing that is unique is the presence of the Android OS.  It is familiar and intuitive to those of us Androidians.  Apple users can play catch-up in no time at all.  The games available to The OUYA are limited to about 150 at this time of which probably 20-30 are decent, but this is an all comers console for developers to show their wares.  I imagine as time goes on a plethora of user sites will spring up guiding the OUYA gamers to the worthwhile games and steering them from the “less desirable” ones. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I installed the XBMC port for OUYA.  It works remarkably well and gives worth to the little console as a media center.  For those of you missing the joy of XBMC, it is an open source development of the old Xbox media center from the first Xbox, which has gained much popularity as an internet based media program.  The OUYA plays and streams video at 720 and 1080p, and can process up to 5.1 Dolby Stereo.  An interesting surprise is the OUYA’s ability to render 3D graphics as well.

One nice thing open source hardware and software can do, such as the OUYA console that their commercial counterparts cannot, is be a little more practical in their wearing of more than one hat for the same price as they don’t have to always be selling you additional services to remunerate their makers.   In terms of saving money, this little gadget is fully customizable, with most all the free android apps that are currently available for your smart phone, though they might not be usable on a game console.  In time I believe the developers will make apps and software for home activities that will make this an even more welcome addition to your home.

It’s implications as a viable media/gaming console are only limited to the media available for it at this time.  But make no mistake, it is a $99 console and has definite limitations.  However, for what it is I believe it will be a great offering for enthusiasts that are on a budget and want a fully functioning media center for their TV on budget pricing.  The accompanying media supply will only get better and better as they have not even been released for public consumption yet.  They are scheduled to be released on June 25.  I heartily recommend them in their own category of competition.  Unless you are expecting them to be an Xbox, you won’t be disappointed.