Portable games console Gamestick set to launch

[Hum]

While it may seem that all gaming eyes are on what is next from the likes of Microsoft and Sony in the console war, there are in fact some smaller new players hoping to gain a passionate following of their own.

The Gamestick, developed by British firm Playjam, is a portable games console based on Google Android's mobile operating system.

The core hardware is contained in a small stick that can be plugged into the HD socket on any modern television.

The project was funded via Kickstarter, with $647,658 (?427,750) raised by more than 5,000 backers.

However, some of those early supporters were left disappointed after the company announced the product would be delayed due to higher-than-expected demand.

Gamestick also has to compete with Ouya, another Kickstarter-funded console, which is already being shipped to early backers.

Playjam said it was victim of "the success we have created" - but it is now taking pre-orders via UK retailer Game for release on 5 July.

Anthony Johnson, chief marketing officer of Playjam, spoke to BBC technology reporter Dave Lee.

source

[VincentM]

Nice concept. But how's the sound? How does one get a library on it? What are the specs? Will their be occasional updates for it? resolution? etc? etc?

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

Specs:

• Processor ? Amlogic 8726-MXS (aka Dual-Core ARM Cortex A9 @ 1.5GHz)
  
• Memory ? 1GB DDR3 / 8GB FLASH
  
• Content Download Manager w/ cloud storage for games.
  
• WiFi ? 802.11 b/g/n
  
• Bluetooth ? 4.0
  
• O/S ? Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
  
• Controller ? Bluetooth 3.0
  
• Full 1080p HD video decoding
  
• Upgrade memory via microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
  
• Support for iOS and Android mobile devices to be used as controllers
  
• Support for XBMC.