EVO 2 console puts Android in a box

by JC Fletcher on May 26th 2011 11:00PM

In 2006, Envizions announced the EVO: Phase One console, which was designed as a media center device. It apparently didn't change the world. Five years later, the world has changed anyway, and Envizions has access to an operating system for its new console that developers are already comfortable with: Android.

The EVO 2 console, launching this fall for $250, is built on a modified Android 2.2 OS, and ships with a controller and a media remote. A $149 "software support fee" allows access to the SDK for the console and " Developers can also submit pre-existing Android games." The platform is designed to be open and modifiable, and Envizions itself plans to augment it later with a motion control device. And in the meantime, it's a way to play (some) Android games on a TV.

Show full PR text

New Android EVO 2 Console Offer Gamers Premium Android Games Free

It's Your Social Connection, Your Media Storage Device, and Game App Console

Media Advisory

ANNISTON, Ala./May 25, 2011 --- Today, the Envizions Computer Entertainment Corporation
announced that its new Android-based game console EVO 2 will be available this fall in the U.S. with
goals of an international release with availability in certain locations of Europe. EVO 2 earlier adopters
can pre-order the system at http://store.envizionsinc.com from the Envizions online store.

The new EVO 2 console will retail for $249 and include an EVO TV remote, EVO game controller and
HDMI cable. Specifications include a Samsung 1.2 GHZ processor, DDR2-512MB, and support modified
Android 2.2 operating system. The EVO 2 dimensions are 170mm (L) 111mm (W) 30mm (T)

EVO 2 is the first Android gaming console that will offer users real time gaming playlist and social
friend connections. Gamers will also have the opportunity to earn points to purchase premium Android
games free with EVO tokens. The system will ship equip with game cloud storage and Envizions new
Qquip SMS blogging reward service. To ensure that the EVO 2 system surpasses expectations, Envizions
plans to add motion 3D sensor capabilities toward the end of fourth quarter in 2011 and developers can
start testing the software via website download in two weeks. EVO 2 will incorporate the core software
components of Envizions' beta EVO Smart Console released in 2009.

EVO 2 is an open console and gamers can modify any part of the system. New updates and upgrades
will be released periodically after the system launch.

Android developers can get the free EVO hardware SDK today from the Envizions store with a required
annual $149 software support fee per unit. Developer fees and royalties are waived for the first 1000
developers. "Game development for EVO 2 is cheaper for developers so they have the opportunity to
create games on a platform that will increase their return on investment. Developers can also submit pre-
existing Android games", stated Derrick Samuels the CEO and Founder of Envizions.

And last, the EVO 2 is the first crowd source and social participation console. Envizions will
let customers participate in the design roadmap of the console by means of Twitter, FaceBook and the
new EVO 2 website. The community can vote on the system's first launch location and the appearance of
the console in terms of color, package design, and product image.

About Envizions: Envizions was incorporated on August 04, 2004 by Derrick Samuels and with only five dollar

weekly donation from family and friends the EVO console was born.

For more information about the Envizions EVO 2 console pricing, specifications or pre-orders visit
www.envizionsinc.com Media review testers can receive a free EVO 2 unit upon request and supplies are limited.
Request can be made at evoreview@envizionsinc.com.

Media Contact: Derrick Samuels Email: press@envizionsinc.com Phone: 1-877-741-8466

Tags: android, envizions, evo-2, mobile, pc

Reader Comments (50)

I'm guessing they don't have a production model yet.

Just one question: Why?

@trinica

My thoughts exactly...

I own an Android device (love it to death) but I think this is really, very unnecessary.

@Ultima
Really? You haven't had ENOUGH Angry Birds?
I think Angry Birds needs to be ported to everything, f*cking ever.
I mean, it's the best game ever.

$250 for a game console with a 1.2GHz processor, or a 306/PS3/Wii, maybe not the Wii.

I'm sure they've been working hard on this, but I think it would have been a lot more practical if you could plug your phone into the TV and sync a Bluetooth controller, turning your phone into a game console. Which I think you can do already...

@Mr Hett
Yes, the Wii. Not to mention you can use your Wiimote as a controller for Android.

@nerdydesi

If you're just looking at specs, the Wii can't possibly be worth as much as a PS3/360. I know that it is $150 now, but for $50 more you could get a 360.

If I was going to buy a console that could only play games at 480p, I would get a PS2. It's $50 cheaper, it plays DVDs, has nearly 11,000 games, and it can play GT4 and Tourist Trophy at 1080i.

The PS2 has a 299MHz processor, the Wii has a 729MHz, and both the 360 and PS3 have 3.2GHz multicore processors. The Wii should be competing with the PS2, not the 360/PS3, it's not in the same league, in terms of performance.

@Mr Hett You buy cars based on performance, you buy consoles based on the games they have.

@nerdydesi elitist= bragger on hi-budget stuff,
fanboy= arguer upon tastes and choices....

/sells PS3

An android console? It'll be jailbroken on day one...

Nothing to see here folks.

@AnderFREAK

"The platform is designed to be open and modifiable."

You think?

@Ezio Auditore da Firenze

Woops, missed that.

Why is this necessary?

@The Cole Train

To provide the creators of the Phantom with warm fuzzy feelings of schadenfreude.

Seems like Honeycomb would be a better OS, it looks great on Google TV.

Why do I get the feeling the video game industry is repeating the 80's fiasco again? Maybe I'm jumping the gun here but I don't think there is any room on the market for something like this.

@BombProofGIJoe

It's not repeating the 80's.. because thankfully, most of the bad sytems either never come out (Jungle portable for instance..), or fail as soon as they hit the market (this POS).

A lot's changed since the 80's in the gaming world. People can recognize a turd a mile away... well except for the 1000 people who bought an NGage. Those poor, poor souls never saw it coming...

@Shockwave

Hahaha, I remember the NGage. I remember seeing a copy of Spiderman (movie tie-in) for the NGage at Fry's Electronics. As the years past I eventually got a job there and cleaned out a bin that still had a copy of Spiderman for the NGage (on clearance) in there. I normally don't feel bad for inanimate objects, but that was defiantly one of those times, haha.

@ shockwave

Hey, don't knock the N-Gage - it may not have been a success, but it was a bloody good piece of kit at the time. I was still using mine until it crapped out on me a couple of days back... so now I plan on getting an Xperia Play.

Remember kids: just because something fails at Market does not make it a turd (although in the case of the EVO 2 it probably is).

@El Stefio

Remember kids: If something "fails at market," it WILL become a turd (from going negative annually resulting in lack of support, then a stop in production.)

/gets up from desk with a "recordable Sony Mini Disc player." A $400 paper weight.

this is a neat idea for one big reason: It allows people to create games for a console that could be played on slate android devices by tweaking the controls for a touch screen and no further effort. It's like that open source handheld project, but a TV version, and with the potential to make a few bucks off of your efforts.

@Levi

"There is no reason that this device is neat."

^fixed

@trinica
Well, no, you didn't "fix" my comment, since my comment reflects my opinion, and your corrections don't... But thanks anyway!

I'll add that I'd never buy one at that price, ESPECIALLY with the fee to become a registered developer. The prices are ridiculous. I think this is a neat idea, but unfortunately, the execution isn't that good.

@Levi They would be able to make a few bucks if this were some kind of iOS device. Android users don't actually like paying for things, haven't you heard? Re: http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/05/27/distimo.shows.android.still.poor.in.paid.apps/

Tough competition for Xperia Play. haha.

I can't wait to play some Angry Birds with thi... wait.

Oh well, at least I can play new Tegra 2 games like Riptide GP on this like I can on my acer Iconia tabl.... wait.

um..

There's gotta be something...

Yay, i can play SNES roms on a 250 dollar device... yay?

I'm dying to meet the people that approved this device.

I hate hating things, that's why I usually think it's a waste a time to post below news of something I'm not interested in.... This time around though, I DO have to agree with everyone else.... Why, oh WHY does ANYONE think there's market space for this???? ESPECIALLY at this price point!!!!

That's a pricey paperweight.

I'll get the hookers and coke instead.

@Zombie Jesus

i think you mean hookers and blow.

Mine as well call it an Angry Birds console! Hur hur hur, am I right guys???

@mguniverse

There's no touchpad.. so it wouldnt even do that. lol

My thoughts exactly.

I think u have a legitimate point... Really the only thing that stopped me from getting a Wii was the fact that I was paying next gen price for last gen technology... I love me some nintendo but the motion control gimmick wasn't enough for me to purchase...

I remember reading some comment somewhere about the Evo Phase 1 that said the whole thing was a scam, and a the console never existed beyond concept renders. The commenter mentioned that the man behind this "company" is a known scammer. I find it hard to believe that the EVO 2 is ever going to be released as it most likely does not exist .

The comments were on this page: http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/evo-phase-one-like-the-phantom/

Meh...I'll stick with the iPad. Good to have options I suppose.

Well atleast this time he didn't steal art from MGS.

Geez, by the time this thing is released, Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 2.4) will be released. And $150 for the SDK...? That's more than Apple charges (the SDK itself is free but it's $100 if you want to put anything on the store). Why not use the already free Android SDK?

Whoever thought this was a good idea: it wasn't.

@Electrium
150 per year. they forgot to put that in their post. It's in the press release.

I've been dying for a $250 console to play Android games. Thanks Evo!

Uh... Yay?

Shades of Indrema.

So...this has nothing to do with the HTC cell phone?

Wow idk know about this one.

a good idea is they should add onlive or somthing so you wont be stuck playing android games that are really meant for the mobile platform.

Just buy an iPad and an iCade.

Am I the only person who read the "purchase premium Android games for free with points you have earned" part?

This article really misses out some of the key features of this device, which is also intended to be be a media player handling pretty much every format (including MKV, ISO) out there.

EVO 2 console puts Android in a box

Reader Comments (50)

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:02PM Gooblechev said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:05PM trinica said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:07PM Ultima said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:20PM Special Agent Steve said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:08PM Mr Hett said

Posted: May 27th 2011 12:54AM The Only Girl said

Posted: May 27th 2011 1:02AM Mr Hett said

Posted: May 27th 2011 1:52AM Covnam said

Posted: May 27th 2011 7:10AM crystal3d said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:11PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:18PM AnderFREAK said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:33PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: May 27th 2011 1:06AM AnderFREAK said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:21PM The Cole Train said

Posted: May 27th 2011 8:05AM Urethra Alfredo said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:25PM YoungJey said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:28PM BombProofGIJoe said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:40PM Shockwave said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:58PM BombProofGIJoe said

Posted: May 27th 2011 7:39AM El Stefio said

Posted: May 27th 2011 8:13AM Negatron said

Posted: May 27th 2011 8:19AM Negatron said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:29PM Levi said

Posted: May 27th 2011 12:27AM trinica said

Posted: May 27th 2011 9:48AM Levi said

Posted: May 27th 2011 2:27PM glibglop said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:33PM isotrex said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:37PM Shockwave said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:41PM PrimeSynergy said

Posted: May 26th 2011 11:54PM Camilomf said

Posted: May 27th 2011 12:05AM Zombie Jesus said

Posted: May 27th 2011 11:45AM maveric101 said

Posted: May 27th 2011 12:22AM mguniverse said

Posted: May 27th 2011 12:56AM Shockwave said

Posted: May 27th 2011 5:28AM Markanthony3211 said

Posted: May 27th 2011 2:13PM BG GRZZ said

Posted: May 27th 2011 1:10AM root670 said

Posted: May 27th 2011 1:14AM root670 said

Posted: May 27th 2011 1:31AM HaVoK308 said

Posted: May 27th 2011 4:03AM The Aquacharger said

Posted: May 27th 2011 4:34AM Electrium said

Posted: May 27th 2011 5:19AM The Aquacharger said

Posted: May 27th 2011 4:43AM radioactivez0r said

Posted: May 27th 2011 6:31AM TCJJ said

Posted: May 27th 2011 8:22AM Agies said

Posted: May 27th 2011 10:22AM KiDDBiLL said

Posted: May 27th 2011 12:02PM Menojohnson said

Posted: May 27th 2011 2:31PM glibglop said

Posted: May 28th 2011 12:03PM agneumeyer said

Posted: May 31st 2011 5:10PM whatnewmobilecom said

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