Games

eSfere gaming console could challenge OUYA

11

With all the early hype the Android-based OUYA gaming console garnered, it was only a matter of time before a challenger would enter the scene. Cue eSfere, a concept that wants to take the Android console to the next level. Where OUYA seeks to become a top-notch gaming platform in its own right, eSfere takes a slightly different approach, relying on full Google Play integration to provide access to the thousands of already available titles for Android devices.

The key to out-of-the-box compatibility is the eSfere’s innovative controller that mimics a touchscreen smartphone with built-in accelerometer. This way, game are not limited by a more traditional controller scheme (though eSfere will ship with several attachments that will recreate more standard button setups). It also means games designed for use with a touchscreen won’t be hindered by hardware.

But moving beyond games, the eSfere wants to be a complete home entertainment solution with built-in media viewing capabilities, web browsing, video conferencing, and more. The device itself is designed to fade into your decor, and several accessories will be available (including vases and other decorative objects) to complete the look. The last bit is a tad odd, but the guys behind eSfere seem to have thought of everything.

While OUYA already has a leg up in the race to build an Android console, eSfere offers some compelling features that at least warrant a bit of consideration. The project is currently seeking funding via IndieGoGo with a goal of $390,000.

[via SmartDroid]

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11 Comments

  1. Physical controls or GTFO!

    1. Yep. If you want to join the major leagues, make it official with a real controller

  2. If Ouya doesn’t use Google Play, does anyone know what app market they’ll have?

    1. Their own market.

    2. The ouya is so open they have no problems with you installing the google play store as well as their own market

  3. Somehow… i dont think it will get my support. Android plug and display on TV, there’s tons of them out there and support all sorts of USB connectors. The issue here for gaming on Android is there’s no one universal controller scheme that will support all

  4. This looks like Ouya and WiiU had a baby and that is a cool thing!

  5. Ouya is going to be better then this even if it ever get the funds it needs to lauch it.
    Ouya is using Google plagstore they just configured the layout and look of it it to look good on Ouya and will have exclusive Ouya games which you cant download it from Google playstore.

    1. Ouya is using it’s own gamestore. But they said that if people want to download google play, they’ll be able to do so. However, that isn’t what it is set up to do.

  6. eSfere fully supports Google play games, OUYA not support Google play games
    as these must be created with OUYA SDK.
    The eSfere Multitouch Pad allows compatibility with any game. And with an app may be used as controller any Android or iOS devices.

  7. this thing looks lame because of the touch controls, I hate touch controls. I’m looking forward to the ouya and it’s actual controller. right off you know the games on this aren’t going to be that great. just the same exact phone games made for phones running on your tv, that’s lame. ouya is going to have things specifically made for it and not made to run on a variety of devices so obviously things will be much more optimized for the device you are playing on the ouya. Also those screen attachment controls are pathetic and have always sucked

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