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We’re not sure who or what Kogan is, but judging by today’s press release they’re very confident in the products they’ve just announced. Kogan’s Internet TV Portal was the first. It’s a small set-top box that runs Android and has full access to the Android market you know and love. The press shots at their website shows that this thing hasn’t even been customized for its purpose aside from a wider launcher grid. (Though I guess you really can’t complain for 99 quid.)
They also introduced a 7-inch Android tablet running Froyo. Again, not much customization here, but – again – you can’t get mad at 89 quid. It has an HDMI-out port, Wi-Fi, access to the Android market, a built-in card reader (we’ll assume standard SD), Wi-Fi, USB ports and a webcam. Kogan says they’re “throwing down the gauntlet to manufacturers and retailers in the UK.” While I love confidence, I have a hard time believing that this range of products will create more than just a couple of ripples in the “technosphere”. Full press details ahead.
Kogan Expands Agora Range with Internet TV Portal, Android Tablet and Laptops
London, United Kingdom, 14 April 2011 – Kogan today expanded the Agora range with the Android Internet TV Portal, 7” Android Tablet PC, and 12” Laptop.
The Kogan Agora Internet TV Portal: Powered by Android (starting at only £99), Kogan Agora 7” Tablet PC: Powered by Android (starting at £89), and Kogan Agora 12” Laptop (Starting at £219/Standard and £229/Pro) go on sale today, direct from the manufacturer at Kogan.co.uk.
All products in the new Agora range are currently for sale at market shattering prices on Kogan’s LivePrice pricing system (patent pending).
Ruslan Kogan said the new product range is priced so competitively it will shake up the entire UK consumer electronics market.
“Today we’re throwing down the gauntlet to manufacturers and retailers in the UK.
“The Kogan Internet TV Portal is powered by Android, and it lets UK customers experience the whole web on the biggest screen in their home.
“Everyone can now watch what they want, when they want. They can stream movies from content providers across the globe including YouTube, Ustream, and any website with video. They can browse the web, chat to their friends on social media, share and view photos, movies and music, and even play games like Angry Birds on their TV!
“The Kogan Agora 12” Laptop is a complete productivity device for the budget conscious. It comes pre-loaded with practically all the software you’ll ever need on a computer. At these prices, there is now no reason why every student shouldn’t have their own laptop.
“We’ve created a laptop that is not only extremely affordable and functional, but one that you’re proud to show off. It’s thin, light, and stylish.
“With the Kogan 7” Android Tablet, we have created a device with all the features our customers need, at an unheard-of price. You no longer have to feel guilty about spending big bucks on a tablet entertainment device.
“The products we’re launching today are a direct result of thousands of conversations with customers through Facebook, Twitter, and the Kogan blog.
“We’re delivering the latest world leading technology at prices everyone can afford,” Kogan said.
Kogan Agora Internet TV Portal: Powered by Android – Starting at £99
Powered by Android – full access to Android Market
Use the optical remote or bundle with the Kogan Agora Android Keyboard (£25)
Internet browsing, plus Facebook, Twitter and YouTube on any TV
Easily stream video through any available website or application
Access thousands of applications direct through any TV
Bring the Internet and Android Gaming and Productivity to the biggest screen in your homeKogan Agora 7” Tablet w/ Capactive Touchscreen: Powered by Android – Starting at £89
Bright 7” Capacitive Touchscreen
Powered by Android
Access thousands of Apps and Games
Built-in microphone and front-facing camera
Lightweight and stylish design
Capture, view and share photos, music and moviesKogan Agora 12” Ultra Portable Laptop – Starting at £219
Pre-loaded with everything you need straight out of the box – Internet, office applications, Music, Photo and Video Software Packages, Ubuntu OS & Windows Compatible
Widescreen 12” LED screen
Intel Celeron Ultra Low Voltage SU 2300, 1GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive
1.3MP Camera
Weighs only 1.32kgKogan Agora Pro 12” Ultra Portable Laptop – Starting at £229
Pre-loaded with everything you need straight out of the box – Internet, office applications, Music, Photo and Video Software Packages, Ubuntu OS & Windows Compatible
Widescreen 12” LED screen, full size keyboard
Intel Celeron Ultra Low Voltage SU 2300, 2GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive
1.3MP Camera
Weighs only 1.32kg
http://www.kogan.com.au/
Shows dollar ammounts instead of pounds.
Why? It’s available in the UK, not the US. The currency used is relevant to the story.
Another Android TV-Box http://goo.gl/G9dQ2 nice one!
Google will lose this. Why? They are outdone by hardware manufacturers using stock Android fresh from git.
Google TV is dying. The reason is that Google hasn’t spent enough time developing it. With that I’m merely talking about implementing Android API’s and releasing the Android Market for Google TV.
I hope they are doing just that before the end of this year otherwise it will look very grim for Google on the Smart TV scene.
If only they shipped this with Android 3.0.
google doesn’t really lose if you can have google search, browser and apps on your TV.
That’s basically what I want. I have a wii, xbox 360, PS3 and a vizio TV with VIA internet apps and I STILL don’t have a decent browser on my TV.
If they can run apps on their Google TV, then it’s a lot more useful than Googles offerings, and I’d rather have it…
Right now, my Revue is an expensive remote, because hooking my laptop up is way more use than the Revue…
This type of Android Internet TV box has been around a while now…If Kogan can offer it with a better Android ROM than what comes with the chinese equivalents then it does have potential.