** History **
I supported the Ouya already in July 2012. (!) On the Kickstarter platform. I was fascinated by the idea of a more or less open console, which could be used as just to play for far longer and invested $ 150 so for Ouya incl. Second controller. After much back and forth I could pick up the mini console in June this year then in the local customs authority. The officials there was indeed irritated that such a small box is intended as a console, but after the payment of just over 20, I had no more problems. One day later, the Bundesnetzagentur called apparently from an import stop of the device, which was later overturned.
** First impression and device **
So much for history. When unpacking the small metal box made a good impression: it has a high level of workmanship and very noble by the simplicity. Also, if it is greater than expected, he stands by quietly next to our TV, but have sometimes approached by guests. They were joined by the two controllers incl. Batteries, a power adapter and a small red plastic tag.
Inserting the batteries in the controller was more difficult than expected: The front panels of the controller must be removed for a proper starting point for this does not exist. So best use your fingernail and the first step is done. The actual device was then quickly anymore: Ouya turned logged with the Ouya account and take the first games loaded.
** The console itself **
On the front of the Ouya, there is the Ouya lettering on the housing cover a large Anschalter plastic. It is really interesting but only on the back, there can be found namely a HDMI port, power connector, a USB port for memory expansion and input devices, a network port and a Micro USB port for connecting the console to a PC. The USB port and a USB hub can be used to connect multiple USB devices simultaneously.
At the time of announcement of the hardware equipment was reading quite well: Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory. At a micro SD port was abandoned, unfortunately. Meanwhile, the Tegra 3 processor but is no longer the latest, I would have very much welcomed here if you would have equated to the successor Tegra 4 CPU. On the Ouya, the Android operating system, currently my knowledge under Version 4.2. This shall be to the Android-own settings but not much left.
** Surface and games **
The surface of the Ouya is quite simple, the main menu can be accessed with choice of different texts in various menus. Under "Play" can be played and downloaded games (more on that). Under "Make" There Developer options, under Manage various options, including the built-in Android, where the Ouya is incidentally listed as a tablet. Overall, everything looks but little thought and is cumbersome. The Google Play store is unfortunately missing, somewhat awkward one can this but still bring on the Ouya.
First of all but about the games:
In Ouya Store, there are 519 applications, the vast majority of which are games. Can be paid in the Ouya Store only via credit card or bank. The game selection is neither graphic firecrackers as they from previous consoles still knows playing with a large, open world and a great history, as you know. Seek and ye shall find - here but almost exclusively casual games as the possibly known Ice Rage, a "Caution and the curve!" - Clone. Even the shooter Shadowgun provides more entertaining game.
The graphics of the games is mostly alright, do not expect miracles you because you will get to view these either. Some games rely on deliberately pixelated graphics, others like Shadowgun try the console graphically rather to exhaust. Then the fan turns the console but rather on which construction would be maybe something should revise, smartphones with the same CPU come completely without active ventilation.
** The controller
The controller of the Ouya has two analog sticks, a D-pad, 4 colored buttons and a central touch pad. Verso find 4 more buttons. Overall, the controller of the buttons arrangement differs so little from that of the Xbox 360 controller, let the touchpad once sidelined. However, the controller is also one of my major criticisms. Both controllers squeak when you operate the rear buttons, Support refuses here to do something. The touchpad works very hakelig, like it is sometimes completely out. Otherwise, the buttons are placed well but, the controller is not bad in his hand. But on the one XBOX 360 he comes close in no way, but I personally like it better than the Sony DualShock controller.
Speaking Controller - fortunately, it is also a lot of other controllers on the Ouya describe the XBOX controller makes playing so much more enjoyable. On the touchpad because I do without you.
** Additional features and problems **
First of all the problems: The Wi-Fi reception my Ouya is but modestly behind a wall, in which all other devices (notebooks, Galaxy Note 1-3, Note 10.1, Nexus 7) still have good reception, I can forward incoming bits welcome the Ouya with a handshake. 5 MB game downloads 100 000er pipe needs more than 3 minutes - what an achievement ... using an Ethernet cable that folds easily but. The surface of the Ouya jerky also happy times, especially when in the background still a high-speed download is such.
Now for the positives: The Ouya is far more than just a game console for casual games. Easily can be installed on their known of Android apk files and thus foreign Apps on the console. So I have first the Amazon App Store installed on the Ouya and then loaded from a lot of other apps. Plants vs. Zombies is a right mouse (touchpad works well not) a real fun on the console and many other Ouya Store alien games work so flawlessly.
But for me the more important now available officially in the Ouya Store Media Center XBMC, played with the example Soundcloud sounds or videos can be played from the ZDF media library. Except for the Log with the Google Account and the YouTube app is not a problem. While many things could be done via the pre-installed browser, so that's but a lot more comfortable. Merely reaching the App Launcher should be optimized. I have therefore installed immediately after me another launcher that brings the typical Android home screens on the Ouya. Also works amazingly well and comfortable.
** Conclusion **
The Ouya could be the perfect mix of game console and media center are - this chance has at least the first version of the console unfortunately wasted with me. The menu is currently unclear and complicated. The selection in the own store is in need of improvement and agree unfortunately Hardware Problems Spoil The overall impression but strong. Support should also be finally optimized. We can only hope that the Ouya team has learned from the mistakes and at least learn the upcoming Ouya generation of the shortcomings of the Erstproduktes. As a media center for the living room, the Ouya does indeed great, but for that it needs no investment of 120th
If questions have remained open, just ask and I'll try to answer them :-)
