Kogan's Agora Internet TV Portal promises Android Market access, our LCDs remain skeptical
Believe it or not, we're still rooting for Ruslan Kogan and the rest of his Aussie compatriots, but the company's announcement today of an Android 2.2 set-top TV box with full Market access is, as usual, equal parts intriguing and unbelievable. The Kogan Agora Internet TV Portal: Powered by Android is priced at A$149 with a 1GHz Cortex A8 processor from Samsung, 512MB of RAM, 2GB of flash storage, HDMI output and three USB ports for external storage, that it claims will bring the full internet -- including everyone's favorite Angry Birds -- to your TV screen. According to the sales page it's expected to ship May 27th to anywhere you like, as long as it's in Australia or the UK. We'll mark our calendars to see if it beats official Google TV boxes to Market access in the living room (we're still waiting for the TV shown off last year), but in the meantime check after the break for a press release with more details on this box, a familiar looking 7-inch tablet that also claims access to the Market's thousands of apps and a couple of netbooks. Finally, we spotted a video from ARM fan Charbax checking out what could be the OEM version of the TV box at CeBIT, so that's included after the break as well.
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Kogan Expands Agora Range with Internet TV Portal, Tablet and Laptops
Melbourne, Australia, 14 April 2011 - Kogan today expanded the Agora range with the Internet TV Portal, 7" Tablet PC, and 12" Laptop.
The Kogan Agora Internet TV Portal: Powered by Android (starting at $149), Kogan Agora 7" Tablet PC: Powered by Android (starting at $139), and Kogan Agora 12" Laptop (Starting at $299/Standard and $319/Pro) go on sale today, direct from the manufacturer at Kogan.com.au.
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 shows that Aussie companies are capable of creating technology that can compete on the world stage.
"The Kogan team has been working hard for many months to bring out the expanded Agora range.
"The Kogan Internet TV Portal is powered by Android, and it lets Australians 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, showcasing true Aussie ingenuity and innovation," Kogan said.
Kogan Agora Internet TV Portal: Powered by Android - Starting at $149
Powered by Android - full access to Android Market
Use the optical remote or bundle with the Kogan Agora Android Keyboard ($39)
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 home
Kogan Agora 7" Tablet w/ Capactive Touchscreen: Powered by Android - Starting at $139
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 movies
Kogan Agora 12" Ultra Portable Laptop - Starting at $299
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 1.32kg
Kogan Agora Pro 12" Ultra Portable Laptop - Starting at $319
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
