Razer Acquires Software IP Assets Of Struggling OUYA Android Console Platform, Plans ‘Cortex For Android TV
Razer today confirmed reports that it has acquired OUYA's software assets, including its content catalog and online retail platform. As part of the deal, OUYA's technical team and developer relations staff will join the software team at Razer and begin working on a long-term plan for its Android TV efforts, including Android-based consoles.
The acquisition is a play for software and personnel only -- Razer did not buy OUYA's hardware or other related assets. However, the company does plan to publish Android TV content and Android-based TV console games under the OUYA brand as a separate interest.
"Razer has a long-term vision for Android TV and Android-based TV consoles, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box and Alibaba Tmall Box, to which OUYA already publishes," says Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. "OUYA’s work with game developers, both triple A and indies, went a long way in bringing Android games to the living room and Razer intends to further that work. This acquisition is envisaged to usher more developers and content to the Android TV platform."
It's an interesting purchase for Razer, which over the past year unveiled its own Android-TV micro-console, the Razer Forge TV, along with an accompanying game controller, the Razer Serval. Forge TV is based on an open platform, with content coming from Razer, its partners, and independent developers, all serviced through Google Play.
Razer also said it plans to relaunch the OUYA store as "Cortex for Android." There's no time frame for the relaunch, though Razer envisions it being a "premier destination" for Forge TV games and other content.
As for the near future, Razer says it will soon provide existing OUYA users with a migration plan to its Forge TV console and Serval controller bundle.
"Razer’s intention is to allow OUYA users to bring their games, controllers, and accounts to the Cortex TV platform on the Forge micro-console, advancing the experience of Android gaming on TV that they have previously enjoyed," Razer said. "Additionally, Razer is planning deep product discounts for incoming OUYA users to purchase Razer hardware, and a spate of freebies, giveaways, and promotions to enjoy on their new Forge consoles."
As a refresher, Forge TV sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 SoC with Adreno 420 graphics, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 801.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GbE LAN, USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4 output, TV with HDMI input, and Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Razer currently sells its Forge TV for $100 and its Serval controller for $80, or you can buy both as a bundle for $150.
The acquisition is a play for software and personnel only -- Razer did not buy OUYA's hardware or other related assets. However, the company does plan to publish Android TV content and Android-based TV console games under the OUYA brand as a separate interest.
"Razer has a long-term vision for Android TV and Android-based TV consoles, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box and Alibaba Tmall Box, to which OUYA already publishes," says Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan. "OUYA’s work with game developers, both triple A and indies, went a long way in bringing Android games to the living room and Razer intends to further that work. This acquisition is envisaged to usher more developers and content to the Android TV platform."
It's an interesting purchase for Razer, which over the past year unveiled its own Android-TV micro-console, the Razer Forge TV, along with an accompanying game controller, the Razer Serval. Forge TV is based on an open platform, with content coming from Razer, its partners, and independent developers, all serviced through Google Play.
Razer also said it plans to relaunch the OUYA store as "Cortex for Android." There's no time frame for the relaunch, though Razer envisions it being a "premier destination" for Forge TV games and other content.
As for the near future, Razer says it will soon provide existing OUYA users with a migration plan to its Forge TV console and Serval controller bundle.
"Razer’s intention is to allow OUYA users to bring their games, controllers, and accounts to the Cortex TV platform on the Forge micro-console, advancing the experience of Android gaming on TV that they have previously enjoyed," Razer said. "Additionally, Razer is planning deep product discounts for incoming OUYA users to purchase Razer hardware, and a spate of freebies, giveaways, and promotions to enjoy on their new Forge consoles."
As a refresher, Forge TV sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 SoC with Adreno 420 graphics, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 801.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GbE LAN, USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4 output, TV with HDMI input, and Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Razer currently sells its Forge TV for $100 and its Serval controller for $80, or you can buy both as a bundle for $150.
