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{{more citations needed|date=July 2010}}
{{more citations needed|date=July 2010}}


'''EVO Smart Console''' is a line [[home theater PC|media PC]]s and [[video game console]]s marketed in the [[Seventh generation of video game consoles]]. The system was produced by Envizions, a company based in [[Anniston, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whisenhunt |first1=Dan |title=Pushing Buttons: EVO console is lacking |url=https://www.annistonstar.com/features/entertainment/pushing-buttons-evo-console-is-lacking/article_6f0f4e27-e311-56ed-9e77-02eb38e1bf01.html |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The Anniston Star |language=en}}</ref>
'''EVO Smart Console''' is a line [[home theater PC|media PC]]s and [[video game console]]s marketed in the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]]. The system was produced by Envizions, a company based in [[Anniston, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Whisenhunt |first=Dan |title=Pushing Buttons: EVO console is lacking |url=https://www.annistonstar.com/features/entertainment/pushing-buttons-evo-console-is-lacking/article_6f0f4e27-e311-56ed-9e77-02eb38e1bf01.html |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The Anniston Star |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230810113100/https://www.annistonstar.com/features/entertainment/pushing-buttons-evo-console-is-lacking/article_6f0f4e27-e311-56ed-9e77-02eb38e1bf01.html |archive-date=2023-08-10}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
On August 10, 2004, the company Envizions was founded.<ref>{{cite news |title=EVO Is First Cloud Gaming System |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/08/evo-is-first-cloud-gaming-system |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=IGN |date=8 May 2009 |language=en}}</ref> Development of the first EVO console is estimated to have cost roughly 1 million dollars.<ref name="Anniston Star Feb 2011">{{cite news |last=Pittman |first=Chris |title=iSpy: Local company hopes new console will create jobs |url=https://www.annistonstar.com/news/anniston/ispy-local-company-hopes-new-console-will-create-jobs/article_1ebc7f7c-af86-50e4-b500-782254f74c2c.html |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The Anniston Star |date=February 4, 2011 |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230810140231/https://www.annistonstar.com/news/anniston/ispy-local-company-hopes-new-console-will-create-jobs/article_1ebc7f7c-af86-50e4-b500-782254f74c2c.html |archive-date=2023-08-10}}</ref>
The beta, called ''EVO: Phase One'', was released on October 20, 2006, and the final product was released on November 20, 2008.
The beta, called ''EVO: Phase One'', was released on October 20, 2006.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinclair |first1=Brendan |title=EVO PC-game console detailed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/evo-pc-game-console-detailed/1100-6153886/ |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=GameSpot |date=July 12, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Block |first1=Gerry |title=Envizions Announces EVO: Phase One Launch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/07/11/envizions-announces-evo-phase-one-launch |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=IGN |date=11 July 2006 |language=en}}</ref> The final name of the system was ''EVO Smart Console'', and was released to developers on November 20, 2008, and it cost $250 following a rebate scheme, with a upfront price of $600.<ref>{{cite news |title=Linux-based Evo "Smart Console" now up for pre-order |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-10-22-linux-based-evo-smart-console-now-up-for-pre-order.html |access-date=15 May 2022 |work=Engadget}}</ref>


The media debut for the system occurred after the release of developer machines on May 5, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whisenhunt |first1=Dan |title=Finding EVO |work=The Anniston Star |date=April 9, 2009}}</ref> On April 9, 2009, the cumulative number of units sold was 10 at a cost of either $379 for the Linux version or $479 for the Windows version.<ref name="Big"/> However, on April 23, 2009 [[The Guardian]] reported that the prices for the systems were $279 and $350.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schofield |first1=Jack |title=Technology: Newsbytes |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=April 23, 2009}}</ref>
⚫
The final name of the system was ''EVO Smart Console'', and was released to developers on November 20, 2008 and it cost $250 following a rebate scheme, with a upfront price of $600.<ref>{{cite news |title=Linux-based Evo "Smart Console" now up for pre-order |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-10-22-linux-based-evo-smart-console-now-up-for-pre-order.html |access-date=15 May 2022 |work=Engadget}}</ref> The latest version had [[Amiga]]-based games, and an [[Akimbo (on-demand service)|Akimbo]]-based video on demand service. It also had a larger, 250 GB [[hard drive]], [[1080p]] resolution, and ran a version of [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] [[Linux]] operating system, ''Mirrors Evolution''. There is [[Open-source software]] for developers to make games for the system.


On April 9, 2009 100 units had been produced.<ref name="Big">{{cite news |last1=Whisenhunt |first1=Dan |title=Game on! Anniston's own gaming system is trying to take on the big boys |work=The Anniston Star |date=April 8, 2009}}</ref>
⚫
The EVO 2 is a cancelled game console project first mentioned on an Envizions press release on January 9, 2011 under the name ''GameBox'',<ref name=thunderboltgames.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.thunderboltgames.com/features/article/an-interview-with-envizions-founder-derrick-samuels-feature-for-all-none.html|title=An interview with Envizions founder Derrick Samuels|author=Jason Rider|publisher=Thunderbolt|access-date=10 January 2012}}</ref> it was unveiled on May 25, 2011, with specs, images, and a new name.<ref name="joystiq.com">{{cite web|title=EVO 2 console promises to bring Android gaming to your TV|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/evo-2-console-promises-to-bring-android-gaming-to-your-tv-this-f/|author=Donald Melanson|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=26 May 2011}}</ref> The sources stated it was supposed to be released in fall 2011. Their website had previously stated that the console would ship in 2012.


⚫
The EVO 2 is a cancelled game console project first mentioned on an Envizions press release on January 9, 2011, under the name ''GameBox'',<ref name=thunderboltgames.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.thunderboltgames.com/features/article/an-interview-with-envizions-founder-derrick-samuels-feature-for-all-none.html|title=An interview with Envizions founder Derrick Samuels|author=Jason Rider|publisher=Thunderbolt|access-date=10 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="Anniston Star Feb 2011" /> it was unveiled on May 25, 2011, with specs, images, and a new name.<ref name="joystiq.com">{{cite web|title=EVO 2 console promises to bring Android gaming to your TV|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/evo-2-console-promises-to-bring-android-gaming-to-your-tv-this-f/|author=Donald Melanson|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=26 May 2011}}</ref> It was supposed initially to be released in fall 2011, before later being delayed to a 2012 release date.<ref name="Anniston Star Nov 2011">{{cite news |last1=Pittman |first1=Chris |title=iSpy: Local gaming company delays launch of new system |url=https://www.annistonstar.com/features/ispy-local-gaming-company-delays-launch-of-new-system/article_536827d9-8cee-519d-b650-ec1e59c9f9ca.html |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The Anniston Star |date=November 4, 2011 |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230810134129/https://www.annistonstar.com/features/ispy-local-gaming-company-delays-launch-of-new-system/article_536827d9-8cee-519d-b650-ec1e59c9f9ca.html |archive-date=2023-08-10}}</ref> The announcement of a delay also contained the announcement of a limited re-release of the original EVO Smart Console.<ref name="Anniston Star Nov 2011"/>
On November 28, 2012, Envizions CEO Derrick Samuels announced a new Android console, ''Oton'', from his new startup called 'EnGeniux', effectively ending EVO 2's development.

On November 28, 2012, Envizions CEO Derrick Samuels announced a new Android console, ''Oton'', from his new startup called 'EnGeniux', effectively ending EVO 2's development. OTON was to be a console capable of some [[autonomy]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Samit |title=The not-so-true story of OTON, a console that makes video games by itself |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/1/10/3833080/oton-autonomous-game-console-crowdfunding |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=Polygon |date=10 January 2013}}</ref>


Despite the cancellation of the EVO 2, Envizions developed the ''EVO 2 DX'', a gaming PC running an operating system that is a hybrid of [[Windows]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]].<ref>{{Citation|title=39 - EVO Smart Console & EVO DX2 (English subtitled) - Recensione Console|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYFAATDupO0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/GYFAATDupO0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-07-18}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It has motion capabilities using a standard webcam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-28|title=Envizions|url=http://www.envizionsinc.com/evo2dx.html|access-date=2021-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228215048/http://www.envizionsinc.com/evo2dx.html|archive-date=2012-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-11-05|title=Under The Radar: Envizions EVO 2 DX console - feature at Thunderbolt|url=http://www.thunderboltgames.com/feature/under-the-radar-envizions-evo-2-dx-console|access-date=2021-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105082020/http://www.thunderboltgames.com/feature/under-the-radar-envizions-evo-2-dx-console|archive-date=2013-11-05}}</ref>
Despite the cancellation of the EVO 2, Envizions developed the ''EVO 2 DX'', a gaming PC running an operating system that is a hybrid of [[Windows]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]].<ref>{{Citation|title=39 - EVO Smart Console & EVO DX2 (English subtitled) - Recensione Console|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYFAATDupO0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/GYFAATDupO0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-07-18}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It has motion capabilities using a standard webcam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-28|title=Envizions|url=http://www.envizionsinc.com/evo2dx.html|access-date=2021-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228215048/http://www.envizionsinc.com/evo2dx.html|archive-date=2012-12-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-11-05|title=Under The Radar: Envizions EVO 2 DX console - feature at Thunderbolt|url=http://www.thunderboltgames.com/feature/under-the-radar-envizions-evo-2-dx-console|access-date=2021-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105082020/http://www.thunderboltgames.com/feature/under-the-radar-envizions-evo-2-dx-console|archive-date=2013-11-05}}</ref>
Line 28: Line 31:
| storage = 120&nbsp;[[gigabyte|GB]] [[hard disk drive|hard disk]]
| storage = 120&nbsp;[[gigabyte|GB]] [[hard disk drive|hard disk]]
| media = [[DVD]], [[compact disc|CD]]
| media = [[DVD]], [[compact disc|CD]]
| unitssold = 55<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tap-repeatedly.com/2012/12/crowdfunding-the-mysterious-oton-console/|title=Crowdfunding and the Mysterious Oton Console |publisher=Tap-Repeatedly |access-date=2012-12-30}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2020}}
| unitssold = "low hundreds"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tap-repeatedly.com/2012/12/crowdfunding-the-mysterious-oton-console/|title=Crowdfunding and the Mysterious Oton Console |publisher=Tap-Repeatedly |access-date=2012-12-30}}</ref>
| onlineservice = EVO Network
| onlineservice = EVO Network
| connectivity = [[Ethernet]]<br>2 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]]
| connectivity = [[Ethernet]]<br>2 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]]
Line 34: Line 37:
| compatibility = [[Amiga]]
| compatibility = [[Amiga]]
| successor = [[EVO Smart Console#EVO 2|EVO 2]]
| successor = [[EVO Smart Console#EVO 2|EVO 2]]
| aka = EVO: Phase One
| developer = Envizions
| os = Fedora Linux or Windows
| generation = Seventh generation of video game consoles
}}
}}

====Hardware====
====Hardware====
A [[AMD Athlon]] 64x2 5600+ (2.90&nbsp;GHz) [[central processing unit]] powers the system, and is accompanied by a [[Radeon HD 3000 series|ATI HD 3200]] [[graphics processing unit]]. The system has 2 gigabytes of DDR2 RAM clocked at 800 MHz.
A dual core [[AMD Athlon]] 64x2 5600+ (2.90&nbsp;GHz) [[central processing unit]] powers the system, and is accompanied by a [[Radeon HD 3000 series|ATI HD 3200]] [[graphics processing unit]]. The system has 2 gigabytes of DDR2 RAM clocked at 800&nbsp;MHz.


A 120 gigabyte [[hard disk drive]] handles local storage, with cloud storage also being supported. Removable [[digital media]] was supported with a [[DVD-ROM]] Drive, which was compatible with [[DVD-video]], [[DVD-ROM]], DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, [[CD-ROM]], and [[CD-RW]] formats. Additionally the system sported one [[SD card]] slot.
A 120 gigabyte [[hard disk drive]] handles local storage, with cloud storage also being supported. Removable [[digital media]] was supported with a [[DVD-ROM]] Drive, which was compatible with [[DVD-video]], [[DVD-ROM]], DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, [[CD-ROM]], and [[CD-RW]] formats. Additionally the system sported one [[SD card]] slot. Game media was distributed on SD cards.<ref name="Big"/>


Graphics are output on the built in one [[HDMI]] port, or the one [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]] port. [[Standard-definition]] or [[high-definition video]] could be output. The system sports three [[sound recording and reproduction|audio]] ports. The system also has two [[USB 2.0]] ports for general IO. The system included two [[ethernet]] ports, allowing it to access the [[Internet]], as well as to allow multiple players from one master hub.
Graphics are output on two built in ports, one [[HDMI]] port, and one [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]] port.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kissling |first1=Kristian |title=EVO Smart Console: Playstation Competition? » Linux Magazine |url=https://www.linux-magazine.com/Online/News/EVO-Smart-Console-Playstation-Competition |access-date=23 May 2022 |work=Linux Magazine |date=October 21, 2008}}</ref> [[Standard-definition]] or [[high-definition video]] could be output. The system sports three [[sound recording and reproduction|audio]] ports. The system also has two [[USB 2.0]] ports for general IO. The system included two [[Ethernet]] ports, allowing it to access the [[Internet]], as well as to allow multiple players from one master hub.


====Software====
====Software====
The system uses the [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] [[Linux]] [[operating system]]. The system came bundled with three games: ''[[SuperTux]]'', ''Kobo Deluxe'', and ''Kid Destiny''. The console also features [[high-definition television|high definition]] (HD), [[Internet]] access, and was able to run [[Windows]] and [[Amiga]]-based games. The system relies on proprietary [[firmware]].
The system uses the [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] [[Linux]] [[operating system]]. A model which cost $100 more ran [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref name="Big"/> The system came bundled with three games: ''[[SuperTux]]'', ''Kobo Deluxe'', and ''Kid Destiny''. The console also features [[high-definition television|high definition]] (HD), [[Internet]] access, and was able to run [[Windows]] and [[Amiga]]-based games. The system relies on proprietary [[firmware]].


A [[Biometric]] security system supported facial, voice and fingerprint scans, and [[Biometric]] linked game saves
A [[biometric]] security system supported fingerprint scans,<ref name="Big"/> facial, and voice recognition, and biometric linked game saves


The system supported [[VoIP]], [[Remote desktop software]], [[Internet Television]], [[Streaming media|Streaming]] content, [[Akimbo (on-demand service)|Akimbo]]-based [[video on demand]] (VOD), and [[Digital video recorder|DVR]]. Most of this was handled by the voice-enabled Media Center Communicator.
The system supported [[VoIP]], [[Remote desktop software]], [[Internet Television]], [[Streaming media|Streaming]] content, [[Akimbo (on-demand service)|Akimbo]]-based [[video on demand]] (VOD), and [[Digital video recorder|DVR]]. Most of this was handled by the voice-enabled Media Center Communicator.

====Latest Revision====

⚫
The latest version had [[Amiga]]-based games, and an [[Akimbo (on-demand service)|Akimbo]]-based video on demand service. It also had a larger, 250&nbsp;GB [[hard drive]], [[1080p]] resolution, and ran a version of [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] [[Linux]] operating system, ''Mirrors Evolution''. There is [[open-source software]] for developers to make games for the system.


===EVO 2===
===EVO 2===
[[File:EVO 2 cropped.png|thumb|right|200px|The EVO 2 Android-powered console]]
[[File:EVO 2 cropped.png|thumb|right|200px|The EVO 2 Android-powered console]]


⚫
The EVO 2 uses a Samsung S5PV210 [[Central processing unit|CPU]], containing a [[ARM Cortex-A8]] core clocked from containing a 1&nbsp;GHz up to 1.2&nbsp;GHz,<ref name=dt>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/evo-2-console-will-bring-android-gaming-to-your-tv/|title=EVO 2 console will bring Android gaming to your TV|publisher=Digital Trends|first=Adam|last=Rosenberg|date=26 May 2011|access-date=12 September 2016}}</ref> The system has 512&nbsp;MB of RAM.<ref name=dt/> An [[Nvidia]] [[Tegra]] 2 is used as a [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]].<ref>{{cite news |title=EVO 2 gaming console to bring Android games to TV |url=https://newatlas.com/evo-2-gaming-console-android-games-tv/18746/ |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=New Atlas |date=31 May 2011}}</ref>
;Specifications

⚫
* [[Central processing unit|CPU]]: 1&nbsp;GHz [[ARM Cortex-A8]] core, [[Samsung]] S5PV210. Frequency up to 1.2&nbsp;GHz,<ref name=dt>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/evo-2-console-will-bring-android-gaming-to-your-tv/|title=EVO 2 console will bring Android gaming to your TV|publisher=Digital Trends|first=Adam|last=Rosenberg|date=26 May 2011|access-date=12 September 2016}}</ref> 512MB memory,<ref name=dt/> built-in 2G memory space.
⚫
The system uses 2&nbsp;GB of internal [[flash storage]].<ref name=gizmag>{{cite web|url=http://www.gizmag.com/evo-2-gaming-console-android-games-tv/18746/|title=EVO 2 gaming console to bring Android games to TV|publisher=Gizmag|first=Pawel|last=Piejko|date=31 May 2011|access-date=12 September 2016}}</ref> Storage is expandable via [[Secure Digital|SD]]/[[SDHC]] memory cards with a SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards)
* [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]]: [[Nvidia]] [[Tegra]]

⚫
* 512&nbsp;[[megabyte|MB]] Internal [[flash memory]].<ref name=dt/><ref name=gizmag>{{cite web|url=http://www.gizmag.com/evo-2-gaming-console-android-games-tv/18746/|title=EVO 2 gaming console to bring Android games to TV|publisher=Gizmag|first=Pawel|last=Piejko|date=31 May 2011|access-date=12 September 2016}}</ref>
Further expansion is possible with 5 [[USB 2.0]] ports
* Expandable via [[Secure Digital|SD]]/[[SDHC]] memory cards.

* SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards)
Two different kinds of display output were supported. An "AV Multi Out" port, supported [[composite video]], [[S-Video]] ([[NTSC]] consoles only). An [[HDMI]] out port, supported six-channel [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] linear output through HDMI. Resolutions supported included [[1080p]], [[1080i]], [[720p]], [[480p]], or [[480i]], standard 4:3 and 16:9 [[anamorphic widescreen]].
* 5 [[USB 2.0]] ports
* "AV Multi Out" port, supporting [[composite video]], [[S-Video]] ([[NTSC]] consoles only)
* [[HDMI]] out port, supporting six-channel [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] linear output through HDMI
* [[1080p]], [[1080i]], [[720p]], [[480p]], or [[480i]], standard 4:3 and 16:9 [[anamorphic widescreen]].


===EVO 2 DX===
===EVO 2 DX===
The system was powered by an undisclosed "quad-core Opteron & Phenom" CPU, working in conjunction with a DirectX 10.1 compatible Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200. The underlying system made use of an [[AMD]] 785G chipset as well as a SB750 chipset.

Internally the system has 4 x SATA II ports capable of 3&nbsp;Gbit/s with support for RAID 0,1,5,10 through AMD RAIDXpert. For external storage the system has two [[eSATA]] ports. Networking is handled by [[Realtek]] PCI-Express based [[Gigabit Ethernet]] port.

Video output ports include HDMI 1.3, [[VGA]], and [[DVI-D]]. Audio is handled by an Integrated ALC662 6-CH HD audio.

⚫
Other ports included 1 x 32-bit [[conventional PCI|PCI]] and 1 x mini-[[PCI Express]],


===EVO 2 DX Pocket===
;Specifications
An android powered handheld system.<ref>{{cite news |title=Envizions developing a gaming-based Android tablet as well as the Evo 2 console |url=https://www.droidgamers.com/2012/01/04/envizions-developing-a-gaming-based-android-tablet-as-well-as-the-evo-2-console/ |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=Droid Gamers |date=4 January 2012}}</ref>
*CPU: An undisclosed "quad-core Opteron & Phenom" CPU
*GPU: Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 (DirectX 10.1)
*Chipset: [[AMD]] 785G chipset + SB750 chipset
*[[VGA]], [[DVI-D]], HDMI 1.3 outputs
*4 x SATA II 3Gbit/s [[AMD]] RAIDXpert RAID 0,1,5,10
*Integrated ALC662 6-CH HD audio
*[[Realtek]] PCI-Express [[gigabit Ethernet]]
⚫
*1 x 32-bit [[conventional PCI|PCI]], 1 x mini-[[PCI Express]], 2 x [[eSATA]]


==References==
==References==
Line 79: Line 88:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20121230155944/http://www.envizionsinc.com/%7D%7D%28Archive)}} (Archive)
*{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20121230155944/http://www.envizionsinc.com/}} (Archive)
{{Seventh generation game consoles}}
{{Seventh generation game consoles}}


[[Category:Personal computers]]
[[Category:Personal computers]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2006]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2006]]
[[Category:x86-based game consoles]]
[[Category:X86-based game consoles]]
[[Category:Linux-based video game consoles]]
[[Category:Linux-based video game consoles]]
[[Category:Android-based video game consoles]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Anniston, Alabama]]
[[Category:Anniston, Alabama]]

Latest revision as of 15:20, 23 April 2024

EVO Smart Console is a line media PCs and video game consoles marketed in the seventh generation of video game consoles. The system was produced by Envizions, a company based in Anniston, Alabama.[1]

History

[edit]

On August 10, 2004, the company Envizions was founded.[2] Development of the first EVO console is estimated to have cost roughly 1 million dollars.[3] The beta, called EVO: Phase One, was released on October 20, 2006.[4][5] The final name of the system was EVO Smart Console, and was released to developers on November 20, 2008, and it cost $250 following a rebate scheme, with a upfront price of $600.[6]

The media debut for the system occurred after the release of developer machines on May 5, 2009.[7] On April 9, 2009, the cumulative number of units sold was 10 at a cost of either $379 for the Linux version or $479 for the Windows version.[8] However, on April 23, 2009 The Guardian reported that the prices for the systems were $279 and $350.[9]

On April 9, 2009 100 units had been produced.[8]

The EVO 2 is a cancelled game console project first mentioned on an Envizions press release on January 9, 2011, under the name GameBox,[10][3] it was unveiled on May 25, 2011, with specs, images, and a new name.[11] It was supposed initially to be released in fall 2011, before later being delayed to a 2012 release date.[12] The announcement of a delay also contained the announcement of a limited re-release of the original EVO Smart Console.[12]

On November 28, 2012, Envizions CEO Derrick Samuels announced a new Android console, Oton, from his new startup called 'EnGeniux', effectively ending EVO 2's development. OTON was to be a console capable of some autonomy.[13]

Despite the cancellation of the EVO 2, Envizions developed the EVO 2 DX, a gaming PC running an operating system that is a hybrid of Windows and Android.[14] It has motion capabilities using a standard webcam.[15][16]

Specifications

[edit]

EVO Smart Console

[edit]
EVO Smart Console
Also known asEVO: Phase One
DeveloperEnvizions
ManufacturerEnvizions
TypeEntertainment PC
GenerationSeventh generation of video game consoles
Release dateOctober 20, 2006 (2006-10-20) (beta)
November 20, 2008 (final)
Discontinued2010 (2010)
Units sold"low hundreds"[17]
MediaDVD, CD
Operating systemFedora Linux or Windows
CPU2.9 GHz AMD Athlon (core)
Memory2 GB @ 800 MHz
Storage120 GB hard disk
ConnectivityEthernet
2 × USB 2.0
Online servicesEVO Network
Backward
compatibility		Amiga
SuccessorEVO 2

Hardware

[edit]

A dual core AMD Athlon 64x2 5600+ (2.90 GHz) central processing unit powers the system, and is accompanied by a ATI HD 3200 graphics processing unit. The system has 2 gigabytes of DDR2 RAM clocked at 800 MHz.

A 120 gigabyte hard disk drive handles local storage, with cloud storage also being supported. Removable digital media was supported with a DVD-ROM Drive, which was compatible with DVD-video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-ROM, and CD-RW formats. Additionally the system sported one SD card slot. Game media was distributed on SD cards.[8]

Graphics are output on two built in ports, one HDMI port, and one DVI port.[18] Standard-definition or high-definition video could be output. The system sports three audio ports. The system also has two USB 2.0 ports for general IO. The system included two Ethernet ports, allowing it to access the Internet, as well as to allow multiple players from one master hub.

Software

[edit]

The system uses the Fedora Linux operating system. A model which cost $100 more ran Microsoft Windows.[8] The system came bundled with three games: SuperTux, Kobo Deluxe, and Kid Destiny. The console also features high definition (HD), Internet access, and was able to run Windows and Amiga-based games. The system relies on proprietary firmware.

A biometric security system supported fingerprint scans,[8] facial, and voice recognition, and biometric linked game saves

The system supported VoIP, Remote desktop software, Internet Television, Streaming content, Akimbo-based video on demand (VOD), and DVR. Most of this was handled by the voice-enabled Media Center Communicator.

Latest Revision

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The latest version had Amiga-based games, and an Akimbo-based video on demand service. It also had a larger, 250 GB hard drive, 1080p resolution, and ran a version of Fedora Linux operating system, Mirrors Evolution. There is open-source software for developers to make games for the system.

EVO 2

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The EVO 2 Android-powered console

The EVO 2 uses a Samsung S5PV210 CPU, containing a ARM Cortex-A8 core clocked from containing a 1 GHz up to 1.2 GHz,[19] The system has 512 MB of RAM.[19] An Nvidia Tegra 2 is used as a GPU.[20]

The system uses 2 GB of internal flash storage.[21] Storage is expandable via SD/SDHC memory cards with a SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards)

Further expansion is possible with 5 USB 2.0 ports

Two different kinds of display output were supported. An "AV Multi Out" port, supported composite video, S-Video (NTSC consoles only). An HDMI out port, supported six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI. Resolutions supported included 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i, standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen.

EVO 2 DX

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The system was powered by an undisclosed "quad-core Opteron & Phenom" CPU, working in conjunction with a DirectX 10.1 compatible Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200. The underlying system made use of an AMD 785G chipset as well as a SB750 chipset.

Internally the system has 4 x SATA II ports capable of 3 Gbit/s with support for RAID 0,1,5,10 through AMD RAIDXpert. For external storage the system has two eSATA ports. Networking is handled by Realtek PCI-Express based Gigabit Ethernet port.

Video output ports include HDMI 1.3, VGA, and DVI-D. Audio is handled by an Integrated ALC662 6-CH HD audio.

Other ports included 1 x 32-bit PCI and 1 x mini-PCI Express,

EVO 2 DX Pocket

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An android powered handheld system.[22]

References

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  1. ^ Whisenhunt, Dan. "Pushing Buttons: EVO console is lacking". The Anniston Star. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  2. ^ "EVO Is First Cloud Gaming System". IGN. 8 May 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b Pittman, Chris (February 4, 2011). "iSpy: Local company hopes new console will create jobs". The Anniston Star. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  4. ^ Sinclair, Brendan (July 12, 2006). "EVO PC-game console detailed". GameSpot. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  5. ^ Block, Gerry (11 July 2006). "Envizions Announces EVO: Phase One Launch". IGN. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  6. ^ "Linux-based Evo "Smart Console" now up for pre-order". Engadget. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  7. ^ Whisenhunt, Dan (April 9, 2009). "Finding EVO". The Anniston Star.
  8. ^ a b c d e Whisenhunt, Dan (April 8, 2009). "Game on! Anniston's own gaming system is trying to take on the big boys". The Anniston Star.
  9. ^ Schofield, Jack (April 23, 2009). "Technology: Newsbytes". The Guardian.
  10. ^ Jason Rider. "An interview with Envizions founder Derrick Samuels". Thunderbolt. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  11. ^ Donald Melanson. "EVO 2 console promises to bring Android gaming to your TV". Joystiq. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  12. ^ a b Pittman, Chris (November 4, 2011). "iSpy: Local gaming company delays launch of new system". The Anniston Star. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  13. ^ Sarkar, Samit (10 January 2013). "The not-so-true story of OTON, a console that makes video games by itself". Polygon. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  14. ^ 39 - EVO Smart Console & EVO DX2 (English subtitled) - Recensione Console, archived from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 2021-07-18
  15. ^ "Envizions". 2012-12-28. Archived from the original on 2012-12-28. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  16. ^ "Under The Radar: Envizions EVO 2 DX console - feature at Thunderbolt". 2013-11-05. Archived from the original on 2013-11-05. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  17. ^ "Crowdfunding and the Mysterious Oton Console". Tap-Repeatedly. Retrieved 2012-12-30.
  18. ^ Kissling, Kristian (October 21, 2008). "EVO Smart Console: Playstation Competition? » Linux Magazine". Linux Magazine. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  19. ^ a b Rosenberg, Adam (26 May 2011). "EVO 2 console will bring Android gaming to your TV". Digital Trends. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  20. ^ "EVO 2 gaming console to bring Android games to TV". New Atlas. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  21. ^ Piejko, Pawel (31 May 2011). "EVO 2 gaming console to bring Android games to TV". Gizmag. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  22. ^ "Envizions developing a gaming-based Android tablet as well as the Evo 2 console". Droid Gamers. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
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