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Envizions EVO Smart Console
| Type |
Console |
Developer |
Envizions Computer Entertainment |
| Release Date |
2009-Jan |
Region(s) |
Worldwide |
| Initial Price |
$399 - $679 USD |
Games Released |
Many (PC or Linux Compatible) |
|
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 DW FACTS
by Dark Watcher |
We wonder where the inspiration for this device came from? Sarcasm aside, Envizions Computer Entertainment had produced a Media Center
PC that could be taken as a "PC in a videogame console" shell.
The EVO: Phase One was the conceptual brainstorm of founder Derrick Samuels approximately three years ago per their website (circa
2003). One could say "Hey..thats around the time the Phantom console was announced...Hmm." We suppose that's a pretty good assumption.
Although it looks like a console, the EVO: Phase One is still a multimedia PC. It claimed to have featured many bells and
whistles like streaming / downloadable content, DVR capability and the ability to run PC applications and games. It also
featured an integrated biometric scanner, HDMI output and a wireless controller that resembles the PlayStation 2 Dualshock. The
EVO would also be upgradable like a regular PC. The creators said that the EVO would come in other phases. Phase Two for
example would make the device function like a console whereas Envizions will develop its own customized console games. |
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The first time the system was seen was May 10, 2006 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, with a proposed ship date of
October 20, 2006 and initially priced at $679.95. |
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|
 CONSOLE UPDATE
by Marriott_Guy |
The EVO: Phase One was eventually renamed the EVO Smart Console. The console was redesigned to more closely resemble standard AV
devices rather than a video game console as initially displayed during its development. I prefer this sleek look - the clean,
uncluttered interface is rather appealing to this gamer.
The EVO Smart Console endured continual delays, but in the end the system was made available on a preorder basis through the company's
website on November 20. 2008. According to CEO Derrick Samuels, the bulk of the orders were for the Linux version of the console. Though the demand was extremely high, the production run was limited to fulfilling these existing preorders. Various internet sources
estimate that approximately 3,000 units were manufactured, but its founder Derrick Samuels confirmed that the actual number of units
released were in the 'low hundreds'. To the best of my knowledge, there was not a retail release of EVO Smart
Console within the USA. I recently learned that this was not the case abroad.
I received an interesting email from Marco, the owner of BrainFusion Video Games,
a video game store based in Forli, Italy. Marco let me know that he was the authorized Italian distributor of the EVO Smart Console. He received 10 of the units and actually had a launch day event to showcase the system. This was rather
fascinating news for me since I had not read anywhere that any type of retail release had occurred (regardless of region). He has been
gracious enough share photographs of his remaining systems along with his launch day event (see the Other Media tab).
Though the positive public reaction to the EVO Smart Console would lead one to continue further production, the Envizions team instead
focused on improving their console. This new entry, named the EVO 2, is an Android based system and considerably less expensive than
its predecessor ($249 vs. $399-$679). The EVO 2 is currently available for preorder sale at the Envizions website.
|
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 MODELS
Officially licensed releases |
|
EVO Smart Console - Linux Version |
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EVO Smart Console Variations (via website pre-order) |
EVO Smart Console - Linux
$399
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EVO Smart Console - Windows 7
$579
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EVO Smart Console - Windows 7 w\Blu-ray
$679
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|
EVO 2 |
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The EVO 2 is a revision of the original EVO Smart Console. The system is currently available for pre-order with shipping
scheduled for early 2013. Initially named the GameBox, the EVO is being offered at a lower price point but has upgraded the
hardware considerably. The following are the revised system specs:
- AMD CORTEX A8 core, Samsung S5PV210 (1 GHz)
- Nvidia Tegra GPU
- 2GB RAM, 512MB internal flash memory
- Android 2.3.4 operating system
- Built-in WiFi module (wireless network)
- RJ45 interface for wired network connection
- Supports up to 1080p video playback
- Composite, S-Video, HDMI video output
- USB 2.0 ports (5)
- Bluetooth support
- 2.4 GHz wireless remote controls
- SD card expansion
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The system is available in three different models. The EVO remote, HDMI cable and the power supply accompany each version:
- EVO 2 HD - $129
- EVO 2 XE - $159
Includes (1) EVO controllers
- EVO 2 XD - $179
Includes (2) EVO controllers
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| EVO 2 DX |
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The EVO 2 DX is a hybrid PC-gaming console that was released in limited quantities in
December of 2011. The system features a Windows 7 Premium OS (operating system) with built-in support for the Android platform.
The following are the system specs for this model:
- AMD 785G Chipset + SB750 Chipset
- Socket AM3/AM2+/AM2 Quad-Core Opteron & Phenom
- Support HT3.0 Technology
- Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 (DirectX 10.1)
a) ATI Stream, 1080p, Blu-ray HDCP playback
b) Hardware Decoding H.264 / VC-1 / MPEG-2 / DivX
- VGA / DVI-D / HDMI 1.3 outputs
- 4 x SATA II 3Gb/s AMD RAIDXpert™ RAID 0,1,5,10
- Dual Channel DDR2 667/800 SODIMM
- Integrated ALC662 6-CH HD Audio
- Realtek PCI-Express Gigabit Ethernet
- 1 x 32-bit PCI, 1 x mini-PCI Express, 2 x eSATA
- Advanced 3+1 PWM Design, 20-pin ATX Power
- OC-CON High-Polymer Solid Capacitors
- ECO-design for EuP (Energy Using Product)
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 CLONES
Non-licensed hardware releases |
No clones were released for this system.
|
 SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love. |
| Processor Type |
Processor
Speed |
Other
Processor Information |
RAM \ Video RAM |
| AMD 64x2 5600 |
2.90 GHz |
GPU - ATI HD 3200 Chipset |
2 GB DDR2 |
|
Screen Resolution
|
Color Palette
|
Polygons \ Sprites
|
Audio |
| Up to 1080i and 1080p/HDCP |
16.8 Million |
Sapphire Radeon X1600 Pro
w/HDMI Core Clock 500 MHz Memory Clock 800 MHz Twelve pixel pipelines |
Creative Labs Audigy SE
24-bit Advanced HD EAX Advanced HD Dolby Surround Sound 5.1\6.1\7.1 |
|
Media Format
|
Media Capacity
|
Games Released
|
Other Supported Formats
|
|
CD \ DVD ROM |
20 GB
|
Many (PC or Linux based system) |
DVD-Video, DVD-ROM,
DVD-R\RW, DVD+R\RW, CD-ROM, CD-R\RW |
|
Internal Storage
|
External \ Removable Storage
|
Game Controllers
|
Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
|
|
120 GB Hard Drive
|
Cloud Data Storage
SD Card |
Wireless Gamepad
(almost identical to the DualShock) |
TV tuner, various 3rd
party devices (keyboard\mouse\etc.) |
| Controller Ports |
Network Ports |
Other Ports
|
Audio \ Video
|
|
Wireless Gamepad |
(2) Ethernet Port,
Wireless Adaptor included with some models |
USB 2.0 (2), SATA (2),
Audio Jacks (3) |
VGA, DVI,
HDMI |
|
Power Supply - External
|
Other Outputs
|
Other Details \ Notes
|
Input: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 2.0A
Output: DC 12.0V, 10A |
None |
Software -
Mirrors X (modified Linux) or Windows. Blu-ray drive optional. |
| Manuals |
| Not available. Can you help us out? You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution. Email
MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com. |
|
 OTHER
MEDIA
Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc. |
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EVO Smart Console - Contents & Demonstration |
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EVO Smart Console Launch event at Marco's Store in Italy |
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2010s - NOTES
FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
SCREENSHOTS
EMULATION
WEB RESOURCES
DISCUSS