EVO Smart Console (originally called Evo: Phase One) is a media PC and seventh generation era video game console made by Envizions. The beta, called EVO: Phase One, came out on October 20, 2006, and the final version came out on November 20, 2008.

The system uses Linux software, which is based on the Fedora operating system. The system came with three games: SuperTux, Kobo Deluxe and Kid Destiny. The system has high definition (HD), can access the Internet, and can run games for Windows. It also has a 120 GB hard drive and 2 GB RAM.

Final version
The final name of the system is EVO Smart Console. It came out for developers on November 20, 2008, and cost $250. It had Amiga-based games, and an Akimbo-based video on demand service. It also had a larger, 250 GB hard drive, 1080p resolution, and its own Fedora-based Linux operating system, which was known as Mirrors Evolution. There is open source code for developers to make games for Linux.

Specifications

Processors
 Central processing unit
 AMD Athlon 64x2 5600+ (2.90 GHz)
 Graphics processing unit
 ATI HD 3200

Memory and storage
 120 GB hard drive, cloud storage
 2 GB DDR2 RAM

Digital media
 DVD-ROM drive (compatible with DVD-video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-ROM and CD-RW)

Input/output
 One HDMI port, one DVI port
 One SD card port
 Two USB 2.0 ports, two Ethernet ports
 Three audio ports

Software
 Linux Fedora
 Proprietary firmware

General features
 Internet access, VoIP
 Runs Windows games and Amiga-based games
 Allows multiple players from one master hub
 Biometric system that supports facial, voice and fingerprint scans for security, and can link game saves
 Standard-definition and high-definition video support
 Remote access
 Internet television, streaming content, Akimbo-based video on demand (VOD), DVR
 Online cloud storage
 The voice-enabled Media Center Communicator allows playing music, video conferencing, VoIP and other media functions

Successors

EVO 2
The EVO 2 is a cancelled video game console Envizions first talked about in a press release on January 9, 2011 under the name GameBox. It was revealed on May 25, 2011, along with specifications, images, and a new name. It was supposed to come out in fall 2011. Their website previously said the console would ship in 2012.

Specifications
 CPU: 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 core, Samsung S5PV210. Can run up to 1.2 GHz, 512MB memory, built-in 2G memory space.
 GPU: Nvidia Tegra
 512 MB internal flash memory.
 Expandable via SD/SDHC memory cards
 SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards)
 5 USB 2.0 ports
 "AV Multi Out" port, supporting composite video, S-Video (NTSC consoles only)
 HDMI out port, supporting six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI
 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i, standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen

On November 28, 2012, Envizions CEO Derrick Samuels announced a new Android console, Oton, from his new startup company, which was called 'EnGeniux'. This stopped the EVO 2 from being made.

EVO 2 DX
, Envizions said it was making the EVO 2 DX, a gaming PC that was going to be able to run both Windows and Android. It was thought it would be able to play Android games using motion gestures, and have a version that would be able to play Blu-ray Discs.

Specifications
CPU: A "quad-core Opteron & Phenom" CPU, which has not been revealed
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 PCI, 1 x mini-PCI Express, 2 x eSATA

As of when the EVO 2 was cancelled, it is not known what is happening with the EVO 2 DX.

References

Other websites

Video game consoles