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Ouya Announces A Special Edition Console For Kickstarter Donors
In a new email update to its Kickstarter backers, Ouya revealed that it will produce a special edition version of the Android-powered console for backers at the $140 level and above. The special edition (pictured above) features a new, darker color scheme selected by designer Yves Behar. You'll only be able to get this special edition from now until the Ouya Kickstarter closes on August 9. If you've already backed at a lower level, you're able to "stretch your bid" to the $140 level to get the new console.
The company also announced a partnership with VEVO, the online music video service. Following is the full text of the update from Ouya:
Project Update #8: VEVO music videos and a "last week of Kickstarter" special edition console and controller
We’re counting down: This is our last week on Kickstarter!
Until now, we have been all about games and gaming, but – as many of you have noted – OUYA can go far beyond that. Because it’s based on Android, it can support anything built on Android – the sky is the limit. It’s with that dramatic preamble that we say this:
We’re bringing the party back to the family room! OUYA is partnering with VEVO
– the world’s leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform.
Not only will VEVO and OUYA bring high definition music video programming back to the TV – we’re turning control over to you. Access music videos from your favorite artists like Jay Z, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Kings of Leon, The Killers, Big K.R.I.T., Florence + The Machine, John Mayer and P!nk when you want them and where you want them: on your big, shiny television!
For OUYA, this means entertainment beyond gaming. Browse through the most-viewed music videos on the web, explore full video catalogs of top-selling artists, or venture into the realm of new staff picks, live concerts, and original music programming. Getting ready to do some level grinding? Watch one of your favorite videos to get in the mood.
But enough from us, here’s the full scoop from VEVO:
At VEVO, our mission is to bring high quality music experiences to users wherever and whenever. We have always strived to embrace new platforms that developers, creative communities and consumers are excited about. OUYA is just that – it’s one of the most exciting new entertainment platforms we’ve seen and we think it’s a natural fit for VEVO’s premium music videos and original music programming.
This is why I am thrilled to tell you today that VEVO is committed to launch with OUYA when it comes to market in March 2013. Through this partnership, we will bring our rich catalogue of over 50,000 high definition music videos and new, original programming from more than 11,000 artists to OUYA’s groundbreaking new gaming console. We support and share OUYA’s vision that the future lies in being open and accessible for users looking for high-quality entertainment experiences.
Our partnership with OUYA is grounded in our tireless effort to bring VEVO to every connected living room and home, and we will continue to deliver our premium music video programming to the rest of our platform consisting of VEVO.com, mobile & tablet apps (including Android, iOS, Windows Phone), connected TVs like Xbox and partner sites such as AOL, CBS, Facebook, Viacom Media Networks, Yahoo! Music, and YouTube.
Stay tuned for more news on our partnership with OUYA – and what it will look like for consumers – as we get closer to launch. We hope you are as excited as we are!
-Michael Cerda, SVP of Product and Technology, VEVO
We’re excited to bring the #1 music video platform to OUYA! Let’s start a world-wide dance party.
-------
In addition to the VEVO news – we have something else to share with you as we count down to next Wednesday:
Our Kickstarter crew is unique. You guys have been here since the beginning and we wanted to honor you by acknowledging one of your most frequent requests: a special limited edition console and controller available only during our last week of Kickstarter.
Behold the limited edition OUYA and controller! Yves Behar personally selected the color for this special console and controller, and it will only be available NOW, through the end of Kickstarter campaign. (Scroll down to view.)
To collect one of these rare drops, stretch your donation to $140 – the additional cost will cover the small production run.
Also note, the buttons now officially ready “O-U-Y-A”! (<--we heard you!)
-Julie
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