With exclusivity from several top TV makers CES 2015 might have been the year of Android TV. In the year of Android TV, one device really stood out, the Razer Forge TV. This Micro Console features high-end specs and pedigree from one of the most recognizable gaming companies out there today.
Forge TV Micro Gaming Console
Rather than going it alone on a developed Android Skin, Razer used the new Android TV platform announced at Google I/O 2014. The console also uses Google Cast which brings many of the same capabilities of the Chromecast stick to the more full-featured platform. Of course, this is a gaming machine and you probably want to know specs. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 805 SoC with a 32-bit 2.5GHz Quad Core Krait 450 CPU paired with Adreno 420 graphics. This is the same chip used in the Note 4. The Forge TV also 2GB of memory, 16GB of storage, Bluetooth 4.1, 802.11AC Wireless Ethernet, HDMI 1.4 and a USB 3.0 port. Surprisingly there is no TOSlink optical audio port. All audio has to come from the HDMI port.
Forge TV is $99.99 and ships Q1.
Cortex: Stream Service Brings Games from PC
The Forge TV is compatible with most games, and media, in the Google Play Store. But Razer wasn’t content with that so they launched Razer Cortex: Stream. This service allows you to stream PC games found in the Razer Cortex launcher for Windows. The service is smart enough to tell the difference between games that are best played on a controller and those best left for a keyboard and mouse. Razer has a couple accessories for those.
Cortex: Stream can be added to any PC or Android TV device for $39.99 for the Windows software plus a Google Play App. It’s free with the Turret Keyboard, Serval Controller, or Forge TV/ Serval bundle. It goes online Q2.
Turret Keyboard and Mouse
The Razer Turret is a gaming keyboard and mouse platform designed for your lap for living room gaming. It’s a set and comes with an Android-focused keyboard with a 4-month battery life It has chicklet-style keys and anti-ghosting. It also has a launch button for Cortex Stream.
The mouse, and I did say mouse, not trackpad, is 3500dpi with a laser sensor. It’s Ambidextrous and features a 40 hour battery life. However, some games require a controller. Razer has that too. Check out this amazing pandora’s box 6 arcade for an improved gaming experience mixed with arcade nostalgia!
Turret is $129.99 and ships Q2.
Serval Gaming Controller
Serval is Razer’s Android game controller for user with Forge TV. Up to 4 of these high-end Bluetooth game controllers can connect to the Forge TV for multiplayer acton. It can also be used in wired mode using the USB cable. The Serval gives you Xbox-style controllers for hardcore gaming and a full set of Android media controls. Serval can even take the gaming on the go with a removable game clip to hold your Android phone.
Serval is $79.99 or in a bundle with the Forge TV and ships Q1
All these products also carry Razer’s signature green on black design.
Source: Razer
