Kogan has just announced their first branded mobile phones which also happen to be powered by the Google Android platform – the Kogan Agora and Kogan Agora Pro. I must admit that they look quite decent; design is similar to that of Samsung Blackjack range.
Kogan Agora Google Android Phone Features:
- 2.5-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen.
- Integrated QWERTY keyboard.
- High-speed 3G network connection.
- One-Touch Google Search ™.
- Easy Web Browsing.
- Easy-to-use email with attachment support for images, videos, music and documents.
- Customisable Home Screen with instant Email, text message and IM notifications.
- Instant access to mobile Internet services (Gmail ™, YouTube ™, Google Talk ™, Google Calendar ™, Google Maps ™).
- Music Player.
- Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
- microSD™ expansion slot for all your storage needs.
The Kogan Agora Pro model comes with the welcome additions of GPS, WiFi and a 2MP camera on board.
Earlier this year I commented how Kogan would find it difficult to break into the mobile phone market in Australia but with prices of AU$299 for the Kogan Agora and AU$399 for Kogan Agora Pro, they are certainly making an attractive first offering. The carrot dangled in front us looks even more appealing when there is no carrier contract required and they report will work on any network!
The Kogan Agora / Agora Pro web pages encourage all to pre-order as stock is limited and set to be dispatched no sooner than 29th January 2009.
I’m all for the little guy taking on the giants. Especially when they’re Australian!
Here’s the Kogan Google Android Press Release:
MELBOURNE, Thursday 4th December 2008 – Kogan Technologies today unveiled the Kogan Agora, the first Australian mobile phone powered by the Android™ operating system.
Kogan Technologies will sell the Agora for AU$299 and the Agora Pro for AU$399. Both models are available for sale today on www.kogan.com.au. The phones are sold outright – with no contract – and will work on any network.
The Kogan Agora (AU$299) features a full QWERTY keyboard, central navigation key, 2.5” touchscreen, microSD slot, and 3G connectivity.
The Kogan Agora Pro (AU$399) adds a 2 MP camera, Wi-Fi, and GPS to the Agora’s impressive specifications.
Both models will ship to customers – in Australia and internationally – on January 29th 2009.
Kogan Technologies founder, Ruslan Kogan, said the Agora is proof that his company is achieving its goal of offering the latest technology at the best value prices.
“The Kogan team have been working very hard to bring out the exciting new phones powered by Google’s Android operating system at the right mix of price and specifications,” Kogan said.
“We’ve been listening to customers through our blog, and crammed in all the features we possibly could. The end result is the best value, fully-featured phone in the Australian market.
“We worked closely with manufacturers and vendors to develop drivers, software, and tweaks to make the Agora an intuitive and exciting experience for everyone.
“The design and features of the Kogan Agora makes the phone appeal to both consumers and business users.
“The Android operating system means the handset can capture and play music, photos and video, surf the web, play games, navigate, and organise your life with extremely powerful applications.”
Kogan has been a long time supporter of open source and Android™ provides a real alternative to Apple’s proprietary operating system for the iPhone.
“Google is a key player in developing efficient and innovative online solutions for customers around the world. The open source nature of Android means the operating system will continually improve over time,” Kogan said.
Some of the applications pre-loaded on the Kogan Agora are:
- Gmail™
- Google Search™
- Google Calender™
- Google Maps™
- Google Talk™
- YouTube™
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