A startup called PlayMG has announced the imminent release of a dedicated Android gaming handset they are calling the MG. The device features full access to Google Play in a lightweight package that won’t break the budget.
The MG comes packed with a single-core 1GHz Cortex A5 processor, 1GB of system RAM, a 4-inch touchscreen display coated in Gorilla Glass and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera used for facial recognition features. There’s 4GB of internal storage but an included 8GB microSD card bumps that up to 12GB total. If you need more space, simply swap out the 8GB card for something with more capacity.
The system ships with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a number of pre-installed titles. An 1,880mAh battery is reportedly good for up to 3.75 hours of play time and more than five days of stand-by. PlayMG says the device is lighter than a standard Android handset due to the fact that it lacks mobile phone internals.
A dedicated Android handheld might seem a bit redundant if you already own a capable Google-powered smartphone but there is at least one target market where the MG could fit right in.
If you have kids, this could make a great stocking-stuffer with the holidays fast approaching. I’ve personally seen many parents simply hand their high-end smartphone off to a toddler or small child to play with then seem shocked that it’s broken moments later. There’s no way to tell how durable the MG is without field testing it first but at just $149 ($169 after November 4 when it ships), it would be far cheaper to replace than a Galaxy S III or an iPhone 5.
The Android gaming device also makes a nice alternative to other portable game systems like the PlayStation Vita or Nintendo’s 3DS. Serious gamers will likely pass on the MG considering its low-power single core processor and the fact they probably already own a mobile phone with beefier internals.
