We had the chance to put a few questions to Envizions CEO Derrick Samuels regarding the new EVO: Phase One, the PC / console hybrid, in an attempt to clarify exactly what gamers can expect from the device when it launches this fall.
One lucky MegaGames reader will actually own one this fall, a week before the rest of the world, and everyone is discussing it but what is the machine we call EVO: Phase One?
Traditionally any new console is treated with suspicion by gamers as it is usually hard to see past the marketing hype. Imagine a machine that plays all PC games but also innovative console titles, a device which will let you play different games on several locations in the house simultaneously but can also record TV and deliver shows and movies on demand, a machine which will use biometrics to allow you access to your saved games; now stop imagining and keep reading to find out how exactly it all comes together.
The questions we put to Mr. Samuels examine the vision behind EVO: Phase One, the actual features of the machine and how gamers can expect to benefit from the device. It was refreshing to have answers which focused on the product and avoided the usual marketing spiel while the feeling you get from Envizions is that they are a closely knit unit working hard on their product. Although the official unveiling of Evo: Phase One will take place at E3 2006 in May, MegaGames gives you the lowdown on a promising alternative for gamers.
1. Could you briefly describe your role within Envizions and give our readers an idea of the history of the company leading up to the creation of EVO.
My role at Envizions is the CEO, Founder, and EVO creator. Believe it or not the EVO idea started as out being a super computer early in 2003. In the beginning there was a lot of learning and research. The first thing we did was write and submit the patent. In the beginning it was just four of us, but to succeed with EVO, we needed more investors. Once we found several more investors things slowly took shape. The system gradually evolved into a massive media entertainment console hub. The core idea was to allow customers to have "choice." In other words, if a customer wanted a midlevel computer they got that with EVO, but if someone wanted a game console they got that too via broadband software download. The system was so massive that it had to be divided into phases to make it economically possible for Envizions.
2. The new website that you launched for EVO - Phase One describes it as a multimedia entertainment hub. How would you describe what EVO is and what it does?
Yes. Evo is a multimedia entertainment hub or master server/or control point. The idea is to converge both a PC and game console into one sleek box at a competitive price. The system will allow many users to access the system at the same time, watch movies, record and pause live TV, play PC games, console games, and function with both PC and console accessories. The customer decides how far they want to customize the system. The main hub will work in conjunction with mini RF wireless routers that receive game data and store it on the hard drives for a certain period of time. So in reality games can be played in any location of the home away from the master hub. One game disc can be played in several locations at once. So siblings can buy the same game and play it at the same time from one EVO master hub and stream it to any RF wireless router.
3. Creating a video game console in this time of next-generation machines such as XBox 360 and PS3 is an ambitious undertaking. How does EVO compare to these machines?
Yes, developing a game console is a huge undertaking. We like to think that EVO is certainly different from current offerings on the market. EVO was not designed to concentrate on one idea such as CPU power or super graphics card. Our key focus was to deliver a balanced platform that could be enjoyed by many people, thus allowing customers to upgrade the system as they see fit.
4. Has the hardware for the EVO been finalized? You mention the use of CoolIT Systems Inc. MTEC liquid cool technology, does that mean that the hardware will be overclocked or tweaked in some way?
At this point it's 80% finalized on the hardware. We are glad to be with all our partners who see EVO as a great platform to showcase their products or services.
5. Has a price point been set for EVO - Phase One?
Not yet. We hope to get it between $579 - $679. We hope to let customers finance EVO so they can have more than one option to get an EVO console. We are even considering offering different bundle packages. The basic package will ship with console and EVO remote. We also have some bonus material inside the packaging.
6. Will users be able to upgrade EVO as they would a traditional PC or will they have to purchase specific EVO-compatible hardware?
Great question! The system will be upgradeable to a certain degree. Phase One will be upgradeable like a traditional PC. Once a customer decides to convert the main hub into a game console via software download or disc, the hardware that the unit ships with will be the target for developing games on EVO. The wireless routers won't be upgradeable until a new router ships. So in essence if a customer decides not to convert the main hub, he can use the router as the console.
7. EVO will support PC games, will they work in the same way as they do on a PC? Will all PC games work on EVO?
Yes, EVO will support PC games. Computer games will work in the same capacity as other PC games. Some games may require hardware changes.
8. Will EVO owners be able to use the online features of PC games as usual, including playing MMO titles?
Great question. There is no limit.
9. You also mention that Envizions will create custom console games for EVO. Will those be original IPs developed exclusively for EVO or will we see new games being developed for PC, current consoles and EVO?
Yes. We will develop our own exclusive games in house for EVO and PC games.
10. How will Envizions EVO games be delivered? Will you use some form of online delivery system or traditional retail methods?
Both online and traditional.
11. Will you establish an online channel for the delivery of PC games and content to EVO owners?
Yes, we'll have a contract in place already for online delivery.
12. Will you work with established studios for EVO content or will you focus on emerging developers? Could you give us some examples of titles under development for EVO?
Yes, Envizions would love to work with any company to develop games for EVO. Current games that are in the works are: Kid Destiny, Sin, and Autobahn 07.
13. Will EVO games support HDTV?
Yes, our system will support HDTV.
14. EVO features mention Zvetco Biometric technology; could you give us an idea of how that will work? Will fingerprint-sensing be used to access EVO as well as in save games?
EVO will allow customers to save their games or deny access for security reasons by their fingerprint.
15. Envizions will also introduce S.R.I. (Simulated Realistic Intelligence) software what exactly will that feature offer to gamers? Will it affect all games (PC and console) or will it have to be incorporated into games?
The S.R.I will only affect EVO console games at this point. The S.R.I will incorporate A.I, environment, and player interaction. The more a gamer interacts with the controller the A.I will increase, if it's really raining outside...it will rain in your game in real time affecting some of the obstacles in the game. Our goal is to bring gaming close to real time reaction.
16. Can you describe how EVO networking will work? You mention the ability to send EVO games to wireless EVO routers and the ability for many players to play from one master hub. How will that work and won't that raise hardware performance issues?
Great question; Phase One of the system that is shipping this year will be the master hub. Phase Two will be the release of the wireless RF routers. Once a player inserts a game into the main hub it will download it the hard drive of the system. The customer decides what router in the home he or she wishes to stream the game too. Once the game is stored on the router it can be played via router; thus freeing up the master hub. Gamers can store many games, so once the game is stored it can boot instantly. The main hub is there to store the content so it can be deployed anywhere in the home the customers chooses to have the game sent. Customers don't have to purchase an EVO: Phase One for each room just a router. The main hub and RF router can work as one or as separate units. One EVO game can be sent to many routers in the home. The goal over the years is to allow EVO to transmit data, movies and games anywhere in the world to any Envizions portable handheld devices, phones, or automobiles. We want customers to be the gate keepers of their own content which they can retrieve or store for later use. This idea will take shape later down the road. The router will be extremely smaller when it is released. Eventually we hope to make use of the dual core or multi-core processing network in the future. As I stated before, EVO is more than just game console but a multi-media entertainment hub that will explore different levels of media and entertainment.
17. We recently featured the news at MegaGames.com of the Envizions - Akimbo partnership for video on demand. What content can EVO owners expect?
Our customers can expect movies, documentaries, anime, game previews and videos!
18. Will achieving partnerships, such as the Akimbo deal, be a continuous Envizions goal? Can we expect more?
Yes, we have several opportunities that we will develop over the course of time.
19. Will there be any hands-on time for visitors to E3 this May? When is beta testing scheduled to begin?
A date has not been confirmed for beta testing, maybe after E3. In closing, I like to thank the entire Megagames community for giving us this opportunity to bring EVO to the forefront.
