GCW Zero - An open-source, Linux Handheld.

[Johnny on Flame]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/JeJbu.png[/img]

[url=www.gcw-zero.com][img]https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/projects/344182/posts/394451/image-205874-full.jpg?1359419188[/img][/url]

Handhelds are on the market for as long as technology allows us to bring our nerd needs inside our pockets. Many enjoy some music on the go, some others might want to fill their spreadsheets outside of their offices, or perhaps, you just want to sit down and enjoy these games you've always loved while waiting on your train stop.
We live in a technological era where it is possible to place powerful gaming hardware that exceeds yesterday’s PCs in the palm of your hand. Tablets and smart phones are just one example of this. Their touch screens have already revolutionized casual, portable gaming. However, many gamers would agree that they are in their true natural habitat when in direct control of that experience with physical buttons and a real d-pad or authentic analog control. The world just needed these two ideas combined into one package for the gaming community.

[h2]"Cut to the chase, you're wasting my time! What the heck are you trying to sell?"[/h2]

We need your help to begin the production of the GCW Zero! Our development team believes that handhelds should be more than just a money spewing package like most black-box, closed handhelds that are on the market right now. Thus we built a device based on Open-Source technology.
But that's not enough, the world runs on money, and thus we need yours so this project can move forward.

[h2]"You've got my attention, tell me more about it."[/h2]

The GCW Zero is powered by a JZ 4770 SoC, which offers a MIPs32_R1 processor clocked at 1GHz, a VPU Core (which, if I recall, is programmable) clocked at 500MHz and a GPU(CG860) Core compliant with OpenGL ES2.0 and OpenVG 1.1, running a Linux 3.7 kernel with the OpenDingux userspace environment based on uCLibc.
The handheld comes with 8GB of internal memory, which can be easily expanded by simply getting a new MicroSD Card and flashing the device once more, or by using the external slot. The fact that our internal memory is a SD Card allows you to flash the device as many times as you wish, without being frightened about bricking your device.

[h2]"But, aren't there many android devices out there? Why should I get something NOT android?"[/h2]

Yes, lately a huge surge of android handsets have been made avaliable on the market, but none of them are really open-source, and most of them violate thousands of open-source licenses (GPL?) or ship stolen emulators. Don't even get me started on hardware issues like bouncy/sticky buttons.
The aim of this project is building an open-source platform for your gaming and homebrew needs, using the least ammount of resources, android eats your RAM and provides a big overhead, this won't happen with an OS developed with embedded systems in mind.

[h2]"Where can I get more info about it?"[/h2]

You can join our channel on IRC: irc.freenode.net@#gcw
You can read our website: [url]http://www.gcw-zero.com/[/url]
You can ask on this topic, PM me or read the Kickstarter page.

[h2]"I put the money in the CD tray and yet I got no GCW Zero, how do I acquire a unit for myself?"[/h2]

We made a first run of the unit, but it's already sold out, so if you're interested, check our Kickstarter project on the link below:

[url]http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gcw/gcw-zero-open-source-gaming-handheld[/url]

Thanks everyone for taking the time of reading the thread, and for possible backers of this project.

EDIT:

To show we are commited to free and open source applications and games we made our development repositories public. Be our guest and browse all of our source code. If you would like to be a contributor please message us at "[e-mail]" with your github id so we can grant you access. The repositories can be found here: [url]https://github.com/gcwnow?tab=repositories[/url]

EDIT 2/3/4/5:

[h2]System Specifications:[/h2]
[B]CPU:[/B] Ingenic JZ4770 1 GHz MIPs processor
[B]VPU:[/B] Programmable XBurts MIPs processor clocked at 500mhz.
[B]GPU:[/B] Vivante GC860, capable of OpenGL ES 2.0
[B]Display:[/B] 3.5 inch LCD with 320x240 pixels; 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal for retro gaming
[B]Memory:[/B] [del]256[/del] 512 MB DDR2 (Right now it uses only 11mb fully booted, so it has a good chunk of free RAM)
[B]Internal storage:[/B] [del]8[/del] 16 GB, most of which is available for applications and data (Expandable via SD Card swapping, tested up to 32GB, Should work with 64GB)
[B]External storage:[/B] micro SDHC up to 32 GB or micro SDXC of 64 GB (SDXC cards must be reformatted before use)
[B]Connectivity:[/B]
- External Mini USB 2.0 OTG
- Mini HDMI 1.3 out
- 3.5 mm (mini jack) A/V port for earphone and analog TV-out
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz, can connect to access point or direct device-to-device
[B]Audio:[/B]
- Stereo speakers
- mono microphone
- 3.5mm headphone jack
[B]Human Interfaces:[/B]
- Accelerometer (g-sensor)
- Vibration motors
- Analog Stick (true analog)
[B]Dimensions:[/B] 143 * 70 * 18 mm
[B]Weight:[/B] 8 oz / 225 g
[B]Battery: [/B]2800 mAh (Should give you about 8 hours of gameplay.)

[S31-Syntax]

"And it also comes in black..."

[I]SOLD[/I]

[veDemaG]

So it's essentially a handheld ouya with more homebrew

would buy if it had the right price and enough games got on it

[Mooba]

It's $135 for the console reward tier on Kickstarter, I could perhaps see myself maybe buying one possibly though it is kind of small somewhat. Dual joysticks would be nice too.

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=GameDev;39163356]So it's essentially a handheld ouya with more homebrew

would buy if it had the right price and enough games got on it[/QUOTE]

We have loads of FOSS and Retro games ported, also emulators ranging from the Atari to the PSX era. (PSX not being perfect yet.)
You can see gameplay of multiplayer games and emulators on this channel:

[url]https://www.youtube.com/user/qbertaddict1[/url]

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=windwakr;39164075]Why?[/QUOTE]

Most retro games are better on lower resolutions. (Also cutting costs, the cost of LCD screen are quite inflated nowadays, making sourcing higher resolution screens way too costy.)

[Olas]

[QUOTE=JohnnyOnFlame;39163589]We have loads of FOSS and Retro games ported, also emulators ranging from the Atari to the PSX era. (PSX not being perfect yet.)
You can see gameplay of multiplayer games and emulators on this channel:

[url]https://www.youtube.com/user/qbertaddict1[/url][/QUOTE]

When I was reading the OP I assumed the wording was copied and pasted from somewhere else. Didn't realize you were actually a part of this.

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=Olas;39164101]When I was reading the OP I assumed the wording was copied and pasted from somewhere else. Didn't realize you were actually a part of this.[/QUOTE]

I copied part of the intro from the kickstarter, the rest I worded myself for this forum.

[Unimaginative]

What are the specs like compared to the 3ds/vita?

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=Unimaginative;39164540]What are the specs like compared to the 3ds/vita?[/QUOTE]

I'll update OP with the Specs.

[Unimaginative]

[QUOTE=JohnnyOnFlame;39164566]I'll update OP with the Specs.[/QUOTE]

Awesome. If the specs are similar/superior to current gen i will definitely get one.

[nERVEcenter]

This looks totally awesome. I'd really have to think about dropping $135, but the hardware is very attractive and feature-complete, the software is OBVIOUSLY there, and there's very little to worry about in terms of shit support, because it's open-source and doesn't require $100 memory cards.

Seems like the kind of device that might have a developer community like the HTC HD2, with people pushing the thing long into the future. But it needs eyes on it first.

[RedStar]

this actually seems pretty damn good for $135, i think the caanoo was $150 when it came out, and it had less processing power that this does.

i'd totally buy one of these if i had the disposable income to.

[Johnny on Flame]

A new little tease for those interested in the project:
[video=youtube;WJ-99fPRu9I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ-99fPRu9I[/video]

[QUOTE=nERVEcenter;39164635]This looks totally awesome. I'd really have to think about dropping $135, but the hardware is very attractive and feature-complete, the software is OBVIOUSLY there, and there's very little to worry about in terms of shit support, because it's open-source and doesn't require $100 memory cards.

Seems like the kind of device that might have a developer community like the HTC HD2, with people pushing the thing long into the future. But it needs eyes on it first.[/QUOTE]

We're trying to build a community comparable with the A320's (Dingoo)/GPH Gamepark scene, which lasted for quite a long time.

[Arteus]

This is the type of handheld I've wanted for years, good lord I hope this gets funded.

[Anthos]

How different is this to systems like the Pandora?

[Breakfast Buddy]

I'm really close to throwing down 135 dollars for this, since I don't own a handheld at all.

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=Anthos;39166569]How different is this to systems like the Pandora?[/QUOTE]

- Form Factor: It's a console, rather than a laptop/notebook/ultrapc
- Different SoC: We're using the JZ4770, rather than an ARM based SoC.
- Price: 135$ against pandora's 600$.
- OS: We're running OpenDingux, pandora runs angstrom linux.

[editline]10th January 2013[/editline]

[QUOTE=Glitchman;39166624]I'm really close to throwing down 135 dollars for this, since I don't own a handheld at all.[/QUOTE]

If you want to sort out any doubts before doing so, feel free to pay our IRC channel a visit to chat with us.

[Olas]

I'm pretty sold on this. HDMI and Wireless, along with the processing power to run all my favorite emulators is pretty incredible for the pricepoint. I pledged the $135, can't wait to get my hands on one! (assuming it meets funding goals :fingerscrossed:)

[Johnny on Flame]

Updates:

We've got featured on a few news blogs!

[url]http://www.maxconsole.com/news/GENERAL/-GCW-Zero---The-Open-Source-retro-Gaming-Handheld-hits-Kickstarter-RKLS00000019196.html[/url]
[url]http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/11/games-inbox-gcw-zero-retro-handheld-ps3-vs-360-sales-and-illumiroom-3347763/[/url]
[url]http://tech.malaysia.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=251581447[/url]

Let's hope we can get on mainstream gaming/gadget blogs and websites! The more media/press exposure the best.

EDIT: Also forgot to post that we're also trending towards our goal quite well so far! Lets hope that the pace keeps or picks up!

[QUOTE=Olas;39169149]I'm pretty sold on this. HDMI and Wireless, along with the processing power to run all my favorite emulators is pretty incredible for the pricepoint. I pledged the $135, can't wait to get my hands on one! (assuming it meets funding goals :fingerscrossed:)[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the support, we appreciate it.

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=The golden;39178095]Just out of curiosity - what happens to development if the Kickstarter isn't successful?[/QUOTE]

We'll be back to doing small production batches, throttling the production to fit the needs imposed by the number of purchases.
(I believe so, I'll ask the big dude as soon as he gets online.)

[Reds]

While I unfortunately can't pledge due to current circumstances, this looks awesome, and I hope you get funded.

See if you can get some publicity and fish it around somewhere like Rockpapershotgun or something. Getting mentioned on popular sites is the best thing that could happen for publicity.

[Johnny on Flame]

[QUOTE=Reds;39178376]While I unfortunately can't pledge due to current circumstances, this looks awesome, and I hope you get funded.

See if you can get some publicity and fish it around somewhere like Rockpapershotgun or something. Getting mentioned on popular sites is the best thing that could happen for publicity.[/QUOTE]

We're trying to reach out for more publicity, tho it's not really the easiest of tasks. Our big guy Justin Barwick is scheduled to do a podcast for Geeks with Wives if I'm not mistaken, and we're [del]spamming[/del] sending tips for every major player in the press or homebrew/open source scene. Right now a featuring on some place like Phoronix or RPS like said could do a great difference in means of getting us closer to our goals.

[Johnny on Flame]

---------------------------------

Don't know if I'm allowed to bump, but a little update is due:

Keeping the same values, all GCW Zeros will now come with 512mb RAM and 16gb of internal memory. Double the memory!

[NTripleOne]

Screen resolution and singular analogue stick turns me right off of this. :/

[deerinheat]

I also pledged $135. This is too good to pass up. I'm going to tell everyone to get it!

[n0cturni]

Reminds me of the Game Boy Micro.

[deerinheat]

[QUOTE=n0cturni;39236392]Reminds me of the Game Boy Micro.[/QUOTE]

Get it.

[Olas]

For those who love data & kickstarter, kicktraq is a handy website. [url]http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/gcw/gcw-zero-open-source-gaming-handheld/#chart-exp-projection[/url]

[url=http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/gcw/gcw-zero-open-source-gaming-handheld/][img]http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/gcw/gcw-zero-open-source-gaming-handheld/minichart.png[/img][/url]

[Tobin]

Goddammit I just bought a 3DS.