Kogan magic revives Agora Android

US push to drop electronic tech costs

Darren Pauli (Computerworld)
23 June, 2009 16:11
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Kogan Agora

Melbourne company Kogan Technologies will release its Google Android-powered mobile phone by year's end after its attempt to launch the Agora phone last year was crushed by technical problems.

Speaking today in Sydney, founder Ruslan Kogan said several providers expected to launch the Google Android phones this year after “industry red tape” is bypassed.

Vodafone, 3 Mobile and Optus are launching the HTC Magic loaded with the Android operating system this month.

“A major company that doesn't want us to release [the Android phone] is creating red tape... others expect that this will clear and are looking to release by the end of this year ,” Kogan told Computerworld.

“It will be similar to the [HTC] Magic,” he said, adding the device will have a large multi-touch screen.

Kogan will travel to the United States to finalise its first step into overseas markets, which the company will spearhead with its Pro range of HD TVs. He expects the company's “very aggressive” push in the US to succeed because Americans, like Australians, tend to scour the Internet for the best deals when buying technology.

“Australian prices will drop as our buying power increases from selling to a market that is about 20 times bigger,” Kogan told reporters.

The company will ship from warehouses in Kentucky and expects to open a presence in Birmingham in the United Kingdom early next year, from where it will sell across Europe.

Kogan Technologies gave reporters a peek at some of the upcoming electronic goods it will offer including a Wi-Fi picture frame capable of displaying streamed social media feeds and online photos (from $169); a wireless Internet and digital radio ($199) and its improved 1080p HD camcorder which is now HDMI ready ($369).