I'm very excited to be able to show you the Kogan Agora and the Kogan Agora Pro.
The Agora will cost AU$299, and the Agora Pro will be AU$399. Both are on sale now and will ship to you on January 29th 2009.
The full specs can be found here.
I know the price has changed a little -- the impact of the global financial crisis on currencies means that $199 is simply impossible. However, we've been working hard to get you two very affordable, but feature-packed handsets. I hope you're as excited as we are!
Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Cheers,
Ruslan
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HERE IT IS: THE KOGAN AGORA
4 DEC 2008
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Hear what our customer's have to say.
shelton2000 says...
looks great does anyone know if it has an Accelerometer
Posted at 9:53 a.m. on December 4, 2008
hussain says...
Bit of a shame, $199 was v cheap...
How come it has a blackberry logo? and a kogan logo?
Posted at 9:57 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Ben P says...
The devices look nice, although very blackberry like.
The specs seem to be fairly high end, save for the camera.
Where has the iPhone inspiration gone?
Is the GPS mapping on the Agora Pro via Google Maps or is it installed?
Headphone output: 3.5mm, usb or other?
Any chances of a video unboxing and review? I am certainly offer to help out.
Posted at 9:57 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Mik says...
Good choice on the name, I'm glad it wasn't an android-like, G1-like, or iPhone-like name after all of that discussion.
Pity it will be shipped next year, because I would like to see a review of the device before I purchase (I do with all items)
If the price point was kept around $200, I may have just lunged at it, but unfortunately now I must fence-sit for a while. Not that I don't find it cheap, it's just $200 was going to be incredible value. I totally understand that it cannot be done for that price.
I hope a review comes out of this device asap, so that I can evaluate it against other phones in the category. Just unfortunate that the Nokia n97 was announced for Q1 2009.. though I would prefer an Android phone over a Symbian...
So much to say.
Good work though, I have been checking for updates daily.
I guess I can't do a whole lot more now than sit and wait.
Posted at 10:12 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Mark C says...
I second Ben P,
Can you please get some video up running through features etc.
Looks like you are onto a winner here
Posted at 10:15 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Nathan J says...
Looks nice, if not targetted to Blackberry users. If it had come with a bigger screen and no keyboard (or even a hidden one under the screen) I would've put an order down. I'm not a fan of Blackberry style devices.
Nirvana is an HTC Touch HD running Android. Looks like I have to sit on my hands and wait.
Nice job though guys, I don't want to detract from the good work you've done getting anything this good out the door!
Posted at 10:16 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hey everyone,
I will do my best to get some journalists to review this before the shipping date. I can't guarantee they won't sell out before that date, but I'll let you know as soon as I get the units to some media publications.
Cheers,
Ruslan
Posted at 10:18 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Mikal says...
The link to your store 404s.
Posted at 10:25 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Chris says...
Hey Ruslan,
what will the shipping to Europe/Germany be for the pro version?
THX & Cheers!
Chris
Posted at 10:40 a.m. on December 4, 2008
DrRider says...
Hi Ruslan
Can't access to the full spec page. At least, could you please make that page available?
Posted at 10:41 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Blunt says...
The Pro looks good, unfortunately being twice the anticipated price it looks like a non-starter as an impulse purchase for me (as $199 model was mean't to have GPS and wifi).
You could manufacture and sell an absolute ton of these to a telco like 3 that is trying to encourage more people to use web content on their phone. Guess that this against the Kogan philosophy of direct selling though.
At this kind of price it is a bit exxy for me for a mid-contract, tide me over upgrade phone, but a great price for a telco to offer on a competitve plan with data a minimal repayment cost.
Posted at 10:41 a.m. on December 4, 2008
R. says...
Well done!!
It has all the features I hoped for, and the price is quite reasonable since we aren't locked to any provider!
A few questions now:
- Can we have more specs: headphone output? how does it handle android updates?
- Can we have more pictures (bigger ones please)?
- How many devices are you manufacturing? I hope it doesn't sell out too fast?
Posted at 10:47 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Blunt says...
Does anyone know if android/this phone supports MMS, Video on the camera, copy/paste, messages to multiple recipients? These are the features that the iPhone lacks but are on the must have list for me.
Posted at 10:50 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Agr0 says...
I'd have to agree with the above comments.
Whilst I have been eagerly looking forward to this, I would have preferred not to have the full keyboard.
The shop page still isn't working at the moment, hope it's up soon so we can get more info
Posted at 10:56 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hi everyone,
Sorry about the shop page going down, it was just hit very hard in a short space of time.
Good point about the logo -- it's not the BlackBerry logo but it is somewhat similar. We're going to talk to Google about getting the Android logo for that function button, which should look pretty cool!
Thanks for the comments so far.
Posted at 11 a.m. on December 4, 2008
demon rob says...
and I want a slide out keyboard with larger screen, but the more android options the merrier!
Posted at 11 a.m. on December 4, 2008
SL says...
Sounds great. Will this work no worries by just inserting a Tel$tra NextG sim?
Posted at 11:28 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Pedro S says...
Great stuff. Congratulations on getting it all sorted.
Please get them into the hands of some reviewers ASAP.
Will they be being demonstrated in Melbourne somewhere?
Interesting name BTW, I hope people don't get agoraphobia.
Posted at 11:48 a.m. on December 4, 2008
Blunt says...
Micky, Ruslan can probably confirm but I believe that the current version of Android doesn't support the lack of a physical keyboard.
Posted at 12:06 p.m. on December 4, 2008
willyroo says...
Very interesting. The $$64k question is: Will Telstra allow this to operate on their 3G 850 HSDPA network?
Posted at 12:14 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Jeremy says...
Boring device...
Posted at 12:18 p.m. on December 4, 2008
N says...
From the SMH website:
"he will sell the phone from December 15 for $199...Kogan said his Google phone would look similar to the iPhone in that it would be a touch-screen device with no built-in keyboard. He said it would include WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and a trackball to aid in navigation."
$199 - no, 50-100% more.
Similar to the iphone - no, it looks like a blackberry.
no built-in keyboard - no.
Wifi, GPS - only if you pay DOUBLE the original price.
I mean, it costs what it costs, and it's probably still a good product, but if you're going to use 'news' outlets as free advertising, why not get your facts right instead of bs about a product that is either half as good or twice as expensive.
Posted at 12:18 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Montalbert says...
No specifics on screen etc? capacitive?
I know you can't please everyone, but i have decided i am not gonna go backward in screen size on my next phone- screen will need to be 3"+.
Think i will wait for an android phone with bigger screen (Touch HD with android- once they release software keyboard)
Posted at 12:30 p.m. on December 4, 2008
kevin says...
3.5mm jack????
i want to use for a media player, but not if i have to use an adapter :(
Posted at 12:43 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Micky says...
@Blunt
Yeah I know, it's just my ideal "concept" phone. I don't need Ruslan to confirm Android's current lack of On Screen Keyboard, I am already aware of this fact, and that it will be coming some time Q1 next year from what I have read. Hopefully at that time Ruslan can revisit this phone :-)
Posted at 12:47 p.m. on December 4, 2008
beefsack says...
Mind boggling how this has gone from a cheap fully featured consumer oriented phone to a fairly standard business oriented phone prices just below the competition.
Not saying they are bad phones, but for me having a full qwerty keyboard on the face of the phone makes the phone difficult to type and makes it feel like you are carrying a clipboard around in your pocket. I definitely would have taken a phone without a qwerty keyboard at all over one that has qwerty on the face.
Even being a business phone, I still would have considered it at $200 with GPS too, but at double the price I'm afraid this has gone from a must buy to a must avoid.
Posted at 12:55 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Ryan says...
I have read a few rumours that when data is disabled in android it still accesses data.
does any one know if this is true or if it has been fixed?
The phone looks pretty good, however, I would prefer a full size screen and at least 5mp camera.
Posted at 12:56 p.m. on December 4, 2008
AJ P says...
Also it looks like you have photoshopped all the original images of the phone and removes the blackberry logo???
SO IS this handset a hckaed blakcberry??? why have you photoshopped the images of the PHONE???
which logo will be on it??
THE world is watching Kogan
Posted at 1:24 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
This is certainly not a BlackBerry. I recognised your comment and will be changing the image on the button. It was not the BlackBerry logo, but it did look somewhat similar.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to see if we can get the droid on it -- otherwise something appropriate will signify the function key.
Posted at 1:30 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hussain, just to confirm, this phone is powered by Android, not an Android 'patch'.
Posted at 1:33 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Simon Rumble says...
Looks very cool but I'd be unlikely to buy without being able to at least see it in action, and ideally read some reviews from someone who's used it for a while. Any chance of sending one around the country for some public demonstrations? I'm sure with the interest there is, there could easily be a session in each of the capital cities. Happy to help out there for Sydney if you like.
Posted at 1:48 p.m. on December 4, 2008
baconheist says...
yep. I agree with Simon Rumble. No keyboard and i would have been sold...
Posted at 2:14 p.m. on December 4, 2008
baconheist again says...
not Simon Rumble - I agree with Chris I meant
Posted at 2:17 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Grendel says...
Ruslan - it looks like a great phone, and even at $399 is half the price of similar phones. Do you know what the SAR (electromagnetic radiation) rating of the phone is?
I'd be keen to see some independant reviews, but it looks like something I'd buy.
Posted at 2:18 p.m. on December 4, 2008
baconheist again says...
Bah - not Simon Rumble, I agree with Chris...
Posted at 2:19 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Daniel T says...
This is so similar to my Dopod it`s not funny, dunno if i`m willing to part with that much to get this phone as there has been issues with small onboard memory with the G1, i`ll wait for a review, at $200 it was worth getting to play with, at $399(not worth going for the $299) it`d have to replace my regular phone, so basically I want to see some reviews.
Main questions are : Can you update your specs page with memory, type of headphone adaptor, and what size MicroSD cards it will support?
Posted at 2:29 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Blinky says...
Rulsan,
If I pre-order a unit are funds taken out of my CC immediately or do you wait until the product is actually shipping. I would love to order one now but I really don't want to waiting around for a "promise" of deliver at the end of Jan.
Posted at 2:34 p.m. on December 4, 2008
confused says...
Where would one go to 'try' such a handset and associated functionality before you buy?
Also interested in a few finer details about the GPS... Maps inside, or does it access google earth?
Can it be used (3g/nextG) fully on all networks?
Posted at 2:59 p.m. on December 4, 2008
KJN says...
Why in your press images are there two ')' keys?
Posted at 3:36 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Macca says...
@KJN: looks like the images of the phone are photoshoped (maybe because a production model has not yet been completed). I think that explains the very bright looking blue text on the buttons and the analogue clock widget that shows a different time to the digital clock in the top right corner of the screen.
I have mixed feelings about this device at the price point offered. Aside from widgets, I don't know what else it offers that isn't already done but the all-touchscreen Nokia 5800XM. The 5800XM will cost approx $450AUD when released and this puts it in direct competition whilst having significantly better specs on paper.
Posted at 3:47 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Camurphy says...
Ruslan how many have been pre-ordered so far? Got a PRO on the way for me :)
Is the headphone jack 3.5mm? Is the microSD card reader SDHC?
Awesome work mate.
Posted at 4:01 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Ivo says...
I ordered one (Pro) right away this morning. It's a lot of bang for your buck. I'm getting this as a development unit, and, save for the camera, it bests my TyTn II spec-wise (which still goes for $400+ second hand). If it really ships on the 29th of Jan, I'm a happy customer! :)
Posted at 4:03 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Adam says...
Great to see this phone at such a great price, it looks good but unfortunately its not really the kind of design I'm looking for. I wish it was designed to look more like an iPhone or an LG Viewty but with a slide out keyboard to allow for a larger screen and keyboard. I'm not really into the whole portrait QWERTY keyboard, I'd prefer it to be a landscape one (if that makes sense, hard to describe what I'm thinking lol). But there are a lot of people who would like this design so good job anyway :)
Posted at 4:49 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Peter K says...
Such a shame the freight costs to Country Western Australia are about the same price as a Flight to the UK.
Fair dinkum Ruslan, how the hell can you justify $160.00 in freight for a mobile phone?
Posted at 5 p.m. on December 4, 2008
maisics says...
@macca thats before tax for the 5800 (which i think i'll get)
a "2.5-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 262K QVGA (320 X 240 pixel) resolution" will not do
just making sure is it a 3.5mm headphone jack and is it micro sd expandable?
Posted at 5:02 p.m. on December 4, 2008
James says...
Software question:
Will the phone include the proprietary Android Market application? (one of the few bits of Android that is not freely distributable)
Posted at 5:06 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Chris says...
I'm curious to whether it supports microSDHC.
If it does, a 16gb card would go nicely.
Posted at 5:07 p.m. on December 4, 2008
one.m.davis says...
Well I like it,
Many people (including myself) strongly dislike onscreen keyboards, and enter information into our phones "on the street" regularly. I would love a bigger screen, but will not sacrifice a physical keyboard for a bigger screen, and don't want a bigger phone. Slide out keyboards can be an option, but tend to make the unit chunkier, and more fragile.
I guess it depends if you want your smartphone to be phone with laptop-esque functionality or a laptop with phone-esque size. For me, I want a featured-up PHONE, so the candy bar form will remain the winner.
at $200 I would have just bought one, I agree at $400 I will want to see one 1st, so I will cirtainly miss this 1st run. (Yes, this is more expensive than anticipated, but the Oz dollar is not what it was either, plus "from 199" would have always been the lower spec model, so it hasn't doubled in price)
Posted at 5:12 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Nik says...
So how do we upload new android distro's etc? Does it come with a cable and the ability to flash or do we put it on the microSD and just overwrite the old OS files?
Amazing effort BTW. Putting all those specs into one shiny package at a respectable price, I'll be getting one
Posted at 5:14 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Da Ereeser says...
Where do you guys see a "Blackberry" logo? The holes on the back are for the speaker and the "Back" arrow is just that: an arrow. I do wonder why there are 2 "close parenthesis" buttons. just move the 0 down to the left close parenthesis key or change the parenthesis keys to * and # keys for dialing.
Posted at 5:15 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Matt says...
blah blah blah - I have a low tolerance for the smart-arsed whining of some of the posted comments - the world is full anal-ists that talk and do nothing.
Ruslan, sen-bloody-sational. Good on you for doing this. You deserve the support of every Australian techie for this one. I ordered mine within 5 mins of seeing the news that you'd launched the product.
Posted at 5:19 p.m. on December 4, 2008
andrew says...
from the specs:
"# Mini-USB Connectivity (charging, headset)"
so im gathering that 3.5mm is out......
Posted at 5:22 p.m. on December 4, 2008
David T says...
Ruslan,
I understand your probably really busy so I'm happy to wait for the answers to the following questions, i hope you can answer them.
1. How much warranty is with the phone, and if it breaks do we send it to you in Melbourne or to a nominated Australian service center?
2. Please provide specs on the head phone jack (This is important and relevant to a phones functions for many people)
3. What is the largest MicroSD card that is supported by the phone? I would assume since it is Linux based it could support 16GB + but i wait for your confirmation.
4. For pre-orders do you deduct money from the Credit Card now or is it done when the phones arrive in the country and a warning is given prior to processing? I don't want money taken out unless i will be getting a phone, yes a touch of paranoia i guess.
5. Can this sync to Microsoft outlook? If not how can we manage contacts with it? Does Google have a facility for this as this is a major function for me and might even be a deal breaker, i need to make sure contacts are able to be managed efficiently and effectively.
6. Does the phone come with software to manage the installation of apps? If not how are applications installed on this phone? (Someone else might know the answer to this)
I will purchase this phone, in fact i will probably get 2 of them to begin with and a further 5 after but i want to make sure i am not going to get screwed with a dud phone that does not meet the basic needs, i am holding of getting the BB storm, i have been strong supporter of Black Berry since i moved over from Windows Mobile, i just want to make sure i am not back stepping and going back into the dark ages.
On the flip side well done for providing what appears on face value a brilliant entry level pricing for what again appears to be a well advanced phone.
Cheers,
David.
Posted at 5:28 p.m. on December 4, 2008
David T says...
OK we can scratch Question number 2 the answer to that is...
A: Mini-USB Connectivity (charging, headset)
But there are a couple more :)
1. Under the mail attachment section, it does not list any word documents or PDF documents or other business related documents, is there a way or can it be supported on this phone?
2. Does this have push mail or does it just use standard pop/smtp over the 3G network, it would be handy to know to try and work out what plans are best suited for this phone.
Hmm that will do for now, i don't want to be too imposing.
Cheers,
David.
Posted at 5:38 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Tangent says...
Judging from the UI, unless it is showing the Pro version, the image cannot possibly be the result of 320 x 240. Well, that only stands if the Pro version sports a 640x480 resolution.
Posted at 5:47 p.m. on December 4, 2008
BM says...
Changed a LITTLE??
33% is not little.This guys is just a con merchant. dodgy as..
but still a nice guy :)
Posted at 7:51 p.m. on December 4, 2008
Mr. International says...
So anyways, will Kogan ship these things internationally?
Posted at 8:10 p.m. on December 4, 2008
maisics says...
kogan you have to advertise this all over Australia
this is the only android available to us. Connect with some networks, make it big time.
Posted at 8:56 p.m. on December 4, 2008
R. says...
Come on, he did a pretty good job!
Most of the people who took the time to write on comment on the blog said they wouldn't mind paying a bit more if it meant better features and reliability. I guess Ruslan listened to us!
Now let's wait for the reviews to see how the phone does... I hope the keyboard is usable and not too small.
ps: can't wait to see more *real* pictures.
Posted at 9:40 p.m. on December 4, 2008
DrZhivago says...
Nice phone!
People in S.E.Asia are eagerly waiting for such a phone..
I am gonna buy it..
Any plans to sell it in Malaysia? apart from Shipping it.
Posted at 10:02 p.m. on December 4, 2008
TheLostSwede says...
@Mr. International
They do, there's a link that says International Buyers - Click HERE makes it kinda easy huh? and the delivery cost is not that high at all, especially compared to the domestic Australian delivery cost.
Posted at 10:31 p.m. on December 4, 2008
mark says...
299$ is 236Euro's which isn't that bad compared to lets say a blackberry/iphone..
Posted at 11:11 p.m. on December 4, 2008
dom says...
i was wondering if you where on getting THE KOGAN AGORA model only or will you be getting over models as well.
eg the HTC android. the model with the flip screen.
Posted at 12:42 a.m. on December 5, 2008
UDVOX says...
I took the plunge, ordered the pro - let the (waiting) games begin.
Posted at 1:33 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Harris says...
will be better to have 480X320 for Android... like blackberry bold
Posted at 1:36 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Yuxiang T says...
Hey this is from Singapore and is wondering what is the package content like. Is it possible to give us a hang of what will be included out-of-the-box? =)
Posted at 3:21 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Jeff K says...
NOT ONE OF YOU HAS ASKED ABOUT BATTERY LIFE!
this guy doesnt say anything about it in the specs at all and with the nature of android working constantly over a 3G connection you would doubt the battery would be any good at all...
c'mon wake up guys..if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isnt.
Posted at 3:28 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Erwin says...
Will also foreign keyboads (like german QWERTZ with äöüß) be available?
Posted at 4:45 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Matthias says...
Hello,
if you could offer the phone with a german keypad as an option in the near future, i would be also very much interested get to one.
Posted at 5:31 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Jae says...
I'm curious if the device drivers for the hardware are all open source software? Is this device easily hackable, or is it using similar locks to the G1 from T-Mobile in the U.S.
Posted at 6:05 a.m. on December 5, 2008
GOMAB2k4 says...
I am on the fence. More information on these devices may sway me...
Posted at 6:10 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Devin says...
Great Blog. I am curious too about the ability to use this in the US. And I am curious about battery life. I wanted to blog about that on my simplyg1 site as well.
Posted at 6:19 a.m. on December 5, 2008
j says...
Ruslan,
according to http://phandroid.com/2008/12/04/kogan-agora-pro-android-p... the Agora will not have access to T-Mobile's 3G network in the US. Is this correct? Please someone with more information prove me wrong!
Posted at 6:30 a.m. on December 5, 2008
martini says...
Sold! It took me 5 min to decide to but this phone after learning about it on Slashdot. Would have never known it existed otherwise. Has all the features I'm looking for in a phone and just may kick ass on my Nokia E61 which was a lot more expensive than this phone. Can't wait till the new year. Good job Ruslan.
Posted at 9:07 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Briton says...
Will it sync my contacts and calender to a PC (outlook) or Mac (iCal/address book) or do I have to use the Missing Sync?
Posted at 9:30 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Matthaus at VentureBeat.com says...
Hey Ruslan,
congrats, mate. We would be very interested to preview the phone. Let me know if you can send us a unit.
Matthaus
Posted at 9:31 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Fakephoto says...
The screen has the same fraud as the original google pics with different times for digital & analog clock.
Posted at 9:43 a.m. on December 5, 2008
aj P says...
I wonder if this phone has really been tested lol
Posted at 10:14 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Agr0 says...
I'm buying a Pro pending Ruslan's response on the following;
- Are funds charged now, or upon delivery?
- Is the firmware easily upgradeable to new versions of Android?
- Is the headphone output 3.5 or usb?
- Is the GPS actually a GPS that updates current position, or just an internet product like Google maps to plan routes?
- what size MicroSD cards will it support? 16gb?
- Will it ship with PC software if required to sync with PC?
Posted at 10:23 a.m. on December 5, 2008
henry says...
you say you could not get the price $199 because of the aussie dollar. you do realise that the aussie dollar was less by 3 cents when you wrote the article.
Therefore you just lied to everyone. not only that you lied about the price. you mislead everyone, i hope your competitors take you out.
also the whoe thing was a lie because its coming end of jan. you said 15th dec, massive difference bogan.
you also said 3" touch screen, track ball, etc.. the whole thing was a lie. read the article man..
im definately not buying from you every again. theres plenty of businesses like you out there. and with a better brand name..
conclusion: you talk crap.
Posted at 10:55 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Tim says...
The phone looks great but a bit disapointing that it won't be able to access the Optus or Vodafone 900Mhz HSDPA networks? Any chance of a varient that will?
Posted at 11:36 a.m. on December 5, 2008
chris says...
wow henry, settle down.
Posted at 11:37 a.m. on December 5, 2008
Getreal says...
For people whining over the price - get over it. If you are so price sensitive that $200 makes a big difference this isn't the phone for you. Android is currently designed on the assumption you will have an unlimited data plan. The cost of your data plan will far exceed the cost of the phone.
If you are whining about $200 dollars now what will you do when the first 48Mb system update is downloaded over the air ? The point is - its an Android phone. If you don't get why that is good then move on.
Posted at 12:01 p.m. on December 5, 2008
William says...
Hey, can someone tell me if Kogan will ship this little wonder to canada?
Posted at 12:03 p.m. on December 5, 2008
david says...
I can recall when Kogan first announced this, I was wondering just how much hardware you can pack into a phone given the price. I am impressed!
Yes Henry, the price is different from the original $199 but as someone who has also had dealings with chinese manufacturers, I know only too well that things can "happen" and it is a VERY different marketplace to Australia. Just overcoming the language barrier is hard enough... so my congratulations on even getting this project off the ground!
As for battery life: READ THE SPECS
400 minutes talk time
300 hours standby
Naturally, these things are just a guide and probably overstated as ALL manufacturers tend to do. I've yet to have a look at Android in much depth but I imagine that the ability to turn off 3G and wireless through software as you can do with the iPhone will significantly increase battery life.
I will definitely be considering the Pro model but I will probably miss the first run. Years of experience in IT tells me "Wait a while for the 'early-adopters' to find the problems and for more reviews to trickle through."
Posted at 12:17 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hi everyone,
I hope to be able to reply to all your questions and comments over the coming days. Thanks for your suggestions, comments, and support.
Henry, I know the economic situation has not changed since my initial interview -- however as I mentioned to The Age and The Sydney Morning herald yesterday, there were significantly higher than expected R&D costs. Admittedly I did underestimate the impact of the currency fluctuation. This was my mistake -- all I can tell you is that when I initially spoke about this product I had every intention of releasing it at the mentioned date and price.
At the same time I think it is important to remember that release dates often shift. This is very unfortunate, but the delay in shipping date for us has meant you will be getting a better, more reliable product. As an example, the Samsung Omnia was delayed by nearly twelve months! It's not excusable, but delays are an inherent part of the consumer electronics industry.
Henry, I'm sorry this has altered your perception of the Kogan brand. Nevertheless, I value everyone's opinion and I will do my best to answer all the questions set out here.
Talk to you soon,
Ruslan
Posted at 12:21 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Dana Y says...
Ruslan,
I have to say you have done well in putting this phone together. I have owned the iPhone, the Omnia, and the Nokia N95 and NONE of them have given me the punch for the price that your unit promises. You have my promise that I will be ordering more than a few.
The only thing I need is a review on the unit. Pictures, video of the unit, etc.
I will be waiting for this.
Thank you so much!
Dana Y.
Posted at 1:16 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Luke says...
Congradulations Ruslan such a great device. Its fantastic to see you on here answering questions and talking to people - you would never get that with a manufacturer like Samsung or Ericsson.
I was just wondering if this phone proves popular enough, if you would have any plans to relase a touch screen only Android phone?
Posted at 2:10 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Matty W says...
Hey, can you get some phones out to online reviewers ASAP. I'm more likely to read something online han in a magazine.
'm quite keen on getting one of these and love the overall look.
I quite like that it doesn't look like an iPhone as to be perfectly honest thats one of the main reasons I'm so interested in Android based mobiles. Every man+dog is going to have an iPhone, hence the reason I want somethign different.
I guess it's the same reason I prefer AMD to Intel..... Stupid reason I know, but I like to have something a little different to the rest of the herd.
Posted at 2:28 p.m. on December 5, 2008
j says...
@Luke: there's a new interview here: http://apcmag.com/exclusive_interview_with_aussie_android... last paragraph.
An addon to my previous comment: I was thinking about not having the 3G in the certain circumstances, US and T-Mobile for me, and for 22 out of the 24 hours a day, I'm on a WiFi network. And for those other 2 hours, I am on the road anyway. EDGE speeds are ~236kbit max, so that should be workable. I just don't know if I can bring myself to pay $25 a month for data at that speed.
Anyway, to sum it up, for what Kogan is asking, I'll gladly get the Pro and not worry about 3G. I'd still pay more for more 3G frequencies though, i.e. the UMTS 1700mhz band.
Posted at 3:10 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Matty W says...
I couldn't care less about having a camera on the phone unless its as good as what is in the Sony CyberShot phones and has a Xenon flash, unlikely. I'd love to the Wi-Fi integrated into the base model though.
Great for keeping stuff synced at work or accessing the net from my Wireless AP at home.
Posted at 3:35 p.m. on December 5, 2008
JK says...
Will future models consider WiMAX capability?
Posted at 3:41 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Mike Wallace says...
i need more info bout the screen resolution..its kinda low for a 2.5 inch screen rite? can other android application be compatible with the resolution?
Posted at 3:44 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Denis Beattie says...
Henry is a Wanker
Posted at 4:49 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Jose says...
Does the phone have an accelerometer? What's the size of the audio jack? Does it have the ShopSavvy program?
Posted at 4:57 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Steve J says...
Will it wash my dishes? What about feed the cat?
Great phone.
Good questions though mostly, the battery life, SD / SDHC issue and the earphone connection are really important.
Posted at 5:03 p.m. on December 5, 2008
thiru says...
I want this product-Kogan Agora Pro., can u ship it to chennai, india.? can u please give me the net prices in us$ along with shipping costs and ur preferred payment mode and the delivery schedule? thanks +
Posted at 5:04 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Bazza says...
@Mike Wallace - no the screen resolution is not low for the screen size. The screen resolution is actually one of the standard sizes that is supported in the Android software development kit and was the screen resolution used in the initial Android hardware prototypes that were displayed at the beginning of the year.
The screen resolution is also the same as that on a Nokia N95 and N96.
Posted at 5:33 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Anton says...
.... and ordered.
I'm happy it's got a keyboard, as AFAIK Android doesn't support virtual keyboards yet (I hear it's expected February)
The screen is a little lower resolution than I would have hoped.
It's a shame there's no 900hz 3G. No biggie for me personally apparently.
At best, this will be a great new toy, at worst, it'll be my Android Dev-Box until something more appropriate comes along. (A G1 style keyboard without the stupid nub would be a start).
I have no problems if you wish to ship me mine early - I want something to put the iphone users in their place with.
Posted at 5:52 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Anousak says...
Hi, I like this product and was wondering this can be localized to different language. I want this product but I live in Laos, an ASEAN region.
Thanks,
Anousak
Posted at 6:12 p.m. on December 5, 2008
vivek says...
i want to buy agora . i stay in india
Posted at 6:32 p.m. on December 5, 2008
yuxiang says...
i'm waiting for the review too.
Posted at 9:33 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Uni says...
Yeah, you do that.
Posted at 9:36 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Peter says...
Yep, jsut ordered a pro one
letting everyone know that they take the money from the credit card straight away.
but i was prepared for that so all good :)
Posted at 10:41 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Zetsurin says...
BRILLIANT DEVICE. I think the including of the keyboard is perfect. I am sick to death of the cookie cutter PocketPC phones with the slide out keyboard etc, so I full intend on buying one. Also, the price is perfect! People complaining about cost need to consider the possibilities also taking into account the fact that this baby comes unlocked. I am an Aussie working in the UK and myself and my coworker here are seriously considering ordering one. The only catch is we want to see some kind of review from a 3rd party before committing to a purchase.
Well done, it looks very promising so far.
Posted at 11:04 p.m. on December 5, 2008
Roland says...
Rulsan,
Congratulations! I'm new to the party, only having learned of your company with yesterday's posting on /. How wonderful that you are so engaged with your customers. I hope the old flattery adage works, because I'd like to ask you to consider a formal loaner program for developers. My company builds one of the top-50 ADC applications. I believe we have very compelling content for Australian customers (and the rest of the world for that matter). And I believe that our software will run on your phone "out of the box". However, it would be nice to have a chance to test and to optimize the experience for your hardware.
I know handsets are a scarce resource and I don't know how you would select which developers which can participate (first come, first served or Australian developers first or most popular Market apps or ...), but please consider the idea.
Best wishes,
Roland
Posted at 2:43 a.m. on December 6, 2008
Roland says...
Ruslan, Sorry about butchering your name. Rolnad :-)
Posted at 2:47 a.m. on December 6, 2008
kadmus baum says...
alguem sabe me dizer quanto isso vai custar aqui no brasil? ou caso eu compre pelo site quanto seria a taxação da real para o dolar?
Posted at 3:42 a.m. on December 6, 2008
Cesar Cardoso says...
<portuguese>
kadmus baum: acabei de comprar. Deu, com frete, 459 dólares australianos, ou 740 reais a câmbio de hoje. Mesmo se eu der azar e cair nos 60% de imposto, ainda fica bem competitivo.
</portuguese>
Anxiously waiting for my Agora Pro! A Brazilian Kogan Android is on the way! Go Ruslan Go!
Posted at 4:09 a.m. on December 6, 2008
bassbox says...
Will it have an TV-OUT Option ? If yes im gonna save my money for it and not gonna waste it for Iphoneg3^^
please email me to kogan@leaver.de
Posted at 4:39 a.m. on December 6, 2008
Narg says...
Very nice! Love the Andriod idea, but I must have a hardware keyboard that's not too flat like the fold away ones. Once carrier subsidies kick in, I'm sure the price will go down, if not to zero cost initially for new users.
Posted at 6:15 a.m. on December 6, 2008
Rainer says...
I just ordered it, can't wait for the delivery. :)
Greets from Austria! Australia rocks. =]
Posted at 6:35 a.m. on December 6, 2008
Jae says...
Here is an interview with Kogan himself:
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=s5QS4rW_lbo
Posted at 1:36 p.m. on December 6, 2008
Jack says...
Ruslan,
Will the GPS system have voice navigation and will map packs be included?
Posted at 1:43 p.m. on December 6, 2008
Jason says...
With the release date looming, anyone concerned that Tech sites havn't reviewed it yet ? Hopefully they get a review in before 29th Jan.
I would be concerned Kogan just rushes the product for the 29th of Jan, and us consumers are used as the testers.
Posted at 2:58 p.m. on December 6, 2008
Buff says...
Awesome.
Posted at 8:58 p.m. on December 6, 2008
Skyborg says...
Hi folks,
Agora, like you named it, like published in german press, sounds good and could also stand for a new branch against the "no (i)nterest(Phone)." If the handy is simlock and netlock free, we will order for sure a minimum of 10 right before christmas.
Best greetz from Germany, wishing all here a merry x-mas and a happy new year,
Posted at 9:12 p.m. on December 6, 2008
Roger says...
Will this phone support Microsoft Exchange and Active Sync? It will need to to get to the business users.
Posted at 11:07 p.m. on December 6, 2008
Hannes says...
Just ordered one.
But does it work in the european UMTS Networks?
Posted at 12:28 a.m. on December 7, 2008
Eduardo says...
Do you know that Agora means "now" in portuguese? I want one agora, pls....
Posted at 1:14 a.m. on December 7, 2008
Nagok Nalsur says...
Hello Mr. "Kogan",
where is the impressum located on your web site?
How much venture capital can one collect anonymously :-)
cheers,
Nalsur
Posted at 7:04 a.m. on December 7, 2008
Guest says...
Dear,
Please tell me what languages it supports? Does it support Unicode?
Thanks
Posted at 8:40 a.m. on December 7, 2008
Nadienka says...
I work for a major Australian telco, and I'd like to say - I like this phone very much! (I'm sure the telco I work for would love to be able to stock this phone!)
I especially like the touchscreen included with a keyboard - I really do need a phone with a QWERTY keyboard but I hate trying to navigate around the internet without a touchscreen!
I would love to place an order on this phone however I can't until some of the questions above that have been missed are answered:
- the headphone jack, what size? Is it 3.5mm? It's a major decider for me now especially once the Nokia E63 is released.
- when putting through an order - when do you take the money? now, or when shipping will actually begin?
Also I understand the price difference because of the camera...but for wi-fi? I can do without a camera, but I'd really like my wi-fi.....but I'm not going to pay $100 extra for it because it comes with a camera...
- Nadya.
Posted at 9:45 a.m. on December 7, 2008
Jeff says...
Had me very interested until I checked the shipping cost,
$159 to Cairns !!!!
Is this a glitch in your shopping cart software?
Who do you use?
Toll AUSWIDE for a 3kg satchel overnight is only $23
Hope it lives it to all the Hype.
Posted at 1:10 p.m. on December 7, 2008
Matt says...
I agree with Jeff... $159 to ship to Cairns is ridiculous. Especially when it is only $60 to ship internationally..
I'm getting mine shipped to my uncle in Melbourne for $30.
Posted at 2:36 p.m. on December 7, 2008
letsburn00 says...
I only need to know that it has an accelerometer in it(or at least the pro version does). And confimation that the optus and telstra neworks will work on it. The frequencies match, but just confirmation.(I have optus in perth, but need telstra for my work at a minesite)
If these things are confirmed, then I'll buy ASAP.
Posted at 4:34 p.m. on December 7, 2008
aningbo niumai says...
disappoiting.
i will stick to my phone asus p320 with wifi and gps at about US $220 with 8GB card!!!! match that.
Ruslan, this is simply disappointing,
Posted at 8:21 p.m. on December 7, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
It seems like the most common question is about the headphone jack -- just to confirm, the Agora has a USB plug.
I'll keep you updated as I go through the other requests.
Cheers,
Ruslan
Posted at 10:20 a.m. on December 8, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
The microSD slot will handle cards up to 16GB.
Posted at 12:29 p.m. on December 8, 2008
Slava says...
I can confirm that you will be charged on your credit card before it is shipped.
Posted at 12:33 p.m. on December 8, 2008
George W. says...
Hi
Is the GPS voice navigated, and what maps are included?
Posted at 1:03 p.m. on December 8, 2008
Jose says...
Ruslan,
Will the Agora Pro work with ShopSavvy?
Posted at 2:14 p.m. on December 8, 2008
R. says...
Hi Ruslan,
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions here on the blog. Another one that seems to come up often is about the GPS.
How does it work?
* Is it linked to Google Maps, and requires an active connection to work (3G or WiFi)
* Or does it include maps that can be browsed offline as well?
Thanks,
Romain
Posted at 5:40 p.m. on December 8, 2008
Michel says...
Hello,
I've ordered the pro version.
Will there be a Car charger?
Would be very usefull !
Thanks
Michel
Posted at 6:12 p.m. on December 8, 2008
Bob says...
Dear Ruslan,
I like this phone.
I have one question, Is it able to display Chinese correctly when it receives a Chinese SMS message?
Thanks,
Bob
Posted at 7:37 p.m. on December 8, 2008
nn says...
A Kogan used to play violin. This "Aussie" variety seems to play a lot of buzzuki to sell his chinese made stuff.
Posted at 7:43 p.m. on December 8, 2008
GOMAB2k4 says...
In addition to the car charger Michel asked about, are there other goodies (pouch, case) that will be available?
Posted at 8:13 p.m. on December 8, 2008
oh4real says...
Ruslan,
Please comment on:
1) Charger/adapter for international orders. Will we need to lug an AU/US converter?
2) Android OS updates. T-Mobile has already done a few OS update pushes via their network. Since you are not a carrier, how are Android OS updates gonna happen?
Regards,
oh4real in Texas
Posted at 1:52 a.m. on December 9, 2008
j says...
I seem to recall a site that mentioned something about Agora and adapters for international customers, but I can't find it right now. (I've read so many articles on the Agora in the past few days!)
But since the charging is done by mini-USB, I plan on getting a wall charger and car charger on ebay for ~$7USD, shipping included. That said, I'll be waiting for reviews and/or higher quality/quantity of images of the phone itself.
Ruslan,
apparently the extended warranty is not available for international customers. Are you planning on offering one?
Posted at 2:43 a.m. on December 9, 2008
Phonepersonality says...
I'm in the U.S and I've pre-ordered the Pro.
I currently own a T-mobile G1 right now and as a former iPhone 3g user and a self professed technology addict, I can attest the fact that Android is the future...and I've used them all: Symbian, WinMo, Apple...etc.
Still, I have a few niggles with my current phone, hence my ordering this device.
1. I'm not a big fan of slide-out keyboards. A full HVGA touchscreen with no keys would be ideal, but I'll take a smaller sized screen over hinges and additional moving parts any day.
2. Battery life. The horrible battery life on the HTC G1 will go down in history in much the same way George W. Bush will...absolutely useless.
I haven't seen the Kogan phone yet, but I'm optimistic. I hope you've taken all necessary steps to live up to the hype, Ruslan. Because people are fickle, especially us technophiles.
Give us something we want and you're a hero...but disappoint us and you'll never live it down.
Still, I'm definitely wishing you the best :^)
PS:
You shoulda gone with the 3.5mm headset jack. USB audio is an inconvenience and no one likes them!
Posted at 3:02 a.m. on December 9, 2008
Jimbo says...
Do you plan selling it in Europe/Italy?
I think it would sell like hot cakes.
Posted at 7:12 a.m. on December 9, 2008
fabian says...
jimbo i have to agree...i think though its gonna sell like sliced bread :P
do you plan to sell the phone in germany (you might have noticed that most comments here which werent written by aussies are from germany, followed by the us i think)?
the transportation costs do not include any customs duty,right?
@the other german guys
what customs duty / zollkosten do we have to pay?
its a great phone, thank you!
Posted at 9:13 a.m. on December 9, 2008
Greg says...
I don't understand the mindset of the engineers who design these phones. A manufacturer could easily capture the entire market if they considered the wants and needs of consumers.
How about a 3.5mm audio jack, or a real Sirf GPS receiver!
No one wants to rebuild their contact list, so give us the ability to sync to MS contacts.
I'm excited about the possibilities with Android platform, but having owned and returned the G1, I will stick with WM until Android is not, so limited.
Posted at 10:52 a.m. on December 9, 2008
stuart says...
will this phone work with the 3 network as i have had issues before with a blackberry cause it was not bought from a 3 store
Posted at 11:20 a.m. on December 9, 2008
Bazza says...
@oh4real - there is no need to be a carrier to push out updates. People with T-Mobile G1 phones still can get access to updates even if they are not using T-Mobile for their carrier.
However, probably the simplest thing to set up though would be for Kogan to provide a method to install a new Android image from a connected computer, then updates could just be put on a web site for download. IMHO OTA updates suck and require around 60Mb of user storage to be free - not nice when you only have 128Mb to start with.
Posted at 11:24 a.m. on December 9, 2008
Bazza says...
@Stuart - that is a question for 3. The phone's 3G band is compatible but 3 are very precious about what phone's they allow on their network as you found out with your Blackberry.
Posted at 11:27 a.m. on December 9, 2008
Daniel says...
The fact that there are still no reviews from media outlets is pretty ridiculous, when will this be happening?
Even some more pics or some video created by yourself would be an improvement over the limited pictures you have released so far.
Pretty poor start for such a promising opportunity.
Posted at 12:50 p.m. on December 9, 2008
Rob says...
What HSDPA category does it support?
Does it also support HSUPA? If so what category?
Posted at 2:10 p.m. on December 9, 2008
Maik says...
Until now only nice pictures and a price that sounds ok to me.
But more questions and no answers to the actual specs and software.
If this is a wishlist :-).....
I want the source of the software for this phone to make my own Android versions,
I want a REAL GPS and no A-GPS (nothing worth when you are on the Atlantic or in the desert without phone access)
Just make it open and you will see that a lot of people will make pretty good software and addons for your phone. The best way to sell it.
But first send complete specification for the phone, if you have one... now. It seems that you are still in the development and unsure how it will look at the end ;-)
I will wait until then before I order one.
Posted at 11:29 p.m. on December 9, 2008
Rob Arms says...
Looks cool. I know that the USA carriers AT&T and T-Mobile use different 3G frequencies though. Will this new phone work on BOTH technologies/frequency ranges in the U.S. ?
Posted at 9:03 a.m. on December 10, 2008
Ives van der Flaas says...
Please make it a priority to make sure some major reviewer gets it as soon as humanly possible. I think that'll pull a lot of people (including myself) over the line. Because buying it based on a render/photoshop and some specs is, well, pretty dangerous.
Posted at 9:12 a.m. on December 10, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
I'm working on that as we speak -- as soon as I have a pre-production unit you should see a video review and detailed write-up on a credible, established online publication. I'll make sure to put up a blog post when it's ready so the best way might be to sign up to the RSS feed.
I'm also working to answer all your questions as soon as possible.
Posted at 10:45 a.m. on December 10, 2008
Ben fes says...
Good work on getting an android phone into this half of the world, i'm in nz and asked vodafone if they would be getting any in and gave me a very blank email pointing to them not having a clue what i was talking about. I will be signing up for one, to get one for that price even if it is more than expected is worth it, just to actually have. Keep it up Ruslan, it will work on vodafone nz sim network right? cheers mate
Posted at 12:29 p.m. on December 10, 2008
letsburn00 says...
I'm really looking forward to a review. As long as they find that it's not a complete lemon, I'm still going to buy. Listening to lots of reviews of the iFakes (iphone knockoffs from china), one issue which seems to be common is that the touch screen doesn't really work, so getting this right will be a requirement.
The lack of an acceleratometer is a big downer for me due to the lack of augmented reality this will have the effect of causing(given that using the phone together with Enkin or wikitude is a big selling point for andriod).
Posted at 4:02 p.m. on December 10, 2008
Glenn says...
One thing that is confusing me. If Ruslan is as heavily involved in this phone as he is implying, why cant he just answer the vast majority of these questions instantly? Some of them are pretty basic really.
Posted at 8:57 p.m. on December 10, 2008
Eljo says...
You know its funny I was on an apple blog the other day looking at the iPhone... and I didnt see any posts from Steve Jobs, so i guess then its fair to say he probably doesnt know anything about the iphone...
i think we should all take it as a positive that the director of this company is taking the time to answer as much as he does on this blog.
Posted at 12:11 a.m. on December 11, 2008
Answered says...
He wouldn't be the one designing it... He owns the kogan company? He would be dealing with engineers - that speak in... engineer speak. Probably not much english either.
Lots of people interested... Seems a few holding off for reviews/ ironing out of bugs.
I myself will have an ear to the ground, and plan to buy pending result of you people's reviews.
For future models, Could I suggest the Wi-Fi as standard? Leaving it out is like selling a car with airbags etc (which should be standard) as an option.
Posted at 12:27 a.m. on December 11, 2008
Jae says...
Google just released the G1 for developers that will allow unsigned boot-loaders and development images to be installed and run on the device. Can the same be said about the Agora? I'm still interested in knowing if the hardware drivers are open source. It is very hard to modify system software if the drivers are not available in source form.
Thanks.
Posted at 1:38 a.m. on December 11, 2008
Oliver says...
Since Kogan is not a member of the Open Handset Alliance: Who builds the Agora?
Posted at 4:52 a.m. on December 11, 2008
aj P says...
@Eljo
"Steeve jobs doesnt know anythin about the iphone"
?
That is perhaps the single most stupid thing I have ever heard in my whole life. I hate apple..... but every apple stores turns over more then kogan pa.
Steeve and his henchman know all there is to know..... he is probably working on the iHouse right now that you will hope to live in...... El happy happy jo jo
Posted at 12:23 p.m. on December 11, 2008
R. says...
@aj P:
This was obviously sarcasm, in response to Glenn saying "If Ruslan is as heavily involved in this phone as he is implying, why cant he just answer the vast majority of these questions instantly?".
Hence the question: do you see Steve Jobs commenting on blog messages on apple.com?
Ruslan obviously knows a lot about the phone HIS company is making, and we should be happy enough he comes to the blog from time to time to say a few things.
Posted at 12:40 p.m. on December 11, 2008
aj P says...
Kogan is a small company....
Apple.... not so small
Posted at 12:45 p.m. on December 11, 2008
Macca says...
@aj P: Please stop trolling. Almost all your posts have absolutely no constructive point. You are just wasting people's time here. Please stop posting, it's very annoying.
Posted at 12:52 p.m. on December 11, 2008
Steve says...
OK.... looks good. However I have an
'aversion" to order now, we will ship in Jan 09.
Anyone remember the M500 Mobile Wrist phone that was flogged around at $600 initially...took about 1 year to deliver (after the Sydney based co. moved to china :-)))
Think I will wait until they are AVAILABLE, even if it means the "May run out of stock" if you do not order early ;-)
Posted at 2:06 p.m. on December 11, 2008
Billy says...
does it support chinese characters?
i don't think writing chinese sms is possible but reading chinese sms or browsing chinese web page is hopefully possible....
Posted at 10:43 p.m. on December 11, 2008
Daniel says...
Writing from spain, want to order one for me right now, but need to know if there is some kind of warranty or "money back" in a bad case.
Cheers
Posted at 3:08 a.m. on December 12, 2008
Ives van der Flaas says...
Check the "warranty" tab. There's 12 months of warranty on the device (you pay for shipping to Australia and back).
Posted at 3:59 a.m. on December 12, 2008
aj p says...
i think kogan takes my comments on board... i let him know he posted images of his phone with a blackberry logo then he changed everything....
at least someone listens
Posted at 8:55 a.m. on December 12, 2008
joe says...
i have a pre-paid sim card..
now will my simcard work in this ?
how will i use the internet? will i have to go on a package deal with the company i am with?
but all the other functions work besides the internet connection?
but is the whole point of this google android software is for using it on the internet?
Posted at 10:15 a.m. on December 12, 2008
this guy says...
a lot of u are quick to point you're fingers at some minor 'flaws'. Jesus, u go design and build a damn phone then.
As far as pricing is concerned, you're worried about a price tag? $399 for a phone with these features isn't bad at all. Go find the latest nokia with these specs at this price and then you can bitch about pricing issues. If its a real problem go buy a $79 prepaid phone you tight asses.
Posted at 11:29 a.m. on December 12, 2008
Matty W says...
The deal breaker for me is not including a standard audio jack. Everything else in the specs is spot on, and I love the overall look of the phone. I DO require a standard audio jack.
Ah well, will wait for another Android mobile to be released and see if its any different.
Posted at 12:51 p.m. on December 12, 2008
bc says...
What I've noticed on the photos on this site is that on one side of the phone is a USB and the other is another is headphones. Does this mean that it has both USB and 3.5mm jack?
Posted at 6:32 p.m. on December 12, 2008
John says...
It looks exactly like the european model Samsung i780. only that one runs on the windows mobile platform. So you pay 2 times the price. Oops sorry, crisis, lets make it just as expensive as the Samsung.
Posted at 12:45 a.m. on December 13, 2008
Ivan says...
Hi Ruslan,
Please let us know the delivery terms. Are the mentioned prices DDP or DDU?
Posted at 3:47 a.m. on December 13, 2008
T-Mobile user in the USA says...
No accelerometer & no 3.5mm jack. *sigh* I guess this was a design decision because the 3.5mm jack doesn't have multiple uses like a mini-usb port does, and for feature-rich handsets with small form factors, I assume space is an issue?
BUT... it does have FM Radio, native Java 2.0 (J2ME), and Video Capture! Don't think the iPhone or G1 has those features.
Please clarify GPS or A-GPS. Is there Android market support? What is the name 'Agora' supposed to imply? Open source?
Its Resistive Touch Technology, as opposed to G1's Capacitive Touch Technology. Any opinions on whether this is better?
Absolutely fantastic that Kogan was able to fit that many features into a phone for about $240 USD. Hope it lives up to its hype and specs. Patiently waiting for mine here in New Jersey.
Posted at 5:49 a.m. on December 13, 2008
Milton H. says...
I have already pre-ordered the Agora Pro. My BAD for assuming that the second Android capable phone would rectify the 3.5mm headphone jack issue. I can't believe that information from the blogs, and R&D, totally missed the opportunity to change the single most complained about issue with the G1.
Since there is not yet a pre- production variant of the Agora or Agora Pro, it may be wise to try to integrate the 3.5mm headphone jack and an accelerometer into the device.
I can't guarantee that you will have more pre- orders, but you will probably grow a wider customer base and retain customers that have already ordered the phone hoping, assuming, that a 3.5mm jack was already incorporated.
Finally, if you can make these changes in the next 48 days, you will definately prove that Kogan is a different type of handset designer and that changes can be made swiftly.
Ruslan Kogan, by now you must know what a glaring mistake omitting the 3.5mm headphone jack, and to a lesser extent, the accelerometer was/is. Show us that you truly are in touch with your customers by implementing these changes ASAP.
Also, I live in the US and was assuming, once again, that I was going to get a US compatible charging system with my phone. I don't know, am I?
Posted at 6:34 a.m. on December 13, 2008
Milton H. says...
I, like BC, also noticed that one side of the phone had a usb port and the opposite side has a headphone jack symbol. That is when I assumed that the phone had a 3.5mm jack. I guess that was the picture equivalent of a typo.
Posted at 6:52 a.m. on December 13, 2008
Jakes says...
It will be really exciting to use an Android powered mobile phone thats not and HTC.
Posted at 7:33 a.m. on December 13, 2008
MotionxxUSxx says...
Will this have access to the android market place. Also will apps that have been developed for the G1 work on this phone as the screen size is radically different. It would suck to get this phone and have none of the apps in the marketplace work on it.
Also, if you pre-order how hard is it to cancel the order, if there are more delays?
Posted at 9:25 a.m. on December 13, 2008
D says...
Sorry I don't understand why the 3.5 headphone jack is that important, I understand the need to cut down on what you carry around on the daily, but i never was a fan for listening to music on my phone. I never find that talk time is enough with its daily use and to also drain it by playing music of video seems excessive as many Iphone owners tend to find that they need to charge it on the daly. I am how ever a fan of the android concept and look forward to just playing with android. But I dont know if this phone will be a suitable replacement for business user/internet savvy generation as android is still in its infancy stage. I assume that this is targeted at business user of people who are net-addicts by the design of the overall phone with similar to all phones mention by people above
also could some one explain why the accelerometer is even needed for this phone ? I think from what i read so far that for it price and physical dimension of the phone it already packed full with features and there will be a trade off with both price and size of the unit if Kogan was to implement everyone wish-list. So possibly with the features presented in this package was the most essential features to be given for it price and size (plus people are already complaining about the price increase)
Posted at 1:26 p.m. on December 13, 2008
Another TMobile user from NJ says...
I too pre-ordered and from the US. Are you going to supply your US customers with US chargers?
Posted at 3:24 p.m. on December 13, 2008
daniel says...
Im disappointed that you changed the kboard so dramatically.
Having an easy access dot and comma without any extra control key presses is a minimum for me. Why would you replace the comma for '&'- i cant even begin to imagine your thought process behind that one.
Placing the keypad to center of left is an annoyance i can live with but its beyond me why you would do it.
I approve of the new d-pad.
If things stay as they seem to be now, i wont be buying, but i was going to place an order before the changes. Something to think about...
Posted at 10:57 a.m. on December 14, 2008
j says...
I look at this phone every day, watching for changes. But I didn't notice the new keyboard and dpad until daniel said something. The dpad really looks great, and I would say that it's a tough choice between the comma and the ampersand, however I do see where the ampersand would come in handy while quickly texting. I am curious as to what the bottom left most, and two bottom right most keys are.
Posted at 12:28 p.m. on December 14, 2008
Letsburn00 says...
D: The accelerometer is so important because android phones need to be competitive and able to use the full range of applications. Applications for the android must be able to match or surpass the iphone and other smartphones. Android phones must be able to use them. The Agora will not be able to be competitive without an accelerometer. It's a major issue for me, given alot of applications won't work without it(I think it will also have a major effect on the systems use as a turn by turn GPS). The games for the iphone almost always need the accelerometer, android will probably too.
Posted at 1:13 p.m. on December 14, 2008
DrZhivago says...
Ruslan, Why is the shipping price charged doubly, even if I order more than two sets at a time? Shouldn't it be lesser if not the same?
Why is the Shippin price same for all countries?
Shouldn't Malaysia being very close by to AUS be cheaper than to be shipped to US?
Posted at 3:12 p.m. on December 14, 2008
T-Mobile user in the USA. says...
Thanks Daniel and J for the heads up with the revised images. I compared the older images with the new one, and apart from the new keyboard layout, I also noticed the following:
1. The hot-swap Micro SD card slot below the USB headphone jack (right side) is GONE! Where did it go? Underneath the battery cover!?
2. The battery cover is now a matte black finish that matches the rest of the phone instead of a glossy black (two-tone finish).
3. The main function keys above the keyboard now have graphics instead of the narrow (green/red/white) line. Also, the "back" button moved.
4. I'm glad the "0" button is now below the "7" instead of to the right of "9".
5. The image shows a USB port on the left edge, and a USB headphone jack (as confirmed by Ruslan in an earlier post), on the right edge. So, this phone has two USB ports? Really? Couldn't that cause confusion with regard to data transfer and charging?
Please, please, please include an international110-240v charger for your international customers. Will the plug be AU or US? Adapters included?
Posted at 4:46 p.m. on December 14, 2008
MoJo says...
2 USB Ports one for audio and another for data connection? Seriously ... isn't a 3.5mm jack cheaper then a USB, in price-per-unit wise. Make that change and those on the edge will really love this phone.
Posted at 4:58 p.m. on December 14, 2008
f3nr15 says...
For full screen faced devices like the iPhone, where the phone can be used in portrait or landscape modes, an accelerometer makes sense. For a Blackberry format device like the Agora, why would you need one? When would you ever use the phone sideways? Answer = NEVER.
I don't understand why many on this blog keep pushing the "iPhone competitor" slant, it's like trying to compare a 4WD versus a compact car. Sure they're both vehicles designed to get you from A to B but they have different purposes and end-users in mind. By starting off with a Blackberry type format, Ruslan obviously is targeting a different end-user population than what the iPhone is.
That's not to say that there won't be other Andorid phones built to compete directly in the iPhone market, no doubt they will have accelerometers galor to boot, perhaps even made by Kogan, but the Agora is not trying to be all phones to all people!
I think it's okay to be excited by what the Agora IS, rather than getting hung up on what it IS NOT. In 24 months time, there will be a plethora of Android phones to choose from. In the mean time, I'll be placing a pre-order for this one, exciting stuff!
Posted at 3:53 p.m. on December 15, 2008
Thorsten says...
Hi Ruslan,
How much RAM does the Agora have? In the specs I only find '256 MB On-board' meomory, which can in fact mean nearly everything (-:.
If that is the amount of RAM, it would be very nice....
Greetings
Thorsten
Posted at 6:57 p.m. on December 15, 2008
f3nr15 says...
Nice find, L!
That seems to be exactly what Kogan's Agora is based on. Interestingly, the G8000 is listed as incorporating a "2.5mm audio jack". Looks like some of your prayers are about to be answered, boys & girls...
Posted at 8:56 p.m. on December 15, 2008
Charles says...
Hi Ruslan,
I pre-ordered assuming there would be a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM Radio available (Phonearena.com). Please make this happen!
Charles
Posted at 6:19 a.m. on December 16, 2008
Charles says...
PS. The accelerometer is not needed. Keep things user oriented (open source, FM Radio, 3.5mm headphone jack) and kick major carrier a**!
Posted at 6:22 a.m. on December 16, 2008
Heckj says...
The accelerometer may be needed as most apps may not work with out it, unless there is a menu item to change to landscape. Many apps have certain views that only work when the accelerometer changes the screen to landscape.
Also, how will we get android updates on this phone and will they be scaled to the screen size. This is my biggest worry as most apps may not work with the screen size.
Posted at 6:41 a.m. on December 16, 2008
Glenn says...
We know the reason now why Ruslan can't answer many of these questions that are being asked.. I was under the impression that these things were built to his specification but clearly this is just a rebadge meaning things like, "How is Android updated?" is a question that he would have to send to the chinese designers.
There is nothing wrong with rebadging it. Frankly, I dont think it would be so cheap if it was not a rebadge. Hopefully the chinese designers hurry up and get you some answers as the questions are really starting to add up now.
The main concern I have though is reports that Android does not like 320x240 landscape format and that many of the applications will take issue with it. Whilst I cant actually see this as being real, the rumour is still out there and there is nothing to counter it.
Oh yeah... whoever compared Steve Jobs to Ruslan is an idiot. Despite the massive, and I mean massive differences between the companies, Ruslan is doing a great job but clearly has more of a hands on approach to day to day running than Steve Jobs has.
Posted at 12:16 p.m. on December 16, 2008
Heckj says...
I am ready to preorder as soon as some of my latest questions are answered. Has anyone got any questions answered from custome support?
Posted at 1:48 p.m. on December 16, 2008
aJ p says...
well well well well
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/215078911/EVT_G2_The_Go...
If you actually think kogan is "building" this phone your a total moron..
he is blatantly loading android onto already built blackberry handsets... good on him
Posted at 2:19 p.m. on December 16, 2008
Jap A says...
well well well well
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/215078911/EVT_G2_The_Go...
If you actually think kogan is "building" this phone your a total moron..
he is blatantly loading android onto already built blackberry handsets... good on him
Posted at 2:22 p.m. on December 16, 2008
L says...
This EVT G2 doesn't look like Agora! What's the point? NIH (Not Invented Here)? Is that what you are complaining about? Can't we consider this a one of OEM products? Does anyone care if Apple really manufacturing iPhone in house?
Posted at 3:01 p.m. on December 16, 2008
aj p says...
more like an example that the andriod phone is not a "world second"
L had the right idea
http://cellon.en.alibaba.com/product/200144204/204438905/...
Cellon Communications Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
factory 100%
kogan is not building it he is ordering it
its being made
Posted at 4:08 p.m. on December 16, 2008
R. says...
Well of course he's not building it with his own hands... It is still possible he was very involved in all the decisions, regarding the design and features - liaising with people from this Chinese company to make the phone HE wanted to get out.
The only thing that I'm surprised about is: if this company is allowed to show the unbranded version of the phone, why don't they go crazy on marketing? I mean come on they could publish huge articles saying "we're making the second Android phone" and sale thousands.
Anyway.... still waiting on the reviews...
Posted at 5:26 p.m. on December 16, 2008
L says...
R. made a point. That's the nature of OEM manufacturers. They lack branding and marketing. They don't have enough resources left for anything other than development and manufacturing usually. I hope Kogan use its purchasing power to improve the product. :-)
Posted at 6:20 p.m. on December 16, 2008
L says...
"18. made a point" ===> "R. made a point" (I didn't realize R. turned into 18. automagically....)
Posted at 6:22 p.m. on December 16, 2008
Eric says...
Hi Ruslan,
Is it possible to flash a custom version of Android onto the Agora, just like the G1 Dev version could?
BTW, thanks for bring us another Android phone~ :)
Posted at 6:29 p.m. on December 16, 2008
Fender says...
sounds funny :))
Talk time - 240 minutes
Standby time - 200 hours
Posted at 12:12 a.m. on December 17, 2008
Ives van der Flaas says...
Yeah, the part about the Standby time on the OEM website worried me too.
Posted at 12:23 a.m. on December 17, 2008
daniel says...
What's wrong with 8 days standby?
Posted at 1:59 a.m. on December 17, 2008
Ives van der Flaas says...
Well, the specs page of the Agora Pro (on this site) says
Talk Time: Up to approximately 400 minutes
Standby Time: Up to approximately 300 hours
If the 200 hours standby time is real standby time, it's fine. If it's disable-everything-including-cell standby time... not so fine.
Posted at 2:32 a.m. on December 17, 2008
Milton H says...
I have been to the OEM website too. I agree that the talk time and the standby time that Ruslan gave us is different. But, to be fair, the OEM has a 1200mAh battery, where as the Kogan Agora has a 1300mAh battery. What seems like a small difference, on face value, can, and most probably is, significant when it comes to standby and talk time.
If anyone has read the specs for the G1 they will notice that it also has a 1200mAh battery, and consequently, likewise longevity stats as the CEC G8000. I don't think that Ruslan is intentionally misleading anyone, his specifications most likely required longer standby and talk time so the company upgraded the battery.
If Ruslan could afford us a 1600mAh battery, I know talk time and standby would be stellar.
Also, a 2.5mm headphone jack sounds a lot more reasonable than 2 mini usb ports. i would request that these answers be given a little more investigation before giving us an unintentionally misleading answer.
Posted at 11:25 a.m. on December 17, 2008
Graham says...
I email customer support regarding firmware upgrade distribution, dual SIM/CDMA mode and apps for the android platform for this phone w/o landscape mode. No answer for 5 days. May be some of you can shed some light on these.
Posted at 11:45 a.m. on December 17, 2008
James says...
Have ordered one. To be perfectly honest, it was on gut feeling... I review phones out in Singapore (where I'm based) for a local magazine... This device, for the price, [despite the fact that you can bet there'll be some minor bugs to iron out (like the display issues with apps from the store)] is really hard to beat... ANY other andriod device launched within the first half of next year is easily going to cost double what Kogan is asking (without contract) here in Singapore...
Looking forward to your answers to the above q's Ruslan...
Cheers,
James Sharpe
Posted at 12:04 a.m. on December 18, 2008
meghan says...
Any idea what the S.A.R rating will be for this phone?
Posted at 5:08 a.m. on December 18, 2008
DM says...
Thanks for coming out with a smartphone without a camera. Cameras are verboten in too many places to have them on your PDA or phone.
Will you eventually have a model with WiFi, but without the camera?
Posted at 7:24 a.m. on December 18, 2008
Ives van der Flaas says...
Probably not, the camera module they put in these things costs like 5 - 10USD. They aren't going to risk leaving it out because some people do want it.
Posted at 9:17 a.m. on December 18, 2008
bob says...
Ruslan where are you? Are you collect info? C'mon came back with some answer or news!! all the best
Posted at 1:35 a.m. on December 19, 2008
pete says...
Hope this doesn't turn out to be vaporware.
Posted at 10:47 p.m. on December 19, 2008
Affan says...
Great phone, reasonable price, great options, except for the camera, and i think there is in no office document viewer/editor.
I definitely am going to buy one as soon as it launches, or may be pre-order mid-Jan, as i am interested in Blackberry style phones, and the touch screen is an added advantage over blackberry , as i already have one Samsung i780 which is also blackberry style with keyboard, touchscreen and optical mouse.
Posted at 11:37 p.m. on December 19, 2008
Ives van der Flaas says...
Dataviz will be making an office document viewer/editor (see http://www.kogan.com.au/blog/2008/dec/17/android-apps/ )
Posted at 7:55 a.m. on December 21, 2008
Grungle says...
Great phone, reasonable price and such crap delivery charges to Western Austraila.
Ruslan, does the $160 delivery fee include you delivering it in person.
Need to revamp your delivery charges champ
Posted at 8:42 p.m. on December 23, 2008
Affan says...
Well Grungle, i live in Pakistan, and the delivery charges are around $60, and i think that its not too much.
Posted at 11:13 p.m. on December 23, 2008
Worries says...
My problem is...
Everything that the phone set out to become...is not..
No IPhone looks
NO $199 price point...
Etc......
What if I pay my $399 for a 29thJan dispatch and then closer to the day you tell me....
Sorry - dispatch date has now been set to May or June....
I can't seem to rely too much on your word....
And still no video or review of a phone that is to come out in a month - while other phones coming out later next year already have video reviews...lol
Funny...Funny...
Posted at 2:52 p.m. on December 25, 2008
Milton H says...
Merry X-mas, Happy holidays for all Agora and Agora Pro fans!
Posted at 11:02 p.m. on December 25, 2008
Keith says...
Hi all,
May anyone tell me if the Agora Pro comes with other languages like Spanish?
Thank you!
Posted at 11:04 a.m. on December 29, 2008
Joe says...
Hey JohnC that was heaps funny, thank you.
Posted at 9:24 a.m. on December 30, 2008
kelvin says...
To Ruslan
I come from hong kong. Does this new phone has traditional chinese interface or can it be inputted with chinese words? thanks for reply! The functions of the phone are really attractive. Hope it can be launhed in Hong Kong sometime.
Posted at 5:48 p.m. on December 30, 2008
Jeff Goldberg says...
Hello Ruslan,
i am one those who pre-ordered the phone. The bill is payed, and currently I am getting a bit nervous, because actually this phone is just an image.
Regarding the date of dispatch...29th of january, it should be clear that you have (at least) to present a prototype at CES.
If you won't, I will cancel my order, because I am not financing your development cost in advance.
Don't disappoint your customers, they will remember that you did it.
Happy new year!
Jeff Goldberg
Posted at 8:53 a.m. on December 31, 2008
Dr Anil says...
hi there,any chance I can get this phone before 25th Jan as i am leaving for overseas for 3 months,thanks,Dr Anil, New Zealand--00 64 21 102 36 46
Posted at 10:21 a.m. on December 31, 2008
Daniel says...
I pre-ordered too, CC has been charged. I'll join Jeff in his cancellation if there will be no real evidence of the phone's existence by mid January.
Posted at 12:23 p.m. on December 31, 2008
Brian Sayatovic says...
After salivating over this phone, my wife picked up on it and ordered me the Pro for a belated Christmas gift. I've seen some of bashing of this phone, but I've also seen a lot of positive remarks as well. I hope I'm not disappointed. I'm very glad to see Ruslan Kogan personally participating in this dialogue. My only question: when will I have mine in my hands!!!
Posted at 2:14 p.m. on December 31, 2008
NJ, USA says...
FAQ forthcoming...
I finally received a response from Kogan support about the Agora specs. Email states that an FAQ will be released in a few weeks that will address Agora specs, as well as other commonly asked questions. Anyone else get a response?
Posted at 6:26 p.m. on December 31, 2008
Milton H. says...
Hey New Jersey:-) I received the same letter last week, so hopefully I will have some of my questions answered too. I think the answers will come in the form of a FAQ sheet< we'll see. I will be waiting in Delaware,USA.
Posted at 4:45 p.m. on January 1, 2009
Milton H. says...
Hi New Jersey :-), I too received a letter last week stating that the answers to my questions were forthcoming. I beleive the answers will come in the form of a FAQ sheet. i will be waiting in Delaware USA too.
Posted at 4:54 p.m. on January 1, 2009
Walt, Germany says...
i was really wondering that they charged my credit card ahead of delivery. I never had this before, and this is no sign of trust to me. And of course i will cancel my order if there is no delivery at January, 29th 2009.
Posted at 9:23 p.m. on January 2, 2009
Tom says...
I know its a bit late, but I wrote a review on what I think of the Kogan so far... Im very excited about it, but I'm wary of the text at the bottom of the devices page.
http://therather.com/?q=node/10
Posted at 9:55 p.m. on January 2, 2009
anton says...
the more I come to this site looking for updates the less likely I feel i will buy this phone.
Posted at 2:58 a.m. on January 3, 2009
worried?? says...
Can you turn the internet off??
Posted at 1:43 p.m. on January 3, 2009
Ganny says...
I'm in agreement with anton.
^Yes, you can turn the internet off. To find the answers to half these questions, just check out how it is on the T-Mobile G1. After all, they run the same operating system...
Posted at 9:50 p.m. on January 3, 2009
Phonepersonality says...
I'm in Denver, CO and I also rushed to order this phone based on trust.
However I keep coming back to this website and all I see is information from other trusting suckers...er...consumers like myself who only want some updated information.
As people who have actually paid for AND been charged for this device that we haven't even seen, Mr Kogan, its our right to do so.
And its your duty to comply within reason.
I'm not one to complain, but your silence is deafening sir and if by mid-january I don't get something to quell my fears, you had best believe that I will be seeking a full refund for the money I paid.
And then I'll release the hounds...er....lawyers for restitution.
Jokes and drama aside, Ruslan. It's time for you to man up and talk to us.
Please :^)
Posted at 5:11 p.m. on January 4, 2009
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hi all,
Happy new year and festive season!
Sorry for the silence -- but I've been overseas and about to head to CES in Las Vegas. We are expecting to have media coverage -- including photos and videos -- if not during CES then very shortly.
Thanks for your patience, and rest assured, this phone does exist!
Cheers,
Ruslan
Posted at 10:16 a.m. on January 5, 2009
D says...
My reccomendation to you Ruslan is to produce your own demo video assuming that you have an actual demo unit which sound like you do, just to give potential buyers confidense in your product much like the chinese meizu company the CEO released a youtube video of himself browsing through his phone features. As much as people would love a 3rd party review now I am sure we would settle for a short demo from you.
Posted at 2:51 p.m. on January 5, 2009
scratch says...
A little demo would certainly be appriciated, or some real pictures at least, so we can have a look at the actual device...
Concerning international orders: would it be possible to reduce the extra fee for larger orders? Let's say if you order 5 or more...
Posted at 4:57 a.m. on January 6, 2009
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hi all,
Thanks for the suggestions. I've uploaded some photos, with videos to come soon. I'll keep you updated on when a journalist reviews it, and work through some of your questions as soon as possible.
Here are the links:
http://www.kogan.com.au/media/uploads/Agora1.jpg
http://www.kogan.com.au/media/uploads/Agora2.jpg
http://www.kogan.com.au/media/uploads/Agora3.jpg
http://www.kogan.com.au/media/uploads/Agora4.jpg
Posted at 10:28 a.m. on January 6, 2009
Macca says...
Here it is, boys:
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2009/01/new_kogan_agora_shots_g...
Posted at 11:06 a.m. on January 6, 2009
D says...
Those photos are fantastic I will be placing my order as soon as I get home. Little bit of communication can go a long way.
I think everyone going to be please to see the actual android running on the actual hardware not a photoshop imaged
ITS REAL!!!
Keep up the good work.
Posted at 11:55 a.m. on January 6, 2009
Brian Sayatovic says...
Will the final unit have a silver border around the screen, as in the recent prototype images (e.g. http://www.kogan.com.au/media/uploads/Agora4.jpg) or black, as in the earlier mock-ups. The silver border makes the border stand out too much, emphasizing what I'm starting to think is the wrong-size screen for this phone. If mine arrives silver, I think I'll take a Sharpee to it.
Posted at 2:22 p.m. on January 6, 2009
Rich redneck says...
Can't u fill in the silver with the screen, I'm so psyched to see it for real!! I need to hear reviews before I place my order,how is the keyboard on it?
Posted at 2:33 p.m. on January 6, 2009
f3nr15 says...
I'm guessing that the silver border is just a "blank slate" for this pre-production model, and will actually be filled in black, with the 'Kogan' logo on the bottom of the border, as per the promotional pictures.
Posted at 3:32 p.m. on January 6, 2009
Macca says...
@Brian Sayatovic: Manufacturers of generic Chinese products (e.g. MP3 players) have a habit of putting mirror-like plastic around screens. I had two generic MP3 players with this 'feature' and it's horrible. It makes the product look like a blister-packed toy bought from Target.
That said, I'm pretty sure that Kogan will change this before release. No doubt the phone in his hands at the moment is a prototype.
Posted at 3:34 p.m. on January 6, 2009
Ash M says...
Ruslan,
Please tell us the pics are of a prototype, and not the final product as pictured at this top of this blog entry ?!
Posted at 5:17 p.m. on January 6, 2009
f3nr15 says...
Relax, they can't be the final product; for a start, they don't even have the Kogan logo on them yet! Secondly, one phone has the letters "HJK" in correct order, and another phone has them in the order "HKJ"! Obviously these are the preproduction models...
Posted at 6:01 p.m. on January 6, 2009
Ash M says...
f3nr15 - Wow, you're observant :) Top work.. I can sleep more easily now
Posted at 8:24 p.m. on January 6, 2009
Milton H. says...
Ruslan, as you can tell from our feedbacxk, that no one wants our new Agora or Agora Pro to ship with a silver frame around the screen. I do hope that you are listening, I agree with others saying that the border makes the phone look like a cheap toy. I know that this phone is aimed at the inexpensive android market, but please don't make it look cheap.Other than that complaint, I am looking forward to a video review soon, and to receiving my new phone at end of month.You have made us waiting for our new phone as giddy as schoolgirls adoring the school jock. Please don't make the jock parade around in a Bozo outfit,
Posted at 9:02 p.m. on January 6, 2009
j says...
I do have to agree with everyone that the silver border looks terrible. I would also gladly pay more for the screen to fill the entire border.
Posted at 2:41 a.m. on January 7, 2009
anton says...
I am just happy to see an update.
Posted at 3:35 a.m. on January 7, 2009
JT says...
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Now I'm not so sure about the phone. The other pictures were much better and that border makes it look awful. If border stays then my money goes someplace else. I'm disappointed after following this since the beginning of December even if this is a mockup.
Posted at 7:24 a.m. on January 7, 2009
oblique says...
Ruslan Kogan,
Thanks for taking the time out to put updates for the phone on this page and for responding to the feedback and criticism lol. At first I like the phone but that screen size is killing me! I could pose a lot of random questions, but I think I will just ask this one. Are all the specifications for the phone final? I think the last time I read about it it was said that it is in pre-production, I would think that since that is true some of the specs are final. I just really hope you can change the screen size! If not I probably won't get it but I was sold on this phone up until the screen size. I don't know too much about manufacturing costs or anything.
I am looking over the specs right now and seeing what I would give up in order to get a larger screen. I guess the only thing I would want to give up would be a the qwerty keyboard and I would just rather have a software keyboard. So I what I am saying is that if this was a touch screen only phone it would be great and you would be much better off in selling it because at this point there is no pure touch screen phone with android on it. Never the less good work and hopefully we can see a fully touch screen phone from Kogan in the future!
Posted at 8:11 a.m. on January 7, 2009
Dana says...
Silver border is SO UGLY. Please be sure to change this, or else I will not purchase.
Posted at 9:20 a.m. on January 7, 2009
Brian Sayatovic says...
I for one WANT the QWERTY keyboard. I've tried on-screen keyboards and they're terrible. Even with crude haptic feedback, it is no where near the subconscious feedback your fingers get from having physical keys. My fingers are fat enough as it is, so they need all the help they can get!
Regarding the screen size, I could understand if the hone were smaller, but that looks like at least 1/4" border on the sides, and 1/2" on the bottom. What purpose does it serve? Either shrink the phone or increase the screen size physically (and, ideally, the resolution, too).
Mind you, I'll be happy with my Kogan Agora Pro when it arrives. This is the closest thing to my ideal phone at a price I can afford. I'd love a Nokia N93, too, but I don't have $643 US to buy an unlocked one!
Posted at 11:04 a.m. on January 7, 2009
Ganny says...
^ I am in agreement with Brian, I like the QWERTY keyboard, and that's why I won't wait for a full touch-screen offering from Samsung and the like.
But the border around the screen is appalling. Why not turn that in to screen?
I am in agreement with most posters, if that border does not go, a few customers (including me) will.
Posted at 12:05 p.m. on January 7, 2009
Casey says...
My big question is where the MENU button is? Playing with the Android emulator, it seems a MENU button is critical.
In case people are curious, I'll try to post a video soon to give you an idea of what android might look like on the Agora (using a partially implemented Agora skin for the Android emulator).
Posted at 12:09 p.m. on January 7, 2009
Benny says...
Isn't that a menu button next to the spacebar?
Posted at 12:59 p.m. on January 7, 2009
Ruslan Kogan says...
I'm making another post with a video in it -- so be sure to check that out.
Just to confirm, this is a pre-production model. The bezel will be there in the production model but it won't be silver -- it will be black.
Posted at 3:38 p.m. on January 7, 2009
Milton H. says...
T-MOBILE USER in the US and T-MOBILE USER in NJ, I have a question for you guys. Are you planning on using this phone on T-mobile's 3g network or on someone else"s? I called T-mobile and discovered that the Agora Pro needs to run on 1700 and 2100mhz to function on T-mobiles 3g network. Now this is what I was told when i dialed 611 on T-mobiles network. So , for a phone that is supposed to be a direct competitor to the t-mobile G1, it doesn't even work on their US network.I am a bit peeved at this info. I can either cancel my order or go to another carrier such as At&t.. I am undecided at this point, however I am disappointed with Kogan because he is not comparing apples to apples, or oranges to oranges for that matter. I want to know what is the purpose of comparing ones product to the first of it's kind, but will not run on the same network? I would have preferred it to have been marketed as an android phone alternative to t-mobile. Well, yes, I will say that it was probably very naive of me to think that I could by this phone and run it on t-mobile USA's network. I welcome comments on my dilemma, and advice on what YOU would do if faced witth this problem
Posted at 9:30 a.m. on January 8, 2009
Julian A says...
Milton H.
I see your frustration, but don't see how this could ever be a direct competitor to the G1.
First of all this is an Australian based company, and the G1 isn't even released here locally. So how could it ever be a 'direct competitor' if both phones are not locally released in the respective countries?
Secondly to compare apples to apples as you say, the phone would need to have the same features and functions as another model but try to do it better. The G1 is a full touch screen with a slide out keyboard, and this phone is none of the sort, and more akin to a Blackberry. So you should be comparing this phone to a similar style Blackberry model. IMHO.
Posted at 9:52 a.m. on January 8, 2009
Milton H says...
2shay Julian A. point well taken. When I saw the advertisement for the Kogan Agora and Agora Pro, I assumed that it would work with the T-mobile system since they are the only company here, or anywhere using the Google Android operating system. So as I said I was naive to think that it would actually work on the only network that provides google android service Also, whilst reading up on the phone I did note that it is an international phone marketed towards people who did not necessarily want an android phone that operated on other networks. Yes android did make a big splash over here in the states, but the Iphone is the 3g leader. Also, all of the t-mobile competitors already offers the iphone on there systems. So, over hear, so far, anything android is t-mobile, and iphone is everyone else. Also I know that other wireless companies are signed up to offer android in the future, but you don't hear a thing about them over here..I don't know how Android is going to be offered in Australia, and I am sorry that you did not get the t-mobile g1, but if android is offered by a majority of wireless companies, then things are different from here in the states. I have never thought of the Agora as an alternative to the iphone, I have always considered it an alternative to the butt-ugly G1. Like I explained, I was so happy that someone had come out with an alternative, and marketed it internationally, phone to the G1 that I jumped. As a matter of fact I went to my local t-mobile outlet and was assured that the phone would work on their 3g network. Shows you what they know! Anyway, I guess it was just wishful thinking that it would work on t-mobile USA.
.
Posted at 10:55 a.m. on January 8, 2009
Julian A says...
Milton H.
So your directly comparing them together because they both run Android?
I'm sorry, but I can't see why anyone would do that, and if they did, you may as well compare an old Nokia to a new one because they both run the same OS, albeit modified, but still the same base OS.
As I said before, compare the Agora to something similar like a Blackberry, and compare the G1 to something similar like the iPhone.
The Agora will be the first Android handset in Australia and it's not releasing on any of our networks, only through the Kogan website. Which is beneficial as there's no contracts or plans you have to be locked into for 12/24 months. Which leaves us the option of using the phone on whichever service provider we prefer.
Bottom line is though, it sucks you will not be able to (currently) use the Agora handset on your preferred network.
I hope it does work out for you and they add the frequency range for T-mobile customers.
Posted at 12:02 p.m. on January 8, 2009
Rich redneck says...
Why even have the bezel at all!!
I thought of the agora as a replacement to a cracked iPhone, and to a slow and t-mobile networkedphone!!
Posted at 12:09 p.m. on January 8, 2009
Milton H. says...
Not only have I written on this blog, but on the blog that shows the video of the Agora in action Now, having said that, first off i haven't the slightest idea what a bezel is. Here in the US we don't have that terminology. I have nothing against anything Australian, however I am accustomed to legal terminology that would state that a product is international, with exceptions. Usually a disclaimer. Unfortunately, in the US because of the love of litigation, things have to be spelled out so that a 2nd grader could understand that it will or will not be used in certain applications. I am not saying that my fellow citizens are stupid, and neither am I, but everything in America that is Android is t-mobile. I fully understand what you guys are saying about Australia, try to understand what I am saying about here.I don't want to seem elitist and say you have to be an American to understand this concept of t-mobile= android. After all we did invent Google :-) In any event, from the feedback from other t-mobile USA customers, we were persuaded to pre-order the Agora Pro too. I believe that many people ordered this phone because they were searching for an alternative to the UGLY G1.So mates, on that note I will bid you farewell, for now. C'ya!..
Posted at 1:38 p.m. on January 8, 2009
f3nr15 says...
Hey Milton H, I completely understand your concerns about the Agora possibly not being able to function with T-mobile USA.
However, I would just like to clarify; on the "Specifications" page of the Agora it clearly lists the compatible network frequencies:
"UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)"
I recall these being listed for as long as I have been following the Agora, which addmittedly hasn't been since the inception. Was there a time when it listed a 1700 MHz frequency? Or perhaps the frequencies weren't specified at all at some early point? I am just wondering why so many T-mobile USA customers appear to have pre-purchased the phone, when it doesn't list a compatible frequency for the network?
(BTW, the 'bezel' is that silver border around the screen...)
Posted at 4:39 p.m. on January 8, 2009
Milton H. says...
Hey f3nr15, here are a couple of reasons most of us t-mobile USA customers believe that the Agora Pro would work on our network. 1) I incorrectly assumed that the information I was told about how 3g on t-mobile worked, i.e., if one of the mhz frequencies for 3g is available, the phone will work on that network. 2) I called t-mobile to confirm that the phone would work and was told," the only thing you have to do is swap out your sim card and upgrade to 3g." 3) I went to a t-mobile outlet and was told the same as previously stated. 4) More than one periodical, blog, and so on stated that the new phone would work with AT&T and T-mobile networks.( Now, since I read both US and British blogs, I cannot say from which blog I got the faulty information. 5
) Not being a celly I do admit to being a little naive when it came to this phone.
Now I am happy that a lot of you knew that this phone did not work on American t-nobile, as for me it has taken a lot of sorting through information to get to the truth,
Posted at 6:45 p.m. on January 8, 2009
James.... says...
Sorry, but isn't bezel standard english????
Posted at 1:04 a.m. on January 9, 2009
Milton H. says...
Yes bezel is standard english, I had a brain fart!!!! Sorry all. I thought that it meant what it did, but then you never know... In another country and all.
Posted at 1:45 a.m. on January 9, 2009
Milton H. says...
If you go to the video of the Agora or Agora Pro and look at the comments, maybe you guys in Australia will understand the frustration of us t-mobilers in the US. To my knowledge, I have not heard from the people who have At&t service weigh in? I would be curious to find out how many of them ordered the Kogan Agora.
Posted at 4:55 a.m. on January 9, 2009
Dddd says...
Where is the video??
Posted at 8:51 a.m. on January 9, 2009
David T says...
Hi Milton H,
I have spoken with a few friends of mine in America that reside on the T-Mobile network and they are Cell Phone (Mobile Phone in Australia) sellers, i have discussed this dilemma that you and some other T-Mobile users are having about the Angora phone, here are the results.
In theory that Angora would operate on the T-mobile network, since it is capable of logging on via the 2100Mhz Frequency, however here is where the problem resides, not all T-Mobile towers operate on the 2100Mhz frequency, some of them operate on the 1700Mhz Frequency, this is for various reasons but some of them will be for them to have a larger triangular Cell Tower reach (I.E further then 10KM apart but not greater then 22KM apart).
Now since the Angora only works on the 2100Mhz band (More common US band), it may drop in and out of reception as it bounces from Tower to Tower when the phone carries out its Packet Polling, Packet Polling is when the phone is sending out a request to see what towers are available so it knows which ones are in range, which enables it to do cell hoping on or off a call.
If would say at a guess that it will work, but i think in the long run you might come across major reception frustration from time to time, especially when traveling around, i have been told some people just don't care and live with it, personally myself i don't think i could tolerate it for that long, only cause in my line of work my Cell Phone is my bread and butter, without it i am like a chicken with no legs. However for casual users, and those who just txt all day, this phone should suffice.
As for AT&T This phone will work with them as it supports their bands, the question is will AT&T allow this phone to operate on their network??? That i can not confirm sorry, some times these things are a trial and error.
In saying that, i am fairly certain Rushlan did some home work before he had the phone manufactured and advertised that it can be used internationally, if i was to have a guess he or the manufacturers would know the stats of each carriers and how many users there are of particular bands, thus making sure the phone supporters a wider audience, which then does not make this a specialized phone like those of Sprint (Which sucks how they try and be so damn restrictive).
I don't work for Kogan and do not speak on his Behalf, but i just wanted to make sure i can help you out where possible, i will repeat it though, "YOU BUY THIS PHONE AT YOUR Discretion" (not yelling at you :)) it may or may not work and may only even function at a partial of its capacity if it does work.
Good luck with what ever decision you make.
Cheers,
David.
Posted at 11:42 a.m. on January 9, 2009
Milton H. says...
David T, thank you for answering my questions with a modicum of civility. I truly appreciate your sensitivity to a problem that many t-mobile USA customers have with this phone.
Dave , what I meant about the AT&T customers is this: It was pointed out to me that us t-mobile customers should have known that it wouldn't work. However, I have not heard a hoard of AT&T customers step up and say that they are ordering the Agora to run on the AT&T network. Now their may be plenty of people using AT&T going for the Agora, but I haven"t read much about them from the US.
Dave, I, in no way, am saying that you insinuated that T-mobile USA customers should have known better, but others from down-under have.Once again, thanks for your civility.
Posted at 12:30 p.m. on January 9, 2009
Benny says...
I don't think the ATT customers in the US are talking about it so much because they have the iphone as one of their major phone choices. They don't need an Android phone.
TMobile users have a rotten selection of smartphones to choose from. I use a Dash right now so the fact that I can't use 3G isn't such a big deal since I don't have it now. A bigger deal would be if I could keep using TZones proxy for $5.99 with the Agora.
Posted at 4:23 p.m. on January 9, 2009
Rich Redneck says...
When is there going to be an official review by a reviewer, or at least a vidoe review by yourself other than the snippety that has already been released!!!!
Posted at 9:22 a.m. on January 12, 2009
Brian Sayatovic says...
Milton H.,
I live in the USA, and my carrier uses the AT&T cellular network. I've also ordered the Kogan Agora Pro.
I'm fundamentally against Apple's philosophy of Draconian lock down of their operating system and development tools, so the iPhone 3G is not an option for me.
Posted at 9:56 p.m. on January 12, 2009
Daniel spain says...
What does Kogan have to say about this article:
http://jiipe.com/kogans-agora-may-not-be-worth-buying/
i was thinking on preorder one, but after googling about opinions i'm not sure now.
Posted at 10:26 p.m. on January 14, 2009
Steffen says...
Thanks Daniel spain!
Seems to be worth worrying about :(
It would be good, if Ruslan or one of the other Kogan guys would comment on this soon!
Posted at 11:40 p.m. on January 14, 2009
Thorsten says...
As I understand the only problem mentioned there is the screen resulution. Sure it is lower then the resolution of the G1, and sure I also would agree more would be better. But I think the issue of different resolutions on different phones is not a special problem of the Agora. The plan with Android is to be used on different phones by various vendors, with different form factors. So it is quite clear that the resolution will be daily business in Android development, so a general solution has to be and will be found for it.
So I hope this issue will be solved soon.
Posted at 12:38 a.m. on January 16, 2009
helmut muller says...
http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/273251/first_real_pictur...
that should be the first real pictures from agora
mueller
Posted at 2:36 a.m. on January 16, 2009
helmut mueller says...
Sorry, pictures showed some mails before. i saw only the date from that article.
mueller
Posted at 2:43 a.m. on January 16, 2009
just a Russian says...
Maybe the Agora2'll be a full touch screen? At least I hope, because in the russian alphabet there are 33 letters and the latin qwerty-keyboard is a kind of huge problem, though the usage of a virtual keyboard is possible even on such a display. Maybe the solution is to add some buttons keeping the Agora more than competitive, I mean its price.
P.S. (in Russia on the black market one can get an unlocked G1 for about 33000 rubles wich is about US$1000 so for the moment the most attractive for me is the Kogan Agora Pro)
Posted at 10:33 p.m. on January 29, 2009
kristen says...
shame that we can never get that awesome phone...
Posted at 7:18 a.m. on February 5, 2009
newcastle_utd_rulz_@hotmail.com says...
hey i am interested in buying. it looks great. for all you idiots out there why complain and whine, "awww it looks like a blackberry WHO CARES ? . it is pretty much the same as a blackberry. but the price is cheaper why spend all of you money on a $700 blackberry when you can get the same for cheaper. keep up the good work kogan
Posted at 5:48 p.m. on February 8, 2009
cell phone master says...
anyone know what the real angora will look like and keep the querty keyboard the virtual keyboard is a mess
Posted at 5:08 a.m. on February 18, 2009
cLdeAkYHSvqlYVfxX says...
HgjZBP
Posted at 12:10 a.m. on February 21, 2009
Skyborg says...
Hi everybody,
anybody who knows anything anywhere new about the Agora??????????????????????????????????????
Posted at 9:11 p.m. on March 10, 2009
limE says...
Hi Ruslan,
I originally pre-ordered the agora from you. It's difficult to keep waiting when we don't see any signs of life.
Posted at 9:28 p.m. on March 16, 2009
Joanna says...
I read about your phone and was so excited. But it's not on your website. Does this mean it's not being released?
Posted at 9:42 p.m. on April 1, 2009
Steffen says...
Hi Ruslan!
Any news about a "new" Agora? Rumors are there and my old Nokia seems to die ... so I would be happy to have an Agora soon.
Cheers, Steffen
Posted at 11:14 p.m. on May 14, 2009
Jal says...
Sorry. My theology, briefly, is that the universe was dictated but not signed.
I am from Congo and learning to read in English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "Becoming the need of today, san francisco car alarms are."
With respect :-), Jal.
Posted at 4:21 p.m. on July 3, 2009
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