Remember the Smach Zero? A handheld console with a PC soul, the possibility of accessing a good part of the Steam catalog and the adoption of AMD hardware sounded very good, but its first crowdfunding campaign was canceled to regroup and adjust priorities. Now, the Smach Z is back with prototypes, a lower price, and the possibility of choosing Windows 10 or Linux as operating systems.
From SteamBoy to Smach Zero: A Brief History
It all started with the SteamBoy concept. At that time, the web was very excited about Valve's Steam Machines, and the idea of turning one into a portable console was very striking. Time taught us that Steam Machines were an absolute failure (fewer than 500,000 units were sold), and that Valve doesn't seem to have any interest in continuing with that line of computers, since most of its resources have been focused on virtual reality. The SteamBoy made an evolutionary leap to become the Smach Zero, and even started a crowdfunding campaign, but it was canceled in December 2015. The reasons cited by its managers were several, starting with a very high target (900,000 euros), the lack of a prototype, the use of an AMD SoC (there wasn't much technical data on the chip), and the multiple requests to add Windows as an operating system. Ten months later, the team from Palma de Mallorca returns to the attack:
Smach Z Specifications
For those who don't remember the details, let's go straight to the specifications: AMD Merlin Falcon RX-421BD quad-core SoC at 2.1 GHz, AMD Radeon R7 graphics at 800 MHz, two options of DDR4 RAM and storage (4/64 GB or 8/128 GB), a six-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1080p resolution, microSD slot, HDMI output, USB type C port, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, front camera and LTE support (in the Pro model), and a battery capable of keeping the console on for five hours. Regarding operating systems, the project leaders offer a customized version of Linux called Smach Z OS, or alternatively Windows 10. If the "Steam Controller" style commands aren't appealing, there will be a series of accessories (sold separately) to make them more traditional.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/AgppMAo1-V8Crowdfunding Success
This time, the goal for the Smach Z is 250,000 euros, which it already surpassed in less than 48 hours. The 249 euro option for the basic model sold out, as did the Pro model at 399 euros. At this moment, the access points are 279 euros (4/64 GB) and 449 euros (8/128 GB). The first deliveries are in April.
