Australia’s first Google phone cancelled

The first Australian phone to use Google’s Android mobile phone operating system has been delayed indefinitely due to problems with the phone’s screen size and resolution coping with future Android applications.

The first Australian phone to use Google’s Android mobile phone operating system has been delayed indefinitely due to problems with the phone’s screen size and resolution coping with future Android applications.

Melbourne-based firm Kogan Technologies says the Kogan Agora phone has been put on hold due to “inter-operability issues”. The company’s owner Ruslan Kogan claims the phone’s LCD size and resolution will not meet the standard requirements for future applications designed for the phone.

“The Agora did reach a very late stage of development,” Kogan says in a blog post.

“Manufacturing had commenced and it was a matter of days from being shipped to you. However, it now seems certain the Agora in its current form will limit its compatibility and inter-operability in the near future”

While most Android application developers are creating software for 3.2-inch 320×480 pixel resolution screens, the Kogan Agora boasted just a 2.5-inch 320×240 pixel resolution screen.

“In order to fully appreciate the feature-rich applications Android developers will be creating in coming months and years, the Agora must be redesigned.

“Stay tuned over the coming month for… a new version of the Agora.”

Kogan Technologies announced a delay for the phone in December, and due to having manufacturing plants based in China, declared a $100 price rise caused by the falling Aussie dollar.

Kogan says it will offer a full refund to customers who pre-ordered the device.

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