BlueStacks Announces Second Console, GamePop Mini

BlueStacks, who's App Player converts Android apps to run on computers, has followed its announcement in May of the $129 GamePop Android console with the addition of the GamePop Mini. Both consoles are designed to play mobile games on a big screen television. Both consoles are reported to be available later this year.

The Mini differs from its big brother not only in design, but in that the console will be given free to users who purchase and continue a $6.99US monthly subscription service. BlueStacks says the GamePop will be more powerful than the Mini, but the Mini will be able to handle all of apps and games 'plenty well.' There may also be more peripherals available for the GamePop.

The Mini is now available for pre-order and the company reports that it already has a popular slate of developers committed to the project including Glu Mobile, Halfbrick, OutFit7 and Intellijoy. It is promoting to consumers the console comes preloaded with $250 in paid apps.

iOS developers are not going to be left out as the company is offering them its Looking Glass technology, which will allow developers to launch iOS apps on both consoles.