Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… At least that’s what they say. If that’s true, Ruslan Kogan should feel honored. Looks like a clone of the delayed and troubled Kogan Agora has appeared. The cloned Kogan appeared for sale on Alibaba.com for $240 per device with a minimum purchase of 100 devices (check it out here). There are some distinct differences in design elements, and Mr. Kogan himself insists it isn’t one of his own:
“I am not aware of this manufacturer and I have doubts that it runs Android OS. It is certainly not what the Agora was going to be or in anyway related to it.”
I believe him. Would be a shame if he put a stop to production, only to move forward by selling his entire stockpile of devices to someone else. Kogan does have strong ties to Chinese industry, as he made his money outsourcing the production of his wares to Chinese companies. I’m sure it would be easy to strike a deal?
Whatever the case may be, I’d still love to see the Kogan Agora and Agora Pro surface at some point this year. I know it’s not looking good… But Ruslan… C’mon buddy, a lot of folks are pulling for ya.
[Via: Phandroid]