Citing “potential future interoperability issues” Ruslan Kogan has this morning apologised to the many people that had pre-paid for their very own Kogan Agora Google phone.

Immediately after telling customers that the current version of the hardware has been completely scrapped over concerns that developers are writing software that already will not work on the device, Mr Kogan expresses remorse over the “delay” to the release of the Agora device.

Telling customers that forwarded money (in some cases as much as twelve weeks ago) “You will receive a full refund for your pre-order of the Kogan Agora. This will be processed within 7 days and automatically credited to your account.”

Conspiracy theorists amongst (see responses on CNet Article) us could be forgiven for thinking that this was all just a ploy to generate some capitol for Kogan.

I personally would love to see some independantly audited financial statements showing what happened with the money depostied in to Kogan bank accounts.

I would like the interest that is surely generated credited back to my account in addition to the original investment made in a product that now appearently was not even in full production, yet was due for delivery in under 9 days.
To me, it seems that the product was not even a reality and citing ongoing compatability concerns is a pretty transparent attempt at keeping the geek masses happy.

I look forward to Kogan making a clear statement showing evidence of where all the prepayment money was stored, and what the interest that money generated was used for.

I think if Kogan is unable to prove that they actually had a device under development and ready to ship to Australia, then they should at the very least have to refund the initial payment – please reasonable bank interest.