Best android stick out at the moment? (UK) - Android Stick & Console RockChip based Computers

Hey guys,
I've done search and come across a few things:
* MK809II
* MK802IIIS
* ODroid U2
My question is - which is the "recommended" or "best" stick - I plan to play 1080p movies and probably the use of the Android Playstore for games etc.
Thanks,
Matt

Would love to know as well, any experts ?

Really depends on ROM support. Seems most get the mk808 models. I have one and the 809 and 809ii. All work the same. Slight performance gain on 808. 1080 works on all but not very good for me. Gets choppy.
I am waiting for quadcores to hit the market before i get into them more. They should work alot better then!

Isn't this strange, aren't 809 and 809ii supposed to work better ?

smokestack76 said:
Really depends on ROM support. Seems most get the mk808 models. I have one and the 809 and 809ii. All work the same. Slight performance gain on 808. 1080 works on all but not very good for me. Gets choppy.
I am waiting for quadcores to hit the market before i get into them more. They should work alot better then!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the MK809ii and I purchased it because it has 8gb memory, dual core, and bluetooth. From what I remember the 808 had less memory and no bluetooth. I think the 808b has bluetooth but If I remember correctly that one also had 4 gb memory.
Hope that helps:good:

MK808B BEST STICK at the moment
pewterwest said:
I have the MK809ii and I purchased it because it has 8gb memory, dual core, and bluetooth. From what I remember the 808 had less memory and no bluetooth. I think the 808b has bluetooth but If I remember correctly that one also had 4 gb memory.
Hope that helps:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are my reasons why you should buy the MK808B NOW!
1. Price less than $50 at geekbuying.com (they sell real ones, not fake and they get factory firmwares by request)
2. Dual core, 1608mhz each (set governor to performance to max results)
3. Bluetooth (keyboards, mouse, headset, headphones, Wii controllers, file transfers)
4. Great wifi, on par with my Motorola Bionic use Wifi Analyzer to test yours, will even tell you what router channel is the best. No signal drops.
5. 8GB ROM and it is fast, 1GB Fast DDR2 RAM, microSD slot. I have 4 port hub and 3 USB drives and USB Webcam connected, all working.
6. LOTS of support. Finless Bob and Lewy20041 have both released custom ROMS and factory even sent out 4.2
7. No heating issues, never locks up, no reboots required, fast and stable.
8. XMBC support and MXPlayer has full hardware acceleration.
I have plenty of supporting benchmarks and comparisons on my blog
tabletuser.blogspot.com LINK
Once the quadcores get down near the $60 range I'll be moving towards one of those, best to watch which quadcore gets most development attentions. ROM developers help make the stick faster and better. I'm sure once the MK808B has an overclocking kernel I'll be able to get close to the freescale quadcore in benchmarks. 1080 over wifi not possible, not sure I've seen anyone posting success with wifi 1080.

I have an 802IIIs plugged into a 1080p 60 Hz TV. It works well, it was exactly as I had expected.
I use it only really to watch Youtube, Netflix, and other TV/videos online. It does an excellent job doing that. Pair it up with a wireless mouse or Droidmote and you got a pretty good set up. If you're using Droidmote via your phone or tablet, you can even enter text in the 802 via your phone or tablet's microphone.
Angry Birds runs smoothly on it too. GTA III and Vice City (you have to sideload Vice City) all work very well. I've never played them on PS2 so I can't compare the graphics, but action and frame rate are actually very smooth, no lag at all. You can hook up a PS3 controller to your tablet/phone running Droidmote and play with a physical controller.

Is it possible to stream a video online in the browser with this sticks?
Would blow this rat's nest of cords in my room away
I just want to stream videos, which one should I buy?
I think the MK802s are too expensive for me, if I just want to stream.
Thanks!

Cheap Streaming
P4N1C said:
Is it possible to stream a video online in the browser with this sticks?
Would blow this rat's nest of cords in my room away
I just want to stream videos, which one should I buy?
I think the MK802s are too expensive for me, if I just want to stream.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES
My first Android Stick was the Uhost U1A and it is down to $30 on Geekbuying.com. It has a single core cpu and is more than capable of streaming online content. Most single core devices score about the same and Uhost U1A has the best firmwares. I ran a bunch of benchmarks and you can use that to compare to most dual core systems or your android phone/tablet.
http://tabletuser.blogspot.com/2012/12/uhost-u1a-benchmark-screen-shots.html
LINK
Since price of the MK802s start around $40 for the single core, I'm guessing that $30 would be your price range? The UI (user interface) isn't very smooth at all. I constantly have the operating system asking if it should end a process because it was running too slow. I didn't have many issues gaming, but I didn't play too many games on it. I can watch Youtube without any hiccups, it uses almost no cpu power to play NO HD content. MX Player offers hardware acceleration so 720p videos are possible.
What online streaming are you looking to use? XMBC has plenty of channels. If you have to patients, go for the Uhost U1A, but don't expect any more firmwares or custom ROMs. If you can get into the $50 range, take a look at the MK808B, it is full of options, thanks to bluetooth, has almost triple to power/speed as Uhost U1A, and is getting plenty of factory and custom firmware support thanks to geekbuying.
I have more benchmarks, and reviews on the MK808B. This is one of the best Android Sticks for under $50.
http://tabletuser.blogspot.com LINK

cesar33 said:
YES
My first Android Stick was the Uhost U1A and it is down to $30 on Geekbuying.com. It has a single core cpu and is more than capable of streaming online content. Most single core devices score about the same and Uhost U1A has the best firmwares. I ran a bunch of benchmarks and you can use that to compare to most dual core systems or your android phone/tablet.
http://tabletuser.blogspot.com/2012/12/uhost-u1a-benchmark-screen-shots.html
LINK
Since price of the MK802s start around $40 for the single core, I'm guessing that $30 would be your price range? The UI (user interface) isn't very smooth at all. I constantly have the operating system asking if it should end a process because it was running too slow. I didn't have many issues gaming, but I didn't play too many games on it. I can watch Youtube without any hiccups, it uses almost no cpu power to play NO HD content. MX Player offers hardware acceleration so 720p videos are possible.
What online streaming are you looking to use? XMBC has plenty of channels. If you have to patients, go for the Uhost U1A, but don't expect any more firmwares or custom ROMs. If you can get into the $50 range, take a look at the MK808B, it is full of options, thanks to bluetooth, has almost triple to power/speed as Uhost U1A, and is getting plenty of factory and custom firmware support thanks to geekbuying.
I have more benchmarks, and reviews on the MK808B. This is one of the best Android Sticks for under $50.
http://tabletuser.blogspot.com LINK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for given me an overview!
I think I will buy the MK808B on geekbuying.. compared with the prices in Germany for the 808B, it`s anyway really cheap.

cesar33 said:
Here are my reasons why you should buy the MK808B NOW!
1. Price less than $50 at geekbuying.com (they sell real ones, not fake and they get factory firmwares by request)
2. Dual core, 1608mhz each (set governor to performance to max results)
3. Bluetooth (keyboards, mouse, headset, headphones, Wii controllers, file transfers)
4. Great wifi, on par with my Motorola Bionic use Wifi Analyzer to test yours, will even tell you what router channel is the best. No signal drops.
5. 8GB ROM and it is fast, 1GB Fast DDR2 RAM, microSD slot. I have 4 port hub and 3 USB drives and USB Webcam connected, all working.
6. LOTS of support. Finless Bob and Lewy20041 have both released custom ROMS and factory even sent out 4.2
7. No heating issues, never locks up, no reboots required, fast and stable.
8. XMBC support and MXPlayer has full hardware acceleration.
I have plenty of supporting benchmarks and comparisons on my blog
tabletuser.blogspot.com LINK
Once the quadcores get down near the $60 range I'll be moving towards one of those, best to watch which quadcore gets most development attentions. ROM developers help make the stick faster and better. I'm sure once the MK808B has an overclocking kernel I'll be able to get close to the freescale quadcore in benchmarks. 1080 over wifi not possible, not sure I've seen anyone posting success with wifi 1080.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the MK 808B based on your reveiws, can you tell me which is the best bluetooth remote plus mouse that I should buy ?

cesar33 said:
...1080 over wifi not possible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not even with MiMo 802.11N?

how is the performance for running this for many hours. I mean if you are watching youtube/online streaming for 3-5 hours continuous, does it perform well or any degradation in performance. Any issues of heating up, also how is the wifi radio does the connection stays stable with your wifi router so that online stream plays without any issues.
Also does anyone know if geekbuying.com does shipping to MiddleEast?
thanks

jessesam said:
I bought the MK 808B based on your reveiws, can you tell me which is the best bluetooth remote plus mouse that I should buy ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've already got another Android device give the free MK802III wifi controller app a try (despite it's name it works fine on MK808b - the server side is pre-installed on the device and is called ehome media)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wxLDMsImNvbS5yb2NrY2hpcC5yZW1vdGVjb250cm9sIl0.
For more bells and whistles you could buy Droidmote - client app is free, server is around $2:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wOSwib3JnLnZpZGVvbWFwLmRyb2lkbW90ZXNlcnZlciJd
Sixaxis works well as a bluetooth game controller when used with a genuine Sony PS3 game pad (does cost to buy but is pretty cheap):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...5ncGl4ZWxzdHVkaW9zLnNpeGF4aXNjb250cm9sbGVyIl0.
I use all of the above as and when it suits, plus my Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse work brilliantly - just plug the receiver into the full-size usb port on the device and away you go
Finally, install and set the NULL keyboard as default input device in order to stop the on-screen keyboard popping up every time you want to type:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS53cGFyYW0ubnVsbGtleWJvYXJkIl0.
If you want to eliminate any streaming issues for 1080 over wifi this usb to ethernet adapter will work with the MK808b straight out of the box:
http://dx.com/p/usb-2-0-10-100mbps-rj45-lan-ethernet-network-adapter-dongle-34691
srbutt said:
how is the performance for running this for many hours. I mean if you are watching youtube/online streaming for 3-5 hours continuous, does it perform well or any degradation in performance. Any issues of heating up, also how is the wifi radio does the connection stays stable with your wifi router so that online stream plays without any issues.
Also does anyone know if geekbuying.com does shipping to MiddleEast?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used mine for online streaming for 3 - 4 hours at a time (Youtube, BBC iPlayer, various tv episode streaming sites) without any issues affecting performance, no over heating, no signal loss or dropped connections. The only thing that was mildly irritating was that the default web browser (which works surprisingly well with flash) was set to iPad as the default user agent - change it to Desktop and it calls exactly the same version of websites as your PC browser.
I am still using the stock JellyBean 4.2.2 ROM that shipped on the device.

Related

Anyone here planning on using the Nexus 4 to display its screen onto a Miracast TV?

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/...yboard-multiple-users-photo-sphere/in/3335719
The highlight is support for Miracast, an industry-standard Wi-Fi display sharing protocol that allows new devices like the Nexus 4 to stream audio and video to TVs. (Think AirPlay with broad industry support.) Miracast boxes for existing TVs are expected to go on sale from a variety of companies soon, and Google expects them to cost well under $99. And Miracast will soon be built directly into TVs, which is pretty exciting — LG's already committed to building it into all of its 2013 smart TVs. The technology worked quite well in our demo of Android 4.2 on a Nexus 4, and Google says developers can use each screen independently for big-screen gaming and other apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like you could do this with your Nexus 4 and play gaming emulators with a bluetooth game controller on your big screen TV wirelessly :victory:
I wonder how well the n64 or Playstation emulators run on the 2gb of ram + S4 Pro cpu?
Is Miracast a brand of TV? I was try to find some information about this, but I don't think it's out yet. Is it more of a device like the Apple TV that our device will link to, or would it be more like an Apple TV sort of thing? Either way, I've never really tried Wi-Fi direct or any branch of it so I guess I'm excited.
Wi-Di
It looks like the Newest Intel Wi-Di software supports Miracast as well.
Looks like I'm buying a Miracast adapter now.
ap3604 said:
http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/...yboard-multiple-users-photo-sphere/in/3335719
Seems like you could do this with your Nexus 4 and play gaming emulators with a bluetooth game controller on your big screen TV wirelessly :victory:
I wonder how well the n64 or Playstation emulators run on the 2gb of ram + S4 Pro cpu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Xperia Play with Qualcomm 1ghz cpu and old ass Adreno 205 gpu can handle N64 and PSX games. I get 1000fps in 2d PSX games with my previous Galaxy S3 which has quadcore Mali-400 gpu. I don't think the S4 Pro and its new Adreno GPU which is supposed to be just as fast or faster will have any problem.
I do plan to get the Nexus 4, but I still prefer my Xperia Play for classic gaming.
eksasol said:
My Xperia Play with Qualcomm 1ghz cpu and old ass Adreno 205 gpu can handle N64 and PSX games. I get 1000fps in 2d games playing FPSE with my previous Galaxy S3 which has quadcore Mali-400. I don't think the S4 Pro and its new Adreno GPU will have any problem.
I still prefer my Xperia Play for classic gaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. It's been awhile since I've used android so I wasn't sure. So you can play Final Fantasy 7 with no hiccups and the music is in sync? I remember when I could play FF7 and I wasn't sure if the hardware wasn't fast enough or if the emulator needed to be updated and tweaked.
Any emulator you would recommend for FF-7 or Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time?
The Play can handle those games. FPSE is probably the best PSX emulator, if you turn off framelimiter it can go over 100fps. The touchpad (joystick) is working too, but it depends if the app support it or not. For N64 I use N64oid, it might not be 100% smooth on some games, but playable for most, I suspect Mupen64Plus could be faster. I also recommend emulators made by "explusalpha". Anything 2D can be handled easily.
This device doesn't seem to have TV output though. Also you can't have too big hands because the gamepad is a bit on the small size so you might get cramp over long sessions. It might be better to get a bluetooth gamepad in that case.
You can get a refurb Verizon Play for very cheap on ebay right now. But if you want to install custom rom, only the international (R800i) can unlock its bootloader (without paid service), because the Play required flashing the kernel separately by fastboot in order for the rom to boot.
Otherwise, this phone have similar spec to the HTC Nexus One, so its quite underpowered by today standard. It does have have nice stereo speakers and excellent sound quality. It's camera is a bit less detailed than the Galaxy Nexus, but actually perform better over different lighting. It even support GLONASS.
I have an iControlPad, which also an excellent bluetooth gamepad, but I never use it with the convenience of the Play.
eksasol said:
It's camera is a bit less detailed than the Galaxy Nexus, but actually perform better over different lighting. It even support GLONASS.
/QUOTE]
Why do you think it will have GLONASS? I can see it nowhere in specs. And, no I don't count gsmarena - they posted that as rumour specs weeks ago....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Monkeybrew said:
eksasol said:
It's camera is a bit less detailed than the Galaxy Nexus, but actually perform better over different lighting. It even support GLONASS.
/QUOTE]
Why do you think it will have GLONASS? I can see it nowhere in specs. And, no I don't count gsmarena - they posted that as rumour specs weeks ago....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was talking about my Xperia Play.
Sent from my R800x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[QUESTION]What's the best Android stick out now?

I will use the Android TV stick mostly for watching movies on XBMC, and I also want to know if any of them is capable of playing 1080p. So what'd you choose at the moment? I found the Imito MX2, and maybe the MX808 or 809, but what do you find the best stick at the moment?
I would be interested to read people's opinions also on this. I currently use two Xbox 360's with media center but Android sticks could be a nice alternative.
D3vi0uz said:
I will use the Android TV stick mostly for watching movies on XBMC, and I also want to know if any of them is capable of playing 1080p. So what'd you choose at the moment? I found the Imito MX2, and maybe the MX808 or 809, but what do you find the best stick at the moment?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I chose the iMito MX2 due to it's speed and the fact that it had Bluetooth built in. I have two, and the only real problem I've had is that the play store can't seem to differentiate between them... I'm assuming I'll have to hack a serial down the road in one of them to fix it. It plays 1080p though, and is fast enough to handle dead trigger and retro arch with a gamepad, and blows my raspberry pi out of the water in xbmc smoothness. There are likely better sticks out now due to the quad cores, but these work really well for me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Best for the Price$
Let us make this by price category.
Best under $50
Best between $50 and $100
Best over $100
My top choices:
Best under $50
MK802II single core, lowest price (best supported, most ROMS, lots of firmware options)
MK808\MK808B dualcore (well supported, stable, fast, factory provides updates) tabletuser.blogspot.com and see benchmarks LINK
I own the Uhost U1A and it is the same as the MK802II, but don't own the MK802II. I do own the MK808B and believe for the $50 price it's the best choice for an Android Stick.
cesar33 said:
Let us make this by price category.
Best under $50
Best between $50 and $100
Best over $100
My top choices:
Best under $50
MK802II single core, lowest price (best supported, most ROMS, lots of firmware options)
MK808\MK808B dualcore (well supported, stable, fast, factory provides updates) tabletuser.blogspot.com and see benchmarks LINK
I own the Uhost U1A and it is the same as the MK802II, but don't own the MK802II. I do own the MK808B and believe for the $50 price it's the best choice for an Android Stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought MK 802 III for 58 dollars and It looks and works fantastic. It is dual core with 1GB ram. I read some reviews about it and most of them were positive. Android app to control it makes it better. I played some HBO Go movies and they were flawless and very clear. I also tested some 1080P videos from youtube and they works without any issue. On netflix I could see how the video started choppy but then turned into clear HD. I havent played with it much I think I am going to like it.
I also used FAVI smartstick, it was nice too but couldnt play 1080P videos. HBO go was low quality as it is single core.
cesar33 said:
Let us make this by price category.
Best under $50
Best between $50 and $100
Best over $100
My top choices:
Best under $50
MK802II single core, lowest price (best supported, most ROMS, lots of firmware options)
MK808\MK808B dualcore (well supported, stable, fast, factory provides updates) tabletuser.blogspot.com and see benchmarks LINK
I own the Uhost U1A and it is the same as the MK802II, but don't own the MK802II. I do own the MK808B and believe for the $50 price it's the best choice for an Android Stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are some with 4 cores, i dont know if some have 2 g of ram
http://www.asiapads.com/es/4-2-andr...7b-rk3188-quad-core-2gb-ram-8gb-rom-2363.html
http://liliputing.com/2013/04/tronsmart-mk908-quad-core-android-tv-stick-performance-video.html
http://liliputing.com/2013/01/cubox-mini-computer-goes-pro-with-2gb-of-ram.html
http://liliputing.com/2012/12/s21h-android-4-1-mini-pc-features-2gb-of-ram.html
Hi all, from my search the new quad cores look like they could actually be useful HTPC replacements.
They run the new RK3188 Chip, which means 1.8ghz (Quad core) CPU and MALI 400 GPU. I am still waiting for some custom ROMs and XBMC compatibility tests, but so far they look very promising.
From the reviews I've read/watched the MK908 looks like having a much improved WIFI reception, Bluetooth 4.0 and 2GB of RAM (most new sticks with the RK3188 have 2GB of RAM).
So let's see which Android pc stick will get the developers support , and then choose accordantly.
The competition is on.
Does anyone know if XBMC for android supports live/recorded TV? I have a QAM tuner in my HTPC running WMC right now.
Android stick for mothers day - need advice
I need to order an android stick and I need it fast, but I need product advice. I'm buy it for my mother for mothers day so that she can stream video over netflix and from my Plex server in my home a couple hundred miles away. I want her to be able to Skype rather seamlessly and since she's not very good with computers, less peripherals = better gift. Please advise on everything that I need to get her setup. I'll need either a stick that has a camera built in or I'll need a compatible web cam to buy separately from the stick. Same goes for the keyboard. I'd like it to be already set at or upgradeable to android 4.2 so that she can use it for Miracast. Please let me know:
- Which stick I should buy
- Recommended airmouse/air keyboard w/ mic and speaker if necessary
- Recommended/compatible wifi and/or USB webcam to clip onto the TV
- Recommended USB hub if I need one
If possible recommend devices that can be bought off of Amazon or somewhere in the US so that I can get it by Saturday. If not that's OK too I guess, it'll just be a bit late.
Thanks
Jim
I'm using UG802
Specs:
- 1.6 GHz Dual-Core (Rockchip 3066)
- 1 GB RAM
- 4 GB FLASH
- microSD Slot ( up to 32 GB)
XBMC works like a charm with the Finless ROM.

BlueTimes Dual WiFi antenna Quad Core TV Box

Hi everyone, I ordered this one from eBay however I'm starting to think I may have rushed a bit. It is on its way, shipped and specs seem very good but if anyone knows anything about it I'd like some feedback.
What is RockChip RK3188*like? There is not much info about it on the internet, I did see a video of a guy AntuTuing it on Archos tablet and it scored more than my Nexus 7 2012, in fact about 6000-8000 points more, depending on what I currently am running on my N7 (the box does have 2GB RAM, which is double the size of N7's RAM). But it may be different in practice, I plan to use it for basically the same stuff everyone here seeks a box - XBMC, movies and TV shows in general. But can I steam a movie file from my PC to the box over WiFi (I suppose some typical LAN steam is available in XBMC?). How do these devices work with 1080p movies (and shows too, shows have full 16:9 1080p, movies have a height of less than 1000 pixels, most of the time).
How do I control it? Is there some app for controlling it with another Android device, don't tell me I need to use a wireless keyboard/mouse every time
Thanks!
Here is a link
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=111155242479
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Nexus Player

with amazon continue need to block root and a locked bootloader. I was wondering how many of you dont want to deal with the cat and mouse game and just get a Nexus Player instead.
http://www.google.com/intl/all/nexus/player/
Nexus Player
Processor: 1.8GHz Quad Core, Intel® Atom™
Imagination PowerVR Series 6 Graphics 2D/3D Engine
Wireless: 802.11ac 2x2 (MIMO)
Memory: 1GB
Storage: 8GB
Bluetooth: 4.1
Output Resolution: 1920×1080 at 60fps
USB: Micro USB Port
Ethernet Port: NONE
Fire TV
Processor: Qualcomm Krait 300, quad-core to 1.7 Ghz
Qualcomm Adreno 320
Wireless: Supports 802.11a/b/g/n
Memory: 2GB
Storeage: 8GB
Bluetooth: 4.0
Output Resoultion: 720p and 1080p up to 60fps
USB: USB Port
Ethernet Port: 10/100
mejdam said:
with amazon continue need to block root and a locked bootloader. I was wondering how many of you dont want to deal with the cat and mouse game and just get a Nexus Player instead.
http://www.google.com/intl/all/nexus/player/
Nexus Player
Processor: 1.8GHz Quad Core, Intel® Atom™
Imagination PowerVR Series 6 Graphics 2D/3D Engine
Wireless: 802.11ac 2x2 (MIMO)
Memory: 1GB
Storage: 8GB
Bluetooth: 4.1
Output Resolution: 1920×1080 at 60fps
USB: Micro USB Port
Ethernet Port: NONE
Fire TV
Processor: Qualcomm Krait 300, quad-core to 1.7 Ghz
Qualcomm Adreno 320
Wireless: Supports 802.11a/b/g/n
Memory: 2GB
Storeage: 8GB
Bluetooth: 4.0
Output Resoultion: 720p and 1080p up to 60fps
USB: USB Port
Ethernet Port: 10/100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can be 100% sure this thing will be locked down just as hard as the Fire TV. Just look at the Chromecast.
Time will Tell
I'm curious to see how the nexus player develops
but right now I'm satisfied with the firetv I got XBMC on there and all my repos
so right now I'm good
I agreed, It probably locked bootloader and unless Google changed their mind letting us have a unlock bootloader = addicted flasher custom ROM. I might email some google developers and see what their response regard the bootloader status.
rbox said:
You can be 100% sure this thing will be locked down just as hard as the Fire TV. Just look at the Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the idea of a stock google variation interface is appealing, the less ram, lack of hardwire ethernet and even less buttons on remote make it a significantly less attractive candidate IMO for XBMC, I'll stay with my fire TV (especially since I'm lucky enough to have 3 of them with root and CWM already w/blocked updates)
rbox said:
You can be 100% sure this thing will be locked down just as hard as the Fire TV. Just look at the Chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% sure? Google TV and Chrome products have been locked down. ChromeBook and Chromecast. This device is called a Nexus, and i cant name one Nexus device that is locked down. Even my nexus q was easily unlocked!!! Even though i can see them locking the device i disagree with the level of certainty you have (100%)
Skater4599 said:
While the idea of a stock google variation interface is appealing, the less ram, lack of hardwire ethernet and even less buttons on remote make it a significantly less attractive candidate IMO for XBMC, I'll stay with my fire TV (especially since I'm lucky enough to have 3 of them with root and CWM already w/blocked updates)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less Ram: Good point, but one of the android forums mention this wont be a problem with the intel chip. Time will tell.
lack of hardwire ethernet: the fire tv has FastEthernet which is limited by 100, Wireless N gives fastethernet a run for its money and this device supports AC. Way faster than fastethernet.
I will be giving it a shot I think. Need an extra unit for the bedroom TV anyway. Will wait to see if it is rootable first though I think
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Fire TV:2GB of RAM
Fine and dandy,but qualcomm sux for Reicast and Dolphin Emulator.
Also reboots when heavy 3D "three js" games are played. (it was an HD 3D racing game in three js)
New Google:1GB RAM
Not enough RAM so,it sux (if more than FTV original price),nuff said.
Graphics unknown status by Dolphin Emulator devs,does it handle Reicast?
What use is x86 for Wine to run Windows programs like PJ64 when you have a crappy limit of 1GB RAM?
Where is Google's Android TV with Nvidia Tegra K1 people were promised?
retroben said:
Fire TV:2GB of RAM
Fine and dandy,but qualcomm sux for Reicast and Dolphin Emulator.
Also reboots when heavy 3D "three js" games are played. (it was an HD 3D racing game in three js)
New Google:1GB RAM
Not enough RAM so,it sux (if more than FTV original price),nuff said.
Graphics unknown status by Dolphin Emulator devs,does it handle Reicast?
What use is x86 for Wine to run Windows programs like PJ64 when you have a crappy limit of 1GB RAM?
Where is Google's Android TV with Nvidia Tegra K1 people were promised?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is only one device released by google, nvidia could release their own android tv device along with htc, samsung, acer, asus, motorla, hisense.... Etc... Even though i doubt nvidia will release a box since they already sell an nvidia shield tablet (which doesnt support dts pass through). Even though im sticking with my firetv i am interested to see others join. Especially if this pushes amazon to properly support vc1, 24p, 4k, dts-hd/truehd, 802.11ac.
I don't think you guys are remembering exactly what "Nexus" means. It means do whatever you want to the device.
Yes the Nexus 7 was locked but they made it easy to unlock for us to mod. The whole nexus line is the play ground line if you want to mod and have fun with your device.
I for one am going to be jumping ship because quite frankly, Amazon has, and always will be, absolutely garbage when it comes to making anything interface related. Their app sucks, their web interface sucks, their amazon fire TV interface sucks, everything they design is garbage when it comes to UI.
I've had a blast with this device but with them locking it down...no bueno.
As per the wireless worry, it's 5GHz AC. If you're doing anything that's going to be able to tax THAT, having an ethernet cable isn't going to save you.
Ehh if its update blocked and rooted... Then its not locked down,right
mroneeyedboh said:
Ehh if its update blocked and rooted... Then its not locked down,right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly. Bootloader is still locked.
Despite my hatred of the small RAM size...
Since Nexus Player is x86 and it has an Intel Atom chipset,does that mean it utilizes the Houdini processing for running arm apps in the x86 architecture?
Still sucks because of crappy limit of RAM.
I saw that the price is going to be $99 like the Fire TV's original price.
Make a 2GB RAM version of Nexus Player for an extra $20.00 to make it more appealing.
Heck,replace them all with 2GB RAM for only $10.00 more cost.
retroben said:
Despite my hatred of the small RAM size...
Since Nexus Player is x86 and it has an Intel Atom chipset,does that mean it utilizes the Houdini processing for running arm apps in the x86 architecture?
Still sucks because of crappy limit of RAM.
I saw that the price is going to be $99 like the Fire TV's original price.
Make a 2GB RAM version of Nexus Player for an extra $20.00 to make it more appealing.
Heck,replace them all with 2GB RAM for only $10.00 more cost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 GB is fine. Unlike phones we wont be multi-tasking as much. The Nexus Player will mostly only worry about the active application which is why 1 GB will be fine. As for the CPU its an Inel Atom which has been shown to run as fast as a Snapdragon 801, for comparison sakes the FireTV uses a Snapdragon 600.
Its not exciting enough for me to jump over to it. My AFTV is doing everything i need right now, not to mention the lack of ethernet is a deal breaker. Unless wireless AC has come down quite a bit in the last few months, Im not ready to make that move.
Will have to wait and see how the Nexus Player performs. But one major drawback I see already is the limited storage just like FireTV but no true USB socket. Why would i want to mess with a OTG cable even before having to deal with a USB Hub or just a USB device. MicroUSB on a phone is fine. But on one of of this devices is stingy. The Nexus Player is going to have to really WOW me to get me over the lack of a regular USB socket.
Y314K said:
Will have to wait and see how the Nexus Player performs. But one major drawback I see already is the limited storage just like FireTV but no true USB socket. Why would i want to mess with a OTG cable even before having to deal with a USB Hub or just a USB device. MicroUSB on a phone is fine. But on one of of this devices is stingy. The Nexus Player is going to really WOW me get me over the lack of a regular USB socket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the specs are really irrelevant, this is the first entry into the android TV market (besides the ADT-1) sure, this box is specd a tad low and surely isnt going to be an enthusiasts dream machine, but im sure we arent going to see google release anything else anyways, what i do think well see is all the manufacturers incorporating android TV into their own players in the very near future (think a high specs "Samsung Galaxy Player" or something like "Sony Xperia Player") and if google is successful with their play services like music and video on demand like im sure they will be i think within the next year or so many TVs and things will be running android TV on them also. should be an exciting year for people who like android stb setups. they kinda failed before with googleTV or whatever it was but i think the timing is right this time and "android TV" is going to be the next big thing for internet media on demand lovers everywhere.
nhumber said:
the specs are really irrelevant, this is the first entry into the android TV market (besides the ADT-1) sure, this box is specd a tad low and surely isnt going to be an enthusiasts dream machine, but im sure we arent going to see google release anything else anyways, what i do think well see is all the manufacturers incorporating android TV into their own players in the very near future (think a high specs "Samsung Galaxy Player" or something like "Sony Xperia Player") and if google is successful with their play services like music and video on demand like im sure they will be i think within the next year or so many TVs and things will be running android TV on them also. should be an exciting year for people who like android stb setups. they kinda failed before with googleTV or whatever it was but i think the timing is right this time and "android TV" is going to be the next big thing for internet media on demand lovers everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to see one with OTA Antenna & PVR built in. Would be the perfect machine. For now a rooted FireTV will be the best for the price.
I'll wait for the actual user reviews to start showing up before I make a final decision, but at this point I'm leaning toward no. The biggest drawback to the FireTV for me is lack of storage. 8G is just not enough, I will not buy another FTV game until an official firmware update includes support for USB drives. Just a wild guess, but I suspect the Nexus Player has this same limitation. I'm willing to wait a bit longer and pay a bit more for a different Android TV box with better specs and hardware support.

Tronsmart Draco AW80, an octa core tv box

Just saw this from androidauthority, post here in case any geeks like myself is interested:
Brand: Tronsmart
Model : Draco AW80
CPU: Allwinner a80 octa core
GPU: POWERVR G6230
RAM: 2GB OR 4GB
ROM: 16GB OR 32GB
OS: Android 4.4 Kitkat or Linux( in Nov.)
More information,you can check in tronsmart site here.
I love the 4GB Telos version, how about you guys?
I just want to know if it streams 4k Netflix and Amazon?
halon17 said:
I just want to know if it streams 4k Netflix and Amazon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as it can stream 4k, i think yes
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tron...-WIFI-802-11AC-Bluetooth-OTA-DLNA-336181.html
thenobol said:
as it can stream 4k, i think yes
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tron...-WIFI-802-11AC-Bluetooth-OTA-DLNA-336181.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ive looked at that before. I would need to see proof before i spent money on it because that is all i would need it for.
Haven issues with xbmc in acestream closing down all the time. In Google crome. Looking forward for new rom if no joy going back?
Was also wondering about this TV box. Looking for a powerful device that can handle heavy gaming. Planing on plying ps1 emulator, n64, and Dreamcast.
Is there any droid box that's the best for games and HD movies?
I'm looking for a box on which I can run XBMC and Plex Media Server ( one stream only) smoothly. The AW80 supports upto 8GB. If they release a box with 8GB, I will buy in heart-bit.
nefiwashere said:
Was also wondering about this TV box. Looking for a powerful device that can handle heavy gaming. Planing on plying ps1 emulator, n64, and Dreamcast.
Is there any droid box that's the best for games and HD movies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new Minix Neo X8-H Plus looks pretty powerful. Seems like the devices running Octo-core Mali450 or t764 (i..e Rockchip RK3288) GPUs are usually pretty solid for gaming. Although, anything that compares to a Galaxy S4 or above should be able to handle emulators at 1080p no issue on Android.
Tronsmart Draco aw 80
I just got my hands on this beast. Got it for Xmas. I can say that it is a powerhouse like nothing I can compare it to on the market as of yet. Games run smoothly, video streaming is flawless, and UI is buttery smooth. If I had a 4k TV I would be able to confirm that it does play it. I have the note edge smart phone and the 4k video playback on the Draco works. Looks wonderful on my 46 HD TV. Better than anything else I can use to play it back on in my house. I also picked up the logitech k400 wireless keyboard and mouse combo, works like it should with no problems. All hotkeys work like they should. The fact that this thing came pre rooted is fantastic. Able to use the sixaxis app for my ps3 controller. I would recommend this to anyone looking to turn any "dumb" TV into a "smart" TV.

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