Database Users

iMito MX II or MK809?

Hey folks! Some of you may know me from my many, many Android YouTube videos, if not, that's ok, nobodies perfect! hehe j/k
So my super crappy Western Digital media player is starting to kick the bucket, so i've been looking into alternatives. I only learned about Android sticks after i picked up my WD media player ( i don't think there were any available when i bought my media player).
So now i want a great Android stick for my living room TV.
Based on my full day of research, i've come to the conclusion that the MK809 and the iMito MXII are the best of the best at the time of this posting.
So i suppose i'm looking for this awesome communities help in picking one. I just can't seem to be able to tell the real differences between the two.
I wouldn't mind the option of an easy root, but rooting isn't completely needed, considering i spend most of my time in the office on the computer, but my wife spends all her time in the living room...so she won't be in to all of the custom ROMs and such that i would be.
With that all said, which of these two would you fine folks recommend? Or should i start looking into a different model?
I am looking for hopefully the best of the best...i'm ok spending a little more money on something else if it's worth it, but i would like to stick with the whole Android stick concept (pun totally intended )
Cheers!
Jared

Hi Jared!
I'd say the MX1. Just because I'd like to see you put out some videos for it!
I guess the two you have chosen are the best of the rockchip models right now. You have to pay quite a bit more for guaranteed quality. That is : more robust micro USB ports, better WiFi antenna/ placement. WiFi for me has been perfect without modification, and I'm taking extra care of those ports!
Best of luck with your purchase, whatever you end up getting!

fr0d0#2 said:
Hi Jared!
I'd say the MX1. Just because I'd like to see you put out some videos for it!
I guess the two you have chosen are the best of the rockchip models right now. You have to pay quite a bit more for guaranteed quality. That is : more robust micro USB ports, better WiFi antenna/ placement. WiFi for me has been perfect without modification, and I'm taking extra care of those ports!
Best of luck with your purchase, whatever you end up getting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, thanks for the input fr0d0.
but it's definitely going to be either the MX2 or the 809...lol you bet i'll be doing videos on that thing, if i can figure out which one to get
cheers =)

J-Roc said:
LOL, thanks for the input fr0d0.
but it's definitely going to be either the MX2 or the 809...lol you bet i'll be doing videos on that thing, if i can figure out which one to get
cheers =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know your WD media player but do know that those both don't do DTS/AC3 passthrough over HDMI.
These Rockchip dual cores just don't cut it yet.
I'm waiting for mini-pcs that will do multichannel passthrough and i'm waiting for the better quadcore devices that'll be released in a not so distant future, those will cut it and those can replace my massive htpc.
Correct me if i'm wrong (about the DTS/AC3 passthrough).

Frag1le said:
I don't know your WD media player but do know that those both don't do DTS/AC3 passthrough over HDMI.
These Rockchip dual cores just don't cut it yet.
I'm waiting for mini-pcs that will do multichannel passthrough and i'm waiting for the better quadcore devices that'll be released in a not so distant future, those will cut it and those can replace my massive htpc.
Correct me if i'm wrong (about the DTS/AC3 passthrough).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that! Thanks for the tip! Maybe i should wait, like you.
Cheers =)

J-Roc said:
I didn't know that! Thanks for the tip! Maybe i should wait, like you.
Cheers =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps another tip:
Also know that in April this year (ETA, so they say) the Ouya and the Gamestick will be launched.
XBMC already announced it will support the Ouya fully.
The Ouya will have a quadcore tegra 3 (like the HTC One X(+) (fully unlocked and hackable, with active cooling meaning major overclocking)), which is now already faster then any Android mini pc on the market. It will get it's own gamemarket and controllers, ethernet port etc.
Haven't read anything about DTS passthrough tho, but as it's that hackable it'll probably be a short time before that's available.
Really excited about the $99 Ouya
http://xbmc.org/natethomas/2012/08/07/xbmc-and-ouya-oh-yeah/

J-Roc said:
Based on my full day of research, i've come to the conclusion that the MK809 and the iMito MXII are the best of the best at the time of this posting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if youve seen the MK809II
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2083522
Its the 809 with bluetooth. There maybe other improvements too

I've got the MX2 and I like it. It uses the same root method as the mx1 although you have to play with it a little. The last I checked the custom ROM development is pretty stale except for the mk808. I don't know what DTS is so i can't comment on that.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using xda premium

Bewildered, what's the latest stick.?

Ok been lurking on the thread for a while, and it appears the mk808,is the mostppreferred however what is the latest rootable android stick please.?

Latest not aways greatest
The MK808B has all the features of the MK808 with a few improvements, better wifi and bluetooth. The MK808 gets better custom ROM support and firmware updates come faster for the MK808. Latest doesn't mean its necessarily better, firmware for the MK808/B (4.2.2) is about 30% slower than Finless ROM for the MK808/B. For a price point under $50 the MK808B is hard to beat. I recommend buying a $50 to $60 Android TV stick every 3 to 6 months. Uhost U1A, and MK802 are the best single core tv sticks but are now obsolete. In 6 months or less quad core tv sticks will be about $50 and all dual cores will be obsolete, and by then you'll have a better understanding of how a tv stick works best for you.
Gaming (think webcam enabled first person shooter- live)
XBMC (netflix, hulu+, redbox, crackle, hbo2go, youtube)
Smarter TV (use voice command to control android apps)
Replacing PC (just surfing web, why not on big screen hdtv)
Video phone (skype, sipdroid, groove ip)
Online college courses (video chat classroom)
All starting around $50!
tabletuser.blogspot

cesar33 said:
The MK808B has all the features of the MK808 with a few improvements, better wifi and bluetooth. The MK808 gets better custom ROM support and firmware updates come faster for the MK808. Latest doesn't mean its necessarily better, firmware for the MK808/B (4.2.2) is about 30% slower than Finless ROM for the MK808/B. For a price point under $50 the MK808B is hard to beat. I recommend buying a $50 to $60 Android TV stick every 3 to 6 months. Uhost U1A, and MK802 are the best single core tv sticks but are now obsolete. In 6 months or less quad core tv sticks will be about $50 and all dual cores will be obsolete, and by then you'll have a better understanding of how a tv stick works best for you.
Gaming (think webcam enabled first person shooter- live)
XBMC (netflix, hulu+, redbox, crackle, hbo2go, youtube)
Smarter TV (use voice command to control android apps)
Replacing PC (just surfing web, why not on big screen hdtv)
Video phone (skype, sipdroid, groove ip)
Online college courses (video chat classroom)
All starting around $50!
tabletuser.blogspot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers for a well explained post, am off to buy the mk808b.

marvi0 said:
Ok been lurking on the thread for a while, and it appears the mk808,is the most preferred however what is the latest rootable android stick please.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mk808 is perhaps the hottest on the market, but for the latest you should check out the new quad cores that recently started coming out.

DanCar2 said:
mk808 is perhaps the hottest on the market, but for the latest you should check out the new quad cores that recently started coming out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
argh, i'm confused. thought the 802 IIIs is the latest and hottest... anyone got an comparison table??

woina said:
argh, i'm confused. thought the 802 IIIs is the latest and hottest... anyone got an comparison table??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the 802IIIS because it is/was the latest....lol
Only getting my feet wet, looks more like what makes a device "hot" is the aftermarket support?
Im not sure I can figure out to root and play with all the new roms, so far the 802 has done what I needed it to.
Im sure the quad core will be hot, but which one will get all the aftermarket roms? your guess is as good as mine..
Hope that helps some?

thanks for your answer, but i'm not sure if its better to buy the 808b or the 802 IIIs... all i want is a stable android stick with an working android market.
...support would be great, but i never used product service til today.

woina said:
thanks for your answer, but i'm not sure if its better to buy the 808b or the 802 IIIs... all i want is a stable android stick with an working android market.
...support would be great, but i never used product service til today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well The IIIS seams very stable, no freezing, no lockups...I use it for streaming video from a sling box and its just fine....Market no problems either...
I just saw today another aftermarket rom was made for the IIIS, that's a good sign....
I don't have the confidence to root so the stock is working great in my world.
Good luck on your choice!!!

Just ordered the 809. Cant wait to get it and play

The Pipo M9 & Cube U30GT2 10" RockChip RK 3188 Tablets are shipping now, I fully expect RK 3188 TV sticks and boxes will follow soon afterwards, and it will be the RockChip RK 3188 devices that will be favorites for the custom ROM makers, why, because its the fastest quad system with the most potential for further development to come out of China to date, the one that aficionados have been waiting for.

nikev215 said:
The Pipo M9 & Cube U30GT2 10" RockChip RK 3188 Tablets are shipping now, I fully expect RK 3188 TV sticks and boxes will follow soon afterwards, and it will be the RockChip RK 3188 devices that will be favorites for the custom ROM makers, why, because its the fastest quad system with the most potential for further development to come out of China to date, the one that aficionados have been waiting for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you got a link for these please.?

Well in the end I went for mk809b. It's been shipped should be with me soon. Will give my thoughts when I have used

marvi0 said:
Have you got a link for these please.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's one
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tron...188-2G-DDR3-Wifi-Bluetooth-TV-BOX-314524.html

marvi0 said:
Have you got a link for these please.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/bit.ly/WPqmB8

MK908 vs T428

hey guys...I'm just discovering the awesome that is android stick computers and really want one. So far I like tronsmart the best. can anyone help me out though, what is the difference between the MK908 and the T428? They look pretty much the same to me except for their form factor. Also, feel free to point me in another direction if you want.

Tronsmart MK908 and T428 Differences
I asked GeekBuying about the differences. Here's their reply (not edited for grammar, etc.):
We have received your question about item-315155-Tronsmart MK908 Google Android 4.1 Mini PC TV Box RK3188 Quad Core 2G/8G BT Black:
What are the differences between the Tronsmart MK908 and the Tronsmart T428, which Geekbuying.com just shipped to me? They appear to be the same device with different names.
Our reply:
Dear roger_jennin**
Thank you for your inquiry.
1 appearance is not the same,
MK908 is almost the same with MK808 about the appearance, there are two MICRO USB interfaces, a USB interface, it is built-in antennas and heat sink
T428 only one MINI USB interface, a USB interface,also has a heat sink, one WIFI antenna
2: the most important difference between them
T428 using AP6330 WIFI CHIPSET, MK908 using AP6210 WIFI CHIPSET, AP6330 can support the 5 Ghz wireless spectrum, AP6210 support only 2.4 Ghz
3. T428 is currently 4.2 system, MK908 is just 4.1 system, but in the near future MK908 will be upgraded to 4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Liliputing's Brad Linder said the MK908 “… streams videos from Netflix and Google Play … without any problems at all.” I was unable to stream Netflix videos with the T428 and am waiting for GeekBuying to provide an RMA to exchange for a MK908.
--rj

As far as i know, netflix don't work on all of the Android 4.2 tv sticks,it's a pain,but they all can work on Android 4.1 OS, so you just need to downgrade your T428 to Android 4.1,and the Netflix will work.
the downgrade instruction is in freaktab or blog.geekbuying.com
rogerjenn said:
I asked GeekBuying about the differences. Here's their reply (not edited for grammar, etc.):
We have received your question about item-315155-Tronsmart MK908 Google Android 4.1 Mini PC TV Box RK3188 Quad Core 2G/8G BT Black:
What are the differences between the Tronsmart MK908 and the Tronsmart T428, which Geekbuying.com just shipped to me? They appear to be the same device with different names.
Our reply:
Dear roger_jennin**
Liliputing's Brad Linder said the MK908 “… streams videos from Netflix and Google Play … without any problems at all.” I was unable to stream Netflix videos with the T428 and am waiting for GeekBuying to provide an RMA to exchange for a MK908.
--rj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

T428 != Android 4.2
rogerjenn said:
I asked GeekBuying about the differences. Here's their reply (not edited for grammar, etc.):
We have received your question about item-315155-Tronsmart MK908 Google Android 4.1 Mini PC TV Box RK3188 Quad Core 2G/8G BT Black:
What are the differences between the Tronsmart MK908 and the Tronsmart T428, which Geekbuying.com just shipped to me? They appear to be the same device with different names.
Our reply:
Dear roger_jennin**
Liliputing's Brad Linder said the MK908 “… streams videos from Netflix and Google Play … without any problems at all.” I was unable to stream Netflix videos with the T428 and am waiting for GeekBuying to provide an RMA to exchange for a MK908.
--rj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently got the t428, a very cool device indeed. One point I might make after having bought the thing and played with it. Geekbuying claims Android 4.2 which the device definitely shipped to me with. However after looking at it a bit and doing some reading it turns out that it's actually a port of a mk808 4.2 rom and a bad one at that.
After a little more research I was able to figure out that Rockchip themselves had a stable build of Android 4.1 from sources for the thing. While flashing was a little sketchy at best once I got it done the difference in rom performance and responsiveness was remarkable. Hands down Android 4.1 was better than the inferior port it shipped with.
Thanks,

Tronsmart MK908 get android 4.2 update
Tronsmart MK908 just release the android 4.2 update and improve the performance a lot
see on blog . geekbuying .com

Sorry for bumping this old thread, but had to give props because I wanted to do some quick research comparing these two and this came up first on all the hits. There's a deal that was posted on Slickdeals that I was hesitant to jump in on, but after reading through this thread, I realized it was worth it.
Deal is for the MK908 for only $63 bucks
http://slickdeals.net/f/6147242-Tro...Bluetooth-Dual-WiFi-Android-4-2-2GB-RAM-63-FS

I just started to read about android sticks. Is this mk908 by tronsmart one of the best? Its so hard to tell what is good and what isn't. There are so many available. The specs look good.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

michaelg1030 said:
I just started to read about android sticks. Is this mk908 by tronsmart one of the best? Its so hard to tell what is good and what isn't. There are so many available. The specs look good.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From everything I had read, these 2 and the CX-919 are good ones to choose from. The CX-919 has better wifi connectivity while the mk908 has 1080p playback. Cx-919 is on the same site for slightly more. Was about to buy one of those too, but decided to wait and try the mk908 first. I chose purely on pricing. The extra 30 is enough to be able to buy another toy in addition, like another bluetooth keyboard.
Posted from G Note 8

drexappeal said:
From everything had be read, these 2 and the CX-919 are good ones to choose from. The CX-919 has better wifi connectivity while the mk908 has 1080p playback. Cx-919 is on the same site for slightly more. Was about to buy one of those too, but decided to wait and try the mk908 first. I chose purely on pricing. The extra 30 is enough to be able to buy another toy in addition, like another bluetooth keyboard.
Posted from G Note 8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've the T428 Stcik and i can say i'ts a good android computer ! However, there a some lag.. perhaps due to bad rom ?!

I have the MK908, and I would say: Don't buy it. I have overheating issues and bluetooth/wifi combination does not work properly (although I hear that is being solved by a slightly updated model).
If you are looking for an android stick that runs XBMC it is better to find an (un)officially supported android box (e.g. Pivos Xios, or MK802 III). Although older and slower in hardware, the software support looks to be so much better.

Question
i think i will buy some Android-stick to one of my tv's. There for i ask you guys if you are happy with your sticks or are they not so good as you want them to be?

any video link?
digital.ninja said:
hey guys...I'm just discovering the awesome that is android stick computers and really want one. So far I like tronsmart the best. can anyone help me out though, what is the difference between the MK908 and the T428? They look pretty much the same to me except for their form factor. Also, feel free to point me in another direction if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any ytube link bro?

cemcem1974 said:
any ytube link bro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ZERO Devices Z2C (video in spanish)
You don't need a Quad Core for everything, even if you need faster processing power there is the new ZERO Devices Quattro (Z4C) available...

Buying guide / comparison matrix / which stick to buy?

This isn't the first "What stick to buy" thread, but I'm hoping that someone can either point me to a reference - some kind of buying guide - or a comaprison matrix between some of the most popular models sold buy Geeksbuying, Amazon, the other main retailers.
Which sticks have good software support? I.E. up to date at 4.2.2 or newer, rootable, etc.
Which sticks have good HW acceleration for MX Player, XMBC, etc.? Seems like all these sticks use the Rockchip RK3188, are there differences in this regard?
Are there better chipsets available in Android sticks besides the RK3188?
Would all sticks work with a cheap USB-ethernet dongle? That's what I'm planning to use
Anything else I should keep in mind in researching?
I've seen a few people vouch for the Ugoos UM2:
http://www.amazon.com/Ugoos-RK3188-...UTF8&qid=1387785373&sr=8-1&keywords=Ugoos+UM2
This one seems like the cheapest, anyone familiar with it?
http://www.amazon.com/Quad-Core-pro...e=UTF8&qid=1387785522&sr=8-11&keywords=rk3188
I think it would be good to work towards having a sticky post at the top of this forum for buyers like myself - would be happy to help contribute towards it once I become more familiar with the space.

dcarr622 said:
This isn't the first "What stick to buy" thread, but I'm hoping that someone can either point me to a reference - some kind of buying guide - or a comaprison matrix between some of the most popular models sold buy Geeksbuying, Amazon, the other main retailers.
Which sticks have good software support? I.E. up to date at 4.2.2 or newer, rootable, etc.
Which sticks have good HW acceleration for MX Player, XMBC, etc.? Seems like all these sticks use the Rockchip RK3188, are there differences in this regard?
Are there better chipsets available in Android sticks besides the RK3188?
Would all sticks work with a cheap USB-ethernet dongle? That's what I'm planning to use
Anything else I should keep in mind in researching?
I've seen a few people vouch for the Ugoos UM2:
http://www.amazon.com/Ugoos-RK3188-...UTF8&qid=1387785373&sr=8-1&keywords=Ugoos+UM2
This one seems like the cheapest, anyone familiar with it?
http://www.amazon.com/Quad-Core-pro...e=UTF8&qid=1387785522&sr=8-11&keywords=rk3188
I think it would be good to work towards having a sticky post at the top of this forum for buyers like myself - would be happy to help contribute towards it once I become more familiar with the space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Ugoos UM2 everything works out of the box fine!, but you won't find a lot support on XDA though..
For rooting you can go to my thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2495391
Also I'm not messing much with this stick, bc lack of time, I just using Netflix, HBO GO and Showtime anytime and everything run fine.....

nexus player

There has to be more coming in development for the nexus player. I have the Chromecast. Does what I need. Just looking for more of a reason to keep a $150 investment with the Asus controller. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm looking for other users to help me find a reason to keep the nexus player and controller! Thanks in advance!

Showme1 said:
There has to be more coming in development for the nexus player. I have the Chromecast. Does what I need. Just looking for more of a reason to keep a $150 investment with the Asus controller. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm looking for other users to help me find a reason to keep the nexus player and controller! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you want to use it for?
More development is coming, but not as fast as we'd want to see. Sony,Sharp, and Philips seem to be putting ATV into their new 2015 TVs. Samsung, LG, and Panasonic are going with non-Android options. Since Samsung is the biggest TV seller, that hurts. It'll be up to Google and Android devs to push their options. It will take time for apps to be developed, too. We're only 2-3 months into commercially available Android TV.
You can easily sell that Chromecast dongle and recoup at least $20. You also should ditch the controller. I think you overpayed for it, especially since the Gamestop Samurai $12.99 controller is awesome.

Using mine as a retro gaming machine via emulators, and eventually will have a fully working 5.0 experience.

IBNobody said:
You can easily sell that Chromecast dongle and recoup at least $20. You also should ditch the controller. I think you overpayed for it, especially since the Gamestop Samurai $12.99 controller is awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I get more development will come.. I jump the gun on that. Can u personally verify that samurai controller works as well as I read from some people on here? I'm still in my window to return the Asus one. Thanks...

Showme1 said:
Yeah, I get more development will come.. I jump the gun on that. Can u personally verify that samurai controller works as well as I read from some people on here? I'm still in my window to return the Asus one. Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works great. I honestly can't believe I payed $13 bucks for it. It has just the right amount of button and d-pad tension for me.

Showme1 said:
There has to be more coming in development for the nexus player. I have the Chromecast. Does what I need. Just looking for more of a reason to keep a $150 investment with the Asus controller. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm looking for other users to help me find a reason to keep the nexus player and controller! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just recently started looking at the nexus player and currently have a chromecast and a WDTV so i figured the nexus player combined both? the WDTV is very slow but works well with streaming MKV's for what the chromecast does not do but am looking for more info on this too!

I am looking or thinking of purchasing the Nexus Player. Is it worth the $99? I didn't like the Roku. I am not saying that the Roku was a bad device, just not what i wanted, not for me. Is the Nexus Player any better? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Waynehead69 said:
I am looking or thinking of purchasing the Nexus Player. Is it worth the $99? I didn't like the Roku. I am not saying that the Roku was a bad device, just not what i wanted, not for me. Is the Nexus Player any better? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you I'd save my money, and possibly buy the Razer box when it comes out. In it's current state Android TV doesn't have much to offer over a chromecast, except bugs.
I own 2x ADT-1's, and a Nexus Player... and I've gone back to chromecasts in my bedroom. There's just too many issues right now for them to be everyday devices.

Thanks, I really appreciate your feedback as most of the reviews that I've read about the Nexus player have been somewhat mediocre.

Waynehead69 said:
Thanks, I really appreciate your feedback as most of the reviews that I've read about the Nexus player have been somewhat mediocre.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on what you didn't like about the Roku and what you are looking for.
For me this is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a chromecast with a dedicated remote and a user interface.
I used the ChromeCast on my small TV downstairs and the NP upstairs on the Big TV.
Exactly what I wanted then add in some games for fun and it is perfect for me.
The only issue that I have had is that I don't like the Plex layout. I just sideloaded the non pass version and I like it now

I'm trying to replace my 3 WDTV boxes and purchased a Android TV to test out. Kodi is light years ahead of WDTV in most areas.
No more network connectivity issues.
The UI is much much MUCH better than WDTV.
Kodi has terrific plugin support. WDTV has none.
Android TV is FASSST! No more spinning circle.
Where Android TV falls down is video playback. It still suffers from drops frames, which is a big deal.
I don't game so I can't speak about that.
Would I buy another? Right now, there is nothing better.
PS. I need a unit that does native streaming from a NAS and also supports DLNA (PLEX)

Just wondering if there is autoplay when casting from hulu/Netflix. Only reason why I returned my Chromecast a long time ago. It was a pain to have to go back and cast the next episode of something.