I'm looking to get an Android TV device and I am overwhelmed with options. I want something that is fully unlockable with an active development community. What originally got me interested was the Amazon Fire TV but after reading up it seems the new units are no longer rootable/unlockable. That lead me down the path to other devices. I think I've settled on the AMLogic based devices (if there are other suggestion I'm open). It looks like there are basically 3.
S905 - Older chip and stuck with Android 5 roms
S905x - Newer with 4k but performance is not as good at the S905. More dev/roms available
S912 - 8 core. Has DVB S2/T2 support (not sure what that does for me though) Does not seem to be a lot of dev for this. Only one thread I saw.
Based on these assumptions I'm leaning toward a X96 - S905x 2GB/16GB model for $42.99.
Also. Do the non Amazon devices support Amazon video? My current chromecast's do not and that is one reason for the upgrade.
I am in a similat boot here
Decided on the X96 because I found the page for the firmware updates before I found a link to buy the box LOL
Apart from the missing BT a great box considering the usual limitations.
Amazon video only works on Amazon devices AFAIK but I don't use it.
Same story for Android TV, great hype about it but I think it is just a crippled launcher with really limited content showing up - mainly Youtube and Google but nothing else.
The S912 seems to be the affordable alternative if you need BT and a bit more computing power for games but S905D boxes are slowly turning up.
Same for devices running on Android7 and offering up to 3GB/32GB.
But Android7 for TV boxes is in an early beta to say it nice with a lot of bugs and half cooked menu structures - better to wait a bit longer if you ask me.
And since the hardware for these boxes is literally identical within the families it comes down to personal preference and what can be modded or not.
Personally I am starting to think that despite the huge price tag the Shield is still the best option in terms of quality, hardware and support.
DVB is for terrestial and satellite TV.
Thanks. I did not realize there was no BT on the S905x boxes. My only concern there is I was planning to use a wireless BT keyboard with it.
Almost all wireless keyboards that come with a dongle will work, for example the Logitech and MS ones, same for the dirt cheap and tiny touchpad keyboards you get on Ebay.
BT is only a problem if you need it for game controllers, weather stations or to pair some speakers to it.
I see. I went ahead and ordered a X96 that included a mini keyboard last night. I figure for $47.98, including shipping, what the heck right? I'll have a cheap new toy to play with.
Once you played enough you will start playing even more when you try different custom roms
hi please help i flashed wrong twrp recovery i think now my amlogic smartbox failed to boot in recovery mode and the main problem is my smartbox Encryption Unsuccessful Factory reset, when i click factory reset nothing happend please guide how to solve this
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Related
Hey everyone!
I'm looking for a stick PC in the $70 price range. I do not want a box or puck. My main concerns are WiFi and Bluetooth. Multiple USB ports is a welcome addition. I've read about the MK808b, MK809 II and the Neo G4. I'd like to know if there is any better alternative that provides stable wifi. That is my first priority and I don't mind sacrificing Bluetooth. I definitely want a MicroSD card slot, not TF slot. Also, I don't mind tinkering with the stick, though I'd like it rooted out of the box. I don't necessarily want custom ROM support. And yes, it should be a minimum of 2 cores.
In points:
1) Stick, not box
2) Stable WiFi
3) MicroSD
4) Bluetooth (OPTIONAL)
5) Multiple USB Ports (OPTIONAL, but minimum 1)
6) Rootable, or pre rooted.
7) Ability to connect a USB Hub, if there's only one port.
Looking forward to some great suggestions from the community!
Probox 2
I also came across the Probox 2 Ultimate that seems to be a very good alternative, although a bit more expensive. It also comes with an air mouse. But it is out of stock almost everywhere.
so can anyone suggest a decent air mouse too? I'm really looking forward to buying one of these..
Feedback
Do someone has any feedback in regards Rikomagic MK802IIIS Bluetooth ??
In amazon says is a new 2013 version, FCC compliant.
I would recommend the Minix Neo G4...
I have just ordered the G5 box because I wanted the extra usb ports etc.. And Bluetooth.
This was on the strength of my friend demonstrating his G4 and mk808. The G4 was an awesome machine for such a tiny box.
I couldn't see much difference in performance against my galaxy s3.
Have fun playing with your new toy when you decide which one to go for.
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I ordered the Minix Neo X5. It excellent build quality and a ton of ports. and it has a lot of support on the web from Minix and there's forums out there too. You can root and put a custom rom. Out of the box it does now output full HD though. It up converts 720p. The Finless ROM does force full HD, but it shouldn't claim it does full HD. I ended up returning mine when I started thinking how close other better options are coming, t if you need one right now this is the best probably as far as features go.
Pretty much any one will be awesome to play with. I'm waiting for the Onya simply because I like the multiple controller support out of the box.
Curious about the comment about the G5 and the MK808/G4 comparison. What did the G4 do that the MK808 was lacking (obviously Bluetooth)?
But these are awesome little TV companions. YouTube, internet, Netflix, Hulu, emulators, games, etc. Lots of options.
I personally have an MK808 and it runs everything I've thrown at it mostly games / light video. I can't recommend the bluetoothless model with the MK808B out now. Lots of devs working on it.
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If I were you I would wait a couple of weeks more for the new Rikomagic Quad-Core stick!!!
Hopefully they got rid of all the WiFi problems in the previous models, and the software upgrades and community support is pretty good!
Check the specs here:
Code:
rikomagic.com/en/news/shownews_id_22_nid_5.html
Also, if you use Skype a lot, you might want to consider a stick with a built-in camera, like the Kimdecent B12!
Code:
kimdecent.com/minipc/125.html
I'm now personally waiting for the Ouya as well after returning my Minix X5. I started thinking I will get an Ouya anyway and then any other Android box will collect dusk. Also, for the simple fact that you can use a controller out of the box to control everything without any troubleshooting or workarounds. and is guaranteed to have more support than ANY other TV box. If you absolutely need an Android stick right now, get a cheap one $50 or less, because you'll surely want the Ouya once it's out for only $99 with a controller, full HD and tons of support.
My minix x5 arrived a couple of days ago and I am delighted with it so far. .. I can appreciate the appeal of the Ouya especially for someone not comfortable with rooting, flashing, fiddling etc. But if the x4 is as good as this but in a stick form then I stand by my original recommendation.
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Toyeboy said:
I'm now personally waiting for the Ouya as well after returning my Minix X5. I started thinking I will get an Ouya anyway and then any other Android box will collect dusk. Also, for the simple fact that you can use a controller out of the box to control everything without any troubleshooting or workarounds. and is guaranteed to have more support than ANY other TV box. If you absolutely need an Android stick right now, get a cheap one $50 or less, because you'll surely want the Ouya once it's out for only $99 with a controller, full HD and tons of support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you I'm very interested in Ouya but my fear is that you will be locked into only the apps/channels they offer. Of course it will be rooted in time but I'm looking for something that will allow me to watch all of the streaming companies such as Netflix, Hulu, Directv Everywhere, HBOGo, etc. Playing better games with the support they will offer is great but it will be interesting to see how locked down it will be.
Also I'm curious to see how GameStick goes once it releases in a few weeks.
Me too...:thumbup:
................................................................................................
For those of you wondering about the ouya....
http://www.ouya.tv
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http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tron...188-2G-DDR3-Wifi-Bluetooth-TV-BOX-314524.html
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josalvmo said:
Do someone has any feedback in regards Rikomagic MK802IIIS Bluetooth ??
In amazon says is a new 2013 version, FCC compliant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased one of this and arrives me last week.
Its a good device, fast, cheap, and a good support.
before this, i haved a mk802, and the difference between 2 devices is quite significant
I recommend this device (MK802lllS + BT)
Cheers
P.D: Sorry for my english
P.D.2 : if you need to know something specific, let me know
well im sure there are a billion of these threads but heres mine because im special :3; so pretty much i want one of these to play games/emulators so it needs to be fast (dual or quad core higher than 1.2ghz)and occasionally watch Netflix (i have a chromecast for that though) but it obviously has to have wifi, and i would really want Bluetooth with it so i can hook up my controller to it. i dont know if ram is important you guys would have to tell me if what would be the best, im not interested in putting a custom rom in it probably just rooting it. as for controlling it i sill do not understand how to control it, i see that some come with remote controllers but how would you know which one comes with one. i was thinking this one but not sure
http://www.amazon.com/Tronsmart-CX-...qid=1388629673&sr=8-15&keywords=android+stick oh and it has to be on amazon because that is where all my money is at lol, i only got 100 bucks so i would rather not spend a little more than that. oh and i see there are some sticks that are 720p and 1080p so im not sure which i would like would the 720p be like what i stream on my tablet when im watching netflix?
anyone? im now looking at the minix series, i see that stick forms overheart so minix neo G4 looks like its out of the picture, the minix neo x5 looks awesome and the specs are perfect but i still dont know if 1gig of ram is enough, the price is right around my alley and the minix neo x7 looks great too with that upgrade to 2gigs of ram but a little over the price i wanted to spend, also i see there are mini versions of these two devices, is there a difference? or is it smaller.
Trozzul said:
anyone? im now looking at the minix series, i see that stick forms overheart so minix neo G4 looks like its out of the picture, the minix neo x5 looks awesome and the specs are perfect but i still dont know if 1gig of ram is enough, the price is right around my alley and the minix neo x7 looks great too with that upgrade to 2gigs of ram but a little over the price i wanted to spend, also i see there are mini versions of these two devices, is there a difference? or is it smaller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased one of the stick systems a year ago and wasn't really impressed with it. the WiFi is bad and the whole thing seems flaky. In fact i was just here looking for a custom rom for it. I am looking at getting a slightly larger on with ethernet plug and multiple usb ports
(A10-A20WS Andriod 4.2.2os Dual Core 1080P HD Smart TV Box 1GB DRR3+4GB Nand Flash Streaming Media Player Android TV Player White )
also on amazon. The little one only had 1 usb port so i could only have a keyboard mouse combo or one or the other. I am also partial to being wired since i have multiple laptops, phones and tablets already on my Wifi.
Good Luck with whatever you pick
unstoppedlemur said:
I purchased one of the stick systems a year ago and wasn't really impressed with it. the WiFi is bad and the whole thing seems flaky. In fact i was just here looking for a custom rom for it. I am looking at getting a slightly larger on with ethernet plug and multiple usb ports
(A10-A20WS Andriod 4.2.2os Dual Core 1080P HD Smart TV Box 1GB DRR3+4GB Nand Flash Streaming Media Player Android TV Player White )
also on amazon. The little one only had 1 usb port so i could only have a keyboard mouse combo or one or the other. I am also partial to being wired since i have multiple laptops, phones and tablets already on my Wifi.
Good Luck with whatever you pick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the advice! i was thinking of the box instead since i see that it has ethernet witch would be perfect!
I'm looking to upgrade my first or second gen WDTV Live, I'm not sure to what though. I was looking at the Razer Forge TV but that doesn't have a release date yet. The Nexus Player is also a possibility although I'm not strongly considering it because of it's lack of ethernet port. Searching Amazon for "Android TV Box" I see a couple of very highly rated Gbox MX2 and Gbox Q media players. But are those full Android roms instead of the new (hopefully more user friendly (media player specific)) Android TV roms?
I'm most likely only interested in media playback (I don't know much about the Forge TV's pc game streaming). Any recommendations on whether I should go for one of these options or wait 6 months until the Forge TV is out and/or other players are available?
Thanks
I thought about putting this in the Android Stick Computers subforum but I'm really looking for a full media player box with remote...
I would wait for the Forge TV
It looks to me like the Forge TV is going to come out end of Q1 ( less then two months). I am personally waiting for it as it will do more then any box on the market at that price .
I am new so can not link the sub but there is a sub reddit for androidtv /r/androidtv
More info if you need it in this subreddit.
EvanVanVan said:
I'm looking to upgrade my first or second gen WDTV Live, I'm not sure to what though. I was looking at the Razer Forge TV but that doesn't have a release date yet. The Nexus Player is also a possibility although I'm not strongly considering it because of it's lack of ethernet port. Searching Amazon for "Android TV Box" I see a couple of very highly rated Gbox MX2 and Gbox Q media players. But are those full Android roms instead of the new (hopefully more user friendly (media player specific)) Android TV roms?
I'm most likely only interested in media playback (I don't know much about the Forge TV's pc game streaming). Any recommendations on whether I should go for one of these options or wait 6 months until the Forge TV is out and/or other players are available?
Thanks
I thought about putting this in the Android Stick Computers subforum but I'm really looking for a full media player box with remote...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you don't have enough posts even to thank, but thanks for the reply. Yeah I'll probably wait until at least the Forge TV is released so I can see the reviews/community thinks about it. Maybe something different will be announced in the mean time as well.
EvanVanVan said:
I guess you don't have enough posts even to thank, but thanks for the reply. Yeah I'll probably wait until at least the Forge TV is released so I can see the reviews/community thinks about it. Maybe something different will be announced in the mean time as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are the good features of forge tv? Is it expensive approximately?
Hey guys, heres some useful information to help you out .
So google tried to launch GoogleTV but failed when too many 3rd party hardware developers released it on bad peforming low end hardware.
Google has abandoned GoogleTV and created AndroidTV, and this time around they have set a minimum hardware requirements to run it, hopefully meaning that anyone should get the same experience, reguardless of what hardware box they purchased.
So technically it shouldnt matter if you buy NexusTV or ForgeTV, or any of the many hardware releases that will come out this year, they should all perform the basics the same
I also know of the NZXT Doko, but again, wait two or three months and you are garunteed to see heaps of androidTV boxes hit the markets, doesnt look like early adopters will be punished (hopefully)
Beelink R68
I am looking at the Beelink R68 TV box... It's fairly new. Seems to have the best features and latest Android version available in a TV box... But, New enough that I can't find how to root it.
So, I have 3 questions...
1. Does it have to be rooted to watch live PPV TV?
2. Does anyone have one and what's your opinion...
3. Does anyone know a good TV Box root site?
Hey,
I was thinking about an Android box thingy and there are many cheap options.
I would like to play around with some emulators (PPSSPP included) with a USB controller I have and watch some anime ^^ I'd also not like to spend in excess of ~$35 (max $45)
Any good cheap boxes that can do that? Preferably that support Lolipop since I love its UI.
I've seen ones with Amlogic S802,812 and 912 CPUs and RK3188 and 3368 CPUs.
Which one is decent? eBay links would be appreciated ^^ Thanks! (OpenGL ES3 support would also be nice.)
RK3188 drives my LighInTheBox mk809iv. It's got 2GB RAM, 8GB EMMC, a full sized USB 2 port, hdmi, microSDXC port, runs KitKat 4.4, comes with Kodi pre-installed. I rooted it with Kingoroot.com, so that I could run a vnc server on it. I remote control it with my phone which running the free Valence app, or sometimes I remote it with Screen Sharing on my Mac. It plays nicely, and I get decent enough Wifi speeds. It's run everything I have thrown at it. A quick search for mk809iv will bring up a whole lot of these devices, even some with 16gb EMMC. Some will arrive pre-rooted, others will not. Look for Realtek Wifi for best compatibility if you intend to flash it (which requires a PC). It is fun to play with, but looking back on the experience, I'd rather have had a small Android phone with MHL/hdmi-output, as it would have been much easier to set up if there was a screen on the device itself. Just a thought. Used Galaxy s3 handsets are getting cheap enough now, with the same functionality. Cheers!
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glenesis said:
RK3188 drives my LighInTheBox mk809iv. It's got 2GB RAM, 8GB EMMC, a full sized USB 2 port, hdmi, microSDXC port, runs KitKat 4.4, comes with Kodi pre-installed. I rooted it with Kingoroot.com, so that I could run a vnc server on it. I remote control it with my phone which running the free Valence app, or sometimes I remote it with Screen Sharing on my Mac. It plays nicely, and I get decent enough Wifi speeds. It's run everything I have thrown at it. A quick search for mk809iv will bring up a whole lot of these devices, even some with 16gb EMMC. Some will arrive pre-rooted, others will not. Look for Realtek Wifi for best compatibility if you intend to flash it (which requires a PC). It is fun to play with, but looking back on the experience, I'd rather have had a small Android phone with MHL/hdmi-output, as it would have been much easier to set up if there was a screen on the device itself. Just a thought. Used Galaxy s3 handsets are getting cheap enough now, with the same functionality. Cheers!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks anyway! ^^ I got a $34 RK3368 with 2GB RAM/16GB Flash off eBay since they had sale! ^^ My Nexus 7 sadly doesn't support MHL/HDMI
KawaiiAurora said:
Thanks anyway! ^^ I got a $34 RK3368 with 2GB RAM/16GB Flash off eBay since they had sale! ^^ My Nexus 7 sadly doesn't support MHL/HDMI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratats! They look awesome! I wish everything supported MHL or just HDMI already.
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glenesis said:
Congratats! They look awesome! I wish everything supported MHL or just HDMI already.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! Any suggestions regarding TV apps, websites with TV shows, forums for TV boxes and input devices? I don't really think the bundled remote would be something I'd wanna use. I've seen wireless small keyboards with trackpads, do you know anything about them?
http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/201366333584
KawaiiAurora said:
Yep! Any suggestions regarding TV apps, websites with TV shows, forums for TV boxes and input devices? I don't really think the bundled remote would be something I'd wanna use. I've seen wireless small keyboards with trackpads, do you know anything about them?
http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/201366333584
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The forum I use for my Android devices is usually XDA, right here.
I used a USB keyboard and a mouse to set mine up.
For the record, I rooted my MK809 IV, which has an rk3188 SOC running KitKat 4.4, with Kingo Root, to allow me to run a VNC server, because I use a free Android app called Valence on my phone as a wifi trackpad/mouse and use my phone's keyboard to type on the Android TV. Root allows me to use the free RemoDroid app to control my Android TV from my phone or tablets from anywhere in my house.
Kodi comes on mine, and it's a free app in the Play Store anyway. I tried to set it up last April, but it kept crashing. If you are into that sort of thing, it is a very capable media server for sure.
For playing local files, I think MX Player is the champion app.
I ultimately bought a Logitech k700 keyboard with built-in trackpad to use with mine - I purchased it refurbished on a Newegg special for fifteen dollars! I take that keyboard everywhere with me. I love it. I prefer to use an actual mouse, but since I bought the k700, I have not missed mice enough to actually plug one in. I like it because it is nearly full-sized, but still compact, and it comes already set up to use a single USB wireless dongle. Range has been great, and after almost a year I am still on the first set of batteries.
Just today I was looking into purchasing the remote that came with your TV box, so please, let me know if you like it.
I bought a Hubman USB 2.0 hub in case I need more ports. It seemed like a good idea to have it, but I have not actually plugged it into the Android stick yet. I'm sure it will support a mouse, keyboard & usb thumb-drive just fine.
I don't want to go too far off-topic, so if it's okay with you, I'll pm you a list of apps I use for video. Nothing seems to slow down my aging rk3188 quad. Your rk3368 octa-core is going to be fantastic! Would you please post a link to the auction? Even if the auction is closed, I'd love to take a look at the device. The price you paid is unbelieveable!
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glenesis said:
The forum I use for my Android devices is usually XDA, right here.
I used a USB keyboard and a mouse to set mine up.
For the record, I rooted my MK809 IV, which has an rk3188 SOC running KitKat 4.4, with Kingo Root, to allow me to run a VNC server, because I use a free Android app called Valence on my phone as a wifi trackpad/mouse and use my phone's keyboard to type on the Android TV. Root allows me to use the free RemoDroid app to control my Android TV from my phone or tablets from anywhere in my house.
Kodi comes on mine, and it's a free app in the Play Store anyway. I tried to set it up last April, but it kept crashing. If you are into that sort of thing, it is a very capable media server for sure.
For playing local files, I think MX Player is the champion app.
I ultimately bought a Logitech k700 keyboard with built-in trackpad to use with mine - I purchased it refurbished on a Newegg special for fifteen dollars! I take that keyboard everywhere with me. I love it. I prefer to use an actual mouse, but since I bought the k700, I have not missed mice enough to actually plug one in. I like it because it is nearly full-sized, but still compact, and it comes already set up to use a single USB wireless dongle. Range has been great, and after almost a year I am still on the first set of batteries.
Just today I was looking into purchasing the remote that came with your TV box, so please, let me know if you like it.
I bought a Hubman USB 2.0 hub in case I need more ports. It seemed like a good idea to have it, but I have not actually plugged it into the Android stick yet. I'm sure it will support a mouse, keyboard & usb thumb-drive just fine.
I don't want to go too far off-topic, so if it's okay with you, I'll pm you a list of apps I use for video. Nothing seems to slow down my aging rk3188 quad. Your rk3368 octa-core is going to be fantastic! Would you please post a link to the auction? Even if the auction is closed, I'd love to take a look at the device. The price you paid is unbelieveable!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now it's $40 : http://www.ebay.com/itm/262241520176?ul_noapp=true
This one is $37 : http://www.ebay.com/itm/RK3368-2G-16G-Octa-Core-Smart-TV-BOX-KODI-Fully-XBMC-Loaded-Android5-1-Lollipop-/172059715005?hash=item280f8ee5bd:g:mt0AAOSwGotWlLtG
China gadgets also has firmware updates for it! ^^
Thanks, I'd love a list of apps!
Thanks for the links! It's insane that we can buy an 8-core computer for forty bucks. So sorry that I haven't checked in for a while.
I haven't really been watching TV or movies lately. When I've had free downtime, I've been playing a roll-playing game that's called Skydoms. I didn't think I'd get hooked on it, but then I did.
How is that box working out for you?
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Hello guys,
I bought T95Z plus Allwinner H618 android tv box! It comes with Android 12 installed.
However, the simplest example is Netflix, even the Exxen application has to be operated with a mouse. Can't install the application that is on the TV and my control time with the remote.
There is a rom series similar to the television systems found on televisions. I want to be able to download all kinds of TV applications and manage them with the remote.
There is no chance of using it with that mouse. I can't understand why they are pushing so hard.
Do you know any compatible ROM, firmware? What can be used?
Or do android TV Boxes not work as compatible as televisions?
Some of these boxes come with a little backlit keyboard that has a mouse touchpad dead center of controller. Ive owned a few of these, and initially the build quality wasnt so good, and/or they were prone to failure. Now, however, quality is much better and they are quite handy to use: HERE is an example of one. You may also want to try out Kodi.