yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] sifuz:
i'm looking to purchase one of these for my TV, right now i have my laptop connected to my TV, but would like to move my laptop into the study room, and purchase,

QX1, Utilite or Chromecast?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] britoso:
I have the CX-919, and I agree the build quality of the QX1 does seem much better. Haven't had any heat issues so far with my cx-919 yet though (720P Kernel)

wrt the chromecast option, if you primarily pay for streaming content its a great option.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Shoarma1998:
Indeed, it seems to get important when running the 1080p kernel, and having live wallpapers or play full hd movies... I've chosen from those two (cx 919 and the qx1) and saw little difference. It seems the cx 919 has better wifi connection, but with the external antenna of the qx1 it seems to be okay... so I don't know...

o.t.: Does mx player perform well on the stick? and does it use hw accelerator? Are there ways to get the audio signal to my reciever, without getting it there via my tv?

Chromecast looks promising!
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
With so many options and each option having it's own advantages/disadvantages, i'm struggling to choose.

Also how much software support is there for the CX 919 compared to the MK808 for example?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] AMv8(1day):
I did a little digging around myself as I am looking for something similar.

I came across a pile of almost identical models running RK3188 procs, mostly with the only real differentiating factors being 1.6 vs 1.8GHz CPU speed, 1 vs 2GB RAM, 8 vs 16 GB of onboard ROM. A Rasberry Pi, while extremely well optimized, and possessing of a mighty army of hobbiest programers constantly refining code for it, is like comparing a firecracker to a grenade.

The lack of hardware acceleration at the moment is a point of interest though. Does anyone have any info on the status of software to support hardware acceleration?

A quick list of models I came across:

CPU: 1.8GHz

RAM/ROM: 2GB/8GB

X31

MK906

CS898

Rikomagic MK802IV

Tronsmart T428

CS918

CPU: 1.6GHz

RAM/ROM: 2GB/16GB

Minix Neo X7*(Mini TV Box)

Ugoos QC802

CPU: 1.6GHz

RAM/ROM: 2GB/8GB

CS918*(Mini TV Box)

U4B Measy

K-R42*(Mini TV Box)

GM282

Tronsmart CX-919

iMito QX1

UG007B

Ugoos QC802

MK809III

T518

Ugoos UT1*(Mini TV Box)

CPU: 1.6GHz

RAM/ROM: 1GB/8GB

MK812A*(Mini TV Box)

CX-919

GK802

Other models:

F9 YW9300

DHL Mele M9*(Mini TV Box)
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
I've got a feeling that without hardware acceleration support would be a big issue with certain movies mate. This is where the Raspberry beats the Android sticks hands down. Not to mention the fact that you can pick a Raspberry Pi for almost half the price of a good android stick.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] AMv8(1day):
They my not be particularly well optimized at the moment, it is a pretty new processor after all. But I would tend to believe that it would still manage streaming and stored video duties just fine. At worse, I wouldn't expect having to do any more than scaling down to 720p.

And while the Raspberry Pi is an assume little toy, it's abilities are pretty much tapped out without more processing power, while the android sticks are only limited by their immature coding. Something that is garaunteed to get better with time.

If the Rockchip platform had even a quarter of the following that the Raspberry Pi had, it would be an excemptionally powerful option that would immediatly blow away the Raspberry Pi in every category.

I would love to see one of these little quad cores in some of the DIY projects that the Raspberry Pi is famed for.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
I don't get it...what's so special about Rasp-Pi? It's processing power is much slower and memory is much less than the Android sticks, yet it's supposed to be better?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Shoarma1998:
Like the man said. Les powerful processor (700 mhz, but I've overclocked it to 800, 512 mb ram) but highly optimized software... Xbmc fully working (although scrolling not as fast as on my laptop). But it can't run android afaik. Runs 1080p like a charm
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thanks, so really if android sticks could have optimised software, then they would do much better?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Shoarma1998:
Yes. But there's another pro for the rbpi. Audio out ...
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
What do you mean mate by Audio out? Can you not get any sound from an Android Stick? If so, then how do movies work on android?

It seems that I might be going for the wrong item and maybe better off with a Rasp-Pi for movies.

So lets say I got the Rasp-Pi, is it fast enough to play basic games? - I'm talking about the basic flash type of games you get on the internet. Can you get such games on the Rasp?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] quincyquinn:
You might be better off waiting for the MINIX Neo X7 not a stick but a box, MINIX make some of the better device's out there think it should be on sell in a couple of weeks. There good with firmware updates as well.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thanks for the info quincyquinn. The problem you have is that minix neo x7 was supposed to be released either end of july or beginning of august, but it still hasn't. Also the price is almost three times the amount of a Rasp-Pi. You can Pre-Order from USA, but I couldn't find anywhere for the UK. Lastly other than speed, what sort of support is there for the Minix x7?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] quincyquinn:
You can per-order from geekbuying for £90 its meant to be on sell soon, there OK to deal with the first MINIX Neo G4 I have failed they replaced it no problem. As for support MINIX has it own forum where there are pretty active and keep you updated on firmware releases. I'm don't know to much about the raspberry pi but I know android makes a good base for a media player I'm happy with the G4 I have it plays what I want 720p on local network and xbmc to stream from naxi-x, icefilms and one-channel so I have no need to upgrade yet but when I do it will probably be a MINIX device...
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thanks very much. You said your G4 plays 720p without a problem, so what are the advantages of an X7 over G4? £90 to be honest does sound very high, considering you don't even get a keyboard or remote. If you think about it, for that price I could buy a Raspberry Pi, keyboard, mouse and still have a lot of change left over.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Servaas:
Don´t expect games to run on a Pi board though. The processor is way to slow for anything modern. I had a X5 for a little bit but could not get 1080 to play smoothly when streamed so I returned it. I´m waiting this out until we get a box that can do 1080 streaming.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
I thought the new Minix x7 can handle 1080p?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] norcal61:
The pi should be able to play Netflix with wine or something of the like.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] quincyquinn:
The MINIX Neo G4 doesn't have any for this...

Rockchip RK3188 Quad Core Cortex A9 1.6GHz

Quad Core Mali 400MP GPU

Android™ Jelly Bean 4.2.2 OS

2GB DDR3 + 16GB NAND Flash

Equipped with External WiFi Antenna

Support RJ-45, Bluetooth V4.0,USB 3G Dongle

Support 802.11 b/g/n Dual Band Wi-Fi(2.4GHz/5GHz)

Plus a lot more USB ports, the G4 works for what I need. You could possibly get the G4 and the raspberry pi for the price of the X7 and still have change....

Sent from my Motorola RAZRi
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thats a kool spec..in fact somewhat better than the MK908. But, the downside is that it costs £95 to £120 (THATS EXPENSIVE!):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/X7-Android-...=UTF8&qid=1375304834&sr=8-2&keywords=minix+x7
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] drinkypoo:
Pi can't run wine and ain't powerful enough to do 720p Netflix in an emu let alone 1080p. You can get Netflix on Pi through Plex, but it requires a Windows box someplace on your network running Plex server.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
I really don't know what to do mate :crying:
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] drinkypoo:
I don't know what to tell you, honestly. All the Android sticks I have messed with are lame in one way or another. I took a chance on MK908 because I have hopes that it will be trimmed up here soon. The last big problems are 1080p overheating (don't care) and streaming video stuttering. Supposedly a fix is coming for the stuttering. I can fix overheating myself, I can make a case with fans.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thanks drinkypoo - I can live without 1080p movies, so what is your MK908 like on 720p movies?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] drinkypoo:
very well at 3mbps, a little stuttering (though honestly not that noticeable) at 6mbps.

only tested xbmc so far though. Might try the included player or mx player later.

edit: note this is STREAMING from my server, I haven't even tried playing video files locally yet! But streaming is what we really want to know about. I'm RIGHT next to the AP, too :)
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
No, no mate, i don't want to stream...only want to know how good movies can play with a directly connected hard drive. Can you help me answer this?

Thanks
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] drinkypoo:
I did a quick test and I think the results are pretty much the same as over the network.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Damn! Thats not so good mate :(

Thanks for going out of your way though to help me.

I'm thinking of forgetting the android sticks or the rasp-pi and instead to get a wdtv live as that is supposed to be able to play almost every format perfectly. The only reason i wanted to get the android sticks was due to the games available.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] drinkypoo:
Feel free to make use of the thanks button :D

That really might be the best thing to do at this point. The Raspi is actually pretty good at running XBMC, but that's all it's good at. And the best XBMC dist for it has awful bluetooth support, which is a real drag to me. All of the android sticks seem pretty flaky. I am really impressed with the performance of the 908 but not the stability. Hopefully an SDK 2.0 kernel will roll out soon for both of Tronsmart's RK3188 devices and then we'll see some serious improvements.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Is it worth waiting for a month or so? I might be willing to do that if i can get a stick that is stable and runs smoothly
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Shoarma1998:
Wait one year and you'll be safe. These sticks are in development and are fun to have as a hobby. If you want a fully working mediaplayer, buy a wdtv live, apple tv, medi8ter, ac Ryan, popcornhour or that kind of stuff. Less options, but stable.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
thanks for letting me know shoarma1998 - I believe the wdtv live does have a firmware which allows extras, such as games etc...so i might just go for that.

thanks
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] PlutoDelic:
I just ordered X7, and there is an answer for the WHY as well.

Im ditching PC, to be honest, not that i dont like/love it, i just dont use it anymore, and by use i mean either playing some mad game or producing music. i dont do none of them anymore.

i was heading on the way to create an Intel NUC, dont judge theyre look, theyre everything but cheap. Theyre a bit of a hassle since im trying to avoid Windows outside my office. All my PC's on the last 3 years have been Hackintoshes, except OS X, im not a fan of any Apple product, and i have to say, OS X beats everything for a media centred computer.

now forgive me all this chatter, my point all along was that the price of Minix is not really expensive if you look it as an alternative. i have no idea if it's reliable though, and i will add to this matter after it arrives in my hands. However, if it can play 1080p flawlessly, maybe dig a few games or two and lets me enjoy my 1080 LED, then i dont need more then that.

i reckon, lots of people have similar needs for technology now. no OOMPH needed, just its ability to entertain (reliably).
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
But isn't the minix x7 the same as a mk908?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
I too just yesterday ordered Minix Neo x7 with similar intentions. I have had a pc for about 20 years and now I think the time has come to look an alternative. I like my pc too but it just is too big (FD R4 chassis) and in spite my best efforts it's annoyingly loud. And it consumes a lot of electricity. And it's overkill for the tasks I use it (surfing/browsing the web, movies and tv-series, music, emails, forums and such. Occasional need for writing or spreadsheets. Some simple gaming and torrents). I can do almost all above mentioned with my Nexus phone and tablet so the question is why do I need a pc anyway?

And building a mini-ITX pc system will cost a lot, lot more than x7.

So I ordered x7. My music equipment (usb dac/amp) should work with it as well as my Logitech K400 wireless keyboard/mouse combo. External HDD can be mounted for music library and movies/TV collection. My 3g/4g router has WPS so I should be able to add wireless Brother DCP-7055W 3in1 laser (with Brother iprint&scan app). Only thing I can't do with x7 is probably CD/DVD related tasks (ripping&burning)..?

Sorry about long post but I have given this some thought.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thanks for the explanation mate, but there are many things a pc can do that an Android stick can't...For example, many windows apps such as MS Office are almost universal from home to work and its much easy to transfer. Also you can't really compare a Minix X7 for example to a six-core cpu with 8gb of ram, 2tb hdd and a superfast gfx card.

However, I totally agree that if you only need a pc for very basic stuff such as browsing, then something like a Minix X7 should be perfect. Could you do me a favour and please let me know how it runs? Especially when running HD movies...

Thank you
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
After I have the unit up and running I will post how it behaves. And yes, it is intended to use for very basic stuff :)
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thanks mate
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] drinkypoo:
Ubuntu is ok in a chroot on mk908, should be pretty good native someday.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
To be honest, i want an android operating system as then i can download games/apps etc and watch movies too.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
Ok. This morning I received my Minix Neo x7 android mini pc. Later after work I shall try to upgrade the latest fw and try this thing out.

The unit arrived with nice wifi antenna, PSU, USB cable, mini USB OTG cable, HDMI cable and remote.

Can't post pics because I'm a newbie :D
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
BRILLIANT! Thanks for letting us know....I'm eagerly awaiting for your feedback before deciding to get one. BTW, you can upload the images to postimage.org and put the links here, but take out the http and the www, put spaces between the the full stops and the forward slashes.

Let us know how you get on.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Peter Galbavy:
I've just managed to fall into this world too. I have a Revo mini-PC at the moment acting as a media player into a Denon 4308 amp and it's only the last couple of releases of Ubuntu that have managed to allow XBMC to do full audio pass-through and decode HD Rips from my NAS reasonably well. I was looking at replacing the HDD with an SSD as it's the only noice the system makes as the fans never really come one, and then I stumbled across the Android pen systems via Amazon UK. As a long time Android phone and tablet user I was instantly hooked - which rock have I been living under? :)

So, after a bit of research and XBMC "Android Hardware" FAQing I have plumped for a MK802IV which should be here in a few days. Finding a UK shipper - to avoid being stung with duty and VAT - is a little harder than it should be. But I think £58.88 delivered is a fair compromise.

What I saw, in answer to this thread, is that the hardware acceleration support for XBMC - which will be *my* primary media platform for now - is limited and you should look at http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Android_hardware and the links to forum threads from it. My only concern right now is if audio passthrough on the HDMI will work right - fun experiment time :)
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
Hehe! I know what you mean. I was looking to replace my giant PC tower system with a mini-ITX one. Unfortunately that would have meant buying almost all parts anew. Expensive to say the least even with AMD apu chip. And it still would have to had fans (hence noise). Then it struck me "how about android"? I mean I can do almost all my stuff with Nexus 7 tablet so why not android desktop system. A little search and I was ordering Minix :D
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
@ Peter - Can't wait for your feedback. You said hardware support on xbmc is limited, but which chips definitely have hardware support?

@ Moolok - Come on mate! Don't keep us in the dark! Where's your feedback on the minix? :D
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
Still at work I'm afraid. I'm in Europe you know. And I have wife and small kids too so don't hold your breath while waiting :D
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Thank god you told me...I was holding my breath all that time, lol
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] vic_singh:
The big question for everyone.....

I'm finally ready to make this jump after a month of thinking about it...

My plans are to stream video, (xbmc and YouTube) stream radio station and play some Candy crush on the big screen.

I would like 1080p but not a must, I'm just ok with 720p. I want a wireless mini keyboard and track pad, any suggestion?

Do you recommend CX 919 or the X7?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] icy_cool:
Excellent review. I am going to ask very very stupid questions here. I am newbie with Android TVs and I have been doing some research from last 2 days. Spent about 10-12 hours in trying to understand what this can do and how best I can benefit from it. I guess I am a very late entrant to it. However, with that said and done, I am sure I can get support from experts from you.

Aim/Goal: Browsing, watching movies/tv shows on my LCD after downloading them.

One thing is clear that by using X7 or even X5mini I can achieve that. My question is:

Can I connect a HDD to X7 or X5mini and then this HDD acts as a NAS drive? Purpose is to download media content on my laptop and then transfer the files to this HDD wirelessly and then watch it on my TV. Also I want my HDD to be accessible by other devices (Laptop/TV) wirelessly. Possible? Can I connect a USB HUB and attach multiple USB devices to X7 or X5 mini? Does it detect them?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
Oh dear, I forgot to test external HDD 's. I have a few 2.5" units in enclosures lying around somewhere (PATA & SATA). I can test them as well as USB hub the next time I get to experimenting. Yesterday I just used USB stick drives (max was 8Gb).

You can actually install Bittorrent app from Play Store and download directly to Android device. I tested it with my Nexus 7 tablet (unrooted) the other day. As for your other questions I don't so far have advice or comments to offer :(
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
@ Moolook - Thank you very much for a great review mate...your a star. I definitely would like to get this, but I still have a few more questions:-

1. Can you confirm that .mkv audio is fine?

2. Please could you connect an external hdd and let us know if it works fine?

3. You mentioned NAS, so can this device act as a NAS?

4. Can you post any pics?

Thanks again buddy
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
Thanks :)

I'll try tonight to run some more tests if I have the time. At the least I can try out .mkv files and external HDD 's. With or without hub. NAS is trickier but I'll see what I can do. About pictures... my test rig is a mess with cables and such but we'll see. No promises tho... :D
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
Your test rig is a mess? LOL! So what? post the pics! :p :good:
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
I did some more testing and experimenting.

At first I remembered that I have Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 somewhere. I plugged it in and lo, I had wireless mouse at my command.

Then I connected my powered 7-port USB hub to X7. To this hub I connected two external HDD's (2.5" without external power source, just the two-headed USB cable for data and extra power). Both worked fine and I played some test files from them.

At first I didn't hear any sound from .mkv files. Then I switched BSplayer to stock player and I had sound. I downloaded MX Player and that too had sound. It seems that for some reason BSplayer can't play the sound from .mkv files. Also embedded subtitles in .mkv files worked without any problems.

After this I played some music and videos, read comics (Perfect Viever) over WLAN. The files were in my PC and the folders are shared (Windows 8 64bit). No problem here and I really didn't expect any because my phone and tablet can do this too. I used EX File Explorer to access shared folders over WLAN.

Using X7 as NAS I couldn't try. Mostly because I didn't know how to. That's a bit grey area to me unfortunately.

I added some self adhesive silicone pads under the X7 because the unit is really slippery. Now it stays put and is a few milimeters of the desk surface. Not that it matters, X7 isn't actually heating any.

And finally I ran Antutu scoring 16510 points.

---------- Post added at 10:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 PM ----------

Some pics of my setup.
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] wowandroid:
WOW! This sounds and looks amazing....thanks very much for all the info and photos mate...really appreciate it.

I want to buy it for portability as i plan to use it at my mate's house to watch movies and the odd games. Would you say this is a great device for that? I don't have a wireless mouse, although i do have a Keysonic wireless keyboard/mouse. Will that work?
[Android Stick & Console AllWinner based Computers] Moolok:
I think it should work since it seems to be 2.4Ghz technology.

Pity the sound problem with BSplayer tho. I like that app because it can use .srt subs over wlan. Not all players do that. All can handle separate subs on SD card or USB stick but over wlan... I'm only aware of BSplayer can do that. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong :)

For games I think some sort of controller is required. I tried Max Payne mobile with just mouse and it was awkward. Maybe Moga Pro or Pocket...

---------- Post added at 12:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 AM ----------

Just tried Order & Chaos Online with X7. It's not bad. Actually it's much more playable just with a mouse than Max Payne.