There have been many new HDMI TV dongle based on the latest Rockchip RK3188 lately, and I listed some of them in comments in CloudnetGo CR9’s post. The only issue is that you can’t buy most of them, just pre-order. Now it seems at least one of them, Tronsmart T428 is available now, and costs $99 on Geekbuying. This mini PC comes with 2GB RAM, 8 GB Flash, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and for the first time, AFAIK, a mini PC can be used as Miracast display.
Here are Tronsmart T428 specifications:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3188 quad core Cortex-A9 up to 1.8GHz + quad core Mali-400 MP4 @ 533MHz
- System Memory – 2GB DDR3 @ 1333MHz (Hynix)
- Storage – 8GB NAND Flash + micro SD slot (Up to32GB)
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n/ac (via Broadcom AP6330)
- Bluetooth – BT4.0 (via Broadcom AP6330)
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 host + 1x micro USB for power
- Video Output – 1x HDMI 1.4
- Video Codecs – Mpeg1/2/4, H.264, VC-1, Divx, Xvid, RM8/9/10, VP6…
- Video Formats – MKV, TS, TP, M2TS, RM/RMVB, BD-ISO, AVI, MPG, VOB, DAT, ASF, TRP, FLV etc
- Audio Codecs – LPCM, FLAC, HE-AAC, MP3, OGG, WMA, WMAPRO
- Power Supply – 5V/2A
This Android 4.2.2 HDMI TV stick comes with an HDMI cable, a USB power adapter, a USB 2.0 to Micro USB cable (for power), and a user’s manual. The user interface features soft power off, Volume +/-, and full screen mode (Status bar hidden) buttons.
You may have noticed 802.11ac (1.8 Gbps) Wi-Fi support with Broadcom AP6330 module. This seems really high-end, and I can’t find any reference to AP6330. So I’ve asked GeekBuying for confirmation. [Update: Some RK3188 mini PC will use AP6210, others AP6330 like T428. AP6330 can support 5Ghz WiFi frequency, but AP6210 just supports 2.4Ghz. There’s about $10 US difference between the two modules. GeekBuying tested the connection with a 5GHz router and it works, however they don’t have 802.11ac router yet, so they decided to remove 802.11ac from the listed specs for now].
GeekBuying has said they tested WiFi display with XiaoMi 2 smartphone, as well as XBMC 13.0 beta, and both are working fine. They posted a video showing the device in action, and it appears to be very smooth. However, they only showed “WiFiDisplay” application, but did not demo it.
I’ve been told I would receive the device, so you can expect a detailed review soon.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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look for Ampak Technology 6330
i wonder if the designer intentionally copied the commodore 64 vent stripes and logo holder styling.
@Galland
Ampak Technology does indeed make Wi-Fi modules, but I can’t find anything with 6330.
I’ve updated the post as GeekBuying tried it, and it can connect at 5GHz, but they don’t have 802.11ac router, so they cannot confirm the feature now.
Broadcom… that’s good. As I know it’s still difficult to have a stable device with Android 4.2 + Realtek at this moment.
Is it worth installing Ubuntu in a device like this?
Is it even possible? I mean, I am having some diffculties with Broadcom drivers in some Ubuntu laptops I own. Also the GPU will create trouble installing ubuntu?
Alex
We are a hardware startup looking to use the RockChip 3066/3128. Where can I buy these from in volume? The rockchips website doesn’t point out where we can buy them from? Does anyone know of any distributors that sell these?
@Alex
It will take some time. Now PowerVR is a disaster when it comes to Linux support. However GPU drivers won’t really be a problem next year, as Ubuntu 14.04 will support Android drivers.
@Andrew
I’ve been told RK3188 is very hard to get now. Try to contact Rockchip (via their website) anyway, they’ll probably redirect you to one of their distributors in your country.
MK908 is about the same except it features AP6210 (2.4Ghz Wi-Fi), and costs $10 less – http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2013/04/19/tronsmart-mk908-another-rk3188-quad-core-mini-pc-tv-box-release-review/
Have you managed to test this device on 802.11ac yet? I’m looking to buy such a device and I am surprised how few there are that support 802.11ac.
Thanks,
Steve
@Steve
I think AP6330 is just dual band, but does not support 802.11ac despite it being initially listed to their specs. I’m not aware of any HDMI TV stick supporting 802.11ac at this time. Some Android TV boxes may support it (with Nvidia Tegra 4), but no TV dongles.