There are many Android set-top box based on single core AML8726 processor, but not so many featuring the dual core AML8726-MX (aka AML8726-M6) processor. Tronsmart Prometheus is one of them, it costs just under $100, has the shape of a spaceship, and the recent Android 4.2 firmware supports XBMC pretty well. But if you don’t like boxes with fancy shape, or/and are looking for a cheaper options, Bluetimes now manufactures two Android set-top box based on AML8726-MX that sells for less than $70 including shipping:
Bluetimes MX5 Specifications:
- SoC – AMLogic 8726 M6 dual Cortex A9 CPU + Mali-400 GPU
- System Memory – 1G DDR3 RAM
- Storage – 4 GB NAND Flash + SD card slot
- Video Output – HDMI + Composite
- Audio Output – Optical Audio Output (S/PDIF) + HDMI + Stereo RCA
- Video Codecs – M-JPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, DivX, Xvid, RealVideo, VP6, Sorenson Spark
- Audio Formats – MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, WAV, OGG
- USB – 2 x USB 2.0 host
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet (RJ45) + Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Power Supply – DC 5V/2A
- Dimensions – 182 x 135 x 42mm
- Weight – 480 grams
Beside the STB, you’ll get an infrared remote with English markings, and a power adapter. Cable are not provided.
The device is said to run Android 4.2 with a modified version of XBMC 12.0 and MX Player (XBMC Custom XAF?) and Agile Remote Server in order to use your smartphone or tablet as a smart remote control with Agile Remote client. I could not find the server app, so I suppose they just license it directly with STB manufacturers.
Bluetimes C150 Specifications:
- SoC – AMLogic 8726 M6 dual Cortex A9 CPU + Mali-400 GPU
- System Memory – 1G DDR3 RAM
- Storage – 4 GB NAND Flash + SD card slot
- Video Output – HDMI + AV
- Audio Output – HDMI + AV
- USB – 4 x USB 2.0 host
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet (RJ45) + Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Power Supply – DC 5V/2A
- Dimensions – 130 x 90 x 28 mm
- Weight – 160 grams
The device come with a simple remote control, a power adapter, and a user’s manual, but you won’t get any cables.
C150 hasn’t been upgraded to Android 4.2, so it still runs Android 4.1 with the same customized version of XBMC, but without the Agile Remote server.
MX5 is better looking IMHO, comes with a larger remote, S/PDIF output, and Android 4.2, but C150 is more compact, and features 4 USB ports instead of just 2 on MX5.
Despite AMLogic releasing AML8726-MX source code, I can’t find much Linux work on the platform. AndrewDB ported Ubuntu to an AMLogic AML8726-MX tablets (Ainol Elf II / Aurora II) a few month ago, but there hasn’t been much enthusiasm since then, and XBMC Linux community seems to focus their efforts on AMLogic AML8726-M3 based devices.
You may have noticed Shenzhen Bluetimes Technology has very little feedback on Aliexpress, but they are a Gold Supplier in Alibaba, so unless they are been impersonated by somebody else, it should be OK to order from them.
Thanks Gabe for the tip!
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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