KDDI, a Japanese Telecom operator, has launched AU Smart TV Stick, an Android 4.0.4 HDMI TV Stick powered by Texas Instruments OMAP4430 dual core processor with 1GB RAM, and 4 GB Flash, together with a “magic” Bluetooth remote for 9,800 Yen ($99 US).
Here are the specifications of this device:
- SoC – Texas Instruments OMAP4430 Dual Core Cortex A9 @ 1GHz + PowerVR SGX540 GPU
- System Memory -1GB RAM
- Storage – 4GB Flash + microSD card slot
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi IEEE802.11b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- Video Output – HDMI (female)
- USB – micro USB OTG
- Power – AC100V
- Dimensions – 31 × 105 × 14mm
- Weight – 45g
The Bluetooth remote measures 50 × 149 × 21.5mm, weights 73 g, and comes with a gyro sensor.
The package included the mini PC, the remote, as well as an AC adapter (100V), an HDMI Cable, a holder, and 2 AAA batteries for the remote.
The company appears to have heavily customized Android in order to provide easy access to its online services, but Google Play store is still available on the device.
I find this device interesting as it’s the first I’ve seen using OMAP4, and since it includes a Bluetooth remote (and, I assume, Japan’s 5% consumption tax) the price seems relatively competitive. To my knowledge, it’s the first time a large company actually sells an HDMI TV dongle to consumers. so it’s nice to see mini PCs go mainstream, at least in Japan.
Further information is available on AU Smart TV Stick page (in Japanese).
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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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http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/01/10/always-innovating-unveils-open-source-android-4-0-hdmi-dongle-stb/
@Guillaume FORTAINE
You’re right, I completely forgot about this one! My only excuse is that I wrote that article about 14 months ago. I wonder if KDDI uses Always Innovating design.