Wizarm is an high-end set-top box / PVR powered by Exynos 5250 dual cortex A15 processor, with 2GB RAM, 16GB eMMC, lots of I/Os including USB 3.0 and SATA 3 support running Android 4.2, and soon Ubuntu as well. Although its main use is to handle and process media files, the device can be also used as a PC, gaming console, smart TV box, or even a development platform.
Here are the specifications of the device:
- SoC – Samsung Exynos 5250 dual Cortex A15 up to 2GHz with Mali T-604 GPU
- System Memory – 2GB
- Storage – 16 GB eMMC. SDXC card slot, and SATA 3 connector for 2.5″ SSD or HDD
- I/O ports:
- SATA 3
- USB – 2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0 host ports
- Video – HDMI OUT, HDMI IN, DisplayPort
- Audio – LINE IN, LINE OUT, Optical out
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual Wi-Fi antenna)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Misc – IR sensor
- Dimensions – 21cm x 14cm x 5cm
The hardware is somewhat similar to Nuvola NP-1, except it has a slower processor (Exynos 5250 vs Tegra 4), but adds SATA support, and to me the key features is HDMI in, as it allows you to record anything coming out of another HDMI device. If you’re a gamer, you can use this box to record the action from your PS3 or XBOX 360 game console. Recording can be done up to 1440p.
The source code for the platform will be available on git.wizard.com (not working at the moment).
Wizarm is still under development, hardware seems mostly done, except certification, Android 4.2 development is nearly complete, and Ubuntu will be added later. The company is now looking for funds to complete development and start mass production via an Indiegogo (flexible) campaign to deliver the product in April 2014. The “earliest wizard” pledge reserved to the first 100 backers will get your the device for $249 including express shipping, after you’ll need to pledge $299 to get the device.
You can also visit Wizarm.com for more details, videos and pictures, access to forums, etc…
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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Delivery is in April next year? That’s six months away! Who knows what other devices will have appeared by then. This is a tough sell.
By that time ODROID probably will be using Exynos 5420 and we will be discussing about Exynos 6 ARMv8 silicon :/
i got the voyo a15 11.6″ tablet pc which has the same specs as this cost me around $300 so i can dismantle it and i would get a massive battery and and a 11.6″screen on the side for an extra $50
This use *dual core* cortex-a15, octa core Exynos 5420 (for Mali instead of crappy PowerVR of 5410) would have been better for this kind of uptodate hardware…
Wait a minute, this thing can by pass HDMI/HDCP protection?
If yes, i’m going to buy one right now !
I think ODROID-XU or next version will be much better and cheaper.
Only few people needs the HDMI input feature.
And nobody want to wait 5~6months. Right?
I think you are missing the point here, this device is for the digital world what the old VHS recorder we had back in the days was for analog world.
Connect between source and display and record at will.
However, you are right, if you don’t need HDMI input and super easy HDMI recording then you don’t need that box.
HaHAHAH…. No way this is going to work for long. All they need is 100K? What type of future will this have device have after they only make 380 units?
That CPU is going to die a quick death. Be smart and save your money kids, Better for less is just around the bend.
This device might be a PVR if it included an ATSC or DVB-T (rather than an FM) tuner and a disk drive. It’s certainly drastically overpriced for the hardware provided. At least the identically-priced Samsung HomeSync device includes a 1-TB disk drive for $299, even though it appears to work only with Samsung devices.
This looks to me like a ripoff, if not a total scam of an Indiegogo “flexible” financing campaign.
–rj
@Roger Jennings
Call it a DVR then 😉
It have SATA3, so hard drive is an option. They have published a video in the update section showing the board recoding a PS3@1080p60. Now Samsung have billions and billions, they can more likely produce by millions. I guess anyone can understand that they have lower cost, and while they offer 1 TB HD with homesync, they will never offer a HDMI input. The whole purpose of this box is the ability to record, and having done that through the camera input is actually a great breakthrough.
@Roger Jennings
Mmm.. i’m not sure this is exact, right now it’s 259 and i don’t think Samsung give free shipping worldwide. One can get a cool HDD added for rather the same price, for a product not made by big companies with unlimited ressources it’s a fair deal.
Idea is good, even I can not understand why still can not find this product in the market now.
Price maybe high, thats true
Voyo does not have HDMI in.
you mis-spelled git.wizarm.com
@Cyberator Also, ASUS QCube for Google TV, which Amazon sells for $139, Has HDMI Input and Output. See http://android-minipc.azurewebsites.net/index.php/2013/10/android-media-player-tv-boxes/#Qube for more details.
–rj
@Tech
They need 200k, more likely to produce 1K units. Isn’t that how any crowdfunding campaign work? i remember ouya asking for a very small amount initially.
@Javi
Right, Voyo A15 even if it’s a good product, it doesn’t have any HDMI input, it especially also doesn’t have any of the output connectors, always funny how people think a LCD screen and a battery still worth something nowadays
What!!! I think this is the ultimate stb out there. It’s got everything from ext wifi antennae , Bluetooth to gigabit Ethernet.
I think the only thing screwing up the product is the timeline to delivery,but I hope it succeeds.
@Roger Jennings
There is plenty of devices like this around 50-200 usd.
They all share one common problem: They can’t record.