$91 IPPLI Mars i8 is a Cylinder Shaped STB Based on Rockchip RK3188

Most of set-top boxes come with a casing with a rectangular shape. But some designs are more original: spaceship-like, spherical, or even in the shape of a pyramid. We’ve now got another option with IPPLI Mars i8, a media player based on Rockchip RK3188, that comes with a cylindrical enclosure.

Here are the technical specifications of the device:

• SoC – Rockchip RK3188 quad core Cortex A9 @ 1.6 GHz + Mali-400MP4
• System Memory – 2GB DDR3
• Storage – 8GB NAND Flash  + microSD slot (Up to 32GB)
• Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with external Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Bluetooth Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • 10/100M Ethernet
• Video Output – HDMI v1.4 up to 1080p
• Audio Output – HDMI, optical audio, and 3.5mm jack
• Camera – 2.0MP with microphone
• USB – 2 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x Mini USB (OTG)
• Dimensions – 8.5 cm x 8.5 cm x 13.0 cm
• Weight – 252 g

Mars i8 comes with an AC power adapter, a USB cable (80cm), an HDMI cable (23cm), a user’s manual, an external Wi-Fi antenna, and an infrared remote control. The device runs Android 4.2.2.

IPPLI Mars i8 currently available from DealExtreme for $91.30 including shipping, as well as GeekBuying. It looks very similar to, but cheaper than, Jesurun Q8 (~$105) and MK Z1 (~$117).

Thanks to Connolly for the tip.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

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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