Qubi Android Media Center Features Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 SoC

Traditionally Qualcomm Application Processor have mostly been found in tablets, smartphones, and in development board such as the company’s own Mobile Development Platforms (MDP) or MyDragonBoard boards. But recently, a Snapdragon S4 has found its way into a smartwatch and today, I’ve found an upcoming, or maybe not, media player  powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 600. Beside Qualcomm quad core Krait SoC, Qubi Android media center features 2 GB RAM, 16 GB NAND Flash,  dual band Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, Gibabit Ethernet, and more.

Here are the specifications of the device:

• SoC – Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Quad Core Krait CPU @ 1.7 GHz with Adreno 320 GPU
• System Memory – 2GB RAM
• Storage – 16GB NAND Flash + microSD slot
• Connectivity – Dual band Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 4.0
• Video Output – HDMI with HDMI-CEC support
• Audio Output – HDMI, optical SPDIF
• Video – 1080p video decoding
• USB – 3x USB 2.0 host ports, 1x USB 3.0 port
• Misc – IR receiver

The device is also said to support Miracast, Dolby & DTS audio decoding, HDMI pass-through, and there will be a customized and “streamlined” version of XBMC install in the box. As you can see from the picture above, the enclosure for the player has not been done yet, but they have a working demo on a prototype PCB which is currently running Android 4.2 with a customized UI, but the version may be upgraded at the time of release (July 2014). That’s one of the rare media player with Wi-Fi ac which should be able to stream any 1080p videos you throw at it, as well as Gigabit Ethernet which may not be that useful in this type of device.

A dual sided remote will also be included with one size used as a standard remote, and the other a QWERTY keyboard, with both sides backlit. Using a Wi-Fi direct connection, it will also function as an air mouse, and the built-in microphone will be useful for voice command and Skype. There’s also an headset jack for the same purpose.

There’s no included game controller, but the company recommends Moga Bluetooth controller to play games with Qubi, and probably other Android devices.

The 8-minutes video demo below shows the prototype board and remote, the Android UI, their version of XBMC, and some games (Riptide 2, Shadowgun).

The company is looking for funding via Kickstarter to complete development, and manufacture at least 4,000 units. The early bird pledge is $129 for Qubi and its remote, and the regular pledge is $149. Add $30 for shipping if you live outside the US. The price is actually quite aggressive considering the hardware provided, but the expected delivery (July 2014) may have put off some people for this type of device, as they’ve only received about $26,000 in pledges out of the $500,000 requested with 14 days left to go, so the product may never see the light of the day. Their XBMC source code modifications will apparently be made available in September 2014, based on the $30 pledge to get the source only (People who pledged for the box will get the code for free if they ask).

Via Google+.

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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