Ugoos UM4 TV Box/Dongle Runs Android 7.1.2 with Some Uncommon Features

Ugoos UM3 was launched in 2014 with Android 4.4 on Rockchip RK3288 processor, and could be described a a tiny TV box, or large TV stick. That form factor must have had some success, and they later launched AM2 model powered by Amlogic S905 plus Android 6.0.

The company has now just launched Ugoos UM4 with the same form factor but with Rockchip RK3328 processor running Android 7.1.2. Ugoos likes to add some software features often not found on other devices, and that would normally require hacking the firmware, or purchasing apps.

Ugoos UM4 specifications:

SoC – Rockchip RK3328 quad core Cortex A53 processor with ARM Mali-450MP GPU
System Memory – 2GB DDR4 memory
Storage – 16 GB eMMC flash (8GB optional) + micro SD card slot up to 32 GB
Video & Audio Output – HDMI 2.0a female port up to 4k @ 60 fps with CEC and HDR support, 3.5mm AV output with composite and stereo audio
Connectivity – Dual band WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.0 with external antenna
USB – 1x USB 3.0 port, 1x USB 2.0 OTG port (USB type A receptacle)
Misc – 2.5mm IR jack
Power Supply – 5V/2.5A via micro USB port
Dimensions – 109 x 60 x 20 mm
Weight – 80 grams

The device ships with a user manual, a power adapter, a short HDMI cable, an IR remote controller, and a extension cable with IR receiver. I’ve not found the latter in that many TV stick, and it allows you to use an IR remote control with the stick even if it is connected behind your TV. But what could be the most interesting with this device are the extra Ugoos settings in the firmware.

You’ll get a choice of 7 submenus with some options that are not commonly found in other TV boxes:

Root – Enable/disable root access which can be useful as some apps require a system without root, while others won’t work with root
File server/client – NFS and SAMBA client, and SAMBA server. I understand the clients make your SAMBA/NFS server accessible from any apps.
Hardware Monitor – Shows network usage, CPU info, RAM info in notification bar
(Fireeasy) Wireless Assistant – Remote control app for Android / iOS (download)
Gamepad settings – Gamepad buttons mapping app. Profiles are shareable among users
Debug settings – WiFi/USB Adb access, log files management, etc…
User scripts – Create init.d directory is enabled, and allows advanced user to run scripts at boot time without rooting the device.

The device also supports automatic frame rate switching (AFRS) with 3 modes: system resolution, video resolution priority, and frequency resolution priority. This does not affect AFRS function in Kodi, which handle this on its own. Finally, digital signage users will be happy to find an option to switch between landscape and portrait mode.

The firmware might be at the beta stage right now, as reviewers and customers are only starting to get samples right now. If you’d like to give it a try yourself, Ugoos UM4 can be purchased on Aliexpress for $89.99 shipped.

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.