Reviews - Page 122 of 129 - CNX Software

December 17, 2013December 20, 2013 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 4 Comments

Jynxbox Android M6 and Jynxbox Live Android TV Players Unboxing Pictures and Videos

I’ve just received two new devices from theatertvbox.tv, namely Jynxbox Android M6 and Jynxbox Live. Both are Android media player, with the former being a more traditional AMLogic AML8726-MX based Android TV Box with XBMC, and the later being an Internet media streamer based on Rockchip RK3066 that focuses on playing online content from services such as Hulu or Netflix. Today, I’ll start with listing specifications, and showing some unboxing pictures and videos for both players, and write a complete detailed review, at least for the M6, in a few days. Jynxbox Android M6 The device’s specifications are somewhat similar to other AML8627-MX boxes such as Matricom G-Box Midnight MX2 or Tronsmart Prometheus: SoC – AMLogic AML8726-MX dual core ARM Cortex A9 @ 1.5GHz with Mali-400MP2 GPU System Memory – 1GB RAM Storage – 4GB NAND flash + microSD/SDHC slot (up to 32GB) Video Output – HDMI 1.3 and CVBS […]

December 13, 2013December 13, 2013 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 13 Comments

Tronsmart T1000 Mirror2TV Review with Android and Windows XP

Tronsmart T1000 Mirror2TV is an EZcast HDMI dongle that connects to your TV, supports Miracast, DLNA, and Airplay, and sells for just $30 including shipping. I’ve just received a sample from Geekbuying, and I’ll post some pictures first, followed by a review with ThL W200 Android 4.2 smartphone, and Acer Aspire One D255 netbook running Windows XP. Tronsmart T1000 Unboxing Pictures The package shows it is a Wi-Fi display adapter supporting Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Beside the dongle, there’s just a user’s manual (that I did not read, shame on me), and a funny USB wit a microUSB plug at one end, and a Wi-Fi module, and USB plug to connect to your TV or a power adapter at the other end. Since the Wi-Fi module is outside the dongle is much smaller than Android HDMI TV Sticks for example. Another advantage might be better Wi-Fi reception, as if […]

December 4, 2013May 25, 2014 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 24 Comments

How-to Install and “Hack” Linux on T428 or MK802 IV mini PCs

PicUntu 4.5 installer is probably the easiest method to install Ubuntu on a Rockchip RK3188 based mini PC, but if you want a little more flexibility I’ll provide another method to install Linux on T428, MK802 IV or compatible devices, as well as links to go further: dual boot Android / Linux, create your own official distro, status of Mali-400 GPU support in RK3188… The method below is not new, as it was posted by Linuxium (Ian Morrison) in Freaktab in September, but this is the first time I’ve taken the time and managed to run Linux on Rockchip RK3188, and I’ll provide some more detailed steps. Prerequisites Even though in some cases it’s possible to install Rockchip firmware from Linux, AFAIK the tools available in Linux lack supports for the parameter and loader files, so ironically, you’ll need a Windows XP/7/8 machine to install Linux in your mini PC. […]

December 1, 2013March 6, 2014 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 6 Comments

ThL W200 Smartphone Review (Mediatek MT6589T)

I’ve received ThL W200, a smartphone powered by Mediatek MT6589T SoC, at the beginning of week (Check specs and unboxing pictures), and after about a week of use, it’s time for a review. First I’ll go through my first impressions, test of different features such as the camera, GPS, and Bluetooth, and finally run some apps to get system information and benchmarks for this phone. ThL W200 Review This smartphone feels very light, but the build quality is good, and as explained in my unboxing post, comes with power, volume -/+, and menu/home/back buttons. You’ll also find rear camera + flash, front camera, the light sensor, and the notification light. First impressions The phone boots to the standard Android home screen, as shown above, with English as the default language, and comes with Google Play Store, and no Chinese apps. The 720p screen provide a sharp and clear display, and […]

November 26, 2013November 30, 2013 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments

ThL W200 Unboxing Pictures and Video

I recently decided I had enough of my Nokia C6-01 phone, and decided to look for a Chinese smartphone with the following specifications: quad core processor, 5″ to 5.5″ display (720p resolution), at least 1 GB RAM, at least 8 GB flash, GPS, Wi-FI and 3G (UMTS) support, all that for about $200. It also had to run Android 4.2.x as I want to give Miracast a try. Ideally, I would also have liked a phone with Bluetooth 4.0 LE in case an Android 4.3 was in the work. But since Bluetooth versions are rather a game of luck in Chinese websites, I did not put too much importance to this last point. I finally went with ThL W200 as it matched my minimum specifications, the price was right, and it got a few people excited over at XDA Developers Forum. I bought the white version for $187.20 on DealExtreme, […]

November 16, 2013 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 10 Comments

$80 SJ1000 Waterproof Sports Camera is a Low Cost Alternative to GoPro Hero Cameras

I’ve recently learned about GoPro action cameras, waterproof cameras with lots of mounting options and a wide angle lense which allows to shot amazing action full HD videos, and the best selling cameras in the world. Since yesterday I wrote about low cost waterproof smartphone, I thought It might be a good idea to write about other waterproof devices, and look at low cost alternatives to the GoPro. The GoPro Hero3 comes in 3 editions: White Edition, Black Edition, and Silver Edition with prices ranging from $199.99 to $399.99. All camera can record @1080p and come with WiFi connectivity. The more expensive model, Gopro Hero3+ Silver Edition, can also record in UHD, and comes with a WiFi remote. The original GoPro still seem to be good values, but if you have a tight budget, SJ1000 action camera (aka F10) offers similar functionalities (1080p30 recording, wide angle, mounting options, waterproofness, but […]

July 25, 2013 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 53 Comments

Wandboard Quad Unboxing, Getting Started with Android and Linux (via The Yocto Project)

After my review of the Wandboard Dual in February, I’ve now received Wanboard Quad development board powered by Freescale i.MX6 Quad Cortex A9 processor, with 2 GB RAM, HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and SATA. The board is available from several distributors including Mouser ($139), DigiKey ($144.38) and FutureElectronics ($125). I’ll start by showing some unboxing pictures of the board, as well as pictures of Wandboard Dual and Quad side-by-side. Then I’ll explain how to install Android and Linux on the board, build the images from source, run some benchmarks, and test different features. Wandboard Quad Unboxing Ive received the board via UPS in a large box that contained the package below. This is exactly the same as Wandboard Dual, except for the sticker. There’s just the board inside the package, and it would just look like Wandboard Dual with all connectors on the top, and the EDM module at the back, […]

July 21, 2013July 21, 2013 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 3 Comments

The Little Black Box XBMC STB Gets Users’ Feedback, Becomes Available on Amazon

The Little Black Black Box (TLBB) is an set-top box running XBMC powered by AMLogic AML8726-M3 with 1GB RAM, 4GB Flash that comes with a dual sided RF remote control. The device became available for pre-order in April, and the first customers have started to receive the media player, one of them (flipfoelyfe) has uploaded a video, and posted some pictures. After initial issues setting up Wi-Fi (A bug seems to prevent the use of long passwords), his tweets about the device are rather positive, and he uploaded a short video demo showing Sports-a-Holic plugin playing a live NBA match, and a ESPN Boxing program. Whereas you had to pre-order and be patient for the first batch, LTBB is now available on Amazon for $129.99. Considering it also includes a dual sided RF remote control with a QWERTY keyboard, this single core set-top box is about the same price, or […]