Since it was first announced in August, Rockchip RK3066 dual core mini PCs have been popping up everywhere, and AFAIK those are currently the only low cost (sub $100) dual core Android TV Sticks available. But according to a recent Kimdecent announcement, this is about to change with the release of the Droid Stick A2 based on AMLogic AML8726-MX Dual Core Cortex A9 processor with 1GB RAM and 4 to 8 GB Flash running Android Jelly Bean.
Here are Droid Stick A2 specifications:
- CPU – Amlogic AML8726-MX Dual Core Cortex A9 @ 1.5 GHz
- GPU – Mali400 Dual Core, 2D/ 3D/ OpenGL ES2.0/ OpenVG1.1.
- System Memory – 1 GB RAM
- Storage – 4/8 GB Nand Flash + microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
- WiFi – 802.11b/g/n
- Video Output – HDMI (1080P)
- Video Decoding – Supports up to 1920x1080p@60fps
- Video Encoding – Supports encoding in H.264. 1080p@60fps, 720@100fps
- USB – 1xUSB 2.0, 1x Mini USB
- Misc. ports – 1xMic, 1x Infra receiver port
For Linux lovers this device should potentially be a much better option than Rockchip RK3066 since AMLogic did release the kernel source for their dual core processor, and native (Linux and Android) XBMC support should be possible, unless there is much difference between AML8726-M3 and AML8726-MX on the video decoding front.
The device is not yet listed on Kimdecent aliexpress shop, as the device is in the final stages of development and should be available within 2 to 3 weeks. No pricing information is available at this time.
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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Looks very promising!
This is one of the sticks I have been waiting for.
Of course there is also a quad core stick on the horizon…but that’s all I can say about that.
It looks like the same stick as the geniatech atv120.
is this ATV120 by Genia?
If this turns up at a reasonable price I’ll be all over it, my lapdock needs some brains and the MK802 I ordered hasn’t arrived yet :/
Amlogic 🙂 Yey. Finally a dual core mini PC with open source kernel 🙂
I’ve been trying to get my hands on the Geniatech atv120 for quite a while. I just haven’t been able to.
I’ve been evaluating the dual core android tv sticks for a company as a consultant.
When I get my hands on either the Geniatech ATV120 or the Kimdecent Droid Stick A2 I can do side by side reviews with the UG802 and MK808 since I have multiples of all of them on hand.
It should come out at a decent price, I’m hoping for around $65.
It really needs to considering the 8GB MK808 can be had for $63 shipped.
This seems nice because of the open source kernel but from the looks of it I think I still like the MK808 better from a hardware perspective.
And then there’s the quad core A7 coming from our favorite open source guys, Allwinner. I think that’s what deadhp1 was referring too.
The problem is how good is a quad core A7 compared to a dual core A9… quad core is good but I’m not sure A7 will be a match for the A9. I know it won’t be one for A15 but that’s another story.
I know a company who stopped working on a QuadCore PC Stick because maybe a QuadCore CPU is not necessary for the actual Android OS. I mean, It will increase the price but the ratio quality/price maybe not.
Can some one check/comment this Amlogic AML8726-MX Box is also from Kimdecent
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Android-4-0-TV-BOX-Amlogic-8726-M-Cortex-A9-1GHz-Online-Video-Playing-HDMI-Out/803232_553291872.html
I need one with Ethernet port
Curio1 take great care with that stuff. Amlogic 8726-M is actually a single core 1GHz not a dual core 1.5 GHz and IMO it’s not worth it.
You can get this stick buy a good powered USB hub:http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Port-High-Speed-USB-1-1-2-0-Hub-AC-Power-Adapter-US-UK-EU-Plug-for-PC-Laptop-/200812736421?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2ec15f2fa5
And then a USB ethernet adaptor: http://www.ebay.com/itm/White-USB-2-0-LAN-Ethernet-Adapter-10-100Mbps-IEEE-802-3x-For-Apple-Macbook-PC-/180988253560?pt=US_Internal_Network_Cards&hash=item2a23bd9578
And for 8$ more you’ve got an ethernet port and 6 other powered USB ports which is not bad I’d say.
@curio1
This not a dual core model. Maybe you can check this new model:http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Android-4-0-Mini-PC-TV-Set-Top-Box-IPTV-Allwinner-A10-1GB-RAM-8GB-Build/803232_655559370.html
@Marius
Allwinner are not open source friendly and have been stringing people along about access to their VPU.
Don’t be fooled avoid Allwinner.
This looks a pretty nice little unit, I would however caution about the clock speed, until proven otherwise I would doubt it runs at 1.5Ghz on the stick.
That also looks like a reset button between the fingers (I hope), the Geniatech HDMI sticks lack those so your screwed if anything goes wrong and need to flash the firmware.
It’s not made by this company, they just re-sell the product. These kind of companies can not have too many production lines…
@HMI Thats not a new model, thats an Allwinner A10. Which isn’t faster and doesn’t have video acceleration in Linux/XBMC, only in Android. Allwinner is unwilling to release the code for their VPU, so for XBMC (which is, I believe, the best software for a media player) Allwinner is useless. Plus the link you provided is more expensive.
If you look at the casing on the Geniatech atv120 you’ll notice it has a hole on the top….right near where the side reset button is on the Droid Stick A2.
When I mentioned quad core I was referring to is not a new Allwinner stick.(I do know that one that is planned though). I am referring to a Exnyos 4412 powered stick. That’s as much as I can give out without violating the terms of the NDA.
I just want one stick that I can at least compile the kernel for. It’s getting really annoying waiting for bug fixes/features from the manufacturers.
They included mic port, why not a 3.5mm audio out? It doesn’t make sense.
Nobody saw the new Rikomagic MK802III ?? Also dualcore but from RockChip: http://www.asiapads.com/product_info.php?products_id=2319
Do you think a Exynos 4412 is a good idea? I’m not sure if a QuadCore for Android is really necessary at this moment. Also price…
@Javi
The 4412 also uses Mali which *still* doesn’t have a Linux driver, then again I don’t know of a mobile GPU that does :/
Interesting video about Geniatech ATV-120 at the Hong Kong Fair by Charbax
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0H_ydZDbco
The biggest problem with mali is that you need to have access to the arm NDK in order to build the driver for it.
Hopefully the limadriver.org will eventually have a decent driver.
@deadhp1
Since odroidx is also based on the 4412, I wonder if we can make use of their source for mali — for android and/or ubuntu?
What we want is a stick or copy tablet with the new x86 intel chip. That would be big news. Other big news would be a major govt which bans a device because the manufacturers have conspired to create monoply in the marketplace.
Here’s another option for a quad core TV stick: http://www.hiapad.com/?p=1939
Wonder how much it will cost.
sum fool
Monopolies have – with two or three exceptions – been always CREATED by government intervention.
And especially with consumer electronics and software codes being freely accessible, its not very probable, to have a monopoly created against consumers will …
It does not apport any new thing… just a QuadCore CPU (I have doubts about if this is a big difference)
@Javi
description says it has build in bluetooth 😀
i think it makes difference …
also 89 dollars.
and I think that thing can run ubuntu
What prices will be for this mini pc, I’m really interesting as want to build FULL HD DVR recorder with connected two Full HD usb cameras. Is that encoding H.264 results correct 60fps for Full HD?
AML8726-MX stick with Bluetooth builtin, I think samples can be ordered:
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/676361684/MX_HDMI_TV_STICK_AML8726_MX.html
Is this device based on the Geniatech ATV120 ?
@t5t4
Yes, it looks like it’s based on Geniatech ATV120 design.
Google android TV Box-D2 based on AML8726-MX:
http://www.androidsmartlife.com/cp/cp_view312.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-Android-mini-TV-box-AML8726-MX-Up-to-1-5GHz-ARM-Cortex-Dual-core/703482286.html
@Gabe
Nice. The price is right at $52, but the guy has no feedback for now.
Anyway, this makes me think I have some unboxing to do 🙂
@cnxsoft
I took the plunge and attempted to order one yesterday. Got an email from the vendor saying that there was a software bug and he won’t have any updated stock until next week at the earliest. I’ll keep you guys posted.
@Brian
I have one for evaluation: http://www.cnx-software.com/2012/12/07/droid-stick-a2-mini-pc-unboxing/
The firmware is not quite usable right, so I’ll review it later.
After review, I’ll try to find the time and see if I can run Linux in it.
@Gabe
I ordered a sample of this and just received it. It does not have built in bluetooth at all and it died after 15 minutes of usage. So it does not boot up anymore. Sales person from Yiyate said that they decided to remove the bluetooth function on first patch and version with bluetooth comes later next year.
Anyone wanting a dual core AMLogic 8726-MX box can get it from our Amazon listing found here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AP7A0FI?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links
Geniatech is NOT a manufacturer, they are a trading company (listed as such with China Gov) for another company laos in Shenzhen that designs and manufacturers all their product for them. Weird but Geniatech doesn’t even rename the unit so they are findable via Google search. You will also learn this if you ever want a custom product from them, they can take upto a year to add a simple driver. (speaking from experience)
@Thumper
OK, I was led to believe that because the company is always present at Chinese trade shows to demo “their” design, and they resell the designs to other companies, usually they don’t sell directly (except via MyGica brand, I’ve discovered recently).
Another dual core AMLogic 8726-MX option
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2013-Newest-WiFi-Plus-Version-Android-4-1-1-Mini-PC-AML8726-MX-Up-to-1/724635411.html
Is Linux support for this chipset still better than for the RK3066 (post AndrewDB’s efforts)?
@onebir
I’m not sure about Linux on this mini PC yet. I’m still waiting for proper Android support (should be OK now), before playing around.
this things has the exact same specs as the GameStick currently on kickstarter!! WTF!!
@DamagedG00Dz
That’s because both must be using Geniatech design.