[HH] FAVI SmartStick

[Kurt Keville]

Cotton Candy finally shipped Monday...
http://www.fxitech.com/2012/10/cstick-cotton-candy-available-now-to-all-global-developers/
too little, too late... 

On Oct 4, 2012, at 10:05 PM, Tom Metro wrote:

> Another "stick" type computer for stream video to your TV that runs
> Android. This one notably starts at $50 and runs Jelly Bean.
> 
> FAVI SmartStick can turn any HDTV into an Android-powered smart TV for $50
> http://www.bgr.com/2012/09/29/favi-smartstick-smart-tv-dongle-android/
> 
> [Article incorrectly identifies the Android version as ICS.]
> 
> 
> SmartStick by FAVI brings Android to your HDTV for $50
> http://www.slashgear.com/smartstick-by-favi-brings-android-to-your-hdtv-for-50-28249638/
> 
>  There's about to be a brand new smart TV in your living room with
>  Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, wireless streaming abilities, and no more than
>  a $50 price tag, all of this in a tiny dongle: FAVI's Streaming Stick.
>  ... Plug it in to the HDMI port, plug a mini-USB cord into the side of
>  the stick for power, and connect your wireless keyboard and mouse for
>  next-level Android-based media engagement!
> 
>  This device comes by itself with a simple remote control or you can
>  pay an extra $39.99 for FAVI's own mini wireless keyboard and touchpad
>  mouse. You can also connect with DLNA and the device's own MediaSHARE
>  app so you can stream media from your computer to the device. You've
>  got Google Play on the device right on the device right out of the
>  box, and it all connects to the web via wi-fi. The stick works with a
>  slightly modified version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean made specifically
>  for the television...
> 
>  This device is up for pre-order now and will be shipping in October,
>  coming in two iterations - the first is a 4GB internal storage version
>  for $49, the second is $79 and includes 8GB of internal storage.
> 
> Pretty much the same as the other Asian made sticks running Android,
> except this vendor has a bit better polish to their marketing and demo
> videos.
> 
> I'm a little confused as to what qualifies an Android device to run the
> Google Play store app. My understanding was that in order to do that the
> vendor have to be a proper licensee, yet I wasn't aware of Google
> licensing vendors to compete with the Google TV products unless they
> also use the Google TV version of Android and the Google TV branding.
> Anyone understand how the licensing works?
> 
> 
> Vendor's site (seems to also list an Android version older than what
> they use in their press release):
> http://www.favientertainment.com/SmartStick-p/ss-4gb.htm
> 
>    * OS: Android (4.0)
>    * Resolution: 720P, 1080P (HDMI)
>    * Microprocessor: ARM Cortex-A9 @ 1.0 Ghz
>    * RAM: 1GB DDR3 SDRam
>    * Built-in WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
>    * Storage: 4GB
>    * USB Port: 2.0
>    * Mini USB: DC Input,
>    * Micro SD: Up to 32GB
>    * Remote Control: Infrared
>    * Dimensions: 3.6" x 1.3" x 0.6"
>    * Weight: 0.08 lb.
> 
> No mention of GPU or video acceleration.
> Probably can boot XBMC.
> 
> Power supply not included. $14 extra, or source your own USB charger for
> less. (Some competing sticks will use MHL instead of HDMI. MHL
> multiplexes HDMI signals onto fewer wires and supplies power, like USB,
> to the connected device. Roku sticks use MHL. Haven't seen a "generic"
> Android stick that does yet. Not particularly useful unless you have a
> very recent TV with an MHL port.)
> 
> At only $20 more than a Raspberry Pi, should be a much better option if
> you just want a packaged media player, rather than a board for hacking.
> 
> -Tom
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