[HH] FAVI SmartStick

[Phil C.]

Tom,

I'm trying to understand what this device might give me over my Roku or the
apps that come with my Panasonic Blu Ray player, Tivo, etc.

Since I don't have an android smart phone, I don't know what google apps can
do for me on a large TV screen.  I have to google "Google Play" I guess.....

Also you talk about using a wireless keyboard, but what brand of keyboard?

Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: hardwarehacking-bounces+charlestek=rcn.com at blu.org
[mailto:hardwarehacking-bounces+charlestek=rcn.com at blu.org] On Behalf Of Tom
Metro
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2012 10:05 PM
To: hardwarehacking at blu.org
Subject: [HH] FAVI SmartStick

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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