A handful of TV boxes featuring Rockchip’s new ARM Cortex-A17 quad-core processor have popped up recently, but the MK903V is one of the first that’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
The device looks a bit like a chunky USB flash drive, except it has an HDMI port on one end and an antenna on the other. Under the hood, it’s powered by Rockchip’s RK3288 processor.
Like a number of TV sticks launched in the past few years, all you need to do is connect the MK903V to your TV’s HDMI port, plug in a power source, and you can use it to run Android apps on your TV.
The box is available for purchase from AliExpress for $122.
This particular model features 2GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage a microSD card slot, dual-band 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI 2.0, 1 USB 2.0 port, 2 micro USB ports (including one for power), and Android 4.4 KitKat software.
It also features Rockchip’s fastest processor to date. The quad-core processor also features ARM Mali-T764 graphics and support for 4K video output. The MK903V also comes with a wireless remote control.
Up until recently I’ve referred to devices like this as Android TV sticks or Android TV boxes… but Google’s sort of taking back the idea of “Android TV” and plans to launch its own TV software later this fall. I don’t think that’ll stop Chinese device makers from offering devices like the MK903V which basically feature the phone/tablet version of Android with a few modifications to make them more TV-friendly. Google plans to exercise tight control over the Android TV experience and probably won’t allow device makers to use the software unless they gain approval from the company.
So now it’s probably just best to think of this sort of device as a “TV stick,” especially since hackers have a way of figuring out how to replace Android with Linux.
via CNX Software and AndroidPC.es
Are you kidding? These things are fabulous. With a good “air mouse” they’re super easy to use. Some remotes even support voice input and do a pretty good job. I have a Tronsmart 908 II and love it. Runs any Android app I’ve thrown at it. Netflix app has CC, which is more than I can say for our Bluray player. Only downside of this model is it’s 720P. Make sure you get one that’s 1080P or 4K, which this one is. Read reviews at SomeCoolTech on youtube…he runs thorough tests, including games, and checks for overheating. To use multiple USB devices, get a powered (!) USB hub. Run just one cable to the stick. End of wiring mess.
Oops…the Tronsmart is 720P. The subject of this article, mk903v, has 4K output.
Guys, does anyone know how do I boot the micro sd containing the Linux image I created ? I already tried anyway , several versions ( ubuntu, xubuntu , Linaro , etc ) , but it seems that it gives direct boot on android . If anyone can help me , I am grateful .
a word of caution to anybody who wants to become “THE FIRST” buyer. Guys at freaktab keep tabs on all upcoming RK3288 models and there is info abotu serious production delays due to Rokchip SOC revisions. Nobody who paid for a device, has received anything. Even if devices are listed “in stock”, shipping is usually whithin 3-4 weeks. Which means that site is collecting your money for a yet unreleased device.
That’s because shipping takes 3-4 weeks… If you choose dhl you will get it in 1 week
You can’t get internet on Roku. Will these sticks have 802.11ac?
These do make for an interesting hobby.
My 3188 based stick runs so hot playing Clash of Clans that I had to take off the case and add copper heat sinks to the SOC and RAM.
Perhaps one of these will fare better…
I’ve never seen one of these tv sticks in person. How on earth are you supposed to control them with a remote? Do most of them come with an IR receiver or do you have to buy it separately?
Some come with an IR remote and a “puck on a string” receiver. Some you have to buy something else like a Bluetooth keyboard and USB dongle. All of them are impractical, since you end up with a “spider in a web” effect of several cables suspending a lightweight device in the air someplace behind the TV – that occasionally gets a WiFi connection. Often you get a weird Chinese “launcher” that is close to useless. Save your money, buy a Roku unless you want a hobby.
LOL @ “Save your money, buy a Roku unless you want a hobby.”
You can control them with keyboard and mouse, and it’s pretty convenient (I have an MK802IV, and I like it), or you can control them with your Android based smartphone.