Back in stock, this rather good Android Gaming TV box with gamepad. It'll do all the usual Android TV stuff (Kodi, Plex, etc) in addition to game streaming, native Android gaming (nothing too graphically taxing) & emulators.
Comes with a month's Gamefly streaming free and the following games preinstalled: Asphalt 8: Airborne GT Racing 2 Wonder Zoo My Little Pony
Either should pair up with most bluetooth-enabled devices. The gamepad works great with my phone and TV but my Philips ATV won't pair with the motion controller (BT remotes are blocked by Philips).
does anyone know if these run the smart iptv or perfect player app ok?
BubaMan
25 Aug 17#2
The Play store says Perfect Player is compatible. It says IPTV is not compatible but I'm guessing it could be sideloaded.
modelman
25 Aug 17#3
It's low spec for an android TV box however this setup probably equates to a £10 box and £10 controller which makes it a reasonable deal. The controller looks like it is Bluetooth which is a bonus.
BubaMan to modelman
25 Aug 17#5
£12 box and £8 pad but yeah, don't expect 4K. It's faster than some sub-£20 boxes I've had from Shenzhen but if performance is king, spend more and drop the gamepad.
oUkTuRkEyIII
25 Aug 17#4
I bought one the last time it was in stock. It's not really much good for anything other than emulation. The games that are compatible with it from the play store for example Lego Jurassic park run terrible. The gamepad is terrible at searching for things. Use your money on a cheap android TV box or gamepad for your phone
BubaMan to oUkTuRkEyIII
25 Aug 17#6
I use mine primarily for IPTV (Kodi / Plex) with the motion remote but it's fair to warn that it won't run the big graphic titles on the Play store very well (updated OP). Lego games warn me about performance issues on my S7 Edge so I'm not too surprised that this thing can't handle it. The game streaming service is OK but not good enough to carry on past the trial IMO.
The seperate gamepad (£7.99) is pretty good actually if you're after something for your phone.
modelman to oUkTuRkEyIII
25 Aug 17#7
Assuminge the gamepad connects ok through Bluetooth what is it like just as a Joystick forgetting the mouse function?
oUkTuRkEyIII to modelman
25 Aug 17#8
It's perfect as a controller I just don't understand why they attempted to change the search function that we are all used to.
BubaMan to modelman
25 Aug 17#9
I've paired mine up with my phone and it works very well for Android games and emulators. game.co.uk/en/…235
FatboyJ
25 Aug 17#10
How sturdy is the controller? Will it handle being bashed about by 2 10 yr olds?
BubaMan to FatboyJ
25 Aug 17#11
It hasn't felt the wrath like my PS3 pads have seen but it feels very robust.
carpediem99
25 Aug 17#12
Any ideas if the controller would work with a fire tv box?
BubaMan to carpediem99
25 Aug 17#13
It works with my AFTV Stick so I'd say yes.
carpediem99 to BubaMan
26 Aug 17#22
Thanks Bubaman
andrewmp to BubaMan
31 Aug 17#31
I've just paired mine with my fire stick, it recognised it and allows it to navigate the main menu etc. I then tried it on crossy road and it doesn't do anything? Any ideas how to sort this?
BubaMan to andrewmp
31 Aug 17#32
Hmmm... I've not tried that particular game... I know the controller works with Zen Pinball so if it's up to date (try uninstalling & reinstalling), I can only assume the AFTV version of Crossy Road is missing controller support :disappointed:
andrewmp to BubaMan
31 Aug 17#33
It could be, if it's working on the menu, you'd assume it should work in games really though? I didn't have time before work to try anything else, but I'll give it a try tonight. Thanks
danfr
25 Aug 17#14
amlogic s805 is a really old chip, with a really outdated GPU. This box has 1 gig of ram. it is stuck on KitKat 4.4 as well.
so, it will be really slow for IPTV.
it will probably be rubbish for playing games on.
kodi is better with 2gb of ram on android.
the latest kodi only runs on android lollipop.
it won't do 1080p netflix either btw.
in summary this box is awful and rip off even at £20.
The best box at the moment (value and specs) is the mecool mini m8s pro plus (the version with s905X and 2gb of ram). It varies in price from about £26-£30.
BubaMan to danfr
25 Aug 17#15
Haha - there's always one... If you factor the £8 gamepad in (unless you contest that too), the box is £12 and hardly a rip-off. If you need better, buy better. Thanks for sharing your opinion on what's good out there but your needs are not the same as everyone else's.
danfr
25 Aug 17#16
ok, well don't get too upset that this is not a good deal. I mean I didn't mention your lie about sky go working...
also you say you have a PS3? you can just plug those controllers into android boxes and they work. you didnt need to waste your money on another controller.
BubaMan to danfr
25 Aug 17#17
I can't say I've tried Sky Go but the Play store says it's compatible... If you know for sure that it doesn't work, I'll knock it off the description but it certainly wasn't intended as a lie.
Again, not everyone has a spare Bluetooth controller so it'll do for many and for those that do, it's still a great wireless gamepad that works with AFTV, etc without messing about.
My point was that you should expect what you pay for and as such, I believe it's good value. Obviously, your needs are such that a budget ATV box would never suffice but your polar view on the world doesn't allow for other people to have different needs to you.
danfr to BubaMan
25 Aug 17#19
sky go will install but not work. sky block HDMI output.
PlayStation game pads can link to android via the Bluetooth menu. put the controller in pair mode and then turn on Bluetooth, pair and it will work.
BubaMan to danfr
25 Aug 17#20
Thanks for the clarification - I've removed it from the description.
I've not had much luck getting PS3 or PS4 pads working on Android via Bluetooth without major (2s) lag. The included / standalone pad is very good quality and is generic enough to "just work" with finicky implementations (AFTV, etc) and default button layouts for emulators.
I've got them to pair but on the AFTV, there's up to 2s delay between pressing a direction and it registering. I think you can sideload Bluetooth Auto Connect to remedy but I've not got around to it.
chrismizzion
25 Aug 17#18
I bought one a few months back when on special, I returned it as the performance was poor and no scope to update the ancient android build. Would be suitable for emulating or basic use. Don't get this if you plan to use it for high level games or a modern kodi build with lots of addons. A lot of other apps I wanted to use don't support android this ol
HereKittyKitty
26 Aug 17#21
Any reviews of the remote control? It looks pretty good for the Fire Stick but there are no physical buttons and I'm concerned about input lag. If the lag isn't too bad, you could maybe even use it for Swype or Swiftkey Flow
BubaMan to HereKittyKitty
26 Aug 17#24
The remote is filled with physical buttons so Swype is not possible. It also will not pair with my AFTV Stick so that's 0 for 2 :disappointed:
ra11
26 Aug 17#23
I don't get it; why put an obselete OS on it?? 4.4 will limit this device can it be updated??
jewelie to ra11
26 Aug 17#26
Says it description that it's not upgradeable.
There's a reason such hardware gets stuck on old OSs and it's not always that the manufacturer doesn't want to do updated OSs. In order to compile for newer OSs the device manufacturers need drivers for the raw hardware from the hardware manufacturers, and that's where things normally go wrong. Quite often the chipset manufacturers (like Qualcomm) take a write-once never-update attitude to their drivers, and then the drivers turn out to be incompatible with newer versions of Android, so the device manufacturers are stuck having to compile and supply only old versions of Android too.
Google are trying to deal with this problem by insisting that chipset manufacturers follow a fixed form (a fixed API) for future drivers for future versions of Android that should then also be compatible with all other future versions of Android.
Jules Xxx
reddit
26 Aug 17#28
For those with basic gaming and streaming needs, then this will do OK, despite the older SOC and Kitkat and may even suit those looking for a first time, throw away box to test the waters.
The game controller on it's own looks like a good deal.
Plenty of Youtube reviews to give people and idea of just what it can and cannot do.
lee333337
26 Aug 17#29
I purchased one of these when it first went down to £19.99. I like that its not rooted so it works with all 4. The joypad is great for emulation snes ps1 and dreamcast work well. Its slow for newer 3d games. The video playback is fine. Other higher spec chinese boxes I have owned were let down by terribly slow bloated and rooted software, this os runs quickly considering the spec. I find the joypad good for navigation. I prefer it to an amlogic s905x android 6.0 box I had
modelman
30 Aug 17#30
I went for one of the Gamepad only that BubaMan listed and I'm very impressed for the price. Gave it a good hammering on a H96 PRO PLUS Amlogic S912 Octa Core 3GB RAM 32GB ROM TV Box and it never missed a beat. No noticeable lag on shoot em up games. Note - You need to press and hold the main home key for several seconds for pairing to other devices. This wasn't mentioned in the very basic instruction sheet.
So you would think it should work. I know it's recognising the remote control as it works on the first stick menu before I open the game.
BubaMan to andrewmp
31 Aug 17#35
I'll have a go tonight too :smile:
andrewmp to BubaMan
31 Aug 17#36
Cheers :smile:
BubaMan to andrewmp
31 Aug 17#37
Just installed Crossy Road fresh - it definitely does not support gamepads on the AFTV stick version of the game. I installed a lego game and the pad worked great so it's definitely just that game.
andrewmp to BubaMan
1 Sep 17#38
Cheers, I tried two games (both which said game pad supported) crossy road and pacman, neither worked. Then I tried another three random games and they're fine. It's for the bairns so I'll probably just put an emulator on for them.
Thanks again
jimbo23
1 Sep 17#39
I bought the controller, but this kind of put me off a little:
BubaMan to jimbo23
4 Sep 17#40
:astonished: Could it be BPA in the plastics? I know certain states are very fussy about BPA but I thought it only mattered if it was used for storing / holding food / drink.
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
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Opening post
It'll do all the usual Android TV stuff (Kodi, Plex,
etc) in addition to game streaming, native Android gaming (nothing too graphically taxing) & emulators.
Comes with a month's Gamefly streaming free and the following games preinstalled:
Asphalt 8: Airborne
GT Racing 2
Wonder Zoo
My Little Pony
Also in stock are:
Spare Gamepad (BT F500) - £7.99
Motion Remote Control / Keyboard - £7.99
Either should pair up with most bluetooth-enabled devices.
The gamepad works great with my phone and TV but my Philips ATV won't pair with the motion controller (BT remotes are blocked by Philips).
Stats
CPU: Amlogic S805 Quad Core Cortex-A5 1.5GHz
GPU: ARM Mali-450MP6
Memory: DDR 1GB, Flash 16GB
System: Android 4.4 Kit Kat (not upgradeable TMK)
Network: Built-in Wi-Fi b/g/n, Ethernet 10/100
Ports: USB 2.0, Ethernet, microSD, HDMI
Video Output: HDMI 1.4 CEC, 720P, 1080i, 1080p
Dimensions: 83x83x24 (mm), 105g
Accessories: Bluetooth wireless gamepad, AC adapter, HDMI cable, Ethernet cable, Quick Start Guide
Languages: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian
All comments (40)
It says IPTV is not compatible but I'm guessing it could be sideloaded.
It's faster than some sub-£20 boxes I've had from Shenzhen but if performance is king, spend more and drop the gamepad.
Lego games warn me about performance issues on my S7 Edge so I'm not too surprised that this thing can't handle it.
The game streaming service is OK but not good enough to carry on past the trial IMO.
The seperate gamepad (£7.99) is pretty good actually if you're after something for your phone.
game.co.uk/en/…235
I know the controller works with Zen Pinball so if it's up to date (try uninstalling & reinstalling), I can only assume the AFTV version of Crossy Road is missing controller support :disappointed:
Thanks
so, it will be really slow for IPTV.
it will probably be rubbish for playing games on.
kodi is better with 2gb of ram on android.
the latest kodi only runs on android lollipop.
it won't do 1080p netflix either btw.
in summary this box is awful and rip off even at £20.
The best box at the moment (value and specs) is the mecool mini m8s pro plus (the version with s905X and 2gb of ram). It varies in price from about £26-£30.
If you factor the £8 gamepad in (unless you contest that too), the box is £12 and hardly a rip-off.
If you need better, buy better. Thanks for sharing your opinion on what's good out there but your needs are not the same as everyone else's.
also you say you have a PS3? you can just plug those controllers into android boxes and they work. you didnt need to waste your money on another controller.
Again, not everyone has a spare Bluetooth controller so it'll do for many and for those that do, it's still a great wireless gamepad that works with AFTV, etc without messing about.
My point was that you should expect what you pay for and as such, I believe it's good value. Obviously, your needs are such that a budget ATV box would never suffice but your polar view on the world doesn't allow for other people to have different needs to you.
PlayStation game pads can link to android via the Bluetooth menu. put the controller in pair mode and then turn on Bluetooth, pair and it will work.
I've not had much luck getting PS3 or PS4 pads working on Android via Bluetooth without major (2s) lag.
The included / standalone pad is very good quality and is generic enough to "just work" with finicky implementations (AFTV, etc) and default button layouts for emulators.
I think you can sideload Bluetooth Auto Connect to remedy but I've not got around to it.
It also will not pair with my AFTV Stick so that's 0 for 2 :disappointed:
There's a reason such hardware gets stuck on old OSs and it's not always that the manufacturer doesn't want to do updated OSs. In order to compile for newer OSs the device manufacturers need drivers for the raw hardware from the hardware manufacturers, and that's where things normally go wrong. Quite often the chipset manufacturers (like Qualcomm) take a write-once never-update attitude to their drivers, and then the drivers turn out to be incompatible with newer versions of Android, so the device manufacturers are stuck having to compile and supply only old versions of Android too.
Google are trying to deal with this problem by insisting that chipset manufacturers follow a fixed form (a fixed API) for future drivers for future versions of Android that should then also be compatible with all other future versions of Android.
Jules
Xxx
The game controller on it's own looks like a good deal.
Plenty of Youtube reviews to give people and idea of just what it can and cannot do.
Note - You need to press and hold the main home key for several seconds for pairing to other devices. This wasn't mentioned in the very basic instruction sheet.
So you would think it should work. I know it's recognising the remote control as it works on the first stick menu before I open the game.
I installed a lego game and the pad worked great so it's definitely just that game.
Thanks again
I know certain states are very fussy about BPA but I thought it only mattered if it was used for storing / holding food / drink.