Android Pocket TV by Infinitec

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chrissie

156 posts

Master Geek

Topic # 111674 11-Nov-2012 10:55

Hello all

I've just ordered this Androind Pocket TV from the Infinitec website. The gadget is still in production, but is expected to ship in early December.

Has anyone else ordered one?

Main website

More information and FAQ

P.S. I see someone posted about this back in June, but the topic is locked now. In answer to someone's question, it has onboard WiFi and bluetooth. It's powered via a USB charger (or if your tv has a USB port, you can use that).

Freitas was skeptical about this back in June, but it looks to be going ahead and I don't at this stage have any qualms about buying it.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 715443 11-Nov-2012 13:47

Most of the Android TV 'sticks' I'm seeing lately are now Dual Core Cortex A9 1.6GHz, Mali-400MP Quad-Core GPU, HDMI 1.4 and come with Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean). I've even recently seen one claiming 3G data support!! Now that'd be a plus if WiFi is not available.

So looking at the specs on the 'PocketTV' it would come across as somewhat dated and under powered.

The only plus to the 'PocketTV' is that Bluetooth support is noted. This is not standard in most HDMI Android attachments for TVs.

These were my observations with only a quick glance at the product in question.

With these devices there is mostly limited support and firmware upgrades, so be very sure what you see/read is what you want and don't expect to much beyond that.

P.S. Review the Bluetooth support on the 'PocketTV' as it implies to me that Bluetooth is supported, but with the use of an external Bluetooth USB dongle. Could be just the way I read the specs, but if it's a big thing, one should check further.

chrissie

156 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 715455 11-Nov-2012 14:50

Yes, you're right about the bluetooth. A dongle is required and luckily I have one. To be honest I didn't research any other similar products. So fingers crossed that this will turn out to be as good as it seems. :)

chrissie

156 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 715460 11-Nov-2012 15:27

From looking around a bit, it would seem that what makes this different from many others is not only the dedicated graphics for high quality video playback, but they also support tons of games. With similar offerings available on the market, gaming isn?t possible without an additional purchase.

An IR remote (as well as a sophisticated air remote with gyroscopic sensor) is also included, along with everything you need to use the device, including all necessary cables.

The air remote comes with a full QWERTY keyboard for typing out search queries or a site address within a Web browser. From what I can see, other similar applications (such as Cotton Candy) require a keyboard and mouse to get full usage.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 715479 11-Nov-2012 16:27

chrissie: Yes, you're right about the bluetooth. A dongle is required and luckily I have one. To be honest I didn't research any other similar products. So fingers crossed that this will turn out to be as good as it seems. :)

If dated (Older version of Android OS) and under powered 1GHz single-core compared to 1.6GHz Dual Core is good, you're on a winner. ;-)

chrissie: The air remote comes with a full QWERTY keyboard for typing out search queries or a site address within a Web browser. From what I can see, other similar applications (such as Cotton Candy) require a keyboard and mouse to get full usage.

If a Logitech K400R keyboard does indeed support "pinch to zoom", then I would suggest it would be a much better buy than any other "Remotes" as you can then also use it with Windows 8. Twice the fun at one price.
Besides a Logitech unifying USB mouse is much better than any "remote" I've used on a Android TV 'box/stick'. AND most people have these 'mice' already.

I wouldn't pay money for a 'PocketTV' based on the information I have just read, as a lot of applications don't use HW acceleration and thus a single core 1GHz processor will struggle on most of todays graphical presentations and will barely be able to view a 720p movie. It'll probably be OK for email, YouTube, Google Maps and etc, but not 1080p movies or leading edge graphical games.

It is also not clear which Mali-400 GPU is being used. Given is doesn't state 'Quad-Core' it must be assumed it's only a dual-core GPU at best.

Also the cost listed is quite high when devices of a similar spec are priced at $54.00USD (postage included) or less.

I would suggest looking at a higher spec'd device with a more modest price.
UG007 Dual-Core Android 4.1.1 Google TV Player w/ Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / 1GB RAM / 8GB ROM - Black

chrissie

156 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 715485 11-Nov-2012 16:57

Well, clearly you're more technically savvy than I am, and maybe I've made a mistake here, but anyway, it's too late, as I've already bought it. They do plan to upgrade the OS though - in fact it may already be there when the device is shipped.

I don't plan to play any "leading edge graphical games", so for my purposes, it's probably ok. I've seen three demos and they look pretty good, so I'm optimistic.

Thanks for your input though. :)

chrissie

156 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 715486 11-Nov-2012 16:58

By the way, who wants to use a full keyboard in their living room???

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 715568 11-Nov-2012 21:20

chrissie: By the way, who wants to use a full keyboard in their living room???

Me for one. :-) More of a keyboard minus the numeric keypad, but with standard sized key layout.

Logitech Bluetooth® Illuminated Keyboard K810

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 for iPhone and iPad

Logitech® Tablet Keyboard for Win8/RT and Android

Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400

AND the new and somewhat elusive Logitech K400R which _may_ provide "Pinch to Zoom" for Android.

A 'mini' keypad which the Air Remote looks like tend to gravitate towards a two thumb typing operation which is fun for a couple of sentences and on a true mobile phone would be great for quick replies to SMS.

But you're probably not replying to an SMS on an Android TV stick. ;-)

It's more likely to be an email or filling in some application profile or web form.

If you plan to use the Air Remote as a pointer... good luck with that.

Enters the mouse. Most Wireless USB 'mice' support Android click, back and context menu.

Most of the time the mouse is all you need and any Logitech K400 keyboard or Air Remote keypad used as a pointer device WILL drive you insane within minutes. Using a mouse on an Android/TV combination is approved by children. Keyboard/keypad as a pointer, not so.

Who would have thought a company would market a couch mouse..but they did.

Even cheap wireless mouse's these days work fine on the arm of a chair, or leg of pants when standing up.

Any input screen on Android has an on screen 'touch' keyboard whether you like it or not.

Now depending on ones mouse skills it may be quicker to use the mouse and on screen keypad to type short amounts of input.

Enters the keyboard. This is like the OK, this is serious now. If one can place a keyboard on your lap and type, you're on a winner. Hands and fingers get what is called muscle memory and know where to find keys on a standard keyboard. A few seconds/minutes that email message is finished and you're not left hating your input devices because it's making your brain work and distracting you from the content of your message.

Most mobile keyboards are cut down versions of the 'standard' keyboard and don't have a numeric keypad, so they are smaller in overall size but still retain the standard size key layout and can be balanced on a lap for two hand typing.

With the introduction of Windows 8 and mobile computing there is an increase in the number of mobile keyboards with a standard keyboard size/layout in a reduced frame.

chrissie, I'd be VERY interest to get some feedback on how you find your Air Remote keypad when used with a Android/TV combination. I would be keen to read how that works out after a month or two of use.

I would suggest using the Air Remote for a month and then plug in a USB wireless three button mouse and compare the two pointer devices.

On the ascetics front, the Air Remote could be placed on a coffee table without creating to many raised eyebrows in most social circles. Where I find I have to keep the Logitech K400 keyboard more discretely placed in the Living room.

At the end of the day, functionality, ease of use and amount of use, normally finds a happy place in the things we use.

chrissie

156 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 715583 11-Nov-2012 22:05

Yes, sure I'll provide some feedback. Having experienced just about every form of computing (large and small, commercial and private) since 1964, I enjoy trying out new things and this set up (with the air remote) appealed to me. Unless you try these things, you never know how good (or bad) they are. The videos impressed me - have you seen them? The air remote seemed to operate quite well as a mouse substitute.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 715601 11-Nov-2012 22:29

chrissie: Yes, sure I'll provide some feedback. Having experienced just about every form of computing (large and small, commercial and private) since 1964, I enjoy trying out new things and this set up (with the air remote) appealed to me.

Ok then, given you'd have used punch cards, any of today's input devices are going to be easy. Respect.