Mecool KM8 is a Google Certified Android TV box that supports Google cast, 4K playback and Voice control.It's currently in flash sales at Gearbest for $59.99/€51.90 (Coupon Code in the review )
Specifications of Mecool KM8
GPU: Mali-450
CPU: Amlogic S905X, 1.5GHz,Cortex A53,Quad Core
RAM: 2GB DDR3
ROM: 16GB
OS: Android 8.0 with Android TV interface
Bluetooth
The small KM8 TV Box comes in a rather large packaging which contains the box, its antenna, a remote (AAA batteries not provided), and HDMI cable, a power adapter and a user manual in English.
The connectivity is complete but not impressive: Wifi: only 2.4Ghz, Ethernet: only 100Mbps, no optical audio output.
As advertised on the packaging, the setup process takes 3 steps: plug it, connect it, and start streaming.
Support 5.1 Surround Sound Output
WIFI: 802.11b/g/n
Interface: 3.5mm Audio,DC Power Port,HDMI,RJ45,TF card,USB2.0
Language: Multi-language
HDMI Version: 2.0
Other Functions: Others
RJ45 Port Speed: 100Mbps
WiFi 802.11b/g/n (2.4Ghz only)Bluetooth
The small KM8 TV Box comes in a rather large packaging which contains the box, its antenna, a remote (AAA batteries not provided), and HDMI cable, a power adapter and a user manual in English.
The connectivity is complete but not impressive: Wifi: only 2.4Ghz, Ethernet: only 100Mbps, no optical audio output.
As advertised on the packaging, the setup process takes 3 steps: plug it, connect it, and start streaming.
The box can be paired with an existing Android device to greatly speed up the configuration process.
The remote control is simple and there is no need for more, so much the interface is effective.
It has one problem however: the voice control works randomly. If you're using this feature, prefer the Android TV Remote Control app which works very well.
Beside its own movie playback ability, handled smoothly by the Amlogic S905X even in ultra high resolution, the KM8 is particularly convenient as a receiver for pretty much anything you can cast at it: Chrome/Google Cast (although it's still listed nowhere in the officially supported devices), Youtube, Plex, Synology Video Station, but...
...Not Netflix!
Most TV Boxes are easy to use but the Mecool KM8 offers the best user experience with its very intuitive Google TV interface. You can stream pretty much anything to it from a PC/tablet or smartphone.
It is not (yet) part of the increasingly restricted circle of Netflix-blessed devices. My source at Gearbest says it could be another 2 months before this gets resolved.
I contacted VideoStrong (the "Mecool" guys) to get more info and will update this review if they ever reply.
The KM8 is currently on Flash Sale at Gearbest for $59.99/€51.90 (Coupon Code: GBKM8 )
Goods and not-so-goods
✓ Extremely simple to setup and use
✓ Versatile DLNA receiver
✗ Not ready for Netflix
✗ Voice control with the original remote works randomly
Reviewed previously and still cool:
Tanix TV3 Max
Beeling GT1 Ultimate
Other TV boxes
Remote control and Android TV interface
The Google TV user interface is very well thought and in general better than the usual Android TV boxes.
The remote control is simple and there is no need for more, so much the interface is effective.
It has one problem however: the voice control works randomly. If you're using this feature, prefer the Android TV Remote Control app which works very well.
Beside its own movie playback ability, handled smoothly by the Amlogic S905X even in ultra high resolution, the KM8 is particularly convenient as a receiver for pretty much anything you can cast at it: Chrome/Google Cast (although it's still listed nowhere in the officially supported devices), Youtube, Plex, Synology Video Station, but......Not Netflix!
The Netflix app for AndroidTV returns the compatibility error above and won't run.
Surprising from a device that has the required DRM certificate. According to some sources, Netflix is now limiting the access to their HD content to specifically certified devices.
A partial solution is to install an Android specific (different from AndroidTV) version like Netflix version 4.16. This will at least allow to playback the Netflix content ...in SD.
Conclusion:
Most TV Boxes are easy to use but the Mecool KM8 offers the best user experience with its very intuitive Google TV interface. You can stream pretty much anything to it from a PC/tablet or smartphone.
It is not (yet) part of the increasingly restricted circle of Netflix-blessed devices. My source at Gearbest says it could be another 2 months before this gets resolved.
I contacted VideoStrong (the "Mecool" guys) to get more info and will update this review if they ever reply.
Goods and not-so-goods
✓ Extremely simple to setup and use
✓ Versatile DLNA receiver
✗ Not ready for Netflix
✗ Voice control with the original remote works randomly
Reviewed previously and still cool:
Tanix TV3 Max
Beeling GT1 Ultimate
Other TV boxes
1 comment:
Thank you.
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