

Add Android to any HDTV
Arriving in my mailbox yesterday was this Kickstarter-funded gem: The Equiso Smart TV
The project's website is its Facebook page, and I was excited to finally get my hands on a first of what will likely be a flood of similar devices that adds Google's Linux-based operating system, aka Android, to any HDTV. This should encourage at least a few brave HDTV manufacturers to stop this fragmented and mostly crappy app madness and offer Android (and the related app marketplaces) on capable televisions.
Initial impressions of the Equiso Smart TV:
"During the last month while the products were shipping we have been working on a firmware update. The update will include a number of improvements including support for the Google TV remote, DLNA support, better autodetect of TV resolution and speed improvements."
Bottom line: I like it, but I want to see the software/firmware mature a bit more - the update is coming...an auto-update I hope ;)
See Robert's Favorite Home Theater Gear!
Reader Comments (1)
I enjoyed your mini-review, Robert. I am a Kickstarter backer, too, but I'm waiting for the Equiso Pro - I hope with twice the RAM it will perform better. But I was surprised at your:
"first of what will likely be a flood of similar devices that adds Google's Linux-based operating system, aka Android, to any HDTV".
The flood is already here! These Android sticks, as well as Android set-top boxes, have been around for at least a year. They're mostly from Shenzhen, and they are lacking in customer support. Here is an article that mentions a few:
http://www.businessinsider.com/smart-tv-sticks-2012-7
I enjoy your work on HD Nation - keep it up!