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New Android TV boxes

kiddanmitra

Lurker
Nov 21, 2015
5
0
Hello

I read many threads on many android tv boxes but still can not decide which one meets my requirements. i just want to spend reasonable amount of money one time and want a device that will last me at least couple of years. i don't want to buy something cheap and keep fixing the bugs.
I want a TV box that will
works like an andriod tablet
i can jailbreak, install custom ROMs, supports Bluetooth keyboard support
access to google play store to download apps, full featured web browsing like tablet, supports tv show links shared on like dailymotion, flash links.
can set up iptv, Kodi, good screencast,
can access media content from other computers and play over local network (without internet), so i can use it when internet goes down or bandwidth reaches its limit.
stronger interface, strong newest hardware, strong WiFi hardware, has stronger support, fixes available easily.
i dont really care about the gaming, want mainly for media content.
i looked into these boxes, watched youtube videos but still dont know which one will suit me:
MXq
MX5
MINIX Z64
WETEK CORE
M8S
nVidia shield

can someone please suggest the good overall andriod tv box? does not have to be from this list only.

thank you

Jass
 
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Hello

I read many threads on many android tv boxes but still can not decide which one meets my requirements. i just want to spend reasonable amount of money one time and want a device that will last me at least couple of years. i don't want to buy something cheap and keep fixing the bugs.
I want a TV box that will
works like an andriod tablet
i can jailbreak, install custom ROMs, supports Bluetooth keyboard support
access to google play store to download apps, full featured web browsing like tablet, supports tv show links shared on like dailymotion, flash links.
can set up iptv, Kodi, good screencast,
can access media content from other computers and play over local network (without internet), so i can use it when internet goes down or bandwidth reaches its limit.
stronger interface, strong newest hardware, strong WiFi hardware, has stronger support, fixes available easily.
i dont really care about the gaming, want mainly for media content.
i looked into these boxes, watched youtube videos but still dont know which one will suit me:
MXq
MX5
MINIX Z64
WETEK CORE
M8S
nVidia shield

can someone please suggest the good overall andriod tv box? does not have to be from this list only.

thank you

Jass

While i can't vouch for any of the others, I do highly recommend the M8S box. (Not the M8, or M8C)
Here's my list that addresses your requests in priority sequence...

1) Yes, it works exactly like a tablet. In fact, they all do. Basically, all you do when it comes to thinking about these devices is replace the word 'Phone' with 'Box'. And because they don't have built-in data capabilities, they are pretty much exactly like a tablet. (phone minus the ability to make phone calls) You can also view flash video content. I'm not quite sure how good the quality is on the M8S because I just purchased one a few days ago and haven't tried that aspect as yet. However, I have had a Matricom G-Box Midnight MX2 for a few years now, which can do the same thing. It's a bit choppy though.

2) Jailbreak? As in Root? (Root is the term for android devices) I'm not sure about this box. Haven't checked yet.

3) Yes, it has bluetooth.

3) flash, Play Store, web browsing etc etc. All there. (again, these boxes are simply and tablet/phone in a little square box)

4) Not sure what iptv is. It has Miracast, and Kodi is pretty much the main reason why these boxes have generated so much attention over the past few years. So that's an emphatic YES!!! Most of them, if not ALL of them, come with Kodi pre-installed. But like any other app, you can just un-install if you don't want it.

5) Accessing content from a local network? This is my main use for this box. Kodi is great to have for quick access, but a lot of the time i find that i'm having to surf through multiple links and addons before finding some reliable working content. So, i've just saved the path to the preferred folders on my desktop within Kodi. So now i just click on the link and I have instant access to my files. They also have ports for external memory.
In fact, you don't even need to fire up Kodi if you don't want to. I simply just use ES File Explorer, navigate to whatever i wish to watch, view or listen to and i'm able to do it flawlessly. So this example fully answers your question about PlayStore access.

6) Strong WiFi hardware? This is probably one of the main reasons why i selected this particular device over many others after doing some extensive research. (which i strongly encourage you to do as well. It will benefit in the long run....trust me) Reason being is that it has dual band wifi capability. 2.4ghz & 5ghz.

7) Stronger support and fixes available easily?
LOL, one word for you.......YOUTUBE! If you can't find your answers there, then it probably doesn't exist. Honestly, when i got my first box, the guy gave me the whole sales pitch about ' it's fully programmed, all the links are there, if there's any issues I can reprogram or fix for a fee'. Well let me tell you this....all they do is go on YouTube to find this info. The actual developers (to whom we really should be giving our money to if anyone) are the ones who do the hard work. Then it gets posted up onto YouTube for all to see. And it's all in laymans terms so even the least tech savvy individual can follow the directions.

I reckon I've covered just about everything for you....lol

Just do your own searching around, it's all there. :)
 
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While i can't vouch for any of the others, I do highly recommend the M8S box. (Not the M8, or M8C)
Here's my list that addresses your requests in priority sequence...

1) Yes, it works exactly like a tablet. In fact, they all do. Basically, all you do when it comes to thinking about these devices is replace the word 'Phone' with 'Box'. And because they don't have built-in data capabilities, they are pretty much exactly like a tablet. (phone minus the ability to make phone calls) You can also view flash video content. I'm not quite sure how good the quality is on the M8S because I just purchased one a few days ago and haven't tried that aspect as yet. However, I have had a Matricom G-Box Midnight MX2 for a few years now, which can do the same thing. It's a bit choppy though.

2) Jailbreak? yes, which is actually called 'root' when referring to android devices. In fact, you don't need to even do this, as they actually come this way to begin with. Install custom Roms? That i'm not too sure about, but i imagine you could, but probably won't need to.

3) Yes, it has bluetooth.

3) flash, Play Store, web browsing etc etc. All there. (again, these boxes are simply and tablet/phone in a little square box)

4) Not sure what iptv is. It has Miracast, and Kodi is pretty much the main reason why these boxes have generated so much attention over the past few years. So that's an emphatic YES!!! Most of them, if not ALL of them, come with Kodi pre-installed. But like any other app, you can just un-install if you don't want it.

5) Accessing content from a local network? This is my main use for this box. Kodi is great to have for quick access, but a lot of the time i find that i'm having to surf through multiple links and addons before finding some reliable working content. So, i've just saved the path to the preferred folders on my desktop within Kodi. So now i just click on the link and I have instant access to my files. They also have ports for external memory.
In fact, you don't even need to fire up Kodi if you don't want to. I simply just use ES File Explorer, navigate to whatever i wish to watch, view or listen to and i'm able to do it flawlessly. So this example fully answers your question about PlayStore access.

6) Strong WiFi hardware? This is probably one of the main reasons why i selected this particular device over many others after doing some extensive research. (which i strongly encourage you to do as well. It will benefit in the long run....trust me) Reason being is that it has dual band wifi capability. 2.4ghz & 5ghz.

7) Stronger support and fixes available easily?
LOL, one word for you.......YOUTUBE! If you can't find your answers there, then it probably doesn't exist. Honestly, when i got my first box, the guy gave me the whole sales pitch about ' it's fully programmed, all the links are there, if there's any issues I can reprogram or fix for a fee'. Well let me tell you this....all they do is go on YouTube to find this info. The actual developers (to whom we really should be giving our money to if anyone) are the ones who do the hard work. Then it gets posted up onto YouTube for all to see. And it's all in laymans terms so even the least tech savvy individual can follow the directions.

I reckon I've covered just about everything for you....lol

Just do your own searching around, it's all there. :)

Wow, thank you so much for the detailed info. actually its my first time buying an android box or any tv box, i never bought one before. But your reply will help me a lot.

Thank you again ☺

Jass
 
Upvote 0
Looks like there's also an M9S, similar price to the M8S.

Personally I'm getting the NVidia Shield tv, but it's about 4x more expensive ;)

Basically at this point in time, look out for 4K, dual wifi and bluetooth. A box with 4k capability pretty much tells you that it's processor can manage a lot of tasks without lag.

Wow, thank you so much for the detailed info. actually its my first time buying an android box or any tv box, i never bought one before. But your reply will help me a lot.

Thank you again ☺

Jass

From the reading I've done around the web, and without cost being an issue, the MyGica box seems to be another highly sought after option as well.
 
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Hi Pottertons,

I have a M8S+ android 5.1.1 and it is not rooted as you say in your post. I would like to root it but I did not suseed.
Do you know how to root this box?

EDIT: Is this the M8S box that you have?




If it is, then I guess i got lucky. I just downloaded 'Root Checker' from the PlayStore and received confirmation of a successful root already in place....



I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that your particular box is an updated 5.x.x series. Whereas mine came out of the box as a 4.4.2.
Was yours also a 4 series when you purchased it? Could the update have rendered the 'root' accessibility back to normal?
 
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Another device thats on the market in a really good price is the flareplay gaming console, although intended for games it can be rooted with a stock android FW and support Kodi and other android applications.
sold on amazon or on buy.com

I wonder if this system is the replacement for the Ouya. Because I was trying to get the latter for some time and couldn't get it anywhere worldwide.
 
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Well I just got one of these two days ago and so far it's driving me nuts. I have not been able to find a way to scroll up/down the pages therefore can't read anything on fb messenger other than a couple of posts. Also can't see to the bottom of the screen to hit the download button on needed apps.
Is it the terrible remote that comes with it or am doing something wrong?
Have ordered a better quality remote which should have been delivered today.
Help please
 
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Well I just got one of these two days ago and so far it's driving me nuts. I have not been able to find a way to scroll up/down the pages therefore can't read anything on fb messenger other than a couple of posts. Also can't see to the bottom of the screen to hit the download button on needed apps.
Is it the terrible remote that comes with it or am doing something wrong?
Have ordered a better quality remote which should have been delivered today.
Help please

LMAO!!! Please don't let my laughter discourage you, as i remember going through the same thing. The guy i purchased mine from mentioned the benefit of making the additional purchase of one the wireless mini keyboards. I said no.......2 days later i was ready to throw something across the room.

To answer your question....Yes, it is the terrible, pathetic, almost completely useless remote that comes with it. I have no idea why these boxes are not manufactured with mini keyboards.
You say that you've ordered one already. and being that you the browser often, the keyboard is an absolute must. Hopefully it's one that looks like this....
UKEYB009000_01_L.jpg


I've use few different styles and I keep going back to this one. The functionality and placement of everything is convenient and comfortable. The only issue is that some of them could be a bit dodgy in reception. Mine tends to cut out from time to time and i have to re-plug in the IR USB dongle. I'm currently looking to buy another with a different manufacturer.
 
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I received my "M8S Android Tv Box Amlogic S812 2G/8G" last week
With the Rii mini i8 Wireless Keyboard (that I bought separately)
After extensive testing and performance check that I've checked on device,
I can say that m8s is the best TV box with the most reasonable price.
The kodi work perfect without any debug issues. also gives great results in Wi-Fi for all Add-Ons resources.
I also tried before the Mx3, and I don't see reason why to pay more money for mx-3g that comes with same HW of motherboard & cpu that m8s have.
 
Upvote 0
LMAO!!! Please don't let my laughter discourage you, as i remember going through the same thing. The guy i purchased mine from mentioned the benefit of making the additional purchase of one the wireless mini keyboards. I said no.......2 days later i was ready to throw something across the room.

To answer your question....Yes, it is the terrible, pathetic, almost completely useless remote that comes with it. I have no idea why these boxes are not manufactured with mini keyboards.
You say that you've ordered one already. and being that you the browser often, the keyboard is an absolute must. Hopefully it's one that looks like this....
UKEYB009000_01_L.jpg


I've use few different styles and I keep going back to this one. The functionality and placement of everything is convenient and comfortable. The only issue is that some of them could be a bit dodgy in reception. Mine tends to cut out from time to time and i have to re-plug in the IR USB dongle. I'm currently looking to buy another with a different manufacturer.
Thank you for answering me
No the air mouse I've bought is not like that at all. I've bought one that looks just like at control. Now my problem is I have no idea how to connect it up!! Instructions talk about about a USB port?????
 
Upvote 0
Looks like there's also an M9S, similar price to the M8S.

Personally I'm getting the NVidia Shield tv, but it's about 4x more expensive ;)


i searched bay, anazon, ali, i could not find any info on M9S. from where i can find more info on it?
i came across Tronsmart Pavo M9 and MeLE M9


yeah nvidia is very expensive. i wish it was little cheaper.
 
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Basically at this point in time, look out for 4K, dual wifi and bluetooth. A box with 4k capability pretty much tells you that it's processor can manage a lot of tasks without lag.



From the reading I've done around the web, and without cost being an issue, the MyGica box seems to be another highly sought after option as well.

right now i am leaning towards M8S as well, for the price and the features it has, it worth every penny.
I am going to check out MyGica box today.
 
Upvote 0
I received my "M8S Android Tv Box Amlogic S812 2G/8G" last week
With the Rii mini i8 Wireless Keyboard (that I bought separately)
After extensive testing and performance check that I've checked on device,
I can say that m8s is the best TV box with the most reasonable price.
The kodi work perfect without any debug issues. also gives great results in Wi-Fi for all Add-Ons resources.
I also tried before the Mx3, and I don't see reason why to pay more money for mx-3g that comes with same HW of motherboard & cpu that m8s have.

I agree
also i heard that there is a newer model of M8S, called M8S+ that supports WiFi "n" and LAN 1000M
not sure if its the genuine release or a clone.
 
Upvote 0
Thank you for answering me
No the air mouse I've bought is not like that at all. I've bought one that looks just like at control. Now my problem is I have no idea how to connect it up!! Instructions talk about about a USB port?????

Oh you got an air mouse one? Not bad. They do take some getting used to though. I had one but went back to the touchpad mouse version. The Air Mouse basically works like how a Wii controller does. As for the USB port instruction; usually there will be a USB reciever stored just under the removable back of the remote. You take that USB receiver out, plug it into one of the USB slots located on the actual box itself (usually on the side or back) turn on the remote and away you go.

this is the one that i used to have. @ 0:30 you'll see the USB receiver that i'm referring to.

 
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My 2c...
I am intrigued by the praise for the ~$50 marvel of the M8S-- should have found your thread earlier.
I bought (for $124) an IdroidNation box (168G) as an Android tv box running kodi 15.2, hooked up to a Samsung TV. I now consider it a mistake-- not enough ram, processor way too feeble, and saddled with Android-- no way to install Linux on it. Any time you try to do anything while playing music, you get stuttering and gaps, indicating that the processor is not fast enough to stream and compute at the same time. In frustration I had finally ordered a much more expensive (~$500) Intel NUC box, which can run Windows and, more importantly-- Linux. Once I get it I shall be able to compare, and report here.
 
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I recently purchased a KudoTV KD1 on Amazon and this thing is awesome. It's fast, no buffering and the external antenna gets my neighbors wifi signals too. All the Free movies, TV shows, sports and live TV that you could imagine. Highly recommended. I previously had the M8S and this new one is better in everyday.

I read many threads on many android tv boxes but still can not decide which one meets my requirements. i just want to spend reasonable amount of money one time and want a device that will last me at least couple of years. i don't want to buy something cheap and keep fixing the bugs.
I want a TV box that will
works like an andriod tablet
i can jailbreak, install custom ROMs, supports Bluetooth keyboard support
access to google play store to download apps, full featured web browsing like tablet, supports tv show links shared on like dailymotion, flash links.
can set up iptv, Kodi, good screencast,
can access media content from other computers and play over local network (without internet), so i can use it when internet goes down or bandwidth reaches its limit.
stronger interface, strong newest hardware, strong WiFi hardware, has stronger support, fixes available easily.
i dont really care about the gaming, want mainly for media content.
i looked into these boxes, watched youtube videos but still dont know which one will suit me:
MXq
MX5
MINIX Z64
WETEK CORE
M8S
nVidia shield

can someone please suggest the good overall andriod tv box? does not have to be from this list only.

thank you

Jass
Hello

I read many threads on many android tv boxes but still can not decide which one meets my requirements. i just want to spend reasonable amount of money one time and want a device that will last me at least couple of years. i don't want to buy something cheap and keep fixing the bugs.
I want a TV box that will
works like an andriod tablet
i can jailbreak, install custom ROMs, supports Bluetooth keyboard support
access to google play store to download apps, full featured web browsing like tablet, supports tv show links shared on like dailymotion, flash links.
can set up iptv, Kodi, good screencast,
can access media content from other computers and play over local network (without internet), so i can use it when internet goes down or bandwidth reaches its limit.
stronger interface, strong newest hardware, strong WiFi hardware, has stronger support, fixes available easily.
i dont really care about the gaming, want mainly for media content.
i looked into these boxes, watched youtube videos but still dont know which one will suit me:
MXq
MX5
MINIX Z64
WETEK CORE
M8S
nVidia shield

can someone please suggest the good overall andriod tv box? does not have to be from this list only.

thank you

Jass
 
Upvote 0

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