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The OUYA console... is it doomed? Inquiring minds want to know...

I just wanted to bring up a few thoughts I've had about the upcoming OUYA console, and see what you guys think.
1. I still don't really understand how/why all of this couldn't have been handled by simply creating a GoogleTV-specific OUYA app...?
2. Besides the OUYA's dedicated game-centric market, and their custom controller, what does one really gain that is not already available in the Android ecosystem?
3. How do they plan to prevent their entire custom OS (Or their individual apps) from being ported to other Tegra-based GTV devices in the future? Or, given their outright support for hacking the device, would they even care?
4. And then there's this: Google reportedly making a Game Center for Android
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-reportedly-making-a-Game-Center-for-Android_id30026/
If one was to pair the above (hypothetical) "GTV Game Center" app with a Google-branded "Nexus Controller," wouldn't the entire OUYA become pointless? Would you prefer an app/service that is fully integrated with the entire Google ecosystem, rather than a custom version of the OS and functionality that are outside of (or weakly tied to) said ecosystem?
That said, I still plan to buy a OUYA, but only because I'm a sucker for shiny new toys -- especially of the Android variety! :laugh:
What are your thoughts? Am I "over thinking" this console? Do you think it will be made pointless by an evolution of the GTV?
I'm just looking for friendly debate, so please keep it civil...

150+ views and nobody has any thoughts on these questions? lol...ok, fair enough, was worth a shot.

I think best case scenario they can hope for is becoming a niche platform for android-nerds. Why? Because there is no market for such device. Casual gamers are quite happy with what they get from smartphone industry and PC-facebook-gaming stuff. More hard-core gamers will want bleeding-edge graphics and high-end performance. Without any real GPU on board OUYA will just stay behind. From the software standpoint, Android is a great system but, with sandboxing and multitasking environment, it is not very well prepared for running performance-demanding games.
But still.. I think I will buy it.

atoktoto said:
I think best case scenario they can hope for is becoming a niche platform for android-nerds. Why? Because there is no market for such device. Casual gamers are quite happy with what they get from smartphone industry and PC-facebook-gaming stuff. More hard-core gamers will want bleeding-edge graphics and high-end performance. Without any real GPU on board OUYA will just stay behind. From the software standpoint, Android is a great system but, with sandboxing and multitasking environment, it is not very well prepared for running performance-demanding games.
But still.. I think I will buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without a real gpu? The ouya has a twelve core tegra 3 gpu with quad core cpu, one of the best you can get, how is that not a real gpu?
It is not aimed at hardcore gamers as it can't beat a ps3 but it can attract casual gamers and even general gamers.
It can handle all the current top android games at max quality settings which is just fine for a lot of people and the ouya can be a multimedia device too so should be fun and useful too.
By your reasoning about casual gaming the wii shouldn't have sold well but it did, I don't think it will be a mass hit but it will do ok at least.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

I hope someone releases an overclocked kernal for it, so we can get some real power

..

mistermentality said:
Without a real gpu? The ouya has a twelve core tegra 3 gpu with quad core cpu, one of the best you can get, how is that not a real gpu?
It is not aimed at hardcore gamers as it can't beat a ps3 but it can attract casual gamers and even general gamers.
It can handle all the current top android games at max quality settings which is just fine for a lot of people and the ouya can be a multimedia device too so should be fun and useful too.
By your reasoning about casual gaming the wii shouldn't have sold well but it did, I don't think it will be a mass hit but it will do ok at least.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you are referring to mobile device gpus/cpus because they are nowhere near the best you can get in desktops or even laptops or that matter.

It seems interesting and I do want to have one but I kinda want to see what games it gets first before buying, if it doesn't have anything that'll interest me then it would be a waste.

Halmo said:
I hope you are referring to mobile device gpus/cpus because they are nowhere near the best you can get in desktops or even laptops or that matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, I was referring to mobile gpu's and pointing out that this could easily handle the highest quality android games.
I should have been more clear on that but thought as the discussion was about android that people would realise I meant gpu's that android works with.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

I think it all really has to depend on the support of developers that are willing to make develop for that hardware. But i understand where you are coming from.

mistermentality said:
Of course, I was referring to mobile gpu's and pointing out that this could easily handle the highest quality android games.
I should have been more clear on that but thought as the discussion was about android that people would realise I meant gpu's that android works with.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But won't the Ouya be trying to compete with the likes of other home consoles? Because if it is, it is considerably underpowered compared to them.

First, I was an earlier KS backer.
Those who have order one by now, release this is not meant necessarily to complete with an Xbox or Playstation. They're going after a slightly different gaming market.
The problem I see with Ouya is that it can be a bit of redundant machine. What does it do that can't be done with a decent smartphone? You may need a rooted phone, but one can hook up a controller, connect to a TV. It's more the mobile game developers adding in controller support. That said, talk about annoying trying up your phone to play games. Having to hook up the phone to the TV every time.
But I think it could be a nice entry point for small game developers to get into the livingroom. New developers to try to get into the market without going broke or closing the doors if a game fails. Allow gamer to fiddle with their consoles.
On the positive side, if the Wii can find success, maybe there is a room for something like the Ouya too. The Wii showed, if it's fun to play, a cheap machine can make it.
---------- Post added at 04:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 AM ----------
Plus with announcement it's going to be sold a Target, Bestbuy, Amazon and a few other stores, will help with getting numbers sold, which can help bring some of the bigger game developers to the platform.

I'm excited for the OUYA, but not for reasons they'd probably like. I'll be getting one later down the line, once someone slaps new firmware out there for it. I really don't like the idea of them trying to push their own version of a marketplace and basically building on top of Android for their own purposes. I get it, but I don't feel it's necessary and splintering Android further than it already is needs to stop.
In short, my idea is to see how this device would fare for an AIO media center. It'll hook up to a TV just fine already, it runs Android, and it has its own controller! So once it's running stock (and by stock I inherently mean CM), I'll have a media center PC essentially ready to go- I've got everything already hosted on a NAS so as long as it's on the network, bam.
I checked that link for basically Google's version of a game center, but that date was about a year ago- I think Google's a bit busy with KLP and I/O coming up. Then again they're a secretive company, but I don't think a game device could top up there with their big bombs they'll be dropping - that being Glass and KLP.
edit: Oh, and this may go towards a second device or supercede my media center plans- but I've been toying with the idea of Android as a desktop ever since 4.2 came out with multiple users. I think with OUYA it could be manageably done, or at least to the point where it could be a fun little hobby project to see what limitations I run into.

I don't think it can keep up with the graphics needed...i mean they might as well have marketed a universal market controller with the ability to miracast your phone. the device has Tegra 3, but Tegra 4 just came out. MY real question is why buy a phone and then buy another device to play games on when it has same specs...i'd rather just use my phone and stream it (with controller)...
other devices like ps3/xbox/ps4 are actually powerful. Unless a really cheap device like this is backed by nice hardware like Nvidia's Grid. It really isn't too useful. of course, this is all in my opinion.
Kinda reminds me of Ubuntu phone's concept. However, the phone's specs aren't up to do everything you'd want to so i guess the Ubuntu phone/desktop thing could be handy for average users that don't need super powerful pcs.

mistermentality said:
Of course, I was referring to mobile gpu's and pointing out that this could easily handle the highest quality android games.
I should have been more clear on that but thought as the discussion was about android that people would realise I meant gpu's that android works with.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fact is is that they are calling it a gaming colsole. Well its not. Not without a proper gpu. 12 cores is nothing. My Radeon 7770 in my computer has over 400 cores. Also the one in the xbox has over 100 cores I think. It is not a gaming console without a powerful gpu. Its just an android emulator. Thats it.

AFAinHD said:
The fact is is that they are calling it a gaming colsole. Well its not. Not without a proper gpu. 12 cores is nothing. My Radeon 7770 in my computer has over 400 cores. Also the one in the xbox has over 100 cores I think. It is not a gaming console without a powerful gpu. Its just an android emulator. Thats it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, now we're getting into the territory of whether or not graphics make a "game." While I'll take up my torches against Farmville any day, I've delve my fair share into text-only based games (to really go on the opposite spectrum of "graphics" here).

nessonic said:
Eh, now we're getting into the territory of whether or not graphics make a "game." While I'll take up my torches against Farmville any day, I've delve my fair share into text-only based games (to really go on the opposite spectrum of "graphics" here).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so the Ouya will be competing with the likes of the Atari Flashback? That makes sense.

And with people making snide, smartass comments with no real backing (or point beyond insulting a product) behind them... This conversation just lost any point and validity.

When I first saw the Ouya and all the info I admit was very happy yet very sad, sad indeed... happy for thoose pioneers and innovation at finest, daredevils! but the device is doomed to die from day 1, why? here:
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Smallest game console in the world, doesnt need AC (draws from internal battery), that "stick" plugs directly into the HDMI, yeah, THATS the console, closer specs compared to ouya, second version may kill the ouya (in terms of graphics), also a lot more portable plus you can use the controller with any bluetooth device (pc, tablet, phone). Did I mention cheap? ($100 or so dollars)
Now to the not so expensive side ($150 or so US dollars), again ouya killer... :crying:
Emulates from nes*, Snes, Gba and neogeo to PSone* and N64*, PSP emulator is getting better and better. PSone.. yeah, you got 2 analog sticks, d-pad, 4 frontal buttons, select and start buttons in the side, R1, L1, R2 and L2 buttons! yeah 4 freaking shoulder buttons!!! holy sh!t ( reason I'm buying this), stereo speakers, and HDMI! gaming on the big screen!! 1080p video playback, and mapping buttons (this means you can map the fisical buttons to the on-screen ones, so you can play ANY game on the market... maybe not angry birds... but you don't want this device to play anrgy birds :silly.
These JXD guys had done a lot of tablets, gaming tablets and psp wannabes, so their expertise paid with this one.
*emulators included
Lastly both of them already on sale!
I already ordered mine :victory: but I live in Mexico... so will take some time but yeah, ouya is doomed.
Official site with specs and more pictures
Bought it here
---------- Post added at 11:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 PM ----------
dj_techwiz said:
I think it all really has to depend on the support of developers that are willing to make develop for that hardware. But i understand where you are coming from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, its no use if developers dont add support for the controller, and 70% games in android use touch screen, so, bumpy road ahead.

dibblebill said:
And with people making snide, smartass comments with no real backing (or point beyond insulting a product) behind them... This conversation just lost any point and validity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you're honestly going to bring up 'games aren't about the graphics' when we're talking about a home console (throwing in a comment about text-based games) meant to compete with the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U, then yes - you're going to met with snide comments. The GPU's capabilities translate more to being actually able to play the games, and that has little to do with the visual representation.
The Ouya won't be a worthwhile investment at its price. Honestly, it won't. The above two options, especially the latter Wii U gamepad rip off, seem to be a much better choice.
Valve's 'Steam Box' and other equivalents will likely catch the audience the Ouya is trying to get.

[Q] Ouya or MK908 for HTPC Use ?

Hello,
Since a few weeks I am wondering about what device could I possibly use to play my videos on TV. Basically, they would be videos from ny NAS, with XBMC. Ouya seems like the perfect candidate for it, as it supports XBMC very well and the feedbacks are really good.
But, it is actually 99$. Thought it would be 90$. Well, it's still 10$ more. So as I was ready to order it today, I saw that I can have a MK908 for something like 75 euros.
So XBMX only, maybe install utorrent on it too, so I could sell my Nas and plug a external HDD on the Ouya/MK908: It would became my main media center/download station
What would be the best choice for me ? Thanks

alexagna said:
Hello,
Since a few weeks I am wondering about what device could I possibly use to play my videos on TV. Basically, they would be videos from ny NAS, with XBMC. Ouya seems like the perfect candidate for it, as it supports XBMC very well and the feedbacks are really good.
But, it is actually 99$. Thought it would be 90$. Well, it's still 10$ more. So as I was ready to order it today, I saw that I can have a MK908 for something like 75 euros.
So XBMX only, maybe install utorrent on it too, so I could sell my Nas and plug a external HDD on the Ouya/MK908: It would became my main media center/download station
What would be the best choice for me ? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably the MK908 or Tronsmart T428. The RK3188 is a lot more powerful than Tegra 3.

Yes I saw that, but the Ouya is actually supported by the XBMC team, where the usb sticks aren't. So this is why I am wondering if the thing would be stable or not, if it could handle 1080p mkv files from ethernet, etc

I have an ouya and its really grown on me, xbmc is very snappy. and it has a native controller and ethernet (too many things can go wrong streaming 1080p over wifi in my experience). So when you think about it thats actually a better deal than those other products.And like the other poster mentioned its an official sponsor for xbmc so you know the native development will be there.

tennisbgc said:
I have an ouya and its really grown on me, xbmc is very snappy. and it has a native controller and ethernet (too many things can go wrong streaming 1080p over wifi in my experience). So when you think about it thats actually a better deal than those other products.And like the other poster mentioned its an official sponsor for xbmc so you know the native development will be there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the thing that makes the Ouya a bit better for me is the ethernet connection. That and it seems like it would have less heat issues. But the heat issue is kind of a guess on my part. Oh, and Tegra 3 (with associated graphics) is quite a big better than Tegra 2 or the dual core chips. Not so much from the extra cores but the graphics chip improvements.
Then again, it's nice to get pure Android, which Ouya is not (yet).

Well I don't care about pure android, I know that within days or weeks the first stock roms will come for Ouya..
And, yes, the ethernet port is quite important for me as long as I use my NAS(which I'd like to sell to use only the Ouya and an external HDD), but a USB>ethernet adapter is something like 5$ on dealextreme so this is not what'll make a big difference between the two.
Quad core is tecnically better, but tegra 3 is better for everything video-related, is that it ? And yeah , Ouya is bigger then those sticks so no heat problem. If I want it to be on 24/7, that'd be an issue on the usb sticks I think ..

alexagna said:
Quad core is tecnically better, but tegra 3 is better for everything video-related, is that it ? And yeah , Ouya is bigger then those sticks so no heat problem. If I want it to be on 24/7, that'd be an issue on the usb sticks I think ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're both quad core. The Tegra isn't actually better at anything as the RK3188 has a pretty much identical cpu - quad core ARM Cortex A9 and has a Mali 400MP4 gpu which is much faster than the Geforce ULP in the Tegra.
The OUYA does have a big advantage in that it has a fan on it so it'll be more stable. With a stick you could improvise using something like a usb fan but it wouldn't look so pretty.
OUYA
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T428

I have a MK808 which runs pretty fast and I love it. The PROBLEM is controller support. EVEN if you get more then 1 controller connected, they all read as the same controller. You also have very make-shift support. My Android Stick is AWESOME for $50 but it just doesn't do multiplayer support, which sucks. Even getting a gamepad setup is a pain. Typically requires a custom firmware to include the pad.xo module.
So it depends on what you want to do with the unit. If it is just for watching/streaming video content, whichever is faster. I've had absolutely no issues with gaming on my MK808 dualcore and it handles PSx and N64 games almost flawlessly. The only drag is, again, the multi-controller support and the stock Android user interface can be a pain unless you have a USB Airmouse. OUYA is designed to be controlled via the controller.

Yes, it'd be for the sole use of XBMC- maybe some emulators or download apps but it would not be the main use. Multiplayer support is not needed as I don't intend to use more than 1 controller(I am not even sure whether I'll use the Ouya one or not, except to play emulators but again it is not the main use)

I ordered an MK808 many moons ago for HTPC. But I could never get it to work right, it stopped working altogether with a particular TV (the one I needed it most). Plus, I had to buy a USB-ethernet jack because streaming was weak. Obviously, that's the old model, but you get my drift.
With that in mind, the sticks are decent for video playback. But for native XBMC support and less tinkering, I'd just pay the extra cash for the Ouya. If you don't plan on using the controller, you can probably get around $20-$30 for it on Ebay - haven't looked. Since they're $50 new, I'd imagine you'd get at least 50%. Ouya on Amazon no tax = $99/shipped - $25 for controller = $75 total shipped.
They should expand their platform, I know they really want to be a console but the fact remains *a lot* of people are buying these as Android TV boxes. The other TV boxes run their own platforms. This one allows people to use android apps. Market another SKU that is $79.99 without a controller and comes with a basic remote. Plus, we can just use our Xbox controllers.

You definitely get what you pay for. The Android Sticks are wonderful and powerful enough to do what you want but they are finicky. The MK808 had WiFi issues with the antenna. I had to add an external antenna to get 4 out of 5 bars with it sitting right on top of my router. You also have to find a Android Stick whose chipset is officially supported by XBMC if that is something you want to to.
I believe the MK808 has official hardware-accelerated playback now using XBMC. The Android Sticks are usually much cheaper also, typically around $50.
I am pretty excited about the Ouya but at this time, I can't see paying another $100 to essentially achieve multiple controller support. The MK808 already does everything I need it to aside from allowing multiplayers, which is not only hardware restrictive, but most emulators don't support multiple players either.
I do like how the Ouya's Interface is designed around a controller input though, so it would make it much more enjoyable to use. The Gyro Mouse/Keyboards work well but can be annoying after prolonged use.

I have the MK808, the MK908 stick look exactly the same, base on my experience there is a good chance you might get very poor WiFi performance and need the router very near it. What I found with these devices is the graphical performance somehow isn't optimized so 3D gaming doesn't seem to be as good comparing to the cellphone counterpart with the same hardware. Maybe its better to get the box type with more dedicated ports.
Playing HD videos as long as you can get hardware support and you have a good GPU it can suffice. The Tegra 3 running the hardware accelerated test build of XBMC can handle all the HD contents.

Agreed. The Sticks are great toys but support is scattered. The Ouyas backing hopefully will yield greater support. Eventually the Ouya will see unique development outside standard Android apps. Hopefully it will blossom.
I'm already seeing lots of neat apps and features similar to Nvidia Shield with remote PC play and great regards in terms of performance.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

player911 said:
The MK808 already does everything I need it to aside from allowing multiplayers, which is not only hardware restrictive, but most emulators don't support multiple players either.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost every emulator supports multiple controllers
On subject: from what I have read the MK908 is having some issues playing 1080p smoothly. Something to do with poor drivers from the manufacturer. Its effecting every newer stick running that processor.
The Ouya has handled all 720p fine but 1080p stutters a slight bit. I was watching Gangster Squad last night and its an MP4 coming in at 4gb. It played smooth I'd say for bout 90% of the movie and had some stutters on and off but nothing below like a 5fps drop as measured by XBMC.
In the long run the MK908 and Ouya (anyone else think its hilarious Ouya autocorrects to Libya Lol) both cost $100 and while the Mk908 is more powerful the Ouya will see far more developer support, plus it plays great games. I just wish it supported IR out of the box
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

altimax98 said:
Almost every emulator supports multiple controllers
On subject: from what I have read the MK908 is having some issues playing 1080p smoothly. Something to do with poor drivers from the manufacturer. Its effecting every newer stick running that processor.
The Ouya has handled all 720p fine but 1080p stutters a slight bit. I was watching Gangster Squad last night and its an MP4 coming in at 4gb. It played smooth I'd say for bout 90% of the movie and had some stutters on and off but nothing below like a 5fps drop as measured by XBMC.
In the long run the MK908 and Ouya (anyone else think its hilarious Ouya autocorrects to Libya Lol) both cost $100 and while the Mk908 is more powerful the Ouya will see far more developer support, plus it plays great games. I just wish it supported IR out of the box
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure the majority of the emulators do, but most hardware can't decipher between controller 1 or controller 2 outside a simple setup such as WiiMotes. I've never been able to connect more than 1 dual analog joystick and play properly.
Someone said it best: [paraphrasing] "The Ouya's biggest hand over all others is simply, Multiplayer."

I own both
I own both. Ouya wins hands down. This is based on device build quality and support community. Getting RK3188 sticks just to work properly doing the most basic things can be a real crap shoot.
Though the MK908 has better specs on paper very rarely do these media sticks run full out. Probably due to heat issues.
Currently my MK908 has a major heat problem. So hot i cant even touch it. Just watching Netflix will overheat the stick so it crashes. It got so bad that my power supply melted. I wasn't even over clocking or using a performance profile.
I only bought the Mk908 because the Ouya took so long to ship.
Hope this helps.
D

I figured I'd post back, incase you're still wondering about this. I got my Ouya setup for it to be a TV box. Running the CM Experimental build located in the development section has yielded excellent results. Spotify works, Dish Anywhere works perfectly (allows me to stream/watch-live-tv without buying another "Joey" and paying the lease fee). Very stable, very fast.
My Xbox360 USB controller works fine with it, so I sold the Ouya controller. Got $49/shipped for it (*shrug*).
For this to be a good media player, you might want to invest in:
- Powered USB Hub (only has one port), so you can run a mouse + controller / etc.
If you want music without having a TV on (if you don't have a receiver with HDMI), you can get a USB audio chip. They're $8 - apparently the Syba SD-CM-UAUD works with Android. Since this doesn't have an audio out port.

PiPO W8 Tablet: 10.1" 2560x1600 Intel Core-M 4GB, 64/128GB - Windows 8.1 (x64)

W8 is the Core-M and resolution upgrade of the pretty good, high-end Baytrail (but only 32bit OS) W3.
Available in 64GB and 128GB versions, with gold or gray coloured metal back. Price ~$460 USD (64GB) isn't terrible for supposed ~2x performance over the W3 + 2560x1600 resolution, 4GB RAM, (most likely) licensed 64bit Win8.1 'with Bing' edition + large 10,000mah battery.
3G/4G capability is unclear, with 'external 3G dongle' mentioned. Perhaps takes the same Huawei 3G UltraStick as the W3, or something else. Either way, not yet clear if the '3G dongle' is included in the pre-sale listings?
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Gold back:
Gray back:
(May 11) Currently available for pre-order, special price (supposed to go up around May 15). Keyboard seems to be included, but some conflicting reports as sellers don't have stock yet and seem to be guessing.
Known stores:
Bangood:
64GB: http://www.banggood.com/PIPO-W8-Intel-Core-M-5Y10-2_0GHz-10_1-Inch-Windows-8_1-Tablet-p-975640.html
128GB: http://www.banggood.com/PIPO-W8-Int...1-Inch-128GB-Windows-8_1-Tablet-p-975679.html
(vouchers available)
Pompmall (listing both back colours + 128GB option)
Pipo Store
Ainol-novo
Geekbuying (expensive).
Specs: (from Pipo-store):
Code:
OS: Windows 8.1
CPU: Intel Core M
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 5300
RAM: 4GB DDR3L
ROM: 64GB
Screen: IPS, capacitive touch screen, G+G screen
Size: 10.1 inch; 16:10
Resolution: 2560*1600 pixels
Visible Angle: 178°
Gravity Sensor: Yes
Camera: front is 2.0 megapixels, back is 5.0 megapixels
HDMI: Support
WIFI: 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth: v4.0
Ethernet: USB to Ethernet
OTG: USB to OTG
USB: USB 3.0
3G: 3G Dongle
Video: 4K, MEPG 1/2/4, H.263/H2.64, RMVB, WMV/VC-1, MVC, AVS, MJPEG
Music: MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, APE, AAC, AC-3
Card Extension: Support TF card
Multi-Touch: Support
Language: English, Russian and Chinese
Skype: Yes
Flash: Flash 11
HTML5: Support
Speaker: dual speaker design
Battery: 10000mAh*3.8V=38Wh
Email and Browser: Yes, built in
Earphone Interface: 3.5mm
Size: 299*179*10.8mm
Ports:
1 x USB 3.0
1 x 2.5mm DC
1 x 3.5mm earphone
1 x HDMI
1 x MicroSD
Pipo W8 Tablet Package Including:
1 x Pipo W8 Tablet
1 x USB
1 x Charger(12V,3A)

Any more word from any of the suppliers? I was torn on waiting for reviews but I miss having a tablet so I'll likely buy this on release day and hope for the best :S

NeoMatrixJR said:
Any more word from any of the suppliers? I was torn on waiting for reviews but I miss having a tablet so I'll likely buy this on release day and hope for the best :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No nothing and it seems nobody has stock yet. I'm in the same boat, will probably buy the 128GB from Bangood (though I'd prefer the gray back).

If you're not following the W3 thread anymore, it seems some people got a non-original W3 keyboard (or maybe unbranded sightly different ones from the factory) from Banggood. So we should ask for a picture of it before ordering.

It's the final countdown....
So, if the information given by banggood is correct this should go on sale sometime on the 15th. That means that at some time after ~ 9pm or so central time this should be available. I'm hoping they don't change the price much. Of the other core m tabs they have the onda and the cube and the teclast is also "alert me on arrival." It's interesting, I just noted that they have it looks like 3 SKUs for the i7... 64gb, 128gb, and 128gb + kbd (increasing in price). The Onda (64gb only) also comes with a keyboard. Only the Teclast and the Pipo have the > FHD screen and the teclast is listed at $669.99! I'll have my fingers crossed all day today waiting on word for this. Good luck to anyone else considering it.

dealabs i just a social site where you post deals.
the link goes to bangood. if you could edit that.

Not yet....
:crying::crying::crying:
From Banggood last night after I inquired about an update:
We are sorry to inform you that the item doesn't put on sale for now.Because the manufaturer need to debug the software. Besides, this item won't have keyboard.So sorry for that.
For the selling price, we are not very sure now. But it may be close to the selling price on our website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see pipo-store and pompmall haven't released this either. I hope we'll see something soon. I indicated that other sellers have said it will come with the keyboard so I'm hoping this changes from Banggood. If they keep to selling without the keyboard I may have to purchase elsewhere....
:crying::crying::crying:

Thanks @reggiexp, removed.
@NeoMatrixJR thanks for the update. Sucks though, well it's better they fix the bugs rather than letting early adopters suffer them all. Re. keyboard I don't trust anyone to know at this point until stock comes in. Hope they're wrong ...

_gl said:
thanks for the update. Sucks though, well it's better they fix the bugs rather than letting early adopters suffer them all. Re. keyboard I don't trust anyone to know at this point until stock comes in. Hope they're wrong ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know...depending on how bad the errors are. If it works and they don't need to make hardware changes (and I'd hope they don't at this point or we're going to be waiting a while) I'd almost rather get my tablet and update it later. But I can understand why they wouldn't want to do that. There's going to be a lot more people that would be pissed about getting a tablet with issues. But again...I'm tablet-less at the moment so I just want something. Maybe I'll step down and borrow mom's old ASUS TF101 for now....
Wow...newegg flash has the Lenovo Miix 2 11 w/ keyboard for $499. Tempting...No USB 3 and only FHD though. Core i5 & SSD though. I wonder if a 4th gen i5 > core m?

I do not see decent modern manufacturers.
I do not use closed systems, such as m$ software, since at least 1998.
And I do not recommend android system now, also, that is just can look like open system, but in really it is something like honeypot. Where, for example, google play is far enough from the greatest evil . Yep, android can even mask itself, under some independent more or less clear distributions, but in really it is the jast the same - only on new more sophisticated spiral turn.
Given the above, and that, if we even can check open code now, we can not check hardware, certainly.
Early I could choose the components for my desktop, personal computer. Now manufacturers try push me into the trap. Given, that everything is clear with the other, but what is wrong with Chinese manufacturers? Or, simply saying, if they do not preset w..s, they do not get processors from Intel?
I do not interesting in bright and meaningless advertisement pictures of new devices. Understandable, that setting open system on theme device with Intel system on a chip is more likely. But where is the video or screen pictures of device startup process? Where the first advertisement string, that must contain only one thing - that I can buy device without any preinstalled system and set some open, free, by my choice, as in past on desktop computer? Where the possibility to change parts in my personal tablet computer, as in past with desktop computers? So, it is remain now to look on ARM devices side, where some of such devices start appears.
Dear, Intel, in spite of all your contributions to the open source, where is in really good new, clear from stock devices? Dear, not only Chinese manufacturers - while all so, all this tonns of new beautifull persoanl spies may remain in your storages. I am not interesting anymore to waite, while you debug your, so called, software. I just will vote with my money .
By the way, dear, Intel, probably, in this time and exactly this will allow to say to x86 - goodbye.

NeoMatrixJR said:
I don't know...depending on how bad the errors are. If it works and they don't need to make hardware changes (and I'd hope they don't at this point or we're going to be waiting a while) I'd almost rather get my tablet and update it later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be hardware issues like charging problems, drivers not working, BIOS bugs (worst-case causing bricking), screen not waking, black holes opening and swallowing our solar system, Harry Shearer quitting The Simpsons... I could do without any of those . Don't forget, you don't want to have to ship it back to China, ever.
Wow...newegg flash has the Lenovo Miix 2 11 w/ keyboard for $499. Tempting...No USB 3 and only FHD though. Core i5 & SSD though. I wonder if a 4th gen i5 > core m?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've lost count of the gens, but the benchmarks show that Core-M's are somewhere between recent dual-core i3 and i5 (sometimes even approaching the i5). At least if the thermal solution is good. Sounds a pretty good deal if it suits you (I need USB3 and don't like the 16:9 aspect).

dzp said:
I do not use closed systems, such as m$ software, since at least 1998.<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I respect your opinion (I've been Windows-only like forever). I'm not clear though how you expect to be able to change the internals of tablets. They are designed to be as slim as possible, as such they cannot easily be made modular (not impossible, but more expensive and size will suffer a little). And of course it's much simpler/cheaper to build dedicated devices. That also allows integration of various peripherals into fewer chips, again making things smaller and drivers more reliable. And I expect that also makes things like booting faster, and power consumption lower, as the whole system is built from the ground up for mobile usage, and tweaked mainly by Intel, giving likely less bugs, compatibility problems and better quality drivers then mixing and matching components from different vendors.
Sure, it would be a big bonus if you could at least change the battery easily. And maybe tablets will get more modular for some parts (eg. swap the camera out), upgrade the memory etc. But at the moment everyone wants to be as slim and lightweight as possible, that's the priority. Once the technology gets too slim, they can make things modular.

Got this from Pipo's Facebook account last night:
W8 will be shipped end of this week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

NeoMatrixJR said:
Got this from Pipo's Facebook account last night:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great.

_gl said:
Great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pipo store are still saying keyboard included. Replied asking about what exactly the 3G dongle is (W3 Ultrastick or something else):
"Onc eit is in stock, we will release it on our website at the first time. PIPO W8 do comes with the Pipo keyboard. Sorry but the PIPO Official has not released the PIPO W8 is not built-in 3G network, but it support 3G Dongle. You need to buy the 3G Dongle by your own."​

Processors comparison.
NeoMatrixJR said:
I wonder if a 4th gen i5 > core m?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
_gl said:
I've lost count of the gens, but the benchmarks show that Core-M's are somewhere between recent dual-core i3 and i5 (sometimes even approaching the i5).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use cpuboss site to comparison. For example, Lenovo Miix 2 with 4th Generation Intel Core i5 4202Y vs PIPO W8 Intel Core M-5Y10, please, see in Attachment.
And do not look onto KDE, please, case it is just some tempoary machine, from I wrote now.

Modular personal computer.
_gl said:
I respect your opinion (I've been Windows-only like forever). I'm not clear though how you expect to be able to change the internals of tablets. They are designed to be as slim as possible,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
_gl, thank you for your answer. I agree with you here, certainly.
_gl said:
as such they cannot easily be made modular (not impossible, but more expensive and size will suffer a little).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The priority in the design should not be profit at the expense of monolithic of products, but user convenience due to the modularity of products. For example, the main interesting claimed advantage of PIPO W8 can consider 10.1 Inch Retina Capacitive Screen with 2560*1600 resolution. In principle different situation, anyone could purchase a required separate screen module, motherboard module with SOC, memory module, power module and required interfaces modules. Then connect all this tougether. Of course, it is requires standardization. Which manufacturers will be resist.
_gl said:
And of course it's much simpler/cheaper to build dedicated devices. That also allows integration of various peripherals into fewer chips, again making things smaller and drivers more reliable. And I expect that also makes things like booting faster, and power consumption lower, as the whole system is built from the ground up for mobile usage, and tweaked mainly by Intel, giving likely less bugs, compatibility problems and better quality drivers then mixing and matching components from different vendors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you right. But you describe current situation. And creators of this sutuation is manufacturers, not customers. In really, this is not right situation. We constantly see, what it brings. Moreover, as usually, manufacturers have possibility to goes further, due customers. Everything should be the opposite. We, customers must define situation, what is more convenient for us - case we pay.
_gl said:
Sure, it would be a big bonus if you could at least change the battery easily. And maybe tablets will get more modular for some parts (eg. swap the camera out), upgrade the memory etc. But at the moment everyone wants to be as slim and lightweight as possible, that's the priority. Once the technology gets too slim, they can make things modular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh , Certainly. Agree here. Perhaps, in 10-20 years, currently estimated rather powerful computers, in size of a business card or less will not cost anything. However, the main priority already now must be not the combination, for example, of speed, size or weight, but respect from the manufacturer side for the rights of the customer by a fairly large number of criteria. Thus, the product must be honest with the customer. For example, guarantee the same privacy. With what modern manufacturers have serious problems.
Regarding modular phones, tablets - probably you know, Google working on Ara. There are exists and other simpler, for example, Click ARM One, HN1 Modules Tablet.

dzp said:
_gl,The priority in the design should not be profit at the expense of monolithic of products, but user convenience due to the modularity of products. For example, the main interesting claimed advantage of PIPO W8 can consider 10.1 Inch Retina Capacitive Screen with 2560*1600 resolution. In principle different situation, anyone could purchase a required separate screen module, motherboard module with SOC, memory module, power module and required interfaces modules. Then connect all this tougether. Of course, it is requires standardization. Which manufacturers will be resist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, but we know what kind of compatiblity nightmare that can be on PCs. Mobile devices try to be 'simple', that's was most people want from them. Buy it, use it. Having to find drivers or figuring out why hardware A and B sometimes don't play nice together or (worst-case) bluescreen/crash doesn't really work on a phone or tablet. They just have to work and be painless/fun to use.
I agree though, a modular option would be cool and can be done. But we're in the early stages of mobile, once innovation slows down I'm sure we'll see more modularity.
Yep, you right. But you describe current situation. And creators of this sutuation is manufacturers, not customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, due to most people wanting mobile things to 'just work' (which is what Apple did so brilliantly). Imagine if you had to worry about making the hardware of an iPhone work well together, nobody except power users wants this (that's why most people don't jailbreak either). I'm a desktop power-user (that's why I like the W3 and W8, as they are higher-end proper desktop-capable machines) and I run my own programs on them and customize a lot. But most people don't need that to do basic browsing and watch movies.
In really, this is not right situation. We constantly see, what it brings. Moreover, as usually, manufacturers have possibility to goes further, due customers. Everything should be the opposite. We, customers must define situation, what is more convenient for us - case we pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but I think we're unfortunately in the minority. If everybody wanted modularity or ethics, we'd get it. Many people don't even care about non-replaceable batteries 'coz they plan to buy the next model before it runs out. Mobile is in the early crazy-fast stage of innovation, it will slow down and then people may want something they can upgrade, rather than sell on every time.
However, the main priority already now must be not the combination, for example, of speed, size or weight, but respect from the manufacturer side for the rights of the customer by a fairly large number of criteria. Thus, the product must be honest with the customer. For example, guarantee the same privacy. With what modern manufacturers have serious problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes those are fair points. Right now it's just about (unfortunately) disposable technology & performance, I do hope people think more about the social and ethical implications at some point.
Regarding modular phones, tablets - probably you know, Google working on Ara. There are exists and other simpler, for example, Click ARM One, HN1 Modules Tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I saw a few things about the Ara, it's a nice idea. But if it ends up costing a bit more, weighing a bit more, and maybe sightly less powerful than a closed solution, most people will pass it by (right now). Will be interesting how it turns out though.

_gl, sorry, by the way, for my slight deviations from your theme and for my english. But we have interesting discussion.
In really not only modern phones and tablets have modular construction already. But this "modularity" is just with what working manufacturer's engineers inside design centers.
_gl said:
Sure, but we know what kind of compatiblity nightmare that can be on PCs. Mobile devices try to be 'simple', that's was most people want from them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. But personal home computers of 80's is not the same, as personal mobile devices in 2015, moreover mostly time connected with net. initially, computers was mostly designed from engeneers to engineers. Of course, this does not mean, that computers have to be complicated. But noone still does not know exactly, what means "simple" in terms of most people. Search systems and many other different systems already trying to manipulate the consciousness of people.
Major evolutionary changes make overestimate related to a personal computer. We does not know already, what information collecting from our personal devices, and how it used in most cases. More fun is, when corporations, following the wishes of "simplicity" from most people and own inner reasons, will start integrate elements of artificial intelligence into personal computer operating systems. It can be a lil less fun, for example, if onetime, some artificial joints, mounted to continue increasing longevity, suddenly will start direct legs to some not desired direction . What do w...s every moment on your personal device? What do android every moment on your personal device? We do not know in really. We does not know even, what additional blocks are integrated on chip and what purposes they are - this chips and blocks are too small . When you interact with your personal computer - is it still you with your own individuality, or already more or less changed in a certain direction person? In past and now the most important characteristics was the speed of computer. I guess, pretty soon the most important feature will be encryption strength, the force of information protection of the system, which, of course, is related with performance. In these circumstances, it is important to continually critical reevaluate, what corporations silently try to introduce, fully overestimate structure of equipment proposed for the sale, perhaps even from the law level. Something like - manufacturer not have right to releasing information equipment without fully opening its composition to be able to provide a complete check.
_gl said:
Buy it, use it. Having to find drivers or figuring out why hardware A and B sometimes don't play nice together or (worst-case) bluescreen/crash doesn't really work on a phone or tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not customers guilty. This is guilty of manufacturers, that in the pursuit of profit did not want to agree in standards, include software quality.
_gl said:
But we're in the early stages of mobile, once innovation slows down I'm sure we'll see more modularity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, I agree.
_gl said:
But most people don't need that to do basic browsing and watch movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but most people usually see just tip of the iceberg. They see only, what they are allowed to see. Once people are awake, but will be too late.
_gl said:
I agree, but I think we're unfortunately in the minority. If everybody wanted modularity or ethics, we'd get it. Many people don't even care about non-replaceable batteries 'coz they plan to buy the next model before it runs out. Mobile is in the early crazy-fast stage of innovation, it will slow down and then people may want something they can upgrade, rather than sell on every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you totally right.

Good discussion dzp, it's good that people are looking at the bigger picture of technology.
Pipo-store replied about the 3G dongle, but said nothing useful (I guess they don't know yet):
"We will release the 3G dongle that compatiable with the PIPO W8 on our website soon. Zoe"
No confirmation if it's the same as W3 etc.

Apple TV and Shield Android TV

Howdy,
I discussed with one of my old friend which was he called me an idiot when I brought it up the Shield Android TV has more powerful GPU provide 256 cores and 8 cores CPU then He said "Not about hardware. Features blew everything plus 10k app ready." then I puzzled what he said features and 10k apps blows Shield Android TV's features and apps.
I know the Android apps has more countless just like Apple's AppStore (similar Google Play), I wanted to know and hear from your opinions. I encouraged him do adult smart conversation instead calling me an idiot and I provided all the features what the Shield Android TV capable. I have not hear from his making a point of what the features that he is trying tell me.
I assume Apple TV don't allowed custom ROM, I double checked Shield Android TV does have custom ROM which is more freedom choice than Apple TV gives.
@#$%!

You can't run Kodi or any emulators on an Apple TV, which are two of the main reasons I bought a Sheild TV. However there's no point having a "discussion" with an Apple fanboy mate. Just enjoy your shield. :good:

Thank you baileyjr, That's what I thought so and i am going settle down on Shield.

One key for me is the Shield TV supports 4k and the Apple TV does not.

nrage23 said:
One key for me is the Shield TV supports 4k and the Apple TV does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I forgot about that. 4k Netflix is a big plus for people with 4k TV's .

In my experience, when an Apple fanboy says it's not about hardware it's because the apple product in the comparison has inferior hardware. You can be certain that if the Apple product had better hardware that would be right at the top of why it's better. You could point out the feature differences, 4k, Kodi support, Grid, gamestreaming, emulators, expandable storage, etc. but their fall-back position will be about ease of use and UI design. Not that it's better, but it's opinion based not quantifiable fact so they can't be proven wrong. Here is a link to a heavily biased comparison chart (note, no mention of optical spdif, iTunes, etc.): http://shield.nvidia.com/android-tv/shield-androidtv-vs-appletv-vs-roku-vs-firetv
Apple has two huge advantages over nVidia that can't be discounted: A loyal (fanatic?) fan-base, and they are a marketing juggernaut. The latter has a lot to do with the former.
edit: almost forgot one other important thing - the AppleTV is cheaper.

skeptic_always said:
Apple has two huge advantages over nVidia that can't be discounted: A loyal (fanatic?) fan-base, and they are a marketing juggernaut. The latter has a lot to do with the former.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other thing they have in their favor is that with the locked down ecosystem and hardware its pretty much impossible for the average user to break their OS. Lets remember that the "average" user is an bl00dy idiot. I'm sorry to say I still recommend Macbooks, iphones, ipads and the like to friends and family who are technologically illiterate. I've had them all in my time, but being an avid "tinkerer" I much prefer to run windows/android/linux, thankfully if I break something I can usually fix it even if it does require a fresh flash/install of the OS (and I've been threre a few times lol)
So I would say to your mate "if you are technologically illiterate the Apple TV is absolutely the right choice"

baileyjr said:
The other thing they have in their favor is that with the locked down ecosystem and hardware its pretty much impossible for the average user to break their OS. Lets remember that the "average" user is an bl00dy idiot. I'm sorry to say I still recommend Macbooks, iphones, ipads and the like to friends and family who are technologically illiterate. I've had them all in my time, but being an avid "tinkerer" I much prefer to run windows/android/linux, thankfully if I break something I can usually fix it even if it does require a fresh flash/install of the OS (and I've been threre a few times lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that kinda the case with Android devices as well, including the Shield? Android devices are not nearly as locked down, but the technologically illiterate average user isn't going to be side-loading apps let alone running a custom rom or rooting their device.
You may disagree, but I do not consider a locked down ecosystem/hardware to be an advantage in any way. A more open environment allows for choice. Stick with the supported, stable, safe functionality or play and tinker knowing you may break stuff.

You know why the Apple tv will beat the Shield TV? Because of these two things!
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Specs don't matter when it comes to the cult.

skeptic_always said:
Isn't that kinda the case with Android devices as well, including the Shield? Android devices are not nearly as locked down, but the technologically illiterate average user isn't going to be side-loading apps let alone running a custom rom or rooting their device.
You may disagree, but I do not consider a locked down ecosystem/hardware to be an advantage in any way. A more open environment allows for choice. Stick with the supported, stable, safe functionality or play and tinker knowing you may break stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I personally do not consider it to be an advantage but it "can be perceived" an advantage to the technologically illiterate masses. Same as your average person running windows. They will have installed a load of toolbars and have buckets full of malware on their machine. Give them a mac and they are far less likely to pick up viruses and malware, simply because they are not targeted at mac users so much. Its can be perceived by the end user as an advantage because all they are concerned about is their machine/device running smoothly.

To be honest, I don't think ATV vs nSATV is a fair comparison. nSATV >>>> ATV and Apple fans will (justifiably) point to the price difference and (justifiably) claim the nVidia device is intended for a different higher-end market. The real competitor for the new AppleTV is going to be the new FireTV which is expected to be announced around the end of the month and Android TV devices like the Nexus player and Razer Forge TV.

Shield is so much better

My wife went ahead ordered a Nivdia Shield Pro 500gb for my early bday. I am looking forward start work on custom ROM and setting up as media center and console game with my daughters.
I told my friend who is an hardcore in Apple fanboy and screwed him. I even showed him the comparison the link - (http://shield.nvidia.com/android-tv/shield-androidtv-vs-appletv-vs-roku-vs-firetv) then he shut me down. I guess he did not admit that Nivdia Shield Pro really is very powerful device this time.

Well Apple freaks are like that what to do. I do not have a fanboy but I have a fangirl at home lolol, and she was mentioning the Apple TV to me since I've been having some questions on what to buy, Shield or Minix.
I'm glad someone found a way of taking out the Android TV bottleneck out of the Shield. I think it was a casting error from Nvidia to go with that OS.

I recently switched to an iPhone and got a macbook pro but I went with a shield. It does alot more. Plus there's an app that let's you Airplay. Unless you purchase movies from iTunes, I do not see any benefits of an Apple TV vs the Shield
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AppleTV vs. Shield ATV in terms of specs and apps
If you have checked set-top-box comparisons, the shield beats appleTV and other boxes especially in terms of specs. That directly affects what kind of applications you can install on your device.
For instance, the shield has 2 usb ports while appleTV still has non. In addition to all other things you can do with a usb port, the shield also has UVC camera support and great video encoding/decoding power. This enables using the big TV screen for video calling. There is already a video calling application for AndroidTV on google play called "Tellybean - Easy video calling" and it works perfectly on my Shield Android TV.

Will the Shield Voice Search ever work with 3rd Party apps like Plex / Kodi? - This seems to be the Killer App for Apple TV, as I believe it is a requirement for all TV Apps to support this.
The Shield voice recognition is excellent, but it only ever gives me results from YouTube lol.

gregory_marsh said:
Will the Shield Voice Search ever work with 3rd Party apps like Plex / Kodi? - This seems to be the Killer App for Apple TV, as I believe it is a requirement for all TV Apps to support this.
The Shield voice recognition is excellent, but it only ever gives me results from YouTube lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, this is a killer feature that a lot of people is asking for.
I am not a native speaker but still, shield's voice search is working great for me It would be nice to be able to search for other content.

Shield Vs other devices

Hi,
I currently have a Roku, firetv and raspberry pi for Kodi and emulation and I would like something which I like one device to rule them all - Kodi, prime video, Plex and Netflix all in one. Shield can do that - which is great!
However, I'm struggling to justify the cost. Aside from the 2019 rehashed version putting the price up a bit, I'm starting to feel Nvidia may give up on this platform in a couple of years with stadia and other providers taking the streaming gaming market. £200 is a lot to waste if they dump it in a couple of years.
So my current setup is I use Roku daily, and Kodi for some films at weekends, and I have a second SD card for emulation. Why would I spend £199 on this when I could replace my Roku and RPI with newer 4k models for a cheaper price?
There are also alternatives although I'm struggling to find a similarly CPU powered unit for this money. On the emulation front I would really like to get to GameCube and 1080p N64, let alone Dreamcast. Annoyingly, all this can be emulated on my powerful android phone! But I don't want a phone or a switch like dock - I want something wired in.
So alternatives here are like odroid or other RPI like cards which provide the grunt and power, but more these would be a Kodi box replacement rather than the one device to rule them all. HTPCs are out of the question afaik as they would be too expensive, but is this still the case?
(Please note, this thread is intentionally blunt to drive out conversation)

even if nvidia dumps it in a few years itll still b the best you can buy.. i also have all those devices and none of them even get close to the shield for years running..
heck, the 2017 model still holds its own against the 2019 model..
also i think the game streaming argument is not even an argument lol.. i can almost guarantee any device google or anyone else will put out will still not come close to the shield.. not to mention if its a streaming service.. nvidia is officially supporting android tv os so dont be surprised if the services become available on the shield down the road..
to top it off, nvidia has been streaming games just fine for years now so they definitely have a leg up already in that aspect also..
i alsi think the price argument is not valid.. you get what you pay for lol.. im sure if u went with a shield to start you wouldnt have wasted money on shotty rokus or pis.. the amount of $$$ you already spent on sub par devices probably amounts to more than you wouldve paid for a shield

It depends on what you want to do with it.
For pure movie watching the Shield's PQ is just not very good. I highly recommend picking up a cheap Amlogic based Android box and installing CoreELEC on it. For the money they can't be beat, and the PQ is leaps and bounds ahead of the Shields. I have a $30 S912 generic box with CoreELEC on it and it looks amazing compared to my $200 Shield.

Hi
Wagmans said:
It depends on what you want to do with it.
For pure movie watching the Shield's PQ is just not very good. I highly recommend picking up a cheap Amlogic based Android box and installing CoreELEC on it. For the money they can't be beat, and the PQ is leaps and bounds ahead of the Shields. I have a $30 S912 generic box with CoreELEC on it and it looks amazing compared to my $200 Shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not noticed any picture quality differences between Amlogic and Nvidia Shield, besides given it's all digital and decoding is easy and just mathematics, why should the picture quality be different? Something else may be going on with the setup perhaps?
I've really wanted to love Amlogic, but what I have found with Amlogic is bugs, I've not found a box yet that will play video back without some issue (frame's being drop, strange artefacts, issues with HDMI frame rates, or no support for streaming services due to not having the necessary DRM etc), now this isn't so much the fault of Amlogic but the rubbish support of the cheap Chinese manufacturers that don't test or update their software, and third party firmware not having access to the latest codecs and drivers to improve the situation. The S905x2, I tried 2 different boxes and countless different ROMs and couldn't stop it from having issues with decoding certain videos, videos that played without issue everywhere else, including the Amlogic S905 non x2, but that had other issues! In the end I bought an Nvidia Shield and have had no problems at all.
Regards
Phil

PhilipL said:
Hi
I've not noticed any picture quality differences between Amlogic and Nvidia Shield, besides given it's all digital and decoding is easy and just mathematics, why should the picture quality be different? Something else may be going on with the setup perhaps?
I've really wanted to love Amlogic, but what I have found with Amlogic is bugs, I've not found a box yet that will play video back without some issue (frame's being drop, strange artefacts, issues with HDMI frame rates, or no support for streaming services due to not having the necessary DRM etc), now this isn't so much the fault of Amlogic but the rubbish support of the cheap Chinese manufacturers that don't test or update their software, and third party firmware not having access to the latest codecs and drivers to improve the situation. The S905x2, I tried 2 different boxes and countless different ROMs and couldn't stop it from having issues with decoding certain videos, videos that played without issue everywhere else, including the Amlogic S905 non x2, but that had other issues! In the end I bought an Nvidia Shield and have had no problems at all.
Regards
Phil
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The note about HDMI quality - so a couple of things. Believe it or not, a decent cable can make a difference in visual quality, in particular the colour in which with a decent cable you can get much richer and warmer colour along with better looking bitrate image. Hard to believe I know as it's only digital - but if the cable does not deliver a consistent bit rate then you see degradation on the image - particularly on large 4k screens.
However, the thing that makes the most difference is the source. If you have a quality source, then you get quality output. I've heard the shield suffers from bland colourisation, along with some screen tearing. For £200 I would expect it to match the quality of my 4k Blu-ray, which from what I'm hearing it doesn't.
I wasn't quite thinking of the armlogic route but it is something of consideration as they are indeed cheap. The question here - is a £200 device that much better image and does it have that many features to warrant the £200. I'm not sure it does, but it would be good to obtain some objective feedback.
On a side note, if I wanted the most powerful emulation device for the same money, is the Nvidia the answer? Ideally I would like to run GameCube games (as getting out the old box and games is a bit annoying), but I hear dolphin emulation struggles on the Nvidia (mainly down to poor optimization, the hardware should be capable). Is there such a device and ideally one that can run Kodi also.