The basics
The Rikomagic MK802 Android Mini PC is one of a new breed of Google-powered devices that plug straight into your telly to pipe down apps, games and video from the web. The third generation model is the most powerful of its peers, with a 1.6GHz dual-core processor and 8GB of storage. Best of all, it comes with speedy Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, as well as full access to the Google Play store. Not bad for £65.
The good
At just 90mm across, the Rikomagic MK802 is barely any bigger than a memory stick. Slot it quietly into the back of your TV and you need never look at it ever again. The amount of tech inside is impressive - there’s space for a full size USB port and micro SD card slot too if you run out of space on the 8GB of storage.
Key to the whole experience is Wi-Fi though: log in, sign in with Google and you can start streaming movies from your computer, downloading 3D games or even renting movies from Google Play. Netflix looks great, and the Android homescreens are crisp, as it supports up to full HD resolution. Browsing the web is easy too - something that can’t be said even of the Sony PS3.
You’ll need a wireless keyboard or media controller (available from Amazon for around £20 to £30) to really make the most of it, but there is a free Android app you can use in place of one after initial set-up, which works smoothly, aside from the horrible looking on-screen keyboard.
The bad
While it’s great news that this little gizmo has full access to the app-packed Play store, that’s only because Rikomagic hasn’t changed much to Android’s core. This is a smartphone stretched to a desktop on the other side of the room, and it’s more than a bit fiddly as a result.
It’s also wobblier than jelly on a plate balanced on a straw: videos on webpages sometimes refuse to expand to fullscreen, getting out of menus can be confusing, and because of the processor used, BBC iPlayer doesn’t work. While the tech-savvy will find workarounds for these problems, and pimp out the MK802 to their hearts’ content, others will find the layout frustrating compared to the easy Apple TV, Roku and Xbox dashboard layouts.
There’s also a - admittedly unavoidable - wiring issue. While the MK802 looks like a USB stick, it’s actually a dongle that plugs into an HDMI socket on your TV - which it can’t draw power from. That means you’ll have to plug it into a USB pocket with the cable provided, and not all flatscreen TVs have those - if yours doesn’t, you’ll have to get a mains USB adaptor, at which point it becomes considerably less hassle-free than small set top box rivals like the Roku.
The bottom line
While the Rikomagic MK802 is impressively versatile, it’s a jack of all trades, and master of none. Android’s native interface is meant for phones and tablets, not TVs, which no amount of impressive hardware can fix. If what you’re after is a cheap solution for internet video in your living room, the Roku LT is hard to beat for under £50. If it’s games you want, you’re better off keeping them on your phone.
No comments:
Post a Comment