When you think of Android on a TV then you probably think of Google TV, the line of set top boxes that run a dedicated version of Android that is made specifically for the living room. However, MIPS Technologies, Inc. has announced a new dongle that will bring native Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) to every TV that has an HDMI port, which is pretty much any TV made in the past five years.
The iPPea TV is thumb drive-like device that plugs into an HDMI port and brings the full Android apps catalog to the living room. This means video and audio streaming, social apps, and games, among other things. For this functionality, the maker has set the MSRP at $50.
“The tiny iPPea TV is a fully-functioning Android super micro PC that connects to the cloud, accesses a broad range of websites and apps, and delivers a high-quality entertainment experience,” said iPPea CEO Amanda Senkowski. “We are delighted to be using the MIPS-Based Ingenic processor, which provides all of the advantages of an industry-standard architecture, including a broad ecosystem of supporting tools and software. And because of its inherent power efficiency, the device can be fully powered by a standard USB port — such as those available on most DTVs. Also, unlike many competitive PC offerings, no heat sink is necessary in the iPPea TV device.”
Features included:
- MIPS-Based(TM) XBurst(TM) CPU running at 1.2 GHz
- Android 4.0.3
- 802.11b/g/n Wifi
- USB 2.0
- 2GB storage with support for up to 32GB external storage via a microSD slot
- support for 1080p HD video and most popular audio/video formats, and other advanced functionality.
In addition, they are making several useful accessories available at reasonable prices. There is a wireless gyro mouse, USB LAN Adapter and HDMI extension cable for prices ranging from $8 to $22. You can find out, as well as place a pre-order, by visiting iPPea.