MINIX NEO U1, 64-bit Quad-Core Media Hub for Android [2GB/16GB/4K/XBMC/KODI]

This the THE box to get if you want the Android experience and apps on your TV, and you either don't want, or can't afford, the Nvidia Sheild TV. This runs Android Lollipop 5.1 out of the box (not Android TV) with a manufacturer home screen (launcher), which can easily be changed. Basically, if you put the Google Now launcher on it, you're essentially running a Nexus 7 tablet screen on your TV. Some people may be disappointed that it's not an "official" Android TV device, but having plain Android on there means you can install pretty much any app you want, since you get access to the full Play Store and not the condensed, TV-only one.I do know it outputs full HD at 1080p, however I do not have a 4K TV to test the 4K resolution. Other reviews, which you can read, have tested the 4K output so I would read those first if that's something you're interested in. For me, I just needed something that I could run Kodi and Netflix on, as well as access my Play Music, Tunein Radio, Spotify, and Snes9x. The interface is very snappy and runs everything without a hitch. I do need to point out that after to first boot it up, go directly to the updates app and start updating. Mine was about 5 or 6 updates behind, which ended up fixing a whole lot of weird issues. Now it's fully updated and virtually flawless. I did end up installing HAL Launcher to get more of that Android TV feel, and I also use the MINIX NEO remote with the keyboard on one side.The quality of the device is top notch and comparable to Roku or most other major brand set top boxes. This doesn't feel at all like cheap Chinese-made quality. There are 3 full sized USB ports and one mini port (like on a phone). It comes with an OTG cable, which is like a short USB extender with a mini USB jack on one end, so the mini port can be made into a 4th full size USB port. It also has a slot for a micro SD card. I've read that the USB ports can power external hard drives, so someone could really get some massive storage added to this thing if they wanted. There is also the standard HDMI out as well as toslink (optical) audio out, which both flawlessly.As far as software goes, Netflix runs fine, although it is the standard Android app so you'll definitely need an air mouse or a bluetooth/wireless mouse to navigate it. Also, as it is the standard app, you cannot stream in HD, although that is the cas for most phones and tablets, as Netflix does not turn on it's HD streaming based on device capabilities, but rather manufacturer agreements. So unless your running it on one of the devices in Netflix's limited list, you're not getting HD. Kodi runs great, and picked up all the streaming video addons just fine, as well as my extensive music collection on my network share. I was also able to test Play Music, VLC and MX Player, and they all work fine. I really don't think you'll have any issues getting most apps to work on this, as the hardware specs are more than adequate for general use. I would recommend, though, if you plan to do a lot of streaming, to connect it via ethernet and don't use the wifi antenna. Although the wifi is pretty decent, you may experience degraded quality when using it, especially if you stream a lot of 1080p stuff.Like I said, this is THE box to get, especially if the Nvidia Sheild is not an option for whatever reason. It will run whatever you throw at it, and it gives you enough ports and expansion options that you'll never need to mess with things like hubs and switchers. Plus if you get stuck or need help, MINIX has a great online forum on their website (that's how I figured out my update issue).

For about a year. Matricom Gbox Q was the best XBMC/Kodi and Android/TV computer box available and it is too buggy. Matricom engages in false advertising/hype. They are forever falsely advertising that users get over the air firmware ROM updates. Yes, you get one or two in the beginning. That is to bring your new box up to date. Rather than ship boxes up to date, they do it OTA after you plug it into the wall. Soon after, when you check for updates you get error messages. Call support & learn its on purpose! Your new box is blocked from Matricom's update server! But you are told you can update the ROM by yourself, a very risky proceedure for most owners! Q box now gets updated by your buying a new box. That is what Q box 2 amounts to, a ROM & launcher update.Minix & Nvidia Sheild are by far the top android media boxes! Sheild is too expensive for a TV Box and its Android TV version of Android is highly restrictive, making Android useless for Internet or Android tablet uses. Minix is THE top media streaming & full android computer box.

I purchased this as an experiment for my TV setup.One of the BEST Choices I have made.Compact, Rugged the MINI-computer just works.I am a technical tinkerer, and was able to get to the Android O/s easily via my network from another computerfiddle with my apps copying software re-arranging folders, ALL easily findable in documentation & their forum.The remote is OK, not superior but survives Multiple nights of sleeping on it and no worse for the wear but Battery life LOL.It accesses my NAS full of Home video flawlessly via the network, Never drops connections even if not active over days. and I only need to reboot occasionally when local power blinks so connections lost mainly on my network side.I also was able to copy/backup to my computer the entire O/s, folders apps etc to a HDD there.I like to be able to backup, and tinker with the files for customization.TONS of USB ports for keyboards external drives, Mouse dongles, I even dump the HDMI out to splitters for MULTIPLE TV Screens !Added Bonus, with an android IP cam app, I easily import Cam Output video into my TV system, access the app and voila, no extra gear to port the cams to the biggest screens in the house -Audio too !!!All the ease of a good Computer, Compact, lightweight, just works, perfect for people who like to fully customize things, and the UPSCALE & Native HDMI makes computing on the largest screens in the house from the EZ-Chair feels like a MAJOR 21st century Upgrade for the entry price !!!I will e adding their Keyboard accessory because I like the looks of it.Works with the HP X3000 wireless mouse flawlessly 16 feet away and thru walls !I should also state, it's been ON 24/7 for OVER a YEAR NOW ! ( I am lazy and use the sleep timers for the TV )I hung it off a APC-UPS like I do for all my favorite electronics for longer LIFE...for the price & ON 24/7 this is an Excellent Purchase for heavily customizing a setup or I would imagine STOCK - out of the Box for the Un-initiated.SO pleased I am looking at their latest iterations for even more JOY !10/10 would recommend for everybody !