Tech Tuesday – Could a Dubai Company spell the end for SMART TV manufacturers?
This week I have done a bit of digging and found a brilliant new product that is coming out, a SMART TV Dongle from Dubai
SMART TVs or CONNECTED TVs are the new hot property these days. Tech Giants have been pushing this new connected life we lead for a few years now, adding apps to their new TVs and making us feel like we need them. Updating your FaceBook status, checking your Twitter feed, watching a new movie directly from your tv and even checking the weather all without leaving your sofa. But this type of interaction comes at a premium. SMART TVs are expensive, and to some the upgrade albeit enticing may not be worth it’s weight. That is where a company from Dubai comes in.
Infinitec are set to release the worlds smallest computer that will turn any HDTV no matter how old into a SMART TV. The ‘Pocket TV’ named so because it will fit into your pocket (I know, right?) is the size of a USB wireless dongle and houses a fully functioning ANDROID 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich device. Simply plug it into a free HDMI socket on the back of your TV and in seconds you can be enjoying all the functions ANDROID users have been playing with for years including, internet, netflix, you tube, bbc iplayer email, facebook, and many many more. As it is an ANDROID device, you are not held back by the apps that a manufacturer provides, you can download any APP from the Google Play Store.
The makers have also offered up a fully interactive remote that has gyroscopic capabilities and a full QWERTY keyboard, but the Pocket TV will work with any Universal remote, like a Logitech Harmony One for instance. Not only that, but ANDROID phone and tablet users can even use there mobile devices to control the dongle.
The other benefit is the portability of the device. Imagine goig on a trip and turning your TV in your Hotel room into a fully functioning Android device and accessing your dropbox… Very cool indeed!
Pocket TV is still in the fund-raising stage on Kickstarter, but they have well exceeded their initial $100,000 they needed to raise. I hope this gets a worldwide release as I really think it is a device and idea that has legs…
About The Author – Scott Lawlor
Chief Editor of FRC. A self confessed geek with an unhealthy thirst for all things Home Cinema. Whether it is the latest Action film or Subwoofer. Check out his home set up HERE
Are you interested in this product? Fancy having a SMART TV? Comment below…
Scott Lawlor
Interesting find. I feel anything that makes “older” technology into new and up-to-date has lots of potential. I think usability will make or break it, as in will the streaming be seemless, how well it will function, and the price.
Hi Raghav,
I am totally with you about the functionality. They make a good sales pitch huh? I want one big time. But how will it perform in the real world.
Have you got an ANDROID device? I am quite taken with them now. I am off Apple in a big way…. it is an Evil Empire… hahaha I joke but it is nice to see the rest of the world catching up.
This looks like an awesome device, any idea what the final price will be?
They have quoted around $110 which isn’t bad at all. What does that work out in Euros?
But I agree with you, it does look awesome!
That’s an alright price. I read a review about their infinite USB stick and that wasn’t too good, so I’ll first wait for the actual product and reviews. If it’s good I’ll order it since I don’t have a smart TV and it looks like a cool gadget to have.
Yea I totally agree with you. I will try and see if they will send me a review copy so I can test it out!! Worth a shot right?
This is really interesting. See, I’ve got a Panasonic and access to the Internet with all its apps, but it’s the lack of available apps which always bums me out. Sure it’s great to watch stuff on youtube and etc, but I always want more.
Being a fan of Android, it’s nice to see it being used in this way. Shows how flexible and open a platform it really is.
The only thing is… I do have ability to watch live Twitter/Facebook streams on my TV while I’m watching certain shows/films, but seriously, why do I want to?! I just want to enjoy what I’m watching and not feel the need to interact!
Check you out with your fandango TV!! LOL
I am glad you popped in, as I knew you would like it. Android is an amazing platform and it was you that helped me to choose the apps I use everyday, thanks for that!!
I agree about the FB and Tweets during a film though. LOL
Hehe! Fandango TV! To be honest, out of all the apps on it, the only ones I’ve used are youtube and occasionally BBC iPlayer. Everything else is just … meh!
Wouldn’t catch Apple’s OS on anything like this. No sirree!
Well they have got the iTV coming at some point soon. So that might be a game changer.
Actually it is pretty funny how ANTI Apple I am now…. The clouds have lifted!!
I am so happy that they have! More people need to see the light like you’ve done.
Love the sound of this, a great idea and if the price is only $110 that sounds a bit of a bargain!
It does doesn’t it? Did you watch the video Pete?
I wonder if it is that smooth in the real world?
Wow three questions in one reply!! HAHA
Hmmm. Interesting, that’s for sure.
Not sure I like the point the cursor directionally motion control they have up, I think I might prefer like a standard think pad mini track ball, but I suppose with some getting used to it’d be cool.
What I would like is to finally fully integrate TV and computer. It’s been years in coming… my jumbotron needs it!!!
Nice share Scott.
HAHAH What is a Jumbotron? I am a bit thick, sorry.
Yeah that mouse could be awkward. But as you say once you are used to it, I reckon it could work well
I’m trying to picture who would really get the most out of a device like this. Most people I know who are in hotels all the time have laptops and smartphones, I guess home users who don’t already have a HTPC.
Exactly BT. It would be for people without the tech savvy to go the next step, or do not want to and probably could not afford to upgrade their TV.
I hope I can get a review sample
I’d buy one of these. In a heartbeat.
Cool!! I wouldn’t mind one, although as I said before I would like to see them in the real world before splashing the cash!
I’d buy one of those in a heartbeat too! Not sure about the billions of cables trailing everywhere though to be honest.
This is cool, great find Scott! I hope they can raise enough money and make this product available to consumers everywhere.
Me too. I really think it will throw a cat amongst the pigeons!!
Do you use Android Ted?
No, I’ve never use Android before, only Apple products. I don’t appose to using it though and since my current iPhone 4S is giving me issues, I might think of switching to the other side.
Ah. I turned away from Apple on my last upgrade, and I must say ANDROID is excellent. And flexible.
Give it a go!!