streaming applications helped popularize Smart TVs, but not everyone has adopted the new models. Due to the high prices, many people decided to choose alternative gadgets able to bring these features to their televisions.
Video games, Blu-ray and even Chromecast are viable options adopted by many consumers. In this competitive market, NewLink decided to offer a different option that aims to bring the whole system with their Android apps to the TV.
NewLink TV101 is an Android TV adapter that can be easily plugged into an HDMI port (you must use a USB or jack to connect the device) and quickly turn an ordinary TV into a smart device.
It is compact, provides a reasonable hardware has capabilities to connect to WiFi networks and comes with USB and card reader controller. Basically, just plug in a mouse and enjoy the best of Android on the big screen. The idea is good, but will this gadget can supply quality features of a Smart TV?
(Image Source: Tecmundo / Baixaki)” alt = “Analysis com.br/2014/1/materias/14636774520175127-t640.jpg
Approved
Laptop and uncomplicated
There is no denying that the idea of ??this device is more than interesting, after all, is like having an Android can run on almost any TV that has an HDMI port. NewLink The TV101 is portable and very practical.
Just plug it into the HDMI, connect the cable to the USB (or jack) and start using. No need to press any button, and soon you will be on the desktop of Android. This adapter charges the system in just a few seconds.
(Image Source: Press Release / NewLink)” alt = “Analysis com.br/2014/1/materias/1463677452018104-t640.jpg
As there is a remote control or a touch screen (like there is on other Android devices), you need a mouse or a keyboard to navigate. You can use peripherals wired or wireless. In our tests, both types worked.
very recent Android
When we connect the product, we can check that the manufacturer has included a very recent version of Android: Jelly Bean 4.2 system. The main software is lightweight and, as expected, shows compatibility with almost all apps from Google Play.
As we are dealing with a device without physical buttons, the manufacturer put icons in the Taskbar to adjust the volume level, switch between apps, and even to turn off the product. There is a special button that minimizes the bar and ensures the use of the system in full screen mode.
The presence of the card reader allows you to connect the card to your mobile photos and play external videos on your TV screen. If you have a USB OTG (On The Go) adapter you can add one more USB port and expand connectivity.
Enjoyingmany apps
NewLink TV101 brings the standard Android apps, but no Chrome or other most requested software. Of course you can install all the apps you want, after all this is a system that Android has a large collection of software.
The great advantage of this device on Blu-ray or Smart TVs is compatibility with many programs that do not exist in more basic platforms. For our tests, we installed the Netflix, Telecine Play, YouTube, Crackle and programs for social networks.
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In our tests, the unit ran videos of these services and offered high image quality thanks to 1080p output. The browsing interface of apps is simple, being necessary to perform the same gestures you would on a touchscreen.
Fail
frustrating experience
Android is not a heavy system, but surely it is not so light as to a Smart TV interface. Any tablet or smartphone that works in 1080p resolution just need a good processor and a graphics chip also able to give an account of visual processing.
Onlyto check the specifications of the product, we had an idea that the modest hardware configuration TV101 could not offer an incredible experience. It turns out that in practice, the results were worse than expected.
browsing interface is very slow. Strolling on the screens of desktop, open settings and switch between open apps is something that requires patience. Explore the catalog of Netflix or surf the web also is not something pleasant.
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We notice that there are differences when we change the mouse (models with ball and BlueTrack technology work better than conventional optical devices), but despite the little arrow work fine, the general sluggishness continues.
Part of the problem is due to the single core processor, but one must consider that this gadget can not keep many apps open as it has only 512 MB of RAM. After four or five open software, it’s likely that the device freezes during any streaming video or other situations.
not had the courage to test apps benchmark, because such a gadget can not be compared with other tablets or smartphones. It is worth noting that, due to the limitations of interaction, this adapter does not fit with Android running games or apps that require many commands on the screen.
Manylimitations
Internal storage is only 4GB. This is enough to store some apps, but says not want to put too many pictures or videos. If the idea is to watch digital movies, then it is better to install a micro SD card, as sometimes a few clips in high definition now go beyond the limit of internal storage.
TV101 NewLink adapter does not have many connections, which can be a problem if we consider that the product does not have an interaction device and requires external peripherals. With a single USB, you must choose whether to use the mouse or keyboard. The OTG connection to break a twig, but it is difficult to find the adapter for this type of connection.
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You can connect a USB hub, but in our tests, the device malfunctioned after a few minutes of use, and the mouse disappears from the screen and keyboard and mouse both stopped responding to commands.
Besides these questions, we must emphasize that the NewLink TV101 does not have the ability to connect via HDMI cable. If your TV has video inputs on the back and it is installed close to the wall, you will not have to use the gadget. We try to use an MHL cable to send the video signal to the TV, but the product is not compatible.
WiFi Adapter faintly
Despite many problems, what bothered us most were network problems. We tested the NewLink TV101 with different routers, networks and Internet connections. In all situations we prepare, we note that the unit can not get a good signal reception, which results in a poor experience for streaming.
Even though only 4 or 5 feet away from the router, the device has a slow connection. After some tests, even the WiFi stopped working, being unable to download or transmit data.
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Because of these problems, the adapter could not load very long videos, and it has not been possible to watch a half hour movie on Netflix. In Crackle often the adapter simply refused to store the video buffer and showed only a black screen. A sad story for such a promising gadget.
Worth
If only NewLink TV101 could play videos without gagging until we stress the issue of poor performance and difficulty of use. However, the product has let us in almost every way, it is useful just to run apps offline and since few software are used.
Yes, this unit can run and run some Android apps, but it fails in almost every task. Clearly, besides the bit capable hardware, the WiFi adapter low performance certainly is the problem worse, since you can not take advantage of the main functionality of the gadget.
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Even
costing only 250 real, we do not recommend buying this Android TV adapter, because it fails to provide the simplest experience of a Smart TV. If you want to run Netflix and YouTube, surely it is more worthwhile to pay 200 dollars on a Blu-ray player with apps.
Purchase a phone with MHL, opt for a Chromecast buy an Apple TV or even invest your money in a video game are much more sensible ideas, which will certainly offer some apps that work without major difficulties. Who knows if the NewLink release a version with a better quality hardware, we have a good adapter on the Brazilian market.
This product was given for review by NewLink.
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