Strange people, these Chinese manufacturers. They release a gadget and cannot explain what it is for. Here’s an example – Mecool NOW KA2, which is positioned in the TV-Box category. However, it is intended for entirely different purposes, which will be discussed in this article.
What is Mecool NOW KA2 and what is it for
The Mecool KA2 set-top box is an Android device for a TV, capable of supporting streaming services and video calls. Additionally, its functionality is supplemented with support for playing various content. Similar to regular Android set-top boxes. Only with some limitations.
The Mecool KA2 device is aimed at bloggers who need to shoot content in real-time and see it immediately on the screen. The set-top box is conveniently designed for these capabilities:
- “Shoe” mount for a tripod.
- Presence of HDMI input and output for device connection.
- Built-in camera and microphone for shooting or making video calls.
Technical specifications of Mecool NOW KA2
| Chipset | Amlogic S905X4 |
| Processor | 4x ARM Cortex A55 |
| Graphics adapter | ARM Mail-G31 MP2 |
| RAM | DDR3 2GB |
| Storage | Flash 16 GB |
| Interfaces | 1xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB 2.0, HDMI-in, HDMI-out, RJ-45, DC |
| Multimedia elements | Built-in microphone (2 pcs);
Speaker 5 W (1 pc); FullHD 2 MP camera (1 pc). |
| Wired internet interfaces | 100 Mbps Ethernet |
| Wireless interfaces | WiFi 2T2R 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Operating system | Android 10 |
| Price | $130 |
Mecool NOW KA2 – Useless TV-Box or…
Let the manufacturer talk as much as they want about the multimedia capabilities of the set-top box as a TV-Box. Just multiply all this advertising by zero. Because Mecool NOW KA2 is not capable of providing the TV owner with what they need.
All pre-installed functionality is limited to playing videos from YouTube and Google services. The declared support for 4K, HDR, H.265, 3D is not suitable for using the gadget as a TV-Box. At least because it is impossible to install programs from third-party sources on the device. Cloud and external storage are blocked at the firmware level, which limits the functionality of the set-top box.
Streaming set-top box Mecool NOW KA2
A pleasant moment is that the device performed well as a video signal receiver. By the way, the set-top box is perfect for use with the blogger kit we recently tested. Moreover, the camera and microphones handle their tasks perfectly. And this cannot but please. Ordinary communication in Google Duo on the Mecool NOW KA2 set-top box caused delight. The picture quality transmitted to the interlocutor and the sound are perfect. Of course, everything still depends on the connection channel. But there are no questions about the hardware part of the set-top box.
And one more point. The powerful Amlogic S905X4 chipset and the ability to install any applications from the Google Market open up interesting functionality for the user. The Mecool NOW KA2 set-top box handles demanding games well. You cannot stream videos from torrents, but any games are available. From the outside, it all looks funny.
Overall, the gadget is not bad for its functionality. But it does not have the desired “wow” effect (or “wow”, as some prefer). Considering the price – 130 US dollars, the streaming set-top box with limited services looks very raw. Well, at least they should allow installing programs (maybe an update will enable this). We are waiting. Or the manufacturer’s loyalty. Or a similar device with comparable functionality from competitors.
