ET Review: Akai Smart Box

Price: Rs 6,990

Specifications: Android 2.3, 1.2Ghz processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage, 4 x USB ports, SD card slot, HDMI, A/V out, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, wireless mouse

Positives: Great performance, lightweight & compact, all cables provided in the box

Negatives: Sluggish user interface, older Android version, wireless mouse is the only control

Rating: * * *

Android-based media players offer the best of both worlds — seamless multimedia playback and the ability to run various apps/games on a larger screen. Akai’s Android 2.3 Smart Box tries to stand out from the rest by providing a wireless mouse for navigation and control instead of a regular remote.

The Smart Box is surprisingly lightweight and comes with 4 USB ports plus a SD card slot. One of those USB ports is used for the wireless mouse dongle. If you plug in a keyboard, you will be left with two USB ports. Also, all the ports are on the back of the device — this could pose a problem if the device is placed inside a cabinet, for instance.

You can connect it with a flatpanel TV via HDMI or to a CRT TV using the standard (composite or non HD) AV port — all the cables are provided in the box. The custom user interface of the Smart Box looks dated and is sluggish. The main screen shows a row of 6 folders — each one with various apps inside.

Clicking on a folder opens a subinterface from where you can launch the installed apps. Using just a wireless mouse to control Android has some disadvantages. Left click on the mouse is 'select' as usual but the right click performs the ‘back’ action. Playing most games is next to impossible; you need to keep the mouse on a flat surface all the time and typing with the onscreen keyboard is tedious.

Performance wise the hardware is adequate to run full HD videos as well as most games. If you're looking to convert your existing TV into an Android powered smart TV, we would recommend spending a bit more on Amkette's EvoTV.