[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he MECOOL HomePlus KA1 is a new, this time smart audio device with Android TV built-in. Announced at the end of October, MECOOL KA1, now known as MECOOL HomePlus, is a 2-in-1 device. It’s a combination of a voice-activated smart speaker with an Android TV Box (powered by Android TV 11) and Google Assistant built-in. HomePlus KA1 Android TV Smart speaker will also be available in the DVB version. More precisely, with a built-in DVB-C / T / T2 tuner.
Price and Availability
The new MECOOL HomePlus KA1 Smart Speaker is available for pre-order in the Official Store on Aliexpress. In addition, the device in both versions can be found on the MECOOL website. However, only the MECOOL KA1 DVB version has a price. Below are the current prices.
MECOOL website:
- HomePlus (OTT Version) for $249, after coupon: ANDROIDTVBOX for $224.10
- MECOOL HomePlus (DVB Version) for $249, after coupon: ANDROIDTVBOX for $224.10
The prices will certainly change soon, so we advise you to refrain from buying. As soon as the current prices and discounts are available, we will let you know immediately.
MECOOL HomePlus KA1 Smart Speaker Overview features
You can find the fullest overview of the features in our previous article. However, below you will find the most important. HomePlus KA1 Android Smart Speaker is powered by Amlogic S905X4 SoC with 4K AV1 decoding support. Comes with 4GB RAM DDR4 and 32GB eMMC storage. The smart speaker runs on Google Certified Android TV 11 OS, with Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in.
What’s interesting, KA1 smart speaker have successfully passed Google Assistant Readiness Test (ART).
MECOOL HomePlus Android TV smart speaker supports Dual Band 2T2R MIMO Wifi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and fast ethernet. When it comes to streaming, the device will support streaming and video playback up to 4K @60fp (AV1, H.265, VP9). It will support the content (up to 4K) of popular streaming vendors such as Prime Video, HBO, Youtube. By contrast, it does not appear to be certified by Netflix. The device has also a built-in 2x 5W RMS Speaker. DVB version comes with a built-in DVB-C / T / T2 tuner.
Main Features HomePlus KA1 Android TV smart speaker
- Far-Field voice: Build in two Linear microphone arrays, support Far-Field voice, which can enhance your voice, creating a fixed filter for all words and false commands.
- Hands-free TV control: Support 4K TV play, you can ask it to turn on the TV and switch to a particular channel, movie VOD /play via Far-Field voice, this makes watching TV more convenient.
- 24/7 Google Assistant: When the TV screen closes, it becomes a 24/7 AI Assistant, it can always listen for your queries and requests, such as playing music, weather, traffic updates, etc.
- Housekeeper (smart home controller): Control smart home devices through Far-Field voice, eg dim lights.
- Visual reminder: Four LED Signal Light.
MECOOL HomePlus KA1 OTT Version vs HomePlus KA1 DVB Version
Visually, both versions do not differ from each other. However, among the ports in the DVB version, you will find an antenna input. In addition, the differences can be seen in Bluetooth voice remote controls. MECOOL KA1 in OTT comes version with a simple remote control known from other Android TV streaming media players, looks like a G10 voice remote. Whereas the DVB version comes with a larger Bluetooth voice remote for the TV and DVB channels. The remote control resembles the G20 voice remote.
Below you will find the back of the HomePlus Android TV Smart speaker and the available ports in both versions.
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