[Mark Hodgkinson]

Launches in US at $50 in October

If FAVI's just announced 'Smart' Streaming Stick works - and works well - it will send alarm bells ringing in Sony's offices as a serious threat to their newly released Android TV, GS7-NS7 box, bearing in mind the rather large price differential of the two products.

Just announced for the US, The SmartStick will hit the market for just $50 and enable users to bring a clutch of features to their non-smart TVs. The small device, which is plugged in to your TV's HDMI port allows access yto movies, music, apps and games and runs the latest Jelly Bean, 4.1 Android OS.

The Apps ready for launch include movie streaming via Netflix, HULU or EPIX, music streaming via Pandora or Spotify, video streaming via You Tube, and also social media sites like Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, the SmartStick includes a full Internet browser and 4GB of built-in memory. Included with the SmartStick is its MediaSHARE app where you can wirelessly deliver movies, music and photos directly to your TV making it a hub of entertainment with no subscription needed.

To make operations easier, Favi will also market a mini wireless keyboard complete with a touch pad for $39.99

Introducing the SmartStick by FAVI - YouTube

"We are thrilled to introduce this easy to use device for both work and play," says Jeremy Yakel, founder of FAVI Entertainment "SmartStick allows for much more than a streaming video box, it's your SmartTV, Home Theater and PC all rolled into one."

To give some perspective, the Sony Google TV retails for $199 in the States and, on the face of it, makes a very similar offer to the $89.99 Favi package. As fates would have it, we'll have a review of the Sony Google TV up later today and you can subscribe for that here.

UPDATE: The Sony Google TV Review is now live:

http://www.avforums.com/reviews/Sony...80/Review.html

[Trollslayer]

Hmm... no specs on their website, no Ethernet.
The Sony unit has some higher specifications than the usual Chinese sticks like this (Marvell Armada 1500 versus single core CPU).
Depending on the SoC used, XMBC support may be available for some sticks. This would make a difference to the user experience.

[CrucialM500]

Looks like a branded version of

Dual Core Android PC that plugs into your TV - Klastor Android TV-PC Dual Core - Rockchip RK3066 - £29.99 @ Amazon / Electroniceze - Hot UK Deals

[Trollslayer]

I believe that is has NEON hardware acceleration which is supported by XBMC's Android build - remembering that the Andoird build is still a work in progress.