The Tiny Cotton Candy Computer Runs Android 4.0 ICS, Ubuntu
The little computer in a USB/HDMI stick evolves a little more.
Last year we reported on a product called Cotton Candy from FXI Tech that contains a dual-core ARM A9-based Samsung Exynos processor capable of outputting to a PC via USB or TV via HDMI.
When we first saw it, it was running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. At CES 2012, we've seen an updated version of the device running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as well as Ubuntu. The flash drive-sized device accepts a MicroSD card, so switching out to a different operating system is as simple as swapping out the flash card.
"One of the major benefits of the Cotton Candy device is its versatility," said Borgar Ljosland, CEO and founder of FXI Technologies. "By demonstrating two new operating systems on a variety of screens from PCs, to Macs to TVs, we further show the flexibility of the world’s smallest computer."
There may be some debate about whether or not it really is the smallest, but it certainly does pack a ton of potential in a very small package. We were also shown that the little stick can accept micro USB, which allowed for a USB gamepad to be plugged into the side for some gaming action.
We hope to see the final product ship sometime this year.
Read more about the FXI Tech Cotton Candy stick here.
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southernshark This is what I've been saying people should use instead of Smart TVs. Well not this exact item, but similar such products. This is something that you could easily and relatively cheaply upgrade and attach to your TV. And instead of tossing out a perfectly good tv every 2 to 3 years, you can just buy another one of these.Reply
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joytech22 I honestly really want one of these just to play around with, give me something geeky to do. lol.Reply -
bluekoala This + USB hub + gamepad + ZSNES = Portable super nintendoReply
It would be awesome to play topgear 2 with the father in law on his TV with a device that I pulled out of my jacket pocket.... -
tuch92 So on the previous news, it says it was going to sell for around $200. I know it's not as powerful, but I think a Raspberry Pi for $35 would be a way better value.Reply -
nukemaster bluekoalaThis + USB hub + gamepad + ZSNES = Portable super nintendoIt would be awesome to play topgear 2 with the father in law on his TV with a device that I pulled out of my jacket pocket....MORTAL KOMBAT!!!!Reply -
southernshark tuch92So on the previous news, it says it was going to sell for around $200. I know it's not as powerful, but I think a Raspberry Pi for $35 would be a way better value.Reply
Maybe $200 if they make it. If someone like Amazon got this, you can bet it would be a sub $100 dollar item. And I would be surprised if they don't do just that in a year or two. I'm sure Amazon would love every TV set in America being tied into the Amazon store. Hell they might actually GIVE these away. -
alidan southernsharkMaybe $200 if they make it. If someone like Amazon got this, you can bet it would be a sub $100 dollar item. And I would be surprised if they don't do just that in a year or two. I'm sure Amazon would love every TV set in America being tied into the Amazon store. Hell they might actually GIVE these away.Reply
with the purchase of a compatible TV, for normal people just trying to upgrade their own TV to be subsidized. -
stingstang southernsharkThis is what I've been saying people should use instead of Smart TVs. Well not this exact item, but similar such products. This is something that you could easily and relatively cheaply upgrade and attach to your TV. And instead of tossing out a perfectly good tv every 2 to 3 years, you can just buy another one of these.Who the hell tosses out their tv every 2-3 years? I want to know so I can get myself some more televisions...Reply