Qualcomm to rival Chromecast with its 4K Streaming Adapter: Has Android and LTE wireless

18.02.2015
Google's Chromecast is a popular gadget but it might be quacking in its boots at the sight of Qualcomm's new 4K HDMI-dongle. See also Best media streamers.

Currently called the Qualcomm 4K Streaming Adapter, this pint-sized piece of kit squeezed a high-end smartphone spec into a tiny box - albeit without a screen and battery. The device is a working reference design so could change going forward and will be sold by partners with new cosmetics.

Inside, like a number of premium smartphones, is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 processor but this could be upgraded to the newer Snapdragon 810 which is set to arrive in the LG G Flex 2 and Xiaomi Mi Note Pro.

The processor supports Ultra HD or 4K video resolution which is more than rivals such as the Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku Streaming Stick and Amazon Fire TV can offer.

The prototype is also running a full version of Android but what you actually see on your TV will depend on what manufacturers decide on. Many may go for a Chromecast style method where you choose the content on your phone or tablet rather than simply see the usual user interface with apps and widgets galore.

It's possible they will choose to run Android TV which will be built into many TV sets this year from the likes of Sony and Philips.

AS you would expect, the device has built-in 11ac Wi-Fi in order to stream content over your broadband connection. However, the Snapdragon also supports LTE so there is the potential to receive TV from an operator using 4G frequencies.

This is one prototype which we really hope comes to market.

Via SlashGear

(www.pcadvisor.co.uk)

Chris Martin