The new Mecool KA1 is now available on AliExpress, a really curious smart speaker due to its characteristics, since it even incorporates an HD DTT tuner.
Hidden inside the rounded body of the KA1 is a single 10W speaker with a 4-ohm resistor and 2 long-range microphones to communicate with the Google Assistant. In its design, the 4 indicative LEDs of different colours on its front and the button to turn off the microphones also stand out.
Inside, its latest-generation Amlogic S905X4 processor stands out, capable of decoding up to the AV1 codec and smoothly moving the Android TV 11 system that the Mecool KA1 carries. By having certified Android TV we will have Chromecast included and wide access to all the apps in the Google store.
Note that we have a version with a tuner for HD DTT, but it is not suitable for use with paid streaming platforms because it does not seem to be certified to watch Netflix in 4K quality, among others.
If you want more information about the AMlogic SoC you can read our review of the S905X4 processor.
SoC, RAM and storage
The Mecool KA1 Smart Speaker includes the AMlogic S905X4 processor as its engine, a Quad Core manufactured in 12nm with low-power ARM Cortex-A55 processors that theoretically reach 2 GHz speed and integrates a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. The VPU includes 4K@60fps, HDR, HDR10 and HLG support.
We have different versions with 2/4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM memory soldered on the board and 16/32 GB of eMMc storage memory. This time we don’t have a micro SD card reader, so if we want to expand the storage space we can only do it through the USB 3.0 port with a pen drive.
Other specs
In the field of wireless connectivity, the KA1 has dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. The connectors included on the sides of its plastic case are a USB 3.0 port, a 10/100 Ethernet RJ45 interface to connect it via cable, and an HDMI 2.1 video output that can output video in up to 8K resolutions. IN its version with DTT HD tuner, we also have the corresponding antenna input.
As usual, it includes an HDMI cable, a power transformer and a Bluetooth remote control with different quick keys and a microphone to give remote commands to this Speaker from the first moment.
Price and availability in stores of the Mecool KA1
- The Mecool KA1 Smart Speaker can currently be purchased exclusively on AliExpress from $308 with shipping included.
- We hope to see it soon at a much lower price than this and available in stores like Amazon.
