Chinese company Ugoos has announced one of the first 8K media players. It can decode 8K video but you should not expect streaming services to embrace it.
The Ugoos AM8 (Plus) is a small black box powered by an Amlogic S928X-J system chip and Android 11.
Ugoos AM8 has HDMI and three USB ports. Photo: Company
It is one of the first media players compatible with 8K video with hardware support for AV1, VP9-2, HEVC and AVS3 decoding up to 8K 60fps. It is also equipped with an HDMI 2.1a port that can output 8K.
- "Today we are glad to announce some good news. The first 8K, brand new Ugoos AM8 based on Amlogic S928X-J is ready to rock!," announced Chinese company Ugoos.
Android, not Android TV
The media player can decode 8K video stored locally on a USB storage device or network device. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision (FEL support not confirmed).
However, there is no guarantee that it will ever support 8K video from the leading streaming services, if they decide to launch 8K.
The box runs Android 11 but it is the so-called AOSP (Android Open Source Project) which is not directly affiliated with Google. It is a version of Android with roots in mobile devices that lacks access to the Google Play TV store, meaning that you must sideload mobile apps that are not designed for TV interaction and must accept low streaming quality intended for a smartphone as this is how the device will identify itself to streaming servers.
The only glimpse of the user interface that we have right now is this. It supports English language.
The box runs 'mobile Android' without access to the Google Play TV store. Photo: Company
8K gets closer, but you should wait
While the launch signifies that the hardware required for 8K is getting close to the mainstream, most owners of 8K TVs should probably still hold off on buying it due to the before-mentioned limitations.
We also have concerns about preloaded malware.
Ugoos says that the AM8 player will be available for international shipping in late September for $249.
- Source: Ugoos
