The nice people from Fukuda sent us one of their products, the Fukuda Smart Boz (FSBX-4Q2G16). The small device is actually a full blown Android running device that can turn your TV into a smart TV. Our review is up!
Fukuda Smart Box key specs:
- 1.8GHz quad-core Rockchip RK3188 processor
- AMD Z430 GPU (2D/3D Open GLES 2.0 / Open VG1.1)
- 2GB DDR3 RAM
- 16GB of storage (+microSD up to 32GB)
- 2MP camera
- HDMI out put 720p – 1080p
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
- Miracast
- 4x USB 2.0
- OTG support
- Built-in Mic
- Android 4.4 KitKat
Inside the Box:
The Smart Box package comes with an IR remote control, a USB cable, an HDMI cable, and a power adapter. Its a good thing that an HDMI cable is included. No need to buy one as this package allows you to start almost immediately.
The Review:
Resembling a small modem, the Smart Box measures in at 120 x 115 x 28 mm. Its small and compact, meaning you can place it in a hidden spot near your TV if you want a minimalist setup. It’s body is made of shiny plastic that creaks a bit when pressed. The build quality is about average, but the device is well made.
The Smart Box has a total of 4 USB ports, with 2 flanking each side. There is also a card slot on the left side, while a reset button resides on the right. At the back, you will see the power port, an ethernet port, an optical port, and a 3.5mm AV out. It also comes with a 2MP camera and a mic, which you can use for video calls like Skype, Hangouts, etc.
The 1.8GHz Rockchip quad core processor and the 2GB of RAM does a good job of keeping the interface smooth. Scrolling across screens is fast and responsive. The launcher lags somewhat from time to time, but downloading another launcher (I like using the Google Now Launcher) minimized it. The opening apps are quick, but the device struggles a bit with processor/graphics intensive ones. That being said, the device has no trouble with popular games, but would have problems with the heavier ones.
The Smart Box comes pre-loaded with the XMBC app. Its a free and open source media player that supports a wide range of video and audio formats.
I also installed and ran Antutu for those who likes benchmarks. The Smart Box scored a respectable 21,935. Benchmark score or not, the user experience is quite good.
The Smart TV:
The Smart Box works well as a media device. You can access YouTube and play it straight away. You can also play movies ,videos and music in thumb drives by plugging it in the USB port labeled OTG. You can just about do anything on the Smart Box as your Android phone can.
The Minimalist Workstation:
I wanted to try turning the Smart Box into a minimalist workstation. I plugged in a mouse and a keyboard. It works well, so long as you don’t mind using your TV as a monitor, and replacing Windows apps with Android equivalents. Some keyboard keys don’t work, but the most used ones do. If you plan on going this route, you can use Google Drive to access and edit documents. You can also install Google Docs, Slides and Sheets.
The Verdict:
Fukuda’s Smart Box (FSBX-4Q2G16) strays away a bit from traditional Android devices. The little box plugs into your TV and almost instantly turns it into an Android running Smart TV. Performance is above average, and easily It can be used to consume media and play games, or, with a keyboard and mouse, as a minimalist workstation for typing and editing documents.
The Fukuda Smart Box retails for PHP6,500. You can get one in the following outlets:
- G/F Session Apartment, Session Road, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, right across Farmer’s Market
- 6A Dama de Noche St. UPS4, Barangay Marcelo Green, West Service Road, Sucat Paranaque
UPDATE (02/10/2015): The Fukuda Smart box now retails for only P5,999 and comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse. It costs P4,999 for just the unit. Both offers come with free shipping. They also accept phone-in orders through hotline 836-9440, email pinoycare@fukuda-asia.com, and FB facebook.com/fukudaoutletandservice.
