Users can now turn any old or new television into an advanced Smart TV with the Cideko Smart TV Box from Nology.
This Android-based product enables users to access digital content via the Internet, enjoy online shopping, download movies, music and interact on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Users also have the choice to make use of a collection of pre-loaded local content, educational tools and resources developed locally, known as the Wise Experience.
The Cideko Smart TV Box is plug-and-play ready, easy to set up and simple to use. It features a wireless, full QWERTY keyboard, which incorporates a gyroscope that turns the keyboard into a user-friendly pointing device to replace a mouse, enhancing the user experience.
Simply connect the device to the HDMI or RCA port on a television (RCA cables are included, but not the HDMI cable) and connect it to a router wirelessly, via an Ethernet cable, or plug a compatible 3G USB modem into the rear USB port, for instant access to the Internet.
“Smart is the future of television, and the Cideko Smart TV box delivers smart TV functionality at a fraction of the cost.
“Not only is it great for creating a home entertainment centre, but the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system (OS) also allows users to download apps such as  DropBox, Facebook and Twitter as well as popular games like Angry Birds from the Android App Store,” says Ross Griffiths, product manager at Nology.
“Furthermore, the Wise Experience adds significant value. Online shopping and business tools enables users to buy air tickets, groceries and more through a variety of local partners, while classroom learning tools assist children with their schoolwork.
“The Smart TV Box is so powerful it can even be used as a mini-computer in the home. This means there is no need to buy additional PCs for children to do their homework on, surf the Internet and download content,” Griffiths adds.
A user-friendly homepage screen with clock and weather widgets lets users easily access the features of the Cideko Smart TV Box, including the media player for sharing and playback of content, the Wise Experience, the Internet Browser and YouTube.
Content can be streamed wirelessly from notebooks, smartphones or any other WiFi enabled device for the ultimate in connected home content sharing. Three USB ports and a SD card reader let users display music, videos and photographs from memory sticks, external hard drives or SD cards for instant sharing.
“The Cideko Smart TV Box turns your TV into a family entertainment hub, bringing the smart TV experience within reach of a wider audience, connecting more people and helping to bridge South Africa’s digital divide,” Griffiths concludes.
The Cideko Smart TV Box is available now from Pick’n’Pay Hyper stores for a recommended retail price of R1499.00 including VAT.