Matricom has been building Android-powered TV boxes since Honeycomb was released.  Their goal: Turn your boring TV into an Android powerhouse.  Why should be limited to the sub-par Netflix and Hulu interface your TV manufacturer provides?  The answer is, you shouldn’t.  The G-Box Q is a Google recognized device.  This means that the Google Play store is available and any app compatible with KitKat can be installed.  That includes watching all of your YouTube guilty-pleasure videos in HD on your 60″ monster.

The first Matricom devices I worked with were chintzy at best.  Thin plastic and loose connection ports surrounded questionable hardware.  I literally couldn’t slap the return label on the box fast enough.  I had absolutely no exceptions that the Q would be any different.  The un-boxing left me questioning my preconceptions. My new thought… Did Matricom grow up quickly and produced a solid piece of hardware?

The box has very sleek edges and corners.  The plastic cover is the perfect mixture between matte and piano-gloss black.  The HDMI cable connection is solid.  The LED powered G on the top of the box lights up and we are in business.  The initial boot-up is under 30 seconds and I was greeted with a user-friendly screen to setup my wireless connection and custom over-scan (making sure the picture fills your TVs screen completely).  This menu removes a lot of the guess work that the first devices required.  If followed correctly, you will be up and running in less than 5 minutes.

The latest firmware includes the PlutoTV app.  It is pre-installed, configured, and will have you streaming free internet channels in minutes.  The channels include everything from sports (football, baseball, boxing, etc…) to classic cartoons.  It even includes a guide so that you can review upcoming content and plan ahead.  Please don’t get too excited.  This is NOT your standard ABC, CBS, NBC line-up.  You might recognize the news stations, but the other channels are unique.  The random content and unknown channels will not provide you with the latest and greatest content you may be looking for.  I found that it mainly cures the “channel surfing” itch for when “there isn’t anything to watch”.

My second article referenced the Kodi media center software.  This software is a must if you want to organize your own content or stream content from ESPN, Food Network, HGTV, CNN, and many many more.  Kodi runs surprisingly smoothly and well on the Q.  To this point, all other Android devices have failed the Kodi test.  The Q held up and plays 1080P content without question.  I even tried a few 4K videos with complete success.  I fully expected a failure and found myself making the Q my primary media player.

That being said, the Q is not perfect.  It needs a little help to play well with other friends.  Here is what you need to know:
Remote Control:  The included remote control is beyond simple and does not provide any type of air-mouse support.  It will make configuration very difficult and slow.  Save yourself some frustration and time.  Include a wireless keyboard and mouse with your Q purchase.

The giant G:  The LED powered G on the top of the box very bright.  By bright I mean… Don’t plan on sleeping in the same room.  The blue glow is blinding in a dark room.  I ended up hiding the sleek box behind my TV.

Overall, the G-Box Q was designed to help you cut the cord.  It comes pre-installed with the apps to get you started.  You can install the Android apps needed to enjoy paid streaming content.  If you want to cut out your cable or satellite bill, the Q is the perfect place to start.

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Flirc: The familiarity of a remote control is a game changer.  Using a remote control allows even the most basic users to easily navigate interfaces without a keyboard or mouse.  This USB dongle allows you to do just that by transforming any IR code into a keyboard stroke.  Flirc makes it possible to use any of your existing IR remotes to control any device that supports a USB keyboard.

Kodi:  It isn’t very often that an open-source software product rules the roost.  Kodi (formerly XBMC or Xbox Media Center) has deep set roots in helping users take control of their own media.  These roots first found purchase during the original Xbox “mod” rage.  Users created Xbox “mods” to function as an Atari or Nintendo emulator, content pirating machine, or media center.  Kodi left the Xbox branding behind as it has branched out to almost every platform.  This powerful and stable center is used by most cord-cutting devices to organize or stream media.  Almost every review in this series will include the functionality and performance of Kodi.

Input Devices:  Even if you have a Flirc, keep a keyboard and mouse handy.  Initial configuration and testing will require some typing.  Most devices do provide an on-screen keyboard.  If you liked the 2003 style of texting (multiple button pushes per letter) skip the keyboard.  Just prepare yourself for a maddening configuration.

Cables, Cables, Cables:  Most of the devices are going to come with an HDMI cable.  Not one of the devices has arrived with an HDMI cable that supports CEC.  A $10 cable may bring your TV’s native CEC control to life.  I will also discuss the following cables:  USB extension, Optical / Coaxial audio, and micro-usb hub / OTG devices.

Router: When streaming media, your router can make all the difference.  Every review will compare the connectivity between a two year-old N router and a high-end AC model.  If your router doesn’t support at least N, plan on using wired connections only.

Now the introductions are made and the stage is set – all we have to do is review each device and its optimal configuration.  Do you have a device that FactoryTwoFour should review?  If so, please contact me here.

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The Ring Video Doorbell partners with your existing iOS or Android devices.  As long as the device is connected to the internet, you can monitor the Ring.  The product designers planned for most install scenarios.  The packages includes the hardware needed for a new install or an upgrade.  This well thought-out assortment even includes a micro-level.  The level is attached to the mounting plate and makes an aesthetically pleasing install simple.  I was activating my installed Ring only 22 minutes after I removed the old doorbell button.

My first test subject arrived a few hours after the install.  The notification popped up and I accepted the ‘call’.  I spoke into my phone and greeted him with, “How can I help you today?”.  A slightly spooked dealer of wares turned his head to my Ring and said, “This is interesting.”.  The conversation did not go much further.  I politely assured him that I was not interested in Arizona beach front property and pressed the end button.

What if your visitor decides to knock instead of using the doorbell?  Motion sensors are included for this very purpose.  The app allows complete customization of the motion sensor range.  Adjusting the zones and range to match your front stoop will make sure that all visitors are announced.  This feature alone sets Ring apart from competitors.

This addition to your home will provide the luxury of a high-rise intercom system without the price tag.  Eliminate lengthy conversations with unwanted visitors, document exact times of package deliveries, or you know, tell the food delivery person that you need a few minutes to put your pants on…

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The World of Speed is located in Wilsonville, Oregon.  It is massive and looks more like a private jet hanger, than a museum.  The high ceilings, polished concrete floor, and row after row of machines will suck in any gear-head.  The first row offers a lot of history directly tied to the state of Oregon.  Here I found one-off cars found nowhere else in the world.  Cars built by farmers from the ground up.  Men anxious to embrace the new found ability for the speed and rumble that only the accelerator pedal can offer.  Some of these creations topping out at over 100 mph.

The subsequent rows quickly moved from Franken-cars to corporate sponsorship.  Pace cars, land-speed hopefuls, and even super charged go-carts are sticker covered and their stories on display.  Some of the stories boast of greatness while others show defeat from less than .2 seconds.  Scars, wrecked bodies, and perfectly polished headlight stickers are posed and waiting for their next driver.

You aren’t allowed to sit in or drive these museum pieces.  That doesn’t mean that the World of Speed wants you to miss out on the experience.  The next corner provides you with the exact experience you might be seeking.  Three simulators are waiting to introduce you to a tangible experience of driving at Formula, Indy, or NASCAR speeds.  The cockpits dimensions are exact and three screens surround you with the high-speed simulation.  There aren’t fans in the stands, but don’t allow that to stop you from this white knuckle experience.

My visit can be summed up as this.  A walk through fuel powered history.  Roadsters with a top speed of 39 MPH, pristine classics, re-purposed war machines, side-winding motorcycles, and everything in-between are lined up and waiting.  This impressive collection will keep you entertained and make you want to get back to and under your own project.

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