Nixeus Technology announced an Android 2.2-based multimedia player selling for as low as $160. Offering 1080p playback, web browsing, and third-party Android app downloads, the Nixeus Fusion XS Network Media Player includes a dual-core, 900MHz Marvell Armada 1000 system on chip (SoC), an Ethernet port, dual USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, and audio I/O.

The Nixeus Fusion XS Network Media Player follows up on the company's Fusion HD (pictured at right), which ran Linux on a MIPs-based Sigma 8650 processor. Like the Fusion HD, the Fusion XS plays 1080p movies, photos, and music directly to a TV.

Like the Fusion HD, the Fusion XS lets users access their own media files from an externally attached hard drive, as well as any UPnP or DLNA-ready network shared device on a Windows network. Other similar features include a web browser and the ability to listen to music while browsing photos on the TV, says Nixeus.

Nixeus Fusion XS Network Media Player
(Click to enlarge)

Unlike the HD model, the XS lacks an option for an internal hard disk drive (HDD), but it provides several other advantages. These include a more powerful processor, a $50 lower price, as well as support for third-party Android apps. In addition, although Nixeus does not list dimensions, the player appears to be smaller.

The Fuxion XS runs Android 2.2 ("Froyo") on a 900MHz Marvell Armada 1000, which features the ARMv7 instruction set, as well as video and 3D processing engines. Together, these features make the Armada 1000 the functional equivalent of a Cortex-A8 processor. Nixeus makes note of the SoC's Qdeo video/image post processing, said to help in ensure smooth HD playback.

Fusion XS rear view with ports
(Click to enlarge)

No memory details were offered for the Fuxion XS, but the device is said to provide a 10/100 Ethernet port, optional 802.11b/g/n, and two USB 2.0 host ports. An HDMI port is provided along with an S/PDIF optical audio connection, and a composite output, according to Nixeus.

A wide range of file formats are supported including H.264, MKV, Rmvb, AVI, and MP4, says Nixeus. The device provides support for DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD bit-streaming for immersive 7.1 bit-audio, adds the company.

Fusion CS media playback UI
(Click to enlarge)

Unlike many digital media players and related IPTV gadgets, the Fuxion XS lets users project their Android experience on the big screen — though given the Froyo build, it's an Android experience from a year ago. Froyo is good enough to give the Chrome web browser HTML5 and Adobe Flash support, however. The system offers preinstalled Facebook, YouTube, and Picasa apps, as well as Pandora and TuneIn Internet radio stations, says Nixeus.

Side view of Fusion XS

Stated Tony Diep, vice president of sales and marketing, Nixeus Technology, "By incorporating the award-winning Marvell Armada 1000 chipset and Android OS into the Fusion XS, we're confident the entertainment experience will be enhanced like never before."

Availability

The Nixeus Fusion XS Network Media Player has an MSRP of $170, says Nixeus Technology. The device is available for purchase at Amazon.com, D&H Distributing, and NCIX.com, which is selling the device for $160. The earlier, Linux-based Fusion HD lists at $220, but is widely available for $200.

More information on the Fusion XS may be found at the company's Fusion XS product page.

This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.