Higole has launched a kickstarter for its compact HDMI 2.1 Android mini-PC-tablet hybrid | Tech Reddy

WTF?! Android-based miniature PCs have been around for a while, but Higol recently published a strange example that spans multiple device classes with impressive media output capabilities. If its Kickstarter campaign is successful, the GOLE 1 R could be a versatile compact hybrid system.

Shenzhen Higole recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Android 12 mini-PC, which features a touchscreen and HDMI 2.1 output for Ultra HD media playback, among other things. With about a month to go, the company plans to offer the device for around $350 if the campaign is successful.

The 8K Ultra HD label above the GOLE 1 R’s 5.5-inch IPS touchscreen on the Kickstarter page is misleading, but the machine still has impressive media capabilities. Higol didn’t reveal the screen resolution, but it’s not 8K.

Instead, the device’s 8K media playback functionality comes from its HDMI 2.1 output, which allows decoding and playback of up to 8K video on external displays. HDMI 2.1 is still relatively rare, especially for something as small as a smartphone.

The GOLE 1 R also includes an HDMI 1.4 input that allows it to function as an external display for other devices. Hygol eventually plans to offer versions of the hybrid tablet with 10.1-, 15.6-, 21-, 27- and 32-inch screens. The Kickstarter campaign also featured the $300 GOLE 1 RN without a screen or battery for users who want a mini-computer.

Under the hood, the GOLE 1 R features a 2.4 GHz RK-3588 processor, 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 128 GB of EMCC storage with a microSD card reader, a gigabit Ethernet port, speakers, a microphone, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. . The device’s five USB ports – one USB-C and four USB-A 3.0 – allow desktop PC use via a separate mouse and keyboard. As for the software, the machine ships with Android 12, but allows users to install RTLinux or Ubuntu.

Higole advertises the GOLE 1 R as a multi-purpose device. Users can connect it to professional-grade cameras, use it as a compact UHD home theater device, use its desktop features for software development, or play Android games. One video depicts a user manipulating the touchscreen controls to simultaneously play a game on the device while connected to a monitor. USB and Bluetooth also support traditional gamepads.