Google’s ADT-3 Android TV developer kit is now available to buy. However, this is a developer-focused device and is therefore unlikely to be the best option for most consumers.
Back in December, Google announced the ADT-3 developer kit. While this is the latest Android TV device to come from Google, it’s designed to be a hardware solution for developers to test out the latest version of Android TV, as well as how their own apps and services work with Android.
Due to its developer nature, the ADT-3 was only expected to be available for developers to buy. However, the company who actually makes the ADT-3 device has now started selling the Android TV player directly. For those interested, the ADT-3 is now available to buy online for $79.99.
In terms of the specs, the ADT-3 features 2GB RAM, 8GB storage and is powered by an Amlogic S905Y2 SoC. There’s one HDMI 2.1 port and one micro-USB port, with additional supports including up to 4K Ultra HD, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. The device measures 2.72 x 2.72 x 0.59 inches and weighs in at 1.76 ounces. Besides the main player, the package also includes the Google Assistant-enabled remote, one HDMI cable, one USB cable, the mains power plug, and two AA batteries for the remote.
Should you buy the ADT-3?
The big selling point with opting for this device over other Android TV devices is that it comes running on Android 10 – the latest version of Android TV. Android 10 for Android TV was only announced when the ADT-3 was announced and it will likely be some time before it becomes available on other Android TV devices.
However, with this being a developer device, it is a fairly bare-bones product. Both the remote and the box are not much to look at and will come with limited functionality and features compared to other Android TV products. This also might mean the interface is limited in some respects as it remains to be seen how many of the major streaming apps are already compatible with Android 10, considering this is not a version of Android that has rolled out yet.
For most average consumers, the ADT-3 is unlikely to be the right streaming device for them. For those who do want to see what the next version of Android TV has to offer before anyone else, the ADT-3 might be worth the purchase.
Source: Askey
