How to turn your 10-year-old television into a Smart TV?

Eurostar, a UAE-based electronics company has introduced the region’s first ever Android-powered set-top box, that can power up your 10-year-old television set into a smart TV.

The ES99008 HD runs the latest Android Jellybean and comes in two different sizes. Eurostar showcased the device for the first time at CABSAT 2013 in Dubai and is expected to launch within the next two weeks.

Once connected, you can enjoy all the apps from Google Play. The specially designed remote that acts as a mouse, is very sensitive and moves at the same speed as your hand does.

On one side of the remote is a full keypad for easier typing and on the other side the buttons to control the set top box.

A single click takes the user from the traditional satellite channel list to the Android section.

The set top box also enables you to request movie on demand and record a TV programme, while watching another channel.

It also allows content to be shared to other devices such as Android based smart phones and tablets through direct Wi-Fi – thereby enabling multiple devices to run Live TV on their personal devices simultaneously.

This is enabled through SAT>IP, a new IP-based architecture for receiving and distributing satellite signals and allows satellite programs to be distributed, like traditional IPTV, over any IP network.

Once the SAT>IP software application is installed, satellite programs can be distributed like traditional IPTV over any IP network using wireless (WLAN, 4G), power line, wired ethernet, optical fibre, plastic fibre, coax, twisted pair (xDSL) or visible light technology.

The special advantage offered by the SAT>IP is it allows satellite programs to be received on other modern IP capable devices such as Tablets, PCs, Laptops, Smartphones, Connected TV’s, Game Consoles and Media Players can all become satellite viewing clients.

Shaan Jethwani, Executive Director, EUROSTAR Group, told Emirates 247 that company is keen on bringing new technology into the region and has managed to sell more than 1 million set-top boxes in 2012 alone.

The company deals with several consumer electronics products such as appliances and even mobile phones and tablets.

“Later this year we also plan to bring a new phablet – e-Pad Genie.

The android powered 6 inch device will be available during the second and third quarter of 2013,” he added.

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