We are not a big fan of HDMI sticks because they can be awkward to manipulate but they have a place in the wider ecosystem, for example in large format displays.X96, a popular manufacturer of entry level Android and Windows 10 thin clients, has just unveiled a new smart stick based on Android that plugs straight into a TV or monitor.At $45.99 from Gearbest (use code D3F2FA107261D001 at checkout), it sells for a tidy premium compared to the H96 Max which has a fairly similar specification but is also far bigger and can't be slipped into your jeans' front pocket.Running one of our best VPN services on that Android box will expand its streaming capabilitiesUse one of our best antivirus to improve its security and defend it from malware attacksYou can expand the storage capacity of this mini PC by choosing one of our best microSD cardsThat tiny form factor means that you wont have a lot of room to manoeuvre, especially as it is barely bigger than a pack of chewing gum at 98 x 33 x 13mm.Despite this, the X96S still packs in a quad-core CPU that runs Android 8.1, 4GB of RAM, 32GB storage, a microSD card reader and a full size USB port.
Along with Bluetooth and 802.11ac, it also comes with a number of useful accessories like a remote control, an IR receiver and a HDMI cable.Who does it target then? Trade and businesses where space is at a premium and who are already using the VESA mount.
Think frontdesk staff and receptionists; also digital signage (the X96 support miracast) for restaurants, high street retailers etc.