Mecool KA2 box with camera and Zoom/Duo preloaded. Can't install apps, and other nagging issues

by alejoc

I got this TV box new in an eBay auction for only USD25, and although I had read about its limitations to install apps outside Play Store I bought it. Unfortunately those limitations are real, limiting greatly the potential this box has (16GB internal, USB full size port, Ethernet port, S905X2 processor). Is there possibly a way to activate unknown sources installations via ADB? The box does not even have a usb debugging switch in the developer options, and I have not been able to detect it either via wifi or via USB attached to a computer. The other glaring issue is the lack of Netflix-Widevine certification, so it can run pretty much anything, but the big N can't be downloaded from the play store. Should I just wait until a software update changes these limitations or I should just sell it?

Deadpool-fan-466

The KA2 is mainly a video calling device, not for streaming per se

SeriousSatisfaction8

Mecool boxes come with preinstalled Netflix, but it will only give you 720p video, not UHD. Sideloading other versions reveals that 90% won't work, the rest typically don't give you better resolution, and the few that do UHD don't work properly with a remote control, so you will have to use a mouse as well to scroll titles and the remote to select/play. Even then, they regularly freeze, subtitles stop working, routinely disconnect when trying to play, etc, etc.

Ultimately gave up with Netflix after 5 different brands of settop boxes and ~7yrs of subcribing, because they won't support anything other than Sony/LG TVs, or AppleTV/ShieldPro, at least for UHD, their tech staff are clueless at best and wilfully unhelpful.

You might find 3rd party video apps (MovieBox and the like) unreliable, but Netflix is now MORE unreliable than any of those on Android. My guess is Google doesn't pay them enough kickbacks.

Mecool staff rarely even respond to emails, and never issue system updates. My suggestions, switch to other streaming apps like Hulu/Disney/Binge/Prime/etc or sideload some through ApkMirror or another app store: https://youngdevops.co/how-to-sideload-apps-on-android-tv/

Kodi_Fan_Omicron

Mecool is horrible when comes to software updates, and Netflix will never add the Mecool KA2 to it's certified list. The rules and certification process to get Netflix AndroidTV certified is complex, so if being able to use the Netflix app is a priority, then you'll need to buy a device from the Netflix Certified list:

ameizeing

The only Mecool TV Box model with Netflix-certification is the KM2

Sarah_Ng

those app limitations are placed by google themselves for privacy reasons. Netflix on the other hand hates Mecool. only 1 of their device has the Netflix certification