Have one of those "X-96" cheapo boxes? CAVEAT EMPTOR

Streaming Devices / Hardware
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I know all (or at least most of) our friends here on TroyPoint have heard about all the devices that are laden with malware of late. Here is a new (ish) article that further drives the point home about why the Cheapest is NOT always the best when it comes to how we access our content. CAVEAT EMPTOR !!

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i’ve got an X96 Max box that was recommended by troy several yrs ago on android os 8…records like a dream using tivimate and plays 4k video just fine…never given me one problem?

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Hey @Reece These articles have been floating around for several years and IMO they are just clickbait. I had 2 T95Z Plus “Cheap China” boxes for 7 years and never had a hiccup. Never cleaned them, never turned em off. Interesting how you see all these articles about Malware but rarely if ever do you ever hear about the box owner - the end user EVER having issues.

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(Peeking out from my tinfoil hat) Congrats - you must have received a “clean” one! :zany_face:

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that’s some good points sir - thanks!

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I have bought all chinese boxes as they come out with new chips for the last 10 years. S905x3, X4, i have S905X5M now
Various models with Allwinner H722, H618, 313
I just received a couple with that new Realtek chip. Never had a problem with so called malware

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…Yet.

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The biggest problem is that most haven’t even a clue if their systems are compromised or not. Very few know how to check their network for unauthorized traffic, let alone know how to check for malware/adware/spyware.

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Spot-on Miki.
Except that the most you mention is more likely 99.8% or higher especially when it comes to being able to rectify a situation they are unaware/unable to diagnose.

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What is the model # of the new with realtek? I have been thinking of trying one of these. Can you get them off temu?

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Actually i just received a second one. Model is RTX2. You will not find it on Temu i think. Temu only has cheap crap with old chip

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Yes be cautious many X-96 boxes have poor support, outdated firmware, and security risks.

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Thanks &
welcome
qasimdhoo144 !!

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@MarkxG , have you ever updated your 7 year old boxes? It seems that the current issue are software borne.

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Also, from the article… Is this a valid suggestion?

Here are the red flags to watch for:

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Hey @JerryJ what issues are you talking about? These are not certified Android boxes but stock so they can’t be updated but updates not needed. They are running Android 7 and still work fine but I’m using the ONN 4K Pro now. Just wanted something newer after many years on those

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@MarkxG [quote=“MarkxG, post:16, topic:132377”]
what issues are you talking about?
[/quote]
I don’t have personal knowledge that malware/trojans are being pre-loaded on the cheapo boxes since I’ve not owned one. Just what I’ve read, whether true or false. But it surely seems conceivable that stuff could be loaded into the operating system. My experience has been Fire Sticks for the last 8 years.

And just curious, as I know that you and I are serious Kodi fans, are you able to use the latest version of Kodi with just the android 7?

I’ve not personally known anyone, other than you, that have used those boxes.

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Hey @JerryJ hope you have a great long weekend. Just my opinion but I don’t believe malware exists on boxes. It’s clickbait by the site hosters and YouTubers. You don’t see stories of actual end users having issues. Again my opinion. I haven’t used my T95Z Pros in quite some time but there are several people here at the insider that use them. Out of town for the weekend but when I return will fire one up and see if I can load the latest KODI. Not sure why I won’t be able as I’ve always been. Android updates have never had anything to do with being able to load KODI unless something has changed in the last year or so. Android updates are over rated IMO il L let you know

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I had an X96 box after mothballing my firestick. In addition to the lack of decent hardware, updates and customer support, these cheap suckers had minuscule heatsinks and suffered from overheating. Mine simply quit after less than a year.

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that’s why i run a small fan under mine…4yrs old android 7 and running the newest apps just fine

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