One interesting thing to come out at CES this year is Jide’s Remix Ultra. This Surface-clone running Android is made by 3 ex-Google engineers and was formed just last year.
The Remix Ultra runs on forked Android, named Remix OS, which unsuprisingly, also took inspiration from Microsoft’s own Windows 8 Modern design language and even applications (like Mail). Remix OS, which is based on Android 4.4.2, allows phone-mode window for apps so it could run multiple apps side by side without looking stretched-out. A taskbar is also present for the familiar “Windows” feel.
Remix Ultra Specs
- Display: 11.6” Full HD IPS 1920x1080
- CPU: Nvidia Tegra 4+1 A15 Processor 1.81 Ghz
- GPU: Tegra GPU GeForce ULP 72
- RAM: 2GB DDR3LL
- Storage: 64GB eMMC internal storage (with support for up to 128gb microSD slot)
- Camera: 5MP Front/Back
- Full-size keyboard and touchpad
- Kickstand supports 40 and 80 degree angles
- Ports: headphone jack, microUSB port, 4-pin magnetic charging port, 6-pin magnetic connection for keyboard
- Battery: 8100mAh
The hardware is a total Surface rip-off from the get-go but I feel that the Remix OS has potential. It’s Android but feels and looks like Chrome OS. The user-interface also looks polished design wise (by looking at videos and screenshots, but not on usability). I’m also pretty sure there are people who want a Surface-looking device running Android.
The hardware certainly helps the OS be more of a productivity tool so I’m not sure why they didn’t innovate on that front instead of just copying the Surface design outright.
Estimated retail price in the US is $449.