Introduction to the Kata Box Review

Kata Box was officially launched several days ago at the Forum Robinsons in Mandaluyong City. Kata has a store at the second floor of that mall and they got a demo unit there where customers can try the Kata Box.

In this Kata Box Review, you will find out if it is worth to buy one or just skip and put your budget into something else.

Read on.

Kata Box is your poor man’s Apple TV but is powered by Android instead. This is not a new technology by the way. PLDT has a smaller box called TVolution launched in 2010.

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Picture this, Kata Box is an Android phone without the display. To navigate with Kata Box, the remote control which bundled with the purchase will help you control the device.

Pre-order is now going on and during the launch, Kata confirmed they will include a wireless gaming controller which makes it more impressive and affordable at its price point.

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Kata Box first impressions

We wrote our unboxing story and initial impressions already. You can find it here.

Kata design and construction

Wrapped with a mix of metal and plastic casing, Kata Box looks like the Apple TV, but the local brand has etched the logo on top it. The bottom has sort of shallow holes to allow air flow to prevent over heating perhaps.

At the back of the Kata Box is the essential ports that you need to connect your device to your TV.

There is an audio/video port that is for the analog TV users, a USB port and a micro-SD slot for additional storage, the DC port, HDMI and a LAN port (best option if you have wired network at home). On the side is another USB port that you can use for wireless keyboard and mouse.

Kata Box UI and Display

When you boot the Kata Box, you will be welcomed to this display and UI.

Kata has arranged and pre-installed apps that are grouped into TV, Office for productivity, games and settings.

You connect to your home WiFi from the settings menu. From there you are good to go.

[toggle title=”TIP”]Get a wireless keyboard and mouse to improve your navigation.[/toggle]

The remote control is kind of complicated to use, but you will get used to it over time.

It has a CR2032 battery. That means it is easy to replace it because it is easily available in stores.

The top three buttons on top are the power button, MegaVPN button, and the mute button. There is a special app installed in Kata Box called MegaVPN, which, when activated, allows the users to view TV shows in the US and other regions that are usually not available in the Philippines.

The middle button has four buttons that are used for basic navigation while the one at the middle serves as a pause button.

The rest of the buttons below consists of the menu, back, and home buttons, and finally the volume buttons.

Kata Box For Writers / Bloggers

You might be surprised to see this portion in my review. I included these to highlight the fact that this box can be a tool for bloggers too. As a blogger, I do lots of research and most of it is done by watching Youtube video tutorials. While you can watch clips from your smartphone, viewing it on TV is a lot better.

Kata Box for Kids

For your kids?

Why not. They also enjoy watching content in Youtube. Play games and watch educational shows with your guidance. If your kid can use your smartphone, I am pretty sure he can use Kata Box in no time.

Kata Box for Entertainment

For the whole family’s entertainment. You can plug a USB flash drive that has your movie series. Watch Youtube movies. Play games. I watch movies from HOOQ, and because I have wired broadband at home, the content never had any problem.

Kata Box for Gaming

Gaming? Of course!

Kata Box has pre-installed games. We tried the game controller during the launch and I enjoyed playing with it. I am sure your kids (and you) will enjoy the same.

Conclusion

Dear Kata, are you prepared? You should have enough inventory of the Kata Box. Christmas season is coming and this could be one of the best gift suggestions for the season.

While PLDT has TVolution series, Kata gives you the freedom to enjoy content like HOOQ, iFlix, Youtube, and more without the 36-month contract with a telco.

Kata Box is a must-have for homes with TV that has HDMI port but is not a smart TV. The best Youtube playback is on TV, I swear!

Kata Box retails for only P2,999. It comes with a remote control and a wireless game controller.