[CES 2016] Summer has come and gone last year, and there was still no sight of the QEUS smart TV box by Snakebyte, but then again, it is always a case of better late than never, don’t you think so? This is what the QEUS is all about as we took a closer look at it on the CES showfloor, and gleaned additional information from its CEO, Nicki Repenning – including the all important release date and recommended retail price.
Make no mistake about the QEUS, it is not meant to be a gaming console that will take over your Xbox One and PS4, no sir, it does not intend to compete in this market space, but rather, prefers to be an all round casual entertainment device in the living room for the whole family. You can check out the hardware details in our previous story, as I share more about the user experience.
Basically, it is smart enough to show the files in connected devices in alphabetical order when plugged in, and will also be able to play back videos, songs and other compatible media in which you control through the included remote control. The $99 asking price will see it come with the QEUS and the remote control (where the latter, when flipped over, will reveal a QWERTY keyboard layout), while those who want the video game controller will have to fork out an additional $40 for it – where it will be accompanied by a 3-month subscription to its very own app store. Subsequently, their app store will cost you a $5 monthly subscription, where you can download simple games and media from it for free. The remote control also doubles up as a motion controller for select games, ala the Nintendo Wii.
Expect the QEUS to be shipped this April or May, which is close to a full year’s delay. At least those who showed faith in it will be rewarded then.