Quick Vero 2 review: unlock all the power of OSMC

OSMC is a recent appearance media center OS, which has already gathered quite a good number of users in just over a year. Because of its relatively little time on the market, and although it has all the elements to be a popular alternative to traditional operating systems such as Windows or Android, there are still few devices that support or run it. Dual-OS devices -or media boxes that can run OSMC and another OS- seem like a good way to adopt this technology while still having access to apps such as Kodi for Android and all their benefits. The Vero 2 is the newest iteration of the Vero media player, which is the flagship device for OSMC and allows you to enjoy all the features of this amazing OS, as well as Android. In this Vero 2 review, we see that this version improves over its predecessor and brings several useful aspects to your media viewing experience. [Read: Raspbmc and Crystalbuntu are evolving into OSMC]

A thin, powerful box with lots of connectivity options, this OSMC media player -which also behaves as an Android media player, depending on your preference- comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect on an Android video player, and more. However, the main focus of this device is being an OSMC Media player, and it truly excels at that. The Vero 2 OSMC media player includes a remote, which is great for basic navigation, though you might still want to get a wireless HTPC keyboard or a remote app for your smartphone such as Yatse, the XBMC/Kodi remote for more complex activities, like performing searches.

Best Wireless HTPC and Android TV Box Keyboards:

1. Logitech K410 Living-Room Wireless Keyboard with Built-In Touchpad - $37.75
2. Logitech Illuminated K830 HTPC Wireless Keyboard and Touchpad - $69.99
3. iPazzPort KP-810-10AS Wireless Mini Keyboard Remote with Touch - $15.99
4. Rii i8+ 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad - $22
5. LYNEC C120Pro Mini Wireless Gyro Remote Keyboard Mouse - $13

Vero 2 review: Quad-Core performance in a thin box

When looking at the specs sheet in this Vero 2 review, the first thing on this Android player that catches my eye is a Quad-Core processor, which enables this box to run media flawlessly; in fact, it is advertised to be 3D ready, which is a plus if you are interested in this kind of content. There's also the possibility to control this Android media player device with your TV remote, thanks to HDMI CEC, making your media experience more comfortable, in a similar way than the one you would achieve using a remote such as the Logitech Harmony Smart. Do you want the full specs sheet for the Vero 2 OSMC media player? Well, here it is:

Vero 2 review: technical specifications

• Quad Core 1.6Ghz Cortex-A5 ARM processor
• Built in 802.11 b/g/n WiFi 2.4Ghz
• IR and RF receiver
• 1GB DDR3 RAM
• 8GB internal storage [5]
• 4 USB ports (3x USB 2.0 / 1x USB 2.0 OTG)
• SD card slot
• 3.5mm SPDIF audio output
• HDMI 1.4 with CEC (control your Vero with your TV remote)
• 3D ready
• Fast Ethernet
• Full HD 24Hz output
• Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 2.2cm / 4.3 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Weight: 150 grams / 5 oz
• 1M HDMI cable
• Vero Remote Controller
• Three years of guaranteed software updates
• International power supply (UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand and USA)

As you can see, the Vero 2 doesn't lack on connectivity options: thanks to its wide array of USB ports, HDMI port, SPDIF output for audio and even IR and RF receiving capabilities, this Vero 2 review lets us see that we're looking at an OSMC media player worthy of becoming the centerpiece on any HTPC setup. [Read: OpenELEC vs OSMC for Raspberry Pi 2 Media Center]

Vero 2 review: do you recommend this device?

This device's main selling point might be the capability of running two OSs depending on your preference; one that's already gained its place among living rooms around the world, such as Android, and the ability to run Kodi, which would of course come in handy if you want to use addons such as the best Kodi movies addons or live TV addons for XBMC/Kodi; and also the possibility of taking a closer look at a promising media player OS such as OSMC, which surely will bring us even more surprises in the future. If you want to be the early adopter of a nascent software technology, but still want to use the software you are familiar with and love, then this Vero 2 review tells you about a device that you surely should buy.