Strong Leap Nova: AI Revolutionizes Streaming with an HDMI Key

Improve the image quality of your content with a simple HDMI stick, myth or reality? The Strong Leap Nova makes this dream a reality, offering clearer movies or videos and reducing noise in the image.

Strong has announced a new streaming stick, the Leap Nova, which features an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) within its SoC. This is a characteristic that the company presents as a first in this product segment.

An NPU to Enhance Image Quality

The Leap Nova is equipped with an Amlogic S905X5M-J processor, known as S9 Gen 6, which combines a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, a Mali-G310 V2 GPU, and a dedicated NPU. This neural processing unit is capable of delivering 4 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). This unit is utilized for two main functions:

• The first, called AI Super Resolution 2 (AI-SR2), involves analyzing each frame of Full HD content to reconstruct details and display it in a resolution close to 4K, rather than simply stretching the pixels as traditional upscaling does.

• The second, AI Picture Quality, automatically adjusts textures, reduces digital noise, and corrects artifacts without user intervention.

Technical Specifications of the Strong Leap Nova

In terms of connectivity, the device integrates Wi-Fi 6 dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) as well as Bluetooth 5.2. The HDMI port is version 2.1b, which allows for several interesting features for viewing comfort.

Quick Media Switching eliminates image cutouts during frequency changes, for example, transitioning from 60 Hz content to a 24 Hz movie. Source-Based Tone Mapping automatically adjusts brightness and colors according to the capabilities of the television, especially during transitions between HDR and SDR content.

The stick is equipped with 2 GB of RAM in DDR4 and 32 GB of eMMC storage. The operating system is Android 14, with the certified Google TV overlay.

Google TV in an Open Version

The Leap Nova operates in an open environment, as opposed to some competing platforms that have gradually restricted access to their application catalog or disabled the free installation of third-party software.

The stick allows for sideloading, meaning the installation of applications outside the Google Play Store. It also offers profile management at the system level. In other words, recommendations and history are personalized for each household member across all applications, rather than service by service.

Google Assistant and Google Cast are also integrated, allowing for voice search and control, as well as streaming content from a smartphone or tablet to the television.

The Strong Leap Nova is available at Boulanger, Cdiscount, and Conforama for €74.99. A version with minimalist packaging, the Leap Nova X, is sold for €69.99 on Amazon. Both models are covered by a two-year warranty.