Turn any screen into a Smart TV with STRONG's LEAP-NEVE

For a few years now, I've had a great video projector at home with Android TV 11 that I love, but it has one major drawback: it doesn't natively accept Netflix. So, I had to find a solution so as not to throw it away. That's when I was offered to test the LEAP-NEVE HDMI streaming key from STRONG... so I jumped at the chance to test this little box equipped with Google TV 12 and all the usual video streaming applications.

After several weeks of use, here's my full review of STRONG's LEAP-NEVE dongle, which makes it easy to turn any screen (with an HDMI port) into a super-powerful Smart TV.

Unboxing and getting started: simple and efficient thanks to Google TV 12

With this type of product, the unboxing is never really extraordinary, but it allows you to take a look at the contents of the package.

So, in this small, colorful box the size of a brick, STRONG has gathered everything you need to start and use the LEAP-NEVE dongle. So, in the box, you will find the all-white streaming box, a remote control (larger than the box itself) and also all white, a small power supply box and its cable... white, a small installation manual in various languages ​​on white paper, and finally a pair of batteries for the not-so-white remote control!

The LEAP-NEVE streaming box looks like a large bean (white... okay, I'll stop) measuring 7 x 5 cm, at the end of which a flat cable with an HDMI connector of about 10 cm would have grown. This long box is therefore very small and very discreet.

On its side, two USB-C inputs allow you to power the device and connect external storage. A small tab also hides an Ethernet port in case you want to connect it using a cable. With the exception of a small hole for performing a factory reset, the LEAP-NEVE has no buttons; it's a very simple device.

STRONG's LEAP-NEVE Commissioned

As you will have understood, with its single HDMI connection, this box is intended for any device (TV, screen, video projector, etc.) with a female HDMI socket! This is the strength and perhaps also the weakness of this device which is therefore not powered directly by the device to which it is connected... it will therefore be absolutely necessary to use the power supply box to supply current to the dongle.

However, getting the LEAP-NEVE up and running is really within everyone's reach. Once unboxed, plug the dongle into the HDMI port of the device you want to make smart, then plug the power supply into one (of your choice) of the dongle's two USB ports.

All you have to do is turn on the streaming stick and the device it's plugged into, and the Google TV 12 setup will take you through a number of setup steps. This involves local settings (like language) but also, more importantly, configurations using the Google Home app.

These steps only take a few minutes and are really very simple, especially if you are used to the Google ecosystem... in fact, in that case, you will find all your information very easily.

This is my first time using Google TV 12 and to be honest I'm quite surprised by the quality of this version compared to Android TV 11 and other versions.

A quick overview of the features and characteristics of the LEAP-NEVE box

4K HDR streaming

The LEAP-NEVE delivers excellent image quality thanks to 4K Ultra HD resolution, supported by advanced HDR technologies such as HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. This ensures a more contrasty, brighter, and more accurate image. On the audio side, Dolby Atmos compatibility ensures cinematic sound immersion.

Google TV built-in

Thanks to Google TV, the LEAP-NEVE offers a modern and intuitive interface, powered by Android 12. Content is organized by theme and personalized to your viewing habits. Multiple profile management allows you to tailor the experience to each member of the household, with a secure child mode for family use.

Applications & Content

The dongle provides access to over 10 apps via the Google Play Store, including the streaming platforms you're used to, like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, myCANAL, and DAZN. With the Google Cast feature, you can easily stream photos, videos, or apps from a smartphone or tablet to your TV.

Smart remote control

The LEAP-NEVE comes with a simple and effective Bluetooth remote control, which includes a built-in microphone for voice control of Google Assistant. It also features direct access buttons for your favorite apps, like YouTube or Netflix, for quick and seamless access to your content.

Full connectivity

Although tiny, this dongle stands out for its very rich connectivity: dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for a stable and fast connection, Bluetooth 5.0 for accessories, an Ethernet port for wired connections, and two USB-C ports for powering and connecting external devices (external hard drive, USB key, etc.).

Performances

Equipped with a 55GHz quad-core Cortex-A2 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage, the LEAP-NEVE offers sufficient performance for smooth browsing, light multitasking, and lag-free high-definition viewing. After several hours of use, I'm quite satisfied with the device's fluidity—much better than the projector itself.

CEC Technology

Thanks to compatibility HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), the LEAP-NEVE can also control your TV. Turn on the dongle, and presto, your TV turns on by itself. Better yet: with the LEAP-NEVE remote control, you can control the volume, turn the TV on or off, without having to juggle multiple remotes. It's discreet, but incredibly practical. A small detail that makes a big difference in everyday life.

Your streaming everywhere with you

But ultimately, I think what I like most about the LEAP-NEVE is that it allows me to have access to all my streaming apps (and my accounts on these apps) everywhere with me, on vacation or on the go, just plug it into the TV... and you find your whole world.

Technical characteristics of STRONG's LEAP-NEVE

Conclusion

In short, the LEAP-NEVE is a serious alternative to Chromecast, Fire TV Stick or Xiaomi TV Stick, with a smooth interface, good performance, and extensive connectivity.

Ultimately, after several weeks of testing, I am really pleasantly surprised by the LEAP-NEVE dongle. For a more than reasonable price (around €65), STRONG offers a really well-designed product, so much so that you really have to quibble to find any weak points!