Elitegroup Computer System (ECS) is introducing the all-new LIVA mini PC family, Core and X2. Besides both of these systems being SFF (Small Form Factor) based on Intel’s low power parts, ECS is advertising that both Core and X2 will support Cortana Personal Digital Assistant via native dual microphones. Cortana is set to release with Windows 10 – which means that these PCs will either be released with Windows 10 or will come with full versions of Windows 8.1 which will ensure a free upgrade to Windows 10.
Below is a section of ECS’ Press Release:
Core and X2 bring a new generation of computing in a small size, and more possibilities. We are ready to Windows 10 with an improved user experience on LIVA mini PC.
Impressive design and Performance
Core sports Intel® Core™ M processor and features Intel 120GB SSD and Wi-Fi ac which supporting Intel® exclusive WiDi technology. With its compact and elegant design, X2 adopts state of the art specifications, such as 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, up to 4GB memory, 64GB eMMC, and M.2 expansion slot up to 1TB. Additionally, ECS proudly announces that ECS LIVA Core and X2 are the World’s first mini PC supporting Windows 10 Cortana voice assistant via built-in dual microphones. Core and X2 mini PC redefine the mini PC form factor and bring better choices for users.
LIVA Ready for Windows 10!
ECS LIVA mini PC Kit and X with pre-installed Windows 8.1 support free upgrade to Windows 10 from July 29, 2015! Just follow Microsoft® upgrade guide, or refer to ECS official website, then enjoy the latest operation system.
Now let’s look at the specifications of the Core and X2 models:
ECS Liva Core
- Intel Core M-5Y10C Broadwell processor
- Intel HD 5300 graphics
- 4GB DDR3L memory
- M.2 SSD with up to 120GB of storage
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 802.11ac WiFi
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 4 USB 3.0 ports (including one for fast charging)
- 2 HDMI ports (for up to two displays)
- microSD card slot
- 2 internal microphones
- Headset jack (combo mic input/line output)
- 3.83 watt power consumption while idle, 18.2 watts at full power
- 14 percent smaller than previous ECS Liva designs
ECS Liva X2
- Intel Celeron N3050 processor
- Intel HD graphics
- 2GB or 4GB of DDR3L memory
- 32GB or 64GB of eMMC flash storage
- M.2 expansion slot with support for up to 1TB of SSD storage (you’ll have to provide it yourself)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 802.11ac WiFi
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 3 USB 3.0 ports (including one EZ Charger port)
- HDMI and D-Sub/VGA ports (for connecting up to two displays)
- 2 internal microphones
- Headset jack
- 3.75 watt power consumption while idle, 17.7 watts at full power
The low power Intel parts (Broadwell on Core, and Celeron on X2 ) mean these are perfectly suited for home theater purposes. We will look into these in detail when we get them on our labs for a review, but for now, they look like an interesting option nevertheless.
For more about ECS Liva series of mini-PCs, please head out to their website
