Larry Magid: Dell Sends Project Ophelia To Testers

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Dell has started to send out a device to product testers that will basically allow users to turn their televisions into a computer.

The Android-powered Project Ophelia dongle was first introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The device plugs into a TV, or any other display with an HDMI input, and Android 4.0 fires up so users can surf the web.

The device is expected to retail at about $100 and could be officially released in the next few months.

While much was made last week of Google's Chromecast, a similar gadget that plugs into HDMI ports, one of the main differences with Project Ophelia is that it supports Dell's cloud computing technology.

The device is going to be popular for tech-savvy users, who might eventually switch from carrying a tablet or laptop to the Project Orphelia, to do their mobile computing in certain situations.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)