Cotton Candy (Computing)

The Cotton Candy is a compact, USB-stick sized single-board computer developed by FXI Technologies around 2011. Designed to transform any HDMI-capable display—such as a television or monitor—into a fully functional computer, it combined the portability of a flash drive with the processing power of a small PC. Running on ARM architecture, the device could operate both Android and Linux (Ubuntu), offering a highly flexible computing experience in an ultra-portable form factor.

Background

The concept of Cotton Candy emerged during a period when compact computing and mobile integration were advancing rapidly. The goal was to create a lightweight, low-power personal computing solution that could deliver essential functionalities anywhere, without the need for bulky hardware. By simply plugging the device into an HDMI port and providing power via USB, users could access a full desktop environment.
The name “Cotton Candy” symbolised its compactness and lightness—reflecting the device’s philosophy of carrying one’s personal computing environment in a pocket-sized stick.

Architecture and Technical Specifications

Processor and Graphics

The Cotton Candy was built around a dual-core Samsung Exynos 4210 System-on-Chip (SoC) based on the ARM Cortex-A9 processor, clocked at approximately 1.2 GHz. It featured a Mali-400 MP GPU, capable of supporting OpenGL ES 2.0, providing adequate graphical performance for media playback and light applications.

Memory and Storage

It came equipped with 1 GB of RAM and included a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This slot allowed users to load operating systems or store personal files, enhancing flexibility for different use cases.

Connectivity and Interface

The device provided several connectivity options, including:

• HDMI output for connecting to displays or televisions.
• USB 2.0 host and device ports for attaching peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and hubs.
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR for wireless connectivity.
• Micro-USB port for power input and peripheral connections.

This range of interfaces made Cotton Candy compatible with a wide variety of displays and input devices, allowing seamless operation across multiple environments.

Software and Operating Systems

Cotton Candy supported Android and Ubuntu Linux, enabling users to switch between a mobile-friendly or traditional desktop computing experience. Android provided access to entertainment and mobile applications, while Ubuntu offered a full Linux desktop suitable for productivity tasks and development work.
This dual-OS flexibility allowed the device to be used both as a media streamer and a personal computer, depending on user preference.

Features and Innovation

• Portability: Roughly the size of a USB flash drive, Cotton Candy could be carried easily and plugged into any compatible screen.
• Versatility: It could turn any HDMI-equipped monitor or television into a computer, supporting both consumer and enterprise uses.
• Low Power Consumption: Its energy-efficient design made it ideal for basic computing, media playback, and cloud applications.
• Multi-Platform Support: The ability to run multiple operating systems increased its adaptability across different work and entertainment scenarios.
• Plug-and-Play Functionality: Minimal setup was required—users could simply connect it to power and display ports to begin operation.

Limitations and Challenges

While technologically innovative, the Cotton Candy faced several practical and commercial challenges:

• Limited Processing Power: The dual-core processor and 1 GB RAM restricted multitasking and high-performance applications.
• Peripheral Dependency: Full functionality required external devices such as keyboards, mice, and displays.
• Competition: The rise of affordable single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi overshadowed Cotton Candy’s appeal.
• High Cost: Compared to its competitors, it was relatively expensive, limiting widespread adoption.
• Short Commercial Lifespan: FXI Technologies faced operational challenges, and production eventually ceased, leaving limited support for the device.

Applications

The Cotton Candy was envisioned for a variety of uses:

• Media Centre: When connected to a TV, it functioned as a smart media player for streaming and playback.
• Portable Computing: It allowed users to carry their personalised desktop environment and access it on any screen.
• Cloud or Thin Client Computing: Ideal as a client terminal for accessing cloud-based applications or virtual desktops.
• Educational Tool: Suitable for learning about Linux, Android, and ARM-based computing in academic settings.
• Kiosk and Embedded Systems: Its compact design made it useful for interactive displays, kiosks, and low-power embedded applications.

Legacy and Significance

Although the Cotton Candy did not achieve large-scale commercial success, it marked an important step in the evolution of miniature computing. It prefigured the modern wave of PC-on-a-stick devices and micro-computers used for smart TVs, IoT, and cloud computing. Its introduction demonstrated the potential for portable, low-power devices to provide desktop-level functionality in a highly compact form.
The device’s innovative design and vision influenced later developments in mobile and embedded computing, highlighting a future in which personal computing could become truly device-independent and screen-agnostic.