![]() And when it's paired with the right hardware I'd take it over the competition, especially if you're at all hooked into the Google services ecosystem. I don't think Android TV gets enough credit for being a really good-looking and easy-to-use interface with most of the big-name apps that the average person is looking for. Though the Mi Box supports Bluetooth game controllers the game offerings just aren't there on Android TV - but to be fair the likes of the Fire TV haven't taken the gaming world by storm either. It's all enhanced further by the inclusion of Google Cast support, with tons of additional content offerings there. It is also a fantastic portal for Google's own media services, including YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV and Google Play Music. ![]() Xiaomi, like other Android TV makers, offers a "Mi Box recommends" section on the home screen showing some content apps that you've heard of before, but that's it in terms of customizations.Īndroid TV really doesn't get enough credit for what it does well.Īndroid TV still doesn't offer a massive collection of apps, but all of the mainstays are here - Netflix, Hulu, Fox Sports, ESPN, Sling TV, Vudu, Pandora, CBS, Showtime, HBO Go, Plex, VLC. ![]() The idea is that you can pick up the remote to any Android TV device and navigate around freely, save for a few changes in the settings (for specific device functions). One of the strong suits of Android TV is that it's nearly identical across boxes and TV sets that run the software. And the one part of the experience you actually touch, the remote, feels nice enough and performs its intended functions perfectly.Ĭoming up short on 4K Xiaomi Mi Box Software and experience For most people, simply plugging in the two included cables will be the only physical interaction they have with the Mi Box for months. Considering how inexpensive HDMI cables are it's hard to complain about having a short one in the box, but the short power cord without a standard connector (like USB-C or even Micro-USB) can hamstring the possibilities of placing the box around your entertainment center setup.Įvery set top streamer is going to have its little hardware quirks, and the Mi Box overall isn't at any real disadvantage compared to the rest. The power cord is an integrated unit with a relatively large brick on the outlet end and a barrel connector on the box's end - the cord is also about three feet in length. The Mi Box ships with an HDMI cable in the box (unlike Amazon's Fire TV) though the cable itself is only about three feet long. When it comes to cables, things are as basic as the box itself. The cables are on the short side, but at least they're included. The one big downside for me here is that the remote doesn't offer a 3.5 mm headphone jack for plugging in headphones for personal listening, which is something you get with boxes like the Roku 4 and Shield Android TV - then again, the Mi Box is less expensive too. The remote is Bluetooth, of course, and runs on two AAA batteries that are included in the box. ![]() A circular directional pad with a button highlights the top while standard Android TV controls and a volume rocker sit underneath it. Xiaomi's remote gets the job done, though it isn't as sleek or nice as the one available for the (over twice as expensive) NVIDIA Shield Android TV.
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