In the realm of streaming devices, Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and Roku’s lineup have long been dominant, catering to the entertainment needs of countless households with access to movies, live sports, and TV series. However, a new contender has entered the UK market, offering a compelling alternative. Xiaomi, a prominent Chinese tech brand, has introduced its latest offering, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen), providing an affordable solution for enhancing any television setup.
Upon initial inspection, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) bears a striking resemblance to its established counterparts. Sporting a compact design akin to Amazon’s Fire TV and Roku Sticks, this device features a built-in HDMI connector for seamless connection to a TV, eliminating the hassle of extra cables or complex installations.
Similar to its competitors, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) comes bundled with a dedicated remote control equipped with shortcut buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. This user-friendly feature allows for quick access to preferred content without the need to navigate through extensive menus.
Priced at £39.99, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) falls within the same price range as its rivals. However, its standout feature lies in its operating system. Instead of utilizing Amazon’s Fire OS or Roku’s software, this new streaming device runs on Google TV, granting users access to Google’s intelligent interface, integrated Google Assistant, and a plethora of apps available through the Google Play Store.
With a dedicated voice button on the remote, users can effortlessly search for movies, shows, and apps through voice commands. The device offers access to over 10,000 apps, including games, while a multitude of free channels deliver ample entertainment options without requiring multiple paid subscriptions.
Android users can take advantage of the built-in Google Cast functionality, enabling wireless streaming of videos, photos, and other content directly from their smartphones or tablets to the TV.
Under the hood, Xiaomi has equipped the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) with a powerful processor, dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless playback, and support for HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS to enhance the viewing experience by delivering superior picture and sound quality.
However, it’s worth noting that the device’s primary limitation lies in its resolution capabilities. Unlike some competing streaming devices, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) only supports HD playback and does not offer 4K Ultra HD streaming.
For individuals seeking an affordable streaming device powered by Google TV, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is now available in the UK for £39.99.