In a first for the Chinese company, Xiaomi is dipping its toes into the Android TV pool. In an online event today, it launched the Mi TV Stick which is a portable streaming device running Google’s TV platform. You can access all of your favourite streaming services with the Mi TV Stick by plugging it into any screen.
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The device is only capable of 1080p streaming resolution, which will put it firmly into the more affordable bracket of the market. Like all other Android TV capable devices, the Mi TV Stick is capable of running apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on its own and can give you access to a lot of other apps available on Google Play.
The new Mi TV Stick also includes all of the latest Chromecast technology that Google uses in its own casting devices, so it will also be able to cast a feed from your other devices. According to Xiaomi, it is powered by a quad-core Cortex A53 processor, has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage and supports both Dolby and DTS audio compression technologies.
Interestingly, it also comes with a dedicated Bluetooth remote control, making it easier to use voice controls through Google Assistant. The remote comes with dedicated Netflix and Amazon Prime Video buttons for quick access, and a dedicated button to activate Google Assistant.
The Mi TV Stick will cost €39.99 or an equivalent cost in other regions.
There are rumours of Xiaomi bringing a 4K streaming device as well, although they offered no information on this. It will be an important step if the company hopes to truly compete against the likes of the Amazon Fire TV Stick and the Roku Express. These kind of devices make it possible to stream your favourite shows on your largest screen without the need to buy an expensive smart TV.
