Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and Roku’s popular streaming devices remain top choices for households seeking seamless access to movies, live sports, and TV series. However, a new contender has joined the UK market, providing an attractive alternative. Xiaomi, a Chinese tech giant, has introduced its latest offering, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen), providing an affordable solution to enhance any television setup.
Upon initial inspection, the device bears a striking resemblance to Amazon’s Fire TV and Roku Sticks with its compact design. It features a built-in HDMI connector, simplifying the connection process directly to the TV without the hassle of extra cables or complex installations.
Similar to its leading competitors, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) comes equipped with a dedicated remote control featuring shortcut buttons for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. This feature allows users to swiftly access their preferred content without navigating through extensive menus.
Priced at £39.99, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) falls within the same price range as its rivals. However, the key differentiator lies in its operating system.
Unlike Amazon’s Fire OS or Roku’s software, Xiaomi’s latest streaming device operates on Google TV. This integration offers users access to Google’s intuitive interface, integrated Google Assistant, and a vast array of apps available through the Google Play Store.
The inclusion of a voice button on the remote enables users to search for movies, shows, and apps using voice commands. With over 10,000 apps available for download, including games, and numerous free channels, users can enjoy ample entertainment options without requiring multiple paid subscriptions.
Furthermore, Android users can benefit from the built-in Google Cast feature, enabling wireless streaming of videos, photos, and other content directly from their smartphones or tablets to the TV.
Internally, Xiaomi has outfitted the streaming stick with a rapid processor, dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless playback, and support for HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS to enhance picture and sound quality.
One limitation of the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is its resolution capability. Unlike many competing devices, it supports only HD playback and does not offer 4K Ultra HD streaming.
For consumers seeking an affordable Google TV-powered streaming solution, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is now available in the UK for £39.99.