Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and Roku’s popular streaming devices remain top choices for households seeking entertainment options like movies, live sports, and TV shows. However, a new player has entered the UK market to offer an alternative. Xiaomi, a Chinese tech brand, has introduced its latest product, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen), providing an affordable solution for enhancing any television setup.
The Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) boasts a familiar design reminiscent of Amazon’s Fire TV and Roku Sticks, featuring a compact build with an integrated HDMI connector for easy plug-and-play connectivity to any TV without the hassle of additional cables or complex setups.
Similar to its competitors, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) comes with a dedicated remote control equipped with shortcut buttons for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. This feature simplifies access to preferred content without the need to navigate through extensive menus.
Priced at £39.99, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) competes directly with other devices in the market. However, its standout feature lies in its operating system. Instead of using Amazon’s Fire OS or Roku’s software, Xiaomi’s streaming device runs on Google TV, providing users with access to Google’s intuitive interface, integrated Google Assistant, and a wide array of apps available through the Google Play Store.
The remote control includes a dedicated voice button, enabling users to search for movies, shows, and apps using voice commands. With over 10,000 apps to choose from, including games, and numerous free channels for entertainment, users can enjoy a variety of content without multiple subscription services.
For Android users, the built-in Google Cast feature allows wireless streaming of videos, photos, and other content directly from smartphones or tablets to the TV, enhancing the viewing experience.
Equipped with a fast processor, dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless playback, and support for HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS technologies, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) promises enhanced picture and sound quality for an immersive entertainment experience.
One limitation of the device is its resolution support, as it only offers HD playback and does not support 4K Ultra HD content streaming like some of its competitors.
For consumers seeking an affordable Google TV-powered streaming device, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is now available in the UK for £39.99.