Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and Roku’s popular streaming devices remain top choices for households seeking entertainment options, but a new player has entered the UK market. Xiaomi, a Chinese tech brand, has introduced its latest offering, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen), providing an affordable solution to enhance any television setup.
Resembling the design of Amazon’s Fire TV and Roku Sticks, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) features a compact build with a built-in HDMI connector for easy connection to TVs without the hassle of extra cables or complex setups.
Similar to its competitors, this device comes with a remote control equipped with shortcut buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, making it convenient for users to access their preferred content without navigating through multiple menus.
Priced at £39.99, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is competitively priced with similar products, but it stands out with its utilization of Google TV instead of Amazon’s Fire OS or Roku’s software. This choice grants users access to Google’s smart interface, Google Assistant, and a vast array of apps through the Google Play Store.
Featuring a dedicated voice button on the remote, users can easily search for content using voice commands. With over 10,000 apps available for download, including games, and numerous free channels for entertainment, the Xiaomi TV Stick provides a diverse range of options without requiring multiple paid subscriptions.
Additionally, Android users can benefit from the built-in Google Cast feature, enabling wireless streaming of videos, photos, and more from their smartphones or tablets to the TV. The device is powered by a fast processor, dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless playback, and support for HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS for enhanced picture and sound quality.
However, one drawback is its limitation to HD resolution only, lacking support for 4K Ultra HD content playback like some competitors. For those interested in an affordable Google TV-powered streaming device, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is now available in the UK for £39.99.