In the UK, Xiaomi, a Chinese tech brand, has introduced its latest offering, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen), as a new competitor in the streaming device market alongside Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks and Roku devices. Priced at £39.99, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) provides an affordable option for enhancing television viewing.
The device features a compact design similar to its well-known counterparts, Amazon’s Fire TV and Roku Sticks, and is equipped with a built-in HDMI connector for easy connection to the TV without additional cables. Like its rivals, it comes with a remote control that includes shortcut buttons for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, enabling users to quickly access their preferred content.
What sets the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) apart is its use of Google TV instead of Amazon’s Fire OS or Roku’s software. This integration allows users to leverage Google’s smart interface, Google Assistant, and access to numerous apps via the Google Play Store. The remote features a dedicated voice button for easy voice-activated searches, and users can enjoy over 10,000 apps, including games, and free channels for entertainment without extra subscription costs.
Additionally, Android users can benefit from the built-in Google Cast feature, enabling wireless streaming of content from their smartphones or tablets to the TV. The device is powered by a fast processor, dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless playback, and supports HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS for enhanced picture and sound quality.
One limitation of the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is its resolution capability, supporting HD playback but lacking 4K Ultra HD streaming. For consumers seeking an affordable streaming device with Google TV functionality, the Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) is currently available in the UK for £39.99.
