Smart TVs without a doubt have a very bright future where it concerns video content. But Smart TVs aren’t the only kid on the block. Check out all the features of Android TV set-top boxes and you’ll see what we mean.
What’s going on in the global market?
Android devices are currently taking the lead in the IPTV/OTT market. A study conducted by Rethink showed that over 100 million Android devices will have been sold around the world by 2022, A number which is comparable to the number of Smart TVs sold in 2018.
So earlier we mentioned AOSP (Android Open Source Project), but most people don’t know the difference between this and Android TV, so we’ll delve into that question so that you can find out which is best for you.
AOSP
What you need to know about AOSP is that AOSP devices, whether TVs or set-top boxes, don’t have access to any Google services. Instead, manufacturers are able to modify and add to these devices’ software as they wish. As the name implies, this operating system is open-source. Generally, large companies that want to upgrade television equipment choose AOSP.
Android TV
Android TV set-top boxes and TVs are a more premium type of device, and for good reason, as they are certified by Google and boast a wide range of apps and games from the official Google Play Store. Not only this but Android TV equipment receive regular security updates.
What makes a good Android TV box?
Not all TVs are smart, nor do they all come with Wi-Fi or support 3D games. Android TV set-top boxes do however, enable them to turn any TV into a Smart TV, giving it Internet access, access to streaming services, voice control and more. The only problem is: what is a good Android TV box? Well, set-top box features can vary from box to box, and they can significantly change the user’s experience.
How to choose an Android TV box?
Here are three such devices:
- Xiaomi Mi Box S
- MAG425A
- Nvidia Shield TV
These three set-top boxes have already proven themselves to be at the top of the global market. They do, however, differ in price, specs, and design.
Which is the best Android TV box to buy?
Despite all three devices being at the top of the global market, there is one of them that stands out from the rest, that device is the MAG425A. It boasts 4K HDR video content support, built-in Google services, as well as, Android games, and Google Assistant which lets the user use voice control to control the set-top box with voice commands. Its built-in Chromecast feature allows you to use a smartphone or tablet to cast images, videos, etc. to the TV screen, and it also enables you to control the set-top box. The MAG425A also synchronizes the refresh rate of your TV’s display with the frame rate of the video being played.
Its Wi-Fi adapter works in both 2.4GHz and 5Ghz frequency bands. It can be connected to a PC, USB drive, network-attached storage, and even wireless keyboards and computer mice.
If you don’t already have an Android TV set-top box, be sure to check out the MAG425A. A successful competitor to the top models mentioned in this article. Its features and price will be sure to surprise even the most demanding of customers.
