In our first try, we explained what Android TV is and how it functions so that our readers may comprehend every aspect of the well-known TV platform. We now have another relevant but intriguing topic: Android TV Box. Here, we go over the Android TV Box’s operation, its features, advantages and disadvantages, and competing solutions that provide a superior user experience and better value. On that topic, let’s find out what an Android TV Box is and whether you should purchase one.
Everything You Need to Know About Android TV Boxes
All the sections that we covered in this article are included below. By clicking on the link below, you can quickly skip to the appropriate section. Rest assured that every element has been clarified and broken down so that anyone can understand how the Android TV Box functions.
What is an Android TV Box and How Does it Work?
A unique piece of hardware called an Android TV Box adds smart TV functions to your current TV set. It operates online and provides any type of video content you request. You may install and use your preferred Android apps on your TV with Android TV Box because it is powered by the Android TV OS and supports the Play Store.
The sole difference between Android TVs and Android TV Boxes is that the latter ship with the Android TV OS already installed, whilst the former ship with the same OS and functionalities in a separate hardware box. Basically, using an Android TV Box is the best option if you want to upgrade an outdated TV set to a smart TV.
What can you actually do with an Android TV box, then? With thousands of well developed apps for the Android TV platform, you can watch live sports events as well as stream movies and television shows. You have access to practically everything, including Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. You can view free movies on an Android TV Box, if that is what you’re wondering. On the Android TV Box, there are a number of apps that let you view movies for free.
In addition, the Android TV Box has a built-in Chromecast capability that enables you to cast the screen of your smartphone to your television. Support for audio output, background playback, high-resolution streaming, and other features are all fully functional. On your Android TV Box, you may also play casual games, but the experience isn’t that fantastic.
In addition, the Android TV Box includes a basic remote control with a Google Assistant button. Google Assistant can answer your questions about movies and TV series with accuracy. To give one example, if you ask Google Assistant to play the crown, it will display all of the streaming alternatives accessible from various sources. It’s fantastic, isn’t it?
Lastly, we will discuss the hardware requirements for the Android TV Box in order to run the TV platform. Because Android TV OS is relatively lightweight compared to Android on smartphones, it can be operated on a respectable Amlogic or Mediatek processor. Typically, Android TV boxes have 2/4GB of RAM and 4/8GB of storage. Having said that, keep in mind that if you want to play 4K content and install a number of apps, I suggest purchasing a powerful Android TV Box.
What are the Cons?
Although Android TV Boxes have many wonderful features, you need be aware of some drawbacks. First of all, many Android TV Boxes on the market have subpar specifications, which slow down booting and UI performance. In this regard, I advise purchasing an Android TV Box with a respectably strong processor and plenty of RAM and storage.
Then there are Android TV Box software updates, which you won’t get for another two to three years. To operate the most recent TV platform, you might need to purchase a new Android TV Box after a few years. The upside is that Play Store will allow you to download app updates for a much longer.
Android TV Box vs Fire Stick vs Chromecast
While that was all about the advantages and disadvantages of Android TV Boxes, in this section we’ll contrast Android TV Box with its two main rivals, the Fire Stick and Chromecast dongle. First off, while Fire Stick and Android TV Box both use the Android operating system underneath, Fire Stick has completely replaced all of the Google services with its own Amazon services.
For instance, the Fire Stick lacks the Play Store. Instead, you can search and download programmes from the Amazon App Store. You can certainly sideload an APK onto your Fire Stick if you can’t locate an app in the Amazon app store. Similar to how Alexa, Amazon’s speech assistant, replaces Google Assistant. You have access to everything from Netflix to YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and more, so don’t worry about that.
Regarding Chromecast, up to the latest iteration, it was merely a casting device, which meant that it could only be used to reflect the screen of a smartphone or computer on your TV. However, Google unveiled a new Chromecast with Google TV gadget this year that supports the Chromecast feature and runs Google TV, the replacement for Android TV OS. Google TV with Chromecast
With Google TV, you get Play Store, Google Assistant, and a fresh user interface. If Chromecast with Google TV is offered in your area, I would advise you to just go for it. It is significantly superior to Android TV Box and Fire TV Stick. In terms of features, I would absolutely choose the Android TV Box over the Fire Stick, although the Fire Stick is superior if you want relatively more powerful hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I Watch Free Movies on Android TV Box?
To watch movies and TV shows on an Android TV Box, you must have a membership to Netflix, Prime Video, or another streaming service. You can view free movies on an Android TV Box, though, thanks to a number of free Android apps like Sony Crackle and Tubi. On your Android TV Box, you may sideload Kodi and view free movies.
Q. Does Android TV Box Require Internet?
Android TV Box does require constant internet access for the majority of its tasks. On the other hand, you can play local media from a USB drive without an internet connection.
Q. Is Android TV Box Better than Fire Stick?
As I already stated, since Android TV Box supports the Play Store and Google Assistant, it has more functionality than Fire Stick. However, Fire Stick offers significantly superior internals in terms of hardware offerings.
Q. What Internet Speed Do I Need for Android TV Box?
If you wish to play content on an Android TV Box smoothly, 2MBps is typically advised. Even with slower internet speed, you can get by.
Android TV Box Explained for You
That’s all there is to know about the Android TV Box. Everything in this article—from pros and downsides to a comparison with similar products on the market—has been covered. You can read the essay from beginning to end and I’m confident you’ll discover all you need. That’s all we have to say, though. You can leave a comment below and ask us any remaining questions. We will certainly make an effort to assist you.
