TV Box for Android: what is it and what is it for

Official Android TV Box

Android devices support many types of ecosystems, including mobile phones and tablets. Google TV and Android TV are two additional examples. You can use a Android TV Box to update an old TV with Smart TV functionality, or simply equip your LG Smart TV with webOS or your Samsung with TizenOS with Android to enjoy more native apps.

That is, an Android TV Box can be used to update any television to the android functionality, whether it is Smart or not. We'll talk about what these devices are and what they do, so you can determine if they're beneficial to you. Because it has been around for a few years and seems to have gained popularity.

What is an Android TV Box and what is it for?

Android TV Box what is it

These tiny gadgets have the same shape as a Mini PC, in fact they are mini PCs with Android, and are used to connect to a television or display. Thanks to the HDMI ports found on these devices, we can connect them to any type of television. In addition to having more ports and slots, we can get more out of these devices and have more options. They usually include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, in addition to other connectivity options.

The Android operating systems of the TV Boxes have been customized by the manufacturer in a similar way as the customization layers of Android phones customize the operating system. These devices have been optimized for use in televisions, so the operating system has been slightly altered so that it can be interacted well with a remote control. Given that on these devices we will be able to use a variety of applications that will allow us to access a range of services and features, such as streaming content on platforms such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, and more, it must be a fairly flexible system.

With Android TV as the operating system, we can use the applications that work with it, which we can get in the Google Play Store, and that means accessing a wide variety of apps (although I have to say that not all those available for Android mobile devices are for Android TV). Therefore, we can use these applications at any time on our televisions, on a large screen and with greater comfort. Something that is quite an advantage for apps such as streaming, or for video games. And if the remote control seems uncomfortable to you, there are compatible keyboards and controls that you can connect via bluetooth.

Those who have a non-smart TV with HDMI port can benefit from this box. Since this box will transform your television into a smart TV with Android TV, you will be able to enjoy the same applications as on other TVs of different brands that come with Android TV operating system by default (most except Samsung and LG, which have their own systems also based on Linux). They will have tons of options to choose from, given the variety of these devices available.

Advantages of an Android TV Box

Android TV Box

Many people prefer to use an Android TV Box when updating their television, for the advantages it offers. These advantages are precisely what make it so attractive to certain groups of users. Some of them are listed below:

  • They are cheap devices compared to buying a Smart TV with Android, so they allow you to save a lot of money and give your TV a second chance.
  • They are compact, so they hardly take up space in your living room.
  • They have a large number of apps and games compared to other operating systems that are somewhat more limited, such as those of Samsung and LG. And it can even be used on Samsung and LG TVs for more options. And if an app is not available on Google Play, you can always download the APK and try to install it (in many cases it works).
  • They are very versatile devices with which you can play, enjoy streaming, manage files, and much more.
  • The installation is very simple and fast, you just have to connect the Android TV Box to the power supply and with the HDMI cable to your TV.
  • Thanks to its storage, USB ports and memory card slots, it will allow you to save or access large files, such as videos, music, etc.
  • There is a wide variety of makes and models to meet all needs and fit any budget.

What are Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV?

Connect Chromecast to TV

There are several well-known products on the market, such as the Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV stick. These gadgets, compared to Android TV Boxes, have the same function but are not the same type of device. We categorize these devices as TV Boxes but offer them as an alternative in this regard.

La main difference Among these devices is that TV Boxes with Android TV are intended to be used in the same way as an Android TV, while these other devices have different objectives. For example, Chromecast does not have its own operating system, and nothing can be installed on it, it is only limited to transmitting from your Android mobile device to your TV. On the other hand, the Amazon Fire is an Android modified by Amazon and called FireOS. This operating system is compatible with native Android apps, but it does not have GMS and Google Play, instead it uses its own app store.

And it is also important to note that the Chromecast lacks capabilities on its own, so it has no RAM for apps, no internal storage, or anything like that, it's just streaming.

All of these devices are alike in most respects. The users without Smart TV they can access news apps, streaming apps, or games on their TVs using these devices, all of which offer the same functionality.

It is also vital to note that features may vary from device to device. Each manufacturer decides what features to include in their devices, so some Android TV boxes will have additional features as a result, while other devices will not. The storage capacity is also very variable, since Android TV boxes have a greater capacity than stick-type devices. All this must be kept in mind when choosing the device to buy.

What options are there in the market?

Android TV Box what is it

Today there are numerous electronic devices on the market that work with Android TV. There are many brands to choose from, and you're guaranteed to find a box that fits your budget and technical demands. In addition, renowned manufacturers such as Xiaomi,Nokia,NVIDIA,etc, offer their own versions of these devices. If you are looking for a quality device, these brands are a good option. Thanks to their reputation, these manufacturers are able to offer top quality products at an affordable cost.

The Xiaomi Mi TV Box is a good option for those looking for a box that offers a wide variety of functionalities, as well as the guarantee of a reputable brand and good value for money. When choosing an Android TV Box, the price should not be the only determinantalthough it is an important factor. We must also assess what the device can do for us, storage capacity, RAM, processor, operating system version, ports, etc.

It is also vital to be careful when choosing one. Unfortunately, there are some devices on the market that are called Android TV Box but they do not work as expected. some models do not have certifications necessary, so it is not recommended to buy them. And this is important, since otherwise it might not be compatible with apps as widely used as Netflix, HBO, Spotify, among many other video and audio streaming apps.

Ultimately, buy a known brand is a good idea as it guarantees you what you are going to get from this device and what you are going to get. With this guide, you should already know what an Android TV Box is and what it is for. Therefore, it should be easier for you to acquire the one you need.


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