Android devices encompass a much broader ecosystem than mobile devices and tablets. You can use the Android TV or Google TV operating systems (which will be the dominant operating systems in the future) to turn your TV into a smart TV.
As you know, televisions are also part of this ecosystem. If your TV is not a Smart TV, an Android TV Box will allow you to make it smart at any time. If you want to know more about them, here is what we have to say about these devices. They are devices that have been on the market for a few years and seem to have established themselves as a niche.
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What is an Android TV Box and what is it for?
Un Android TV Box is a device similar to a mini PC which connects to a TV that is not a Smart TV and turns it into a Smart TV with Android TV as the operating system. To do this, we will use the HDMI port of these devices, which allows them to connect to all types of televisions. These gadgets also have more ports and slots, which allow us to use their capacity to the fullest. They also often have Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities.
Android versions on TV Boxes are different depending on the model you buy. Manufacturers do the same thing with the customization layers on the phones, to fine-tune how they work on the TV. In addition to that, we have many applications available on them that allow us to use a series of functions and services, such as streaming content on Netflix, HBO, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
An Android TV Box aims to turn a non-smart TV into a smart TV, turning it into an Android TV Box. We will can download apps from the Google Play Store, which we can then use on our television. We can also play games downloaded for these devices on the TV.
Are Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast a TV Box?
When we talk about the devices in the market, we find other devices that are known by many users, such as the Chromecast (including the Google TV edition) or Amazon's Fire TV sticks. These devices work in the same way as Android TV Boxes, but are not considered the same type of device. We have cataloged these devices as different from a TV Box, but they work as an alternative to them.
They are generally considered to be different devices, but with a similar function. It may not be exactly a TV Box with Android TV, since TV Boxes are boxes and these other gadgets look like a stick or dongle that connects to the TV. Although the idea is identical, TV Boxes are boxes while these other gadgets look like sticks that connect to the television. A non-smart TV can become a smart TV.
All Smart TVs have the same functions. With these devices you can access the streaming apps, news applications and games without having to buy a new TV, since the Smart TV does not support them. The functions are similar. We can find that Chromecast, for example, is controlled by an Android smartphone, while an Amazon Fire TV app is controlled by a mobile phone. The advantage of Amazon Fire TV is that it does not require a mobile phone to run the app and play content on the TV.
It is also vital to remember that functions may not be identical in all situations. Manufacturers establish the functions of their TV Box in different ways, so depending on the company, there may be additional features. In addition, we must also take into account the storage capacity. We can see a significant difference between Android TV Boxes and stick gadgets, as well as between Chromecast and the latter. It is also essential to understand that the formats that can be played are not constant between devices.
Advantages of an Android TV Box
A large number of people prefer to invest in an Android TV Box than in a television with Android TV. The reasons behind this are precisely what makes these devices so popular with certain groups of people. Here are the main advantages we get:
- They are cheap, much more than a Smart TV with Android TV operating system.
- You can have a large number of apps and games like on your mobile devices, but with the advantage of a large screen like your TV.
- It is very simple to install and start up, since in a matter of minutes it will be ready to enjoy.
- They are very versatile devices.
- You can connect other external devices such as controllers, flash drives, memory cards, etc.
- You can choose from a wide variety of different makes and models.
What options are there in the market?
The number of Android TV Boxes has increased considerably in recent years. We can choose from a wide variety of brands and prices, or whatever we want. In addition, we know that brands like us have televisions. Users can also use them when looking for a TV Box.
Xiaomi has its own Android TV Box and it also already has several versions on the market. This is a great option for those looking for both functionality and a famous brand name, as well as one that fits the bill well in terms of price. The cost should not be the only factor to take into account, but we must also assess the purposes for which we are going to use it.
It is also essential to be careful when buying one. We can see in the market some devices that are advertised as Android TV Box, but they do not work as advertised. Some devices do not have the necessary security certificates, so their purchase is not recommended. They can endanger the user's television, in addition to the fact that there are applications that do not work correctly. The Netflix app, for example, only shows its videos in low definition, despite not having the necessary security certificates. In this sense, you do not have a good time.
If you want to be sure of what you buy, opt for a well-known brand. In this post, we want to explain what an Android TV Box is and how it works, so that buying one is a piece of cake. And we recommend brands like Xiaomi, NVIDIA, Thomson, Nokia, etc.
