Xiaomi, the Chinese startup known for its MIUI and M1 and Mi2 smartphones, expands into smart TV market introducing the Xiaomi Box (Hezi) TV set-top box. Just like the Apple TV, the Xiaomi Box has the ability to stream content from online sources and compatible smartphones and tablets. While the Apple TV supports just its own AirPlay, Xiaomi’s offering can handle AirPlay, DLNA and Miracast streamings, and Xiaomi calls the whole thing as MiLink. It connects to your network via Ethernet LAN or WiFi 802.11b/g/n.
The Android-based Xiaomi Box is able to streaming photos and videos from Xiaomi phones, iPhone/iPad/iPod touch, DLNA-compatible devices as well as PC (on the same home network) to your HDTV wirelessly. It can also stream movies and TV shows from Chinese online video services including PPTV, PPS, Funshion, Sina Video, QQ Video…etc. The little box also comes pre-loaded with music apps and games.
The Xiaomi Box is powered by a Cortex A9 800MHz processor and 1GB of RAM. It supports H.264, VC-1, WMV-HD, MPEG1/2/4, Real 7/8/9 video codecs, MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC audio as well as JPG, MP, GIF and PNG images. Other than HDMI output, the box also provides composite video output and digital audio out. The micro USB port is OTG-capable.
Coming in December, the Xiaomi box is priced at 399 Chinese Yuan (US$65) or just 299 Chinese Yuan (US$49) for Xiaomi phone users.
[Xiaomi]
