Android TV boxes are extremely popular, a must-have for those who plan to cut the cord, improve their television’s smart capabilities, or for those who travel a lot. They are also great for those who use or plan to
install Kodi on firestick device and other major media centers so they can manage their own media.
But for those who are new to Android TV boxes, you’re probably wondering: What are these devices and what do they have to offer?
Read on as this article talks about what Android TV boxes are, their features, and how they can benefit you!
What Are Android TV Boxes?
Android TV boxes are devices that either come as a dongle or set-top box, which you would plug into the television. Once plugged, you can now use your television to watch network TV shows or from video websites and on-demand streaming apps.
The term ‘android TV box isn’t strictly defined, with this device coming in various shapes and sizes and different capabilities. The one thing that all these Android TV boxes would have in common is that they can run an Android TV operating system!
What is an Android TV operating system, though?
Android TV is the current version of Android operation systems, which are designed to run on TVs. This has existed since 2014 and replaced Google TV, which is now defunct.
Similar to the mobile versions of Android operating systems, the TV version is highly fragmented with Android TV box manufacturers altering their OS to have their own features and requirements. Furthermore, there are various releases because of the many update cycles.
You can also find this Android TV OS built-in smart TVs, with popular TV manufacturers using Android TV OS to power up the capabilities of their products.
The Features of Android TV Boxes
Now that you know what an Android TV box is, what does it offer? Here are some of the notable features:
1. What you can watch
Those who have Android TVs would have the Google Play Store. The same goes for Android TV boxes, and you can find all the popular streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Go, ABC, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, among others.
One great feature about Android TV boxes is that you can sideload apps! Simply install an APK file of apps you don’t find from Play Stores then you can run it in the OS and install it to use. Just make sure that the app you will install is compatible with your device.
2. Other content available
You don’t only have the option to watch videos thanks to an Android TV box! You can also use other apps and manage content like music and pictures. For instance, you can use music apps like Spotify, video players like VLC, and even other utility apps for even more function!
What’s interesting is that there are some Android TV boxes that provide alternative app stores where you can download and play various games!
3. More awesome features for convenience
Besides what’s mentioned above, there are different convenient features you can take advantage of! However, take note that different brands would have different features, which is why further research should be made as you search for the right device. Here are a few features you’ll encounter in popular Android TV boxes:
● Built-in Chromecast support for you can cast directly from most devices straight to any TV. There is also Google Assistant in many mid to high-end products!
● Additional ports, such as USB ports, SD card slots, even Ethernet ports to cater to wired Internet connections. This will allow you to connect various devices to easily use the box.
● Bluetooth so you can use connect to other Bluetooth devices wirelessly.
● Most of the Android TV boxes come at affordable prices, depending on the brand and model you get. You get the bang for your buck as you get to stream most content and run useful apps to make any TV a smart TV.
Choosing the Right Android TV Box
While Android TV boxes are beneficial, you have to make sure you select the right one to take full advantage of it. Here are a few helpful tips to follow when selecting an Android TV box:
● Make sure that you look into all the genuine customer reviews and testimonials about the device you plan to get. This will help you manage expectations and know what to expect. Furthermore, it narrows down your options and have you chosen the one with the most positive reviews and the features you need.
● Consider the output resolution, opting for 1080p or 4k output through HDMI. This will have you consume your content with more clarity, increasing your streaming experience.
● Look into the performance and specs of the Android TV box. You’ll want to get one that relies on an octa-core processor and bigger RAM so it would perform quicker and more efficiently. It also improves the media playback and have you to run different apps without any issues.
● Check your chosen Android TV box’s options when it comes to external storage. There are devices that would have a built-in hard disk slot so you can install hard drives directly. Others would have USB connections so you can plug in external drives, or even cloud storage and networked drives!
Wrapping It Up
You can now convert your LCD TV into a Smart TV, all thanks to an Android TV box that comes at relatively lower prices! With its many features and media to choose from, you won’t get bored with all of what it offers. Just make sure that you choose high-quality devices that suit your needs and home.
Hopefully, this article all about Android TV boxes taught you more about what they are and why they are beneficial to households. If you plan to get an Android TV box yourself, make the right decision and be sure to get one suitable for your needs! Also, you can prefer
Smart TV Sale that makes your watching experience more attractive.
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences handling an Android TV box? Then share them in the comments section below, your thoughts are much appreciated. Happy streaming!
