Android TV or AOSP? How to choose a good set-top box

There is no doubt that the future of video content lies with Smart TVs. If you do not have your own Android TV™ set-top box yet, you will learn all about its advantages right now.

What is happening in the global market?

Android devices are the leaders in the IPTV/OTT market. According to a study by Rethink, more than 100 million Android devices will have been sold globally by 2022. This figure is comparable to the total number of all smart TVs sold in 2018.

There are devices on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and Android TV. So, what is the difference between these types of software and what solution is right for you?

AOSP

AOSP TVs and set-top boxes do not have access to Google services. Manufacturers can change and supplement the software of such devices at their own discretion. AOSP is an open-source operating system. It is most frequently chosen by large companies that want to upgrade TV equipment.

Android TV

TVs and set-top box for Android TV are considered premium devices. They are certified by Google and have access to the official Google Play store (more than 5000 games and apps). The equipment that runs under Android TV regularly receives security updates.

What makes a good Android TV box?

Not every TV is equipped with a smart system and Wi-Fi adapter or supports 3D games. The Android TV set-top box is a remedy to this problem. The question is: what is a good Android TV box? With this device, the TV gets access to the Internet, streaming services, a voice control feature and other ‘bonuses’, which significantly expand the range of capabilities for the viewer.

How to choose an Android TV box?

Here are three devices that can make any TV smart:

• Xiaomi Mi Box S
• MAG425A
• Nvidia Shield TV

These set-top boxes have proven themselves on the global market. The devices differ in design, price, and specifications (video quality, gaming potential).

Which is the best Android TV box to buy?

MAG425А stands out from the above list of set-top boxes. It plays 4K HDR video content, has a number of built-in Google services, and supports Android games for TV screens. The voice remote control and the Google Assistant app can be used to control your set-top box by voice. With the Chromecast built-in, you can control your set-top box through a smartphone and display images on the TV screen from a mobile device. MAG425A synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV display with the frame rate of the video.

The set-top box Wi-Fi adapter works in two frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). You can connect the device to a PC, network-attached storage, USB drive, as well as a wireless keyboard and a computer mouse.

If you have not bought an Android TV set-top box yet, take a look at the MAG425A. It successfully competes with the top models represented in this market segment. The set of features and the price of the set-top box will pleasantly surprise the most demanding customers.

*Google One, Android, Google Play and Chromecast built-in are trademarks of Google LLC.