Android TV it's a Google-backed version of the operating system that's built to run on TVs. It is also known as Android TV Box when complemented with the hardware (miniPC form factor), and has been available since December 2014.
In theory, that makes it a great option for users who want Internet-connected TVs. A simple way to transform a conventional TV into a connected Smart TV, or a non-Android Smart TV to have the rich Android ecosystem...
What is an Android TV Box?
Un Android TV Box is a streaming media player that is designed to let you run Android apps on your TV. There are many different makes and models of Android TV Box, and they come in a variety of hardware configurations. These boxes are designed to connect to any modern TV with an HDMI port and allow you to run apps like Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, and more. Most Android TV boxes have an ARM processor and are very cheap compared to most streaming players. You can often find Android TV boxes for as little as a few dozen dollars, though you'll probably have to pay more if you want a brand like NVIDIA Shield.
What is the difference between Android TV and Android smartphones?
The main difference is that Android TV boxes run a version of Android that is built specifically for televisions. In other words, they are Android devices that are designed to be connected to a TV. Android TV Boxes are basically miniature computers designed to be placed next to the television. Android smartphones, meanwhile, run the same operating system as a laptop or desktop computer. The two are similar but not identical. Both are built on top of the Linux kernel, but have different user interfaces.
Why you might want an Android TV Box
Android TV Boxes are an excellent option if you want turn an old tv into a smart tv. Whether you have an old TV in the garage or an old monitor in the basement, an Android TV Box will let you stream apps like Netflix just like you would on a new TV.
They also work well if you have a newer TV but want to replace the built-in smart features with something better. You may also want one of these boxes if you want to run custom software on your TV.
Android TV boxes are the most open equipment in the world. Google does not make Android televisions or televisions. Instead, it licenses the system to any hardware manufacturer that wants to build a TV with it. This means that unlike most TVs that run very limited software, Android TV boxes are like miniature computers. This makes them a great option if you want more freedom to do what you want with your TV.
What to know before buying an Android TV Box
Android TV Boxes are not the same as Android TV, as I have mentioned before. Some Android TV Boxes have the Android TV brand, but not all do (they are not certified boxes, so there could be some differences or limitations). You'll also want to consider which apps will work on your TV while you shop.
Most major streaming services are available on Android, but apps like Hulu and others may not be available on your particular Android TV box. If you have a 4K TV, you might also consider getting an Android TV box designed for 4K.
What to look for when buying an Android TV Box
Before buying an Android TV Box, check the hardware you have. Android TV boxes come with a wide range of hardware configurations, and you'll want to make sure you get one that's powerful enough for your needs. Beware of boxes that promise too much. Some boxes promise to do things that they can't actually do. You need to make sure that the box you are looking at is honest with you. You also have to take into account the ports that the box has. Most Android TV boxes have multiple USB ports that allow you to connect a keyboard, mouse, or any other USB device. Some boxes also have an SD card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.
Best Android TV Boxes
Finally, you can also choose between these products that recommend , as they are some of the most relevant Android TV boxes on the market today:
NVIDIA Shield
Despite being more game-oriented, NVIDIA's Android TV Box proposal is an Android game console compatible with apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other apps and games. Thanks to the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip, which gives it power for streaming and gaming. In addition, it is compatible with 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and GeForce Now, NVIDIA's service for gamers.
Lihuzmd TV Box
Lihuzmd's entertainment box is a fantastic device, featuring an Arm Cortex-A55 quad-core CPU, RK3566 SoC, Mali-G52 2EE GPU with 4K support, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Also, you can watch 8K movies and experience them in full quality. It also has Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi DualBand.
Xiaomi MI TV Box S
There is also the Xiaomi S Android TV Box to consider. This 140-gram case houses an Arm Cortex A53 quad-core processor, a Mali-450 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage. It supports countless video, image and sound formats, has WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity and includes a voice-activated remote control. You really can't ask for much more for the money.
Nokia Streaming Box 8000
The box uses an Arm processor, comes with 8GB of internal storage, supports 4K, has a USB port, HDMI, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and supports the most popular streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ among others). All this comes in a box weighing just 250 grams and behind it the prestigious Finnish brand Nokia.