Xiaomi launches feature packed Mi Box set-top box in US with 4K streaming
China smartphone giant Xiaomi launched its Android-based Mi Box set-top box in the US on Monday, taking on the Apple TV, Roku, and other competitors with 4K streaming support and Google voice search for $69.
Hugo Barra, former Google executive and current global VP for Xiaomi, made the announcement on Twitter, marking China-based Xiaomi's first product entry into the US market.
The Mi Box is based on Android TV 6.0 with voice control and Google Cast support. It's also capable of streaming 4K video at 60 FPS with support for Dolby Digital Plus audio playback. In addition, there's HDMI 2.0a compatibility, a quad-core ARM processor, Mali 450 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage.
Gallery: Xiaomi launches in the US with $69 Mi set-top box
Not available in the US market is Xiaomi's game pad controller with dual-motor vibration feedback and a 3-axis G sensor. The game pad also comes with 365-day standby battery.
Included with the $69 box is Xiaomi's wireless remote with Bluetooth capability.
Barra told Bloomberg in August that Xiaomi is planning to enter the US smartphone market in the near future, signaling a push outside its home market of China.
"The US is a market that we definitely have in our sights," Barra said on Bloomberg Television. "We will lead with social media, with the channels that allow us to get in touch with the young generation that are enthusiastic about new technology. We are definitely going there."
Barra said on Monday the Mi Box will be available from Walmart later this month.