Android/Media Box similar to PS4/Xbox One

[Riggidig]

Hi all. Hope you are well. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a decent Android/Media Box with a similar, easy to use interface like the PS4/Xbox One. Should also preferably have an ethernet port as well and not just be able to connect via wi-fi only.

Should probably ad that I'm thinking of selling my console, as I don't really game any more these days. Mostly it's just being used for Netflix, YouTube and DVDs/Blu Rays. Feels a bit overkill to own something made for gaming and not use it for that. Why I'm asking specifically if there are Android/media boxes that are similar to gaming consoles in terms of UI, ease of use and update abilities.

 

[bloedmonster]

Telkom lit if you want to stream dstv, alternatively one of the Xaiomi ones are good.
Cheap Chinese ones are slow

 

[QilliQ]

If money is not a concern, definitely a nvidia shield

 

[Riggidig]

Telkom lit if you want to stream dstv, alternatively one of the Xaiomi ones are good.
Cheap Chinese ones are slow

Do they get software updates like the PS4/Xbox One?

 

[UnknownSoldier]

The Xiaomi Mi Box is a better option than the Telkom Lit Box, but if ethernet port is a must, I don't think the Xiaomi Mi Box has one.
The Nvidia Shield is definitely the best, but it's almost the same price as a PS4/X1.

Do they get software updates like the PS4/Xbox One?

All 3 of the mentioned devices run Android TV and, as far as I know, are all currently on Android 8.0.

 

[bloedmonster]

Do they get software updates like the PS4/Xbox One?

Indeed, however the cheap Chinese ones, not too often and not the latest.

 

[Maxim]

I use mygica and chromecast. They work well

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[JoE]

PlayStation like interface for a media box can be achieved through apps like kodi however that requires set up so the one that works closes with little to no set up is android tv.

The nvidia shield is the best bar none but pricey so the mi box is the one you want to get as it’s got quite a following globally with loads of content on you tube for setting up different media. There’s a dedicated thread on mybb as well that will answer most of your questions. The Telkom lit box is a good alternative (and cheaper) but the only drawback is that it’s geared towards promoting local content so netflix and other apps will have to have an apk sideloaded if you want 4K content.

 

[Nikkel]

The Xiaomi Mi Box is a better option than the Telkom Lit Box, but if ethernet port is a must, I don't think the Xiaomi Mi Box has one.
The Nvidia Shield is definitely the best, but it's almost the same price as a PS4/X1.


All 3 of the mentioned devices run Android TV and, as far as I know, are all currently on Android 8.0.

USB to Ethernet adapter hub... I use one on the Mi Box S

 

[Riggidig]

I use mygica and chromecast. They work well

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

I read somewhere once Google not recognising MyGica as a Google-certified device. Has this been resolved?

 

[Riggidig]

If money is not a concern, definitely a nvidia shield

Looked it up. Looks great, but unfortunately a bit pricey. Under R2K is probably my budget.

PlayStation like interface for a media box can be achieved through apps like kodi however that requires set up so the one that works closes with little to no set up is android tv.

The nvidia shield is the best bar none but pricey so the mi box is the one you want to get as it’s got quite a following globally with loads of content on you tube for setting up different media. There’s a dedicated thread on mybb as well that will answer most of your questions. The Telkom lit box is a good alternative (and cheaper) but the only drawback is that it’s geared towards promoting local content so netflix and other apps will have to have an apk sideloaded if you want 4K content.

Someone actually suggested that, as I don't really play games anymore, why don't I just get a PS3/Xbox 360? Not sure how the apps are on those systems now that both consoles aren't being made anymore though...

 

[JoE]

Someone actually suggested that, as I don't really play games anymore, why don't I just get a PS3/Xbox 360? Not sure how the apps are on those systems now that both consoles aren't being made anymore though...

It will cost around the same but the lit / mi box will be the one more likely to be supported with updates and more conducive to media consumption plus it uses less power so you’ll save some that way as well.

 

[Riggidig]

It will cost around the same but the lit / mi box will be the one more likely to be supported with updates and more conducive to media consumption plus it uses less power so you’ll save some that way as well.

Only downside I've realised these last 2 days is that, if I do sell the console I will have to get myself a DVD/Blu Ray player as well, apart from the Android/media box. In the end the two together might make selling the console not worth it and worth keeping it. Just find it funny I have a gaming console that I haven't used for gaming in months, and rather just for movies.

 

[JoE]

Only downside I've realised these last 2 days is that, if I do sell the console I will have to get myself a DVD/Blu Ray player as well, apart from the Android/media box. In the end the two together might make selling the console not worth it and worth keeping it. Just find it funny I have a gaming console that I haven't used for gaming in months, and rather just for movies.

Assumed you were going to get the console to serve the purpose. If you already own then it’s a no brainier. Ride that pony till it breaks. As for disc media, I’m surprised that you use it. My Sony blu ray player looks and works the same as the PS3 but I’ve probably used the drive once to play a disc. All digital for me now.

 

[Riggidig]

Assumed you were going to get the console to serve the purpose. If you already own then it’s a no brainier. Ride that pony till it breaks. As for disc media, I’m surprised that you use it. My Sony blu ray player looks and works the same as the PS3 but I’ve probably used the drive once to play a disc. All digital for me now.

I'm actually a bit of a collector. Still buy discs on special, import stuff if they're on special. Haven't bought one in a couple of weeks though to be honest. Actually been thinking of getting a Blu Ray player that can play any region of DVD, as there are quite a couple of films you can't get on PAL DVD and only from the States, but they're a bit pricey (for me at least).

 

[Crowley]

The Telkom lit box is a good alternative (and cheaper) but the only drawback is that it’s geared towards promoting local content so netflix and other apps will have to have an apk sideloaded if you want 4K content.

How is the lit box geared towards promoting local content? The only local content my lit box sometimes streams are showmax and DSTV now.

 

[JoE]

How is the lit box geared towards promoting local content? The only local content my lit box sometimes streams are showmax and DSTV now.

Locally made units that favour Dstv and showmax apps. At inception it didn’t support netflix.