The world of Android TV set top boxes has been fairly stale for a while, but Xiaomi has unveiled a new version of their Mi Box with the Mi Box S.
There’s not a huge amount changed between the Mi Box and the Mi Box S, though it runs the new Android 8.1 (Oreo) based interface, something the original Mi Box apparently has issues with, as Xiaomi halted the rollout of the 8.1 update due to issues.
Physically the box for the Mi Box S looks a little different and the remote control has gotten an update with the Google Assistant button and Netflix shortcut now present. Inside though, the hardware seems to be the same with a Cortex A53 quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of on-board storage. There’s still no ethernet plug, but you do get dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 with a USB-A port, and HDMI 2.0A.
According to 9to5Google if you’re in the US you’ll be able to grab one from Walmart for $59 shortly, but here in Australia you can check your favourite importer, but it looks to be cheapest price is on CooliCool for $116.63 AUD which includes free shipping.
There are no “apparent” issues with the Oreo rollout on the Mi Box 3. They are severe and seemingly insurmountable. This alone makes the new Microwave Box something to be viewed with caution. I certainly won’t buy one, despite being a huge fan of their phones in particular and products in general. I replaced mine with a Minix.
Which Minix? I would like to replace my Minix U1 with a 4k HDR box with DTS pass through and colour space switching. Something that runs native Kodi not work arounds.
Lack of ethernet port is a bit of a bummer, especially for 4k content. I wonder if you can plug one of the USB ethernet adapters in via OTG?
i run 4 of the original mi box with a usb 2.0 to fast Ethernet adaptor based on the ax88772a chipset they are only 10/100 but so far they work great.