| The whole turns under Android TV 9, with the built-in Chromecast function to stream content from a mobile | I generally prefer a clean home screen, and with Android TV you get the option to disable the "ribbons," the horizontally-scrolling list of content suggestions from services you use frequently |
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| This is not the case, for example, with the Netflix application | Regarding the Fire TV Stick or the Fire TV Cube, the difference is important: these products do not have the same operating system |
The remote has a button for invoking Google Assistant, a D-pad for navigation, back, home, and menu buttons, volume controls, and dedicated buttons for Netflix and Prime Video.
3| Content is prominently highlighted on Fire TV OS, but over on Android TV, the focus is on apps | It delivers the same value and similar performance in day-to-day use, but you get Fire TV OS instead of Android TV and Alexa in lieu of Google Assistant |
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| The Mi TV Stick delivers lag-free performance in day-to-day use, there's Chromecast built-in and Google Assistant integration, and overall you're just getting great value | That gives it a distinct edge over the Chromecast, as you get a UI that lets you stream content directly instead of relying on your phone |
Among the products cited are Android TV products and a Fire OS product.
| Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Should you buy it? Nothing serious, but you quickly see the limits of a compact design with an entry-level processor | The dongle has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4 |
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| Even the HDMI port isn't strictly necessary and you could even hook the Mi TV Stick up to an old CRT television, if you have the right adapter for it | Through HDMI connectivity, the Mi TV Stick can output up to full-HD 1920x1080 pixels at 60Hz |
The remote lets you easily invoke Google Assistant, and there's Chromecast built-in for casting content from your phone.
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