Airtel recently launched its new Airtel Xstream Box and Airtel Xstream Stick in some countries. The Airtel Xstream Box is a hybrid device that brings satellite DTH channels and online streaming services, while the Airtel Xstream Stick is an Android TV stick all se- top take on the Google Chromecast of Fire TV stick.
It is set up like a usual set up box with more features. The difference between the Airtel Xstream Box when compared to other set-top boxes is the fact that this is a hybrid device set-top box. This means you get the best of both worlds; the traditional satellite TV channels and you also get popular online streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.
Airtel Xstream Box features
The Airtel Xstream Box is a 4K Android TV based set-top box. You get Android 9 TV software and the TV streaming experience incorporate both TV services and DHT channels. What is important when it comes to a TV streaming device, is the content and performance.
When its comes to the content, this runs Android TV so you can download the different TV streaming apps you want from the Play Store. But at the end of the day what matters to all of us is Netflix and Prime Video. The Airtel Xstream Box comes with both these apps pre-installed.
The Airtel Xstream Box has Chromecast built-in and you will be able to cast videos, music or anything else from your phone to your TV. This Box has only been launched in India for the start, and comes with many streaming services customized for the region. The telecom company has an Xstream Plan that bundles Indian based movie channels like Zeee5, HooQ, ErosNow, Hungama Play, Sony Ultra and Curiosity Stream, for one subscription of R999 per year to watch should a good deal for those who love such channels.
The Performance
This is an Android TV device and it comes with Airtel’s own custom Xstream launcher, which a lot of people seem to like as it is pretty straightforward and is smooth. It is seamless to search between a Streaming App like Netflix to a traditional TV channel.
The Airtel Xstream Box comes with an easy to use remote. It has the number buttons for for usual TV channels and also has dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video and a Google Assistant button as well. So, you can also use Google Assistant to voice control the TV. It also comes with the Airtel smart remote app and you can use the smartphone as the remote.
Pricing
Airtel Xstream Box is priced at 3,999 ruppes (UGX 205,630) and comes with a free one year subscription to the Airtel Xstream app and free one month subscription to an DTH plan. The Gold and Platinum users will have access to the content library. If you want Netflix and Amazon Prime Video you will have to pay for those particular subscriptions separately.
The Airtel Xstream Box makes a lot of sense and can’t wait for its official launch this side of the Sahara. It is the perfect device to have for both online and satellite TV content assuming it is launched with regional relevant content. So rather than buying a smart TV you can buy the Airtel Xstream Box, and turn your usual TV into a smart TV. Let’s face it, smart TV have their issues; they can be expensive, some don’t have Netflix or Prime Video, some have Android that is not Android TV software, some are just slow and some get outdated in a few years.
The Airtel Xstream stick
The Airtel Xstream stick is a Fire TV to chromecast alternative with Android TV. It looks a lot like a Chromecast although its better looking. It is a streaming stick for people who want the satellite channels– all they need is Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, the Xstream services and more. The stick is also based on Android TV and like the Airtel Xstream box, it brings all the features like the Xstream plan which brings content from multiple services, the same good performance, the same good Xstream launcher, and the same price tag.
What is missing on the upcoming Airtel Xstream box and stick is a great internet plan. With the current pricing and availability of broadband internet in Uganda, companies find it hard to launch such devices as they require high speed dedicated internet. Airtel Uganda, recently launched broadband internet bundles, but none of them was unlimited for mainly homes and SMEs.
