The difference is it is legit android TV, supported, Google approved, also while we are at it, the ONLY Android box that supports full Netflix and YouTube besides shield and nexus player. Nexus is dead and shield is pricey for some. But sure go grab a Chinese android box and enjoy scaled down content and a non optimized /supported experience. I feel like people need to understand the difference. Google widevine and that's a good place to start.

I would say yes the Android TV OS is the main draw. The specs come second. Coming from the Nexus Player, which was slightly underpowered for some users, this device should really hit the sweet spot for video content, streaming and personal, casual gaming, and the 10 foot viewing experience.

I for one, want my TV devices to be specifically for TV not a bolted on multipurpose tablet. So they can be less powerful but just as usefull

Which other devices offer 4k Netflix streaming for under $100?

The other devices fall into two categories:

1. Actual Android TV devices (Nexus, Shield, Razer, ADT-1). Of those, the Shield is the best, but it's more than twice the price.

2. Set top boxes running Android. These are mostly junk. They have decent specs and are very flexible, but the UI is garbage, the remotes are garbage, and many official apps like Netflix don't work at all.

You might be right in suggesting the Mi box is underpowered, we're going to need some community reviews to say for sure. But if it's a good device, it fills a nice gap that the Nexus Player abandoned.

Those boxes boast their specs because thats literally all they have. The components are metaphorically duct taped together, the firmware (designed for touch screen mobile devices) slapped on top, and support nowhere to be found. They are cash grab devices.

The Mi Box has actual potential to be a consumer friendly device.

Price plus ability. This is geared more towards the Chromecast user that really just wants to stream a bit more. To be frank, I didn't but a Chromecast 2 because I didn't feel it was enough of an upgrade from Chromecast, and due to the mi box I definitely won't be getting the ultra.

I don't care for gaming or anything else. As a mini streaming htpc, it looks like it'll do the job.

most of the best [stock Android boxes] are manufactured by respected electronic device makers with excellent customer support

This doesn't exist. That's the reason the mi box is getting some hype. The only stock Android boxes out are anonymous Chinese ones, unless there were some released earlier in the year like you mentioned that I'm unaware of.

The only other AndroidTV device in retail stores is the ShieldTV and I agree it is more powerful. But Xiaomi isn't competiting with NVidia instead they are in the streaming device likes of Roku/Amazon/Chromecast and the Mi box is more powerful than those IMHO.

Most other android boxes offer much more functionality and end user customization with the stock Android operating system. And most of the best such devices are manufactured by respected electronic device makers with excellent customer support.

This made me laugh so hard. I hope you're not talking about those Chinese TV boxes. Give us a list of these respected electronic device makers.

Specs are great, problem is performance doesn't match. Kinda disappointed. Keeping for now though. Won't play the 140 Mb/s Jellyfish demo via wireless AC 10 ft away without buffering. No problems playing direct to my TV via the same wireless connection.

Washed out colors are bad too.

Do any of the Android boxes support 24p auto-switching, Dolby TrueHD, or 4K@60Hz (4:4:4,HDR)?

For purposes of discussion are devices from Wetek, Minix, Matricom, Beelink considered "anonymous" "cheap" "chinese" boxes?