Just bought a FireTV, and not sure if I'm a huge fan - I hate all the ads.
I has a MiBlx before but returned it - mainly because the Plex app wasn't exactly what the FireTV/PMP version looked like.
I guess I have 2 questions: -has the AndroidTV Plex UI been updated recently? -DirectTV Now app - is this available on Android TV? Looks like FireTV only?
I just feel like AndroidTV doesn't have the support that other platforms do.
Thanks!
I'm on a Shield, and it's still using the old Plex UI (which fits better with Google's Material Design guidelines, to be honest). AFAIK, DirecTV Now also isn't available on Android TV, and doesn't have a release slated (though it is supposed to run on LeEco's Android TVs coming later this year, but who knows if that means a general Android TV release or a situation similar to Netflix and Amazon where they only license specific devices). I don't know if the general point you made holds -- after all, there are plenty of apps on Android TV that aren't on Fire TV -- but if DirecTV Now is a must, then you're going to want to go with Fire TV.
I prefer the MiBox over AFTV (and I dislike it for the same reason as you, OP), but the Shield Console is the best streaming media player on the market IMO.
I've had the Mibox since Oct. We loved it then the Directtv now promo came out and I bought an Apple TV. Also we bought a firetv stick for my in-laws. So I had all 3 at the same time. I'll only comment on the Apple TV performance because I HATED tvos. We also have a 4K TV so that's a consideration.
As for Direct tv now the Mibox has built in Chromecast which is fine once it's connected but not the same as the native apps on the other platforms. In the end I put the Apple TV on Craiglist.
I rank them:
Apple tv, Mibox, then fire stick in terms of performance
Mibox, fire stick, Apple TV, in terms of software the update to the fire stick made the interface much easier to stomach.
I just returned my Mi Box to Walmart today. I started to get the feeling the box wasn't going to get much love.
I got a free Fire TV Stick for paying for a month of DirecTV Now ($35).
My main viewing choices are Netflix, Amazon Video, Plex, and at least for now DirecTV Now. I also use Kodi (SPMC). The Fire Stick does all of that whereas Netflix on the mi box was Flaky in 4K, Amazon was crappy quality and interface after having to sideload it, and DirecTV Now was non-existent. Plex/Kodi, to me, were about a wash. Presumably the non-stick Fire TV will do even better.
Meanwhile my two Samsung TVs both run Netflix and Amazon fine at 4K.... and in HDR. They also have gotten two updates in the last month whereas my mi box hadn't got any in nearly three months. I thought it was supposed to be the other way around.
I still need (want) another streaming box, but I think it will be an Amazon Fire TV.
You had both in your hands, you should be able to answer this one for yourself.
If you want Plex, but are not happy with the interface, you should use Kodi/SPMC and use the Plex app for it. That interface is much better IMHO. Kodi runs great on the MiBox and also on the FireTV, although for some reason you have to sideload it into the Fire.