Using Android TV outside US?

by PrinceKickster

I'm seriously considering getting an Android TV (the Mi Box specifically) but I wanna ask, how well Android TV works outside the US media life support? Can you help me with this because this is my first media box, and help me get started. I'm on the Philippines btw

Could some media apps could be restricted? Also I wanna ask is most media apps on Android TV now supports PiP now, the floating video thing, like for YouTube or Spotify? Also is Chrome app now on Android TV now? You know sometimes you need it for livestreams on websites

How about Free TV OTA, does Android TV support this, via a USB dongle and wired to the antenna outside? Even both DTV & Analog? Because here in PH, we still haven't fully switched on DTV, we still on testing phases, and also Free TV is still important here as how a cable also important in the US too. We're willing to cut cords here as much as possible, but at sometimes I could see my mom much prefer what's on free TV, also TV networks here haven't jumped on streaming apps/subscription yet, so no livestreaming yet anywhere via internet, and in case internet's very slow so we have a fallback option.

Also can you help me find that right USB antenna dongle that will work for Android TVs. For both DTV ISDBT and Analog NTSC? Also the right app on Play Store that can do this? Could Plex or Kodi do this on their app, or even just Live Channels app will just do?

Also I wanna ask about camera, I was wondering if Android TV supports webcams via USB, so we could accept say videocalls Skype or Facebook Messenger. Also is chat apps on Android TV mostly support PiP now too. Also could you also help me find right and trustable good webcam accessory that will work for Android TVs, and will be right for a wide living room setup?

Lastly, I wanna ask, how long before updates being rolled out on Android TVs, I mean with Auto, Wear and TV right, it's very well controlled by Google right? Is it that bad too as how Android updates roll outs on phones, tablets too or I'll get Android Oreo much sooner? This ships with Android Marshmallow btw, is too Nougat update already on Mi Box already to those that have this too?

Sorry if I'm asking too much, I'm really new to media boxes. And thanks for the answers in advance

exodus_cl

I use the mibox in Chile and I love it!

The apps Im currently using are Netflix, YouTube, Kodi, Viki, Crunchyroll, Acestream live TV, Twitch and Retroarch, there are many others, but those are the main apps that work great outside US

oroboros74

Too many questions, but to answer your main one: I bought the Mibox in the US and use it in Europe. Love it.

Waldren

Pretty sure most apps are restricted. I have Shield/Mi box and the only big streaming apps we get are netflix (limited library) and stan from memory. Im sure there are ways to install US apps but haven't bothered with it as Kodi + netflix is enough for my use.

TV tuners are not currently supported on Mi box and doubt they ever will as software support for the device has been pretty much non existent. I think the SHIELD supports a handful of USB Tv tuners. Alternative to USB tuner would be a network attached tuner like HD homerun. This will work on Mi box.

BiggussDikkuss

No Skype, video calling, video chatting on the Mi Box at all. Even Webcams will not work.

As already suggested a completely external TV tuner box like HDHomerun or DIY TvHeadend server would be needed for Mi Box - PVR / TV usage. TV deinterlacing is pretty poor quality on the Mi Box as well for mpeg2 Live TV streams. Direct plug in USB TV tuners will not work.

For Web browsing you would need to purchase a seperate Wireless Air mouse remote and even then browsing on a TV screen is a terrible idea vs using a tablet or PC.

Use the Mi Box as a Audio and video media streamer only and not a PC and you will be fine.

chandrasaurus

hello.. im in Jakarta, it's works, Sir. 😎 (using mi box international version 6.0.1 build 1304)

actually apps on play store will be different (beside not too much like mobile version, but you can sideload or maybe trial and error with hunting regular *.apk or using VPN to change your region).

if you want to try.. simple...using VPN like Opera VPN to change your region like US or Europe.. then clearing cache and clear data on your play store app.. and reopen..VOILA.. some new app.

few app like TV streaming Pluto.. same method with using VPN like clearing cache on play store so.. going to tv apk, you can get new channel there.

haha.. ip cam and et cetera-cetera.. hmm actualy this box not a superior PC, Sir.. this is simple TV streaming.. so just enjoyed or modified then waiting for next generation perhaps. Gracias!!!