Powerful Android Streaming Device Suggestion

by meddlingmages

I want a fast, snappy, and intuitive android box to stream and cast media. But I will never ever ever use it to "game." From what I can gather the Nvidia Shield is one of, if not the most powerful devices to stream media, however I know its geared towards gaming and even ships with a controller that I would probably just leave in its packaging as the unit also ships with a remote.

Are there any options that are just as powerful as the Shield that don't utilize "gaming" or controllers?

  1. The box has to be able to download and utilize apps seamlessly (no tricks or installation of third party backdoor or sideloading software).

  2. Has to run Kodi as close to flawless as possible (for example no sideloading etc, just want to be able to download and utilize Kodi)

  3. Does the Shield run Kodi as any PC would? Are there any limitations/restrictions? Can I run any old repository just like I would be able to on a PC?

  4. Is there anything comparable to the Shield in terms of speed?

  5. If I do go with the Nvidia Shield, I don't have access to hardline ethernet in the room in which it'll be used. Will it still be noticeably quicker than my AppleTV as an example?

  6. Can it utilize Chromecast? As in, if I want to stream (mirror?) a video from my phone/laptop to the Shield, is it simple?

Andrroid

The shield is the answer, even if you don't want gaming. Nothing comes close in the Android TV works. And they sell a version without the controller for $180.

Regarding being focused on gaming, it's really not anymore. It supports the most video/audio codecs of any device, has the most 4K/HDR streaming sources, can act as a Chromecast, has like 5 different options for OTA DVR, and can even run a Plex server. Does any of that sound like gaming to you?

fudsak

It's bothersome that you spent all that time typing up this post but no time reading the stickied rule post or sidebar.

JimboLodisC

So you want the Shield but without any of the extra gaming features.

  1. You don't have to use the gaming features.
  2. They literally just started selling it without the gamepad.
BiggussDikkuss

Just make sure you understand the difference between Android TV that runs on devices like the NVIDIA Shield and Xiaomi Mi Box compared to the regular Android mobile/tablet OS that runs on everything else Android.

They even use different Google Apps stores. The Android TV Apps store is more limited in its selection but Apps are actually designed for use on a TV screen and are far easier to use with a simple Wireless Voice remote.

Most Android mobile/tablet/touscreen Apps cannot run on Android TV.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_TV

bazzawhite

You could try Xiaomi Mi Box which is fraction of the price of a Shield TV. I personally have a Shield TV and it's flawless for the things you've mentioned.

You can buy it here https://m.geekbuying.com/item/-Official-International-Version--XIAOMI-Mi-Box-4K-H-265-Android-Box-374192.html

daz1uk

Crazy how a simple question can end up in an argument. But, in answer to your question the shield is the best you can get regardless of gaming features or not. I bought mine, felt guilty for spending so much on a TV box, ordered a return from Amazon and then kept it. I kept it because it is the best you can get.

blondedre3000

Shield is just targeted for games because Nvidia makes it. It also happens to be a damn fine streaming box, the best Android TV box you can get (in terms of specs and overall experience), and the only one I'd recommend if you care about 4K content.