Android TV box that supports updates

by vonpupp

Hi,

I am quite new to this Android TV boxes world. During my research, I have read good things about:

- Nvidia Shield (too expensive for me)

- Amazon Fire (I am not a prime customer, so it doesn't seems logic to get one)

- Xiaomi Mi TV 3 (My current favorite so far)

However my concern is regarding updates. I would like to get a device that has support for updates in the future. The Xiaomi Mi TV seems to be on Android TV 6.0, there are some users that could update to Android TV 8.0 apparently with some issues. The newest model of the Xiaomi Mi TV (version 4) seems to ship with Android instead of Android TV, which seems a bit weird to me.

If you would buy a device up to ~$100 what would you pick? Is it worth it to have a generic brand Chinese box on aliexpress?

My main usage would be:

- Youtube

- IPTV (Kodi)

- Eventually Netflix

- DLNA over local network (wifi/lan)

- USB movies

- Able to send from my mobile phone with the cast button as modern TVs

- (desirable) Possible to upgrade the software as much as possible to keep it usable for a long time

- (optional but desirable) I would like to be able to both search over voice

- (optional but desirable) Nice and usable remote with mic

Thank you very much.

BiggussDikkuss

Once Android TV OS devices get updated to Oreo and also include Firmware that is Google "Treble" compliant then future Google Android TV OS updates should come out a LOT quicker.

Treble compliant Firmware will be the new baseline for Android TV devices. AMLogic Oreo Firmware is already Treble compliant. We just have to wait for companies like Xiaomi to update to Oreo first.

Only Google certified Android TV devices get Chromecasting capabilities. All the other generic and uncertified Android devices do not have Chromecasting keys in device Firmware.

allanfarrell

I Have a shield, mibox and nexus player, have had google tv devices (Logitech revue/sony gz box) as well so have been using Google tv and android tv for many years.

IMHO if I were you, I would save the extra cash and just get a shield. The mi box is buggy as hell, i have it in my bedroom as 2nd box, just 5 mins ago, using live channels the page just keeps scrolling, no way of stopping it, 3rd time its happened this week. had to perform a hard reboot. The bugs it has are by no means something that would make me stop using it, but quite annoying nonetheless.

The shield is simply the best box you can buy, performance wise its a beast, gets timely updates as well. I'm actually on my 2nd shield, the first I thought (as you do) it was too much (as I don't game). so sold it and bought the mi box, after a few weeks dealing with the bugs etc on the mi box I ended up buy another shield.

for the extra money the shield will give you less hassle.

PalebloodSky

There is only one Android TV box on the market that gets updates and that's the NVIDIA Shield TV. Don't waste your money on anything else right now.

raptor75mlt

Full list of certified AndroidTV devices is here - https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/8ghsc1/full_list_of_certified_android_tv_devices_here/

Take your pick, depending on which country you are in, you may not be able to acquire. Some of them are only available through TV/cable operators, but still a good option if they are in your country.

aRedLlama

If you are looking for something that will be supported into the future, run far away from anything Chinese like Xiaomi. You'd be better off just saving your money for a Shield.

windagony

no one knows what devices will get updates in the future

mecool m8s pro L is a popular device that has received a steady stream of updates so far

KronicNiteLife

Check out the ABOX A4, I think that may suit your budget https://youtu.be/qYYfbRO5Bh8

Sorry I misread your question if it is a box that runs Android TV OS your choices are Nvidia Shield or the Mi Box here is an article for better insight https://www.xda-developers.com/android-tv-box/