While Google was busy announcing a bunch of products we already knew about, Xiaomi had an announcement of their own to make. Along with the Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Google Home Hub, and Pixel Slate, Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Box S Android TV. This is the set-top box we heard about last month.

As previously reported, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is actually the Mi Box 4, as the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 was launched as simply the "Mi Box" in the U.S. There is not a ton of differences between the Mi Box S and Mi Box. It has a familiar design and very similar specs: 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and Amlogic S905X quad-core SoC. The box can play 4K HDR content at up to 60fps, and it also supports Dolby DTS for high-definition audio. Other specs include Bluetooth 4.2, one HDMI 2.0A port, one audio out port, and one USB 2.0 port.

One big difference is the included remote. The new remote has a Google Assistant button, Netflix shortcut button, and live TV button. The Mi Box S is also launching with Android 8.1 Oreo, while Android Oreo was just released to the Mi Box this summer. The Mi Box S will be available in the U.S. for just $59.99. Customers can pick one up from Walmart starting on October 19th and pre-orders should be opening up sometimes today.


Source: Xiaomi