The world of Android TV set top boxes has been fairly stale for a while, but Xiaomi has unveiled a new version of their Mi Box with the Mi Box S.
There’s not a huge amount changed between the Mi Box and the Mi Box S, though it runs the new Android 8.1 (Oreo) based interface, something the original Mi Box apparently has issues with, as Xiaomi halted the rollout of the 8.1 update due to issues.
Physically the box for the Mi Box S looks a little different and the remote control has gotten an update with the Google Assistant button and Netflix shortcut now present. Inside though, the hardware seems to be the same with a Cortex A53 quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of on-board storage. There’s still no ethernet plug, but you do get dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 with a USB-A port, and HDMI 2.0A.
According to 9to5Google if you’re in the US you’ll be able to grab one from Walmart for $59 shortly, but here in Australia you can check your favourite importer, but it looks to be cheapest price is on CooliCool for $116.63 AUD which includes free shipping.
