When Jio does something, others follow the same. It’s a matter of survival. Users, no matter how old the companies are, only choose value for money services. We have seen the same when Jio launched their telecom network. Idea had to pull off a merger with Vodafone to cut the loss.
Recently in their Annual General Meet 2019, Jio has announced their broadband and set-top box. We already have many companies in this segment. They started feeling insecure and even released some competitive plans. Now, Airtel has launched two streaming devices.
Airtel Xstream Box and Xstream Stick; All You Need to Know
Let’s now delve into the specifications of the devices they launched. Both of them carry the same price tag but differs slightly in their functions.
As for Xstream Box, it has the option to choose from more than 500 TV channels. And, you can stream content available on Airtel Xstream app (which is a rebranded version of Airtel TV). The company has also partnered with ZEE5, Hooq, Hoi Choi, Eros Now, HungamaPlay, ShemarooMe, Ultra, and Curiosity Stream to fetch the customers myriads of media. Airtel’s collaboration with Wynk isn’t a secret now. Meaning, you can also stream music.
Running on Android 9 Pie, the box has Play Store for you to download a streaming app of your choice. Moreover, you get WiFi, Bluetooth, and built-in Chromecast. Universal Remote that comes bundled with the box has Google Assistant button and hotkeys for YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. You can buy the device from any online stores or Croma outlets for Rs. 3999. Existing Airtel Digital TV customers are eligible to get it for Rs. 2249.
Let’s now look at Airtel Xstream Stick. You can’t use it for TV channels. Limited only for digital streaming, Xstream Stick comes at the same price as that of Xstream Box. In addition to the streaming partners mentioned above, you can use your accounts of Netflix, Amazon Prime or any other application after installing them from Google Play Store.
Running on Android 8 Oreo, the Stick is flaunting a 1.6 GHz processor inside. Akin to the Box, this one also has built-in Chromecast support. You can use both these devices for free in the first month. Then, for them to function, a Rs.999 subscription fee is required.
When it comes to Airtel Xstream app, as you already read, it is the rebranded version of Airtel TV. The new interface focuses on content discovery and recommendations.
