Airtel Xstream 4K Android Box Launch: Will it be better than Jio's set top box in terms of prices

JioFiber of Reliance has caused massive waves in the broadband and DTH industry, ever since rumors started flying.

And after the official announcement of Jio in August, it was clear that we are seeing similar services from our rival operators. And of course, Airtel, which is Jio's biggest competitor, has come up with a new solution for its DTH customers. The device is called XStream Box and is Airtel's idea of ​​offering modern-day entertainment services on its platform.

The XStream box is basically an Android TV box that has been modified to accept both satellite TV signals as well as content from modern OTT platforms. The box is priced at Rs 3,999 and is available on all e-commerce sites as well as other major retail stores. However, for existing Airtel Digital TV subscribers, the box is available for Rs 2,249.

If you are interested in buying the Airtel XStream box, here are some features you should know about.

Features of Airtel Xtreme Box:

- Airtel is using Android 9 Pie OS for XStream and along with that, will also provide access to Google Play Store and Google Assistant.

- By default, Xstream Box will support OTT platforms such as the Airtel Xstream App, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Airtel Store (for advanced gaming with high-end graphics). The box will also be able to stream over 500 TV channels. The device supports streaming in 4K.

For connectivity, the XStream box will feature Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The box will require Wi-Fi to connect to Internet services. Since it is using Android TV OS, it also comes with support for Chromecast, which will aid connectivity with Android phones.

- Box comes with one year subscription on HD DTH pack with all the content available on Airtel XStream app content and one month subscription.

Should you buy Airtel Xstream Box or wait for JioFiber

- Based on what Reliance announced at its AGM event, the Airtel XStream box is completely different from what Jio will offer with its top box. The Jio Set Top Box is considered an all-in-one media console rather than an Android TV box.

- Jio set top box will support video calling for up to four people simultaneously, something that Airtel box cannot. Jio also said that its set top box would be capable of hosting console-quality games and mixed reality services with the need for an MR headset.

- At the Reliance AGM event, it was announced that the Jio set top box would be complimentary with the JioFiber subscription, meaning that you would not have to pay an additional amount for the box. On the other hand, Airtel is offering the box for Rs 3,999.

--Overall, if you want a simple Android TV Box with lots of online content, then Airtel Xstream Box is a better bet. If you want more multimedia features, the Jio set top box seems like a better option.