This new Google TV-Box Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen comes in a classic cardboard box with the product image in the upper area. Inside we find the TV-Box, remote control, HDMI cable, 5.2V 2.1A charger and a first steps manual.

Description

The new Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen offers a design similar to the previous Xiaomi Mi Box S. On the back we have an AV + SPDIF (optical needs a mini TOSLink adapter) jack, HDMI 2.1, USB-A 2.0 and round power connector. On the front we have a white status LED that indicates when the system is working.

This Google TV-Box has a Wifi 5 + Bluetooth chip with internal wifi antenna. The set follows exactly the previous design and we do not notice any differences, only the information at the bottom tells us that we are facing a new version.

Included we have a Bluetooth remote control that has a microphone for Google Assistant, as a novelty we have the Xiaomi TV+ key and the Apps button. The system offers us HDMI-CEC control option, we also have an assistant to configure the volume and power keys with our Smart TV.  Some keys may be remapped for other functions.

• Remote: Remote control BT with microphone / Compatible with keyboard and mouse / Control App for Google TV.

SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE

Environment and Android system

After starting the Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen we find the Android and remote control configuration wizard. We can also adjust the Wi-Fi connection, define which apps will be installed by default and select the type of content we want to see on the main screen. After these settings we get to the Google TV launcher designed to control with remote control. In general the overall performance is very fast, we can move quickly between menus and different apps.

• Launcher: We can change de the launcher / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
• Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications the upper icon.
• Languages and Google Play: All the international Android languajes / Google Play for Google TV installed.
• Check our Google TV User Manual to install classic Android Apps, prevent screen rotation and much more.

In this Xiaomi TV Box S 2nd Gen we have by default the Xiaomi TV+ app, accessing this free service we have plenty of free live channels. We have a large selection of broadcasts to choose from, some have classic advertising and others seem not to.

Another novelty of this system is the inclusion of Xiaomi’s PatchWall launcher. It is a western version of the launcher that this brand uses in China for its TV-Box. Something quite forgettable since we have Google TV as the main launcher and offers no advantages in this regard, we can only be interested in its aesthetics.

System

We check at the internal system data and the included options, we also observe what boot options this device allows us. This TV-Box will have updates via OTA to correct possible failures, security updates and bug fixes.

• On/Off Controls: Sleep mode / Shutdown settings available.
• System version and root: Google TV 11 (32 bit) / NO root / CPU r0p2 (S905X4) / Model MiTV-AFKR0 jaws
• Support: Xiaomi OTA support / IMG firmware NOT available, only OTA update.