Airtel Launches Xstream Android TV Box to Rival JioFiber Internet

The telecom operator has launched two devices that let you watch TV channels and shows from apps like Netflix.

Airtel Xstream TV Box runs on Android TV.

(Photo: The Quint)

Right on cue, Airtel has announced a slew of streaming devices for consumers that lets them watch live TV channels, as well as content from apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

These products fall under Airtel’s Xstream product segment, under which, the telco has launched an Android TV box and TV stick. Both these devices will run with a compatible Xstream app, which is the rebadged Airtel TV app. The devices are priced at Rs 3,999 and Airtel users get free of cost access to its content for the first month.

With JioFiber offering similar services through its broadband segment, it was a matter of time before its competition came out with something similar. ACT also launched a similar streaming device, which is limited to its broadband users in the country.

Here’s what Airtel is offering with these devices:

Xstream TV Box

The Box is bundled with a voice-assisted remote.(Photo: The Quint)

The Xstream Box connects to any TV via an HDMI port (at the back of the device), and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in terms of connectivity features. Airtel claims users can watch TV channels or shows from apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, while strangely Hotstar is missing from the default list.

Having said that, being an Android TV supported device, the Xstream Box uses all the apps from the Google Play Store, which means you can download and install Hotstar from there.

Features of the Airtel Xstream box.(Photo: Airtel India) 

It comes with a universal remote that features a Google Assistant-based voice search and hot keys for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

Airtel India statement

In terms of the content, the Android Xstream box comes with complimentary access to the Xstream app (worth Rs 999) for one year. You pay regular charges to access content on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video among others. In addition to this, users get a one month’s subscription to a HD DTH pack with Airtel as well.

Existing Airtel TV users can upgrade to the Xstream Box by paying Rs 2,249.

Xstream Stick

The Xstream Stick looks similar to the Google Chromecast in design.(Photo: The Quint)

The Xstream stick is similar to the Google Chromecast in design, and offers features that Amazon Fire TV stick does. It is powered by Android 9.0, and according to Airtel, it converts any regular TV into a smart TV.

The Airtel Xstream Stick with built-in Chromecast support is powered by a 1.6 Ghz processor, while the memory unit is not given. This device also supports Google Assistant, using which, users can give voice commands to access content.

Unlike the TV Box, Airtel has better goodies on offer for its existing users. Airtel Thanks Platinum and Gold customers get complimentary access to the content subscription, Airtel pointed out in its statement.

All other customers get free access to the content for the first 30 days and will need to subscribe to a Rs 999 annual plan to continue enjoying the exciting content catalogue, Airtel adds.

With Jio yet to reveal its plans and prices of its streaming device, it will be intriguing to see how other TV service providers plan to battle in this space.