Airtel, the DTH arm of Bharti Airtel, has launched Internet TV, believed to be India’s first hybrid STB, powered by Android TV. The service includes over 500 satellite TV channels as well as online content.
Airtel’s customers will now be able to stream and cast content directly on to their TVs as well as being able to download apps and play games. Gamers can use physical game controllers, or even their smartphones as a game pad with Internet TV.
The Internet TV service also comes preloaded with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Play Games, Airtel Movies plus other content. Access to Google Play Store is also included. Other features included are an inbuilt WiFi receiver plus Bluetooth-based remote control integrated with Google voice search features.
The Internet TV STB is 4K content ready and enables live TV shows to be paused, recorded or rewound. It also supports content via USB (external HD) and Bluetooth. Customers can also cast, mirror content from mobile devices, tablets and laptops on to the TV screen.
The STB requires a broadband or a 4G hotspot connection with a minimum recommended speed of 4 Mbit/s. A regular Airtel digital TV dish antenna will also be a part of the installation. Existing Airtel Digital TV customers can also upgrade their existing STBs to an Internet TV STB.
The service is priced at $77.5 for a three-month subscription. There is an introductory offer of $124 for a one-year subscription.
