StarHub iin the US unveiled its Go streaming box, an all-in-one entertainment solution combining StarHub’s content catalogue and the Google Play store.
Powered by the Android TV Oreo OS (said to be the first) and compatible with any wireless broadband connection, the box comes preloaded with a Go Family subscription, which includes over 50 channels. Featuring content optimised for the big screen, the box is integrated into the StarHub Go ecosystem, allowing customers to seamlessly switch viewing between their TV set and smart devices.
StarHub Go runs on the operator tier of Android TV Oreo, permitting operators to provide customers with a customised user interface. Titles are aggregated on a “discover” tab and categorised according to genre, allowing customers to explore and discover content without navigating through separate tabs.
The box supports Ultra HD content and comes with Google Assistant voice search, which enables users to seek out content with voice commands. Google Chromecast is also built into the box to allow customers to stream video content to the TV set from their smart devices. The box comes preloaded with YouTube, Google Play Movies, Google Play Games and supports the Google Play store.
Some of the channels available on the Go Family subscription are Hub E City HD, Hub VV Drama HD, BBC Earth HD, tvN Movies HD, Lifetime HD, GEM HD, Cartoon Network, Oh!K HD, CuriosityStream HD and BBC World News HD.
Customers can subscribe to other packs like Go Select, Go Sports, Go Disney, Catchplay Unlimited, HBO Go or third-party applications like Fox+. Go Select offers access to thousands of TV shows including Korean movies and dramas, TVB dramas, up-to-date Asian programmes, HBO Originals and more.
Customers must first create a Hub iD. All purchases, information on viewing history and favourited programmes are then tagged to the iD, allowing for seamless switching across all StarHub Go platforms. A parental control PIN can also be created to restrict access to mature content and prevent accidental purchases.
The StarHub Go Streaming Box is available from September 5th, priced at $14.90 per month, together with StarHub 1Gbps Fibre Broadband at $39.90 per month, with a 24-month contract. Customers who sign up for this will also receive the new Linksys EA8100 router worth $329 at no additional cost.
Alternatively, the box is also available as a stand-alone product at an introductory price of $199, with a complimentary six-month Go Family subscription, priced at $9.90 from the seventh month onwards. It comes with a one-year warranty, which begins at the point of purchase.
