Xiaomi's Mi Box Android TV Reportedly Slated For US Release Next Month

Xiaomi may have already impressed many with its smartphones and, most recently, with its first attempt at penetrating the laptop industry with its Mi Book Air. Next month, the company may finally be releasing a product in the United States, but it's neither a smartphone nor a computer.

Back in May, Xiaomi quietly launched the Mi Box, an Android set-top box that’s capable of playing 4K video at 60 FPS. The device is pretty much like a Roku or an Apple TV. When users plug the Mi Box into a TV, they will be able to stream video content from video services like YouTube, Netflix and Hulu. Since the Mi Box is powered by the Android operating system, users will also be able to download and play games; there is even an optional game controller for the device.

When Xiaomi announced the product, the company never did give out a release date, nor did it announce its price. However, a source within the company has revealed that the device will officially be available in the U.S. and other markets in “early Q4 2016,” according to TechCrunch.

Although no specific date was given, the statement may refer to an October release date. If this is true, this will be the first time that Xiaomi will be releasing a mainstream product in the U.S., and it is also a sign that the company is adamant on making an impact in the West.

IBT reported last month that Xiaomi confirmed that it was preparing to officially enter the U.S. market with the company’s vice president, Hugo Barra, telling Bloomberg that it will be launching a new product in the U.S. in October. Barra may have been referring to the Mi Box after all.

Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, the device is said to sell for less than $100 when it arrives in the U.S., a very competitive price tag that should get a lot of consumers interested, helping the company gain further recognition in the country. If the Xiaomi Mi Box sells for less than $100, this would also put it in serious contention with the likes of Apple TV ($149.99), the Roku 4 ($129.99) and the Amazon Fire TV ($99.99).