Comparision – Jio Fiber STB – Airtel Xstream Box
Reliance Jio has rolled out the Jio Fiber services for customer use. Even Airtel has launched the XStream Box. It is an Android-powered set too box and the two are measuring up to each other quite well. Reliance Jio will make 4K set-top box available and offer a host of services for the JioFiber users. However, Airtel is offering stiff competition with the Airtel XStream Box. The set-top box powered with Android 9 is offering content from standard cable channels and OTT services. Let us try drawing a comparison between the two services.
Online Streaming
One of the main elements of home entertainment now is online streaming. The 4K set-top box from Jio is offering apps like Jio Cinema. The platform has quite a large collection of TV shows and movies. Apps like Jio Games and Jio Saavn are also being supported by the platform. However, it is not known if Android apps will be supported. Airtel XStream Box runs on Android 9. A wide range of Android apps can be used from the Google Play Store. There is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity too. Chromecast and pre-installed apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube put Airtel XStream Box far ahead of Jio.
Online Interactive Gaming
The 4K STB from Reliance Jio was a major announcement. Another exciting fact about the platform is you can enjoy multiplayer gaming here. The company has shown that it offers zero latency for online multiplayer games. Also, the box would support every available controller. However, not a lot of details have been offered. Airtel XStream Box will not be offering such gaming services. You can even download games from the Google Play Store and stream games to their TV with the help of Chromecast.
Video Calling
Video calling through a TV definitely sounds very interesting. Not a lot of such services are available at the moment. The 4K set-top box supports the feature and it can be used to conduct video calls through the Jio Call app. The service is interoperable between devices and it will be very easy to connect any network. This provision is not yet available with the Airtel XStream Box.
Prices and expenditure
Reliance Jio will be offering the 4K set-top box services with Jio Fiber. However, it is not known if you would need to pay for the set-top box separately. The plans start from Rs. 699 and go up to about Rs. 8499. The minimum speed is 100 Mbps. To get Jio Fiber installation, a customer would need to pay a refundable deposit of Rs. 4500. On the other hand, the Airtel XStream Box price is Rs. 3,999 and the buyer would also avail a free subscription to Airtel XStream app content with HD DTH plan. The existing customers would need to pay only Rs. 2,249.
Though Jio Fiber is offering good features, when it comes to streaming and TV channels, Airtel XStream Box is miles ahead.
