Finnish service provider DNA has launched an open ecosystem Android TV hub which combines a set-top box, Chromecast built-in and a smart phone-style app store for TVs. Dubbed as DNA TV-hubi, device enables customers to watch TV and use online applications, play games and listen to music via one easy-to-use system. In addition, customers can watch all terrestrial and DNA’s cable and IPTV channels, and the device is both HD and 4K compatible. DNA TV-hubi uses the Android TV operating system, so Katsomo, Yle Areena and Ruutu, the apps of the three major TV channels in Finland, are available on the system, as well as YouTube and Deezer and a wide range of games and other apps. Netflix will also become available for the device soon. DNA TV-hubi includes Chromecast built-in, which enables users to easily mirror contents from your smart phone or tablet to your TV. You can download applications for DNA TV-hubi from the Google Play app store. Finnish service provider DNA has launched the second generation of its DNA Hubi Android-based set-top box.  The first DNA Hubi box was launched in 2017. The second-generation device increases the amount of main memory available from 2GB to 3GB, and the internal memory has been doubled. DNA says that the device can store up to 16GB worth of programmes without the use of external hard drives. The Android TV-based box enables viewers to watch both traditional TV and video-on-demand services and supports 4K image quality, as well as providing the ability to download games and music services. The enhanced Hubi service includes a storage option that can be ordered from the UI that allows users to record programmes from free and certain pay TV channels indefinitely. “Technical improvements are essential in product development, but the most important thing is of course the usability and functionality of the device at home. The Extra Power Rating processor will bring improved operating reliability, and built-in memory allows you to record more and more without any external hard disks,” said DNA’s product development director Ville Partanen “As the device shrinks in size, there is more technology to fit inside. The increase in power will allow, for example, Android TV 10 to be used as the device’s operating system and ensure upgrade opportunities for a long time.” DNA initially announced plans to launch the box in May, becoming the first Finnish player to launch an Android-based 4K-enabled box. The box provides access to the online apps of the major Finnish TV channels, Katsomo, Yle Areena and Ruutu, as well as online apps such as YouTube and Deezer. According to DNA, Netflix will be integrated soon. The box also includes access to DNA’s channel packages and programming library, and provides access to the company’s terrestrial, cable and IPTV services. The device is 4K-comapitle and includes two tuners to enable viewers to watch shows and record onto a separately purchased hard drive. The Sagemcom-manufactured device also includes software-based encryption. DNA said that it had carried out a survey of Finnish consumers earlier this year that revealed that 57% of Finns viewed the ability to watch TV content whenever they felt like it as important. Some 46% of respondents said that it was important to be able to use mobile apps on the main TV screen. A majority of respondents also felt that it was important to be able to find both online and TV content in one location. Some 30% of respondents, and 42% of 15-24 year-olds, said they had increased consumption of TV content in the last year, partly due to the increased availability of content online. “The pre-sales of DNA TV-hubi proved that there is a real demand for an Android TV device and a new way of watching television. We have already sold thousands of hubs in advance. People are accustomed to using apps on their phones, and DNA TV-hubi makes them easily available for television, too,” said Mikko Saarentaus, director at DNA entertainment business. |
