If you’ve got a perfectly capable non-Smart TV at home and don’t want to upgrade just yet, you may feel that you’re missing out. Fear not, because there are a few ways you can make your regular TV just as great as the latest Smart TVs out there.
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1. Google Chromecast
Google’s Chromecast has been out for a while now, and it’s really a super easy way to get content up onto your TV. Just plug it into an HDMI port, power it up, and it’s ready to setup in a few quick steps. You can then stream a ton of content from your Android device, including apps such as YouTube and Netflix, as well as using your TV as a larger web browser using Chrome. If you’ve got a 4K compatible TV, you can opt for the Chromecast Ultra, which streams 4K and HDR content. (Price in UAE: AED119)
2. Xiaomi Mi Box
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We reviewed the Mi Box a few months ago, and for the price you pay it’s a pretty decent media box that’s capable of some great streaming options. Powered by Android, it’s easy to install apps from the Google Play store, so watching or streaming content to it is a breeze. (Price in UAE: AED 299)
3. PlayStation 4 / Xbox One
While this may be one of the expensive options to choose, a gaming console is a great way to get your average TV up to speed. Both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have a variety of media streaming apps you can install, plus are DLNA compatible, which means if you have a NAS at home or other media streaming device, they’ll be able to see it natively and play files directly off it. (Price of PlayStation 4 in UAE: AED 939)
4. Apple TV
The Apple TV has a wealth of apps and content to choose from, which makes it an easy recommendation for adding new life to your TV. In addition to allowing you to directly stream and duplicate your screen from other iOS devices, you can rent or purchase content from iTunes, play games, listen to radio stations, and so much more. (Price in UAE: From AED 599)
5. NVIDIA Shield TV
Though not officially available in the region just yet, the NVIDIA Shield is still a force to be reckoned with. Again, you can stream content via a number of apps, cast your device to your TV screen, as well as built-in support for Plex. But where the Shield TV excels at is gaming – you can stream games from your GeForce-equipped PC to enjoy some couch gaming, and even control certain things like your lights or thermostat just by using your voice. (Price: $199.99)
By Nick Rego
