Walmart accidentally scooped itself by publishing product listings for its own, onn-branded, low-cost Android TV streaming stick to the Walmart.com website ahead of its formal launch, where it was soon spotted, alongside an upcoming 4K streaming device. Both items are officially arriving next week in stores and online, Walmart told TechCrunch, but it seems the website revealed them a bit earlier than planned.
The entry-level device streaming stick had been leaked earlier this year thanks to its FCC listing, but its online listing caught people’s eye thanks to its almost absurdly low price point of just $24.88 — a figure that rivals or even undercuts other streaming sticks on the market, including some from Walmart’s partner, Roku.
Roku today makes a product line of Walmart exclusives, where its cheapest player is the Roku Express 4K at $34.99, currently. Otherwise, Roku’s most affordable streaming player is the Roku Express, at $24.99. Google’s entry-level Chromecast, meanwhile, is $29.99, and Amazon’s cheapest Fire TV stick is the Fire TV Stick Lite at $24.99.
The Walmart streaming stick, which is published under the retailer’s onn electronics brand, falls in line with the specifications you’d expect to find on a low-cost device like this. It supports FHD (Full HD, meaning 1080p), Dolby Audio, and ships with an Android-TV-style remote (with batteries included), 1 HDMI Extender, AC adapter and 1 USB to micro-USB cable.
The system itself is powered by Android TV, which offers an easy way for consumers to turn a regular TV into a smart TV with access to streaming apps, voice control and the ability to “cast” content like photos, video and music to the TV. Device owners can also ask Google Assistant to control their TV with their voice, and access over 700,000 movies and TV shows from the Android TV interface.
The included remote offers a Google Assistant button and dedicated buttons for YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.
The stick may not be the sort of thing you’d use in your living room for your big screen, but may make sense to add to another, less important TV — like the one in the kid’s room or guest room — where having the top specs isn’t as essential.
Meanwhile, Walmart is addressing the higher end of the streaming market with its new 4K Android TV streamer the $29.88 onn UHD Streaming Device, also published ahead of schedule.
The overall concept here is the same, but offers an affordable upgrade to 4K streaming.
The retailer’s onn brand today carries a range of devices, including TVs, headphones, portable speakers, tablets and other accessories. Roku has also produced lower-cost versions of its new Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for Walmart under the onn brand, too.
Walmart confirmed the new streaming devices are preparing to launch in stores and online in the retailer’s full assortment starting next week. Despite the website saying only a few devices are in stock or are out of stock, Walmart assures us there is, in fact, plenty of inventory available. These are not considered “test” items.
The company offered the following official specs for the new devices:
Streaming Stick
- Android TV OS
- Use built-in Chromecast to cast Chromecast-compatible apps to your TV
- Streams up to Full HD resolution with Dolby Audio support
- Built-in Google Assistant to control the TV and search for content
- Access favorite streaming apps like Netflix, Youtube, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video and more
- WiFi: 2.4 GHz/5 Ghz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Input: AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, Output: DC 5V/1A
Comes with:
- 1 FHD TV streaming stick
- 1 Remote control (batteries included)
- 1 HDMI Extender
- 1 AC adapter
- 1 USB to micro-USB cable 4.88 ft.
- Quick-start guide
4K Streaming Device
- Android TV OS
- Use built in Chromecast to cast Chromecast compatible apps to your TV
- Streams up to 4K ultra-high-def resolution with Dolby Audio Support
- Built-in Google Assistant to control the TV and search for content
- Access favorite streaming apps like Netflix, Youtube, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video and more
- WiFi: 2.4 GHz/5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO
- Input: AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 250 mA MAX; Output: DC 5V/1A
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