On Monday, Bharti Airtel announced the launch of its converged digital content program, ‘Airtel Xstream’. The new platform will provide a variety of options which includes satellite TV channels, movies and shows in English, Hindi and other multiple Indian languages, as well as popular Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for online streaming purposes. Along with this, Airtel has also launched the Airtel Xstream Stick and the Airtel Xstream Box. The platform will be available through a mobile app and on the web.

Turning any TV into a smart TV

Airtel Xstream and its connected devices will come with an integrated user interface across all screens. It will be available to the users from Tuesday, September 2, and the new range of Airtel Xstream connected devices will be able to make any TV a smart TV. Airtel Xstream stick runs on Android 8 and is powered by 1.6Ghz processor. It also comes with a built-in Chromecast and it provides a plug and play experience on TV screens.

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Benefits of the new devices for the users

Airtel Xstream stick is available for purchase online on Flipkart, the Airtel website and select retail stores across India. It is priced at Rs 3,999. Airtel Thanks Platinum and Gold customers will get complimentary access to content subscription plan on Airtel Xstream stick. Other customers will need to subscribe to a Rs 999 annual plan after getting free access for 30 days.

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Airtel Xstream Box is priced at Rs 3,999 and it brings live TV channels as well as OTT apps like Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video etc. It comes with a complimentary one-year subscription worth Rs 999 to all the Xstream app content in addition to one month of HD DTH pack. Existing Airtel Digital TV customers can upgrade to the set-top-box at a price of Rs 2,249. The set-top-box is available online via Airtel.in, Flipkart and Amazon.

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Airtel’s announcement comes ahead of Reliance Jio’s commercial unveiling of Jio Fiber broadband in India. Reliance Jio is also offering a set-top-box which will allow users to access live TV channels as well as OTT apps. Reliance Jio will next year launch ‘First Day First Show’ under which Jio Fiber users will be able to watch a movie on the same day of their release. The service will be available in the mid-2020.

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