China’s Jide Technology launches new media console to compete with Apple, Xiaomi

Beijing start-up Jide Technology has launched its latest Android-powered device that serves as a set-top box, gaming console and PC, pitting itself against the likes of Apple and Xiaomi, which already sell their own media consoles.

Jide Technology, which previously used crowdfunding site Kickstarter to launch its US$40 Remix Mini, an Android-powered PC, said it decided to create its new Remix IO device for TVs because a large proportion of consumers used their televisions as a monitor for their Remix Mini Android PC.

“About one third of our users who have the Remix Mini plugged it into their TVs and used it as an entertainment hub,” said David Ko, an ex-Google employee and the co-founder of Jide Technology.

Armed with these insights, Jide Technology decided to create a device that allows users to stream entertainment content onto their televisions, while also allowing users to play games or use it as a productivity tool. The Remix IO was priced from US$99 on its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to manufacture the device, which comes with 2GB RAM, 16GB of storage and 4K TV support.

The device directly challenges companies like Apple and Xiaomi, which sell the Apple TV and Mi Box set-top boxes respectively.

In Hong Kong, Apple TV starts from HK$1,188, or 50 per cent pricier than the Remix IO. And while Xiaomi’s Mi Box comes in cheaper at US$69, but doesn’t have productivity functionality which allows users to switch between entertainment and a desktop.