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You can now buy the Stream TV set-top box from Verizon.
Verizon has now quietly launched its Android TV solution with the option to buy.
The Verizon Stream TV box is priced at $69.99, but missing one notable feature.
Verizon now streaming
If you’re a Verizon customer then this might be an option worth your consideration. For everyone else, maybe not so much.
While Verizon is now selling the new Android TV device, there’s surprisingly few details available beyond what was previously known. For example, it is currently unclear whether or not you need to be a Verizon customer to use this device to its full potential.
Either way, it is a streaming player much like some others. It runs on Android TV, features 4K support, Google Assistant, built-in Chromecast, and a voice-supported remote.
The product listing also states Stream TV offers “unlimited cloud DVR” although it is unclear what’s meant by this considering cloud DVR normally relates to a specific service.
Speaking of services, what might be an instant deal-breaker for some is the lack of one specific service.
Verizon’s Stream TV doesn’t support Netflix
The new Stream TV player does not support Netflix.
Considering Netflix is one of the primary streaming services, this is likely to make the device pointless for many people.
Verizon has not explained why there’s no Netflix although it has confirmed the lack of support in the Stream TV’s FAQs.
The answer specifically states “Netflix is not supported on your Stream TV device at this time.” This does raise the possibility that Netflix support will be added at a later time. Though, that’s not guaranteed.
No word on the user experience
Besides the lack of Netflix, it remains to be seen what else is missing or for that matter, included.
So far, Verizon has been extremely secretive on details. For example, there’s no press release yet, and the product listing doesn’t provide any information on specs. That is, other than the 5 x 4 x 0.87 inch dimensions.
Likewise, there’s no information, pictures or screenshots of the user interface and experience.
While this is Android TV, and while that tends to be a common experience, companies do have the option to go with an operator version of Android TV.
Through the operator tier, companies can, and often do customize the experience to better match their own services or products.
It remains to be seen if Verizon has opted for that route, although it would make sense that it has.
If it has, then it also remains to be seen how far removed Verizon’s take on Android TV is from what most users will be familiar with.
Here’s a closer look at the all-new Verizon Stream TV set-top box.
