Vodafone Spain launches first Android TV box, set to be standard device

Vodafone España, currently subject to a potential acquisition bid by UK-based Zegona Communications, has launched its first Android TV set-top.

Vodafone said the 4K HDR-enabled Android box would become the standard device for Vodafone TV in Spain in the future, and would be made available to new subscribers progressively, beginning in the second half of October.

Subscribers to Vodafone’s  One Ilimitada Max, One Ilimitada Dúo Series/Family u Hogar Ilimitable offerings will receive the device at no extra cost.

The operator said that the introduction of an Android-based set-top would enable it to offer new applications in a more agile way, reinforcing its aggregation strategy.

The device comes with a new UI and Google Assistant voice control.

Vodafone said that the dimensions and weight some 20% less than its previous generation of boxes, the new decoder offered an increase of 50% in processing speed and memory. The box is 4K HDR-enabled.

The box offers all the key functionalities of Vodafone TV such as seven-day catch-up, cloud recording, restart TV, personalised search and recommendation and voice control, and will come with apps already integrated with Vodafone TV such as HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video, Filmin, Atresplayer Premium and Eurosport pre-loaded.

The device also comes with Chromeast functionality to enable casting of content from other devices to the TV.

Vodafone said that the box was made with 96% recycled plastic and the remote control with 85% recycled plastic, while packaing is 85% recycled cardboard.

“This new decoder represents a quantum leap in functionalities for users of Vodafone TV, who will for the first time have at their disposal Google Assistant voice from their TVs. Through our television service we aggregate, curate and recommend the greatest variety of content on the market and also offer the most complete and highest quality TV experience,” said Jesús José Rodriguez, director of Vodafone TV in Spain.