Cord cutters with the Sling TV service could soon be seeing a more streamlined experience across different platforms with the likes of auto launch, a Sling TV button on the remote, and integrated over-the-air tuners. On Tuesday, in a CES 2017 announcement from Las Vegas, Sling TV launched its “Optimized for Sling TV” certification program that currently includes the AirTV Player and Xiaomi’s Mi Box. Those platforms may use the “Optimized for Sling TV” logo on future packaging. Sling TV also says it expects more partners will join in the coming months.
“We have set a high standard with our device partners to continually improve Sling TV’s performance,” Sling TV Chief Product Officer Ben Weinberger says. “The ‘Optimized for Sling TV’ program is designed to elevate that standard and highlight our dedication to our device partners, including Xiaomi and AirTV, to develop new paths for improving Sling TV.”
Hugo Barra, VP of international at Xiaomi comments that the new program assures customers that Mi Box’s role as a launch partner for the program came after working closely with Sling TV’s engineers “to develop a great experience that highlights Sling TV’s capabilities.” Mi Box is Xiaomi’s 4K Ultra HD streaming media player powered by Google’s Android TV. It goes for around 70 bucks. Mi Box offers 4K support at 60 frames per second, support for the latest HDR10 standard, Google voice search, and Google Cast.
“Optimized for Sling TV” program partners will reportedly be evaluated on key criteria, which includes the following:
- Auto-launch in which the device automatically launches into Sling TV when turned on.
- Pre-loaded Sling TV app with no additional download required.
- Sling TV button on the remote.
- Sling TV app is presented as the default live TV app or has prominent placement.
- Live programming from Sling TV is included in the device’s top content section for one-click access.
- The device contains over-the-air (OTA) tuners that support integration of OTA content directly into the Sling TV guide.
- WiFi optimization.
- Sling TV is included in the out-of-box setup for the device.
- The device launches Sling TV quickly.
- The device must support the most updated build of Sling TV.
