Acer unveils Google TV streaming box with six ports and microSD card reader

At first glance, the brand-new Acer 4K UHD Google TV Box doesn't look particularly aptypical, as Acer opts for a square, white plastic housing with a discreet gray Acer logo on the top. The set-top box comes with a standard Google TV remote control, which also features a microphone for voice control and shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, YouTube Music and Amazon Prime Video.

Compared to others like the third-generation Xiaomi TV Box S, Acer's set-top box has a strikingly large number of ports. In addition to a USB-C port for power and an HDMI port for connecting a TV, there is also a USB-A and a second USB-C port on the casing for connecting accessories. Wired internet connectivity can be established via Ethernet, while Wi-Fi 6 is also available. A Toslink port allows users to connect a soundbar or amplifier so that the sound does not have to be looped through the TV.

The integrated storage can be expanded with a microSD card reader to create more space for apps and media. The integrated Amlogic S905X5 processor with four Cortex-A510 processor cores and an ARM Mali-G310 GPU enables video streaming in 4K resolution. The set-top box is currently available for pre-order only in South Africa for the equivalent of approximately $80; details on a possible international launch are pending.