Xiaomi’s Mi TV Stick is one step closer to launch

Xiaomi’s Mi TV Stick is inching closer to release after clearing a key hurdle in the US.

The streaming dongle has passed through the FCC (via googlechromecast.com), providing a good look in the process. The listing doesn’t share too much about what’s inside besides Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but merely running through the American regulatory gauntlet is a big step toward a release.

The Mi TV Stick is poised to compete with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, Roku’s Streaming Stick, and other stealthy media hubs. It may come in a no-frills 1080p model as well as a more powerful 4K version. Both variants are believed to run Android TV and support both Dolby and DTS audio.

Retail listings have pointed to a release around July 31, but we’d be skeptical of that timing until there’s an official announcement. The larger question revolves around the price. Xiaomi will be competing against devices that are already aggressively priced — how well it fares may depend on how much it undercuts its rivals.

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