Agreed that everyone has his/her own use case. Maybe this is why Xiaomi has 2 types of Mibox products - one running nomal Android and another running Android TV.

FYI, Android TV more for TV optimization usage version of android from google itself. 

Normal android in Mibox is the version that XiaoMi modified and branded it as GITV for their TV boxes.

Hmm..Differences? the UI is different lor..hence user experience is also different.

Finally joined the Android TV bandwagon and bought a Xiaomi Mi Box TV (International Version). Setup for it was super smooth and very easy (used my phone to register). Now installing apps for it and seeing what is available.

Scirwode

I try to help here
My advise-is the same as always.
If you only watch HK drama and movies.
It is better to download and watch
real hd rather than a media box.(video source a real factors and broadband speed and stability-4mbps maybe a problem).

For long term-
1-build a low power/cheap pc
  (Using a 6 years old-Intel BOXD510MO CPU combo-no longer available, but to gave you some idea)
  (do not need a big drive in C-60g.And external drive-1 or 2 TB)
2-Get a good seedbox provider-200gb-RM25.00-30 p/month(depend on RM exchange rate)
3-Get a VPN Provider-RM11.00.(depend on RM exchange rate)
4-get a mid level UHDTV-since you are getting one.(6000 series is good enough)
with these you can watch your movies without interruption and in real HD.
this is my personal view-after so many years with media box.

Using USB 3.0 Hub with 64USB Flash Drive and 120mm fan.
I think mibox do not have the power to support the fan.
Occasionally shutdown and wi-fi disconnect (daily stream 12 hours live tv)
So used 5V dc supply to parallel support the fan and usb hub.

picture is worth a thousand words

[attachmentid=8623349]

depend if you want to watch it in hd or sd video.
if into hd and without interruption, forget about media box.
I suggest getting-
-seedbox
-invites to private torrent-i.e hdchina,hd-torrents,azdrama-chinese drama(just to name a few)
-vpn(if required)

Suggest to use media only for live stream news or documentaries.

The model is MDZ-16-AB. It comes with June 2016 firmware and the updated firmware is dated October 2016.
It is the same like Mi box chinese 3S which are sold cheaper. The difference is the International version comes with Android TV and google cast while the 3S is using their own launcher and miracast.

For me, yes.

My family watches YouTube a lot. My son uses the built in YouTube app while wife and I google cast from our phones.

Besides that we also Netflix and iFlix a ton. Plus Kodi plays all my local media files.

We don't watch 'free streaming' iptv or sports streams, however.

you can use "Castaway"from the natko1412 repo

actually you do not need a android tv(smart tv).to save cost.
if you get a mi box3 international version with(chromecast ultra built-in) you can cast 1080p video
from android phones(heard also support iphone-I haven't try it on my iphone yet.
and voice command -Google Home-to cast video to your tv.

Google photos can cast to Mibox or Chromecast from iOS and Android phone.

Google Cast technology is not the traditional mirroring of what's on your phone to Mibox. The Mibox is taking instructions from your phone but pulling media from the internet. Hence I can open YouTube app on my phone, cast a video or playlist then even turn off the phone or leave home. Mibox will continue streaming/playing the content.

This for me is better than what Miracast offers.

You need side load install it as it is not Android TV apps but Android apps.

MDZ-16-AB do not have IR, only bluetooth

MDZ-16-AB does have IR.
I am using it now.
Got con from seller(shoppe) said the remote is bluetooth version. It does work just, you need to aim it to the IR receiver.

Now, waiting for Q5 remote.

Original MDZ-16-AB remote is bluetooth version.
Better get bluetooth version can use voice function somemore.

Thanks.

wait i'm confuse... do mdz-ab16 with IR or not?

Yes you can either IR or BT.
IR remote = Confirm cannot use voice function.
BT remote = Not all BT remote(with voice function) compatible with MDZ-16-AB. Some, just home, back, vol+, vol-, power.
I bought mine from seller 'Visiongadgetry'.
Stated bluetooth(no voice function), actually it is IR.
Waiting for my next purchase(3rd remote)
Hopefully it compatible(voice function) with MDZ-16-AB.