Discover the Innovative Features of SberBox 2: A Smart TV Experience Redefined
Explore the sleek design and smart capabilities of the SberBox 2, a TV set-top box that combines seamless content search, a user-friendly interface, and versatile app support to elevate your home entertainment.
SberDevices has gone beyond expectations by not only allowing users to install third-party applications on the SberBox 2 but also simplifying the process to enhance user freedom and flexibility.
- Technical Specifications
- Package Contents and Setup
- Design Insights
- Remote Control Features
- Salute TV System
- Video Performance and Hardware
- Final Thoughts
In the competitive market of TV set-top boxes that transform ordinary TVs into smart entertainment hubs, few stand out. The SberBox 2 is among the top contenders, featuring unique innovations that distinguish it from alternatives. Let’s explore what makes it special.
Technical Specifications
Package Contents and Setup
The SberBox 2 comes neatly packaged in a compact square box. Inside, you’ll find:
- SberBox 2 device;
- Remote control powered by two AAA batteries;
- Short HDMI cable;
- USB to USB-C cable;
- Power adapter;
- Velcro strap;
- Quick-start guide.
The compact HDMI cable is perfect for discreetly connecting behind your TV, eliminating the need for visible wires. Meanwhile, the longer power cable and separate adapter allow powering the device directly from a wall outlet, ensuring more stable performance than powering through the TV’s USB port.
Both cables are detachable, a thoughtful design choice that promotes reliability and longevity. The lightweight SberBox 2 can dangle behind your TV when connected, but for a tidier look, the included Velcro strap lets you mount the device onto the TV, wall, or shelf securely and conveniently.
The circular Velcro pad adheres firmly with adhesive backing, allowing you to attach and detach the device repeatedly without any hassle—a truly inventive and practical solution.
Design Insights
Sber’s design ethos always brings a fresh perspective, evident since the launch of the distinctive SberBox Time speaker. With the SberBox 2, even a straightforward media player is elevated with a turbine-inspired matte translucent casing. A metallic plate beneath the plastic shell helps dissipate heat, while a subtle blue LED indicator lights up when the device is powered on.
Ports are thoughtfully placed with HDMI and USB-C located on opposite sides, accompanied by a LAN port for wired internet connectivity. A single side button serves multiple functions: pairing the remote, factory resetting the device, and even triggering the remote finder feature. Double-pressing this button causes the remote control to emit a beep—a clever aid for those prone to misplacing it.
Remote Control Features
The remote is crafted from black matte plastic with soft-touch buttons, offering a pleasant tactile experience, though it may attract dust over time.
Navigation is managed via a directional pad with a central OK button, supplemented by dedicated keys for voice assistant activation ("Salute"), Home, Back, power, and mute. Volume controls are smartly positioned on the side, reminiscent of smartphone design, making adjustments intuitive despite the remote’s length sometimes requiring a hand reposition.
Powered by two AAA batteries, the battery compartment opens easily with a press on the bottom edge. The remote pairs with the device over Bluetooth, so no need to point it directly at the set-top box.
Salute TV System
The "Salute TV" platform has evolved through multiple updates to become more user-friendly and intuitive. While its interface shares similarities with other smart TV systems, this familiarity benefits users by offering a smooth experience.
User Interface
The interface centers around a collapsible main menu on the screen’s left side, complemented by endless content streams. Key menu sections include:
- Search: Displays curated content and supports text or voice queries via the remote or connected Sber speaker.
- Home: Showcases new releases and trending content accessible by individual services or consolidated feed.
- TV: Provides access to live channels and program guides across various platforms.
- Library: A categorized catalog of movies and series with filtering options for easy browsing.
- Applications: Lists available apps and games for installation.
- My Content: A personalized collection where users can save favorite movies and shows.
- Control Center: Settings, notifications, and screensaver management.
An optional child-friendly account features colorful, personalized screens filled with cartoons, games, and educational shows, with customizable age restrictions for a safe viewing environment.
Content Discovery
A standout feature is the universal content search that aggregates availability across multiple streaming platforms. Searching for a movie or series reveals all sources, often showing 3-4 different options for the same title. Users can filter results to focus on a preferred service, making content discovery streamlined.
Searches extend beyond titles to thematic queries using GigaChat’s AI capabilities. Voice commands like "movie about space with Brad Pitt" or "Christmas cartoons" produce tailored recommendations, enhancing the exploration experience.
While the layout is clean and minimalist, content feeds can feel cluttered as some recommendations intermingle with unrelated video clips from platforms like VK Video, which might confuse users who haven’t engaged with those services.
The application section is similarly busy, with shifting banners and categories that may challenge older users seeking straightforward navigation. Over time, users adapt or rely on favorites and voice search for quicker access.
Live TV Channels
Upon first accessing live TV, users select their preferred service provider (e.g., Wink or Okko). Subsequent visits open the chosen platform by default. Channel categories like music, sports, and movies adjust dynamically based on the selected service, streamlining navigation.
Users can change their default TV service anytime, with options to add new apps as they become available.
App Search and Installation
The sometimes overwhelming content feeds are balanced by a powerful search function. Voice commands can locate specific apps, including those not officially listed in the app store, by directing users to APK files on trusted websites like Apkpure and Apkmirror.
"Salute TV" seamlessly opens a built-in browser to facilitate direct app downloads, extending the device’s versatility beyond pre-installed options.
Integrated Browser and Voice Assistant
The device features a responsive web browser optimized for mobile site versions—ideal for quick browsing such as reading recipes or watching videos. Voice input simplifies search queries for effortless navigation.
The voice assistant works system-wide, answering questions about movies, directors, weather, traffic, or local businesses using data from services like 2GIS. For example, asking for nearby cafes returns detailed cards with images, ratings, and reviews.
Launching apps and favorite shows via voice commands enhances convenience and speed compared to manual remote navigation.
Additional Features
Music lovers can access the “Zvuk” streaming service even without a subscription by simply requesting songs or artists through the assistant. The player will play previews, with full access granted upon subscribing.
Subscription management is centralized, letting users view and manage all available packages in one place, often with options for discounts on combined or annual plans.
Device settings include a memory cleanup function, addressing common storage issues found in many smart TVs and sticks. Additionally, a Cast Engine can be enabled for seamless content streaming from Huawei smartphones.
Video Performance and Hardware
The SberBox 2 supports 4K resolution at 60 Hz with HDR compatibility, delivering impressive picture quality for its price range. A fast Wi-Fi connection and Ethernet port ensure stable streaming of movies and series, though occasional minor lag suggests 2 GB of RAM is just sufficient for smooth operation.
With 16 GB of internal storage—approximately 9 GB available to users—there’s ample space to install streaming apps, music services, and casual games for children.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the SberBox 2 impresses with its thoughtful design and practical innovations. Features like detachable cables, LAN connectivity, Velcro mounting, and a remote finder button show attention to user convenience and durability.
Its standout content search capability and responsive voice assistant make finding and enjoying entertainment effortless. The system cleverly distinguishes between queries about films and related information, enhancing interaction.
Notably, SberDevices avoids restricting users in app installation, embracing open access with direct site searches—a refreshing and welcome feature.
The primary critique is the somewhat chaotic content layout, blending mixed media, ads, and recommendations. Users may prefer relying on voice search or curating favorites for quick access. Despite this, the intelligent voice assistant compensates well, making navigation smooth and intuitive.
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