StarHub ventures into streaming services with the StarHub Go Streaming Box

StarHub has come up with a new way for its customers to watch their favourite shows through streaming.

Available on 5 September, StarHub is launching the StarHub Go Streaming Box, which comes preloaded with a Go Family subscription with over 50 channels.

These channels include Hub E City HD, Hub VV Drama HD, BBC Earth HD, tvN Movies HD; Lifetime HD, GEM HD, Cartoon Network, Oh!K HD, CuriousityStream HD, and BBC World News HD.

Unlike the typical StarHub TV Set Top Box, the StarHub Go Streaming Box does not depend on a cable point to operate. All it requires is a wireless broadband connection, which complemented with its size, makes it an ultra-portable streaming device.

Head of Product at Starhub, Justin Ang said:

“Our customers want the freedom to choose which programmes to watch, where to watch and when to watch it, and the StarHub Go Streaming Box delivers on every front.”

Convenience in a box

Being the first in the world to run on the Operator Tier version of Android TV Oreo allows StarHub to customise the user interface of the streaming box.

For easy access and navigation, StarHub has bundled the titles from its Go packs under the Discover tab and “categorised the shows based on genres.”

Besides scrolling through contents to locate the shows they want to watch, customers can also type or use the Google Assistant voice search feature on the box’s remote control.

A press on the mic icon and customers can voice-command their box to search for the show they want to watch.

Adding on to the list of conveniences is the built-in Google Chromecast, which allows the casting of video content from smart devices onto the TV. Unfortunately, there is no Google Home support for the box. Hence, customers will not be able to ask Google Home to play their shows.

Also, come preloaded in the streaming box are some of Google’s apps like YouTube, Google Play Movies, Google Play Games and the support of the Google Play store for more apps and games.

Parental Control

Like many streaming services, the StarHub Go Streaming Box has an option for parental control. Parents can set the Maximum Allowed Age Rating, Lock Purchase and Lock Channel with a parental pin.

Subscription and programmes

Although each purchase of the StarHub Go Streaming Box comes with a Go Family subscription, including over 50 live TV and catch-up channels, customers can also customise their subscription packs.

StarHub said that customers could add on other Go packs like Go Select, Go Sports, Go Disney, Catchplay Unlimited, HBO Go or FOX+ to subscription(s) they already have.

The monthly subscription fee for Go packs ranges from $9.90 to $19.90.

To buy

The StarHub Go Streaming Box will be available at any StarHub Shops or on the StarHub Online store on 5 September.

The box can be purchased at an introductory price of $199 (U.P $240), which comes with six months of complimentary Go Family subscription. After the complimentary period, customers are required to pay the original monthly subscription fee for the Go pack at $14.90.

Alternatively, the streaming box is also available at $14.90 per month bundled together with StarHub 1Gbps Fibre Broadband at $39.90 per month with a 24-month contract. Customers who sign up for this will receive the new Linksys EA8100 router worth $329 at no additional cost.

StarHub shared that for a limited period during the upcoming COMEX 2018 between 6 and 9 September, they will be running an exclusive promotion for the box.

So this gives you about a week to consider getting the StarHub Go Streaming Box.