Shanghai Telecom to Release Internet Video Box 'Magic Box'
Sarft.net, 5/21/13
Shanghai Telecom is preparing to release the "Mohe" (literally, "Magic Box"), an Android set-top box (STB) combining IPTV, internet video, and internet applications. On startup, the STB will display a main menu featuring links to the three features.
The Magic Box's IPTV functionality, which allows time-shifting and on-demand viewing for 82 live channels and 36 channels of drama programming, is a joint effort between Shanghai Telecom and Hangzhou-based cable DTV and IPTV network operator Wasu. The "Applications" menu features only a dozen or so applications at present, including cloud storage, gesture-based games, and a digital cinema application. The Magic Box's closed ecosystem bars users from downloading applications from anywhere on the internet other than the iTunes App Store-like application store.
The Magic Box is currently in trials in some areas of Shanghai ahead of a late May launch. Shanghai Telecom IPTV subscribers may apply for an STB unit free of charge.
Keywords: Magic Box Shanghai Telecom IPTV telecom television app store set-top box Wasu online video China Telecom 0728.HK CHA