Showmax is bridging the digital divide through a partnership with QVWi.
Showmax is bridging the digital divide through a partnership with QVWi to offer streaming devices that turn regular television sets into smart TVs.
QVWi, a Skyworth Digital company based in Durban, has released two streaming devices in partnership with Showmax – the Leap S2 stick for R999 and the Leap S3 box for R1 199.
Both devices will offer two months access to Showmax when customers purchase them, in the form of a redemption code included in the box. The units come with a 12-month warranty.
We’ve been testing the Leap S2 stick, powered by Google TV. It is a 4K UHD streaming dongle that connects to an HDMI port on a television, which turns it into a smart TV.
The Leap S2 supports Google Cast, formerly called Chromecast, and is compatible with the Google smart ecosystem.
The Leap S2 supports Google Cast – formerly called Chromecast – and is compatible with the Google smart ecosystem. It also supports HDR10+, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, and dual band WiFi.
Included in the box is the streaming stick;
- a USB-A to micro-USB charging cable;
- an HDMI extender cable; and
- a remote control with batteries.
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The device is not “plug and play” so once you connect it to your TV, you would need additional power for the dongle. I connected the supplied cable to a giant power bank. If you already have a Google smart speaker, you will be prompted to set it up via the Google Home app, which may be easier, otherwise it can be done manually.
It also supports HDR10+, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, and dual band WiFi.
I initially had trouble connecting it to my WiFi network so connected it to a secondary network. Typing via the remote and on-screen keyboard can be tedious during set-up. I would recommend you create a Showmax account from the supplied voucher using a browser either on a laptop or smartphone, then follow instructions on the TV to link it.
If you already have a Showmax account, you can scan a QR code on the screen and continue or visit the setup URL and put in your code.
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Once it was connected, I was surprised that the Showmax app was not preloaded on the stick, given that it is a partnership with QVWi. However, it does come preloaded with other apps available on the Google platform, such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube Music.
The dongle is easy to use and provides access to the Google Play Store to download a bunch of other apps.
Incidentally, the remote control has shortcut keys for the YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ apps. The remote has the typical buttons you would expect, such as a circular touch pad, settings, volume, channels, home and back.
It also includes a dedicated Google Assistant button, should you wish to search with voice, plus it controls the volume of the TV is it connected to. The dongle is easy to use and provides access to the Google Play Store to download a bunch of other apps.
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In terms of the Showmax offering, it has given an overhaul earlier this year, which is powered by the Peacock platform, through its partnership with Comcast.
Subsequently, South Africans have access to content from a wide range of platforms, such as Universal Pictures, NBC, HBO, ITV, Peacock, Sky, BBC, DreamWorks Animation, Sony and Warner Bros. among others.
It also has its own Showmax Originals and Multichoice Originals, which focuses on more local content from Africa and South Africa.
It also has its Showmax Originals and Multichoice Originals, which focuses on more local content from Africa and South Africa. Overall, the device is a great option for those who are not yet ready to upgrade an older TV to a newer one.
You instantly have access to Google’s ecosystem and the Play Store, which has a wide range of apps.
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Even if you purchase it to try Showmax for free, you will get good use out of it with other streaming apps. At its R999 price point, it is similarly priced to the Xiaomi Mi TV stick but includes two months of Showmax.
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