DIRECTV has completely changed the home entertainment game with Gemini Air, a solution that breaks off from the company’s long-standing standard satellite setup. You no longer need an appointment for equipment installation if you have a high-speed internet connection because DIRECTV now provides the same TV plans through this receiver.
Gemini Air is a perfect blend of mini Genie’s capabilities and the advanced features of the DIRECTV Stream device, allowing users to stream their favorite content with just a touch of a button. Join us as we dive into the details of DIRECTV’s Gemini Air and discover how this innovation will impact our entertainment experience.
What is DIRECTV Gemini Air?
DIRECTV Gemini Air is a 4K streaming device. This innovative solution is equipped with HDMI 2.1 & 1.4 support, upgrading your streaming experience and delivering improved Wi-Fi capabilities compared to its predecessor.
The pendant design distinguishes Gemini Air from other options. It is a compact and portable alternative to the conventional receiver, allowing users to connect it to any compatible smart TV and letting them enjoy their favorite shows seamlessly. The DIRECTV Gemini Air is a powerful Android TV dongle featuring a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and a Broadcom VideoCore 6 GPU.
This cutting-edge streaming device aims to replicate the traditional TV experience of DIRECTV’s satellite service without the need for large equipment. The device arrives with an integrated voice remote control with Google’s simple voice command technology, which offers quick access to your preferred content. Moreover, Gemini Air opens doors to a bunch of top-tier streaming apps, including Netflix, Max, and Prime Video, consolidating a diverse range of entertainment options in one sleek device.
With its powerful features and user-friendly design, the DIRECTV Gemini Air intends to redefine how we experience streaming entertainment.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Supports 4K streaming
- Provides enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities
- Powerful hardware
- Easy self-installation
- Features voice control integration
- Provides access to a variety of top streaming apps
- Free for new DIRECTV customers
Cons
- Requires a high-speed internet connection
- Existing customers are required to pay $120 for Gemini Air
Key Features of DIRECTV Gemini Air
The DIRECTV Gemini Air offers a wide range of features to provide an enhanced experience.
Live TV Access
The Gemini Air gives you access to all the channels of your chosen DIRECTV plan via your existing internet connection. As a result, you can watch your favorite shows and channels in real-time and enjoy a more dynamic and exciting entertainment experience.
User-Friendly Setup
Gemini Air’s user-friendly design simplifies the setup process. There is no need for professional installation, unlike DIRECTV’s satellite TV service. Hence, you can set up the device in just a few minutes and start your entertainment journey.
Lightweight and Convenient
The Gemini Air is designed with user convenience in mind and is lightweight and easy to handle. Its small and compact design makes it portable, allowing you to connect it to any compatible TV.
Direct Connection
You can connect Gemini Air directly to an HDMI port behind your TV for a clutter-free setup and an enhanced streaming experience.
Enhanced Wi-Fi Performance
Gemini Air’s enhanced Wi-Fi performance ensures seamless streaming and reliable access to your favorite content. In short, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary interruptions while watching your favorite series.
Access to Third-Party Apps
Gemini Air allows access to multiple third-party apps, expanding the range of entertainment options. Platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and others are at your disposal, providing a varied choice of content to fit the preferences of every family member.
Voice Integration
Voice integration is a standout feature of Gemini Air. The included voice remote allows users to effortlessly control their TV and other connected devices using Google Assistant, adding a layer of convenience to the viewing experience.
Compatibility with Genie DVR
Although designed for DIRECTV’s service via the Internet, Gemini Air seamlessly integrates with a Genie DVR for DIRECTV’s satellite service, providing a comprehensive entertainment solution for users. However, it requires a high-speed and reliable internet connection.
4K HDR over HDMI Output
Gemini Air supports 4K HDR over HDMI for unparalleled visual clarity, bringing entertainment to life with brilliant colors and detail.
Two-Way Communicating Remote Control
The Gemini Air includes a two-way communication remote control, allowing you to program your TV or audio system. Simply, access the setup wizard, choose your TV brand, and point the remote towards the device. If the TV sound gets muted, you have successfully programmed it. A confirmation check box will appear on the screen, indicating that the remote control now manages your TV. From then on, you can utilize this remote control to oversee all functions seamlessly.
DIRECTV Gemini Air Pricing
DIRECTV has an attractive pricing strategy for Gemini Air, keeping both its existing and new customers in mind. While existing DIRECTV subscribers can purchase this device for $120, new customers can enjoy it for free by signing a 2-year contract. This pricing approach provides an affordable upgrade option to current customers, enabling them to improve their streaming experience without spending too much money.
At the same time, it makes DIRECTV more appealing to potential subscribers. This generous offer not only introduces new users to the advanced features of Gemini Air but also provides them with a cost-effective solution for their entertainment needs. However, this does not exempt you from the monthly advanced receiver service fee, and you will still have to pay $15 per month for DIRECTV’s service whether you are a new or existing customer.
How Does DIRECTV Gemini Air Work?
DIRECTV Gemini Air requires an internet connection to work. It is compact but capable of delivering 4K UHD for HD TVs, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize high-quality video. Since it is an Android-based device, it gives users access to the Google Play Store, which means they can easily access popular streaming apps, making it even more versatile. However, an active Google Account is essential to unlock features like Google Assistant and Google Photos.
This integration with Google services enhances the device’s overall functionality, providing users with a personalized streaming experience tailored to their preferences. Additionally, the accompanying remote control enhances the user experience, providing convenient access to the full range of Gemini Air features.
Gemini Air Setup & Installation
Gemini Air features an HDMI cable at the front, a USB C port at the bottom, and a reset button at the back, making it user-friendly. To get started:
- Take the HDMI dongle at the front of the Gemini Air device and connect it to any available HDMI port on the back of your TV.
- Then, plug the power supply into the Gemini Air and connect the other end to an electrical outlet.
- Switch on your TV, and press and hold forward and rewind buttons on your remote control for 3 seconds to connect it to your streaming device.
- Use your remote control to switch to the proper HDMI input and enter your Wi-Fi credentials to connect your device to the internet.
- Continue the setup by following the onscreen prompts, including accepting terms and conditions and software updates.
This straightforward process takes a few minutes and eliminates the need for professional installation, allowing users to set up their entertainment system on their own terms.
Performance
Gemini Air offers outstanding performance that improves the streaming experience for DIRECTV customers. Its powerful hardware, which includes a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a Broadcom VideoCore 6 GPU, offers smooth and swift content navigation. The device supports 4K streaming and delivers sharp and bright pictures that bring entertainment to life. Furthermore, Gemini Air’s enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities ensure an uninterrupted and continuous streaming experience. It is not only powerful but also easy to use because of its user-friendly setup and small design.
User Interface
The channel guide on the DIRECTV Gemini Air is so user-friendly that anyone in your home can pick up the remote control and start using it straight away. Categorized content is a notable feature, making it easier to find what you are looking for. Whether you prefer sports, kids’ shows, movies, or TV series, the channel guide provides quick access to everything. For families with kids, a simple click on the kids’ category reveals a variety of age-appropriate content. Similarly, sports fans can explore basketball, football, and baseball games, including a section highlighting upcoming events.
The movie category displays all the currently playing movies by browsing all the networks in your DIRECTV plan. This section provides easy access to all available films, sorted by genre, making it easy to navigate. The Gemini Air channel guide also includes a TV Shows category. Moreover, users can record their favorite shows by pressing the red record button on their remote control. With the unlimited cloud DVR, users can store up to 30 episodes of a series for up to 9 months, conveniently accessible in the My Library section.
Furthermore, the Apps category opens the door to third-party streaming apps, enhancing the diversity of available content. Gemini Air’s built-in voice command is a valuable tool with DIRECTV’s 150+ network offerings. DIRECTV’s customers can effortlessly access their desired channels or content by pressing the mic button on the remote control, eliminating the need for manual entry on the number pad. This interface makes Gemini Air a versatile and user-centric streaming device.
DIRECTV Gemini Air vs Competitors
Gemini Air, DIRECTV’s powerful streaming device, offers a range of features that are comparable to other top competitors in the market, such as Dish, Comcast, and Cox. The Gemini receiver comes equipped with a user-friendly interface and improved search filters. It stands out for its Cloud DVR, which provides unlimited storage. Additionally, Gemini Air has an integrated voice control system that makes it easy and convenient for users to navigate content.
The Sports Guide offers an immersive experience for sports enthusiasts, keeping them up-to-date on the latest events and upcoming matches. Furthermore, the availability of numerous streaming apps further highlights it as a versatile and feature-rich option that is on par with DIRECTV’s top competitors in the market.
| Features | DIRECTV Gemini Air | DISH Hopper Plus, Hopper 3, 4K Joey | Comcast X1 | Cox Contour 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Search | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| DVR/Cloud DVR | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Integrated Voice Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sports Features | Sports UI and Sports Guide | Game Finder | Sports Zone with leagues | Sports Zone with leagues |
| 4K Receivers | ✔ | Hopper Plus, 4K Joey | Hopper Plus, 4K Joey | Hopper Plus, 4K Joey |
| Streaming Options | Numerous streaming apps | Numerous streaming apps | Numerous streaming apps | Numerous streaming apps |
Conclusion
A single feature has the power to shape the entire landscape of home entertainment. DIRECTV Gemini Air is a device that combines several impressive features, enhancing the way we consume media. This device releases numerous DIRECTV customers from the hassle of traditional satellite installations by allowing them to view their favorite content through their existing internet connection. The sleek design, user-friendly interface, 4K streaming, and easy-to-navigate features of this device enable users to enjoy personalized media content in their living rooms. To summarize, Gemini Air is transforming the home entertainment experience.
