Samsung finally launches its HomeSync set-top box

Essentially Samsung's answer to the Apple TV, the media streaming device, originally showcased back in February, is now available to order, in the US at least.

Connecting to a TV via HDMI, HomeSync will enable any Samsung Galaxy handset owner to stream media from their phones and tablets to the big screen and, because the device runs Android and has its own processor, and a decent serving of RAM, users will be able to access the Google Play app store via their TVs and to play Android games on the big screen.

Supporting the processor and RAM is a rather generous 1TB hard drive so there's plenty of storage space for HD content -- HomeSync is optimized for streaming 1080p content via wi-fi.

Connecting and syncing a Galaxy device with HomeSync is taken care of via NFC: simply tap the phone or tablet against the box and everything should be up and running. It also supports multiple accounts so concerned parents can set up restricted content access for their children.

At $300, it's not by any means the cheapest set-top box on the market, but unlike much of the competition, Apple included, HomeSync is offering a lot of bang for the bucks. As well as the 1 TB of included solid-state storage, there are expansion ports for more external drives, meaning that the little box could be used as a home's media server. And while a number of set-top boxes only offer a HDMI port on the rear, the HomeSync also has USB 3.0 and Ethernet ports.

Samsung is yet to confirm when it will be launching the device in other territories or how much it will cost, but for now, US consumers can get one from the Amazon website or from the Samsung concessions in Best Buy stores.