DIRECTV’s Gemini Air was offered to beta testers about six months ago. As I understand it, this was supposed to have been a closed test with full confidentiality. Well, that didn’t happen. Details of the device leaked all over the internet, as you’re probably aware. The device is now officially live and that’s good news for everyone. It’s available at Solid Signal.
Why Gemini Air?
Gemini Air is a response to customers wanting a smaller, simpler device to run DIRECTV for Internet. Customers also said they wanted something with better Wi-Fi performance than the original Gemini (also known as the DIRECTV Stream or Osprey device, it’s all the same thing.)
What I like most about this device is that now, the original Gemini is only for satellite TV customers, while the Gemini Air is only for Internet customers. This makes it a lot less likely that you’ll choose the wrong thing. It’s no longer possible to activate an original Gemini for the DIRECTV Internet service, but if you have an original Gemini, it will continue to work.
A closer look
This device is SMALL. Like about the same as a Chromecast. It will hang off any HDMI port and you won’t even see it.
The Gemini Air is DIRECTV’s first device to be powered by a USB-C connector. A power supply is included, but you should be able to use any USB-C power supply provided that it supplies exactly 5 volts and at least 1.5 amps. (More amps are ok. More volts are not.) You also may be able to power this directly from your television but keep in mind most TVs supply only 1 amp which isn’t enough for this device. Also, some TVs only supply voltage through the USB ports when the TV is turned on. If your TV is like this, it’s going to add about 60 seconds to your startup experience if you power it that way. It’s all up to you.
On the underside, you get one reset button and a status light that glows when the device is in use. The white part shown above is home to a serial number and bar code.
You also get the same RC82V remote that comes with the other Gemini devices. As with those, it’s a Bluetooth remote with built-in Google voice. You can pair multiple remotes to one device, so feel free to pick up a spare at a great price.
NOTE: Unlike earlier Geminis, it is not possible to use infrared with the Gemini Air. So your choice of remote comes down to this one.
Performance and experience
If you’re familiar with the way the DIRECTV Gemini for Internet works, this one will not surprise you at all. Everything on the screen looks exactly like the DIRECTV Internet experience you’re familiar with.
In my limited testing, speed seemed about the same and I didn’t have problems loading apps or connecting to Wi-Fi. If you’re replacing a current Gemini, you probably won’t even notice the difference.
That leads me to believe that if DIRECTV wanted to, they could make a version of this device for DIRECTV Satellite customers. As far as I know there are no plans to do this.
Want to know more?
I’ve done a little video to show you more about the Gemini Air, and it shows some of the setup experience as well.
The Gemini Air is available now at Solid Signal. If you have any questions about the device, call us! We’re here for you during East Coast business hours at 888-233-7563. You can also fill out the form below and we’ll get right back to you.
