Sony has confirmed it will launch a dongle to add apps and other smart-TV features to its televisions. It will compete with Google’s Chromecast. Variety reports that it will formally launch the Android-powered Smart Stick this week.

Smart Stick will cost $150 agains Google’s plug-in sold in the US for $35. Smart Stick is designed to do away with the need for a separate cable as it can be plugged directly into a TV’s mobile HD link (MHL) socket.

Sony says the dongle offers access to Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube and the Chrome web browser – which will all come pre-installed – and the option to download more software from the Play app store. The gadget comes bundled with a remote that includes a microphone for voice-control, a touchpad and more traditional buttons.

Google unveiled its Chromecast dongle two months ago. It uses an HDMI socket to offer a more limited range of online content and relies on owners using a smartphone or tablet to control it via wi-fi.

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