Difference Between Google TV and Apple TV

Google TV vs Apple TV

Google TV and Apple TV are nothing but a kind of a set top box that adds on additional features to TV. Apple TV has limited its functionality to few extra streaming features on TV. Google TV was utilizing its Android operating system to make the TV a computing device.

Google TVwas developed with the intention of converting your TV in to another computer, whereas, Apple TV was designed to be a single interface unit to the TV instead of having different gadgets connected to your TV for different purposes, such as; cable TV, DVR and gaming console. In addition it has few extra streaming features. To put it simply Apple TV makes your standard TV internet enabled but not as a fully fledged internet device. It comes as a plug and play device.

Google TV was utilizing its Android operating system to make the TV a computing device. It’s not just a set top box but a platform powered by Intel Atom processor. With Google TV you can browse, and access Application store for music, gaming, Video on demand. The television, computer, gaming and web all are incorporated in to one expandable platform.

Google also went one step ahead and partnering with TV manufactures to incorporate this platform in to the TV. So that in future TV sets you don’t have to buy Google box separately.

The only similarity is that both Apple TV and Google TV allow new contents to be streamed to the TV but the concept behind introducing Apple TV and Google TV are different.

What Apple TV offer

• Access to Apple iTunes store and download contents
• Watch YouTube videos on TV
• Share pictures with flicker.com
• Apple TV does not support Netflix and Hula
• Single microUSB port
• Supports HDMI
• Wi-fi 802.11/a/b/g/n

What Google TV offer

• Access web in TV for free
• Built in Google chrome browser with Adobe Flash Player 10.1
• Google maps
• Favourite websites, Picasa pictures, YouTube and other web videos on the big screen
• Access to third party applications
• Access to the vast amount of Droid applications in the market
• Set top box can be used as a DVR
• Browse or open an app while watching TV
• Phone as the remote control – your Android phone or iPhone can be used to control your Google TV in place of a remote control. Even multiple phones can be used to control the same TV.
• Voice control – You also can use your voice to search on the same screen
• Supports HDMI
• Wi-fi 802.11/a/b/g/n