I have the Roku channel on my Apple TV 4K as I side loaded it like everyone else did.
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Apple TV 4K vs. Google TV Streamer Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared
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AppleTV:
Made from a company that is #1 in design, environmental impact, unboxing experience, UI design, and experience integration with other products.
Google Streamer:
Not.
Made from a company that is #1 in design, environmental impact, unboxing experience, UI design, and experience integration with other products.
Google Streamer:
Not.
Why do you need a new one? The last one is perfectly fine. Only issue would be to upgrade audio bitrates and that’s it.
One of those things is not like the other.
One of them is made by world's #1 advertising company. The other is not.
One of them is made by world's #1 advertising company. The other is not.
The Roku Channel has tons of free stuff. Others do too. The Amazon streamers have access to the Roku Channel too.
It is possible to go directly to the apps screen as well. I just don't like the product.
I'm not experienced in multiple quotes on this site. I had a time getting a YouTube video to post.
The difference between Chromecast and the new Google product is huge, thus the big difference in price.
Chromecast at $29 was HD and designed for casting.
I have to laugh. The $99 price is too high so you're gonna stay with ATV?
I still have cable TV and would switch to YouTube TV versus Hulu TV.
Reason enough to consider the new GTVS.
Will not pre-order. You can be pretty sure Amazon will undercut the price, just like they do with so many Apple products.
It’s an established term in the audio realm (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Audio+Streamer, https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streamers), makes sense to apply it to video as well.
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Why anyone still supports Netflix is beyond me. Between Apple TV+ and Disney+ I'll never run out of great content to watch (and I'm currently only subbing to Apple TV+ with Disney on hold). For older shows that people say they subscribe to Netflix for the back catalog, it turns out to be cheaper to just buy the series outright in the TV app and own it forever than to pay Netflix month after month as you make it through all the seasons.
AppleTV+ and Disney still care about quality & their hi res content looks fantastic through the AppleTV. Netflix unfortunately uses price tiering to rob its users of better quality video & audio… unless you buy their most expensive service plan.
Google this week announced the Google TV Streamer as a replacement for the Chromecast, setting its sights on directly rivalling the Apple TV 4K, so how do the two devices compare?
Fundamentally, the Google TV Streamer is designed with a focus on deep integration with Google's ecosystem including services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant. It is also positioned as a smart home hub, supporting Matter and Thread protocols to control a wide range of smart home devices.
In contrast, the Apple TV 4K is deeply embedded within Apple's ecosystem, providing access to services such as Apple Arcade and Apple Music, with support for features like HomeKit and AirPlay. Its compact, black puck design allows it to blend effortlessly into most home entertainment setups, while offering powerful performance with the A15 Bionic chip.
While both devices support 4K resolution and advanced HDR formats, they differ in their storage options, connectivity features, and additional functionalities. The Google TV Streamer emphasizes an AI-powered user experience with personalized content recommendations and generative AI screensavers, whereas the Apple TV 4K offers ecosystem advantages like Apple Arcade and Fitness+ for a more integrated Apple experience. All of the key differences between the two devices are listed below:
Google TV Streamer Apple TV 4K Designed to sit in front of the TV, with a noticeable design intended to blend with home decor Compact, black puck design that can be easily hidden or integrated into a home entertainment system 6.4" x 3.0" x 1.0" 3.66" x 3.66" x 1.2" Weighs 5.7 ounces Weighs 7.3 ounces (Wi-Fi)
Weighs 7.5 ounces (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Google TV (Android TV) tvOS Google Assistant Siri Google Home, Thread, and Matter HomeKit, Thread (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), and Matter SDR video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG SDR video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, HEVC, H.264, MPEG-4, HDMI Quick Media Switching Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos HE-AAC, AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1, E-AC-3 Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos Aggregates content from various streaming services and presents personalized recommendations Apple TV app aggregates content from various services and provides a unified watchlist AI-powered content suggestions and generative AI screensavers Deep integration with Google services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant. Supports casting from Android devices Deep integration with Apple ecosystem, including Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and AirPlay for casting from iOS devices Improved processor, 22% faster than previous Chromecast A15 Bionic chip HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.1, Gigabit Ethernet, Thread, USB-C HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.0, Infrared, Gigabit Ethernet (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), Thread (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) 32GB storage 64GB storage (Wi-Fi)
128GB storage (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Support for external storage and flash drives Voice Remote with customizable button, textured back, and remote finder Siri Remote with touch surface, volume control on face, and remote finder Available in Hazel (Google Store exclusive) and Porcelain Available in Black only $99.99 $129 (Wi-Fi)
$149 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Releases September 24, 2024 Released November 4, 2022
Choosing between the Google TV Streamer and the Apple TV 4K ultimately depends on your specific needs and the ecosystem you are already invested in. For those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, the Google TV Streamer is clearly the best choice. It is designed to work seamlessly with Google services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant, making it ideal for users who rely on these platforms. It also supports playback from external storage devices. The device's support for Matter and Thread protocols also makes it a strong contender for those with a smart home setup. Additionally, its AI-powered content recommendations and generative AI screensavers provide a personalized and modern user experience.
On the other hand, the Apple TV 4K is perfect for users who are heavily entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. With seamless access to Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, FaceTime, and AirPlay, this device is tailored for those who use Apple devices and services. The A15 Bionic chip ensures excellent performance, making it suitable for users who require a particularly robust device for streaming and light gaming. The Apple TV 4K's compact design allows it to fit discreetly into any home entertainment setup, and its integration with HomeKit, Matter, and Thread makes it a strong choice for those looking to manage their smart home devices through Apple's ecosystem.
Each device has unique strengths that cater to slightly different user needs based on ecosystem. Ultimately, if your primary concern is deep integration with Google services and a focus on smart home connectivity, the Google TV Streamer is the way to go. Conversely, if you are looking for a device that offers powerful performance and extensive access to Apple services, the Apple TV 4K will be your best bet.
Article Link: Apple TV 4K vs. Google TV Streamer Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared
Both of these are inferior to the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019. Bonkers
Google cut corners on memory and if I had to guess the processor too … so until they exceed Apple’s specs … not on any video/audiophiles’ radar. Those that don’t care or know will buy on price … ahem Android & PC users, and former Amazon ‘puck’ buyers, and again will need to upgrade in 2-3 years just like with past cheap streamers.
What an utterly pointless article. Buy x if you have Google, buy Y if you like Apple - everyone already knows this!
Google this week announced the Google TV Streamer as a replacement for the Chromecast, setting its sights on directly rivalling the Apple TV 4K, so how do the two devices compare?
Fundamentally, the Google TV Streamer is designed with a focus on deep integration with Google's ecosystem including services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant. It is also positioned as a smart home hub, supporting Matter and Thread protocols to control a wide range of smart home devices.
In contrast, the Apple TV 4K is deeply embedded within Apple's ecosystem, providing access to services such as Apple Arcade and Apple Music, with support for features like HomeKit and AirPlay. Its compact, black puck design allows it to blend effortlessly into most home entertainment setups, while offering powerful performance with the A15 Bionic chip.
While both devices support 4K resolution and advanced HDR formats, they differ in their storage options, connectivity features, and additional functionalities. The Google TV Streamer emphasizes an AI-powered user experience with personalized content recommendations and generative AI screensavers, whereas the Apple TV 4K offers ecosystem advantages like Apple Arcade and Fitness+ for a more integrated Apple experience. All of the key differences between the two devices are listed below:
Google TV Streamer Apple TV 4K Designed to sit in front of the TV, with a noticeable design intended to blend with home decor Compact, black puck design that can be easily hidden or integrated into a home entertainment system 6.4" x 3.0" x 1.0" 3.66" x 3.66" x 1.2" Weighs 5.7 ounces Weighs 7.3 ounces (Wi-Fi)
Weighs 7.5 ounces (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Google TV (Android TV) tvOS Google Assistant Siri Google Home, Thread, and Matter HomeKit, Thread (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), and Matter SDR video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG SDR video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, HEVC, H.264, MPEG-4, HDMI Quick Media Switching Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos HE-AAC, AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1, E-AC-3 Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos Aggregates content from various streaming services and presents personalized recommendations Apple TV app aggregates content from various services and provides a unified watchlist AI-powered content suggestions and generative AI screensavers Deep integration with Google services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant. Supports casting from Android devices Deep integration with Apple ecosystem, including Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and AirPlay for casting from iOS devices Improved processor, 22% faster than previous Chromecast A15 Bionic chip HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.1, Gigabit Ethernet, Thread, USB-C HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.0, Infrared, Gigabit Ethernet (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), Thread (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) 32GB storage 64GB storage (Wi-Fi)
128GB storage (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Support for external storage and flash drives Voice Remote with customizable button, textured back, and remote finder Siri Remote with touch surface, volume control on face, and remote finder Available in Hazel (Google Store exclusive) and Porcelain Available in Black only $99.99 $129 (Wi-Fi)
$149 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)Releases September 24, 2024 Released November 4, 2022
Choosing between the Google TV Streamer and the Apple TV 4K ultimately depends on your specific needs and the ecosystem you are already invested in. For those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, the Google TV Streamer is clearly the best choice. It is designed to work seamlessly with Google services like Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Assistant, making it ideal for users who rely on these platforms. It also supports playback from external storage devices. The device's support for Matter and Thread protocols also makes it a strong contender for those with a smart home setup. Additionally, its AI-powered content recommendations and generative AI screensavers provide a personalized and modern user experience.
On the other hand, the Apple TV 4K is perfect for users who are heavily entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. With seamless access to Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, FaceTime, and AirPlay, this device is tailored for those who use Apple devices and services. The A15 Bionic chip ensures excellent performance, making it suitable for users who require a particularly robust device for streaming and light gaming. The Apple TV 4K's compact design allows it to fit discreetly into any home entertainment setup, and its integration with HomeKit, Matter, and Thread makes it a strong choice for those looking to manage their smart home devices through Apple's ecosystem.
Each device has unique strengths that cater to slightly different user needs based on ecosystem. Ultimately, if your primary concern is deep integration with Google services and a focus on smart home connectivity, the Google TV Streamer is the way to go. Conversely, if you are looking for a device that offers powerful performance and extensive access to Apple services, the Apple TV 4K will be your best bet.
Article Link: Apple TV 4K vs. Google TV Streamer Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared
What are they like to live with? Are there differences in the quality of the streams, bitrate, audio presentation? Do they work well with AV amplifiers using HDMI 2.1 CEC etc. are we missing anything with the google device lacking HomeKit?
Really it would have been better to have given these a fuller test once you have both devices to hand.
But Apple TV when it’s not even a tv is better?
Sorry, but doing a spec comparison for these two devices is silly. Google users will buy the Google device, and Apple users will buy the Apple device. Ecosystem is the only really meaningful difference between them, regardless of what numbers on a chart say.
I have the Chrome Cast (Google TV OS version), and the remote looks exactly the same as in the OP photo. The volume buttons suck badly. And the tactile feel of the wheel is not great at all. The buttons in the middle feel good though. A shame how Google passes the Streamer off as a completely new product, but keeps the same shabby remote.
I bet the SOC in the Apple TV absolutely smokes the streamer.
Odd choice of CPU from Google not enough of a bump on the old model.
Odd choice of CPU from Google not enough of a bump on the old model.
Two questions:
1) Why compare only google and apple ?
2) Why not have one photo with both devices on it to see size
1) Why compare only google and apple ?
2) Why not have one photo with both devices on it to see size
My brother has Roku Ultra but chooses to use the apps on his TV. I get how this is an Apple driven site. A comparison between Apple and Google makes sense but at $99, the Google product is probably better than the Roku Ultra.
Someone mentioned remaining storage on ATV. Amazon Fire TV does show what's left. Speaking of dumb, where did Amazon get the name Fire?
On the Chromecast you can have it show only apps on the screen similar to the ATV. You need to put the Chromecast in "Apps Mode". Once it's in Apps Mode, that's all you'll see on the Home Screen and "all ads" will be disabled on the Home Screen.
That is might concern as well. However every Android site have said that Google has fixed that problem. Perhaps out of the box in 2024 everything will be snappy but what about in 2-3 years? Is it going to lag like the Chromecast? I don't have that answer.So if the Chromecast 4k has a super sluggish/laggy UI and the new one is only 22% faster, that means that it will still be a sluggish/laggy nightmare. Great
My ATV 4th Gen (2015) was great for the first 2-3 years and after a few updates it started slowing down a bit in certain places but nowhere as bad as the Chromecast.
Netflix has an ad free plan, not Google's fault you cheaped out and bought the ad supported plan.