what's going to be better and what are the advantage of one over the other? I am going to buy one and I don't know which one yet. But as Logitech Revue google tv is almost out I am thinking about that or should I get the apple tv?What is a better device? cons and advantage of each one would be nice. I haven't read much about apple tv and I only read a little about google tv. Which one would you guys pick? It doesn't matter to me if the google tv is more expensive but I would consider apple tv if it does allot of things. Thanks
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apple tv or google tv?
- Thread starter cpucrash0
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Seeing as how you are on a "Mac" forum.. Take a wild guess as to what people will recommend here?
Also, you are asking to compare the apple tv to a product that isn't even on store shelves yet. Google tv is still vaporware right now.
I'd go for the Google TV it's far better, but wait, Apple TV is made by APPLE
I MUST BUY IT!!! 
I'm not sure you can compare a $99 device to a $299 device.
Google is trying to resurrect WebTV with Google TV and combine all your TV's content sources. The Apple TV is trying to get your iTunes content to your HDTV. Different goals.
The current Google TV is a nonstarter for most consumers. You can't hit the mass market with a device that requires IR blasters and uses PC keyboards/mice as the main input device.
Google is trying to resurrect WebTV with Google TV and combine all your TV's content sources. The Apple TV is trying to get your iTunes content to your HDTV. Different goals.
The current Google TV is a nonstarter for most consumers. You can't hit the mass market with a device that requires IR blasters and uses PC keyboards/mice as the main input device.
I agree with others that you really need to wait until both are out and feedback comes in. Having said that, based on what has been seen so far some of the major functional differences include (but as stated, are probably not limited to as no one has really used it yet):
- ATV integrates with iTunes to stream your own music, movies, tv shows, ... This is a key feature for me and if you are looking for this I don't think there is much of a choice to make.
- Google TV integrates with your cable box. Allows you to use the internet while watching tv and include your dvr content in searches. It generally integrates the internet experience with your dvr. I think this is the key distinguishing feature, and how well this works and how useful people find it will be important. ATV doesn't really integrate the internet, except for specific apps (Movie/tv rentals, youtube, netflix, and photos).
- ATV is focused on media content and providing a very streamlined, easy to use interface for accessing it. Google is much broader in scope by integrating internet search, browser, ... Though as a result of this you need to use a keyboard with Google tv, which in my opinion is probably not going to work so well for many (except the techies who will love it).
- Google tv will support apps, not live day one but has been made clear. Assumption (really, hope) is that ATV will, but since nothing has been said on that you can't assume it.
I am very curious to see how google tv does, i think price and the keyboard will be limiting factors, but you never know. I gave my parents an apple tv and they love watching their photos on it and listening to music. I can't imagine them using anything even slightly more complicated. But as it was stated, this is a mac forum
- ATV integrates with iTunes to stream your own music, movies, tv shows, ... This is a key feature for me and if you are looking for this I don't think there is much of a choice to make.
- Google TV integrates with your cable box. Allows you to use the internet while watching tv and include your dvr content in searches. It generally integrates the internet experience with your dvr. I think this is the key distinguishing feature, and how well this works and how useful people find it will be important. ATV doesn't really integrate the internet, except for specific apps (Movie/tv rentals, youtube, netflix, and photos).
- ATV is focused on media content and providing a very streamlined, easy to use interface for accessing it. Google is much broader in scope by integrating internet search, browser, ... Though as a result of this you need to use a keyboard with Google tv, which in my opinion is probably not going to work so well for many (except the techies who will love it).
- Google tv will support apps, not live day one but has been made clear. Assumption (really, hope) is that ATV will, but since nothing has been said on that you can't assume it.
I am very curious to see how google tv does, i think price and the keyboard will be limiting factors, but you never know. I gave my parents an apple tv and they love watching their photos on it and listening to music. I can't imagine them using anything even slightly more complicated. But as it was stated, this is a mac forum
Well, the best advice I can give is to search Google and look at all the recent reviews that are starting to show for Google TV vs Apple TV. There are some good articles pointing out the differences in the two and there are plenty.
First, I am not an Apple fan boy and use whatever I feel is best for my needs be it Apple or anyone else. Having said that you need to understand how they compare to each other. The Google TV is MUCH more than the old web TV model and is in class by itself right now. If you want the best comparison to Apple TV I think comparing it to the Roku XDS at $99 is more level. Both those boxes are streaming boxes whereas Google TV does more.
The Google TV has already announced it will support apps very soon. If you have an Android phone like the Droid X, it will also allow you to use "fling" just as Apple TV soon will for the iPhone using their version. It let's you stream from your phone to your TV. Where the two devices differ a LOT is the same in how they go about doing their phones. One is an open platform and the other is closed. Apple TV will only have Apple TV approved apps, but Google is wide open. Some people that have gotten access to a pre-shipping Google TV have already hacked it and gotten some apps on it. That is also the big advantage. It is just a matter of time once it comes out someone will find an easy way to connect a USB external drive to it for storage and since it is open you can bet there will be a way to do all sorts of recording.
If you are heavy into iTunes and have a lot of shows and such that you have invested in then your choice is clear, the Apple TV is the way to go period. It will integrate with your media the best. However, if you are more for open standards and have an Android phone like me, then it is most likely best to go with Google TV.
Best of luck, hope you have fun shopping.
First, I am not an Apple fan boy and use whatever I feel is best for my needs be it Apple or anyone else. Having said that you need to understand how they compare to each other. The Google TV is MUCH more than the old web TV model and is in class by itself right now. If you want the best comparison to Apple TV I think comparing it to the Roku XDS at $99 is more level. Both those boxes are streaming boxes whereas Google TV does more.
The Google TV has already announced it will support apps very soon. If you have an Android phone like the Droid X, it will also allow you to use "fling" just as Apple TV soon will for the iPhone using their version. It let's you stream from your phone to your TV. Where the two devices differ a LOT is the same in how they go about doing their phones. One is an open platform and the other is closed. Apple TV will only have Apple TV approved apps, but Google is wide open. Some people that have gotten access to a pre-shipping Google TV have already hacked it and gotten some apps on it. That is also the big advantage. It is just a matter of time once it comes out someone will find an easy way to connect a USB external drive to it for storage and since it is open you can bet there will be a way to do all sorts of recording.
If you are heavy into iTunes and have a lot of shows and such that you have invested in then your choice is clear, the Apple TV is the way to go period. It will integrate with your media the best. However, if you are more for open standards and have an Android phone like me, then it is most likely best to go with Google TV.
Best of luck, hope you have fun shopping.
Google TV = Apple TV + A whole bunch of stuff nobody in their right mind would ever conceivably want to do on a family television. And, good god, if you can shut your 3 year old up about "Tom & Jerry" for long enough to do anything else on the TV, I *bow* to your parenting skills... or ability to illegally procure large amounts of Valium.
The Logitech Revue is the first Google TV STB (I believe) to hit the market. It's not worth being an early adopter. Furthermore, why the hell would you want an STB version of something that's supposed to be built in to TVs!? Specially at that price, eee!
Personally, I'm happy with entertainment on the TV, and ambient computing on my iPhone/iPad... but hey, if you live alone, have your own room or otherwise then Google TV probably has its merits.
The Logitech Revue is the first Google TV STB (I believe) to hit the market. It's not worth being an early adopter. Furthermore, why the hell would you want an STB version of something that's supposed to be built in to TVs!? Specially at that price, eee!
Personally, I'm happy with entertainment on the TV, and ambient computing on my iPhone/iPad... but hey, if you live alone, have your own room or otherwise then Google TV probably has its merits.
I suspect that the Google TV is going to be a notable failure/disappointment. The only way it will succeed against the Apple TV is if Apple can't or won't bring apps to the TV. That's the tipping point -- apps -- will they or will they not come to the new Apple TV. If they DO, it's largely game over for the Google TV.
The way I look at it is that the Google TV was designed to bridge the gap between yesterday's TV and current computer technology. However, the new Apple TV was designed for the future -- forget about DVRs and cable TV, the future is content that is streamed on-demand from the internet. We may be anywhere from several years to a decade from that vision but it is coming and the new Apple TV is making ready for that shift.
While it's true that the Google TV can stream just as well (or perhaps even better) than the new Apple TV the problem with the Google TV design is that it is burdened with significant additional costs and complexity to support legacy devices. It also relies on a keyboard for many of its features which is going to be a complete turn-off for some users (the majority of potential customers?).
That said, since I'm an admitted geek I may end up with both devices. But I suspect that the Apple TV is the safer bet (and for just $99 why not?).
The way I look at it is that the Google TV was designed to bridge the gap between yesterday's TV and current computer technology. However, the new Apple TV was designed for the future -- forget about DVRs and cable TV, the future is content that is streamed on-demand from the internet. We may be anywhere from several years to a decade from that vision but it is coming and the new Apple TV is making ready for that shift.
While it's true that the Google TV can stream just as well (or perhaps even better) than the new Apple TV the problem with the Google TV design is that it is burdened with significant additional costs and complexity to support legacy devices. It also relies on a keyboard for many of its features which is going to be a complete turn-off for some users (the majority of potential customers?).
That said, since I'm an admitted geek I may end up with both devices. But I suspect that the Apple TV is the safer bet (and for just $99 why not?).
I am a big user of Google services, but GoogleTV is a mess. IR blasters.. web searches.. remotes with full keyboards.. overpriced hardware. I would like to be proven wrong, but it has all of the ingredients of giant failure.
On the other hands - AppleTV is slick, simple, inexpensive and does exactly what it should be doing.. That is extending your home Media collection to the big screens around the house, and connecting to a few key Internet media sources. In a simple, eye pleasing, and integrated way, that even my 5 year old can use it.
And just wait until AppleTV starts supporting apps - this thing will be unstoppable.
On the other hands - AppleTV is slick, simple, inexpensive and does exactly what it should be doing.. That is extending your home Media collection to the big screens around the house, and connecting to a few key Internet media sources. In a simple, eye pleasing, and integrated way, that even my 5 year old can use it.
And just wait until AppleTV starts supporting apps - this thing will be unstoppable.
That's totally false. IR blasters are NOT required. It is RF for the keyboard/remote and there is also a "mini" remote available too along with an Android app remote and an iPhone Google TV app. It is not cumbersome at all and the UI is actually pretty nice. I could care less rather it is Apple or Google as long as I like what it does.
Here is one preview article that is nice and detailed by IGN about using the Google TV.
http://gear.ign.com/articles/112/1128252p1.html
http://gear.ign.com/articles/112/1128252p1.html
Don't forget to have a look at this unit!!!!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1283694
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1283694
I rarely use the features on my DVR box outside of search and record. The Apple TV is not perfect, but it's pretty close for me.
There'd have to be a pretty impressive app for me to want to use on my TV. I can't see a scenario where I'd want to surf the web on my TV... I've literally never done it on the PS3. The only way I'd use apps on my TV is if they interplayed with my phone (such as video games), and I think its safe to assume that those things will come to the ATV one day. I can certainly wait, its not something I'm itching for.
There'd have to be a pretty impressive app for me to want to use on my TV. I can't see a scenario where I'd want to surf the web on my TV... I've literally never done it on the PS3. The only way I'd use apps on my TV is if they interplayed with my phone (such as video games), and I think its safe to assume that those things will come to the ATV one day. I can certainly wait, its not something I'm itching for.
I think I'll get the apple tv but when they start supporting apps. By the way I have an Iphone 4 and a Ipad. I'll get the google tv now and then I'll get the apple tv when i can get some apps for apple tv. I do like the apps on my iPhone and my iPad
Google TV vs Apple TV
I will admit that Google TV is interesting and I am kind of on the fence about whether I should check into it or not. The 46 in Sony with GTV built in is what I am thinking about. However, as was stated by others, once the Apple TV gets applications I believe that it is game, set, and match. I myself am waiting until Christmas so I hope that the new App Store is up and running by then. We will see.
Glennsan
I will admit that Google TV is interesting and I am kind of on the fence about whether I should check into it or not. The 46 in Sony with GTV built in is what I am thinking about. However, as was stated by others, once the Apple TV gets applications I believe that it is game, set, and match. I myself am waiting until Christmas so I hope that the new App Store is up and running by then. We will see.
Glennsan
I purchased the Sony Blue-ray Google TV player over the weekend. I have a 46" Sony 120 Hz TV and I must say the blue-ray is beautiful and the Google TV seems to be very useful. Internet integration with TV seems to me to be the next logical step for TVs and I'm willing to bet Apple introduces something like Google TV within the next 2 years.
I don't think it will be over if Apple has apps on theirs too because it will be the same as Google TV and Android phones. It will just depend upon which platform you like better, the iPhone with Apple TV or Android with Google TV. One platform is open to just about anything and the other is very closed. Also, I can get most of the same great apps now on the Android as I can on the iPhone.
No matter what you prefer, I think it is very good to have serious competition to push each of them for consumers. It's a win-win for everyone.
You may want to buy APPLE TV. Aside from it is smaller size, the price is cheaper as well. When it comes to features, it has all the features that will suit your needs.
At last , my god i tought is was the only one that was thinking this way about google tv ... I mean who the heck would tKe the time to update their tweeter account in front of all the familly while watching a tv show with the rest of the familly .... Get a PC or Mac if you want to do that .... Search with google maps ... Same thing ...
Im not saying that all google tv app are useless ... But in my view this thing is just not for familly tv room people.
A tv for me the wife and the kids doesnt need a keyboard or surf the web, we have a PC for that, TV is for movies, news, tv shows all of wich makes us disconect and relaxe from all those tweeter, facebook, RSS, and so on.
My personal 2 cents on this