TVs have been around for a long time, and over the years, there have been many different types of TVs. Two of the most recent varieties are Google TV and Android TV. Both are very similar, but there are some differences between them.
However, if you’re in the market for a new streaming device, you must be wondering which TV you should get: Google TV or Android TV. Both have pros and cons, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for your needs.
In this blog post, we will look at the differences between Google TV and Android TV and help you decide which is best for you!
Here’s A Quick Overview Of What We Are About To Cover
- Unique features of Google TV
- Unique features of Android TV
- A detailed comparison between Android TV And Google TV
- Pros and cons of both TVs
Unique Features Google TV Offers
Many features make Google TV the best option on the market, but here are just a few of the most notable ones. First, Google TV has 300 free channels and access to over 500,000 movies and TV shows through apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.
Moreover, there’s no need for a separate streaming device because Google TV is built into select TVs from top brands like Sony and LG. Finally, with Google TV, you can use voice commands to search for what you want to watch instead of scrolling through menus. Simply say “find comedies from 2018,” and relevant results will appear instantly.
Unique Features Android TV Offers
Android TV comes with various features that make it unique among other streaming devices. One such feature is its ability to run Android apps. It means that users can access a wide range of apps and games on their TV, making it a great option for those who want more than just streaming content.
Another remarkable feature of most Android TV boxes is their voice search function. It lets users search for content using their voice, making it easy to find what they’re looking for without typing in keywords.
Finally, Android TV also offers Chromecast support, allowing users to cast their phone or tablet content onto their TV screen. This makes it easy to share content with friends and family or simply enjoy your favorite shows and movies on a larger screen.
A Comprehensive Comparison Between Google TV And Android TV
Both Google TV and Android TV have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at each device to help you decide.
User Interface
One of the biggest differences between Google TV and Android TV is the user interface. Google TV uses a traditional navigation bar with different sections for apps, live tv, and movies/shows. On the other hand, Android TV uses a more tile-based interface that makes it easy to find the content you’re looking for.
Parental Controls and Kid-friendly Profiles
Google TV offers basic parental controls, but Android TV has more robust options. With Android TV, you can create kid-friendly profiles that restrict access to certain content and apps. It is a great option for families with kids who want to watch their favorite shows without having to worry about accidentally stumbling upon something they’re not supposed to see.
Availability And Apps
Google TV is available in a few different countries, while Android TV is available in over 100 countries. It has all of the major channels that you’d expect, plus access to apps like Netflix and Hulu.
Moreover, Android TV is more like a smart TV, focusing on apps and gaming. That means it has access to the Google Play Store, where you can find thousands of different apps and games. And since Google powers it, you can also use it to search for anything on the web.
Smart Home Support
Google TV has built-in support for smart home devices like Nest and Philips Hue. Plus, Google TV is in talks of getting fitness integration soon. In contrast, Android TV does not currently have any smart home integrations. However, there are a few third-party apps that allow you to control your smart home devices from your Android TV.
Networking Capabilities
Both Google TV and Android TV have Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi capabilities. Google TV has a wider range of networking capabilities, allowing you to connect to various wired and wireless devices. However, Android TV also supports Bluetooth connections.
Storage Capacity
Google TV offers a storage capacity of 16GB, while Android TV comes with a wide range of storage capacity options. Depending on the model and make, you can get an Android TV with either 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal storage. It may not be important for everyone, but if you plan on storing a lot of content on your streaming device, Android TV would be the better choice.
Price
Google TV is available for purchase for $99. In comparison, the price of an Android TV varies depending on the device you choose but typically runs between $40 and $100.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each platform to give you a quick overview.
Google TV Pros:
- More affordable than Android TV
- Runs Android apps natively
- Supports Chromecast streaming
- Offers a wide variety of content
Cons:
- It can be sluggish or choppy
- A lot of extra features that can be overwhelming and confusing
- The Remote is oversized and clunky
Android TV Pros:
- Smooth navigation
- Range of apps and games available
- Google Cast available
- Great user experience
Cons:
- The user interface can be confusing for some people
- Not all apps are available on Android TV
- Some games may not be compatible with the TV version of Android.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a traditional user interface and basic parental controls, Google TV may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for more app options and smart home support, Android TV is the way to go. Whichever platform you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy hours of streaming content!