Not all people own a Smart TV because they are pretty expensive while your current TV is still in great condition and you actually can get the similar experience like those high-end TV right in your regular one using a streaming media player like Google Chromecast or Apple TV. These devices will provide you with numerous movies, shows, apps or games right in your TV. If you are interested, go check our article below.
In this article we are going to give you information about:
– What are Google Chromecast and Apple TV
– How Google Chromecast and Apple TV Look Like
– What Google Chromecast and Apple TV can offer to you
– Google Chromecast vs Apple TV
About Google Chromecast
For you who loves to watch TV and often stream your favorite movies or shows right from your TV, a device called streaming media player must already familiar to you. Google Chromecast is one of this kind of device among so many out there. This streaming media player was released years ago and when this article is written the device already have the next generation. If you don’t own a smart TV but still want to stream various interesting content across channels, you may want to consider Google Chromecast.
Google Chromecast Design
Unlike those common streaming media players out there, which have a stick or flash disk like appearance, Google Chromecast looks quite unique with its small circular shape and a cable. The item only measures at 4.7 x i.8 inches, making it look like a small cookie rather than a dongle. At the top surface, there is the Chrome logo similar like in the Chrome browser while the cable can be fold into the back. For another similar device, check our article on Amazon Fire Stick vs Chromecast here.
Google Chromecast Features
Similar like other streaming media player, Google Chromecast is great if you have regular TV with HDMI connectivity to turn it into those expensive app-driven smart TV. Many people choose the device for it is very versatile and easy to use, unlike those devices that come with their own remote control to operate the TV, this one lets you use your smartphone as the remote and whatever you want to access, just cast it from the app to the TV.
When the product was first launched, Google Chromecast have lots of limitations, but not long after the list of compatible apps continues to grow. Today it compatible with Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, Hulu Plus, HBO, and many more. Depend on where you live, you may be able to stream some music with the device, but if live in UK, the restriction is probably stricter. The device is compatible with either Mac or PC, so if you browse through Chrome in your PC, there is an option to send it to your TV.
To use your Google Chromecast, you need to set it up first. The best thing here is the setup is pretty easy and can be done quickly. First you have to attach the power cable and download the app in your smartphone or pc; the former app is called Chromecast app but now it is called the Home app. Then you can follow the on-screen instruction to pair the device with your smartphone and network connection.
Depend on which version you purchase, the device may have different features but the one in this article is the original first Chromecast that comes with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency and Dual-core Cortex A7 up to 1.0GHz. It is not the fastest in the market, but taking the price into consideration, it is actually a good bargain.
About Apple TV
Apple TV is probably one of the most popular streaming media player in the market now. First released years ago, now the device has come to its most recent 4th generation version. As what you can expect from Apple, this streamer is not so affordable like those Amazon Fire Stick, but with the price, you can expect more and more updates in the future just like its previous generations. If you want to experience how Smart TV feels without purchasing one, you may opt for a streaming media player like Apple TV.
Apple TV Design
Similar like the previous versions, the device still comes in a black box that looks pretty attractive but if compared to other similar devices in the market, it does looks too big. Measuring at 5.3 x 6.4 x 2.6 inches, Apple TV weigh only 1.8 pounds. In the unit, there are two ports for HDMI and Ethernet connectivity cable, so you can use it either with cable or connect it with your Wi-Fi network.
Apple TV Features
The best improvement on Apple TV is probably the remote it comes with. Many people doesn’t prefer the previous remote in 3rd Generation and Apple change it in the current version. Now the remote have a large button to navigate the menu that also serves as a touchpad. With the new capability, you can do the same swiping motion. With the tvOS 10 update, you can use your iPhone to navigate the menu, which is useful in case you can’t find the remote.
Another warmly welcomed new ability is it also supports Amazon Prime Video, so now your choice just got broader. Apple TV comes with 18 Chip with 64-bit architecture, Bluetooth 4.0, and 32GB storage. For further convenience, you can use voice command with Siri and she will gives you what you are looking for. For example when you are not sure what to watch, you can ask “I feel like watching an 80’s movie” and then she will offer you the movies from the era eliminating the inconvenient process scrolling through the menu.
Comparison
Now, let’s compare Google Chromecast with Apple TV. Both devices works great and actually able to do similar abilities, such as the voice command as well as easy set up and it is all depend on your preference. Apple TV comes with a remote that has touch panel as well as in phone remote while Google Chromecast only use the app to control the TV. Another difference is Apple TV can be connected with Ethernet and Wi-Fi while Google Chromecast only connects through Wi-Fi.
Google Chromecast vs Apple TV
Conclusion
All in all, the decision is all yours to make. In our opinion, both devices are good on their own. If you prefer controlling through the menu using the remote or prefer using Ethernet cable, Apple TV is the one to go, but if you want to spend as less as possible Google Chromecast will be the better option here.