Plenty of others may be in the same boat as me.
People well invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Don’t blame me, blame Apple.
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Apple TV 4K vs. Google TV Streamer Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared
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People well invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Don’t blame me, blame Apple.
I don't blame Apple for anything. Three reasons I have:
1) Every Apple device I've ever owned has been durable, stylish and made from high quality materials.
2) Nothing matches the experience of the integration between operating system, hardware and apps that Apple provides.
3) As a former Apple employee, I was given opportunity, promotion, lasting friendships and support until the day I retired. Oh, and the employee stock ownership program made that retirement secure, with plenty left over for fun.
4) Steve Jobs is indisputably the most transformative 20th century figure in the way people worldwide live today.
Oops, that's four. Oh well, I could add another ten.
I spent years working for a REAL cable television company (Storer and Viacom), but I completely loathe the donkey faces at Comcast.
Do you have a source on the SOC? That’s been one of my biggest questions and it seems you’ve found it. Thank you!
So you loathe Comcast, loathe Apple. See a pattern developing here? (Can't fault your opinion of Comcast tho.)
I wish the article had actually given something more than totally generic advice, especially on a Mac forum. Telling us, if you're invested in the Google ecosystem, get the Google Streamer, if you're invested in the Apple Ecosystem, get the AppleTV. We know that much. Here's the thing, on this forum we are at least somewhat and likely heavily invested in the Apple Ecosystem. But here's the other thing, we probably also have some Google stuff in our house. Can you even buy a new TV these days that doesn't run on Android? I have a really nice new Sony TV. It has Google built in. It even has an Apple TV that comes already installed in the Android TV OS. So, why do I need an AppleTV? Do I need an AppleTV? So far, the only thing I use my actual AppleTV hardware puck is for Apple Music on my TV surround sound, but it looks like I don't even need that anymore, since the system comes up on my iPhone as an option (although strangely it isn't listed in the Home app).![]()
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?
![google-tv.jpg]()
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
I need a comparison of the Parental controls. Is it easy to keep the kids off of the adult accounts? Is it easy for the kids to switch between their own profiles? We have the old Google TV and it doesn't work that great. They kids have to have us put in the parental pincode to change between the kid profiles, which sucks if we're not home. If we leave with a parent profile as the last one signed in, then when they turn on the TV its on the parent profile. I know it's an odd thing in today's world to restrict young teens to content rated for their age, but we do our best to do so and Google TV does not make it that easy. Is AppleTV better?
I worked in cable television. I also loathe MS. Better than hate, don't ya know. Okay with Amazon as they get customer service. I come from the world of excellent customer service. With my 2007 iMac, Apple customer service stunk. I loved watching Steve Jobs on stage. Yes, I could only do that with a Mac back then. I will probably continue to make lower priced purchases from Apple.
You're the digital version of Mikey in the old Quaker Life Cereal commercials!
"Let Mikey try it: he hates EVERYTHING!"
Criminal. I have the “middle” Netflix plan, 1080p.
Watched an old Seinfeld episode last night. It looked like it was recorded on first generation iPhone camera. A few months ago it did not have this problem.
I just cancelled the subscription. Just don’t watch enough to justify and too many other subscriptions.
I have a Sony hdtv. It has the google tv integrated. I don’t use it. I don’t login to google on it, i only use the tv as a “dumb” display with the Apple TV.
If i go to the tv homepage i get ads. It’s brutal. Cant imagine how it would be if i used the google tv interface.
Thankfully apple makes the tv great and enjoyable to use.
I'm not the one who hates Microsoft, Apple, Comcast…et al. Microsoft been very very very good to me. Bought 100 shares the day Windows 3 came out. Now have 3,200 due to splits. Annual dividend is more than I paid for the 100 shares. Bought Apple shares every paycheck starting when Jobs returned to the helm.
They must be doing something right!
Must be nice. I live below the poverty line and MUST live with someone else to survive.
I also dislike wealthy obnoxious individuals. You are just like Tim Cook, aren't you.
Kinda. And thanks for the compliment.
Sad for your financial situation. Hope things turn around for you.
No complement. Things for me can't turn around.
If you think being like Tim Crook is a complement, you need help. You should abandon the Victor/Victoria user name.
You have ZERO in common with a world class musical.
Wondering if it is possible to block additional posts from you.
I see your point. To me the TV apps are rarely as good, lack functionality, aren’t updated as regularly, and often even don’t support things like frame matching, HDR matching, let alone can output the required sound for a full experience.
Might not be important in a bedroom or kitchen scenario but anyone enjoying a full movie experience would.
Here is an idea, perhaps focus on what you do like. That list seems shorter and it may be easier to focus on. 👍
Good luck and best wishes to get yourself out of that situation. Many of us have been there or experienced it at some point.
Not to worry. I won't write to you again. But I won't forget what poverty does to someone like you.
Situation is what it is. I'm not exactly employable at this stage of the game. Not disabled enough. Social Security is all there is.
Thanks Anyway!
I probably don't need this website anymore. I'm a Google kind of guy.
How poor are people where $99 for a device you'll use daily for years is a problem?
Give me something with a serious processor, amazing codec support, and charge me more please. I'd pay double or triple for something I can use. Honestly they should allow TvOS to be installed on ipads and have the remote work with them.
Which brings up another thing. Apple has a premium remote not some that feels like junk even by Walmart standards. Again, lets up the price point and deliver some premium products. I'm sitting here looking at a $2400 TV, a $2000 sound system, and we're talking about $79 vs $99 vs $129. I like having nice things because I keep them forever.
I buy the base versions and never needed space. All I do is put plex on it and connect it to my 300TB server.No browser and you can't even check how much space you have left on apple TV. You have to download 3rd party app to see how much space you have left !!!!!
I have base version too. But youtube which cache some videos in connection with jellyfin client and its metadata is creating out of space problem and I cant do anything about that other than guess what occupies more space and delete either youtube metadata or jellyfin. Even third party apps cant show you how much space app takes with its cache, it shows base app size only.