Key Difference – Chromecast vs Apple TV
The key difference between Chromecast and Apple TV is that Chrome Cast is a bridge that connects your HDTV to your mobile device while Apple TV is feature packed with noteworthy storage and RAM. It also comes with a remote that is powered by Siri and dedicated OS and interface. Chromecast is a dongle that needs to be inserted into the HDMI port of the TV. It is comparatively inexpensive when compared to Apple TV. Let us take a closer look at both the devices and see how they compare with each other.
What is Google Chromecast?
Google’s first attempt to venture into streaming devices was made in the year 2013, and it was a great success. The latest device also comes with great functional features. The swap-like build was replaced by a puck-like device which is easy to use and work within hard-to-reach port environments. The small device is convenient and affordable. It gives an easy way for computer and smartphone user to cast content onto the big screen in their living room with ease. The Chromecast app also comes with a sleek interface that also supports voice commands and searches.
As mentioned above chrome cast is a puck-like device. The recent versions of the device come in Black, Coral and lemonade colors. This device comes with a built-in antenna, HDMI cord and is able to support 5 GHz according to the 802.11 ac standard. The device runs with a simplified version of Google’s Chrome operating system and comes with a memory of 256 MB. The device does not need more memory as it only operates as a gateway. It has to be plugged into the HDMI port of the HDTV. It will also connect to the home wifi network and act as a portal to cast content played on the mobile device to your TV.
A mobile device or a computer can be used to cast content onto chrome cast with the help of appropriate apps. According to the material that is cast, chrome cast finds the same material on the internet and streams it from the source itself. The mobile device resources are not used for the streaming task; thus the mobile battery does not drain much either. The mobile device in use is virtually a remote device to control chrome cast. An exception to this is when the chrome browser is mirrored onto the display and when an app called All Cast is used.
Chromecast is able to work on a variety of device thanks to the “all device philosophy”. Chrome cast is able to run on Android tablets, iPhones. iPads as well as Mac OS X and Windows. The devices that are not compatible are Windows and blackberry phones., An app called Tube cast offers functionality for windows devices.
There are many apps that support Chromecast. Chrome cast is able to support over 300 different apps. These apps and chrome cast are able to support playing games and streaming movies. More and more apps are being developed to support more functionality.
What is Apple TV?
Apple TV is an Apple product that has been designed especially for Apple users. Apple TV has been specially designed to bring the Apple experience to the larger screen. Apple TV comes with an elegant interface, a fully functional remote and all apple related integration that an Apple product lover could ask for.
If you are an iPhone or iPad user and would prefer services like Spotify and Google, Apple TV may not be the right fit for you. Although Apple TV is a fine device, it lagged behind to come into being and is somewhat behind the time when compared with other similar products.
The packaging of the product has been done in a way to add value to the product. Apple’s TV package is a great achievement since it looks and feels good. When the packaging is opened, the Apple TV box, and the remote will be covered in protective plastic. Apple uses premium materials to give its products a luxurious look. The Apple TV and its remote are heavier than anticipated. Apple TV comes with a black AC power itself, and it is made up of silicon. The remote is accompanied by a lightning cable for charging. An HDMI cable will not be present although it would have been a premium feature for the product.
If you are an iPhone owner, setting up Apple TV is a hassle free procedure. You will have to buy an HDMI cable and connect Apple TV to your TV. When the device is powered up, a setup wizard will take you through the setting up of the device. Setting up Wi-Fi on the device is a notable process. The device also comes with an Ethernet port that is recommended for usage.
An iPhone with the iOS 9.1 can use blue tooth to share its wifi settings when in close proximity of the Apple TV. This is an easy way to connect with the device rather than using long and complicated passwords.
Apple TV will ask you if you would like to enable Siri, location services and to share diagnostic data. Enabling the Home sharing feature on the device is recommended if you want to share content across Apple devices.
The remote is one of the unique features that set this device apart from its competition. The remote comes with a touchpad. This feature speeds up the navigation process. It also reduces wear and tear of buttons from continuous usage. Although the interface is not compelling, it can even be used to play games. The remote also comes with a menu button that can also act as a back button. A home button is also available to take you to the home screen from wherever you are. The volume can be automatically controlled by the device although manual mode is also available.
The device comes with an A8 chip has a storage of either 32 GB or 64 GB. There is no micro SD slot to expand the storage. It also does not accompany and digital audio output which is a disappointment. If this feature was available, it would have been much easier to integrate devices like self-powered speakers or sound bar. Lack of 4K support is another disappointment.
As a voice digital assistant, Siri is one of the best available in the market. When requested, it is able to display available movies, TV shows, and movies according to a specific actor. Siri is able to search iTunes for music, movies and TV shows. Siri will also search Netflix for results. Siri will provide you with sports scores, stock info, and weather related data. Siri is feature packed and performs a variety of tasks you would not even imagine.
In some aspects, Apple TV’s competition has an edge. Amazon Prime Video comes with famous original videos like TV shows that is not available with Apple TV. You have to start what you want to watch on you iPad, or iPhone and AirPlay it onto Apple TV. This will only download content from the cloud, so it does not drain any energy from the mobile device.
In general, the interface is great with beautifully colored icons to Apple shaped rounded icons. To conclude, Apple TV will be a delight for any Apple, product user. Apple content will be available on the big screen, and it is easy, quick and fun to use.
What is the difference between Google Chromecast and Apple TV?
Storage & RAM
Chromecast: Chromecast comes with a storage of 256 MB. The device comes with a RAM of 512 MB
Apple TV: Apple TV comes with a storage of 32 GB or 64 GB. The device comes with a memory of 2GB.
The difference between the storage and the RAM are significant, as chrome cast seems to be underpowered. The reason behind the difference is that chrome cast is only designed to act as a bridge between the TV and the mobile device whereas Apple TV comes with the ability to store games, movies, and apps.
Design
Chromecast: Chromecast comes in a disc-shaped dongle and needs to be plugged into the HDMI port of the TV.
Apple TV: Apple TV comes in a large square shape set top box.
User Interface and Operating System
Chromecast: Chromecast does not have a user interface or an operating system. As mentioned earlier, it only acts as a bridge between the mobile device and the TV. Without a mobile device, chrome cast is worthless.
Apple TV: Apple TV comes with an OS called tvOS. As with an iOS on an iPhone, you will be able to add apps, games with the help of a dedicated app store. It also consists of an interface that displays valuable content like movies, TV shows, and applications.
Content
Chromecast: Chromecast is supported by a large number of applications. It comes with no interface but is able to cast movies, TV shows apps and games that are displayed on the mobile device. As Google Play is able to support a lot of resources, it is able to display more content than Apple TV.
Apple TV: Apple TV supports movies, TV shows, apps, and games. Apple TV also supports third party apps like Youtube and Netflix. Applications are able to display information like weather and stock exchange rates.
Remote
Chromecast: Chromecast does not come with a remote. The mobile device coupled with an application operate as the remote. Apps that support chrome cast will work as a remote. Chromecast comes with a feature known as fast paly that is able to predict what you would like to watch next.
Apple TV: Apple TV comes with a Siri-powered remote. The remote has a trackpad for easy navigation. Siri being built into the remote. This enables the remote to respond to voice commands and gives it the ability for universal search. Video playback can also be controlled by Siri which is an advantage.
Price
Chromecast: Chromecast is very cheap. It just acts as a bridge, so it is cheap.
Apple TV: Apple TV is comparatively very expensive. It comes with storage and feature filled so expensive.
Google Chromecast vs Apple TV Comparison Summary
There are many devices today to turn your HDTV into a smart HDTV. These devices are cheap, easy to use and rest behind the TV invisibly. These small devices are feature filled, being able to mirror screens, apps and stream content. Although there are other competing brands, Apple and Google are known to produce the best products and devices. Apple and Google are competitive in many areas from smartphones to cloud service.
Apple TV and Chrome cast are feature filled, but Google seems to offer a significantly cheaper alternative that is preferred by many. Apple TV is now armed with many features and iPad and iPhone can take advantage of the Apple AirPlay feature and other Apple service at home. Both devices come with different approaches in delivering content onto the big screen.
Image Courtesy:
“Chromecast-2015” By Y2kcrazyjoker4 – Own work, (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia