Which TV is better for you- Google TV or Android TV? A Definitive Guide

2022-09-27

2022-09-27

It's no secret that Google and Android are two of the most popular brands in tech. So, it only makes sense that they'd be the first to try partnering up to make a TV operating system... right? Well, sort of. While Android TV has been around for years, it just wasn't very good when it first launched. But with Google's help, things have changed! So, let's take a look at everything you need to know about these two exciting products.

 

What is Android TV?

Android TV is an operating system used by smart TVs and streaming sticks. It’s based on Android, meaning it can run all kinds of apps like a tablet or smartphone. Unlike Google TV, Android TV is an open platform for any device manufacturer to create a device that runs it. This makes it really easy for you to find the best fit for your needs!

 

Android TVs are typically used for watching content in your living room. They’re also popular with gamers who appreciate their ability to stream from services like Twitch and YouTube Gaming at 4K resolution.

 

While some people use their phones as remotes for these devices instead of buying one separately, most Android TVs are optimized for interactions with a remote control or game controller — something Google has found difficult in its attempts at making software interfaces work across different types of consumer electronics devices — so keep this in mind before deciding if buying one makes sense for how you want to watch content on your device(s).

 

Advantages of Android TV:

 

- Open Source

You can use any app or game on Android TV without restrictions.

 

- Easy to Use

A simple design that makes your home screen easy to navigate.

 

- Optimized for Voice Search

Find what you want faster than ever before with just your voice.

 

- Search Across Apps

Easily find content across apps while watching something else or while browsing the web using the Chrome Cast feature (supported devices only).

 

What is Google TV?

Google TV is a smart TV platform originally developed by Google. The OS is based on the Android operating system and has been open-source since 2013. It was initially designed to run on smart TVs with features integrated with more services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, and Pandora.

Google debuted its first Google TV device in 2010. Yet, this device was not very successful and did not sell as well as expected; it was also criticized for its high price point ($300 per unit).

 

In 2011, Google released an updated version of the platform called “Google TV 2", which included more apps from major video providers such as HBO Go or ESPN3, along with other improvements such as better search capabilities using voice commands through your remote control (a feature known today as universal search) or by using your smartphone's keyboard via Bluetooth connection between devices (this feature only works if both devices are connected over a Wi-Fi network).

 

Google TV vs. Android TV: who wins?

The key difference between Android TVs and Google TVs lies in their operating systems: Android TV runs on Android, while Google TV uses ChromeOS (which is essentially Chrome running on top of Linux).

 

There are some other significant differences between Android TV and Google TV that you should consider before making your decision.

 

- Google TV offers users a variety of unique features that make their viewing experience more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. The platform allows them to access live content from over-the-air sources like ABC or NBC, as well as streaming video from popular services like Netflix and Hulu Plus. Additionally, its "Google Cast" feature enables users to view content on other devices such as smartphones or tablets by connecting them with a single cable connection through Miracast technology (Miracast is an open standard for wireless display connectivity). This makes watching shows easier than ever before—just connect your phone via HDMI cord and you're ready!

 

- Google TV has a different interface and user experience than Android TV. While it has access to most of the same apps as Android, including Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now, there are also some key differences in how these apps function on Google versus Android devices (and vice versa), especially when it comes to search functionality.

 

- Searching on Google TV is different from searching on Android. On the former, you can search for content across multiple sources, while "Search" in Android works only with installed apps. In other words: if you want to see what’s available from all your favourite streaming services and then decide where to watch it from there, use Google TV's built-in search feature instead of relying solely on Netflix as an interface for finding new shows (or even worse—just searching for them).

 

- You can watch YouTube on both platforms. Yet another thing to consider is the ability to build collections of your favourite YouTube channels. Both platforms let you do this, but Google TV enables you to build collections from any channel, while Android TV only allows you to put together a collection from your subscribed channels.

While Android TV integrates Prime Video, Peacock, Apple TV+, and other apps, Google TV is more focused on providing a single destination to find all videos.

 

Conclusion 

After reading this article, you should have a clearer understanding of which device is better for you. In the end, Google TV might be worth an investment not only because it's cheaper than Android TV but also because it still offers many of the same features and benefits, such as access to apps and games through its app store called Google Play.

 

There are many more differences between these two types of televisions, but hopefully, this article has helped clear up some confusion about whether Google TV or Android TV is right for you.

 

TCL Google TV is currently in stock, and it's a great choice for people who want a smart TV that is easy to use.

 

Click here: https://www.tcl.com/sg/en/tvs?Google-TV

 

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn for the latest updates on our TCL products and events.

 

Special thanks to TCL India for this article.

2022-09-27

TCL Awards 2021

TCL Awards 2021

2022-04-25

Tips