The choice between these two models depends on your personal preferences regarding customizing the viewing experience.
In the increasingly varied panorama of smart home technologiesthe smart TVs have now become the hub of home entertainment. With the advent of advanced platforms, the choice of operating system for your television can make a big difference in your daily viewing experience.
Among the most discussed options are Google TV and Android TV, two solutions offered by Mountain View giantwhich at first glance may seem similar, but which present distinguishing features important. Navigating the various technological products, especially when the names can be misleading, is never easy. Google, with its practically infinite catalog of similar technologies, is no exception. For many, Google TV is nothing more than an updated Android TV. For others, however, the differences are to be found more deeply.
Two similar products, but with key differences that can guide the choice of the most demanding users
Google TV and Android TV share the same basis: both operating systems are developed by Google and are based on Android. Their similarities, however, end there. Google TV is essentially an evolved and revamped version of Android TVoffering an improved user interface and browsing experience.
The most obvious difference between the two systems is found on the home screen. Google TV has introduced a new interface which he poses greater emphasis on personalized recommendations. These suggestions come from the streaming services to which the user is subscribed and are enriched with advertisements for other content that may be of interest.
In contrast, the Android TV home screen is more static, focused more on the list of apps and less on personalization based on user interests. Another distinctive aspect of Google TV is the “Watchlist” functionalitywhich allows users to add movies and TV shows to watch later, directly from Google search on mobile devices or computers.
These contents are then easily accessible in the “Library” tab of the Google TV home screen or in the dedicated app, which replaces the old Google Play Movies & TV app. Setting up a new device with Google TV was generally rated as simplified and improved compared to Android TV.
Instead of completing the setup using your TV, users will be able to set up everything necessary via the Google Home app. As for availability, Google TV is currently present in a wider range of devices from new manufacturers than Android TV, which remains available mainly on older devices. However, many of these Android TV devices have received updates that have brought their interface closer to that of their opponent.
