it just works....

This column is not the power people who were born with a computer in their hands, or teenagers who keep pressing buttons until things work, just ordinary folks who like and use stuff.

GoogleTV vs AppleTV

Google TV just released their first update and it’s a good start.  First up is a better interface into Netflix, then a decent android remote app, then some video tweaks.

Question is – do you really need this thing, and what’s the difference between Google TV and Apple’s box?

First things first – how do you get Google TV.  Well for most folks you buy Logitech’s Revue box (Sony also makes a TV with it built in).  After you’ve got it set up it just sits there until you pull up the interface (using that android app you just downloaded).  Once you pull up the vertical bar you’ll see places to go, apps, web pages and other stuff.  The performance isn’t bad – but it’s not great – you’re basically using a netbook – so no match for your newer laptop.

Probably the biggest thing it has going for it is access to info about what you’re watching – like fact checking the actor you saw in the latest episode of House.  But, you can’t use it to watch full episodes of past shows on ABC, CBS or NBC since they all block Google TV.  Netflix is cool – but you can already watch Netflix on your laptop and take it anywhere you want to go.  On the upside it does work with NBA Game Time, Blip.tv and VEVO, and you can ‘fling’ content from a Smartphone to your TV.

If you’re going for it I’d suggest not buying a TV with it built in since the hardware will be limiting – at some point they’ll upgrade GoogleTV/Android to the point that it won’t run on your set – and there’s nothing you can do about it except buy another TV.  So, either stick to your laptop or get a box like the Revue.

AppleTV is a whole different thing.  No built-in browser, tiny remote, no app store.  On the upside, it’s super easy to use, costs just $99 and works with all your media.  It does run Netflix or iTunes and YouTube and you can stream internet radio access Flickr photos and use MobileMe galleries.  It will also soon be able to let you stream content from you Ipod, Ipad or Smartphone to the TV.

Probably boils down to two things: money and marriage.

If you’re like the average male, one of the basic ideas of sitting in front of a TV is to find exactly the right thing to watch, even if it’s only 3 minutes long, then bouncing to the next thing – pushing buttons and multiple windows doesn’t bother you in the least.  In this case GoogleTV is for you – if you got the cash.

If however, you watch TV with a significant other, I’d suggest the AppleTV – it’s a more family experience – and one that lets you spend time with them rather than with the remote.  It’s also only $99.