What is the point of getting an Android TV when my Chromecast does (what I believe to be) all the same things? Not having a remote doesn't really matter imo since your phone is literally the remote. Am I missing something? I just want to understand so I can have an excuse to get the upcoming Nest TV when it comes out lol
What you're missing is that most people don't want to use their phone as a remote. When they watch TV, they want to use a remote and look at their TV while they browse for content. Chromecast was great when it first came out, but eventually the novelty wore off. That's why it has fallen way behind Fire TV and Roku in the past several years despite being competitive with them at first.
Too bad Google took so long to recognize this and finally remember that they have this thing called "Android TV" that they can use to try and regain marketshare.
All that being said, I'm looking forward to this device. I've been wanting Google to make a follow up device to the Nexus player and a cheaper alternative to the Shield. I have a Shield and Fire TV, but will probably dump the Fire TV for this as long as it reviews well.
The main differences between a chromecast and an Android TV device are:
| Android TV | Chromecast |
|---|---|
| If the remote control is broken or lost, a USB mouse or USB keyboard can replace it, also the Android TV remote app can do the job but it must be paired prior using it. | An smartphone, tablet or computer is mandatory to be controlled |
| Apps can be installed directly into the system through its own Play Store | Apps must be installed in any smartphone or tablet but they must support the device. With a computer, only supported web browsers can control it. |
| Can sport different ports for different tasks: ethernet connectivity, external storage connectivity, usb ethernet support, usb webcams support, usb TV tuners support, gamepad controllers support, SPDIF support, among others. | It has support only for the power adapter and some microusb ethernet adapters. |
| Different audio and video formats support, including HD audio formats. | Limited audio and video formats support, no HD audio so far. |
| Can be switched to stand by to save power. | It remains turned ON unless you disconnect it from the power supply |
| Wide gaming support, future native stadia support | Gaming support limited to some apps and stadia. |
| Several new features added with every major OS update | New functionalities are limited to some audio and video features like Dolby Vision. |
| Chromecast is built-in but it's somewhat limited in some little aspects | ---- |
| It's portable but it depends on the size. | It's portable |
| Can be setup using the remote, an smartphone, tablet or computer | Must be setup using an smartphone or tablet, computer setup is also possible but it's not commonly used. |
| If you're disconnected from the internet you can still use the device for playback of local content and some gaming | The device is useless without internet, there are some workarounds to play local content but they are not practical for non-tech-savvy users. |
There must be something else I'm missing, but overall I guess you can see each one is different but in the end they do the same: audio and video playback.
The TV works when your phone is not there.
Look at is from a cost perspective. The Chromecast + Your phone cost how much?
VS the Android TV?
If you truly feel fine without the remote than it may not be for you. Personally ALL of my TV content is from internet Tv. I use YouTube TV and Philo, so not having a remote is cumbersome.
They're changing the UI so that may be more enticing , but we have to wait and see.
Are you just one person in the house, maybe getting tethered to a phone is great for you. I really can't stand it. i can't operate the phone without looking at it. The phone is a last resort, I lost my remote kind of thing.
Travelling! Having a Chromecast with a remote that I can plug into a hotel TV rather than use my laptop and hdmi cable.
But you guys are forgetting the main reason it's for that post that comes up here regularly.
hi how can I use my Chromecast while using my phones hotspot?
Kodi
Bluetooth for headphones is big for me
Android TV can do what Chromecast Ultra does, plus it can do 1000X more other things..