Android/Google TV streamers

by Crouton4727

Hey all, looking for some clarification here. I have always understood that Android TV was basically a casting device where you need to cast from something like a phone to watch i.e. all previous versions on chromecast devices. And Google TV is a layer on top of android TV which allows for self contained streaming like any smart TV where you can load apps directly from it and not need an outside source like a phone.

With that said, has anyone tested out the ONN Android TV streamer with remote? Are Android TV and Google TV now being used synonymously? The label says Android, but if it has a remote with actual app buttons, wouldn't it be Google TV?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Android-TV-UHD-Streaming-Device/636597403

Side question, has anyone tried another Google TV streamer they would recommend? I have a Chromecast with Google TV and an Sony Google TV already, but want something cheaper for an outside TV that I can work with a remote and not worry about casting through my phone.

Thx!!

skoree

"I have always understood that Android TV was basically a casting device..." - this is an incorrect understanding of the software.

Android TV is an GUI running on top of the android operating system. It's software, not hardware.

Chromecast is the only Android TV device made by Google. They brand their version of Android TV as Google TV because Google makes it themselves.

Many hardware manufacturers install Android TV on their devices.

https://www.gearbrain.com/google-tv-vs-android-tv-2647889465

"Rather than being a replacement for Android TV, Google TV is a new user interface that sits on top of it. Android TV is an operating system that works on a range of devices, including televisions and set-top boxes, and includes games and other apps. On the other hand, Google TV is primarily a way to find content from various streaming services, with help from the Google Assistant and the company's Knowledge Graph.

As such, while Google TV is only appearing on the new Chromecast for now, we can expect to see it roll out across Android TV products in the future, including TVs and set-top boxes. This could happen via a software update, but we think it is more likely the new software will be introduced as new Android TV hardware arrives."

_marcoos

Android - the operating system from Google, based on the Linux kernel, used by many devices from phones to projectors to cameras to tablets to TVs.

Android TV - a distribution of Android with UI optimized for TVs/projectors/set top boxes/dongles . Devices using Android TV include: Chromecast with Google TV (CcwGTV), NVidia Shield, Nebula/Xgimi projectors, ONN dongles, Mecool dongles and set top boxes, Xiaomi Mi Box/Stick and many more. (In some regions, including the U.S., a slightly modernized UI called "Discovery UI" is available)

Google TV - a new UI (skin + launcher) for Android TV , replacing the standard Android TV UI, used only by CcwGTV and a few TVs. This launcher also integrates the video-on-demand service previously known as "Google Play Movies & TV". Acts similar "One UI" on Samsung's Android-based phones: replaces the default UI with its own.

Chromecast - a brand of HDMI dongles from Google, the older ones running a minimal operating system only with the Chromecast service, and the newest one (CcwGTV) running a full Android TV with the Google TV UI, including the "Chromecast built-in" service.

Chromecast service / Chromecast built-in / Google Cast - a service of Android TV devices, classic Chromecast devices and a few other smart devices (e.g. sound bars) allowing that device to receive content cast from a phone, tablet, desktop or laptop.

Chromecast with Google TV (CcwGTV, "Sabrina") - an HDMI dongle from Google running Android TV with the Google TV UI and "Chromecast built-in".

Yes, the branding is a mess.

vypurr

Google has continued to use those names interchangeably, and it's very confusing.

Google TV and Android TV are basically the same thing. The differences are mainly technical in how the devices do processing and which code was used on the hardware. But as an end user both Google and Android TV function identically. Both can install apps from the Play Store, and both have Google Cast functionality built in.