There’s a tech war going on between Apple and Google. And it’s about to get interesting.
Recently, Apple launched its 2.0 version of Apple TV. This latest tech toy from Apple is 1/4th the size of its predecessor and small enough to be held in one hand. It can stream music, television shows and films from your computer, as well as rent television shows or movies from the iTunes store. Although apps are not currently part of the new Apple TV, they are expected soon. Imagine your television becoming a humongous iPhone, with touchscreen capabilities that could play games, surf the web, or stream exclusive TV and movie content from an iPhone or iPad to your TV, and vise versa. Apple is reportedly looking to incorporate all of its devices, including computer, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, with your existing home entertainment center, for one seamless experience.
RETAIL PRICE: $99.
But not so fast Apple! Google has upped its game with a spanking brand new website, feature description, and set-top box for their soon to be released Google TV. Yesterday, Google announced a partnership with Logitech by introducing the Logitech Revue, which will be available later this month. It is the first set-top box embedded with Google TV, allowing the device to deliver the Web, Google-powered TV listings, Internet videos and apps to your existing main household HDTV, whatever the brand. The Revue will also work with your existing cable or satellite service. And if that’s not enough, Sony will also unleash an exclusive line of Google TV-enabled HDTVs and Blu-ray players, with Dish Network coming out with their own Google-TV-ready DVR soon too.
RETAIL PRICE: $299.
So what’s a consumer to do? Each technology is about to change our perception of television, likely limiting or even eliminating the need for a monthly cable bill. But they are both priced rather differently. My advice? Don’t be an early adopter. Avoid both for a few months and allow the tech war to play itself out. By Spring of 2011, both Apple TV and Google TV should be in enough households for those buyers to share their user experiences with the rest of us. Then you’ll know which one is superior — that is, unless you’re already a diehard Apple or Google fan.
