Folks. I have just kinda upgraded my TV in my living. Well, technically, it is not an upgrade on my part. I had an almost 3-year-old TV with a failing backlight and since it is still within warranty, we claimed it. However the brand does not have this model anymore, so they replaced it with the latest model. It is now a QLED. Prior to that, I was contemplating switching up to Mini LED. That’s when I “emerged” from the rock to realize there are Android TVs and then there are Google TVs.
If you are like me thinking they are one since both are developed by Google, well, there aren’t. I was baffled. So, I began digging a bit and found out that they have some key differences that are worth exploring. After my research, I am pretty sure that Android TV is on the sunset path and Google TV is the future moving forward. Anyhoo, read on and find out the differences, and perhaps you may draw a conclusion about which is the better fit for your needs.
The Origins of Android TV
Launched in 2014, Android TV was Google’s answer to the growing demand for smart TVs and streaming devices. It was designed to be an open platform that manufacturers like Sony, Philips, and Nvidia could adopt to create a unified smart TV experience. Android TV is based on the Android operating system (the same one used on smartphones) but optimized for larger screens and controlled with remotes rather than touchscreens.
Android TV brought a clean, minimal interface to the table, supporting apps from Google Play and offering voice commands through Google Assistant. Over time, it became the go-to platform for TV manufacturers who wanted to offer an easy-to-navigate interface with access to a wide range of content.
But then came Google TV.
The Introduction of Google TV
In 2020, Google TV made its debut alongside the Chromecast with Google TV device, signaling a shift in the way Google envisioned smart TV interfaces. Unlike Android TV, Google TV wasn’t a completely new operating system. It was more like a sophisticated skin or an interface layered on top of Android TV.
In short, Google TV is a user interface, while Android TV is the underlying platform. Think of Google TV as a new jacket worn by Android TV. It’s flashier, more stylish, and offers a few extra features that make it stand out.
Here’s a breakdown of the core differences between Android TV and Google TV:
1. User Interface and Experience
The most noticeable difference between Android TV and Google TV is the interface. Android TV’s interface is relatively simple and app-centric. When you launch it, you’re presented with a series of rows, each showcasing apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. The focus is on the apps themselves, and you’re responsible for browsing through them to find content.
Google TV takes a more content-first approach. Instead of putting apps front and center, Google TV curates content for you based on your preferences. You’re greeted with a home screen that suggests shows and movies across multiple platforms, including your subscribed streaming services. This makes it easier to discover new content without jumping in and out of different apps.
The Google TV interface is also more customizable, offering personalized recommendations based on your watch history, preferences, and Google’s AI-powered algorithms. Android TV’s interface, on the other hand, feels more utilitarian. If you prefer quick access to apps rather than curated suggestions, Android TV’s simpler design may be more appealing.
2. Content Aggregation
Another significant change introduced with Google TV is content aggregation. On Android TV, you need to open each individual app to find content. Google TV aggregates content from various streaming services into one place, so you can search for a title and find out where it’s available without having to open Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ individually. Google TV even includes a universal watchlist, so if you see something you like, you can add it to your list and Google TV will track it across services.
For users who subscribe to multiple streaming platforms, Google TV’s ability to pull all your content into one convenient hub is a game-changer. It makes navigating through your favorite shows much faster and easier, reducing the amount of time you spend flipping between apps.
3. Personalization and Profiles
Google TV offers more personalization options than Android TV. With Google TV, you can set up multiple user profiles, each with its own set of recommendations and preferences. This feature is especially useful for households where family members have different tastes in content. Google TV also offers a “Kids Mode,” which limits content to child-friendly shows and movies, and parents can set screen time limits.
Android TV lacks this level of customization. While it does offer personalized recommendations, it doesn’t allow for multiple user profiles or specific modes for children, making Google TV the more family-friendly option.
4. Google Assistant and Smart Home Integration
Both Android TV and Google TV come equipped with Google Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands to search for content, control playback, or ask questions like “What’s the weather today?” However, Google TV takes things up a notch when it comes to smart home integration.
Google TV works more seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem of smart home devices, offering quicker access to control your lights, thermostats, or security cameras straight from your TV. While Android TV also supports smart home features, Google TV’s interface is built to make interacting with your smart home devices smoother and more integrated into the overall TV experience.
5. Hardware Support
The underlying operating system for both Android TV and Google TV is still Android, meaning they support the same apps and services. However, because Google TV is newer, it’s more commonly found on newer devices, such as the latest Chromecast and select smart TVs from Sony, TCL, and Hisense.
On the other hand, Android TV is more widely available on a broader range of devices. Many budget smart TVs, streaming sticks, and set-top boxes run on Android TV. If you already own a device running Android TV, don’t worry—you won’t need to upgrade just yet. Google is gradually rolling out Google TV through updates to existing Android TV devices, so you may get a refreshed experience without having to buy new hardware.
6. The Future: Convergence of Android TV and Google TV
Google has plans to unify both platforms. Eventually, Android TV will morph into Google TV across all devices. This transition is happening gradually, with more devices adopting the Google TV interface over time. So, while Android TV is still alive and kicking, Google TV is the future of Google’s smart TV ecosystem.
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between Android TV and Google TV largely comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clean, no-frills interface where you can quickly access your apps, Android TV may still be the better choice. However, if you enjoy personalized recommendations, content aggregation, and a more modern interface, Google TV is the way to go.
Both platforms have their strengths, and since they share the same operating system, neither is a bad choice. In the coming years, you’ll likely see more devices adopt Google TV as it becomes the standard. But if you already own an Android TV device, rest assured that Google is bringing many of the Google TV features to your screen through updates.
Price Considerations
When it comes to price, Android TV devices are generally more affordable, as many budget smart TVs and set-top boxes come equipped with it. Google TV, being newer, tends to be featured on more premium devices, but expect to see this balance shift as more manufacturers incorporate Google TV into their products. But what really decides the price isn’t the OS; it is the display tech. But that’s another story for another day.
Image credit: Sony/Cello/freepik. Composite by Mikeshouts.
