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I disagree. As someone who owns a Chromecast, I think you're doing a _huge_ disservice to the AppleTV. The Chromecast isn't a standalone device. Period. Full

I disagree. As someone who owns a Chromecast, I think you're doing a _huge_ disservice to the AppleTV. The Chromecast isn't a standalone device. Period. Full stop. It's basically a mildly improved AirPlay device that still lacks many features (even in the way of AirPlay). Off the top of my head: 1. The streaming isn't system wide. Developers need to incorporate the streaming ability into their apps whereas Apple has it builtin to the device. 2. My parents are unable to understand the concept of "flinging" content; they want it to be a DVR-like device. The AppleTV allows them to rent, purchase, or view previously obtained iTunes content. 3. Music sounds terrible through it. It lacks an optical audio out port so it just uses the TVs speakers which are obviously not great. 4. This is probably a personal issue, but Chrome tab streaming constantly drops out after a short period of time. I've yet to get it working fully. 5. AppleTV can support games being flung to the TV while using the iDevice as a controller. This isn't a selling point, but I'd like my N5 to do the same. 6. My TV (while being a 40" 1080p flat screen) is lacking a USB port so I do have to plug it in. 7. Am I missing where I can stream my Android device's OS on the screen? I know iOS allows you to stream the entire device's OS so you can give presentations and the like. There are many, many things the Chromecast can't do. It's saving grace is its price point which lessens peoples' expectations but I wouldn't start saying the AppleTV should aspire to be it.

deserted 13y ago
> 3. Music sounds terrible through it. It lacks an optical audio out port so it just uses the TVs speakers which are obviously not great. I have my TV's optical audio out running to my receiver. That way all my HDMI devices (laptops, Raspberry Pi, Chromecast) are hooked directly to my TV and the audio is automatically sent to my stereo system. > 4. This is probably a personal issue, but Chrome tab streaming constantly drops out after a short period of time. I've yet to get it working fully I've never experienced this problem. For point 6, I prefer to plug in the Chromecast to a real 5V DC power source because the USB port on my TV is only powered when the TV is on, and I like that Chromecast can turn on the TV and switch the input itself.
munificent 13y ago
> The Chromecast isn't a standalone device. I look at that as a feature. I already have applications I'm comfortable with for browsing and selecting media. I just want a new rectangle to play that media on. The fact that anyone on my Wifi can access it with their phone, instantly, with nothing to install is a magical experience. > 3. Music sounds terrible through it. It lacks an optical audio out port so it just uses the TVs speakers which are obviously not great. HDMI Audio Return addresses that. If your TV and receiver support that (I think most do?), then audio will flow from the Chromecast into your TV and back up the TV's HDMI cable into the receiver. My Chromecast plays audio through the speakers hooked up to my receiver just fine. > Am I missing where I can stream my Android device's OS on the screen? Maybe Chrome for Android supports that? I don't think there's OS level support for Chromecast. > There are many, many things the Chromecast can't do. Sure, a boat can't do many of the things an airplane can, and vice versa. They're different devices with very different user experiences.
- yetfeo 13y ago
  > The fact that anyone on my Wifi can access it with their phone, instantly, with nothing to install is a magical experience. Does ChromeCast not require an app on the device? I thought it wasn't integrated with the OS.
  - deserted 13y ago
    Various apps now include chromecast support, so anyone with the Netflix/YouTube app can stream to your chromecast.
interpol_p 13y ago
One other point I'd add is that I hate using my phone (or tablet) as a remote for my TV. I have an Apple TV, and being able to stream content via Air Play for my local TV network, YouTube, and VLC Streamer was nice at first. And then over the months I slowly stopped bothering with my phone and kept grabbing the Apple TV remote. Interacting with a TV through a phone or tablet interface, no matter how simple, is just not as nice as looking directly at the screen and interacting. I watch less shows now because of it — because there are more options only available on my phone. I just can't be bothered to use them.

deserted 13y ago

> 3. Music sounds terrible through it. It lacks an optical audio out port so it just uses the TVs speakers which are obviously not great. I have my TV's optical audio out running to my receiver. That way all my HDMI devices (laptops, Raspberry Pi, Chromecast) are hooked directly to my TV and the audio is automatically sent to my stereo system. > 4. This is probably a personal issue, but Chrome tab streaming constantly drops out after a short period of time. I've yet to get it working fully I've never experienced this problem. For point 6, I prefer to plug in the Chromecast to a real 5V DC power source because the USB port on my TV is only powered when the TV is on, and I like that Chromecast can turn on the TV and switch the input itself.

munificent 13y ago

> The Chromecast isn't a standalone device. I look at that as a feature. I already have applications I'm comfortable with for browsing and selecting media. I just want a new rectangle to play that media on. The fact that anyone on my Wifi can access it with their phone, instantly, with nothing to install is a magical experience. > 3. Music sounds terrible through it. It lacks an optical audio out port so it just uses the TVs speakers which are obviously not great. HDMI Audio Return addresses that. If your TV and receiver support that (I think most do?), then audio will flow from the Chromecast into your TV and back up the TV's HDMI cable into the receiver. My Chromecast plays audio through the speakers hooked up to my receiver just fine. > Am I missing where I can stream my Android device's OS on the screen? Maybe Chrome for Android supports that? I don't think there's OS level support for Chromecast. > There are many, many things the Chromecast can't do. Sure, a boat can't do many of the things an airplane can, and vice versa. They're different devices with very different user experiences.

yetfeo 13y ago
> The fact that anyone on my Wifi can access it with their phone, instantly, with nothing to install is a magical experience. Does ChromeCast not require an app on the device? I thought it wasn't integrated with the OS.
- deserted 13y ago
  Various apps now include chromecast support, so anyone with the Netflix/YouTube app can stream to your chromecast.

interpol_p 13y ago

One other point I'd add is that I hate using my phone (or tablet) as a remote for my TV. I have an Apple TV, and being able to stream content via Air Play for my local TV network, YouTube, and VLC Streamer was nice at first. And then over the months I slowly stopped bothering with my phone and kept grabbing the Apple TV remote. Interacting with a TV through a phone or tablet interface, no matter how simple, is just not as nice as looking directly at the screen and interacting. I watch less shows now because of it — because there are more options only available on my phone. I just can't be bothered to use them.