My Cart - The battle between Google and Apple to become the leading provider of Smart TV is set to hot up this week with the introduction of the Google version 2.0 TV to the US market this weekend. With the advent of Apple’s smart TV ushering the so-called ‘i-POD effect’ into the TV market, we take a look at the differences between the two giants.
The LG electronics Google 3D LED TV is available in 47 inch and 55 inch models and is set to further revolutionise people’s viewing experience. It is also set to have an effect on current markets in which cheap LED TV is now readily available. The model incorporates web browsing with applications like Netflix and Pandora and is available through people’s existing cable services. Unlike Apple TV, Google comes readily built into TV sets and works in partnership with a multitude of other electronics companies in a strategic attempt to gain an advantage over their rivals. Apple have taken a different approach, allowing no one else to touch their interface and going it alone through the use of a set top box.
One surprising element that Google has over Apple is its utilisation of Apps. Google TV runs on Android and will therefore theoretically run any App that developers can come up with. The keystone of Apple’s success, they seem to have failed to corner the market this time around, neglecting to incorporate Apps into their TV experience.
Apple have also been criticised for their blatant money making strategies. Whereas Google TV comes with its own web browser, Apple only offers YouTube and Flickr, with all other content coming from the iTunes store where they have recently introduced TV show rental.
All in all, Google seems to be winning the battle at the moment with more consumer choice, cheaper and better content and a wider scope for upgrades and development. Although not currently available in the UK, industry insiders believe that it is only a matter of time before the battle is brought to British shores, and with new developments in the pipeline from Apple, the fight looks like it will continue for a while.
