At the end of October, Apple will launch a new generation of Apple TV set-top boxes. The novelty costs not cheap – $ 149- $ 199. In fact, this is the highest price in the market of set-top boxes. That’s why we compiled a list of gadgets that can become competitors of the new items from Apple.
Amazon Fire TV
Following the company Apple, American corporation Amazon introduced an updated version of Fire TV. The prefix already enjoys great popularity in the US and is included in the TOP-3 best-selling set-top boxes.
The main difference, which all browsers immediately drew attention to – support for 4K video format. Apple TV 4 does not. In addition, the console supports not only the connection of devices via USB, but also has a slot for microSD cards. There is support for his own voice assistant called Alexa, which was previously announced in the column Echo. Parents will like and separate profiles for children.
Not going to lose sight of Amazon and the mobile games market. A special version of Gaming Edition was presented, which comes with a controller, two games and a 32 GB memory card. Separately, the gamepad will cost $ 50. It should be noted that the proprietary joystick Amazon is suitable for games better than the consoles of other companies – it will be more convenient for them to play. Another plus Fire TV – the presence of a large number of games, as the game direction was presented a year ago.
Supplies of the new Fire TV will also begin in October. The cost of the regular version is $ 99, and the Gaming Edition will be $ 139.
Chromecast
The gadget from Google, which looks more like a USB flash drive, was introduced about two years ago and gained great popularity among users. The main reason, of course, is the price: Chromecast costs only 2,290 rubles in Russia and $ 35 in the US.
Chromecast works perfectly for its money: it can be connected to both Android-devices and iOS. A large number of services have already been adapted to work with the gadget. It’s great for streaming presentations to the big screen of any TV that has USB.
But the console has its drawbacks. First, for good work requires good Wi-Fi, otherwise the signal may break. Secondly, without a smartphone or tablet, Chromecast is only a stick sticking out of the TV and can not provide anything to the user.
If you decide to buy, wait a few weeks: there is a rumor that Google will introduce a new generation at the end of this month.
Nexus Player
Another option from Google is the Nexus Player. The gadget runs on the recently introduced Android TV operating system and can compete with Apple TV.
Nexus Player also has a voice search, which helps to search for movies and TV shows, as well as other content. Everything works in a single ecosystem of Google, so the TV with the prefix will be a continuation of your Android-smartphone or tablet, if you use it. In this, by the way, a big plus: you can start watching movies on your smartphone, and at home in one move, switch it to the console. Conveniently.
So in the case of other prefixes, Google offers users a special game controller. True, this is not a proprietary development, but a gadget from Asus. Inside the Nexus Player is an Intel Atom processor with a frequency of 1.8 GHz, which will help to cope with all serious games.
Worth Nexus Player, like Chromecast, not very expensive: the original price was $ 99, but even on the official website of Google offered a discount of $ 20. On Amazon you can buy another ten cheaper. In addition to Google, set-top boxes based on Android TV are offered by other companies (Sony, Nvidia, Philips), Nexus Player is not the only option.
Roku
The company Roku now leads the market for set-top boxes for several reasons. First, a relatively affordable price: the third generation will cost $ 90, and the second – only $ 70. Secondly, before the user access to all known services from one device is opened: here there is both video from Amazon, and music from Spotify. It is believed that Roku has the largest database of channels and available content sources.
The control panel simultaneously acts as a controller for simple games. Directly to it is fastened not only a strap on a wrist, but also headphones. An unusual solution. However, this does not save the device, which looks much worse than all other competitors.
Apple TV 3
During the September event, we were informed that Apple will still be selling Apple TV of the past generation. At the same price of $ 69, which is half the price of new items. Today it’s an excellent budget option that allows you to watch movies / TV shows / shows, listen to music, and also play some games via AirPlay. The console does not have a voice assistant and support for serious games, although this is not important for everyone.
Apple TV 4
To date, this is Apple’s most advanced set-top box. There is a Siri voice assistant, an updated gaming console, a new tvOS operating system and 32/64 GB storage. Apple managed to make a spectacular presentation and hit the audience with conversations with Siri and a demonstration of a pair of toys. The interface turned out to be good, which clearly bypasses its competitors in beauty, but not a set of opportunities. And nevertheless, for sales this may not be enough. Today, everything depends on whether Apple will be able to lure developers to it and interest them with the tvOS platform. If this happens, then Apple will again be able to regain its place in the TOP-3 suppliers of game consoles. In the meantime, it takes the fourth place.
Apparently, there is no perfect prefix. Each of the above models corresponds to the rule of price / quality, and they are all designed for different audiences. One will be cheap enough Chromecast, and gamers and Apple TV 4 will be small. Make your choice according to your needs.
