Apple TV vs. NVIDIA Shield Android TV: what to choose? [video]

In October, Apple began selling an updated set-top box Apple TV. The previous generation of devices, in fact, was presented back in 2010, although it is an update. But time has not passed in vain. The new console, though it looks like an old, but in reality - a completely different product. Apple has decided to focus on software - Apple TV 4 supports games and applications, and allows you to use voice assistant Siri.

After the presentation of the new Apple TV, many skeptics have stated many secondary features of television products from Apple, questioning the unique features of the device. Say, competitors such solutions are many and the product will not play any role. Blogger House Esposito decided to compare the features of the new Apple TV and NVIDIA Shield, to find out how successful the "apple" novelty act against the popular game microconsole.

Hardware

Housing Shield thin and has a characteristic for NVIDIA design with sharp edges. The device supports video output in 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Apple TV has inherited the design of the fourth generation predecessor. In this case, Apple thought that the support of super fine videos premature, so the possibilities are limited to Apple TV format Full HD.

At the core of NVIDIA product is mobile chip Tegra X1, presented earlier this year, and 3 GB of RAM. The new Apple TV is based on Apple A8 processor with 64-bit architecture and has 2 GB of RAM. At first there is gigabit Ethernet, full-sized HDMI 2.0, two USB 3.0, as well as micro-USB 2.0. Apple TV, in turn, provides an interface HDMI 1.4, Ethernet port 10 / 100BASE-T, as well as connector USB-C. Both models support the conclusion surround formats 7.1 and 5.1 with HDMI and 24-bit / 192 kHz audio via HDMI and USB.

NVIDIA Shield, as well as the new Apple TV, can be operated with a joystick and own Bluetooth-remote control, which looks rather ascetic, touch input, and voice search. Features Siri is severely limited compared to Google Search, the blogger notes. In this case, unlike the Apple TV device NVIDIA Shield comes with a joystick, and a traditional console sold separately.

Software

In terms of software - it is a completely different device. Apple TV is based on a new platform tvOS, has access to the App Store. Users can download applications and games, as well as use the streaming service. Shell tvOS made in the traditional design of the Apple TV. At the core of NVIDIA Shield is a software platform of Android interface in the style of Android TV. The unit has access to the content directory Google Play.

The advantage of NVIDIA Shield is to support streaming gaming service Grid. It is available by subscription and allows you to run PC games via the cloud at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames / c. Free version of the service offers more than 50 games, while the premium version will provide an opportunity to buy games to choose from. For example, Batman: Arkham Knight for $ 60, or Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes - $ 20. Among the free projects present a series of Batman, Alan Wake, and Lego.

Conclusions

In the end, we have two completely different platforms for different audiences, believes Esposito. If you are an active gamer, chances are that you select NVIDIA Shield, which has more game features. However, the interface of Android TV complicated and inconvenient to use than tvOS. Apple introduced Apple TV users to more successful implementation of the software. 

«Shield ahead of Apple TV in many aspects, but the console is cheaper than Apple: the base model will cost $ 149, whereas for NVIDIA Shield will pay $ 199. If you are supporter of ecosystems by Apple or Android - the choice is obvious. If you are at a crossroads, the choice before you: gaming and 4K with awkward run-in Android TV or Apple TV », - concluded the blogger.