Apple & Google: The Battle For The Living Room Has Begun3

By Brian J. Samuels, Jun 17, 2010 in How To's

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Apple & Google: The Battle For The Living Room Has Begun

The battle for the living room has begun. With Google’s announcement of Google TV, and their quest to provide the best of what TV and the Web has to offer, it is conceivable that Apple’s recent evolution of the Mac Mini legitimizes Apple’s seriousness in the same quest. With Google targeting release this Fall it appears that Apple is already in the lead, although the issues and obstacles behind who will gain predominant market-share are more complex than they seem.

Many industry pundits believe that Google still has quite a bit of work before they achieve their stated goal. In simple terms, Google TV is based on a modified version of the Android OS. The OS will be tailored for two types of devices: Televisions and a Logitech set-top box.

Notable Features:

1. Google Chrome Internet Browser

2. Wireless Keyboard Connectivity

3. Android Mobile Phone Voice Control

4. Android Apps

5. Flash Video Support

Potential Obstacles:

1. Integration with other Cable Provider/DVR set-top boxes (Currently Google TV supports only Dish Network for a seamless integration).

2. Getting additional content providers on board. Access to premium content will be limited unless partnerships are made with larger providers such as DirectTV and Comcast.

3. Google will have to rely on others for delivering the best content.
A major determinant of success for Google TV will be based on whether cable companies will want to relinquish complete control over their subscription service and valuable viewership analytics about their customers.

With respect to Apple, it’s clear that Apple TV did not gain the market share that some thought it would. Apple TV lacked the flexibility and drive connectivity that it needed to be a game changer. But let’s face it, I bet it’s not too far from anyone’s imagination to envision Steve Jobs on stage evangelizing the simplicity and brilliance of the Mac Mini/TV solution. I think it’s clear that this new generation of the Mac Mini is laying the groundwork for another world-altering Apple product.

That said, the Mac Mini currently provides a turnkey solution for getting a flexible and powerful core to a Home Entertainment System. Basically, plug in your power supply and your HDMI cable, run whatever web browser you want, run whatever video app you want (Boxee, PLEX, XBMC, Hulu Desktop), and play whatever media you want. The Mac Mini opens the door to an endless array of premium content (iTunes Store, Netflix, Amazon Video On-Demand, KoldCast TV, and anything else you can think of).

Last year, I posted an article entitled, Web TV Made Simple by the Mac Mini. The article detailed the Mac Mini’s features, functionality, and also, how to set up and optimize it for use as the core of your Home Entertainment System. Simply put, Apple’s newest release of the Mac Mini has made this endeavor simpler, prettier, and more powerful. For comparison, take a look…

Previous Generation:

New Generation:

Added Benefits:

1. Streamlined, unibody design

2. HDMI Port (No need for a Mini-Display Port to HDMI adapter, No need for Toslink Optical Audio adapter for digital audio)

3. Built-in SD card slot

4. No need for the power brick

5. Removable panel for memory upgrades

6. Ultra Power Efficient- consumes less than 10 watts, a 25 percent reduction from the previous generation

I think it’s fair to say that Apple is not going to stop innovating around the Mac Mini any time soon. We will continue to see the Mac Mini evolve to fit our entertainment needs. All known things considered, I would take the flexibility of the Mac Mini over Google TV at this point, barring any mind-blowing developments that Google may announce.

Brian J. Samuels is the Chief Technology Officer, a Vice President and Co-founder of KoldCast TV.