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.
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.
> 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.
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.
Well it has different viewing options ("more open" for whatever that's worth). Based on Google's own promotions for Chromecast you gain Google Play and Pandora, and lose iTunes. There's a bunch of other tradeoffs I'm sure (I assume, for example, there's a PBS app for Chromecast just as there is for AppleTV. AppleTV supports Amazon video via AirPlay -- which is good but not great; but Amazon video simply won't play on Chromecast.)
Chromecast is more intelligently architected than AppleTV (you hand off to Chromecast rather than remote-controlling it) but I suspect AppleTV will address this shortly. OTOH AppleTV works with any remote, and you can use any iOS device as a remote, and AirPlay is wonderful.
It still needs power though so it needs to be plugged into something - whether USB or wall socket. What are the open viewing options? It seems to only provide youtube and google movies in countries that don't have netflix. Does it support streaming a local video from a phone or PC?
HDMI (v1.4) alone is capable of providing power to the Chromecast, pin 18 is specced for +5V/50ma.
Not every TV/monitor supports this since there aren't that many devices out in the field that utilize HDMI power, but if your TV does provide power over the HDMI port then the Chromecast can get everything it needs just from the HDMI port.
Using your Chromecast this way puts you at a disadvantage with many TVs. My TV only provides HDMI power when the input is selected (this may be per the spec) but that eliminates Chromecast's 'switch the input automatically' feature.
