![]() The game selection is also inconsistent, but it's a little more forgivable than on the Roku, considering that using a phone touch screen to control action on screen is a dodgy proposition at the best of times.Įven though finding apps isn't always simple, the Fire TV probably has the best selection overall. We can say, at least, that the Chromecast doesn't support Amazon Video, even though Amazon (finally) has an app on Android. It’s much harder to estimate how many apps work with Chromecast Ultra, since Google released the SDK years ago, and it's not that hard to modify an existing Android app to include compatibility. The system's only major downside is its game selection, which could best be described as laughable. While I couldn't possibly say how many of them are good, this device does have pretty much everything you could want: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, Vudu, YouTube, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, CBS All Access, HBO Go/Now, Pandora, Spotify and lots more. The Roku Streaming Stick+ has access to more than 5,000 apps. To reiterate, all three devices support 4K HDR content but will also work on full-HD TVs. As such, viewers should consider not only the number of apps available on each platform, but also if there are any significant blind spots. The single most important part of a streaming device is how well it connects you to what you want to watch (or listen to, or play or use - but mostly watch). The Chromecast Ultra requires just one extra button in familiar apps. The best interface is the interface you already know. Once you get to your own apps, everything works fine, as the Fire TV highlights recently used channels and lets you organize the main apps menu. While this could be convenient if everything you want to watch is on Amazon Video, it's a bit limiting as well. It puts Amazon Video content front and center at every available opportunity, nearly drowning out every other app, even on the home screen. If you're an Amazon Prime diehard, the Fire TV will probably suit you just fine. You can use the Google Home app to manipulate device settings or search - which is admittedly a bit of a pain, as the Home app controls a lot of other Google features, too. Instead, you simply manipulate apps on your mobile device or computer as you normally would, then just tap a Cast button when you want to push content to your TV. The device doesn't have a user-facing operating system. Once again, the Chromecast Ultra earns points for simplicity. As such, the way you navigate menus and organize apps can make a big difference. Interface (20 points)Ī streaming gadget is only as good as its ability to connect you to your content. While all three systems are pretty easy to get going, the Chromecast makes use of apps you already own and know how to use. On the bright side, the system will have recommendations based on your past Amazon viewing habits ready to go as soon as it's done with its initial setup. There's no convenient "link" feature for smartphones or computers, so you'll have to use the uninspired remote control to input your username and password. The Amazon Fire TV has a similar setup to that of the Roku Streaming Stick+, in that you'll sign in with an Amazon account, then download additional apps and sign in to them one by one. ![]() As soon as the device has finished connecting and installing updates, you're good to start streaming, using apps you have already signed in to and (in theory) know how to navigate. Furthermore, this evaluation assumes that you already have a Roku, Google or Amazon account before beginning the setup process if not, you will need a few additional minutes to set an account up, but that won't be much of a problem.īecause the Chromecast makes use of your existing smartphone, tablet or computer apps, there's not much setup beyond installing the Google Home app and getting the Chromecast logged in to your home network. However, setup can last either a breezy 10 minutes or a grueling half-hour, depending on which device you have and how much trouble you run into along the way. In theory, you'll have to set your streaming player up only once. While the Roku Streaming Stick+ is too long and has too many crisscrossing wires, at least it's fairly small and can run off of the power your TV provides. If you need a separate, $15 Ethernet adapter, the situation becomes even more ridiculous. It requires a wall adapter to function at peak efficiency, meaning you'll have to run a long cable from it, potentially pulling it away from the back of your television. The Fire TV is a dongle, but it's a very large, square one, which doesn't secure to itself or the back of the TV. ![]() ![]() However, neither dongle holds a candle to the Amazon Fire TV in terms of bizarre design decisions. ![]()
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