The ironic part of this debate is that neither one is a TV, but still, both make your TV a lot more fun. The Apple TV from the start looks really cool. It's small and sleek, and almost the size of a hockey puck! Although not round, and probably not as heavy, but more fun to watch than the Sport! The Apple TV has a great interface that is based on the iOS operating system and as soon as the software update of 4.2 is released it will really make watching movies, pictures and listening to music on your TV/home stereo really cool. You come in from work, you've been listening to some music, or say a Podcast. Just hit a button and it sends it to your TV and home stereo so you can listen while vegging on the couch, all this done wirelessly and effortlessly. Want to control Apple TV, well you can use the simplistic metal remote included or use the application on your iPhone, iPod touch, or even iPad. Integration between all the Apple products is going to be really nice once the update is made. The Apple TV allows you to stream your content to it, but if you want to download movies or TV shows from iTunes it will be rental only. Netflix has its on interface on the Apple TV as well, but of course you'll need a membership.
Google TV has something that I have always wanted in regards to a media center PC and that's the ability to just get on the internet. This was never practical with most HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computers) because they were bulky, noisy and usually too expensive! Google TV seems to have a nice integration for surfing while watching TV. Think of Windows Media Center, but better! The Google TV device appears to be a lot more pricey than the Apple TV. The logitech box that appears a little larger than a portable DVD player is set for $299, although this appears to include a wireless keyboard as well. Still much more than the $99 Apple TV. Google TV has apps like Pandora, Twitter, Naptster and Netflix as well. Apple has Netflix integrated but you wonder how long before Steve and the boys at Apple open the floodgates of the App store to this device, that could be impressive, if so.
Overall, I think both devices are going to improve TV, and hopefully put the pressure on cable and satellite providers to lower their cost. If only ESPN can come out with an App that allows all sports to be streamed in full HD, then we could all consider dropping our cable/satellite contracts.
