The launch of the Chromecast marks Google's latest attempt to enter the consumer TV market—an attempt that, while still in its early stages, seems to be on a better footing than Google TV, a consumer reject since its launch in October 2010.
Google's $35 video-streaming dongle has drawn predictable comparisons with the Apple TV—Cupertino's perennial "hobby" that, at last count, sells some 1.5 million units every quarter. And why not? The two devices are, on the surface, very similar: They both stream video, and both are part of attempts by their respective manufacturers to dethrone the traditional living room TV experience.
The stakes are high: A 2012 report by research firm Global Industry Analysts estimates that the market for online movie streaming will reach $4.4 billion by 2017—and that doesn't even include all the new activities that a computer in the living room could support, such as games and interactive apps. Nor is there any doubt that Google is coming in from behind: As of May, Apple had sold 13 million Apple TVs, while rival Roku celebrated 5 million units sold back in April.
Though the Apple TV has been around for years longer, the Chromecast actually looks better poised to dominate the streaming set-top box market. Apple's offering certainly has some advantages, but Google's plusses are better.
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