Google has expanded its business and entered the streaming market with its Chromecast device, managing to beat the Apple TV in popularity. When v Amazon launched its Fire TV Stick, the market received another solution for those who like to stream online content on their TVs. Here’s a comparison between Chromecast and Fire TV Stick in terms of design, specs and features.
Designs
Both devices look like black memory sticks which plug into the backs of the TVs, but the Chromecast has a rounded bulge at its end. Its dimensions are 72x35x12mm, weighting 34 grams, with 9 grams more than the Fire TV Stick, which measures 85x25x11.5mm.
Specifications
The Chromecast is powered by a single core Marvell DE3005-A1 processor, which is backed by 512MB of RAM and has 2GB of flash. Its maximum output video resolution is 1080p and it connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, being powered though USB, as it has a power adapter included. This device supports devices that run on at least Android 2.3, iOS 6, Windows 7, Mac OS 10.7 and Chrome OS.
The Amazon Fire TV has the same output video resolution, but it’s powered by a dual core 2xARM A9 processor based on a Broadcom Capri 28155 chipset and coupled with VideoCore4 graphics, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash. It supports dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g/n and it doesn’t need a device to stream content from, as you can download applications directly to it.
Remotes
While the Chromecast isn’t accompanied by a remote control, the users will mirror content from their smartphones, but the device must meet the system requirements. The problem with Chromecast is that, while you’re watching media from your phone, if someone calls you in between, you’ll need to pause the application.
The Fire TV Stick has a remote in the box, which measures 4.7×1.6×0.5 inches and has key buttons for home, pause, fast forward, rewind and navigation wheel to control the operating system.
OS and UI
Fire TV Stick comes loaded with Amazon’s Fire OS and has a user interface that restricts you Amazon’s services (Amazon App Store offers different TV shows, games, apps etc.). Chromecast has a simple user interface with a basic opening screen.
Applications and Games
Both video streamers support common applications such as YouTube, VeVo, Now TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and BlinkBox. Besides, Amazon offers 600 applications and games, such as the classic GTA series, Minecraft, Asphalt 8 and if you want to improve your gaming experience, buy a game controller that costs £34.99 ($55). Chromecast allows you to play fewer and simpler games, such as puzzle games or a similar Flappy Bird game.
Price
On the Chromecast you’ll spend around 29 dollars, while Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is 10 dollars more expensive.
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