Apple and Google each updated their streaming TV solutions this year. Apple TV and Google Chromecast each have their own distinct advantages depending on consumer's needs.

The Apple TV and Google Chromecast are designed much differently. The main difference is the design. Apple TV needs to be a much larger device, a set top box, because it has more internal features, Know Your Mobile reports. The Chromecast is a small dongle that plugs right into the back or side of the TV.

Apple TV has improved its user interface with a new operating system called tvOS. tvOS is based on Apple's mobile operating system iOS and it allows users to search for and add apps right to their device from an app store just like they do for the iPhone. Apple TV has been simplified to show all of the available content from movies, TV shows, games and apps in an organized grid design.

The Chromecast is actually dependent on a mobile device being nearby. All of the content that users will search for will come from their mobile device and then it will be displayed on the screen. This means their is no on-screen user interface for Chromecast.

Searching for content on the Apple TV is easy and there is tons of content available from the iTunes Store. Third party apps like Netflix and HBO Go can be installed as well. Even though Chromecast has no user interface, almost anything that a user can find on their mobile device can be streamed on the Chromecast. Chromecast owners will be able to stream Netflix and Hulu shows to their TVs just like Apple TV owners can. This means the content on the two devices is pretty much equal.

The Apple TV comes with a cool new remote that is packed with features. The remote doubles as a video game controller with its sensors, and it is equipped with Siri. Chromecast does not offer an external remote, and all of the controls will be done through the mobile device and the Chromecast app.

The Chromecast seems stripped down, but it has plenty of content. Owners of the Chromecast might not like the lack of a user interface, but the price cannot be beat. Chromecast costs only $35, compared to the hefty price of the Apple TV's starting price of $149.