FAQS - TV, MEDIA, STREAMING AND GAMING
WHAT IS A SMART TV?
It's a normal TV with a small computer inside that runs some kind of software operating system that has applications and the ability to connect to the internet to "stream" TV and Movies other than those provided by your TV box or built in FreeView and aerial ability gives you. It will usually be an operating system developed by the manufacture. They may be able to connect by cable but more usually by Wi-Fi to your internet router.
WHAT IS ANDROID OR APPLE TV?
These are small add-on boxes or plug in dongles to a normal or a Smart TV, that allow you to use them and their Apps to access the internet, stream TV and Movies, search the internet, access online accounts and stream content you have purchased or rented, and even in some cases play games. One type run using the Google Android operating system, or proprietary version of it or an inhouse OS, the other uses Apple software, a version of that found on Apple devices. They all have apps which you interact with. Some have separate remote controls, others like Google Chrome you control with your android device.
SMART TV OR DUMB TV+SMART MEDIA BOX?
This is another one that comes down to personal choice, what you already have, what you can afford, and what ecosystem you are a part of and where you might have bought all that content, TV series, movies, books etc. If you have a nice big TV already and don't want to spend lots of money to get a Smart TV, then get a Smart box or dongle. If you have all your bought content with an Amazon, a Google or an Apple account, then it would be a good idea to get a media streaming device that facilitates access to that ecosystem contact. They all do their own. You can get some Smart TV's with built in Apps to access Amazon Prime or Google Play, but no TV has access to Apple iTunes content. You can only get that from an Apple TV box. Apple do not make a Smart Apple TV, only a media box.
WHICH GAMES CONSOLE SHOULD I BUY?
That is like asking a parent of 6 children which do you love the most, you can't or shouldn't answer that question. It is all about history, experiences, age, content, extras, connections, ecosystem.
What games do you like playing, then match that up with the console that provides the best experience for you. If you are younger then you get a console that again meets your needs and has content and how you interact with it that makes it easier - the Wii was a game changer when it came out because of that interaction quantum leap, that all others than had to try and match. Are you a Microsoft computer home?, then an Xbox might be the one for you, as there is crossover of games to your PC. The Playstation has great music playing ability due to the Sony connection, and was the first to offer Blueray DVD disc playing. So, it is all about the games, the experience, and the extras and connection that they offer.
But let us not forget, for many PC or computer games rule and consoles are just for the masses.