When comparing Google TV vs SteamOS, the Slant community recommends Google TV for most people. In the question“What is the best set-top box OS?” Google TV is ranked 3rd while SteamOS is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose Google TV is:
You media can be stored on a variety of devices. The Google TV supports DLNA which allows for streaming from mobile devices, network attached storage (NAS), PCs, and more. Google TV can also access media from a simple USB storage device as well.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Flexible Media Storage
You media can be stored on a variety of devices. The Google TV supports DLNA which allows for streaming from mobile devices, network attached storage (NAS), PCs, and more. Google TV can also access media from a simple USB storage device as well.
Pro Cross Platform Mobile App
The Google TV remote app is available on for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to control your TV with whatever phone, or tablet you have.
Pro Extensible With Apps
Being build on the android operating system, the Google TV also has access to the Google Play app store eco system, meaning that any android app can be easily adapted for the Google TV, including direct apps from media providers and games.
Pro Native graphics processor support
The OS natively supports Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics processors.
Pro Streaming service integration (under development)
Valve is in talks with streaming companies such as Spotify and Netflix to bring their features to SteamOS.
Pro For entertainment, it just works
What media center software do for videos, it does for games (and later videos).
Cons
Con Hard to install
If you've installed Arch you're probably fine, but for those used to simple installs like (Ubuntu to name just one) you should prepare some patience, determination, and painkillers. Good news is, it's getting better (it's very young).
Con Not built around the desktop experience
SteamOS is, first and foremost, meant to act as a gaming console - it doesn't ship with even some of the most basic applications, such as a file manager or image viewer. As a result, using SteamOS as your primary operating system would require a fair bit of work.