Android TV has YouTube functionality as standard, but you may want an app compatible with the video platform as well lets you perform advanced tasks, such as downloading videos to your TV. Well, now you have it: NewPipe is launching an Android TV version of its excellent mobile application. We tested it and it works as expected.
If you've been on Android for a while, and have used apps that access YouTube videos, you are definitely familiar with NewPipe, an app that adds significant YouTube options to Android. Downloading videos or playing in the background is one of two benefits, it's hard to find options on Android TV. And the good news is that NewPipe developers have finally synced the app to Android needs with televisions: now you can download and try.
NewPipe is totally ready for Android TV
The app is a great way for those used to play a certain amount of YouTube videos. Developed on open source (GPL 3.0 license), NewPipe maintains updated updates that included many new features in the app. For example, with the latest version, 0.19.3, NewPipe has gained compatibility with Android TV.
We have been testing this version on our Nvidia Shield TV and the fact is that it works fine. Open all YouTube videos, select the decision to be played there, provides access to download these videos (for quality and format options, if you want MP3 only), enable playback in a floating window (multiple application permissions are required) and includes support for SoundCloud, MediaCCC and FramaTube, all three beta. Access to YouTube is tight.
One of the disadvantages of NewPipe is that can't sign in, but you can easily import your subscriptions from YouTube. Gaming is as stable as it is with the official app, it doesn't include ads, navigating through various categories is optimized for Android TV remote, NewPipe gives access to comments (does not allow writing as it is not logged in) and offers a choice of enable or disable auto playback. As you can see, it is an application that you can take advantage of.
If you want to try NewPipe on your Google TV you need to download the APK from your GitHub: not on Google Play. The procedure is as follows:
- Since it is necessary to fight APK files on TV, it is recommended to use a file manager. Our recommendation is that TV File Manager, download it from your TV store or your player.
- Download the APK in version 0.19.3 from GitHub for NewPipe and upload it to your Google Drive. The best place is the root folder.
- Access the newly installed file manager on your Android TV and go to the Drive section. Sign in with your Google Account.
- Install Google Drive, find a NewPipe file and click on it: your Android TV will install it just like any other APK installation on your mobile phone.
