Sacarla de la caja, quitarle el packaging, conectarla, encenderla, configurarla e instalar del tirón Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+… que sí, que sí, que las applications de streaming son lo más popular de una smart TV, pero no son las únicas ni much less. In fact, there are some that will come in handy for things like managing your TV’s storage space or customizing it… those are my Essential apps to install on my Android TV or Google TV (beyond streaming).
air screen
Although you can natively roulette content from your Android phone or tablet, Chrome browser or Chromebooks thanks to Chromecast built-in, the reality is that there are more devices and more operating systems.
Without going any further, Apple’s AirPlay is not compatible. So if you have an Apple device under your beltthe installation of AirScreen becomes essential, since it will allow you to launch content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
It also works with Google Cast, Miracast, DLNA, a true all-terrain application to project all kinds of screens.
Photo gallery and screen saver
As soon as you leave a few minutes of inactivity on your television screen with Android TV, these already classic landscapes offered by the Google ecosystem as screensavers.
But if you don’t know much about it and want to customize it a bit more, this app lets you access your Google Photos library and make your screensaver a slideshow with your photos.
The best is that not limited to Google photos servicebut you can also take them from other sites, such as Facebook or Flickr.
Kodi
This Kodi is an old acquaintance, a versatile tool that will serve as an explorer for content stored locally, in storage units and also to access streaming services. You can even use it to play games by installing an emulator or to access Plex.
VLC
We continue with another essential element that cannot be missing in any device intended to play content because it is a real master key in these fights
Thus, it supports a large number of multimedia formats, such as MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, TS, M2TS, Wv and AAC. Besides, it also helps you to play content from storage drives or network.
Using the TV
Whether you have kids at home and don’t want them watching too much TV or you have trouble getting up from the couch yourself, this Digital Wellbeing app will help you maintain that. vice a ray
With a neat interface, it provides statistics, allows you to set time and rest limits, and has protected access to certain applications with a customizable PIN code (this last point is chargeable).
Send files to TV
If that pleases you tinker with technology, this app is a must for you send files and content from phone to TV and vice versa. So, for example, you can install apps that don’t appear in the Google app store for TV.
File Commander
If you plan to install more applications than the diffusionit will be great to have a file manager like this, which we highlight for its completeness.
With File Commander you will have at sight images, videos, music, documents And there’s no shortage of features like converting, renaming, deleting, moving or sending files from your TV’s internal storage and other external storage devices.
Button Mapper
You don’t know you need this app until you know my remote has quick access to Netflix which I use a lot but if they left me a blank slate to design the button panel of my TV remote control, I would surely put direct access to certain functions that do not have it.
This is precisely what Button Mapper allows you to do: assign unavailable functions according to in the remote hand to some buttons.
Wi-Fi Speed Test Analyzer
What you contract with your phone carrier is one thing and what gets to your devices, whether over WiFi or cable, is another. Get rid of doubts and measure the speed of your television’s internet connection with this app.
In addition to the browsing speed of your TV, this application provides information about available networks and channels, which will allow you to optimize your wireless connection.
Wake on LAN
Ok, it’s not essential, but if you are techniciansyou will surely benefit from it: Wake on LAN is an application able to activate your computer remotelysomething you’ll greatly appreciate if you stream locally using Plex or Kodi.
Once installed (be careful because it is paid), when the computer from which the Plex or Kodi server acts goes into suspension, WoL app forces activity to keep streaming without getting up from the sofa.
Google Chrome
As incredible as it may seem, Google Chrome is not installed as standard on televisions with Android TVMoreover, there is not even a TV version of the browser in the Google Play Store (although other browsers do).
So to download it you will need two apps and the Chrome APK: File Commander file manager to install the Apk (download it here) and Sideload Launcher to open Google Chrome (download it here) as we will tell you step by step in our tutorial.
Why Google Chrome and not another browser available? For tastes, colors, but if it is true that it is not optimized for television, you will not notice many differences compared to the browser for PC or mobile devices. Plus, once you’re signed in to your Google account, you’ll have your bookmarks and history at your fingertips. Yes Super It is recommended to have a keyboard and a mouse to handle itat least if you want it for something other than a specific search.
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