On a personal note, Google TV is my favorite Smart TV operating system even above Android TV (the original OS of my TV) because in addition to having a large number of applications to download and high customization, its interface is simpler and user-friendly. But there is something I still don’t like: the number of ads and recommendations in the system. I first solved it with a minimalist launcher, although later I found an even better solution: show only applications.
Whether like me you’re exhausted from seeing so much additional suggested content or you’re looking for simpler interactions or you can’t really handle so many options and want something simple (it’s ideal to install on the Low-tech smart TV parents, ‘Apps only mode.’ I’ve been with it for several weeks and This has radically changed the experience of using my TV.
No more eternal recommendations: only applications
The two images you see below these lines are the first screens of my Smart TV with Chromecast with Google TV when I use both devices combined:
Main screen: recommended sections by category, the most recommended highlighted…
When I scroll down, the recommended list goes on and on.
Takeaway Recommendations. On the main screen we find a recommendation in the background, but also recommended films and series in the bottom menu, as well as the first recommendations in boxes, those highlighted. If we scroll down, a line with my favorite apps, what I watch and a number of lines with endless recommended content. Some of this content is suggested based on my usage habits, others are promotional and sponsored by the platforms in question and those of Google itself are not lacking.
But Google TV has an ace up its sleeve: “Apps Only” mode, which is pretty much what it promises, keeping the interface’s personalized recommendations to a minimum. So from this line with my favorite apps wrapped in recommendations we move on to Installed applications are the protagonists of this main screen.
Once the application mode is configured, this is what you see. Look at the abysmal difference:
The menu at the top is no longer there.
Swiping down we find only installed applications
The first screen reduces the recommendations to just one, which serves as background. From here we will only find the applications. As you slide down, a grid with all the applicationsthere is no longer any promotional content, teasers or what we used to see.
Applications mode also has a B-side to consider: what we were seeing no longer seems to accelerate the process of continuing this series. Likewise, there are disabled functions, such as search, Google Assistant, comments on Google, pending list or customization of your favorite applications. It’s worth it for me.
How to enable “Apps only” mode
In just three steps and a few seconds we can activate it, simply by accessing the settings (pressing the gear in the upper right corner of the main screen to display them) and following the route: ‘Settings‘ > ‘Accounts and login’ and there, enter your account. Once inside, slide the button “Applications only mode”although you will have to accept a warning first.
And that’s it, all you have to do is return to the home screen or press the remote control house icon to discover that the recommendations have disappeared. If you change your mind, you can reverse the process by following the same route.
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