There are many smart TV platforms to choose from, like Apple tvOS and Samsung’s Tizen OS. But there is one smart TV platform that is better than all the others: Google’s Android TV.
1
Extensive application ecosystem
Android TV benefits from a vibrant app ecosystem thanks to Google. Google is the company behind the Android operating system, and thanks to the maturity of the platform (it has existed since 2014), thousands of applications are available for download.
However, it’s not just about the large number of apps distributed through Google Play. Outside of Google Play, you can download apps to your Android TV that Google has blocked from its app store for various reasons.
So whatever app you’re looking for, it’s probably available to download and install on Android TV. The best Android TV apps include everything from utility apps for sending files between devices to file managers and much more.
2
Installing apps is a breeze
Apart from the vibrant app ecosystem, Google has made installing apps on Android TV a breeze. You can officially install apps on your Android TV in two ways. First, you can open Google Play directly on Android TV and search for the app you want. Second, you can remotely install an app on your Android TV using Google Play on your Android phone.
The latter is due to the possibility of installing applications remotely on other devices via Google Play. It is the best and easiest way to install apps if you also have an Android device. Like Android on smartphones and tablets, Android TV also allows you to install apps from third-party marketplaces. If official channels are insufficient, you can easily download apps on Android TV.
3
Less bloatware
Another nice aspect of Android TV is the reduction in bloat; Android TV offers far fewer pre-installed apps. Although it varies depending on the TV manufacturer, there are generally fewer additional apps installed that you don’t need.
It has a minimal list of pre-installed apps, and most of them are actually useful. For example, there is no denying that video streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube are useful and faster to access if they are pre-installed.
4
The Google TV interface has refined the user experience
With the release of Google TV, a refined new interface built on top of Android TV, the platform experience has never been better. Google TV offers a sleek, modern interface that prioritizes customization and makes content easy to find.
Google TV adds recommendations by presenting content from different apps on the home screen. So instead of searching for content in individual apps, you can access content directly from the home screen.
It also provides a universal search button to search for content across different apps. For more information, check out our detailed article on the differences between Android TV and Google TV.
5
Best voice assistant support
There are a handful of popular voice assistants, but Google Assistant is the best option on the market. Google Assistant is built into Android TV by default. It offers seamless voice control that integrates deeply with the platform, improving user comfort and accessibility. Thanks to this, you can use it for hands-free control.
While the market offers a variety of smart TV operating systems, Android TV stands out among the crowd due to its vibrant app ecosystem, ease of installing apps on and off the Google Play Store, reduction of bloatware, Google TV interface and Google Assistant integration. Remember, you don’t need to buy a new TV to get Android TV. A streaming device like the Google TV Streamer 4K is all you need.
