7 Android TV tricks that empower your system

1. Installing applications bypassing Google Play

The Android TV operating system, whether it's a smart set-top box or a smart TV, provides convenient access to the Google Play store. True, only games and programs adapted by developers for this OS are available in it. But that doesn't mean you can't manually install the APK you want.

This can be done through a file manager, for example "ES Explorer". It's available on Google Play directly from your TV. With its help, it will not be difficult to find the required installation file on a connected USB flash drive or memory card.

Note that most of the manually installed applications will start without any problems, but for comfortable control you may need a gamepad or computer mouse.

2. Installing applications directly from your computer

You can also install the necessary applications through a browser on your computer. The TV linked to your account will appear in the list of devices on the Google Play website. You just need to select it after clicking the install button.

Thus, you can install many applications that, when searched from the TV, will simply not appear in the SERP. This also applies to games that can sparkle with new colors on the big screen. For greater convenience, you can install a browser directly on the TV, which allows you to use the web version of Google Play.

3. Using voice search

Most Android TV devices are complemented by remote controls that support voice search. It is activated by pressing one button, after which you can say a command to launch the desired application or search for the required content. Similarly, you can perform searches in the Chrome browser.

With the launch of Google Assistant in Russia, the possibilities of voice interaction with TVs on Android TV should be significantly expanded.

4. Compatible with Xbox and PlayStation 4 controllers

The standard set-top box for Android TV rarely includes a gamepad, and even more so in the case of TVs. However, for fans of mobile games, this is unlikely to be a problem, because many Bluetooth controllers can be connected to the system, including those from the Xbox and PlayStation 4 consoles.

Connection is made by simple pairing through the “Add accessory” settings item. You can use gamepads both for navigating the system and for games, the developers of which have provided this type of control.

5. Using your smartphone as a remote control

You can control Android TV not only with the complete remote control and gamepad, but also using your smartphone. There is an official Google app for this, available on Android and iOS.

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With it, you can navigate and use the on-screen keyboard, which allows you to type search queries and, for example, messages on social networks. In addition, the mobile application allows you to use voice search, which is especially important if the complete remote control does not have this function.

6. Chromecast features

Any Android TV device has support for all Chromecast features. That is, you can easily broadcast a picture from a smartphone or content from a browser on a PC and laptop to the TV screen. Moreover, this does not require any additional configuration.

In the case of a mobile gadget, you need the Google Home application, and on a computer it is only important to be on the same Wi-Fi network and have a Chrome browser. In the latter, the broadcast function is available in the settings drop-down menu on the right.

7. Expandable built-in memory

Some set-top boxes and TVs on Android TV have only 8 GB of internal memory, which, given the space occupied by the system itself, is very small. Even 16 GB may not be enough, especially if you love games. A flash drive or memory card will help to solve this problem. Both that, and another in the settings can be equated with the built-in memory, allowing the system to install applications there.

The standard 8 or 16 GB can be expanded up to 128 GB. Although for applications you are unlikely to need so much. With this scenario of use, you just need not to retrieve memory unnecessarily. Otherwise, a reconfiguration will be required every time you start.