Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
I can think of a handful of Android apps that I couldn’t use a smartphone without because the default Android experience on every device leaves much to be desired. The same goes for Google TV devices. Yes, the interface is clean and swift, but the entertainment experience can be vastly improved by installing just a few third-party apps.
Of course, this includes the streaming services you will likely use, but I want to go beyond those. These apps make my Google TV streaming device more useful, more customizable, and more accessible than ever before.
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Projectivy Launcher
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Google TV’s interface is one of its strengths, but a more customizable, toned-down UI is preferable for those who can’t handle the promotional clutter. That’s why Projectivy Launcher was the first app I downloaded for my Chromecast with Google TV.
There are other Google TV launchers, but Projectivy won me over with its lightweight, highly customizable design. There’s a pro option with more features, but I haven’t felt the need for it. The free version offers a surprising amount of customization.
Why do I recommend Projectivy over the stock Google TV Home experience? It better uses the TV’s display size, lets me choose which content channels to display, and offers plenty of visual customizations. It also integrates seamlessly into the Android TV setup, overriding the Google TV launcher without stutters or additional resource demands.
atvTools I love the aesthetics of Google’s TV remote design, but its ergonomics leave much to be desired. I’ve dropped it countless times in the month I’ve owned it. So, when I don’t explicitly need it, I use atvTools to control my streamer.
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