Android TV is one of the newer platforms to arrive on the scene and although the adoption and a variety of apps were limited, they have been growing and now there is a good selection of apps on offer. Below is a quick rundown of ten of the best apps that are currently available for Android TV. Although, be warned as this is Android TV, a lot of the apps on the list are for TV/video content.
Netflix
This one will not come as a surprise to many. This is Android TV after all and it would be crazy that the most widely used video streaming app is not fully optimized for Android TV. The app offers a sleek interface and content which is broken down into easy to navigate categories. One point to note though, it does not seem all movies are listed in the categories. You will have to search to find the hidden gems. You can download the app through the link below, although, it does come pre-installed on Android TV devices.
Hulu Plus
This is another high rolling video app that most will be aware of. Again similar to Netflix this one offers paid subscription to on-demand video content. Although, unlike Netflix, you are looking at ads before, during and after shows. Unless you subscribe to their very new ad-free premium subscription that is.
The Weather Network
Although, you might not think you need a weather app on your TV, this is a surprising good app. Its nice to have the weather permanently available without picking up your mobile, but also comes with some extra functionality including access to The Weather Network’s TV Channel. So definitely worth an install.
Kodi
Those serious about their TV programming will need little introduction to Kodi. For those new to the app, this is a must have for all kinds of reasons. As well as providing access to various additional features though its add-ons, it also acts as a media player for any locally stored content you might have.
Plex
Speaking of media players, it does not get much better than Plex. This is another very well-known Android app and one which now works well on Android TV and can prove to be an excellent link for any content that you have stored on your home network and any other devices.
Sideload Launcher
Whether or not you need Sideload Launcher will depend highly on how much you want your favorite apps on your Android TV device. Although not all apps work great on the platform, that does not mean they cannot be sideloaded. The problem with sideloading though, is that they do not show up in icon form on your home launcher. Sideload Launcher will fix that issue very quickly.
Sling TV
If you are someone interested in cord-cutting then Sling TV offers a midway step to doing that. For $20 a month you get access to a selection of TV content and provides one of the closest experiences to live TV without a cable subscription.
ES File Explorer
This app is another must-have app for anyone using an Android TV device. Not only does it give you the option to manage all the files on your hard drive but also includes the ability to transfer files from other devices too. Not to mention, sending files from your Android TV device. In fact, the more you get to grips with ES File Explorer, the more you will see what this app is capable of on Android TV.
YouTube
It does not matter what platform you are on or what your interests are, YouTube is one of those apps where everyone can find something to entertain them. And what better way to partake in some YouTubing then on the big screen. Again, this is one which comes pre-installed but if you need to download it, then you can from the link below.
Android TV Remote
Last but not least, this app allows you to turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote control. This is a straight form Google offering and in all honestly, is not the most functional app. That said, it is one which every Android TV owner should have on their devices. You never know when you will lose that remote control down the back of the sofa.