There’s a lot to like about Google TV: The smart TV and streaming device operating system looks good, works well, and effectively integrates all the different streaming services into an easy-to-use, intuitive interface. With the launch of Google TV Streamer, the operating system may attract more users.
Although its interface is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible, the software still offers a wealth of features and options if you dig deeper. Whether you’re using Google TV on a new streaming box, a Chromecast with a Google TV adapter, or a smart TV, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1) Simplify Google TV interface
The Google TV interface itself is fine, but you can make it even simpler by opening All Settings (gear icon, top right), then Accounts & Profile: select your name, then enable Only Application-only mode. All Google TV recommendations for what to watch will disappear from view, leaving only your installed audio and video streaming apps.
2) Use your phone as a remote control
Whether your actual remote is lost somewhere behind the couch or you just prefer the convenience of a mobile device, you can control Google TV from your phone or tablet using the Google TV app for Android or iOS. For this trick to work, you just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and logged into the same Google account.
In the app, you should see a popup near the bottom toolbar that says “Connect to a TV or a nearby TV.” Click this button to select your Google TV device and enter the pairing code. You can then click the small remote icon to control the large screen interface from your device. You also get a trackpad, volume controls, Google Assistant button, and power controls.
3) Turn Google TV into a photo frame
If you want, you can use an album from your Google Photos library as your screen saver: open All Settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner), then select System, then Ambient Mode, then select Settings “. You’ll see Google Photos listed as one of the options (select this option to get instructions), and you can also change settings like the slideshow speed from here.
4) Change home screen layout
What’s less obvious when using the Google TV interface on a day-to-day basis is that you can change the order of entertainment apps on your screen. This means you have faster access to the content you use most while retaining the content you use less often – this is available on both the For You and Apps screens.
All you need to do is select an app, hold down the Select button on your remote, and select “Mobile” from the menu that pops up. Place it where you want it and select “Done” to confirm. The same pop-up menu also has a “View details” option – you can follow this option to find the “Uninstall” button to remove a specific application from your device.
5) Improve your suggestions
Are Google TV content recommendations not working for you? Improve the algorithm by opening All Settings (gear icon, upper right corner), then selecting Accounts & Profiles, your name, and Content Preferences. Google TV will then show you a selection of movies and shows that you can vote thumbs up or thumbs down.
6) Install apps from anywhere
You’ll need to install entertainment apps on your Google TV device, which is often easier to do on your phone or computer. As long as the same Google account is connected, you can open the Play Store app on your mobile device, find the app you want, click the arrow next to the Install button and select your Google TV device.
It works similarly on the web – go to the Play Store web portal, find the app you want, and click the “Install” or “Install on more devices” button to see a list of devices connected to your Google account . This should include your Google TV device. If the application is compatible with Google TV, you can select it to start the remote installation.
7) Add to your watchlist from anywhere
One of the best features of Google TV is that you can access your watch lists through the Library tab, which is linked to your installed streaming services. You can add to this list through Google from any device (if you’re signed in to a Google Account): Search for the video or show you want to add to your watch list, then click “Want to Watch” on the results page.
