I purchased a Roku TV about a month ago and the quality of the TV (not surprisingly) wasn't the best. Despite the quality issues, I really enjoyed the easy integration of the cord-cutter-focused features -- Netflix, HBO Go, Sling TV, etc. all just a couple clicks away.
With that being said, I decided to return the Sharp Roku TV and purchased a Sony Bravia Android TV. Thus far, I've had mixed emotions about the Android TV integration and I'm hoping the community can help me sort through some of the head scratchers:
-
No integrated channel guide? I don't have a cable box and I figured with Google's backing, Android TV would have a fantastic channel guide. No such luck as far as I can tell. I configured my channel listing via the QAM tuner.UPDATE: Thanks everyone for point me to the Live Channels app. -
The "Featured Apps" section needs to be pared down or removed. I'm going to investigate the HALauncher, but it appears to be a mixed bag based upon the warning on their Google Play page .UPDATE: Disabling Sony Shelf and Sony Select did the trick, but removed access to some of the native apps on the TV. The only option is to sideload them. -
The search feature is decent, but frustrating at times. I'll ask, "What time does The Walking Dead come on tonight?", and it shows me YouTube results for The Walking Dead.
All in all, it feels like it's on the cusp of being great, but it's lacking elements that a consumer would expect from an Android-branded television. My concern is that this is typical Google -- it teases something great and then fails to put their weight behind the product.
I'm hoping someone can put my mind at ease, but I'm starting to question the premium I paid for this television when compared to the Roku TV.
UPDATE: Added note about updating my channel listing via the QAM tuner
How to Remove Featured Apps Section
How to Remove Everything Related To Sony Select