My experience with Android TV, new user.

by nsfwallpaper

Hi guys, I just joined this subreddit and thought I'd start with an intro.

So I've been an Android supporter since Ice Cream Sandwich came out, but been a Google supporter, long before that. I recently convinced my parents to purchase the Sony Bravia XBR-55X850D 4K HDR Smart TV because this was the only 850-class TV that had Android TV built in.

My TV is running Version 6.0.1, Security patch of Oct. 1, 2016 and Build No. SVP4KDTV15_UC-user 6.0.1 MMB29V.S5 3.711 release-keys...

Out-of-the-box, this TV ran great. I instantly familiarized myself with navigation and understood the Play Store and other setting functionalities. However, I know Android TV is a work-in-progress, but its an interface that requires a lot of scrolling. The large icons are great and easy to recognize, but the main menu is just blahhh. Super plain.

YouTube works great, FoxNow and Netflix do too. What surprised me was that although it came preinstalled with Google Play Store, Music, Video & TV and Games store, it left out a TV version of Google Chrome. That is my biggest disappointment of the system so far.

The built-in in Chromecast feature is spot on. I couldn't have asked for a more convenient option, where I can immediately cast an album, video or website with a few taps/clicks.

The settings menu is very icon based. I was looking for something more text based like in my Motorola Moto G3 phone, but oh well, I know smart TVs cherish their icons a lot. Again easy to navigate, but one annoying thing about Android TV that really gets to me is the system lag between button presses. Its not as snappy as my mobile device, scrolling isn't smooth, but rather jagged and the Google Now speech recognition button has a delayed response. Upon clicking the microphone button on my remote, the Mic icon turns red, waits maybe 4-5 seconds and then "bleeep".. allows for recording. Its rather annoying.

Aside from the delayed search and inability to include an original web browser, the Android TV experience is pretty fair. I definitely appreciate a familiar interface as opposed to learning TouchWiz or some other manufacturer's version of Smart TV interface.

. . I do have a few questions, as I am a moderate user of Smart TV features.

  1. What browser would you recommend for the TV (that doesn't require a gamepad)?

  2. How to get the most out of my Android TV experience?

  3. Are there any developer options that can be unlocked on Android TV, as seen on smartphones?

  4. What are some must have downloadable apps from the Play Store?

  5. Are there any 3rd party app stores or apps that you recommend?

  6. Would a few redditors be willing to compile a list of Android TV apps worth checking out with links? . .

I have a knaack for trying new apps frequently. So show me what you got!

Bodycount9

For developer options:

Go to "About"

Click on the "Build" multiple times.

This was a quick google search to find out.

CaptZ_3148

Do a quick search of the Reddit Sub, there has a few threads recently about "must have apps"

JimboLodisC

Tvs running Android TV are great if you want an all-in-one solution but I always recommend buying a separate box. Often you'll be able to get a better TV for your money if you open yourself up to a smart TV where you don't care what smart features it has. Then just add whatever streaming box you choose. Need to upgrade your smart experience? Upgrade the box. Keep the TV. You can easily get 5+ years out of a TV with great picture quality. You won't get 5+ years out of any smartphone/tablet/box/gadget.

pawdog

There are no TV versions of browsers. Chrome browser will work on it but you will need a mouse and keyboard or suitable 3rd party remote. In my experience it's not browsing is not a good experience. The first thing you must do as an Android TV users is forget the phone ever existed. The TV and phone experience really have no relationship to one another. As far as apps the only good ones are the ones made for the OS. The ones made for TV watching. So in order for someone to recommend apps one would need to know something about your viewing needs. Once again equating Android TV in any way regular Android will only lead to disappointment. Android TV is for watching video and audio content. As long as you can accept that you will find it to the be the best internet TV OS on the market.

stephen_morris

Well I had the 850D and had to exchange it cause my wife kept complaining about how much space it took up in the living room. (She was right, but still). Went from 55" to 43" 800D and despite it only being 60hrz, I love this TV! Hopefully I can help you out. You could side load Chrome but Opera works just fine and has lean back integration so it is made for Android TV. That being said, I don't really use it that much. My phone is usually near me so any web searches I perform are usually on that. As for apps, I downloaded both the Android TV app and the Sony Video and TV Side view app on my phone as a secondary remote/mouse and keyboard. Makes navigation in the web browser easier. As for "other" apps for the TV, that all depends on what you want to do. Don't worry about the slow response, remember that you have 4 HDMI ports. You could always get the Shield or something if it bothers you that much over time or if the updates stop coming from Sony.

osiris355

Keep in mind the actual processor on that Sony is absolutely garbage and considerably holds back the Android TV user experience.

Now it's better than any smart OS out there just remember that when you get impatient with it.

Android TV on something like the Nvidia Shield is just a whole different experience it is so much better.

Future_Plan

+1 I want to know what the best browser option is. I just installed Chrome Beta from Play Store, and launch it with Sideload Launcher (a program that launches apps not made for Android TV; normal apps that are sideloaded or even from Play store (via normal computer/phone) do not show up in the Android TV launcher).

I do need to use my $20 media keyboard, however the only thing I use it for is streaming sports or other sites that do not have apps.

One thing that sucks is that the default dpi setting makes everything huge in the browser (like it's zoomed in). Back when I had my Shield you could root it and use an Xposed module to make everything fit your 1080p/4K tv better. Not sure if there's a better option nowadays.