I still think it's not customizable enough for me, but I don't complain because I can mostly ignore the default home screen and just use Kodi as a launcher. You can customize completely Kodi, so I basically use it as the home screen because I made it look really nice. I don't even use it as a player, just to launch other apps. I'd like the official Android TV home screen to be as customizable as Kodi, but I don't think it's ever happening.
I do miss the old look, especially when you'd minimise a video and it played in the background wallpaper while you flick through apps
I think its trash. Id much rather have a launcher app where all I see are apps i can launch. I really dont care about whats trending on youtube or whatever other app.
Not a fan.
I much prefer ATV Launcher where it shows all my apps.
Its android, it should be open. I should be able to download nova launcher or whomever and use their customized interface just like my phone. If I was happy with the choice of a large corporation then I'd use apple. I use android because because of its flexibility. ATV could allow custom launchers. Let's see what they come up with.
Anyone remember when Oreo came out, and people were all upset because Google ruined the Android TV interface? With a lot of people swearing they would never upgrade from Nougat?
Good times.
If Google changes Android TV interface to be a bunch of movie and shows based off what you like and have to dig through the interface to get to the apps I would be totally pissed. I dont mind having some lines of suggestions like the do now BELOW your favorite apps.
We need to make sure Google hears is on this so they do not make a major mistake on this redesign. I'm gonna submit some feedback to them.
I like that all the apps I use are right at the top. I don’t care for all the other junk below the apps, though. Wish that could be disabled.
It's too bland, even just a blurred backdrop like Chromecast does would be nicer
I agree with the article. I've been using Roku for years, ONLY because I didn't want to use my phone as a remote. I've been waiting for Google to finally get mass app support for Android TV, while also having a comparably priced dongle or box with physical remote.
I like choosing my apps to choose what to watch, and do not want a content focused interface. I planned on switching out all four Roku sticks in my house for this new Android TV dongle, but if they screw it up, I'll stick with Roku. And I really want to switch to Android TV.
What's a bet the carrot for getting dirt cheap hardware Manufacturers onboard is a slice of packaged Advertising $$$ to offset hardware costs.i.e. The FireTV model.
If the linked article is true is screams fragmentation of Android TV.
I personally hope it does not happen
I dont think any of these TV OS's have a bad interface. They are all pretty much identical with it being a series of icons which you can customise order and positioning. I usually just transition between 2-3 apps and thats all that I see of the UI or homescreen. I dont know why anyone would use any of the other features or spend more than a few seconds on the homescreen.
I for one hate this interface, I have to see a lot of icons of media I don't give fuck
It's just another clickbait article, there's really nothing to panic about if the linked Protocol paper is true:
"Google will market the device under a distinct brand, separating it from third-party streaming devices based on Android TV, according to two sources with knowledge of the company's plans."
Android TV's current UI is not going anywhere, relax people.
just be grateful they haven't abandoned it yet
I think it is ugly as hell. The whole dynamic background change thing is annoying and when it turns black it makes the whole thing look unfinished. I prefer the older interface or even Fire TV if there were no adds.
I agree with this. A lot of people rave about the Apple TV's interface, but I don't care for it (and I otherwise use an iPhone/Mac/iPad). It's too "boxy" for lack of a better term, and while it's probably a more fluid experience than my Shield, I prefer the look of the Android interface. And let's not even get started on the Firestick...
If Android TV would just include a non-sh** browser, I could agree with this. As it is now, I don't.
Attaching a wireless keyboard and mouse to my shield makes it clear that this could be a real computer replacement, but the Android TV interface is purposefully gimped for this use case.
I was fine with it until they went and forced a sponsored content full of ads that is not removeable. Now I just chromecast and ignore it.
Come on! Don't tempt them.
Always say it's the worst UI we have ever seen, it will stay there for years.
Or... I don't care how Google change the defaults but like with every UX change, let users change it back if they want to.
It was good. The recent updates convinced me to buy an Apple TV. Android TV looks cluttered. I don't want to be marketed to on the home screen.
I fully agree with this opinion. For me the current Android TV interface is basically perfect. I absolutely hate the bloated interface of Fire TV filled with ads. I really hope Google doesn't go down that path but I'm starting to get worried.