Android Tv Review

by --_-_o_-_--

Using Android TV has been an underwhelming experience. Its moderately useful and does the job in most cases. However I can only rate the tv operating system 6 out of 10.

Considering I agree with Google for them to use my personal data for access with a Google account and all the tracking that entails, I don't feel I am getting much in return. I would have liked to opt out. I don't like the idea of Google forcing its permission to access my hardware. I would like to create a new account without providing a mobile phone number. These kinds of things make me reluctant to engage and rely on Android TV.

Android TV lacks customisation. The interface is dull and not always intuitive. Its functional and responsive enough but again I was expecting something greater. Integration with apps is still buggy. The number of Google Play apps I can install on my tablet is so much lower on Android TV. Another disappointment. I would have liked to be able to delete media files on Android TV but I can't.

Kodi has been good for music playing and VLC for video. I also like Haystack TV. Beyond that Android TV is ho hum. It lacks a drawcard or any charm. Maybe its because I don't like to pay for subscription streaming services. Has anyone else's experience been similar? Is Google devoting enough resources to this platform?

FYI: I've connected my TCL 4K tv to a soundbar, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Roku, wireless xbox controller, external hard drive, mp3 player and usb stick.

NedSc

You don't need a Google account, you can sideload everything. You can create a TV-specific Google account, and you do not have to enter a phone number. I've done this several times, and they've never required a phone number. It's fairly trivial to use a custom launcher on Android TV, either a true home-screen replacement or a pseudo launcher that is visually the same. No idea WTF you mean when you say some apps are "so much lower" on Android TV. You can delete any files you want on Android TV, just like you would do on an Android phone (use a file manager app).

mrpickem1

I guess to each his own but I've been using AndroidTV close to 3 years and curre try have it on Shield, MiBox S, and a Sony TV. I feel even though the apps are limited you get everything you need for TV. Its quick, it learns your habits and makes good reccomendations and most importantly you can get 4K, HDR, Dolby, etc...

woodsdog

OP, I'm not really sure what you are looking for. I have been using Android TV for years now (got the Nexus Player way back) and I am quite happy with it.

I do agree with others in the post that Android TV could use more love from Google. But I could say that about so many Google projects. I also get that you don't want to put in your google account to login. I live with it, not a huge deal to me (and others) but I respect your decision.

OP, again, I guess what I'm missing is what are you looking for? What is an example of something that is better? Are you looking fore Apps that aren't available? Games? Do you want a Apple TV thing (I think it's called TVOS?) Is Roku more your speed?

To me, Android TV provides solid hardware at a decent price, it isn't too locked down (like Roku), has a great range of apps, a lot that aren't on other devices. FireTV and Roku just don't have nearly the selection. And, you can side load anything else if you want. For me it's the BEST TV media player out there. The apps, hardware, codecs, all just work for me.

DeskReference

Lol, alright return it. See ya later loser.

f1vefour

Android TV is Google's unloved step child, I far prefer it to Roku but ATV certainly needs some major love.

sinistar2000

I have had one for 3 weeks and I am extremely underwhelmed too. The user experience on AndroidTV is what I’d expect from a design 10 years old. Even the gaming support on it is poor. Sure you can play some retro games with emulators but the androidTV game library is abysmal and a missed opportunity. I guess Google want to dable here but it’s not their core focus at all.