Android TV App – A Complete Overview

Are you looking to expand your brand’s reach and engage with your audience in a new and innovative way? 

Do you know that launching your own branded Android TV app can be an excellent business idea?

With the increasing popularity of streaming services and smart TVs, creating an Android TV app can help your brand stand out and offer a unique user experience. An Android TV app allows your brand to reach a wider audience and tap into the growing trend of cord-cutting. With a projected market growth of 20% CAGR through 2026, it offers endless possibilities to the streaming players.

By offering your content on a platform that is accessible to millions of households, you can increase your brand’s visibility and generate more revenue. Plus, an Android TV app can help you connect with your audience in a more immersive and interactive way, allowing for greater engagement and loyalty.

But what exactly is an Android TV app? How profitable is the market? Or, what are its top features? In this complete overview, we will answer all these questions and more. 

Whether you’re a media company looking to expand your streaming offerings, a retail brand looking to offer a more interactive shopping experience or a content creator looking to expand your audience base, an Android TV app can be a game-changer for your business. So, let’s get started!

What Is an Android TV App?

An Android TV app is an application designed specifically for use on Android-based smart TVs. Unlike regular Android apps, Android TV streaming apps are optimized for use on larger screens and are designed to be navigated with a remote control or game controller. 

These apps can offer a variety of content and features, such as streaming video, games, and social media integration, and can be downloaded and installed directly from the Google Play Store on Android TVs. 

The Android TV platform also allows for easy integration with Google Assistant, making it possible to control your TV and access content with voice commands. An Android TV app can offer a unique and immersive user experience, allowing brands to connect with their audience in a whole new way.

Android TV APP – Origin, History, & Evolution

Android TV app is an evolution of the Android operating system that is specifically designed for use on televisions. The Android TV platform was first announced in 2014, and it has since become a popular choice for smart TV manufacturers and app developers alike. 

Android TV apps are now widely available, offering a variety of content and features to users all over the world.

Here’s a glimpse of the different updates to the Android TV platform:

The Android TV platform has come a long way since its initial release. Today, it is a popular choice for manufacturers of smart TVs and streaming devices, offering a powerful and flexible platform for delivering content to users all over the world. 

As the platform continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more exciting features and capabilities added in the years to come.

A Complete Overview of Android TV APP

1. Apps & Ecosystem

The Android TV app is an important part of the Android TV ecosystem. These apps allow users to access a wide range of content, from streaming video to games and social media.

One of the main advantages of the Android TV platform is the wide variety of apps that are available. Users can choose from thousands of apps, ranging from popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to specialized apps for gaming, sports, and more. The Google Play Store is the primary source for Android TV apps, and users can easily browse and download apps directly from their TV or streaming device.

The Android TV app ecosystem also includes a number of apps that are optimized for use with a TV remote control or game controller. These apps typically feature larger fonts and simplified navigation, making it easy to browse and access content on a big screen. Many apps also support voice commands through Google Assistant, allowing users to search for content, control playback, and more using natural language.

Here are some of the Android TV apps from diverse categories –

• Entertainment: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Plex, Vudu, Kodi, Crunchyroll, Funimation, Tubi, Pluto TV, Philo.
• Gaming: Google Play Games, GeForce NOW, GameFly, RetroArch, PPSSPP, MAME4droid, EmuBox, Happy Chick.
• News: CNN, BBC News, Fox News, NBC News, Haystack TV, Sky News, Newsy, Reuters TV.
• Sports: ESPN, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, DAZN, beIN SPORTS, FuboTV, NBA League Pass, NFL, MLB.TV, NHL.
• Music: Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, YouTube Music, TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Deezer, SoundCloud.
• Lifestyle: TED TV, HomeAdvisor, Yummly, HSN Shop, FitOn, Hayu, MyFitnessPal, Hometalk.
• Education: Khan Academy, Udemy, Coursera, edX, Lynda, Duolingo, TED Talks, NASA.
• Travel: Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Kayak, Skyscanner, Hopper, HotelTonight.
• Productivity: Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, Evernote, Asana, Slack, Zoom, Skype.
• Kids: PBS Kids, Disney Junior, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang, BabyFirst TV, Kidoodle.TV, Hopster, PlayKids.

The Android TV ecosystem also provides developers with a wide range of tools and resources for creating high-quality apps. Google offers a variety of developer tools and documentation, making it easy for developers to create apps that are optimized for the TV platform. 

The Android TV platform also supports a range of video and audio codecs, allowing developers to create apps that deliver high-quality video and audio to users.

2. User Interface

The Android TV user interface is designed to be intuitive, user-friendly, and easy to navigate. It provides a streamlined experience for users, allowing them to quickly and easily access their favorite apps, games, and content. 

The Android TV user interface is based on the same core principles as the Android mobile operating system. It uses a combination of tiles and menus to organize content and provide easy access to key features and settings. The main home screen is divided into several sections, including a row of frequently used apps, a content discovery section, and a row of recommended content based on the user’s viewing history.

• One of the key features of the Android TV user interface is its support for voice commands. Users can activate the Google Assistant by pressing a button on their remote control, or by using a compatible smart speaker or other device. This allows users to search for content, control playback, and access settings using natural language commands.
• The Android TV user interface also supports a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their home screen and adjust settings to meet their specific needs and preferences. Users can rearrange the order of their apps, hide apps that they don’t use, and customize the background image and other visual elements.
• Android TV user interface supports multiple user profiles. This allows multiple users to share a single device while maintaining their own personalized settings, viewing history, and recommendations. Users can switch between profiles with just a few taps, making it easy to share a device with family members or roommates.
• In addition to its core interface features, the Android TV user interface also provides access to a range of advanced settings and options. Users can adjust video and audio settings, including resolution, color depth, and audio output, to optimize their viewing experience. 

They can also configure network settings, set up parental controls, and adjust a variety of other settings to meet their specific needs.

3. Search Functionality

The search functionality on Android TV is a powerful tool that allows users to easily find the content they want to watch. Whether it’s a movie, TV show, or specific episode, Android TV makes it simple to search across multiple sources and find the best options for the user.

• One of the key features of the Android TV search functionality is its ability to search across multiple apps and services simultaneously. Users can search for content across apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more, all from a single search bar. This eliminates the need to open each app individually and search for the same content multiple times.
• The Android TV search functionality also supports natural language queries, allowing users to speak their search terms instead of typing them out.  For example, a user can say “Show me action movies starring Tom Cruise” and the search results will display relevant movies from various streaming services. This makes the search process more convenient and accessible for users, especially those who prefer to use voice commands.
• In addition to searching for specific movies or TV shows, the Android TV search functionality can also be used to discover new content. The “trending” and “recommended” sections of the search results provide users with suggestions based on their viewing history and interests. This helps users find new content they might not have discovered otherwise.
• Android TV search functionality also supports personalized recommendations. As users watch more content on the platform, Android TV learns their preferences and suggests content that is tailored to their interests. This creates a more personalized and engaging viewing experience for users, and helps them find content they will enjoy.

The search functionality on Android TV is designed to be fast and responsive. Search results are displayed quickly, and users can easily filter results by genre, actor, rating, and other criteria. This makes it easy for users to find exactly what they’re looking for, without having to sift through pages of irrelevant content.

4. Voice Control

Voice control is one of the key features of Android TV that provides a seamless and hands-free experience for users. With the integration of Google Assistant, users can control their Android TV using natural language commands and interact with their device without the need for a remote control.

• The Google Assistant on Android TV is similar to the Google Assistant found on Android smartphones and other devices. It can be activated by pressing a button on the remote control or by using a compatible smart speaker or other device. Once activated, users can ask the Assistant to perform a wide range of functions, from searching for content to controlling playback and adjusting settings.
• One of the most popular use cases for voice control on Android TV is content discovery. Users can simply ask the Google Assistant to find a specific TV show or movie, and it will search across multiple apps and services to find the best options. This eliminates the need to navigate through multiple menus and search bars, making content discovery faster and more convenient.
• Voice control on Android TV is also useful for controlling playback. Users can use voice commands to play, pause, rewind, and fast-forward content, making it easy to navigate through movies and TV shows without having to pick up a remote control.
• In addition to content discovery and playback control, the Google Assistant on Android TV can also be used to adjust settings and access other features. Users can ask the Assistant to adjust the volume, change the channel, or turn the TV off, among other things. They can also use voice commands to launch apps, search the web, or perform other functions that are normally accessed through a remote control or on-screen menu.
• Voice control on Android TV is particularly useful for users with disabilities or mobility issues. It provides an easy and accessible way to interact with the TV, without requiring them to use a remote control or navigate through menus. 

This makes the Android TV platform more inclusive and user-friendly, and helps to ensure that all users can enjoy the benefits of smart TV technology.

Also read: How to Create Your Own Android TV App Without Coding?

Android TV App Market and Growth Scope

According to recent market reports, the global Android TV market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 20% through 2026. 

This growth is expected to bring the market value to US $231 billion, with increasing demand across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. As a result, the Android TV ecosystem is becoming an attractive option for streaming companies looking to capitalize on its growth potential. 

Furthermore, Android TV’s ability to support both Android and Apple TV+ content makes it an appealing choice for streaming companies looking to target users from both ecosystems.

The Bottom Line

As more and more users turn to streaming services for their entertainment needs, there is a growing demand for high-quality, user-friendly TV apps that offer a seamless viewing experience. By launching your own branded Android TV app, you can tap into this demand and provide users with an engaging and enjoyable way to access your content.

The growing Android TV market, combined with the benefits and opportunities offered by the Android TV ecosystem, make launching your own branded Android TV app a lucrative business idea. With careful planning, strategic development, and a focus on delivering a high-quality user experience, you can build a successful and profitable Android TV app business that caters to the needs of modern consumers.

But to start with, you need the right platform. With Muvi One, you can easily launch your own branded Android TV app, without any coding. 

Furthermore, it offers a range of competitive features and solutions such as –

Also, this all-in-one OTT platform provider supports more than 16 environments, including Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and LG TV, among others. Sign up for a 14-day free trial to get started (no credit card needed)!

FAQs

• What is an Android TV app?

An Android TV app is a software application specifically designed to run on the Android TV platform, providing users with access to various multimedia content, streaming services, games, and other features on their smart TVs.

• How do I customize the user interface of Muvi’s Android TV app?

To customize the user interface of Muvi’s Android TV app, you can leverage the customization options provided by Muvi’s platform, allowing you to personalize the app’s layout, colors, branding, and content organization to match your specific preferences and requirements.

• Can I monetize my Android TV app?

Yes, you can monetize your Android TV app using various methods such as integrating in-app purchases, subscriptions, advertisements, or even offering premium content or services. This enables you to generate revenue from your app by providing value to your users.

• Are Android TV apps compatible with all smart TVs?

Android TV apps are generally compatible with most smart TVs that run on the Android TV operating system, including popular brands like Sony, Philips, Sharp, TCL, and more. However, it’s essential to check the compatibility requirements and specifications of the specific smart TV model you have to ensure compatibility.