Top 5 Android TV Launcher Apps

Top 5 Android TV Launcher Apps

If you’ve ever complained about how dull your Android TV launcher is, you’re not alone. Many people with Android TV complain that they don’t like the default launcher design. The launcher refers to the home screen that pops up when you turn on your TV. On Android TV, you use this screen to navigate to your apps and menus. This is similar to the homepage that appears when you open your Spectrum TV app. As this is the first thing you see on your TV, of course it must be pleasant. However, the boring design offered by Android leaves a lot to desire.

Lucky for you, there are many apps you can download to fix this problem. Through the Android store on your TV, you can choose an app that will change up your TV launcher. Hence, you could design your home screen as you please. With custom colors and themes, you can change your home screen from an eye-sore to a piece of art. 

Here are some of the best apps that will help you spruce up your Android TV screens. Using these, you can ensure that your TV reflects your sense of style and impresses all users.

#1 ATV Launcher

ATV Launcher is one of the most popular apps of its kind for Android TVs. Using this app, you can customize your TV launcher in various ways. For instance, you can add a time or weather widget to your home screen. Moreover, you can replace the default widgets of your apps with cooler designs! This way, you can even create a whole new theme.

Additionally, you will be able to change background colors and images, as well as the widget tiles. Also, the ATV Launcher app comes with support for D-Pad optimized navigation. Using this, you will have an improved user interface experience.

#2 Ugoos TV Launcher

Ugoos TV Launcher is a favorite of Android TV users. It stands out from other apps through its neat and minimal interface. When you install this app, you will get a scrolling wheel on the side of your screen. Then, you’ll be able to use this wheel to look for any apps. This is a unique and very satisfying method of navigation that many Android TV users adore.

Additionally, all your apps will show up highlighted on the right side of your screen. So, whether you want to open the Internet, Options, or Games, you simply have to scroll.

Moreover, you can use this app to customize your screen. For example, you can adjust the size of text and borders. This app also comes with remote control and air mouse support.

#3 HALauncher

Handheld App Launcher, or HALauncher, is a popular choice among Android TV users. With a clean and modern UI, this app can instantly liven up your home screen. With features like recent apps and a search option, this app also makes it easy to navigate. Moreover, you can even open non-Android TV apps using HALauncher.

There are also many customization options in this app. You can change your widgets, color schemes, and even background graphics.

#4 TVHome Launcher

This app is ideal for those who enjoy Samsung or LG’s TV interface. Using this app, you can get a similar home screen with very little effort. When you download this app, your native launch screen will be replaced by a minimal design that is easy to navigate. This is the ideal app for those who can’t stand cluttered screens. With this launcher, all your app widgets will neatly line up the bottom of your screen. This will make your launch screen much tidier to look at.

#5 Simple TV Launcher

Another app with a minimal design, the Simple TV launcher has many fans. When you download this app, you will get the option to select six main widgets. These app widgets will neatly sit at the center of your screen. Therefore, you can bring all your most-used apps within your easy reach. To access all other apps, you can simply open a menu in the top right corner. This is an open-source app that you can get from GitHub.

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Which is better, Samsung or Android TV?

Tizen TV uses Samsung’s proprietary Tizen OS, while Android TV uses Google’s Android operating system. Tizen TV has a more straightforward and intuitive interface, while Android TV has more customization options and access to Google Play Store.

Is Android TV better than intelligent TV?

As mentioned earlier, Android TV is a smart TV, though it has more choices in some auxiliary functions and application libraries. Smart TV providing a user-friendly and straightforward interface, usually performs better and runs faster than Android TV because there are fewer applications to launch.

Which brand of Android TV is best?

Some of the top and best android tv brands in India are:

• redmi/mi.
• OnePlus.
• TCL.
• Acer.
• Kodak.
• Sony.
• Samsung.

What does Android TV mean?

A Google TV™ or Android TV™ are TVs that use the Android Operating System (OS) from Google Inc. Android TVs have been included as part of Sony’s TV line-up since 2015, and the Google TVs were introduced in 2021.

Top 5 Android TV Launcher Apps

What Is Samsung Tizen TV?

Samsung Tizen is a Linux-based operating system developed by Samsung Electronics in collaboration with the Linux Foundation. Initially, Tizen was envisioned as an open-source platform for mobile devices to compete with Android and iOS. Still, it eventually expanded to other devices, such as smart TVs, smartwatches, and home appliances.

The history of Samsung Tizen TV App can be traced back to 2014 when Samsung announced the first Tizen-powered smart TV. It was a significant milestone for Tizen, marking the platform’s expansion beyond mobile devices. Since then, Samsung has continued to invest in Tizen TV, expanding its ecosystem of apps and services and improving the user experience.

What Is Android TV?

Android TV App is an operating system developed by Google for smart TVs and digital media players. It is a version of the Android operating system optimized for large screens and remote control use.

The history of the Android TV App can be traced back to 2010 when Google launched Google TV. This platform integrated Google’s search engine, web browsing, and other features with television programming. Google TV struggled to gain traction, and in 2014, Google introduced Android TV App as a replacement. Android TV App was designed to provide a simpler and more intuitive user experience while still offering access to a wide range of apps and services.

Also read Samsung Tizen App & OS: All You Need to Know.

Samsung Tizen TV Vs Android TV: A Comparative Overview

1. Samsung Tizen TV Vs Android TV: Software & Apps

Regarding distinguishing between Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV, their software and apps are two of the most significant factors. If you prefer watching content from the Google Play Store app and other platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, Android TV might be the better choice since it offers access to over 700 million shows and movies. Additionally, Android TV allows you to watch Apple TV+ content as well. 

On the other hand, the Samsung Tizen TV App ecosystem includes a wide range of apps, including popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube. It also supports Samsung’s Smart Hub, which provides access to various apps, games, and other content. 

Samsung Tizen TV Vs Android TV: UI

A streaming platform’s user interface can significantly impact the user experience, engagement, and ease of access. Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV have notably different UI designs. Android TV, for instance, boasts a clean and straightforward interface that’s easy to navigate. Its menu includes simple options like Search, Home, Discover, and Apps. 

The content, whether apps, shows, or movies, is arranged in streamlined rows with the most popular and recommended content at the top. You can discover content tailored to your preferences in the Discover tab and receive personalized recommendations for various apps, shows, and movies. Additionally, you can easily customize the Android TV home screen with just a few button clicks.

The Tizen UI is designed to offer users a seamless and intuitive experience when using their TV. The UI is customizable and provides easy access to various features and apps. One of the most prominent features of the Tizen UI is the Smart Hub. The Smart Hub provides a one-stop shop for users to access all their favourite apps, streaming services, and live TV channels. The Smart Hub is divided into different categories such as Recommended, Apps, Games, and Live TV, making it easy for users to quickly find the content they want.

It also offers users the ability to customize the home screen. Users can pin their favourite apps or streaming services to the home screen for easy access. The UI also allows users to customize the wallpaper to their liking, adding a personal touch to their TV.

Samsung Tizen TV Vs Android TV: Voice Control

Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV offer voice control features, but they differ in functionality and integration with virtual assistants.

Android TV is integrated with Google Assistant, which provides a more comprehensive and AI-powered voice control experience. Users can use Google Assistant to control their TV, search for content, get answers to questions, and even control other smart devices in their homes. With Google Assistant, users can perform tasks such as adjusting the volume, launching apps, and searching for content using voice commands. Additionally, Google Assistant can be used to control other smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras, making it a powerful tool for home automation.

On the other hand, Samsung Tizen TV is integrated with Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant. Bixby allows users to control their TV using voice commands, search for content, and access apps. However, Bixby’s functionality is limited compared to Google Assistant, and it offers a different level of integration with other intelligent home devices. Despite this, Samsung has tried to improve Bixby’s functionality and integration with other devices, such as its Galaxy smartphones and other Samsung appliances.

Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV offer similar voice control features, such as changing channels, searching for content, and adjusting settings using voice commands. However, the level of integration with virtual assistants is where the main differences lie. Google Assistant is more advanced and offers a broader range of functionality, making it a more attractive option for those seeking a comprehensive voice control experience.

Another factor to consider when comparing voice control in Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV is the quality of the microphone. The quality of the microphone can affect the accuracy and responsiveness of the voice control feature. In this regard, Samsung Tizen TV has an advantage, as Samsung TVs typically have higher-quality microphones compared to other brands.

Samsung Tizen TV Vs Android TV: Search & Navigation

Search and navigation are crucial features in smart TVs, allowing users to find and access content quickly. Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV offer competitive search and navigation features, but they differ in functionality.

Android TV’s search and navigation feature is integrated with Google Assistant, making it highly advanced and intuitive. Users can use voice search to find content quickly; the system can even understand natural language queries. For example, a user can ask Google Assistant to “find action movies from the 90s”, and the system will display a list of relevant results. Additionally, Android TV offers a universal search function that allows users to search for content across different apps and services.

Samsung Tizen TV’s search and navigation feature is integrated with Samsung’s Smart Hub, providing users easy access to apps and services. The Smart Hub is divided into different categories, such as Recommended, Apps, and Live TV, making it easy for users to quickly find the content they want. Additionally, Samsung Tizen TV offers a universal search function that allows users to search for content across different apps and services.

While both systems offer voice search, universal search, and customizable home screens, Android TV’s integration with Google Assistant gives it an advantage in advanced search capabilities and natural language queries. 

Samsung Tizen TV Vs Android TV: Market & Growth Scope

Recent market reports state that the global Android TV market is poised to grow significantly in the coming years. Specifically, the market is expected to reach a US $231 billion value by 2026, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 20% through that period. 

With increasing demand across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, the Android TV ecosystem is becoming an attractive option for streaming market players looking to take advantage of its growth potential. Additionally, the fact that Android TV supports Android and Apple TV+ content implies that it can target users from both ecosystems, making it an even more attractive choice for streaming companies.

On the other hand, With a share of 19.6% in sales volume in the global market in 2022, Samsung was the leading intelligent TV vendor, according to a report by Statista. Samsung Tizen TV App was the most widely used intelligent TV operating system in the world, with a market share of 12.5%. The report also stated that Samsung’s smart TV market share had increased by 14.6% from the previous year, indicating strong growth and adoption of the platform.

In terms of market growth, the global smart TV market is expected to grow in the coming years. With over 190 million users across 190 countries, the Samsung Tizen platform remains at the forefront of leading streaming businesses. 

Global sales of Tizen-powered devices surpassed 300 million units in the last five years. Samsung has been named the number one global innovative TV manufacturer for the past 15 years, with all Samsung smart TVs based on Tizen OS since 2015. Leading streaming businesses increasingly utilize this intelligent TV platform, making it a lucrative business opportunity for entrepreneurs.

The Bottom Line

The debate between Android TV and Samsung Tizen TV is ever-growing among viewers and streaming market players, as both offer unique advantages and perks. As a streaming market player, you can choose one or both to expand your reach, scale your business, and increase profitability. But to start with, you need a reliable, high quality and simple-to-use platform to launch your own branded Android or Samsung Tizen TV app.

Muvi One, an all-in-one OTT platform provider, can help you launch your branded Android and Samsung Tizen TV app without writing a single line of code. Moreover, Muvi One supports over 16 environments, including Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and LG TV. Sign up for a 14-day free trial today to launch your branded intelligent TV app (no credit card required).

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API