Why is Android TV so hobbled, even the most basic things like a browser needs to be side loaded and hacked together?
The android assistant implementation is likewise useless, it can't even add a calendar entry and only gives Youtube returns on search queries. I'm on android 8, I'm not sure how much better 9 is.
In the reviews for Puffin browser they say they had to remove the ability to download to get google to let them back on the play store.
I think google doesnt really want a browser on AndroidTV.
Your average person has no need for an internet browser on their tv.
My only complain after coming from Apple TV is the integration with mobile app remote is so bad. The default android tv remote app is just bad and there is no paid/free good alternative. I am really happy with anything else, example atleast you have a browser come to any other tv is you have nothing, atleast easy to install side load app, try that with Apple TV, you need dev account connect to MAC, basically need a lot of stuffs.
"Aptoid TV" fills many of the gaps.
I just installed Puffin Browser from the official play store right out of the box. Can load pretty much any site. Streamed a live webcast yesterday. Also discovered how to cast my entire desktop (zero shuddering) anything I want. As a former Roku user, Android is a lot more robust, IMO.
Android TV is not designed to have a browser by default.
design guidelines: https://developer.android.com/docs/quality-guidelines/tv-app-quality
For web content, the app uses WebView components and does not attempt to launch a web browser app .
Which means non of the app can expect to have a browser on a device. If they want to show a website they have to use WebView.
I rather use my phone to check something, then have the desire to do the same on the TV.
But you're absolutely correct on Google Assistant, we have a scuffed version of it. Same thing with Gboard. That fucking thing has a voice typing function on the phone, but that feature is missing from the android tv version. Imagine having a remote with a mic, so you could dictate with the gboard... ohh wait a second...
This way you could voice type anywhere, not just on screens that expects voice input.
I think it’s largely about being able to control what people can see. It’s anti-freedom of speech, but to keep power, that is a price they are willing to make us pay.
Internet Browsing on low powered cheap media player devices and then display on a TV is about the worst thing I can think of doing from the comfort of an armchair.
Such devices are horrible at it vs Smartphones / Tablets / PC's.
Simply put you are trying to do the wrong things on the wrong device.
Android TV is all about an easy to use Interface, easy to use Apps all controlled with a Dpad wireless remote. Simplicity is it's aimpoint.
u/NedSc says it all!
Did you buy it for streaming with a TV?
I'm amazed at all the down votes to my replies this far. You guys must get your minds blown everytime you hear that an Nvidia Shield running Android TV can play games and has a dedicated gaming controller.
Are you people just very closed minded or not the kind of person who takes the time to explore the limits of what is possible?
For instance my android TV box runs a browser flawlessly, it's not even remotely a revolutionary concept but wanting to do that on Android TV seems to be borderline heretic according to many in this thread.
Because it's a TV streamer, not a PC