I just got my first AndroidTV. Now What?

by joshuaferris

I just bought a Sony ah8. Any thoughts on what should be some of the first apps to install? Tips for a newbie? This is my first smart TV. I had an older TV with a Chromecast for years.

Do you think Stadia will ever be available natively on this TV?

Waggmans

https://smartyoutubetv.github.io/

Erick_Planure

Don't know how Sony works but here's my few tips:

  1. Enter Developer's options and set all animations to zero. You'll get a slightly snappier TV.
  2. Turn off automatic updates. Sometimes - to me it happens a lot with Amazon Prime, the new updates to various apps just don't work.
  3. Install a sidelauncher. This way you'll get access to apps you will/might sideloading.
  4. Install Send Files To TV - a useful app for sending files to TV. There will be some moments when you'll want to send files (APKs mostly) to TV.
  5. Install some file manager - if your TV will not have one already.
  6. Install a browser with an Ad Block. I use Google Chrome with add-ons.
  7. Install a native Ad Block app. I use Ad Guard.
  8. Use a wireless combo - mouse and keyboard. Plus use a USB hub for convenience because you might want to attach a USB/SDD/HDD
ja-ber

99% of the times I only use YouTube and Netflix.

sc0rp10n101

With regards to Stadia, I think it will. But I do have it side loaded on my daughter's Android TV at present. Here's a guide that may well help.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Stadia/comments/k7vien/how_to_install_stadia_on_android_tv/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

coldest_hands

Install SmartYoutube, have a file explorer (solid or xplore), vlc is a must, twilight if you watch tv late at night.

trlef19

Stadia should run fine when it becomes available

MinutesFromTheMall

I’m a big fan of Hulu. There’s a ton of content at a very fair price.

hotrodx

If you know your way with emulation, try installing RetroArch.