Lack of apps from Google on Android TV

by madou_23

I recently bought an Android TV device to use it with my old TV and when I explored its apps, I noticed a lack of apps from Google especially when we talk about web and file browsers which are basic apps for every Android system. I used Puffin and sideloaded Firefox for TV, Silk browser and TV bro, but no one could give me a smartphone-like experience (ad blocking, multiple tabs, synchronization, etc.). I can't understand why Google didn't try to port Chrome to their TV system. The same for file browsing but at least FX browser do the job correctly. Even the remote app to control TV from smartphones wasn't updated since april 2017 and it doesn't support turning off the device or controlling the volume and there is no support to air mouse also.

Is it only me who has this impression or everyone ?

ParticularCod6

Am I the only one that thinks using a web browser in s TV is a big pain the ass?

m-p-3

Personally I wish Google Meet was available officially. I have a webcam on my CCwGTV and it works well for personal video calls on Duo, I wish I could do the same for conference calls from work on my TV through Google Meet (I'm working remotely thanks to the pandemic).

And the option to send a Google Meet through Chromecast doesn't cut it, as it just mirror the video call but it can't use the webcam and microphone on the TV itself.

TheCheapNinja

Is there a native way to force close apps? The home button doesn't seem to work anymore...

aniruddhdodiya

I think in TV browser I expect to have limitations as it has been designed to consume audio video content. However experience could have been better. Like one of my Android TV somehow doesn't have Netflix app support and even Netflix phone app doesn't show Chromecast Inbuilt either ( I think app licencing and DRM Support issue) but it does show Chromecast streaming stick version so atleast I have a way to use Netflix. I went for all TV browsers but none have been working for Netflix website when would like to stream something!! So in that regard it's not reliable. Also I haven't tried keyboard and mouse on TV so that way it might be giving better experience.

And yes there should be a native file app and photo app support in Android TV. I think Good Photos and Files by Google app should be there on TV platform with Nearby Share support so we can drop files too.

And there should be TV apps for Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Team, Skype, Facebook Room etc too.

Also there should be Picture-in-Picture support, split screen support, dual screen support, Program scheduler with reminder alert subscription support in Android TV, also content discovery is a major issue I find in Android TV but CCWGT looking promising if existing OS will even get the update which I'm doubtful.

Se7enLC

Google doesn't even implement Storage Access Framework on AndroidTV. You can't even HAVE a file browser that works properly.

Stiltzkinn

The lack of a Photo app is disturbing, and using casting from phone is not a definitive solution at all.

eweslash

Isn't the clue in the name? It's Android for TV. It's for consuming TV. Your phone, tablet and computer have web browsers.