General questions about built-in Google TV OS

by osman_1337

Hello there, I’m in the market for a new TV. I had a Roku TV since the beginning and stuck with it since it was familiar. I’m now looking at getting a new TV with the Google TV OS built-in (no chromecast). I have absolutely no experience or knowledge of the OS so I have a few questions before purchasing the TV:

All the questions refer to the stand alone BUILT-IN Google TV OS, no Chromecast involved. I noticed that when searching for answers online, “chromecast” and “Google TV” was seemingly used interchangeably despite them being 2 similar but separate things.

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  • If I get a tv with Google TV OS built-in, is that enough to be able to side load apps? Or is a chomecast required on top of the already built-in Google TV OS to side load apps?.

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  • Can I side load apps onto my Google TV with an iPhone, or would an Android device be required to do so?

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  • If an android device is required, are there any limitations to what android devices would work? I have an old android tablet laying around, is there a chance it's too old to be able to side load?

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  • If I connect my headphones through bluetooth to the Google TV, will audio from a connected input such as a Playstation or computer be routed to my headphones? I ask this because with Roku, it only allows audio from Roku apps (Youtube, Netflix, etc.) to be routed to your headphones via bluetooth connection, and NOT from any connected inputs.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: This is less so a post for suggestions on what TV I should or should not buy, I may have selected the wrong flair. Rather I'm looking for answers to these questions from people who've had experience with the software.

Deadpool-fan-466
  • Yes, that is enough
  • Yes, you can sideload using an iphone
  • The limitations gonna be mostly the RAM & processor. Unless that tablet runs on Android 5.1 or lower, I think you're good
  • I don't think so (because you changed the input). You have to connect the headphones to those devices separately.
InfoAssistant

One thing is for sure: Never every buy a TV with a built in OS such as Google TV, AndroidTV, FireOS, etc. Tizen and LG OS are the exceptions.

It's better to buy a TV, then buy a streaming stick for it. The performance is so much better.

Elf-Lord

From my perspective, just buy the TV with the best picture panel, then add a Android streaming device. These are a lot cheaper to replace than getting a new TV because the cheap streaming hardware it comes with is not cutting it anymore.

I am partial to Fire TV 4K or 4K MAX sticks or the Xiaomi Mi 4K TV Streaming Sticks currently. Was very happy with a Fire TV 4k stick, which my Daughter now has, and a Mi-Box 3, which was replaced by the Xiaomi Mi 4K TV Streaming Stick.

Nothing better than my Shield TV Pro, but really not an absolute requirement.

Antricluc

Do yourself a favor and buy an Android tv. They are amazing. You can just about add anything to this thing. I have put a 256gb thumb drive in it and have installed alot of apps, most emulators, NES,SNES,n64,Gameboy,Gameboy advance gamegear,neogeo,atari, make and whatever apps and games I can get my hands on from online or whatever supports controller. I have a steel series Bluetooth controller connected that can also work to scroll through the TV. You can send files wirelessly without removing the thumb drive for transferring files. I have all my live tv streams button mapped to the TV controller making it easy for the kids to get online to all movie streams. I have my stadia hooked up as well and wired my Ethernet and have NEVER had a lag or buffer issue.

videostorm1

One really cool feature of Google TVs / Android TVs / Fire OS Tvs

==> You can overlay apps on top of the HDMI inputs. It is like super PIP :)

THAT is why you buy these IMO