Tips and tricks to get the most out of your Android TV

With some remarkable emerging innovations, technology is going through a golden age. A lot has changed from the past. Our phones, watches, PCs are all becoming smarter day by day. What to say more? Our living rooms have also been smarter with the smart TVs. The “idiot box” is no longer an idot🤫. Android TVs can enhance this smartness by offering on-demand streaming, customization, personalized recommendations, and even video games. There are even many tips and tricks available for your Android TV so that you can get the most out of it.

Do you still wonder about what makes Android TV stand out from the other smart TVs? If so, then you’re on the right page! There is always something new to learn about them because new features are always being added to improve our experience. Android TVs are gaining a lot of attention with their wide variety of features and designs. However, many are not utilizing Android TV to their fullest potential. We can do more than play video games and watch television. So, grab a cup of coffee and dive into the tips and tricks you need to know to get the most out of your Android TV.

Best tricks and tips for Android TV

If you have a new Android TV and have yet to discover its features, it’s time to learn some tips to improve your TV experience. Here, we’ve compiled a list of Android TV tricks and tips for both business and personal use. These tips can help you get the most out of your Android TV.

Business purposes

1. Make use of Google Assistant and voice control

Google Assistant is the most capable and interactive assistant currently available out there. It is now widely available, even on your Android TVs. Wanna know the most recent sports scores, the weather report, add activities to your calendar, or inquire about your schedule? Google Assistant is there for you; just a call away. There are several activities that Google Assistant can help you with. We can even use AI to browse or search for anything that we wish for!

Using the microphone on your TV remote, you may speak to the Assistant using the standard “Hey Google” greeting or by hitting a special button to activate the voice control. To confirm that voice activation is enabled, go to Settings and choose Device Preferences >> Google Assistant. Then, make the “Ok Google” detection active. You can also use the button on your remote control to start Google Assistant if your model doesn’t have this setting. When you do this, there is no need to say “Hey, Google” before giving a command because the moment you click the button, it begins to listen for instructions.

You can also use your Android TV to control your smart home appliances. For that, you only need to install the Google Home app on all of your smart devices. Then, connect your phone and TV to the same Google account and start controlling your entire home at your fingertips!

This feature can assist businesses in managing and scheduling appointments, customer service and essential technical support while saving time and enabling employees to focus on other activities.

2. Customized screensavers

Are you tired of seeing black screens on your TV when it’s inactive? Do you love to use customized screen savers on your phone and PCs? If so, then you’ll be happy to know that you can do this on your Android TV.

The chosen screensaver gets active when your Android TV is inactive for a while. You can select from a variety of landscapes and gradient backgrounds. Additionally, you can decide and control when your screensaver should kick in after your screen becomes inactive. Open Settings >> Screen saver >> Backdrop to select your screen saver and modify the time your TV should wait before activating the feature.

Would you like to set your backdrop to a photo of your company logo? You can also carry this out using the Google Home app on your smartphone. Select any photo you want from your company albums using this feature and set it up as your screensaver. You can highlight any events or special days you love. So, avoid using generic pictures on your Android TV screensaver from now on!

3. Personalize the home screen

The home screen of Android TV serves as a central location where you can access all of your apps. However, there’s a chance that things won’t be put up the way you want them. Don’t worry! You can now change your home screen to look exactly as you want. In addition, you can designate preferred apps and make sure they appear on the home screen. This enables quick access whenever you need it.

So, how can your home screen be modified? It’s a quick and simple step. Just choose the apps you need to highlight on your home screen. Then, hold down the OK button while pressing on them. There will be several choices available from here.

Next time you have to give a business presentation, don’t worry about wasting time finding, selecting and logging into the apps you need. Instead, you can move the apps and choose which ones to place into your favorites. You can customize your home screen just the way you and your organization want!

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4. Video Calling with Duo (PiP Support)

Google Duo is now available on Android TV. All you need to do is install a webcam, and Android TV will handle the rest. Also, remember that to use this functionality, your Android TV must be running the Android 9 release.

The best part is that Google Duo on Android TV supports Picture-in-Picture mode (PiP). For instance, pressing the home button on the remote while you are on a Duo video conversation will cause a PiP window to display as an overlay. With this feature, you can now have video conferencing with your manager and still have the option to browse the internet on your Android TV.

5. Mirror your phone/laptop with Chromecast

We all have trouble finding cables to share files and documents from our phones to other devices. The Chromecast (Google Cast) feature in the Android TV removes this concern of ours. We can project audio and video from apps on your computer or mobile device to your Android TV without a cable. Apps that work with Chromecast include YouTube, Instagram, Google Images, Spotify and Google Chrome.

The most recent OS upgrades and a network connection are required for your Android TV and the other device to enable this feature. Once that is set up, all you have to do is launch a Chromecast-compatible app on your smartphone, computer, or tablet. Then click on the Chromecast symbol to start casting your presentation on the Android TV. Businesses find this feature to be quite useful as they make it simple to share presentations and other visualizations with just one touch of the screen.

6. Utilize the Data saver mode

Data saver is crucial for workplaces so as to prevent additional expenses related to data consumption. The data saver mode will help to avoid reckless usage of data. Google’s Data Saver Mode is a fantastic addition to Android TV. The users can enable alerts with this feature if the data crosses specific thresholds.

To enable this feature, navigate to Settings >>Device preferences>>Data saver mode. Use this feature and have a grip on the telecom expense of your workplace.

7. Sideload Launcher

The Google Play Store for Android TV displays specialized apps created for your big screen. Sideloading is another method of adding apps to Android TV if you cannot find what you’re looking for in Google Play Store. Although it is less convenient, sideloading is occasionally the only method to add difficult-to-find apps.

Also, remember that Google does not independently scan sideloaded apps for threats like malware. Compatibility problems can also arise, particularly if the questioned software wasn’t created for Android TV.

Through this feature, the developers can provide the .apk files to beta testers to install and check its installation process prior to being made available on the Play Store. When sideloading an app, the enterprise should always take care to use the .apk files only from reputable, well-known sources.

The ultimate guide to Android TV management

Personal purposes

1. Use your smartphone as your TV remote

This next trick is for you if you enjoy experimenting with the technology you can now use your smartphone as a television remote control. While a remote is always helpful for adjusting the volume and channel on the TV, it is slow to perform things like inputting passwords or performing searches. However, by enabling this feature, you can enter text, navigate menus, and even activate Google Assistant using your Android smartphone.

To use this, all you need to do is download an app to your smartphone. The Android TV and your smartphone simply need to be connected over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for it to work. Next, tap the name of your TV in the Android TV Remote Control App. Enter the OTP and press Pair when your TV displays a PIN prompt. All done!

There’s no need to seek around for the TV remote next time, when you already have a smartphone in your pocket😉.

2. Adjust the quick settings

Now you can save your preferred settings to the Quick Settings window. You won’t have to go through menus and configuration screens anymore. When you use the cog symbol ⚙️ (top right) to enter the settings, the quick settings panel will show at the top of the screen. You may quickly access anything you’ve saved there with a few touches on your remote control.

To customize these quick settings, navigate to Settings and choose Device Preferences >> System >> Customize Quick Settings. Create quick shortcuts from there to restart your Android TV device, display the on-screen keyboards, and more.

3. Turn on Game mode for the gamers in you

Many excellent games are available on Android TV, but there are more convenient options than using a remote control. Pairing a Bluetooth-enabled game controller (like Newer Xboxes and PlayStations) with your console is far better.

Open the Settings menu on your Android TV device, then select Remotes & Accessories. Select Add an accessory to search for your controller. There are just too many Android TV games to list here. The Google Play Store offers popular games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Zen Pinball, Crossy Road, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy, and many others. If necessary, you can also use the controller to access the home screen of your TV and other apps.

4. Expand your Storage capacity

Everyone will face storage issues on their devices at some point. Fortunately, your Android TV device has an Adoptable Storage feature that allows you to add external memory.

For that, you’ll need a microSD card or an external USB storage device to initiate the setup. Next, pick the storage device under Settings >> Storage >> Reset. To finish the process, choose Set up as internal storage and then select Format. Now that you have external storage, your device will treat it the same way as internal storage. Just keep in mind not to remove the microSD card or USB device.

5. Screenshot feature

Did you know that your Android TV allows you to snap screenshots? If you want to remember something and share it with someone later on, or if you want to capture something important in a meeting or get an image from your favorite movie, you can now capture them with this feature.

To take a screenshot press the power button and volume down button on the remote simultaneously. A screenshot will be taken at this point. They can be kept and accessed on your television’s SD card. It is significant to note that not all smart TVs will permit screenshots. You should establish an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) connection if you discover that this does not function with your Android TV.

Why Hexnode UEM for your Android TV?

The adoption of Android TVs in businesses has already started. With the help of their screen mirroring features and digital signage capabilities, Android TVs have created countless opportunities in the workplace.

So just as with other platforms, the organizations should expand their control and management options over the Android TVs to get the most out of it. Organizations can support the complete lifecycle management of Android TVs using UEM solutions like Hexnode.
Hexnode’s Android TV management solution enables businesses to eliminate threats and ensure a secure and productive environment for their corporate Android TVs. The main features offered by Hexnode UEM for Android TV management include the following:

• Enrollment and provisioning
• Policies and Configurations
• Security Management
• Application and Content Management
• Network data management
• Kiosk Management

Closing lines

You don’t require professional calibration to get the most out of your Android TV. As discussed above, there are many options for configuring and improving your Android TV in a matter of minutes. Your experience will now be much easier with these tweaks. So why the wait? Switch on your Android TV and experiment with these features one by one😉.