If you think your TV is only good for watching DTT or a video platform, you're missing out on a lot of possibilities. Today, Smart TV can be Media center, home control panel, work display, console-less console, and much more, all thanks to apps and features you may not have tried yet.
We've gathered the best ideas and apps to really get the most out of your TV in one place. From sending files in seconds to customizing the interface, watching DTT without an antenna, playing any format, browse the internet comfortably or make video calls in styleTake note, because with a few basic installations and adjustments, your Smart TV can take things to the next level.
TV management: files, apps, and remote buttons
To start, it's a good idea to have a couple of utilities that make it easier to move content between devices and organize what you save on your TV. With Send files to TV You can transfer files from your mobile phone or computer to your Smart TV (and vice versa) on your local network, wirelessly and in seconds. It's free, works on Android TV/Google TV and Android mobile, and with a small donation you can remove the advertising.
As a full-featured file manager, File Commander It offers shortcuts to images, videos, and music, format conversion, recycle bin, and synchronization with Google Drive. It has a light/dark mode and a premium version to remove ads and activate extras like encryption or advanced trash.
If you prefer a dual-pane drag-and-drop interface, X‑Plore File Manager It's a Swiss Army knife that fits very well on TVs with Android TV, Chromecast or Fire TV. It even displays a disk map to see at a glance what's taking up space, and makes it easy to copy between internal storage, USB, NAS or the cloud.
You can also choose to Fx file explorer, very useful if you install APKs outside the store, as it facilitates access to all internal folders, network connections, and multimedia file management. It's a key aid for those who want to organize downloads, videos, and apps well on the TV.
Does your controller have buttons that you hardly ever use? With Button Mapper You can remap them to open apps or perform actions with a single, double, or long press. It's ideal for launching your favorite player instantly, making screenshots or access settings without getting lost in menus.
Customize the interface and screensaver
If you're bored with your TV's main screen, you have alternatives to give it a new look. With FLauncher You can change the app launcher to a fast, ad-free, open source, and highly configurable one: organize apps by categories, change the background, adjust the order and navigate smoothly.
Want to see sideloaded apps that aren't listed in the grid? Sideload launcher It shows you everything you have installed, even if it's not officially compatible with Android TV. It's also easy to use. simple and free, without having to resort to ADB commands.
Another way is to install Google TV Home If you have Android TV and fancy a more modern look & feel. Although it doesn't replicate all the details 100%, it increasingly incorporates more features to bring the experience closer to Google TV, with a visual home screen and recommendations.
For those who enjoy spectacular screensavers, Aerial Dream Brings the famous Apple TV backgrounds to your TV with aerial landscapes in 1080p and 4K, time, and location. You can adjust the quality and timeouts to turn your TV into a high definition animated picture.
Finally, if you want to see mobile ads on TV, Notifications for Android TV Replicates notifications with fine control over which apps appear, where, and how. So you know what's important without picking up your phone, with a control center to review pending items.
Essential video and music platforms
In the streaming department, your Smart TV shines brightly. Netflix It remains a staple for series and movies, with profiles, quality ranging from SD to 4K, and support for HDR, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos on compatible plans. A revamped interface and a huge library with exclusive productions.
With Disney + You can access Disney classics along with Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic catalogues. It usually offers one of the better image quality in 4K HDR, and it's perfect if there are little ones at home thanks to the children's profiles.
Max brings together the HBO brand (Game of Thrones, Succession, Friends) and adds live sports in some markets. Its Smart TV app maintains a very similar experience to HBO Max that many already knew.
En Amazon Prime Video You'll find movies and series included in your annual Prime subscription, as well as rentals and purchases. Its catalog is extensive and growing in its own production, with Full HD and 4K options and Atmos support on select titles.
Apple TV + It may not have the largest library, but it does have a reputation for quality TV shows and movies. The app is already available on many Android TV/Google TVs, and it lets you subscribe, buy or rent titles without complications.
For music, Spotify It's the fast track to your playlists and podcasts; if you're looking for Hi-Res quality, Tidal offers high-resolution sound and also music videos Both apps turn your TV into a stereo or karaoke system if you activate lyrics.
If YouTube is too much for you to bear because of the advertising, SmartTube Next It is an open source client that allows you to log in with your account and watch videos without ads, as well as display technical data such as codec, bitrate or resolution.
And if you want free channels without registering, Pluto TV Add 24/7 themed channels (humor, cooking, cartoons, full series) and on-demand content at no cost; for creator live shows, Twitch brings the universe of streaming to TV with chats and live channels.
DTT without an antenna and on-demand content
If your antenna is not working properly or you don't have a power outlet nearby, there are alternatives for watching your usual channels. tivify offers a clear interface with programming guide, national and international channels, and features such as 7-day recording and catch-up (with limits depending on the plan: the free one restricts it to RTVE and regional channels).
Another popular option is TDTChannels, a free project that aggregates Internet TV channels and has been updated with new lists. It is very useful for access linear dials without tuning.
For content from specific groups, you have the official apps. ATRESplayer brings together Antena 3, laSexta, Neox and Nova, with live and on-demand broadcasts, adding exclusive premium content. My TV does the same with Telecinco, Cuatro, Divinity, FDF and other Mediaset channels, with personalized lists and recommendations.
If you prefer public television, RTVE Play gives you access to La 1, La 2, 24h or Teledeporte live and on demand, with documentaries, children's programs and special events. These apps allow you to watch live or catch up whenever it suits you.
Media players and servers
To turn your TV into a complete multimedia center, there are three names that are essential. VLC It is the universal player par excellence: free, open source and compatible with formats such as MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, TS, M2TS or AAC, without downloading codecs separately. It also plays from USB, local network and streaming protocols.
Kodi It goes beyond the player: it is a modular environment with add-ons, emulation, decoding and customization to organize libraries and access all kinds of sourcesYou can use it to watch DTT via lists, integrate services, and set up a powerful media center at no cost.
With plex You can centralize your content on a server (PC, NAS, etc.) and play it on your TV with metadata, cover art, and synchronization between devices. It's perfect for those who want to keep their content organized. movies, series and music and see them anywhere.
To send content from other devices, Airscreen It allows you to receive encrypted AirPlay, Chromecast, Miracast, and DLNA; it works great for projecting from iPhone or iPad to TVs with Android TV/Google TV. Meanwhile, BubbleUPnP acts as a DLNA client/server and also plays well with Chromecast and other players.
Surfing the Internet and working from the couch
Using a mobile browser on TV can be a pain, but there are apps designed for remote control. Puffin TV Browser It relies on cloud processing to go fast and features a TV-friendly interface with good support for knobs and controls.
As alternatives, LogicUI TV Browser, Zeus TV Browser o TV Web Browser They offer tabbed browsing, incognito mode, and a focus on controller usability. They're perfect for check recipes, read news or search for something specific without getting up to get your laptop.
If you are considering teleworking on a large scale, connect a wireless keyboard and mouse and use the TV as an auxiliary monitor. You can mirror or extend your screen from your PC, and with the Google suite in the browser you can perform basic tasks: write, present, check email with comfort in large format.
For meetings, just one compatible webcam If your TV does not have a camera, and enter calls with the app or the meeting link (for example, with Skype or Whatsapp). The advantage is having your phone or computer free to take notes while you see everyone in a larger view.
Today's weather? AccuWeather is a multi-platform weather app with daily and hourly forecasts, radar, and satellite images. Use the geolocation of your TV to locate you and show you precise data from the living room.
More worthwhile uses
Your Smart TV can also be a art frame or XXL photo holderMany manufacturers integrate low-power modes that lower brightness and refresh rates to display artwork or images as screensavers, ideal when you have guests or want to enhance your decor while spending very little.
If you're into gaming, you don't always need a console. You can install games from the store, cast titles from your mobile or use Steam Link to bring your PC games to your TV via a local network. If you're into streaming, there are options like Amazon Luna (where available) or even netflix games with casual approaches.
Your mobile can become remote control: Pair it with the Google TV app (Android and iOS) and use the virtual remote to text, navigate, or control your TV when the physical remote is hidden between the cushions. It's especially useful for search and enter passwords.
Also don't forget the voice control: With Google Assistant or Alexa on your TV you can open apps, set timers, ask for news or the weather, and if you have compatible devices, manage lights, air conditioning or the sound bar.
To not miss anything on the grill, connect a usb hard drive to the TV (depending on the model) allows you to record programs and watch them whenever you want. And if the app you want isn't in the store, you can always use the side loading with a good file manager; the experience may not be perfect with a controller, but it gets you out of trouble.
Sharing content from your mobile has never been so easy: with Chromecast built-in On many TVs, you can send videos, music, or tabs from compatible apps without any accessories. On mobile devices and services with the send icon, it's literally just a tap away. large screen.
DTT, streaming, local files and more: everything in order
So you don't get lost among so many apps, here's a useful mind map. files and transfers: Send Files to TV, X‑Plore, File Commander, FX. For customization and launchers: FLauncher, Sideload Launcher, Google TV Home, Aerial Dream and Button Mapper. For streaming: Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube/SmartTubeNext, Pluto TV, Twitch, Spotify and Tidal. For DTT now on demand: Tivify, TDTChannels, ATRESplayer, Mitele and RTVE Play. For multimedia center: VLC, Kodi and Plex. For send and project: AirScreen and BubbleUPnP. For surf: Puffin TV, LogicUI, Zeus, TVWeb. and for climate: AccuWeather.
Please note some compatibility notes: App availability may vary by system (Android TV/Google TV, Tizen, webOS) and country; some require active subscription; for child profiles and parental controls on Google TV you will need Family Link; to view personal photos use Google Photos; and native sending is optimized for supported services. On Android and iOS, the virtual controller It's on the Google TV app.
With this arsenal, you'll have seen that the TV can be much more than a screen. By combining a few simple apps and settings, you can transform it from a passive device into an entertainment, productivity, and connected home hub. watch, listen, play, work and share fit together like pieces of a well-made puzzle.