Google TV debuted on the brand new Chromecast this week, and whereas it’s not simply a homescreen alternative, the largest modifications from Android TV are obvious there. If you happen to choose the brand new type, right here’s the best way to get the Google TV homescreen on an Android TV system.
As we noted yesterday, sideloading the Google TV launcher APK on an Android TV system doesn’t do something, however with a little bit of elbow grease, you will get issues up and working. Particularly, as pointed out on Reddit, you’ll have to disable the built-in Android TV launcher for the brand new Google TV homescreen to switch it.
Observe: 9to5Google will not be liable for any knowledge loss or errors you might face. Proceed with warning. We solely advocate this course of to these conversant in Android ADB instructions.
First, you’ll want the APK for “Google TV Dwelling.” There are a variety of the way to sideload this, however one of many best strategies I’ve relied on is an easy app known as “Send Files to TV” to switch after which utilizing FX File Explorer to truly carry out the set up.
At this level, you’ll want to interrupt out a pc with ADB help.
Go to your Android TV system and search for Gadget Preferences within the Settings menu. Below About, scroll right down to the Construct Model and repeatedly press it till Developer Choices are enabled. At that time, return to the Gadget Preferences menu and open Developer Choices. Then, you’ll have to allow each USB Debugging and Community Debugging. Then, head again to the Settings menu, go to Gadget Preferences, About, after which click on Standing to acquire your IP tackle.
Now, we’re able to run some instructions.
First, we’ll want to connect with the system utilizing “adb join” and the IP tackle. When you run this command, you’ll most likely be requested in your Android TV to permit your laptop to attach.
- Observe: It’s possible you’ll want so as to add “:5555” to get this working
- adb join [insert IP address]
As soon as that’s related and prepared, we will disable the inventory launcher. Make it possible for the brand new Google TV homescreen launcher is already put in at this level!
- adb shell pm uninstall –consumer 0 com.google.android.tvlauncher
At this level, the Google TV homescreen ought to be out there. If you have to swap again to the Android TV homescreen, run the adjoining command. It will delete your Android TV homescreen preferences, however will cease Google TV residence from taking on.
- adb shell cmd package deal install-existing com.google.android.tvlauncher
It ought to be famous, although, that switching to this new homescreen isn’t flawless. A number of points of the expertise are damaged, most notably search. Nonetheless, the core expertise works just about because it does on Chromecast. You may entry your apps and watchlist, and the brand new homescreen may even efficiently pull out of your Play Motion pictures library. Google TV can be technically nonetheless unique to the US, so that you’ll most likely run into points with the homescreen on different gadgets.
Additionally, it’s necessary to do not forget that Google TV isn’t only a new homescreen. There are bigger modifications to the OS as a complete {that a} fast launcher swap gained’t replicate on older {hardware}. Most gadgets, although, are expected to be updated.
Extra on Android TV:
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