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With advances in technology, our electronics are becoming smarter. From the TVs in the living room to the refrigerators in the Kitchen, there’s something smart about all the simple electronics that are slowly becoming complex.
One thing that has changed a lot over the years is television. Not only has the display technology evolved, but we now have smart TVs that run Android or other smart TV software. Aside from Android being in-built into the TV, there are now TV boxes that users can purchase to convert their otherwise dumb TVs into Smart TVs ultimately.
Seeing that the most popular TV boxes run Android and there are also a number of Android-powered TVs out there, we’ve combined a list of a few Android Apps that are a must-have on your Android TV:
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Mobdro
This one tops the list because there’s a high chance you will be streaming sports on your TV. Gone are the days when having an overpriced satellite TV subscription was the only way to watch a number of sports live. Apps like Mobdro allow users to stream not only sports but a number of Live TV stations, including from around the world. Is it legal? Well, it depends on who you ask…
TeaTV
Second, to streaming live TV, access to movies is a big deal to most people. Although illegal, as it is outrightly considered piracy, some services allow users to stream movies and series for free. As much as we recommend paying for legal services, if you want to enjoy the benefits of having an Android TV without having to dig into your pocket, TeaTV is a great place to start. There’s also Kodi, but it’s not as straightforward to install as TeaTV is.
Video Streaming Services (Netflix, iFlix and ShowMax)
Like we said earlier, we recommend sticking to legal apps. Services like Netflix have already made a name for themselves; therefore, they need no introduction. Newer ones such as ShowMax and iFlix have advantages despite lacking a huge catalogue like Netflix. For instance, ShowMax has a number of local movies and series available. In contrast, iFlix has an impressive catalogue of local and international live TV channels that you can stream for free, including Kenya’s NTV and KTN News for those who want to catch up on local stuff.
YouTube
For the lovers of YouTube, having the app on your TV is a must. This allows you to cast your YouTube playlist from your phone to a bigger screen or at least stream them directly through the TV.
File Manager
This one is an easy miss. One might think you don’t need a file manager, but wait until you try to connect your flash drive, and your TV does not know how to handle the input. There are a number of file managers built for Android TV, so head over to the Play Store and select your favourite.
Cover photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
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