5 Apps To Speed Up Your Google TV Device

Google TV has become a staple in many households, offering a wide range of streaming options and smart features. However, users have often complained about the sluggish performance and cluttered interface that comes with Google TV devices. Whether you own a Google TV from brands like Sony, TCL, or Hisense, or use devices like Chromecast or Google TV Streamer, the user experience can sometimes leave much to be desired.

One of the main reasons for the slow performance of Google TV devices is the lack of powerful hardware from TV manufacturers to handle the operating system. Additionally, the interface provided by Google itself can be overwhelming and cluttered, with an abundance of recommendations and suggestions that may not always be relevant or helpful.

To address these issues and enhance the user experience, there are several third-party apps that can significantly improve the functionality of your Google TV. Here are five essential apps that can make your Google TV experience more enjoyable:

### Projectivy Launcher

Projectivy Launcher is a custom home screen replacement that streamlines the Google TV interface by removing bloat and ads. By setting Projectivy as your default launcher, you can enjoy a simplified app grid layout that eliminates the clutter of endless content carousels. This results in a smoother navigation experience and faster performance on your Google TV.

### SmartTube

SmartTube is an open-source YouTube client designed specifically for TV devices. It not only blocks ads but also offers features like SponsorBlock integration to skip sponsor messages in videos. SmartTube supports up to 4K resolution and provides more control over playback settings compared to the stock YouTube app. It also offers accessibility options and the ability to use YouTube without signing in to a Google account.

### tvQuickActions (or Button Mapper)

tvQuickActions is an app that allows you to remap your Android or Google TV remote buttons to create quick shortcuts for various functions. You can customize button actions like launching apps, accessing settings, and even adding a mute button to your remote. Button Mapper is another alternative that offers simple button remapping without the need for root access.

### LocalSend

LocalSend is a file-sharing utility that enables peer-to-peer file transfers between your Google TV device and other devices on the same network. This cross-platform app is ideal for transferring files like APKs for sideloading apps that are not available on the Play Store. LocalSend eliminates the need for cloud services or internet connection for file sharing.

### atvTools

atvTools is a versatile app that acts as a Swiss Army knife for Google TV, allowing you to control and manage your TV device from your smartphone. With features like a virtual touchpad, mouse mode, and keyboard, atvTools enhances navigation and typing on your Google TV. It also offers advanced features like real-time system monitoring, app management, and wireless ADB shell commands.

While these apps can greatly improve the functionality of your Google TV, it’s clear that there is still room for improvement in the overall user experience. Collaboration between Google and TV manufacturers is essential to address the underlying issues and provide a more seamless and efficient smart TV experience in the future.