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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteYou can install a third-party launcher on Google TV, but installing it and making the remote’s Home button open it are separate steps. First check whether Google TV’s built-in home-screen controls are enough; if you still want another launcher, install and test it before changing Home-button behavior. The available menus and takeover methods vary by device.
Try the built-in home-screen controls first
If your goal is fewer rows or different recommendations, you may be able to adjust the existing home screen without adding an app. On supported Android TV devices, Google documents the path Settings → Device preferences → Home screen for customizing channels. Google notes that these settings are not available on every Android TV, so check the menus on your own device rather than assuming the path will be present. See Google’s instructions for customizing the Android TV home screen.
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Google also documents an experimental Home & Apps optimization toggle for Android TV. Google says users might notice a difference in speed and responsiveness; the setting is not a promise of a speed gain, does not claim to remove all recommendations, and may not be available on every Google TV model. Details are on Google’s Home & Apps optimization page.
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Understand what installing a launcher changes
A launcher provides the home interface, but installing one does not necessarily make it the interface opened by the remote’s Home button. Android’s compatibility definition describes launchers and support for third-party applications replacing a device launcher at the platform level; it does not guarantee that every television exposes a simple default-home selector. Read the Android user-interface compatibility definition for that distinction.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
“Lightweight” is a project description, not proof of better speed or lower memory use. The available project instructions do not establish comparative performance tests, so choose based on documented support for your exact TV, a clear update source, and whether you can reverse any changes you make.
Install the launcher and test it before changing Home
1. Check compatibility and the installation source
Choose a launcher whose developer documents its current release and compatibility with your Google TV model or software version. If it is available through an app store on your TV, use that route. Otherwise, follow the developer’s own instructions for obtaining and installing its APK; sideloading steps differ by project and device.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
2. Install the APK only through a route the project supports
The lightweight_androidtv_launcher project README describes obtaining its APK with Downloader or a browser/PC, installing via ADB, or transferring the APK to the TV by USB, network share, or file transfer. These are project-specific options, not universal Google TV installation instructions. Depending on your TV and installation app, you may need to allow that app to install unknown apps. A USB drive is useful only if your TV supports USB storage and can access the file; other supported routes may avoid it.
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Launch the newly installed app directly from the TV’s app list. Confirm that its home screen appears and that the remote can navigate it. Do this before attempting to replace the stock launcher, so you can distinguish an app-installation problem from a Home-button problem.
Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
Make the Home button open the new launcher
Press Home and see which screen appears. If Google TV returns to its stock home screen, consult the selected launcher’s current instructions for your exact device. Some community launcher projects document workarounds such as accessibility-based Home interception, key remapping, or changes made through ADB. For example, the LtvLauncher README discusses those approaches and warns that disabling system packages carries risks. They are not confirmed universal fixes for Google TV models.
The lightweight_androidtv_launcher README gives this ADB example for that project: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.tvlauncher/.MainActivity. Use it only if you have confirmed that the project’s package and activity remain current and the instructions apply to your device. Do not copy it as a generic Google TV command.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Before changing or disabling a system launcher
- Follow instructions for your exact TV model and software version; package names and behavior can differ.
- Keep a way to reopen Settings and restore the original launcher before making changes.
- Do not disable the stock launcher unless the project’s current instructions explain the risks and recovery method for your device.
If the launcher installs but Home still opens Google TV
- The launcher will not open directly: Recheck the project’s installation steps and compatibility notes before changing the default-home behavior.
- The launcher opens directly, but Home returns to stock: The app is installed; Home-button takeover is a separate issue. Check the launcher developer’s current device-specific guidance.
- A workaround requires accessibility or ADB: Treat it as a project- and device-specific change. Confirm how to undo it before proceeding, especially if it involves disabling a system package.
There is no single Home-button takeover procedure verified for all Google TV manufacturers, models, and software versions. If the developer does not document a safe method for your device, keep the launcher as an app you open manually or use Google’s built-in home-screen controls instead.
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- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
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