You can change how a Google TV home screen looks by installing an alternative launcher, but whether it can replace the default home screen—and how its Home button behaves—depends on the device. Projectivy offers more visual customization, while FLauncher is an open-source alternative with a simpler premise. Neither should be assumed to work identically across every Google TV model.
What a launcher changes—and what it may not
A launcher is the interface that organizes apps and provides the home screen. Google’s built-in screen remains the baseline: Google documents home-screen customization for Android TV, and Google TV Help explains how to find and install apps. Those guides do not establish that every television or streaming device exposes the same settings, accepts a replacement launcher, or handles the Home button the same way.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before replacing anything, consider whether the built-in screen already offers the control you want. Google’s Android TV guidance describes controls under Settings > Device preferences > Home screen; exact labels and paths can differ by device interface and software version. See Google’s Android TV home-screen customization guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Projectivy and FLauncher: the practical differences
| Option | What the source describes | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Google’s built-in home screen | Google documents home-screen controls and app discovery. Settings and labels may vary by device. | Familiarity, recommendations, available customization, and whether your device allows the home-screen behavior you want. |
| Projectivy Launcher | Its publisher describes an Android TV home-screen replacement with wallpapers, icon packs, flexible layouts, and guidance for default-launcher setup. Its Google Play listing describes an ad-free customizable experience and an optional accessibility service for remote shortcuts. | Visual flexibility, setup effort, remote navigation, and which features are currently free or paid. Claims about features come from the publisher and store listing, not a comparative test. |
| FLauncher | Google Play describes it as an open-source Android TV alternative built with Flutter. | Whether its layout suits you, apps are easy to find, the project is maintained, and it behaves as expected on your device. Store feedback is user opinion, not comparative testing. |
Projectivy: for more control over appearance
Projectivy’s published options include custom wallpapers, icon packs, and flexible layouts. Its site says it guides users through setting it up as the default launcher; the Play listing also describes optional accessibility access for remote shortcuts. Check the current listing and setup prompts before enabling permissions or paying for any features: availability and feature details can change. Sources: Projectivy’s official site and its Google Play listing.
#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
FLauncher: an open-source alternative
FLauncher is listed on Google Play as an open-source Android TV launcher built with Flutter. That description does not establish that it is more reliable, faster, or compatible with every Google TV device. Treat user reviews as individual experiences rather than a universal quality verdict. Source: FLauncher’s Google Play listing.
How to find and install a launcher
- Check the built-in options first. On Android TV, look for the home-screen controls in Settings > Device preferences > Home screen. Your device may use different labels or organize these controls elsewhere.
- Look for the app through Google TV. Google’s documented route is the Apps tab at the top of the home screen or the Your apps row. Search for the launcher there if it is available for your device. See Google’s guide to installing apps on Google TV.
- Install and open it, then follow its setup prompts. A launcher may offer a way to set itself as the default. Read permission requests carefully, especially any request to enable an accessibility service.
- Test the whole home-screen routine. Check whether opening Home returns to the new interface, whether you can find your usual apps, and whether the behavior persists after restarting the device.
- Keep a route back to the built-in screen. If the replacement does not behave as expected, use the device’s settings or app controls to restore the original home-screen behavior. The exact recovery path varies, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.
Why default-launcher and Home-button setup can be tricky
Installing a launcher is not the same as making the device use it whenever you press Home. A community project, LTvLauncher, describes itself as a customized FLauncher fork and documents a “Home Button Fix.” That is evidence of a device-sensitive setup issue, not a universal fix or a compatibility list for Google TV devices. See the LTvLauncher project.
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
If Home keeps opening the stock screen, or the new launcher appears only when opened from the app list, do not assume that a permission or workaround will solve it on your model. Confirm your device’s software version and the launcher’s current instructions first. Avoid disabling system packages or using commands unless you understand the model-specific procedure and have a tested way to restore the stock launcher; the cited project does not establish a safe universal command for all devices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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.
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
How to choose between them
- Choose by the change you want. If wallpapers, icon packs, and layout flexibility matter most, Projectivy’s published feature set is the closer match. If you want to try an open-source alternative, FLauncher is worth considering.
- Check availability on your actual device. A listing or publisher setup guide is not proof that an app is available or can take over Home on every television or streaming device.
- Judge the experience on your own setup. Try app discovery, remote navigation, Home-button behavior, and persistence after a restart. There is no sourced head-to-head test establishing that one is faster, lighter, or more stable.
- Verify current feature terms. Store descriptions and app features may change; confirm what is included and what permissions are requested at installation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
