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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can make an existing Google TV device feel more app-focused by first reducing Google’s built-in recommendations, then trying a third-party launcher such as Projectivy. The trade-off is that Google’s cross-service discovery features may become less prominent, and getting the Home button to open the replacement—and keep doing so after updates—can take device-specific setup.
Try Google TV’s built-in controls first
If recommendations are the main source of clutter, you may not need to install anything. Google provides controls for turning off video and audio previews and for managing personalized recommendations. Its guidance also says suggestions based on trending content or sponsored by media partners cannot be turned off through those recommendation controls. See Google’s instructions for customizing the Google TV home screen.
The recommendations Google does personalize can be informed by linked streaming services and account activity, according to Google’s platform help. What appears can vary with settings, services, region, device, and software version; the documented controls are not a promise that every promotional tile will disappear.
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What a replacement launcher changes
A launcher is the interface you see when you reach the device’s home screen. Projectivy is one option described in recent setup coverage as configurable and app-focused, with a layout intended to put apps ahead of a recommendation-heavy surface. Those are the guide’s descriptions, not a guarantee of identical behavior or speed on every Google TV device. Android Authority’s July 2025 reviewer said Projectivy felt significantly faster than the default experience; that is one reviewer’s impression, not a benchmark or a result established across hardware.
The central trade-off is discovery versus simplicity. Google’s home screen can surface suggestions across connected services; a replacement may make those suggestions less prominent or unavailable in favor of a more direct route to installed apps. Choose based on which interface you want to use, not on an assumption that changing launchers removes every sponsored suggestion or improves performance on your particular device.
Install Projectivy and check Home-button behavior
Recent setup coverage discusses installing Projectivy on Google TV and configuring the Home button to open it. Because exact menus and behavior can depend on the device and software version, follow the steps for your own model in the Projectivy setup guide rather than treating a generic sequence of button presses as universal.
#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
- Install Projectivy using the method supported by your device and the setup guide. Check that the launcher opens before changing any system behavior.
- Configure the Home button using the least invasive option available for your device. Press Home and confirm that Projectivy opens; if it does not, keep the stock home screen available while you troubleshoot.
- Test a reboot and, where practical, test again after a system update. A successful first launch does not establish that a Home-button override will persist.
Some devices may require further configuration for Home handling to persist. A troubleshooting guide updated in September 2026 describes device-dependent persistence problems after reboots or updates and an ADB-based approach: Projectivy launcher persistence troubleshooting. Treat its advanced instructions as specific to the device and software version they cover. Do not casually disable the stock launcher or copy package-level commands from another device: an incompatible change can leave you without a usable home screen. If you choose an advanced method, follow the guide’s recovery instructions before making changes and verify that you can restore the stock launcher.
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Stay with Google’s launcher if its recommendations are useful and the built-in preview and personalization controls are enough. Try Projectivy if you prefer an app-first home screen and are prepared to verify that the Home button and launcher continue working on your device. A new streaming device or an ADB accessory is not established as necessary for changing the interface on hardware you already own; advanced ADB configuration is a separate, device-dependent case.
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
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
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