Android TV has evolved into a powerful platform that offers more than just streaming services. For users looking to customize and enhance their interface, several apps provide advanced UI personalization, media management, and smart home integration capabilities. Whether you’re aiming for a sleeker interface, better file navigation, or deeper system control, here are some of the top Android TV apps that can help elevate your viewing and interaction experience.
1. Kodi
Kodi remains one of the most popular open-source media center applications available for Android TV. It allows users to create a unified interface for all their media—be it movies, music, or photos—offering skins and add-ons that let you tailor the look and functionality of the app to your liking . Its flexibility makes it a go-to choice for those who want full control over their media environment.
2. VLC for Android
VLC is widely known for its ability to play almost any media format without requiring additional codecs. On Android TV, VLC delivers a clean and responsive interface optimized for remote control navigation. Its open-source nature also means frequent updates and customization options through community contributions .
3. Open Camera
For users interested in enhancing camera input on their Android TV devices—especially if using external webcams or surveillance setups—Open Camera is an excellent tool. As an open-source application, it supports a wide range of features like gesture controls, time-lapse recording, and manual exposure settings, which can be adjusted to suit various visual preferences .
4. Plex
Plex is another media server solution that brings a polished, intuitive UI to Android TV. It organizes your personal media library and streams content seamlessly to your television. With customizable themes and a user-friendly dashboard, Plex enhances both the aesthetics and usability of your media experience .
5. Jellyfin
Similar to Plex and Emby, Jellyfin is an open-source media ecosystem that allows you to stream and manage your personal media collection. Its interface is highly customizable, and it supports plugins and third-party integrations, making it a versatile option for users who want a tailored entertainment setup .
6. X-plore File Manager
If you’re looking to take control of your Android TV’s file system, X-plore File Manager offers a dual-pane interface and network connectivity features that make navigating and managing files much easier. The UI can be customized with themes and layouts, giving users a personalized experience when browsing local or cloud-based storage .
7. Sideload Launcher
This app simplifies the process of installing third-party apps on Android TV and provides a neat, organized launcher interface. Sideload Launcher is especially useful for power users who frequently install APKs from outside the Google Play Store and want a cleaner way to access them .
8. NewPipe
As a lightweight, ad-free YouTube client, NewPipe offers a minimalistic and customizable interface. It’s particularly popular among Android TV users who want a distraction-free way to watch videos without ads or background processes consuming system resources .
9. Home Assistant
While not a traditional UI customization app, Home Assistant plays a crucial role in customizing your smart home experience on Android TV. As an open-source automation platform, it integrates with a variety of smart devices and allows for deep customization of dashboards and controls, turning your TV into a central smart home interface .
Conclusion
Customizing your Android TV UI doesn’t have to be complicated. With tools like Kodi, VLC, and Open Camera, you can personalize your interface and optimize performance for media, file management, or smart home control. These apps not only offer enhanced visuals but also improve functionality, making your Android TV experience truly your own. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a tech-savvy enthusiast, there’s no shortage of ways to tailor your Android TV to fit your lifestyle.
