smart TV Archives

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Demon Castle, Deus Ex GO, SENTINEL 519, GNOSIA, more

Android game and app deals available include titles like Demon Castle Story, Deus Ex GO, Hitman GO, SENTINEL 519: SAGA – GENESIS, Sands of Salzaar, Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG, GNOSIA, and FrogBoy. Best Buy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary Sale with discounts on various products, including 20% off Pixel 11 Pixelsnap cases, a 58-inch Hisense smart TV for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Your Monday afternoon brings an exciting array of Android game and app deals, showcasing a diverse selection of titles that cater to various gaming preferences. Enthusiasts can explore offerings such as Demon Castle Story, Deus Ex GO, Hitman GO, SENTINEL 519: SAGA – GENESIS, Sands of Salzaar, Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG, GNOSIA, and FrogBoy, among others. The Google Play store is currently buzzing with these enticing deals, inviting users to dive into new adventures. In parallel, Best Buy is celebrating its 60th Anniversary Sale, offering substantial discounts across a range of products. Shoppers can take advantage of remarkable deals on televisions and Android phones, alongside an enticing offer of 10x rewards points. Highlights include: 20% off all official new Pixel 11 Pixelsnap cases A 58-inch Hisense smart TV for just 0 Up to ,350 off on 2026 Copilot+ PC and gaming laptops As the excitement builds around these offers, the spotlight remains firmly on the Google Play deals, which are ripe for the picking. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: While specific details on app price drops are yet to be unveiled, the anticipation is palpable. Users can expect a variety of popular applications to see significant reductions, making this an opportune moment for both casual users and avid gamers to enhance their app collections. As the day unfolds, the convergence of gaming deals and retail promotions paints a promising picture for consumers eager to explore new digital landscapes and upgrade their tech at home. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], and up to ,350 off 2026 Copilot+ PC and gaming laptops. Users can expect significant price drops on popular Android apps.

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

You Can Use Your Old Android Phone As A Universal Remote – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android phone can enhance home entertainment by connecting it to a smart TV through various methods. Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network to use mobile apps like Roku or Amazon's Fire TV remote app. If no official app is available, generic options like Universal TV Remote can be found on Google Play, although they may include ads. Bluetooth connectivity is also an option, exemplified by the Bluetooth Remote app. If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not feasible, an infrared (IR) blaster can be purchased to turn the smartphone into a universal remote without needing an internet connection. IR blasters connect via the USB-C port and communicate with the TV's built-in components. Various IR blasters are available, including standard models and more advanced versions that support voice commands. Most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth apps are free, while IR blasters are affordable and widely available.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Samsung follows LG in killing Smart TV apps that rent out your internet

Security researchers found that several Samsung Smart TV applications, including Pac-Man, were embedding residential proxy SDKs from data brokers like Bright Data. In response, Samsung has banned the inclusion of residential proxy functionality in new app submissions and is working to remove existing apps with such software. The investigation by Norwegian cybersecurity firm Mnemonic revealed that the Bright Data SDK was integrated into various gaming applications, some promoted by Samsung. While Samsung TVs were not automatically sharing internet connections, the SDK could be activated remotely by developers, requiring user consent. Once consent was granted, the proxy service could operate in the background. Many Samsung TV applications were found to download most of their code from remote servers, complicating verification processes. The issue of residential proxy software is not limited to Samsung, as it has also been identified in various Android apps and devices. Following these findings, LG and Google have also taken measures to address the risks associated with residential proxy networks.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Grab 007 First Light for free, thanks to Nvidia

Nvidia is offering a complimentary copy of 007 First Light to those who sign up for the GeForce Now Ultimate game streaming service, which requires a one-year commitment at a cost of .99. The service allows access to a powerful RTX 5080-class gaming experience and a library of over 4,500 games. Users must already own the games to access them through GeForce Now, making the free code for 007 First Light valuable. The offer is available until June 10 or until supplies last, and the game will be released on May 27, with a 90-day window to redeem the code once available.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Homey just turned your Android TV into a full smart home dashboard

Homey has launched dedicated applications for Android TV and LG webOS to integrate device controls, automations, and smart home dashboards on TVs. Users can log in by scanning a QR code, allowing for remote navigation. The app features quick access to favorites, enabling users to manage devices and automations easily. Homey has also introduced a browser-based platform at homey.tv, compatible with vehicle browsers, including those in Teslas, allowing tasks like opening garage doors remotely. The applications support Homey Cloud, Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini, and self-hosted Homey Server setups, with the LG webOS app compatible with smart TVs from 2021 or later, subject to regional availability.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

YouTube App for TVs Gets 30-Second Unskippable Ads Globally

Google has introduced longer, 30-second unskippable ads on the YouTube app for smart TVs, marking a shift in advertising strategy compared to mobile and laptop platforms. This change is part of an initiative to enhance content delivery on larger screens, utilizing Google AI to alternate between different ad formats. YouTube's growth is projected to lead to revenues reaching billions by 2025, with the living room becoming its fastest-growing venue. Viewers on smart TVs are experiencing longer engagement times, making the "Skip Ad" button less common unless they subscribe to YouTube Premium. YouTube is also exploring subscription models, including a budget-friendly “Premium Lite” tier. However, some markets, like Vietnam, have imposed restrictions on ad lengths. Despite this, YouTube remains the leading streaming platform in the U.S., and the trend towards longer ads is expected to continue.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

How Android Apps Are Adapting To The Rise Of Cross-Platform Digital Payments

Android developers are adapting to a rapidly changing global payments landscape, driven by user demand for seamless experiences across platforms, shifting regulatory frameworks, and the rise of cross-border transactions through mobile applications. This evolution is particularly relevant for international sectors like igaming, which often utilize alternative payment methods under offshore licensing. Developers are focusing on streamlined in-app experiences by adopting payment frameworks that enhance security and expedite verification processes. Over the past two years, payment standards have diversified, leading to the implementation of unified payment layers in Android apps to accommodate various tokens, cards, mobile wallets, and region-specific methods. The number of global mobile payment users is projected to reach 5.6 billion by 2025, highlighting the need for cross-platform support. Mobile wallets, NFC, and universal payment APIs are being integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, allowing for instant recognition of users' preferred wallets. Streaming platforms are adopting cross-platform billing strategies, while travel apps are implementing flexible frameworks to adapt to regional regulations. In online gaming, there's a focus on diverse payment options to meet international audience expectations. By 2026, Android applications are expected to feature more cohesive payment interfaces, increased biometric verification, and dynamic updates of payment methods based on user location and device capabilities.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

6 Free Android TV Apps You Need To Install Before Google Removes Sideloading

Developers are now required to register their applications before users can sideload them on Android devices, a change aimed at reducing malware risks associated with unverified apps. This policy is particularly significant for Android TV users who often rely on sideloading for niche utilities and unofficial streaming tools. The risk of malware is reportedly 50 times higher when apps are installed from outside the Play Store. Google has promised to create a workflow for experienced users to sideload unverified apps despite the new restrictions. Sideloading allows users to install apps not available on the Play Store, but it comes with increased risks of data-stealing malware. Users can sideload apps by transferring APK files to their devices and adjusting settings to allow installations from unknown sources. SmartTube TV is an unofficial YouTube client that offers an ad-free experience and integrates features like SponsorBlock, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Aptoide TV is a community-driven app marketplace that provides access to apps not available on the Play Store, though caution is advised due to potential malware risks. Leanback Launcher is an open-source launcher that enhances performance and customization options for Android TV. RetroArch allows users to emulate classic gaming consoles and requires legal copies of games. Syncler organizes and streams shows and movies from user-selected providers without hosting content itself. AdAway is an open-source ad blocker that filters ads at the device level using host files. The selection of these apps focuses on enhancing the Android TV experience through performance improvements, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of categories including streaming, gaming, customization, and privacy.

BetaBeacon

November 14, 2025

How Do I Play Netflix Games on My TV? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Games can be found and played on Netflix on your smart TV or mobile device. You can use your mobile device as a controller by scanning a QR code on your TV screen.

BetaBeacon

November 11, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: AntVentor, Undergrave, Dungeon Maker, MAYATCH, more

The fact described in the text is that the Google Pixel 10 is priced at 9, the Google Pixel 10 Pro is priced at 9, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is priced at 9, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 512GB is priced at ,019, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold starts from ,499, and the Google Pixel 9a is priced at 9.