Google TV debuted on the new Chromecast this week, and while it’s not just a homescreen replacement, the largest modifications from Android TV are obvious there. If you choose the new style, here’s how to get the Google TV homescreen on an Android TV device.
As we stated yesterday, sideloading the Google TV launcher APK on an Android TV system doesn’t do anything, but with a bit of elbow grease, you can get things up and running. Specifically, as pointed out on Reddit, you’ll need to disable the built-in Android TV launcher for the new Google TV homescreen to substitute it.
Note: 9to5Google is now not responsible for any information loss or blunders you may additionally face. Proceed with caution. We only propose this method to those familiar with Android ADB commands.
First, you’ll need the APK for “Google TV Home.” There are a number of approaches to sideload this, but one of the easiest strategies I’ve relied on is a easy app called “Send Files to TV” to transfer and then the usage of FX File Explorer to truly function the installation.
At this point, you’ll need to destroy out a pc with ADB support.
Go to your Android TV gadget and seem for Device Preferences in the Settings menu. Under About, scroll down to the Build Version and again and again press it till Developer Options are enabled. At that point, go again to the Device Preferences menu and open Developer Options. Then, you’ll want to enable each USB Debugging and Network Debugging. Then, head back to the Settings menu, go to Device Preferences, About, and then click on Status to obtain your IP address.
Now, we’re geared up to run some commands.
First, we’ll need to join to the system the usage of “adb connect” and the IP address. Once you run this command, you’ll in all likelihood be asked on your Android TV to allow your computer to connect.
Note: You may also want to add “:5555” to get this working
adb join [insert IP address]
Once that’s connected and ready, we can disable the inventory launcher. Make certain that the new Google TV homescreen launcher is already mounted at this point!
adb shell pm uninstall –user zero com.google.android.tvlauncher
At this point, the Google TV homescreen should be available. If you want to swap back to the Android TV homescreen, run the adjoining command. This will delete your Android TV homescreen preferences, but will give up Google TV home from taking over.
Read more; Android 11 will combine autofill in keyboard suggestions
adb shell cmd package deal install-existing com.google.android.tvlauncher
It be noted, though, that switching to this new homescreen isn’t flawless. Several factors of the experience are broken, most enormously search. Still, the core ride works tremendously lots as it does on Chromecast. You can get entry to your apps and watchlist, and the new homescreen can even successfully pull from your Play Movies library. Google TV is additionally technically still exclusive to the US, so you’ll probably run into troubles with the homescreen on other devices.
