3rd party app TV versions?

[Buzzj]

Hi, I’m a new user of a buzzbox and im very impressed with the Iptv functionality but I’m struggling a bit using any additional streaming apps. (BBC iPlayer, itv x, even the google browser app is a bit annoying) as I have to keep activating the pointer function on my remote and floating around to click on stuff.

does anybody know if it’s possible and (preferably) easy to install the android tv versions of these apps as the play store and aptoid that come on the box will only seem to install the mobile app version!

I’ve emailed support and they advised this is normal? (Which I thought was a bit odd)

Any insight or work arounds greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[Emporium]

There are some apps which would work a lot better if you sideload the AndroidTV versions (example windscribe VPN client - night and day between the generic Android and AndroidTV clients).

BUT, some apps (example netflix), will NOT work any better as AndroidTV app with full remote or even available resolutions, unless they are on a box that THEY have approved (including other technical issues like licensing, etc..).  

And you mentioned about browser.  Keep in mind that Android TV devices do not come with a pre-installed web browser app typically.  You can download apps, but you will need to get something that is designed for TV use (maybe something like Puffin TV Browser - optimized for use with a remote).  I rarely browse on my boxes so can't recommend anything.

Unfortunately, many people I know will keep a buzz box for iptv use, and then if they use a lot of other apps (like netflix, disney, hulu, etc..), they often have a tiny fire*** device, which is an approved device for many of them.

Also, keep in mind that the B5 is the super entry level device, so it won't be any speed demon for 3rd party apps.  At least with device that come with a BT250 remote (like the buzz Classic), the remote is also an air mouse (and uses BT) , which makes using the cursor a "little" less cumbersome, but still far from ideal with the apps that refuse to be TV optimized.

 

[Buzzj]

Thanks,

That’s given me a bit more perspective on it. Am I right in understanding that a lot of the apps I want to use have specific versions for a particular android box and it’s not always possible to just fire them on and expect them to work?

Quick side question..

I’ve installed downloader and managed to install the tv version of NordVPN from the nord website and I’m happy with that but I have tried a couple of other apps via apkmirror and they would download but sometimes wouldn’t install. Is this likely to do with their incompatibility or do i need to activate developer in settings? (I understand that’s probably overly vague but I’ve only had the box 2 days and I haven’t noticed any more helpful patterns to it yet)

Thanks,

J

[Emporium]

You don't need to activate developer options.  If you are downloading the APK, and using a file manager to browse and install from a USB key, then you need to make sure that the file manager has permissions to "install apps from unknown sources".  It will typically prompt you to go into the settings when you try, then you scroll down to find the file manager app, and give it permission.  IF the APK has option for arm7 or arm8 versions, choose arm7.  The arm8 ones are for 64bit kernels, the B5 uses arm7 (32 bit).

But, not every app will have separate versions of apps for Android and AndroidTV.  Some are integrated and will "try" to auto detect and switch mode.  But keep in mind that it is NOT always possible to override any restrictions since it is often more than just OS type..  I know netf1ix is a lost cause for that.  You are stuck with pointer, no matter what you do.