If you’ve spent as much time as we have researching and testing solutions for your smart TV needs, you’ve probably realized that adding apps to your television is no easy feat. Vizio Smart TV comes with over 300 apps available that allow the streaming Sidekick device to be used not just for watching shows but also for creating videos and taking photos as well. These add-ons give you a never-ending supply of content to choose from; so many in fact, that it can be almost overwhelming. Wrong! As we said before, adding apps to your smart TV is no different than adding extra channels to any other set-top box. All you have to do is download the app and start using it as usual. However, if you’re like us and find yourself constantly on the go, then think of it like an e-book or a bookmarked page in your home: you can always pick up another one when you need it most. Here are some ways to make adding apps to your smart TV easier and more enjoyable:
Use the remote
Before we get into the ways to add apps to your smart TV, let’s get this ridiculous Samsung TV app out of the way. If you’ve been putting off adding apps to your smart TV, you may be surprised at how easy they are to use. remote play apps allow you to watch TV live or on the go, which is a bonus for those who like to watch TV on the move. If you’re looking for something specific, there are thousands of options, so you can choose from the drop-down menu to find what works best for you. Remote Play also has a built-in voice command feature, letting you search for shows or movies that are available on the app, similar to what you might find on a smartphone. Homeostasis, which comes with the Samsung TV app, is one of the best remote play apps out there, with a simple but effective voice search and a simple but useful user interface. Samsung also makes a great range of remote navigation apps, including their built-in navigation app for the Smart TV and their version for the Smart TV DVR.
Remote Play Apps
Remote play apps allow you to watch TV live or on the go, and are perfect for those who like to watch TV on the move. You can select from a huge selection of channels, programs, and channels that are available on the TV. The app itself is simple to use, and once you’ve set it up, you can record a variety of TV shows so you can watch them on the move. What’s more, remote play apps let you create your own “user guide” for the TV, which you can then access from the smart TV app to manage and add additional shows and channels. You can also access the manual entry feature if you need help, which is a great idea in and of itself.
Watch TV from Any Device
Another way to add apps to your smart TV is by using a TV app. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, check out our guide to the best smart TVs under $500. For everyday TV watching, there are plenty of choices: most importantly, select from the list of available options the most popular and easiest to use options. You can also try out other delivery mechanisms, like online TV or live TV, but we recommend looking at how easy it is to add your app. Once you’ve got your app in place, you can start using it as usual, without having to take a break for a break in between.
Use a TV app
One of the easiest ways to add apps to your smart TV is by using a TV app. We recommend going with one that lets you watch live TV, like the popular Sling TV or the new FOX Sports Go. You can also watch shows and videos on demand, which means you don’t have to put up with constant interruptions while you do your business. You can also use the same app to record interviews, Livestream events, and more. Want to see what’s trending in real-time? You can do that too, without having to go through the hassle of going to another part of the house and having to unpack everything again. TV apps are also great for when you’re looking for something specific, like for example, you’re looking for news or just a quick show list.
Record and Watch Videos
Video is another way to add apps to your smart TV that lets you watch live TV or on the go. There are many options for video products, most of which can be found in the home cinema category. You can record shows and videos with the built-in TV app or use a video recorders app, which can be connected to your smart TV from the outside and any device with a video camera. Generally, there are a few more features not found in a standard video product, like the option to “scrub” the movie or TV show to improve its quality, or the ability to record multiple programs at the same time. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, check out our guide to the best smart TVs under $500.
Use an App Walk-through
As we mentioned above, every app has its own set of challenges and challenges are inherent to adding it to your smart TV. We also recommend using each of them in sequence, so you don’t use up your connectivity or try to start a new app too soon after a connection has been lost. If you’re having trouble connecting to an app, or you simply no longer want to manually navigate through all the options, here are some steps to take to make adding apps to your smart TV easier.
First, understand which apps you want to add to your smart TV. This is important so you can create a user guide for each of them, and make sure you’re comfortable adding new features and permissions. For example, if you plan on using the app to add fitness apps, know how they work and what the minimum printouts you need to complete each activity look like.
Next, head to the app store and search for any new app that may be of interest to you. Many apps are free, so you can check out all the options and see what you like. Once you’ve selected a few apps, go to Settings and select “Apps”. There will be a few pages that pop up, but before clicking “Don’t have an account?”, make sure you’ve filled in the required information and granted permission. Once that’s done, you should be able to add the apps to your smart TV. Doing so should be a breeze, and after that, you can start using them as normal.
Use an App Walk-through
As we mentioned above, every app has its own set of challenges and challenges are inherent to adding it to your smart TV. We also recommend using them in sequence, so you don’t use up your connectivity or try to start a new app too soon after a connection has been lost. If you’re having trouble connecting to an app, or you simply no longer want to manually navigate through all the options, here are some steps to take to make adding apps to your smart TV easier. First, understand which apps you want to add to your smart TV. This is important so you can create a user guide for each of them, and make sure you’re comfortable adding new features and permissions. For example, if you plan on using the app to add fitness apps, know how they work and what the minimum printouts you need to complete each activity look like.
Next, head to the app store and search for any new app that may be of interest to you. Many apps are free, so you can check out all the options and see what you like. Once you’ve selected a few apps, go to Settings and select “Apps”. There will be some pages that pop up, but before clicking “Don’t have an account?”, make sure you’ve filled in the required information and granted permission. Once that’s done, you should be able to add the apps to your smart TV. Doing so should be a breeze, and after that, you can start using them as normal.
Use an App Walk-through
As we mentioned above, every app has its own set of challenges and challenges are inherent to adding it to your smart TV. We also recommend using them in sequence, so you don’t use up your connectivity or try to start a new app too soon after a connection has been lost. If you’re having trouble connecting to an app, or you simply no longer