Unlock the Hidden Potential of Your Smart TV with These 6 Must-have

This guide provides a clear, practical overview of "Unlock the Hidden Potential of Your Smart TV with These 6 Must-have". It organizes the most useful details, explains important considerations, and highlights the steps or choices that matter most.

6. Podcast Capsule

Many people listen to podcasts on their Smart TVs using the Capsule app. While it's not widely known and may not be on any list of the best podcast apps, Capsule is one of the few that has a dedicated TV app, saving you time from playing podcasts. Capsule offers a sleek, TV-friendly interface that's easy to navigate with your remote.

You can browse podcasts by category, and the Home tab includes rows of different podcasts you might be interested in, like trending ones. Playback is smooth, and the app remembers where you left off, so picking up in the middle of an episode is easy.

5. Send Files to TV

At some point, you may want to stream content to or from your Smart TV. This can be a challenge because most TVs don't offer a convenient way to stream files. It's generally assumed that if you're not streaming directly, you'll be playing content on your phone or laptop and streaming it to your TV. One option for streaming files is to use an external hard drive, such as a USB or hard drive. However, you may not have one on hand.

It's simple to use: Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, open the app, tap Send , select the file you want to transfer, select the receiving device, and you're done. Send Files to TV uses Wi-Fi to transfer files in both directions, but doesn't require an Internet connection.

4. Quality VPN

VPNs aren't just for computers. Just like smartphones, laptops, and desktops, VPNs are a must-have for Smart TVs. One of the main reasons to use a VPN is for privacy, as it sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and hides your real IP address. However, beyond privacy, a VPN is also a handy tool for bypassing geo-restrictions.

Whether you pay for Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, or another streaming service, you may see different libraries depending on your location.

3. FX File Explorer

Unfortunately, most Smart TVs don't come with a file manager app pre-installed. For example, the TCL Google TV Smart TV only comes with a photo gallery, a media player, and various streaming apps. However, if you sideload apps, store media locally, or connect an external hard drive, you'll need a file manager app to easily navigate, copy, move, delete, and organize your local files.

FX File Explorer is an incredibly handy app that brings real file management power to your Smart TV. With FX File Explorer, you can browse your internal and connected hard drives, and easily copy or move files from one folder to another. The app has an intuitive interface and allows you to access almost any folder stored on your Smart TV.

2. AirScreen

AirScreen is an app that turns your TV into a universal streaming device with support for all popular streaming protocols. If you have a TV or streaming device running Google TV, chances are it supports Google Cast by default.

Depending on the manufacturer and model of your TV, you may have support for additional streaming protocols, such as AirPlay or Miracast; however, support for more than one protocol is rare. Additionally, not all devices support Google Cast. For example, Apple devices, such as the iPhone or iPad, only support AirPlay.

1. Button Mapper

TV remotes provide basic access to the most commonly used actions and some apps. However, some buttons are for apps you don't use, and most remotes don't offer any customization options, which is annoying. That's where Button Mapper comes in.

Button Mapper is a utility app that allows you to customize the functionality of your Smart TV remote by mapping existing buttons to various actions. Instead of being limited to the default remote control functions, Button Mapper allows you to reassign buttons to launch apps, toggle settings, or perform shortcuts. Button Mapper allows you to customize any button by selecting an action (single press, double press, or long press) and choosing what action will occur when pressed.