Google has inter what may be one of the most intriguing options offer byGoogle TV . And I get why it has done so . But the “ Apps only mode ” option has all change the way I feel about Google TV .
First , some circumstance . This is n’t a new thing . But it is unexampled to me . And I now give it to you . reasonably deep within the invoice selection in Google TV — that is , the part that controls the Google account that ’s alive on Google TV at any give time — is an option called “ Apps only musical mode ” that kills all the recommendations off the home screen . I always knew there were a lot of recommendations on the Google TV launcher abode covert . But it was n’t until I flipped that switch that I realized just how bloated it was .
And that ’s just the start of things . Google ’s tooltip says ” : “ When on , this will hide Google ’s recommendation from your family screen , along with your ability to give feedback on movies or shows , or add them to your watchlist . you’re able to access all the apps set up on the twist . ”
That , along with having alreadykilled recommendations in the YouTube app , is exactly what I want .
Here ’s how to get to it . Use the remote to select your explanation ikon in the top - provide niche . Now chooseManage write up . Scroll down , and chooseApps only mode . penetrate to toggle , and clack through the admonition . Google really does n’t want you to do this , as evidenced by the prolonged word of advice that set out with “ This will cover Google ’s recommendation for your house screen , along with your ability to give feedback on pic or show , or add them to your watchlist . antecedently buy titles from Google Play will not be accessible , but can be cast from your phone from the Google TV or YouTube mobile app . ” OK , so that last part is a bit of a bummer . It proceed : “ you’re able to get at all the apps installed on the gadget , and non - personalized , featured cognitive content will still be show on your home screen . ”
Confirm with the toggle , then reach theHomebutton to go back to the home screen . You do n’t even have to scroll down to see what a difference it ’s made .
The sailing legal community is simplified , pillage away the For You , Live , Apps , and Library tabs , exit only a blissfully simple “ Home . ” The Search tool also is polish off up top , leave only the configurations gear .
There ’s still the contented carousel in the top one-half of the screen , and I ’m fine with that because it ’s minimal , and it looks corking with the art Google TV expend .
Things have drastically changed beneath it . The exclusive quarrel of minuscule app image is exchange by two rows of expectant icon . You do n’t really gain all that much here — 10 icons instead of nine . And Google ’s “ Freeplay ” icon is drop dead , too , so you actually get one more substantial app than you had before . All you get is your installed apps .
One other trouble , though : Because there ’s no Google Assistant — and no Google Play app ikon — you do n’t have a way to set up new apps . That ’s plainly not ideal . So do n’t do this unless you know you have everything you want installed , or you ’ll be flipping back and forward between manner a lot .
But after that ? This is as close to an Apple boob tube - simplified experience as you may get .
