Smart TV New Trick to Install Apps That Not in Official Stores

Tired of being limited by the narrow app selection in your smart TV’s built-in store? Break free from these constraints forever by discovering how to install powerful new software not officially available on the platform.

Follow our handy guide to unlock incredible capabilities like ad-free YouTube, automated sports streaming, emulators for retro gaming, remote PC control and much more. Soon your big-screen experience gets massively amplified once you tap into a secret underground ecosystem of brilliant third-party smart TV apps hidden just out of plain view.

Expanding Core Software Beyond Default Stores

Most modern internet-connected televisions now integrate app stores for accessing popular streaming services like Netflix or Disney+. However these default selections only scratch the surface of what’s possible through specialty niche software tailored for enthusiast audiences.

While brands like Samsung and LG totally restrict installations to curated official stores, more open platforms based on Android TV or Google TV enable sideloading apps just like on mobile phones. This permits tapping into a thriving external development scene catering powerful tools otherwise impossible to obtain normally.

But first a quick security disclaimer – sideloaded software bypasses standard vetting and quality checks so increases malware risks. We’ll cover best safety practices later, but when approached cautiously, this remains hands-down the ultimate way of supercharging your smart TV’s capabilities tenfold. Intrigued to see what awaits? Read on!

Prerequisites: Verifying Your Smart TV Supports Sideloaded Apps

Unfortunately external app installation only works on Google-sanctioned operating systems banning the functionality elsewhere. That means first confirming your television runs either Android TV or the newer Google TV fork by:

Accessing the System > About section from Settings
Viewing precise Android TV build version under Advanced Options
Repeat pressing builds until Developer Mode toggle appears
Enable both Developer Options and installs from “Unknown Sources”

Meeting those core requirements opens the floodgates to thrilling third-party software unshackling previously unthinkable smart TV potential. All other platforms utilize proprietary environments like webOS and Tizen obstructing this level of open extension capability however.

Now let’s spotlight some favorite game-changing applications worth the quick prerequisite activation alone!

App #1 – Ad-Free YouTube via SmartTube Next

We bet outrageous unskippable video ads before and during YouTube clips frustrates you to no end. SmartTube Next represents the ultimate solution striping all obnoxious interruptions delivering pure content bliss.

Other benefits beyond just removing annoying promotions include:

Background and popup playback
4K video quality overrides
Comments and subtitles toggles
Seek bar thumbnails plus video queues

Find SmartTube Next to download on trusted third-party repositories like Github for sideloading. Just make sure to carefully vet any file sources before installation avoiding malware risks from dubious piracy sites.

But once successfully setup, this app proves an absolute must-have every cordcutter should install pronto!

App #2 – Wide-Ranging Sports Streaming via Redbox TV

Forking over a fortune to cable giants just for live sports access remains one of the greatest streaming rip-offs persisting today. Smash through these frustrating restrictions with Redbox TV supplying reliable feeds across every sporting event imaginable completely free!

Expect silky smooth streams fully customizable with:

Live score overlays
Chromecast broadcasting
Notification alerts
Dark mode toggles
Event scheduling

Don’t settle for fragmented coverage scattered across countless subscriptions. Instead enjoy comprehensive sport streaming nirvana from Redbox TV available via trusted third-party Android TV repositories.

Cut the cord for good and still catch all big games live using beloved streaming platforms like Mobdro before facing imminent shutdown. Redbox TV keeps their legacy alive!

App #3 – Old School Gaming via RetroArch Emulator

Take a trip down memory lane by emulator classic console libraries from Atari, Nintendo, Sega and beyond using RetroArch on your Android TV. Rediscover legendary SMS, NES, SNES, Genesis, GameBoy, MAME arcade titles and much more without dusty old hardware required.

RetroArch accurately simulates iconic gaming eras gone past through:

Save state support
Wireless controller connectivity
Achievement tracking
Game Genie codes
Rewind and slow motion
Graphics upscaling

Install game ROM packs effortlessly via network file sharing or USB drives for instant nostalgia rush revisiting your favorite retro gaming eras made vivid on modern displays.

Now beat the final Bowser battle from Super Mario Bros. 3 on the original NES rendered crisp in 4K! Retro gaming bliss awaits.

App #4 – Remote PC Control via Remote Desktop Client

Sometimes only a PC meets true big-screen gaming or web browsing demands. But constantly switching between desktop and television proves tedious linking up video and input connections. Instead install Remote Desktop Client delivering seamless wireless Windows screen mirroring and control straight from Android TV.

Brilliant additions like mouse cursor simulation using the remote, USB peripheral pass-through support, file transfer abilities and Wake On LAN access justify sideloading this handy utility facilitating the ultimate couch computing experience.

Now stream PC gameplay or web video to larger displays without compromising fidelity squinting on smaller monitors. Full remote control facilitates multitasking from the couch rather than office chair alone.

Give it a shot today and transform any smart TV into an infinitely more capable extension of your home workstation or gaming rig!

Ensuring Smart TV Security Against Malware Risks

Of course expanded software capabilities tradeoff against heightened malware vulnerabilities lacking App Store safeguards. So before activating developer options and installing third-party APK files, first learn precisely what smart actions defend against potential pitfalls:

Safety Tips When Sideloading Apps:

Only download reputable apps from trustworthy sources and creators
Scan new APK files using antivirus apps before installation
Manually verify all permission requests during setup appear justified
Revoke unnecessary access rights for camera, contacts etc if possible
Monitor network traffic and battery usage for suspicious spikes indicating miners
Factory reset immediately if abnormal functionally suggests infection

Speaking from personal experience, when applied cautiously following common sense, sideloaded Android TV apps unlock incredible big-screen potential without undue risks. Just stick with well-known repositories like Aptoide TV showcasing safe selections curated by editor review.

Factory smart TV firmware severely limits what your big-screen television actually can achieve compared to an attached media streamer. By activating developer options and sideloading specialty third-party apps from trustworthy sources, a world of opportunity opens up showcasing the true versatility of Android TV and Google TV powered displays.

From customized ad-free streaming to lost retro gaming liberation and remote PC control, take your pick from an ever-expanding array of brilliant specialty applications specifically designed elevating the cinematic viewing experience. Tempting you enough yet to unlock your television’s hidden full potential? If so, we’ll see you on the other wide world awaiting!

Final Words

This concludes our guide getting you started installing powerful apps expanding smart TV capabilities beyond restrictive default stores. Remember only Android TV and Google TV platforms currently support sideloads so first verify compatibility before proceeding. When applied judiciously sticking to reputable sources like Aptoide TV, tremendously enhanced big-screen functionality awaits without undue security risks. Now dive in elevating your cord-cutting toolset leaps ahead of the mainstream!

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