The cornerstone of the Smart TV experience is viewing TV shows, movies, and other content via the internet streaming process; the streamed content is accessible via apps. Almost all Smart TVs have a selection of pre-loaded apps, but most Smart TVs allow viewers to add more.
Since Samsung introduced its first smart TV in 2008, every year has brought tweaks to how Samsung Apps are accessed and used via the TV's onscreen menu system, which is referred to as the Smart Hub.
The precise steps needed to add more apps on a Smart TV may vary from brand-to-brand or model-to-model within a brand. There may also be slight changes in onscreen menu appearance from year-to-year. Here are some examples you might encounter.
If you don't see an app on your Samsung Smart TV Homepage (aka Smart Hub) you would like to access, it may be available via the Samsung Apps Store.
To find out if the app is available and then add it, do the following:
If you don't see the app you want in the official categories listings you can see if it's available in the Samsung Apps store using the Search feature. To search for an app, select the magnifying glass located on the top-right corner of any of the app menu screens.
After the app is installed you'll be prompted to open it. If you don't want to open the app, just leave the menu and open it later from My Apps.
If you own a Samsung Smart TV from 2014 or an earlier model year, the onscreen menu system may look different; there may also be variations in the steps used to add apps.
LG's Smart TVs use the WebOS platform, which includes app management. Just as with many smart TVs, LG includes a package of pre-installed streaming apps which are shown on the home screen.
You can add more apps to your selection via the following steps:
If an app you select requires additional payment, you will be prompted through further steps.
Depending on whether your Vizio TV incorporates the SmartCast or Internet Apps/Apps+ platform determines how you can add apps in addition to the core apps that are provided. Here is a short version of how to add apps to both types of Vizio Smart TVs.
On Vizio SmartCast TVs, apps are not added to the TV, but to a compatible mobile phone or tablet and then cast to the TV, in a similar manner as you would if using a Chromecast device.
Here is how to add apps:
To view the content from the app on your TV, Cast it from your mobile device; a SmartCast TV will automatically detect the cast and display it.
If your Vizio TV incorporates Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) or Vizio Internet Apps+ (VIA+), instead of SmartCast, apps can be added directly to the TV using available selections provided by Vizio and, on some models, via the Google Play Store.
Here are the steps:
Although Vizio incorporates Chromecast within its SmartCast platform, there are other TVs that have ChromeCast Built-in as their core streaming apps platform, too. These include select models from Haier, JVC, LeECO, Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, and Toshiba.
The steps used to add more apps on a TV with Chromecast Built-in are similar to that for Vizio SmartCast TVs, albeit without the added features that Vizio provides.
There are select TVs from Element, Hisense, LeECO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, and Westinghouse that incorporate the Android TV operating system.
Here are the steps to add apps on an Android TV.
There might be slight variations in the appearance of the screen depending on the brand and model year of Android TV.
Some Android TVs also include Chromecast Built-in, which provides a second option to access and add streaming apps.
A Roku TV is one that has the Roku operating system built right into the TV, meaning you don't have to connect an external Roku streaming stick or box to the TV to access and manage streaming apps. Roku refers to apps that provide video and audio content as Channels. Utilities, such as productivity or network functioning, are referred to as apps. Roku TVs have the same onscreen menu interface as other Roku streaming devices.
TV brands that offer this system on select models include Element, Hisense, Hitachi, Insignia, Philips, RCA, Sharp, and TCL.
Here's how to add a Roku channel using the TV remote:
When the installation is complete, you can open the app. If you don't open it at that time, it will be the last entry on your viewing list where you can access it at any time.
You can also add channels, including private/hidden channels not listed in the official channel store, using the Roku Mobile App, a PC, or laptop, after which they will be available to watch on your Roku TV.
Just as there are TVs with Roku built-in, there are some TVs that have Amazon Fire TV functionality built-in. In other words, you can manage and add apps the same way you would using a plug-in Amazon Fire TV stick or box.
TV brands that offer this system on select models include Element, Toshiba, and Westinghouse.
The procedure for downloading and installing apps is the same on a Fire Edition TV as it is for a Fire TV stick or box.
Using the TV's remote:
If you have a Sharp Smart TV that does not include the Roku system, you may have one that has either the AppsNOW or VEWD system,formerly known as Opera TV.
Apps in the VEWD App Store are cloud-based, so they are not installed directly to the TV. Instead, you select and open them for viewing. Here are the steps:
Older Sharp Smart TVs may have the Android TV platform, which enables the installation of additional apps via the Google Play store as discussed previously in this article, or Smart Central, which is a pre-loaded app platform which depends on updates from Sharp with regards to any added apps.
If you have a Philips TV that features the Net TV platform, it may only be able to access pre-loaded apps, some of which are displayed on the home page or can be accessed from a pre-selected listing in the App Gallery.
On these models, Philips may periodically add new apps via software updates. However, there are some models introduced in 2018 and later that may allow the addition of apps via the VEWD Apps Store, similar to the aforementioned Sharp TVs. Also, all Philips Net TVs support screencasting of select apps from a mobile phone; some models also include Chromecast built-in. Consult your user guide for details on the Net TV features available on your specific model.
If you have an Element Smart TV that doesn't feature a built-in Fire TV or Roku TV, the app selection is pre-loaded.
The current selection is reported to include Netflix, YouTube, VUDU, Toon Goggles, Pandora, and AccuWeather. You cannot add more apps. For more details, consult the TV's user guide.
Almost all TVs available have some level of smart features built-in, which often includes a pre-loaded selection of internet streaming apps. However, in many cases, you also have the ability to add more apps to your viewing selection.
Although the exact procedure for adding apps may vary, there are some important things about downloading and installing apps on a smart TV to keep in mind:
One of many things you can do with a Smart TVs is enjoy the extensive list of apps that are there to entertain us. You can choose from apps that let you watch series, play games, watch videos and more. Keep reading, and you’ll discover the apps that everyone is using and that you’re missing out on. In the following list, you’ll see music apps, games, movies apps, weather app and other cool apps that will not only keep you informed, but that will also keep you busy for hours. You’ll see some apps that you may already be using, but some that you may not. What could be the Samsung Smart TV apps you are missing out on? Let’s find out.
If you want to add one of the best Samsung Smart TV apps, then don’t forget to install Netflix. It has an extensive selection of movies and TV shows for you to choose from. You can even choose from series that Netflix themselves have produced such as Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt or House of Cards. Netflix offers you the largest streaming service out there.
In the Samsung App Store, you’ll find two versions of the app. One version is free, and the other is paid. You’ll be just fine with the free version if you live in a major city. If you need Accuweather to show you the forecast for cities that are not listed, then you’ll need to get the paid version that goes for $2.99. Type in your city and zip code and get the ten-day forecast. There’s also weather report hour-by-hour and satellite images. You also get weather warnings.
Link: Samsung App Store
With the PlayStation Now app, you can play your favorite PlayStation games whenever you want to. You won’t actually be downloading the game to your Smart TV since the processor can’t handle it. The game is streamed from Sony’s servers, so all you have to worry about is playing the game.
The response time might be a little different from playing it on a console. But, if you have a good Internet connection or a wired Ethernet connection you’ll be okay.
If you’re looking for fame but from the comfort of your own home then you need the YouTube app. You’ll get the exact same YouTube you’ve been using on your computer but on your Samsung Smart TV. Enjoy the videos you’ve always enjoyed, but with the biggest ¨monitor¨, you can get your hands on, your TV!
You may already be familiar with Fandango because of its movie reviews and times. But, this service can also give you access to more than 30,000 TV shows and movies. You can’t complain about not having anything to watch with this app. There is free content on the app but not everything is free.
There are options that you’ll need to buy but if you do purchase something that’s going to get you some Fandango VIP points. You can use those points to get discounts on future purchases.
Link: Website
Another Samsung smart TV app, Spectrum, provides you on-demand program service and Live TV. In order to run Spectrum TV app on your Samsung TV, you need to have a Samsung account with Spectrum TV service. Currently, there are a couple of downsides to this app. One is it does not support 2017 Samsung TV models and another is it does not offer pay-per-view for streaming.
Link: Website
YuppTV app is for all the Indian channel lovers. If you want to watch Indian TV channels anywhere in the world on your Samsung TV, you just need to download the YuppTV app from Samsung App Store and start enjoying the high-quality channels. There are 3 different packages available, Yupp Hindi Platinum, Gold, and Yupp Hindi Gujarati Gold and they will cost you $24.99, $9.99 and $19.99 respectively.
Link: Website
MyTifi is quite different from all the listed Samsung smart tv apps. This app is not meant to be installed on TV rather it will be installed on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple watch. MyTifi lets you control your Samsung TV with gestures remotely. Gestures like 2 fingers tap to mute, swipe gestures to change channel or volume. You can even control the TV’s web browser through the gestures. The app supports all the latest Samsung TV models, including 2017. Also, the Auto-Mute and Auto-Zap features make it smart and cool app.
Link: iTunes Store
Emby is another cool app in the list. The interface of the Emby app is so intelligently designed that you do not need to search for your favorite content or the episodes which were not finished. And the next episode of the serial you are currently watching is all listed on the home screen. Emby not only allows you to record the programs with a single button click but also lets you switch between channel very quickly with its user friendly design.
Link: Website
Are you a music lover? If yes then Spotify app is for you. On your Samsung TV, go to Samsung Apps and look for Spotify & install it and start listening to the songs. Spotify has a premium version also to get the amazing sound experience. In premium version, you can download the high-quality music and listen to it offline whenever you want. Apart from this, you will get rid of the ads and have unlimited skips.
Link: Website
The Samsung App Store is full of so many apps you won’t know where to start. These are a few you might want to check out first. Trust me, you won’t me disappointed. What apps are you thinking of installing for your Samsung Smart TV? Share your thoughts in the comments.