Android TV Apps

[Peter_S.]

 

What apps are available for Sony’s Android TV?

You can check what apps can be installed on Sony's Android TV from the Google Play Store.

NOTES:

• The Google Play Store on Sony's Android TV only displays apps that are supported by the TV, so apps that are not displayed are not supported at the moment. Not all apps for other Android devices (such as smartphones) can be used with the TV.
• Apps can be purchased through the Google Play Store if you are logged in using your Google ID. You can also install apps you have already installed and paid for on your Android mobile devices for free if there is an equivalent on Sony's Android TV.

There are two ways to determine what apps are available:

1. Check the HOME Menu of your TV 
   If you already own Sony's Android TV, you can select the Google Play store app from the Apps menu. You can then search through all of the listed apps.
   
   * Your Home screen may differ depending on the models, regions and apps available.
2. Check using a computer, tablet, or smartphone 
   Using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, visit the Apps for Android TV website for a list of the latest apps that are available for Android TV devices.
   
   NOTE: When visiting the Apps for Android TV website, you can also see the Description and Reviews of the app before downloading.

How do I check all the installed apps on Sony's Android TV?

1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
2. Select Settings.
3. Die nächsten Schritte hängen von den Optionen eures TV-Menüs ab:
   • Select Apps — See all apps. (Android™ 9)
   • Select Apps — Downloaded apps or System apps category. (Android 8.0 or earlier)

How to download and install apps

1. On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button.
2. Under Apps, select the Google Play Store.
   
   • On TVs with Android™ 8.0 Oreo™ operating system (OS), if you don't find it in the Apps Favorites section, select the Apps icon, then select the Get more apps icon or Google Play Store.
3. On the Google Play store screen, select the search icon.
   
   
   • The search appears and the microphone icon turns red.
   • To search for the name of the app, say the name of the app using the Voice search feature of your TV.
   • If you want to use the on-screen keyboard, press the right arrow button to display it.
     
4. Select the app.
5. Select Install.
   
    

How to launch an installed app

1. Press the HOME button.
2. Under Apps, select the app that you installed.
   
   • On TVs with Android 8.0 Oreo OS, select the Apps icon to display the list of installed apps.

How to uninstall an app

1. Press the HOME button.
2. Under Apps, select Google Play Store. You'll be asked to log into your Google account if you haven't logged in yet.
   
   • On TVs with Android 8.0 Oreo OS, select Apps and then select Google Play Store.
3. On the left pane, select My Apps.
4. Select the app you want to uninstall.
5. Select UNINSTALL.
6. Select OK to confirm.

You can't uninstall a pre-installed app.

[jafford]

Will Britbox ever be available on Google Play Store?

[bristolchick]

When will a Britbox app be available for my Sony Bravia TV in Australia?

At the moment I cast from my iPad to the TV which is clumsy and eats up the battery.

So far I have been very pleased with the array of apps Sony makes available but this is a letdown as Britbox is the best streaming service available for British ex pats who enjoy BBC and ITV stations.

[Win_88]

Only Britbox can answer that question @jafford @bristolchick

[jafford]

Thanks Win_88. I would hope that Sony might take an interest in the matter.

[Win_88]

I have no doubt they are interested. After all, it would help people make the decision to go with Sony. But BritBox (or any developer for that matter) is who decides where there service can be found. That's the business side of things.

[rutlowe]

Turned on my tv to a message re an “update” which I’ve installed and I noticed the Britbox app is now there - however it does not open???

[Win_88]

Interesting! What happens when you try to open it? Nothing?

Also, are you talking about a system update?

[rutlowe]

In response to Win_88 (Not used to using forums and I can't reply directly on your comment so hope this is OK)

I turned on my TV yesterday and there was a message on screen about an update - I can't remember exactly what it said so don't know if it said "system update" - I know that it did say something about Apple TV. After I installed the update there were Apps for Apple TV and Britbox showing - I was able to access Apple TV but nothing happened when I tried to access the Britbox app. I tried unplugging the TV and leaving for a few hours and even tried before going to bed last night and still nothing. However I tried again this morning and it now seems to be working so hopefully all is OK now.

Thanks for your reply

[Win_88]

Thanks @rutlowe , you're doing great

If you go to Home - Help - System information, what's the current version?

[rutlowe]

Hi Win_88.

If I press Home on the Remote there is no help option!! The left side of the screen has a list - Apps, Play Next, TV and subsequently various Apps (Netflix etc).

However there is a help button on the Remote and from that I can go to system information - it tells me that its software version PKG6.4960.0628EUA

Does that tell you anything?

[Win_88]

If you only just got that update recently then you've received it a little bit late, but that's okay. I just thought a newer version was released.

[rutlowe]

How do you find out when updates are available?

I only knew about this one because there was a message on the TV screen when I turned it on.

I am sometimes a little hesitant about installing updates because things can stop working afterwards and it's unclear what the benefits are but on balance I think it's best to try and be as up to date as possible   

[Win_88]

Sony have an app on Android and iOS called Support by Sony. You can check updates on it.

[rutlowe]

Thanks a lot - I have a Sony soundbar (HTST5000) as well so that will be useful

[Win_88]

Cheers