Only a custom launcher will help here.
Recommended ones are Projectivity Launcher and FLauncher. Both are great options and with some ADB commands you can make them your default launchers and remove the stock one.
I've been using Projectivity and love it. The one thing you'll lose is the access to the Google TV free channels. (at least easy access).
Edit: channels
Hey there,
Tried Flauncher first, since its FOSS. But it doesn't have a built-in option to set itself as the default launcher.
**Projectivy Launcher** does have this setting (requires Accessibility permission to run correctly), and at the moment it's what I'm using!
Pros:
* It seems snappy.
* The ads are gone (even with the VPN connection running).
* The settings menu (gear icon) is accessed in a more intuitive way (really the way it should be), compared to Google's launcher.
Cons:
* Bluetooth settings is no longer easily accessible.
* Too many options at the root of the Settings menu. It could be a little bit better organized.
That's correct. FLauncher does not have a built-in setting to configure it as the default launcher. But here's how to do it: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) (scroll down).
Thanks!
But how do I deal with the fact that pressing back button a few times would take me back to the original launcher.
Example:
Exit from YouTube.
Exit from Flauncher.
Back at Google launcher š
I'll have another look soon. Thank you.
Edit: It is indeed done via parental controls. The way it's done is a bit rough (my router is old and basic). I haven't tested if it actually works.
Mmmm... This doesn't happen with my setup (see end of this post for my config). I'm wondering if you haven't actually replaced the default launcher with FLauncher. Here's the behavior on mine:
While in YouTube, press back button: Exit from YouTube. I now see FLauncher with all my app icons filling the screen.
Press back button again: This triggers "screen saver mode" or whatever it's called. I see stock photos that fill the screen and they change every minute or so.
Press back button again: Back to FLauncher showing all my apps.
Press back button again: Back to screen saver, etc.
In other words, I never see the default CCwGTV launcher. No matter what I do. In fact, I haven't seen it for over a year.
There is a chance that with a different Android device, it acts differently, but I'm really thinking you might want to troubleshoot whether or not you've actually replaced the default launcher with FLauncher.
Here's the link with instructions: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher)
Scroll down and follow the instructions under "Method 2: disable the default launcher." This involves executing adb shell commands on your Android device. If you're not familiar with those, you should be able to find some tutorials. If you need help with adb, post back here. I may be able to help, although I'm not an expert.
And please forgive if you're already an expert and have done all the steps in Method 2, but are still seeing the behavior you mentioned. If that's the case, I may be stumped. Good luck with it! :-)
My configuration:
CCwGTV 4K purchased about two years ago. Connected to HDMI port on Samsung OLED C3 TV.
I appreciate your insights and they're useful to me and the rest of the community. You don't have to apologize for anything. I'm actually the one who was looking for help.
You're right. I didn't run the adb commands when I tried Flauncher. I didn't know I had to do that, I was following a video on YouTube and the guy didn't do any of that. He only installed Button Remapper to remap the home button to open Flauncher app. As such, I don't think I properly substituted the original launcher.
The thing is. I tried Flauncher and because it didn't work properly, I immediately tried Projectivy after. Projectivy's setup is easier I think. It requires Accessibility permissions but besides that it doesn't require ADB or any other application.
I hope Projectivy works well for you. Lots of Android TV users in these forums rave about it. I may try it someday, too! It does sound like the set up to achieve full integration is easier than it is for FLauncher. At least now you have an option in case Projectivy doesn't pan out for some reason. And I have an alternative if FLauncher goes south.
Happy ad-free viewing!
I'm not saying it can't be done.
I looked into the settings and couldn't find anything. I noticed a couple of things about Flauncher:
* Pressing Home Button would take me to the original Google launcher (I understand a Button Remapper app can fix this - it's shown working on this video - [https://youtu.be/Gd3V1PCo9Hs?feature=shared&t=251](https://youtu.be/Gd3V1PCo9Hs?feature=shared&t=251) )
* Restarting the device, would not load Flauncher by default.
- Pressing back a few times would take me back to the original launcher.
See my post above under your previous description of this behavior.
There are two methods to use FLauncher.
Method 1 is remapping the home button with Button Remapper. That's a quick and easy way to get a preview of how FLauncher looks, but it's not very integrated (this method exhibits the "kludgy" behavior you describe).
Method 2 involves completely replacing the default launcher with FLauncher so that when you power up your Android device, you go straight to FLauncher. Method 2 requires executing adb commands on your Android device. I'm not an expert on this, but I was able to google how to run adb commands and complete Method 2 (once you get adb set up on your device, it's really quick to finish the procedure). This worked great for me. FLauncher is totally integrated into my CCwGTV. I never see the original default launcher (but I can reenable it if I want by using adb commands). Anyway, that's the scoop.
For Methods 1 and 2, see [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) and scroll way down.
Again, thank you. You've explained this perfectly.
Between us, I think Flauncher team should copy your comment and post it on their app's Play Store page, in the description. It would be very helpful for new users.
Thank you! This was useful. I have installed Projectivy Launcher and it's working fine.
Only concern is Bluetooth settings. I can't find it and I've looked everywhere.
Googles launcher made it very easy to acess Bluetooth settings in order to connect/disconnect to my headset.
**Edit:** Oh it's under Settings > Remotes and Accessories.
Btw, is there any way to access this easier? Perhaps re-use one of my Netflix/Xiaomi/whatever remote control buttons that are not being used since I uninstalled those apps?
Thank you for this link to a Projectivy tutorial! Great instructional video. Until I watched this, I didn't realize how many features Projectivy has implemented.
block these in your router, or Adguard Home/Pi-hole `androidtvchannels-pa.googleapis.com` `androidtvwatsonfe-pa.googleapis.com` Works sins the beginning in AndroidTV, but isume it is the same in GoogleTV.
After you done that, you need to go in apps to Android TV Home and clear cache and data. Go to homescreen and after that reboot. After that you only see 3 recommendations from Google.
After you done that, you need to go in apps to Android TV Home and clear cache and data. Go to homescreen and after that reboot. After that you only see 3 recommendations from Google.
I get it's mostly opinion, and everyone has the right to their own... but I really don't get the hate from people on this sub about the "ads". It's just showing recommended content (TV shows, movies, sports, etc). When you open Disney+, Apple TV, etc and their home screen is advertising some show, does that upset you too? Because that's all this is. It's like going to target's website and expecting them not to show you recommended products on the landing page.
Ads shouldn't be on a home screen in my opinion. I don't care about them. I have never bought a product based on an ad shoved in my face. If anything it pushes me away. I bought the product already... Let me use it how I please. I'm not a continuing revenue stream.
Amazon products wont be in my house either because they actively stop custom launcher development. Now they show ads on the screensaver. Everyone pushes this go green crap but amazon can tell millions of firesticks to use bandwidth and cpu power to display ads on a screensaver like an ad revenue botnet...
First of all, thank you for sharing your perspective. Gave you an upvote for that.
I'll try to give you my view.
I don't like advertisement, whether digital, or on the TV, or on the streets (outdoors, etc). I don't mind it on magazines and newspapers.
With that said, on the Android device, I specifically enabled apps-only mode because I was looking for a minimal interface. So when huge ads are coming through, they take over, and it doesn't make sense, to me.
Then there's the content part, which, from my limited experience, hasn't always been appropriate for the family setting.
And lastly, there's the adequacy factor, I don't have Disney+ or the other french subscription. So these suggestions make little sense.
>It's like going to target's website and expecting them not to show you recommended products on the landing page.
Me personally, I dislike those too!
I prefer a clean design, even on e-commerce sites. I'll search for whatever I need, or I will browse the categories. The huge carousels on home screen or the vertical banners on the sidebars, tipically employed by e-commerce sites, are a nuisance.
For me, don't show me ads for services I don't have, constantly. I'd be ok with pulling them for services I have installed, absolutely fine, but some services aren't available in my area, yet it uses bandwidth to show me something I cannot access.
Make them targeted or get rid of them.
Projectivy, which I just installed for the first time, and I'm currently exploring, is supposed to do that on its own, according to the video from Lon TV that was shared here.
Edit 1:
The setting is at:
Projectivy settings > General > Override current launcher
Now whether it works or not, I'm still going to see.
Edit 2:
To work properly (even after restating the device) this requires Accessibility to be enabled for the Projectivy Launcher app.
Use [Projectivity Launcher](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spocky.projengmenu&hl=en_CA&gl=US). I've been using it for approximately two months, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience!
You can go messing around with 3rd party launchers which is ok... But I just decided to embrace the dark side and got an apple tv 4k. If you don't need the fastest experience, Roku is simple, good, and affordable, just slower/chunkier compared to apple tv 4k.
Both offer a simple UI with a simple grid of apps. After dealing with Android tvs/fire tv forced ads/promotional content, I can't recommend either.
Believe me, that thought has crossed my mind more than once, even before buying this low level box from Mi.
But the low entry price and the thought of having a more open/flexible operating system led me to think a "certified" Android TV device was going to be better.
And since you did the transition, I would like to ask you a few things:
1. There's no ads like this on the Apple TV ?
2. Are there any ads at all?
3. Do you use any VPN app? Does it run well? (I'm having trouble with this, it always gets disconnected, I know it's due to low RAM, and apparently it's a [common issue](https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/search/?q=vpn%20disconnect&restrict_sr=1).)
Apple tv doesn't have any ads/promotional content banners. It will sometimes display images from that last watched content from the highlighted app (if cursor is over Netflix, it'll display an image/link to the last watched show). But no banners for random content you never watched before.
Haven't tried a VPN app, so I can't say.
I used the Nvidia shield TV for like 5 years, and it was great at first, but then the ads and forced UI changes really turned me off of it.
I picked up an apple tv 4k when on sale, and decided it was the cleanest/best option).
Thank you!
If you ever have the chance to test a VPN app, please share your experience. Btw, ProtonVPN has a plan that is entirely free forever, no catch, US servers only, that would work perfect for testing.
Apparently VPN apps on Apple TV is a very recent event (4 months or so).
ProtonVPN has not released their app yet.
I couldn't find a download link on their website.
And there's people asking for it here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtonVPN/comments/16nnyry/protonvpn_in_apple_tv_4k_tvos_17/
Just a quick correction on Apple tv: the home screen does show "suggested" or special content in selected app that supports this feature in top row of the grid. You can sorta get around this by putting an app that doesn't have this feature as the first app so that when you press the home button, it'll jump to that and show nothing instead.
Thanks, so if you have Jellyfin it will show some stuff in the top area and then if you move the cursor to Netflix, the content in the top will change accordingly, and so on?
Btw, what's an example of an app that doesn't support this feature?
Actually its bcz of the new android launcher settings update...u can remove it ...just go to the settings..select system apps, find android tv home app and uninstall new updates....then all these recommendations will stop as the launcher will go back to older version...thats easiest nd most lag free way...other ways include 3rd party launchers but they can make the tv lag sometimes...also according to google these r not ads...these r recommendations š¤¦
Hey there, op here.
I have a Mi TV Box (2nd gen) with Android TV OS 11. I'm using app-mode, and it keeps a minimal home screen, that I like.
But for some reason, when I enable a VPN connection, a huge top banner comes up. It has suggestions for Disney+ content and some other app (as shown in the photos).
I don't even have these apps installed. How are they being suggested? And is there a way to **never** see this?
**Edit:**
Thanks to a fellow redditor, I found official documentation that talks about this topic: [Hide personalized recommendations on Google TV](https://support.google.com/googletv/answer/10070784?hl=en)
It says:
>What happens when Apps only mode is on
>
>In Apps only mode, you don't get personalized recommendations on your home screen. Youāll find a list of installed apps that you can open to find something to watch. **You'll also find sponsored content and teasers for popular movies and shows.**
So this explains it. Sponsored content and teasers will **still** be shown.
Because Google has been introducing this launcher everywhere. No way to avoid, doesn't matter what you have installed. Maybe you live in one of those rare places where Google tv hasn't been made live, but then you're using a vpn to change your server to a country where this has been introduced. So for now, turn off the vpn.
Most VPNs have a whitelist option. See if yours has it then whitelist the launcher and see if it works. Maybe you should also whitelist the Playstore and google play services. Hope this helps.
Whitelist ?
I've been testing with protonvpn and wireguard apps. None have a "whitelist" feature.
Do you mean split tunnelling? Meaning the VPN only applies to specific apps on the device. Anyway, the mentioned apps do not have this feature on Android TV.
In this case you need to change the VPN server to another country where these suggestions aren't available yet. Or you may just change the stock launcher to another one like Projectify.
Really google should add an option to disable these suggestions. It's like we pay for these devices but we don't own them anymore...
Also there's a way to replace the Google TV launcher by the old Android TV launcher. There are some tutorials on YouTube. I think this is the best option for you. Good luck.
You very welcome! I'm sure you'll like it. Very simple, pretty fast and well designed. Plus you can customize it fully. For some options you need to buy the full version but for all the necessary stuff you won't need to.
Those recommendations are native to the Google TV launcher, but, they are only available in some countries, with different countries too getting different recommendations. Sadly there is no way to turn them off completely - only way as others have said is to change to a different launcher.
If you are using a VPN, I'm guessing the recommendations are not available in your native country and hence they are not showing with the VPN off. With it on, the OS is detecting you as being from a different place, hence the reason.
There are things you can change in the options to only show recommendations from apps that you choose - though in my experience that doesn't seem to work.
>There are things you can change in the options to only show recommendations from apps that you choose - though in my experience that doesn't seem to work.
I couldnt even find this setting.
If your version is same as mine, in the "Home" tab/screen scroll down to the bottom of the list and you should see a button that reads "Manage services". It will take you to a list of services/apps available in your area, and you can toggle which ones it will use for your recommendations. Does not work very well though - have Disney+ turned off as an option and it still lists shows from there on my screen.
Keep in mind mine was already set as apps-only mode.
So that's probably why I don't see the setting you're referring to.
In the meantime, I've installed Projectivy Launcher. I hate ads.
It's part of the launcher, has been for seems like 3 years but it's location based. Disney is one of the partners, doesn't matter if you have the apps installed.
get a vpn and set your country to any country in the EU. europe doesnt allow ads. im canadian on vacation in hungary visiting my parents and all the ads went away as soon as i got here. im using nvidia shield pro 2020
Really? This is a Google branded device? I've had mine a couple years now and have never (actually never) had anything but movie, TV show, sports, etc recommendations on mine
Same, it's only digital content recommendations for me, I can't stand all the bitching in this sub. The answer is obviously use a different launcher. Seriously, people complain too much.
I honestly might!
The amount of time I've spent on this crappy little Xiaomi thing, specially trying to make the VPN connection work in a stable way. My mistake was probably getting a low memory device (only 2 GB). I even asked here and despite getting some feedback, no one said the VPN would not work :/
FLauncher. Available on the Play store. If you want to replace the default launcher with FLauncher, here are the instructions: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) (scroll down).
These are previews , disabling them will get your entire library of content off of the homepage, giving you a loading error..best way around is using another launcher that suits your style
For a tranquil, Zen experience with no hyper-agitated ads, previews, admonishments, etc., try FLauncher. Available on the Play store. To replace the default launcher with FLauncher, use these instructions: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) (scroll down). I've been using FLauncher for years and love it.
What device are you on?
I have reverted my launcher on my nvidia shield pro, by going to settings and apps, where I uninstalled all updates from the launcher, and then in the play store disabled auto update for it as well. There were for sure more steps to it, but 'revert android tv launcher' as your search terms will get you the information, but im unsure if it can be done anymore, but it worked at the and I havent seen an ad since.
If you're not going to use other apps, and set on the apps you have. You can go to settings - go to your google account, and should be option for APP ONLY MODE.
APP ONLY MODE is great and I have it enabled for a few weeks now.
But evidently it does not prevent the ads / recommendations illustrated in the photos I took and posted here yesterday.
People don't like being force fed advertisements on the home screen.
Just look at the amount of people that have commented.
This post has over 50k views.
No I mean I get that a lot of folks donāt like it , what I donāt get is why lol like thatās the least of my worries and certainly not worth getting my blood pressure up over it is all Iām saying lol
Well everything on the interwebs is a little bit exaggerated and reactionary. But honestly I think this whole discussion was beneficial.
People had the opportunity to show their distaste for the situation. And new users like me got a better understanding of how long this has been going for (3 years), how it's progressing (apparently it's getting worse because people are seeing ads for new automobiles and insurance services), and solutions (alternative launchers).
I had the same problem on mi tv 4s, I solved with a downgrade of the android tv launcher in an old version where there were no ads. It has a similar user interface and similar functions and you don't have to use an external launcher
Use the ads to your advantage?
I've got Kodi + Scrubs V.2 running on my Android TV and if I see a movie/TV show that looks interesting on the ads, I'll stream it for free.
Win win.
They started off as recommendations but they are just ads now, you don't have to have any of the services installed. They have even started to populate the channels with non removable suggestions. I've moved on. The unwanted clutter building up.
Interesting. For me, they only show up from apps I have installed. I find them useful as I do not have to keep up with what kind of new show/season is available now.
It may be different based on which country you're in but I'd bet Disney/Hulu/Tubi show up on all US based devices. I run 3rd party launcher now so I don't bother keeping up anymore.
Quit using a VPN. You're paying more to kind of steal media. Might as well pay less and steal for considerable less money.
And a custom launcher, either way.
>Quit using a VPN. You're paying more to kind of steal media. Might as well pay less and steal for considerable less money.
I'll give this argument a chance, if you care to explain it better.
Honestly I might have to consider this option again in the future.
One of the reasons I discarded it before is because I don't like paying for things I don't use. And I dislike the concept of having 900 channels when really I just want one or two. I'm trying to avoid falling into major distractions.
Plus the amount of adult channels that are usually offered is something that I don't want to be available at all, on a family environment.
If you have any suggestions on how to solve some of these concerns, and if you have a suggestion for a reliable iptv service that caters to sports live events (combat, soccer/football, formula one), let me know, either here or on PM.
Tivimate. My channel line up is identical to what you'd find on cable in my area. Other than some random categories like premiere League. The other 13000 channels are completely hidden.
Weyd/syncler/stremio and debrid will get you ANY torrent on earth full remux quality without the hassle of a stupid fucking VPN
A good IPTV service gets you anything live .
And SmartTube for YouTube.
All said and done about $10 a month and I have any content I want in any language I want whenever I want.
Only a custom launcher will help here. Recommended ones are Projectivity Launcher and FLauncher. Both are great options and with some ADB commands you can make them your default launchers and remove the stock one.
I've been using Projectivity and love it. The one thing you'll lose is the access to the Google TV free channels. (at least easy access). Edit: channels
>Google TV free changes. (at least easy access). What is that ?
Free channels. Sorry
Alright.
Awww!!! I was just looking for a way to add Live Channels app to Projectivity too. I guess not?
I couldn't figure it out
... There's Google TV free channels? How do I access those?
Came in here to say this.
Hey there, Tried Flauncher first, since its FOSS. But it doesn't have a built-in option to set itself as the default launcher. **Projectivy Launcher** does have this setting (requires Accessibility permission to run correctly), and at the moment it's what I'm using! Pros: * It seems snappy. * The ads are gone (even with the VPN connection running). * The settings menu (gear icon) is accessed in a more intuitive way (really the way it should be), compared to Google's launcher. Cons: * Bluetooth settings is no longer easily accessible. * Too many options at the root of the Settings menu. It could be a little bit better organized.
That's correct. FLauncher does not have a built-in setting to configure it as the default launcher. But here's how to do it: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) (scroll down).
Thanks! But how do I deal with the fact that pressing back button a few times would take me back to the original launcher. Example: Exit from YouTube. Exit from Flauncher. Back at Google launcher š
you can remove the ads on the default launcher by blocking a certain url via your router gateway
My current router doesn't have that feature. I checked.
it can be called anything mainly parental controls
I'll have another look soon. Thank you. Edit: It is indeed done via parental controls. The way it's done is a bit rough (my router is old and basic). I haven't tested if it actually works.
ahh no problem but i find it removes the ads completely ;)
Which URL should be blocked to remove the ads?
Please update your comment if you get an answer
Mmmm... This doesn't happen with my setup (see end of this post for my config). I'm wondering if you haven't actually replaced the default launcher with FLauncher. Here's the behavior on mine: While in YouTube, press back button: Exit from YouTube. I now see FLauncher with all my app icons filling the screen. Press back button again: This triggers "screen saver mode" or whatever it's called. I see stock photos that fill the screen and they change every minute or so. Press back button again: Back to FLauncher showing all my apps. Press back button again: Back to screen saver, etc. In other words, I never see the default CCwGTV launcher. No matter what I do. In fact, I haven't seen it for over a year. There is a chance that with a different Android device, it acts differently, but I'm really thinking you might want to troubleshoot whether or not you've actually replaced the default launcher with FLauncher. Here's the link with instructions: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) Scroll down and follow the instructions under "Method 2: disable the default launcher." This involves executing adb shell commands on your Android device. If you're not familiar with those, you should be able to find some tutorials. If you need help with adb, post back here. I may be able to help, although I'm not an expert. And please forgive if you're already an expert and have done all the steps in Method 2, but are still seeing the behavior you mentioned. If that's the case, I may be stumped. Good luck with it! :-) My configuration: CCwGTV 4K purchased about two years ago. Connected to HDMI port on Samsung OLED C3 TV.
I appreciate your insights and they're useful to me and the rest of the community. You don't have to apologize for anything. I'm actually the one who was looking for help. You're right. I didn't run the adb commands when I tried Flauncher. I didn't know I had to do that, I was following a video on YouTube and the guy didn't do any of that. He only installed Button Remapper to remap the home button to open Flauncher app. As such, I don't think I properly substituted the original launcher. The thing is. I tried Flauncher and because it didn't work properly, I immediately tried Projectivy after. Projectivy's setup is easier I think. It requires Accessibility permissions but besides that it doesn't require ADB or any other application.
I hope Projectivy works well for you. Lots of Android TV users in these forums rave about it. I may try it someday, too! It does sound like the set up to achieve full integration is easier than it is for FLauncher. At least now you have an option in case Projectivy doesn't pan out for some reason. And I have an alternative if FLauncher goes south. Happy ad-free viewing!
š
Flauncher can definitely be set as default.
I'm not saying it can't be done. I looked into the settings and couldn't find anything. I noticed a couple of things about Flauncher: * Pressing Home Button would take me to the original Google launcher (I understand a Button Remapper app can fix this - it's shown working on this video - [https://youtu.be/Gd3V1PCo9Hs?feature=shared&t=251](https://youtu.be/Gd3V1PCo9Hs?feature=shared&t=251) ) * Restarting the device, would not load Flauncher by default. - Pressing back a few times would take me back to the original launcher.
See my post above under your previous description of this behavior. There are two methods to use FLauncher. Method 1 is remapping the home button with Button Remapper. That's a quick and easy way to get a preview of how FLauncher looks, but it's not very integrated (this method exhibits the "kludgy" behavior you describe). Method 2 involves completely replacing the default launcher with FLauncher so that when you power up your Android device, you go straight to FLauncher. Method 2 requires executing adb commands on your Android device. I'm not an expert on this, but I was able to google how to run adb commands and complete Method 2 (once you get adb set up on your device, it's really quick to finish the procedure). This worked great for me. FLauncher is totally integrated into my CCwGTV. I never see the original default launcher (but I can reenable it if I want by using adb commands). Anyway, that's the scoop. For Methods 1 and 2, see [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) and scroll way down.
Again, thank you. You've explained this perfectly. Between us, I think Flauncher team should copy your comment and post it on their app's Play Store page, in the description. It would be very helpful for new users.
Agreed. They could even build a web address into the app that points to the instructions.
ATVlauncher has worked well for me when I was using a mi box S
Im not sure you can. Maybe use a different/custom launcher.
Here's tutorial from lon.tv https://youtu.be/WAKno02w7J0?si=KL3GMuHdv_NyMtca Edit: fix typo
Lon is the best!
+1 for Lon. Came to comment this exact video.
Thank you! This was useful. I have installed Projectivy Launcher and it's working fine. Only concern is Bluetooth settings. I can't find it and I've looked everywhere. Googles launcher made it very easy to acess Bluetooth settings in order to connect/disconnect to my headset. **Edit:** Oh it's under Settings > Remotes and Accessories. Btw, is there any way to access this easier? Perhaps re-use one of my Netflix/Xiaomi/whatever remote control buttons that are not being used since I uninstalled those apps?
i've been using the app Button Remapper on my onn box and i think it'd let you do something like that
Thank you for this link to a Projectivy tutorial! Great instructional video. Until I watched this, I didn't realize how many features Projectivy has implemented.
block these in your router, or Adguard Home/Pi-hole `androidtvchannels-pa.googleapis.com` `androidtvwatsonfe-pa.googleapis.com` Works sins the beginning in AndroidTV, but isume it is the same in GoogleTV. After you done that, you need to go in apps to Android TV Home and clear cache and data. Go to homescreen and after that reboot. After that you only see 3 recommendations from Google.
My router doesn't have such a feature unfortunately. I just checked. It's a basic router provided by the ISP :/
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
You also can setup Adguard public DNS in your router, if that's possible.
I'll try this one later
After you done that, you need to go in apps to Android TV Home and clear cache and data. Go to homescreen and after that reboot. After that you only see 3 recommendations from Google.
I executed `pm clear com.google.android.tvlauncher`. it worked.
I get it's mostly opinion, and everyone has the right to their own... but I really don't get the hate from people on this sub about the "ads". It's just showing recommended content (TV shows, movies, sports, etc). When you open Disney+, Apple TV, etc and their home screen is advertising some show, does that upset you too? Because that's all this is. It's like going to target's website and expecting them not to show you recommended products on the landing page.
Ads shouldn't be on a home screen in my opinion. I don't care about them. I have never bought a product based on an ad shoved in my face. If anything it pushes me away. I bought the product already... Let me use it how I please. I'm not a continuing revenue stream. Amazon products wont be in my house either because they actively stop custom launcher development. Now they show ads on the screensaver. Everyone pushes this go green crap but amazon can tell millions of firesticks to use bandwidth and cpu power to display ads on a screensaver like an ad revenue botnet...
First of all, thank you for sharing your perspective. Gave you an upvote for that. I'll try to give you my view. I don't like advertisement, whether digital, or on the TV, or on the streets (outdoors, etc). I don't mind it on magazines and newspapers. With that said, on the Android device, I specifically enabled apps-only mode because I was looking for a minimal interface. So when huge ads are coming through, they take over, and it doesn't make sense, to me. Then there's the content part, which, from my limited experience, hasn't always been appropriate for the family setting. And lastly, there's the adequacy factor, I don't have Disney+ or the other french subscription. So these suggestions make little sense. >It's like going to target's website and expecting them not to show you recommended products on the landing page. Me personally, I dislike those too! I prefer a clean design, even on e-commerce sites. I'll search for whatever I need, or I will browse the categories. The huge carousels on home screen or the vertical banners on the sidebars, tipically employed by e-commerce sites, are a nuisance.
For me, don't show me ads for services I don't have, constantly. I'd be ok with pulling them for services I have installed, absolutely fine, but some services aren't available in my area, yet it uses bandwidth to show me something I cannot access. Make them targeted or get rid of them.
Launcher manager and projectivy
I get what Projectivy does. But why do you need Launcher manager ?
You need to use it once to set Projectivy as your standard launcher
Projectivy, which I just installed for the first time, and I'm currently exploring, is supposed to do that on its own, according to the video from Lon TV that was shared here. Edit 1: The setting is at: Projectivy settings > General > Override current launcher Now whether it works or not, I'm still going to see. Edit 2: To work properly (even after restating the device) this requires Accessibility to be enabled for the Projectivy Launcher app.
Some android tv won't let you change launchers without the extra app.
You donāt need Launcher Manager. Just the Projectivy App and ur good.
these settings are under preferencesā>Featured Content. Just turn autoplay off for both video and audio.
I turned this off on day one. There's nothing I hate more than shit blaring at me that I didn't even ask for.
There's no such setting on Mi TV box (2nd gen), which runs Android TV OS 11.
Use [Projectivity Launcher](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spocky.projengmenu&hl=en_CA&gl=US). I've been using it for approximately two months, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience!
Done.
https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher
FLauncher rules!
Thank you. I'll keep this in mind!
Switch to an Apple TV as I did in 2022 when this shitty update came in
That's the neat part. You can't.
Uninstalll updates from Android Ui and after that, switch off auto updates.
You can go messing around with 3rd party launchers which is ok... But I just decided to embrace the dark side and got an apple tv 4k. If you don't need the fastest experience, Roku is simple, good, and affordable, just slower/chunkier compared to apple tv 4k. Both offer a simple UI with a simple grid of apps. After dealing with Android tvs/fire tv forced ads/promotional content, I can't recommend either.
Believe me, that thought has crossed my mind more than once, even before buying this low level box from Mi. But the low entry price and the thought of having a more open/flexible operating system led me to think a "certified" Android TV device was going to be better. And since you did the transition, I would like to ask you a few things: 1. There's no ads like this on the Apple TV ? 2. Are there any ads at all? 3. Do you use any VPN app? Does it run well? (I'm having trouble with this, it always gets disconnected, I know it's due to low RAM, and apparently it's a [common issue](https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/search/?q=vpn%20disconnect&restrict_sr=1).)
Apple tv doesn't have any ads/promotional content banners. It will sometimes display images from that last watched content from the highlighted app (if cursor is over Netflix, it'll display an image/link to the last watched show). But no banners for random content you never watched before. Haven't tried a VPN app, so I can't say. I used the Nvidia shield TV for like 5 years, and it was great at first, but then the ads and forced UI changes really turned me off of it. I picked up an apple tv 4k when on sale, and decided it was the cleanest/best option).
Thank you! If you ever have the chance to test a VPN app, please share your experience. Btw, ProtonVPN has a plan that is entirely free forever, no catch, US servers only, that would work perfect for testing.
Check out the apple tv sub for more specifics but... https://www.reddit.com/r/appletv/s/F62cOFoneH
Thanks. From quick perusal, it's looking good on the other side of the fence.
Apparently VPN apps on Apple TV is a very recent event (4 months or so). ProtonVPN has not released their app yet. I couldn't find a download link on their website. And there's people asking for it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtonVPN/comments/16nnyry/protonvpn_in_apple_tv_4k_tvos_17/
Just a quick correction on Apple tv: the home screen does show "suggested" or special content in selected app that supports this feature in top row of the grid. You can sorta get around this by putting an app that doesn't have this feature as the first app so that when you press the home button, it'll jump to that and show nothing instead.
Thanks, so if you have Jellyfin it will show some stuff in the top area and then if you move the cursor to Netflix, the content in the top will change accordingly, and so on? Btw, what's an example of an app that doesn't support this feature?
Just tried the following that didn't show any preview content: Disney+, YouTube, YouTube tv, YouTube kids, Hulu, peacock.
Funny that Disney+ doesn't use that feature on TvOS but partners with Google to inject ads on Android TV.
Use a custom launcher
Using DNS blocker will disable all this shit
Actually its bcz of the new android launcher settings update...u can remove it ...just go to the settings..select system apps, find android tv home app and uninstall new updates....then all these recommendations will stop as the launcher will go back to older version...thats easiest nd most lag free way...other ways include 3rd party launchers but they can make the tv lag sometimes...also according to google these r not ads...these r recommendations š¤¦
FLauncher
Ditto.
You have 2 options either revert back to old launcher and never update it or get yourself a custom launcher, I recommend flauncher.
Hey there, op here. I have a Mi TV Box (2nd gen) with Android TV OS 11. I'm using app-mode, and it keeps a minimal home screen, that I like. But for some reason, when I enable a VPN connection, a huge top banner comes up. It has suggestions for Disney+ content and some other app (as shown in the photos). I don't even have these apps installed. How are they being suggested? And is there a way to **never** see this? **Edit:** Thanks to a fellow redditor, I found official documentation that talks about this topic: [Hide personalized recommendations on Google TV](https://support.google.com/googletv/answer/10070784?hl=en) It says: >What happens when Apps only mode is on > >In Apps only mode, you don't get personalized recommendations on your home screen. Youāll find a list of installed apps that you can open to find something to watch. **You'll also find sponsored content and teasers for popular movies and shows.** So this explains it. Sponsored content and teasers will **still** be shown.
Download projectivy Launcher from the play store.
Done. Thank you.
Because Google has been introducing this launcher everywhere. No way to avoid, doesn't matter what you have installed. Maybe you live in one of those rare places where Google tv hasn't been made live, but then you're using a vpn to change your server to a country where this has been introduced. So for now, turn off the vpn.
That makes sense!
Most VPNs have a whitelist option. See if yours has it then whitelist the launcher and see if it works. Maybe you should also whitelist the Playstore and google play services. Hope this helps.
Whitelist ? I've been testing with protonvpn and wireguard apps. None have a "whitelist" feature. Do you mean split tunnelling? Meaning the VPN only applies to specific apps on the device. Anyway, the mentioned apps do not have this feature on Android TV.
In this case you need to change the VPN server to another country where these suggestions aren't available yet. Or you may just change the stock launcher to another one like Projectify. Really google should add an option to disable these suggestions. It's like we pay for these devices but we don't own them anymore... Also there's a way to replace the Google TV launcher by the old Android TV launcher. There are some tutorials on YouTube. I think this is the best option for you. Good luck.
Thank you. I'm using Projectivy Launcher right now. Ads are gone. We'll see how this goes.
You very welcome! I'm sure you'll like it. Very simple, pretty fast and well designed. Plus you can customize it fully. For some options you need to buy the full version but for all the necessary stuff you won't need to.
Those recommendations are native to the Google TV launcher, but, they are only available in some countries, with different countries too getting different recommendations. Sadly there is no way to turn them off completely - only way as others have said is to change to a different launcher. If you are using a VPN, I'm guessing the recommendations are not available in your native country and hence they are not showing with the VPN off. With it on, the OS is detecting you as being from a different place, hence the reason. There are things you can change in the options to only show recommendations from apps that you choose - though in my experience that doesn't seem to work.
>There are things you can change in the options to only show recommendations from apps that you choose - though in my experience that doesn't seem to work. I couldnt even find this setting.
If your version is same as mine, in the "Home" tab/screen scroll down to the bottom of the list and you should see a button that reads "Manage services". It will take you to a list of services/apps available in your area, and you can toggle which ones it will use for your recommendations. Does not work very well though - have Disney+ turned off as an option and it still lists shows from there on my screen.
Keep in mind mine was already set as apps-only mode. So that's probably why I don't see the setting you're referring to. In the meantime, I've installed Projectivy Launcher. I hate ads.
It's part of the launcher, has been for seems like 3 years but it's location based. Disney is one of the partners, doesn't matter if you have the apps installed.
Thank you for the clarification. I'm a new Android TV OS user. Only have it for a month or so. And only recently been testing with the VPN apps.
get a vpn and set your country to any country in the EU. europe doesnt allow ads. im canadian on vacation in hungary visiting my parents and all the ads went away as soon as i got here. im using nvidia shield pro 2020
Install projectivity launcher and also replace the leds from your tv , the white color is not fully white , is blue
> the white color is not fully white , is blue nah, just a bad photo.
Its horrendous. I get advertisements like this for fiber internet and insurances etc on my googletv device. I feel so fucked by google
Really? This is a Google branded device? I've had mine a couple years now and have never (actually never) had anything but movie, TV show, sports, etc recommendations on mine
Same, it's only digital content recommendations for me, I can't stand all the bitching in this sub. The answer is obviously use a different launcher. Seriously, people complain too much.
But aren't you complaining about complaining? Just kidding.
lol if true.
Buy an Apple TV.
I honestly might! The amount of time I've spent on this crappy little Xiaomi thing, specially trying to make the VPN connection work in a stable way. My mistake was probably getting a low memory device (only 2 GB). I even asked here and despite getting some feedback, no one said the VPN would not work :/
Use a better launcher.
Open to suggestions!
FLauncher. Available on the Play store. If you want to replace the default launcher with FLauncher, here are the instructions: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) (scroll down).
App only mode?
Doesn't remove the big ad
These are previews , disabling them will get your entire library of content off of the homepage, giving you a loading error..best way around is using another launcher that suits your style
Thanks for replying. I see. So we can disable it. Do you know how ? Btw, what launcher do you personally use ?
Ok first of all try this. Note that this doesn't work on some tvs and for others , it works natively like a charm. Go to settings> device preference
>Go to settings> device preference Remotes and Accessories** š I was used to accessing it [directly from the top](https://i.imgur.com/kMVGl96.jpg).
It's right there.. you get access to ur original android setting.. scroll down until you find setting tile, select android setting and bluetooth
How do we block ads with improper punctuation? That should be Dickensā, not Dickenās. His name was not Charles Dicken.
Another nail in the coffin of Google's advertisement business.
Must try this one: https://youtu.be/OpVaJ_d73Qc?si=E8EgLarTE3o5KVaV
For those saying that itās only recommended content. On my Sony TV Iām getting Mercedes ads thatās plays non stop.
Man I want to laugh at how ridiculous that is. But it's actually sad that we have reached this point.
If you donāt wanna use a new Launcher just put it in āApp Onlyā mode and youāre good.
Was already in app only mode. Ads still appear.
For a tranquil, Zen experience with no hyper-agitated ads, previews, admonishments, etc., try FLauncher. Available on the Play store. To replace the default launcher with FLauncher, use these instructions: [https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher](https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher) (scroll down). I've been using FLauncher for years and love it.
Ive got chromecast + smarttube + cineb on odin browser and no ads
Ok imma aleast say this google is more creative with displaying ads than firestick OS lol.
What device are you on? I have reverted my launcher on my nvidia shield pro, by going to settings and apps, where I uninstalled all updates from the launcher, and then in the play store disabled auto update for it as well. There were for sure more steps to it, but 'revert android tv launcher' as your search terms will get you the information, but im unsure if it can be done anymore, but it worked at the and I havent seen an ad since.
you can customize which ads you want. I've cust9mized mine to show for streaming platforms I have such as prime hulu Disney and crunchyroll.
How to customize? I couldn't find any setting. The device is Mi tv box 2nd gen.
Enable Apps Only mode š
It's not enough. Read the comment I left [above](https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/19agyqg/comment/kikp2zs/).
Get a Roku?
No thanks.
It's a smartTV you really think they'll just let you not have ads in your face 24/7?
it's actually Mi Tv box (2nd gen) but I guess their idea is the same.
If you're not going to use other apps, and set on the apps you have. You can go to settings - go to your google account, and should be option for APP ONLY MODE.
APP ONLY MODE is great and I have it enabled for a few weeks now. But evidently it does not prevent the ads / recommendations illustrated in the photos I took and posted here yesterday.
You can use ATV pro Launcher instead. Find it in the APKTime 3rd party app store.
Or TroyPoints website will help find it and other helpful things safely
I've never understood why people get so bent over ads hahahah
People don't like being force fed advertisements on the home screen. Just look at the amount of people that have commented. This post has over 50k views.
No I mean I get that a lot of folks donāt like it , what I donāt get is why lol like thatās the least of my worries and certainly not worth getting my blood pressure up over it is all Iām saying lol
Well everything on the interwebs is a little bit exaggerated and reactionary. But honestly I think this whole discussion was beneficial. People had the opportunity to show their distaste for the situation. And new users like me got a better understanding of how long this has been going for (3 years), how it's progressing (apparently it's getting worse because people are seeing ads for new automobiles and insurance services), and solutions (alternative launchers).
I had the same problem on mi tv 4s, I solved with a downgrade of the android tv launcher in an old version where there were no ads. It has a similar user interface and similar functions and you don't have to use an external launcher
Use the ads to your advantage? I've got Kodi + Scrubs V.2 running on my Android TV and if I see a movie/TV show that looks interesting on the ads, I'll stream it for free. Win win.
No thank you.
Where are the ads?
Look at the picture at the top.
Yeah? That's the recommended content, not an ad. Android TV had them since the beginning for each of the apps you have installed.
They started off as recommendations but they are just ads now, you don't have to have any of the services installed. They have even started to populate the channels with non removable suggestions. I've moved on. The unwanted clutter building up.
Interesting. For me, they only show up from apps I have installed. I find them useful as I do not have to keep up with what kind of new show/season is available now.
It may be different based on which country you're in but I'd bet Disney/Hulu/Tubi show up on all US based devices. I run 3rd party launcher now so I don't bother keeping up anymore.
Check this out: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/19aomg4/comment/kin1if8/
Alright, this is what I would call an ad. But I wasn't seeing it in your pictures.
It's the same feature being employed. I don't have Disney or the French app.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
He is having problems with the whole Launcher, not just Youtube.
Quit using a VPN. You're paying more to kind of steal media. Might as well pay less and steal for considerable less money. And a custom launcher, either way.
>Quit using a VPN. You're paying more to kind of steal media. Might as well pay less and steal for considerable less money. I'll give this argument a chance, if you care to explain it better.
Get a debrid service for $3 a month.
How do you watch live events?
IPTV.
Honestly I might have to consider this option again in the future. One of the reasons I discarded it before is because I don't like paying for things I don't use. And I dislike the concept of having 900 channels when really I just want one or two. I'm trying to avoid falling into major distractions. Plus the amount of adult channels that are usually offered is something that I don't want to be available at all, on a family environment. If you have any suggestions on how to solve some of these concerns, and if you have a suggestion for a reliable iptv service that caters to sports live events (combat, soccer/football, formula one), let me know, either here or on PM.
Tivimate. My channel line up is identical to what you'd find on cable in my area. Other than some random categories like premiere League. The other 13000 channels are completely hidden. Weyd/syncler/stremio and debrid will get you ANY torrent on earth full remux quality without the hassle of a stupid fucking VPN A good IPTV service gets you anything live . And SmartTube for YouTube. All said and done about $10 a month and I have any content I want in any language I want whenever I want.
Thank you! I will most probably come back to this idea in the near future.