Guide to Smart TV App Development

Do you plan on delving into Smart TV App development? Searching for a guide? Well, look no more. We’re here to help you.
Guide to Smart TV App Development | Binmile

Gone are those days when TV boxes were installed with their bothersome antennas. The inconsiderate monthly subscriptions with oddly assorted channels were not personalized by the consumers but came with the subscriptions anyway, along with the issue of networks and no internet compatibility.

In today’s world of connectivity, television has been modernized. They are known as ‘Smart TVs’. With features of voice commands, internet access, streaming applications, and much more, they have become as equipped as any other smart gadget, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Smart TVs have become an engaging platform because they offer grand screens, high-quality sound, and the comfort of watching every show/movie at a high screen resolution. Additionally, according to research, the overall market of smart TVs is expected to grow to $244.41 billion by the year 2026. Smart TV app development is an important sector in software development now.

What Do You Mean by Smart TV App?

Smart TV app are mostly streaming applications that can be used on televisions and connect to WiFi networks. These smart apps are both free and subscription-based. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO, etc., are some of the most famous OTT platforms which are featured in smart TVs. These applications offer a million pieces of content. What’s more impressive about these platforms is the fact that each person gets to have their own choice of application, unlike subscribing to all apps and paying for them all.

What Does Smart TV App Development Mean?

As the name suggests, smart TV app development means developing applications for smart TVs. When a consumer uses a smart TV, there are various applications downloaded by default. However, the consumer can download any other application from a vast pool of options. It can be a video streaming app, an audio streaming app, or a game streaming app. For instance, the Youtube app is a very common application for smart TVs. A lot of companies involved in the mobile application business are building smart TV versions of their popular apps. It is easy for a mobile app development company to enter this field. For instance, these companies can simply create react native app that works across multiple platforms, such as some of the popular smart TV platforms.

Smart TV App Development | Binmile

All About Smart TV App Operating Systems

As we are all familiar with smartphone applications undergoing various developments, smart TV apps also go through some developments. There are several operating systems which you can choose to develop the applications for. They include:

Google, Android TV

Google has a specific mobile operating system for Android phones. However, in this case, Google has created an Android TV operating system, especially for televisions. Various amazing features are built into the Android TV.

Google assistance, Google Play Music, Google Play Store, Google Chromecast technology, Google Maps, etc., are all additionally accessed along with other streaming applications such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Spotify, etc.

Samsung TV, Tizen

Tizen is an open-sourced TV operating system based on Linux. All development managers and device manufacturers can use it for free. This Samsung TV entails a massive amount of personalized content for consumers.

All streaming applications are already installed by default, which saves a lot of time and eliminates all chances of missing out on any crucial platform. It also includes a specific command assistant known as Bixby, which makes this whole experience very convenient.

One of its coolest features is that it auto-recommends shows, films, and songs based on the user’s liking, making it easier for them. When you open Netflix, it offers a list of trending shows, to-be-watched shows, currently watching shows, etc. However, with Tizen, these applications are all lined up at the bottom of the screen. It is one click away before it starts playing the ongoing show, resuming it from where it was last paused.

Smart TV Tizen Operating System | Binmile

Amazon, Fire OS

The Fire OS operating system operates Amazon Fire TV. Any application that runs on an Android phone will likely work on the Amazon Fire TV. It is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. It works on both mobile data and wifi modes. The voice assistant, known as Alexa, is famous worldwide. It is capable of streaming more than 5000+ applications on its device.

Apple TV, tvOS

The tvOS operating system provides high 4k resolution screenings, Dolby Vision, and an amazing sound experience through Dolby Atmos. Like the App Store found in iOS gadgets, Apple TV has its in-built Apple Store, which has thousands of applications for tvOS to choose from. Apple’s most loved virtual assistant ‘Siri’ is compatible with the Apple TV.

A command to Siri on an iPhone will also show results on the Apple TV. Other Apple features include Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music. Another excellent quality that sets Apple apart from different TV sets is the feature of connecting Airpods or Airpods Max or any Bluetooth headphones to the TV.

Apple TV has an associated accessory known as ‘Apple Homepods.’ These speakers enhance the sound experience further while watching Apple TV. Lastly, AirPlay support allows screen sharing so that you can easily play something from your iPhone to the Apple TV.

LG Smart TV, WebOS

LG Smart TV is run by a Linux-based operating software known as webOS. Features like ‘Smart Switching’ allow users to jump between apps without hassle. They provide high-resolution visuals with touchscreen features on the TV.

Also Read: How to Build Engaging Mobile App

Recipe for the Development of Smart TV App

By now, we are aware of all the smart TV types, their operating systems, and their functions. To develop an app for TV, a person must follow these steps:

Android TV

Android TV is an operating system for Android digital media operators, which means that it will only be supported in devices by Sony, Xiaomi, and Sharp. For a developer to make an app for an Android TV, they need to learn Kotlin/Java for a local app that works in a specific geography or JavaScript to create a web app. It is easy for an android app development company to build applications for this platform.

Samsung TV

To understand and create apps for Tizen, developers must know C++ and HTML 5 since most apps are already on the device. Developers also get access to development tools from the jQuery library through its operating system.

Amazon Fire TV

This mainly runs on Android; therefore, developers must learn JavaScript, Java, and Kotlin to create developing apps for Amazon TV. The skill sets that Amazon TV developers require are –

  1. Ample knowledge of the Fire TV SDK and its corresponding libraries.
  2. Good knowledge of the Fire operating system.
  3. Must be well-adjusted in knowing technologies for video-streaming online.

Apple TV

The tvOS operating system is used in the Apple TV. It is accompanied by its tvOS SDK. The language in which the applications are written is JavaScript and Swift. To make developments in an app, you should have the latest XCode IDE version, which already comes with the tvOS SDK and with support for two code languages- JavaScript and Swift.

LG Smart TV

Like Tizen, which is used in Samsung TVs, webOS is also a Linux-based operating system. The developmental languages that it supports are HTML 5, C, and C++. The framework used in LG Smart TV is known as Mojo JavaScript Framework.

Read More: Offshore App Development Trends

Reasons Behind the Development of Smart TV App

A simple, fast-paced functioning device brings comfort after a long day at work. Even on breaks, when one wants to indulge in their favorite shows, why should one’s experiences be bitter due to lagging and chaotic TV platforms? Every user deserves high resolution, great audio features, and a variety of options to choose from.

What’s more important is the feature of personalization. Since these apps provide satisfaction to the specific needs of the users, and the smart TV provides great recommendations and much more, it makes each user’s experience unique and different from the others. Developments are constantly in the making to add more finesse to the existing applications.

Read More: Popular App Development Frameworks

Concluding Thoughts

Now that you are aware of the ingredients that will make your smart TV app development easier, it is important to execute everything properly. Among various product- and service-based companies, Binmile is probably the best software development company out there. With the right infrastructure and professional practices, you can be assured of remarkable outcomes. Various potential developments are yet to be made in these smart TV app. Perhaps, you can be the next innovator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smart TV App Development refers to the process of creating applications specifically designed to run on smart television platforms. These apps offer various functionalities such as streaming video content, accessing online services, playing games, and interacting with other connected devices.

Common technologies used in Smart TV App Development include:

  • Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript for web-based apps.
  • Frameworks and Libraries: React.js, Angular.js, Vue.js for building interactive UIs.
  • Platform-specific Languages: Java/Kotlin for Android TV, Swift for Apple TV.
  • SDKs and APIs: Platform-specific SDKs and APIs provided by smart TV manufacturers for accessing device features and functionalities.
  • Media Streaming Protocols: HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) for delivering video content.

Android TV App Development refers to the process of creating applications specifically designed for the Android TV platform. These apps are tailored to offer entertainment, productivity, or utility services on television screens running on the Android TV operating system.

Common technologies used in Android TV App Development include:

  • Android SDK: Android framework for building TV-specific apps, with APIs for media playback, user interface, input handling, and content discovery.
  • Kotlin or Java: Programming languages used for native Android app development.
  • Android TV Support Library: Libraries and components specifically designed for Android TV, such as Leanback Support Library and MediaSessionCompat.
  • Media Playback APIs: ExoPlayer for media playback, MediaRouter for casting, and MediaBrowserService for media browsing and control.
  • Google Play Services: APIs for authentication, analytics, in-app purchases, and cloud services integration.
Author
Avanish Kamboj
Avanish Kamboj
Founder & CEO

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