There are plenty of good reasons to own a projector, especially since today's models are more compact than before. You can use it for backyard movie nights, or replace your main TV if you're short on space. Some projectors come with Google TV built in or in a separate dongle, while others rely entirely on HDMI, USB, or casting from another device.
That’s why the kind of apps you install matters so much. They shape the entire experience, from what you watch to how easily you can control your projector. But not every app plays nicely on a projector screen. If you want content that scales well and doesn’t rely too much on touch-based controls, here are some ideas. I use these seven apps on my Yaber T2 Plus projector, and they haven't failed me.
Projectivy Launcher
Google TV looks great and bare at first. But like most Google products lately, it suffers from overreach. The company's idea of personalization usually means cluttered screens packed with rows of suggested content and ads. The overwhelming feed feels more like their idea of what you should watch, not yours.
Projectivy strips away the noise and gives you full control over what your home screen looks like. You only see your installed apps and customised layout in an organized and functional view. Many people mistakenly call it “Projectivity” instead of “Projectivy”. That extra syllable might cause you not to find the app, so be mindful of it when searching.
Send Files to TV
Send Files to TV lets you wirelessly transfer your pictures, videos, or documents from your phone or computer to your TV or projector. All you need is a shared Wi-Fi network between your phone and the Google TV Stick. I used it to send a random picture, and the whole process took seconds.
Simply install the app on your phone, open it, select the file you want to send, and as long as your phone and projector are on the same Wi-Fi, the app automatically detects your Google TV device. Tap the device name, and the file transfers right away.
There's one thing to keep in mind. While the app sends the file successfully, your projector still needs to have an app installed that can actually open the file. When I tried opening a file, I got a notification that I don’t have the necessary app to do it. I was able to view it after installing a photo viewer.
Spotify
You might not think of Spotify as a projector essential. But some modern projectors come with surprisingly powerful built-in speakers with room-filling sound that can rival portable Bluetooth setups. If your device happens to fall in that category, pair it with Spotify to instantly turn it into a full-blown entertainment hub and sing along to your favorite lyrics.
Spotify also adds an audio layer that elevates the experience. It streams at 320 kilobits per second for Premium users, which is high enough for anything and without noticeable compression. Even the base speed of 160kbps on the free version is enough to stream solid background music.
Related: 6 Reasons You Need A Portable Projector In Your Life
VLC Media Player
VLC is mostly deal for local files and for people who don’t care much for streaming. You don't need Wi-Fi connection or monthly subscriptions. The app will open whatever video file format you feed it.
If you already download your movies, shows, or recordings and keep them on a USB stick or send them through apps like Send Files to TV, use the app to access them. It handles nearly every file from MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLAC, even rare ones that most TV apps can’t open.
tvQuickActions
tvQuickActions is an efficient remote button remapper that enables you to assign multiple useful actions to a single button. Instead of opening one app or doing one task at a time, you'll press a button and bring up a mini menu with five different options. One button could to opening settings, toggling Wi-Fi, going back to the home screen, or even turning off the device.
Press your remapped button and you'll see an overlaying a smart control menu. Then use the remote's direction buttons to pick what you want. Some people might wonder why you'd even need something like this.
Well, there are lazy people, and there are special people who value accessibility or just want things to be simpler. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Personally, I’m always looking for ways to simplify everyday things. If there's any new way I can cut down my remote clicks, I will jump on it.
TV Bro
Browsing with a remote is tricky, especially if you're used to the speed and ease of a phone or laptop. Unlike mobile browsers or a mouse, the remote isn’t built for that level of precision. You have to tap arrow keys to move a tiny cursor across the screen, letter by letter. TV is designed to simplify the process with a stripped down interface with only the essentials.
Typing something in the search bar brings up the on-screen keyboard, and while it’s still a bit slow to type using arrows, you can use Google Assistant. The app also supports downloading files directly. So if you find a video, image, or document online, you can download it straight to your TV Stick’s storage. Plus, there are zero ads to make your experience uncomfortable.
Steam Link
Steam Link brings PC gaming to your projector setup without spending a fortune on new hardware. It streams your games directly from your computer to your projector over Wi-Fi, as long as you're connected to your PC that already has Steam installed.
Once paired, the app mirrors your computer's screen and lets you play your games with a Bluetooth controller or even your TV remote, depending on the game. Everything runs on your PC, but it plays out on your projector in real time.
Project your preferences whenever
These are some of the top lesser-known apps to get on Google TV, and every single one is worth your while. The usual apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are there when you want them, and you can try them out when you’ve got time. Overall, feel free to explore your Google TV and new portable projector. There are plenty of hidden gems that can transform how you use your setup.
