AT4K Launcher Rescues Google TV from Its Ad-Riddled Default Screen
A new alternative home screen called AT4K is offering relief for Google TV users overwhelmed by advertisements on their television interface. Inspired by the Apple TV design, this free launcher displays only thumbnails for the streaming services the user actually employs, with the option to disable even those. The application is available on Google Play and can be installed directly from a browser or by searching for “AT4K” on the smart television’s Google Play store.
The Problem with Google TV’s Default Interface
Google TV, the television operating system built on Android, comes preinstalled on new sets from Sony, Hisense, and TCL, among other manufacturers. While the operating system runs well, offers apps for every streaming service, and provides a highly customizable interface, the default home screen presents a significant usability issue. A row of user applications is visible only if the viewer squints, while the majority of the screen is occupied by advertisements for movies and shows that companies are presumably paying to promote. This clutter has caused notable stress for some users.
AT4K’s Clean and Apple TV-Inspired Design
The AT4K launcher provides an interface that is clean and uncluttered, closely resembling the Apple TV interface. At the very top of the screen, in the right corner, a clock appears alongside buttons for application settings, system settings, and connectivity settings. Below that sits a row of boxes with thumbnails for shows the user is currently watching. A row of five applications follows, and scrolling further reveals the rest of the installed applications along with icons for various inputs. The launcher is free with no advertisements; a premium version is available for $5, which unlocks some nice extras, but the free version works completely well without it.
Configuring the Launcher and Replacing Google TV’s Default
To arrange applications, the user selects an app, then presses and holds the enter button to access a sub-menu. The Move App option allows the user to use the arrow buttons on the remote to reposition the application. This process can be repeated until the top row includes all favorite streaming services. Further configuration is available in the settings menu, located in the top-right corner of the screen next to the clock. Users can change the color scheme if desired, but the primary configuration is found under Controls, where the application’s access to accessibility permissions can be enabled. This workaround allows AT4K to replace the default Google TV launcher. Following the prompt opens the appropriate section of the Google TV settings, granting AT4K the permission it needs. After this, the application can be configured to completely take over from the default Google launcher, launching when the television turns on and when the user backs out of another application.
Additional Adjustments and App Management
Some users may need to make other changes. On one user’s personal television, pressing the Home button still returned to the Google launcher; this was corrected using Button Remapper, another free tool. The App Manager, found in the Appearance section of the settings, allows the user to hide certain applications from appearing on the homescreen. This feature is particularly useful if the television came with a bunch of built-in applications and streaming services that cannot be deleted. The user can simply uncheck what they do not want to see, and those options will no longer be visible. Multiple apps and services can be hidden at once.
Market Context
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