Smart TV App Development: Inspiration Ideas and Best Practices
For years, television has been the center point of our living rooms and domestic lives. It was the activity that gathered the whole family together for hours at a time. Yet, with time, the novelty of TVs had worn off, and the Internet slowly took its place instead.
Well, now, it’s time for television to fight its way back into our lives. However, it’s not the TV set and programs we used to remember. The new era of Smart TV has begun.
The evolution of television is undeniable. Now, it’s no longer a simple passive pastime. These days, users can enjoy numerous benefits and functions of their Smart TVs. We can game, learn, stream, and browse. These new TV features have brought businesses closer to their clients. Audiences are more connected and active during their TV sessions. It’s not just about the increased variety of streaming options. It’s the possibility of using Smart TV as your media guide.
Overall, these highly featured devices have shown a 15% growth in demand since 2015. Over the past four years, around 70% of the overall TV buyers prefer Smart TVs over their simpler options. Back in 2018, almost 30% of the world’s population had Smart TVs in their households. However, this number is expected to grow four times by the end of 2024.
Such statistics indicate the rise of Smart TVs on the market and the new period for media consumption worldwide. So why is Smart TV so popular, and how does it earn such a large audience each year? Perhaps, it’s all about the connectivity and compatibility most online users expect from all their devices. Perhaps, there is more.
We have covered the best Smart TVs practices, its benefits, and main features. Hopefully, this article will inspire you for your own Smart TV development.
What is Smart TV?
For modern buyers, a TV is more than just a big screen in the center of a room. It’s the central entertainment platform that opens up a world of opportunities. The more outdated concepts of TV were designed to collect media and deliver it to viewers without any filters. It was a passive consumption of the products available at the moment.
The new concept offers a more active role in the consumption of media plus the additional features that allow a dynamic, interactive, and engaging interplay between users and a device. These new functions become possible due to the integration with the Internet and the abundance of Smart TV applications.
Thus, users can go online and diversify their TV experience with other activities such as gaming or browsing. As a result, Smart TVs serve as both media players and computers.
Currently, buyers have a whole variety of choices when it comes to picking a connected TV. They come in many shapes, sizes and forms. You can have a third-party device connected to your old TV or purchase a newer TV with an already installed Wi-Fi receiver.
Top 8 benefits of installing a Smart TV
What exactly are the reasons connected TVs are in such high demand? After all, they must bring something unique to the table.
Let’s see the top eight advantages of having a Smart TV over the traditional one.
1. Enhanced user experience
Let’s start with the basics. Smart TVs offer a larger variety of features to enhance user experience. They are easy to install and use. They offer high-resolution levels and screen qualities. They also have intuitive interfaces and fast operative systems. All of these small details result in a much more enjoyable TV experience.
2. Streaming opportunities
Smart TVs are most known for their on-demand video services. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney, Hulu, YouTube, and others have aimed to replace traditional television for a while now. They can offer greater services and user experience for a small fee. People choose to rather pay for subscriptions than surf through the chaos that is TV channels.
3. Content casting
Smart TVs allow content transfers from all your other devices. Thus, you can enjoy your media files on a larger screen as long as you have them on other devices and choose to transfer them. Users can watch their photos and other images and videos on larger screens as long as both of their smart devices are connected to the Wi-Fi or connected to each other by a cable.
4. Voice commands
Who needs a remote these days? Now you can connect your Smart TV to your voice assistants. You can literally talk to your TV, and it will actually listen. Voice command is a practical feature that can allow you to change volume, set timers, switch streams, etc., without using a finger.
5. Online browsing
Smart TVs can help users find relevant information online. Thus, users can search for weather information, news, trends, etc. Overall, in this case, a TV can be used as a regular device with an online connection. It’s highly convenient when you want to enjoy some materials on a bigger screen or share them with others.
6. Connected TV applications
The current market is full of applications for TV. These Smart TV apps offer a wide variety of services, starting from Internet browsers and famous media platforms to online shopping and clouds. Overall, users can personalize their connected TVs with their app choices to create a comfortable and productive experience.
7. Gaming
Of course, Smart TVs can be and even should be used for gaming. First, simply the size of TVs is more enjoyable for gaming than regular computer monitors. Second, console games have good compatibility with TVs. Third, Smart TVs offer a great social gaming experience and an enhanced feel of the game. Not to mention, some Smart TVs come with pre-installed game options.
8. Great businesses opportunities
Reaching your audiences has never been so easy. Smart TVs serve as a great binding and advertising platform for businesses to promote their products, earn loyal customers, and increase their reach.
Popular platforms for TV app development
Smart TV is widely represented in the current market. Many tech giants have jumped on that train. So, one has a variety of options when it comes to Smart TV app development.
Let’s see the most popular choices as of today.
Apple TV app development
It’s best to develop Smart TV app for Apple considering other Apple users in mind. As this is the dominant audience on this platform. The Apple TV comes with all famous Apple services like iTunes, Siri, and the app store. On the downside, this is one of the priciest options on the market, which also doesn’t offer 4K support.
Samsung TV app development
Samsung smart TV is the largest platform in the business right now. This tech giant was early to enter the market and, thus, mastered all the nuances of Smart TV and its services early on. It’s one of the most reliable and stable platforms to consider for your app development.
Roku TV app development
Lower prices, specific channel choices along with all the most popular streaming TV services are what Roku is about. One also doesn’t need to purchase a new TV to use this platform. It can be added to an existing TV set. Roku is growing in audience and popularity while providing its members with optimal quality and high satisfaction.
Chromecast app development
This media platform from Google is one of the market’s oldest and most upgraded Smart TV options. It’s perfect for content casting and meeting all your entertainment needs. Chromecast supports hundreds of applications, including all known streaming apps. In addition, one can connect Chromecast to any TV.
Android TV app development
Android has the biggest number of users on the planet. We aren’t talking only about mobile users but TV users, as well. So, of course, it makes sense to consider making Android TV applications.
This platform is loved due to lower prices, higher accessibility, and compatibility with already existing devices at home. In addition, this platform offers some of the biggest app choices on the market.
Sony Smart TV app development
Sony TV can make for a good competitor for any of the rising Smart TV platforms out there. It’s safe, reliable, and advanced. It strives to deliver the best quality and range when it comes to picture, sound, and overall user experience.
The winning ideas for Smart TV apps
Connected TV apps come in a wide range of options. The need for the TV is no longer centered on watching television. Now, a TV screen offers a large variety of pastime activities that can cater to your own and your family’s needs and preferences.
Thus, before jumping to the development stage and researching how to create a smart TV app, take a good look at the current market examples. See the growing needs of the audience and the limitless potential of this industry.
Down below, we collected the top eight inspirational ideas for Smart TV app development.
Videos-on-demand
Video-on-demand is one of the main reasons for getting a Smart TV in the first place.
People now enjoy their limitless streaming options with numerous video-on-demand apps available on the market. Thus, users choose to replace cable with streaming services subscriptions to enjoy an overwhelming amount of choices for movies or TV shows.
Example: Netflix; Hulu, HBO.
Live streaming
Live streaming apps deliver live sessions of your favorite seasonal shows, news, and sports competition. Hence, people may still enjoy some perks of cable TV watching, like live streams, but now using connected TVs instead.
Example: YouTube; Twitch, NewsNow.
TV commerce
TV commerce is nothing new. Yet, with modern interactive televisions, online TV shopping can reach new heights. Thus, you can develop a Smart TV app for purchasing products and services with only a few clicks of the remote.
Example: ShopTV.
Gaming application
TV game broadcasting is quite a popular feature these days. Why not choose your Smart TV as a gaming platform? Gaming TV apps come in a great variety of genres, types, and forms. Users will certainly enjoy a good gaming experience on a large screen with high resolution using a wireless keyboard or controller.
Example: Steam; GameFly.
Music streaming
Most people already have their TVs integrated with great audio systems. So why not use this opportunity and deliver an original music player? A good app will allow users to enjoy their favorite songs with little effort. Most players are available across multiple devices. Thus, users don’t need to search, buy, or download songs on each platform separately.
Example: Spotify; Pandora.
Education
Learning apps are making their way to the TV screens. Now it’s a place where children can receive their lessons and adults enjoy some courses online. Thus, a TV learning app can simply be a step-by-step cooking book with recipes or interactive language courses. Learning experience on the TV can be of higher quality and much more engaging than via other methods.
Example: Duolingo; Tasty; Kitchen Stories.
Advertisement broadcasting
Smart TV advertising is a common monetizing method these days. Thus, users see ads in between or during their watching sessions. Such apps can be used for promoting and marketing purposes. Thus, one should consider advertising options when developing a connected TV app.
Electronic queues
Queue management systems are also in high demand on the market. Such apps help businesses and offices to manage their workload during attendance hours. Thus, they ensure quick customer service and higher customer satisfaction levels. In addition, these programs can also have additional features like surveys and ratings to enhance in-office work.
Example: Qminder; Q.track.
Things to consider before TV app development
There are many things to consider before you can develop app for Smart TV. For example, it’s best to research the market, your platform options, advertisement strategies, design, and general features of such applications.
Here is a more detailed guide on those key development aspects.
1. Smart TV platform
First of all, one needs to analyze their TV platform options. Learn about their target audience, popularity rates, current trends within platforms, etc. Research the market for the app idea you want to develop. See your competition and the reception rates of similar applications through each platform.
Plus, each program has its screen resolution, library requirements, processing power, and other features you should consider. Overall, find the most welcoming and promising platform to ensure your app’s success.
2. Size of screen
When developing a TV app, the size matters. It affects text readability, colors, resizing, horizontal alignment, and other factors that will depend on how well you can predict and adapt to different screen sizes.
3. Remote control
Users will only have a remote for your app’s navigation. Thus, you have to consider the specifics of those remotes when planning the user interactions. Remote buttons should correspond with the app menu, so there is easy and intuitive navigation.
4. Navigation
Users value convenience and efficiency. Remember, there is tough competition for apps in each niche. Chances are, a user will choose the most hustle-free, intuitive, and fast-working app from the list. Thus, it has to operate smoothly and look friendly.
5. Design
Each app should consider navigation, remote control, and the platform specifics when planning its design. In addition, the watching angle, distance, and the brightness/darkness of the room will also have an impact on design perception.
6. Profound testing
Nothing is complete without profound and thorough testing. This development stage is often your last chance to catch any bugs or flaws before the release. However, you should know where to look and how to find your own missteps to complete the testing phase.
7. Key features of Smart TV apps
Let’s summarize everything above by listing the key features you should include in your development process:
Smart recommendations
Users highly rely on their devices to help them choose their media content. Thus, each Smart TV app should consider having personalized recommendations. This feature should leverage the user data, analyze it and produce the most compatible suggestions.
Voice search
A voice search is a convenient way to navigate through the app without using a remote. Most platforms use voice assistant apps to ensure a hand-free user experience. Thus, when developing a Smart TV application, make sure it can integrate with the digital assistant of your chosen platform.
Media player
Of course, an integrated media player is an absolute must-have in this scenario. This feature is responsible for enjoyable and convenient content consumption designed for a large screen.
Continuous watching
The continuous watching feature is a life-saver with live TV streaming services. Thus, users can leave a stream at any moment and return to where they ended right away. Additionally, users should be able to continue watching on different devices.
Streaming on-demand content
One of the essential features of all connected TVs, streaming on demand, should, of course, be a part of any connected TV app development. Thus, users can enjoy instant access to any content.
Search engine
A search engine will enhance the online browsing experience, allowing customized content based on their previous searches, preferences, and current requests.
Remote control compatibility
Any app should be compatible for a remote control.
Content segmentation
Setting clear categories and segments should help users in searching. Thus, there must be a clear division by genres, ratings, trending content, languages, etc.
Connection to social media
Social media is a huge part of our lives. So, connected TV should offer free access to all social media content so users can enjoy viewing it on a larger screen.
Reviews and ratings
The ability to submit reviews and make rankings is a great app addition. It will help regulate content and set categories for everyone’s liking.
Secure payment gateway
Secure payment options are a must-have for any applications with paid content. These options should also offer smooth transactions with non-local users.
How to get into TV app development?
A connected TV can provide users with everything needed for an enjoyable, productive, and fun time at home. It’s a new form of entertainment that strives for a user-friendly and convenient experience.
It’s a solid platform for developing a wide range of products, from Smart TV streaming apps to learning programs. With the rising audience and growing demand for at-home entertainment, connected TV app development is the right place to build your business.
If you are considering entering the market and creating apps for Smart TVs, let us know. Book a free consultation with our specialist to discuss further cooperation. At Eastern Peak, we search for the best solutions based on the market needs and our client’s requests.
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