Android TV and Google TV App Development for Streaming Services
TV-first Android applications for broadcasters, OTT platforms and media companies, with streaming, API integration, device testing and Google Play publishing support.
SmartLives develops Connected TV applications with remote-first navigation, reliable media playback and a publishing strategy aligned with current Android TV quality requirements.
Android TV and Google TV share the Android application ecosystem, but television users have different expectations from mobile users. The app must work comfortably from a distance, respond correctly to D-pad input and meet Google Play requirements for TV devices.
What SmartLives can deliver
TV-native Android UX
Layouts, focus behavior, D-pad navigation and back behavior designed for the television form factor.
Streaming architecture
Live video, VOD, media sessions, catalogs, playback states and integrations planned for TV usage.
Existing Android assessment
Evaluation of mobile or tablet code to determine what can be reused and what should be redesigned for TV.
API and account integration
Connection with existing CMS, authentication, subscriber services, analytics and content platforms.
Current quality requirements
Development and testing aligned with Google Play TV quality criteria and current technical requirements.
Publishing support
Preparation for Play Console submission, TV assets, test access, review and release workflows.
Why Android TV and Google TV deserve a dedicated product strategy
Android TV and Google TV are used across televisions, set-top boxes and streaming devices from multiple manufacturers. This gives content companies a broad route into the living room while allowing them to build on the Android ecosystem and existing backend services.
A television application can provide live channels, VOD, personalized discovery, user accounts and subscription access without forcing viewers to cast from a phone or navigate a browser.
Turning an Android application into a real TV experience
Android television apps use the same fundamental application structure as other Android products, but the interface and interaction model must be adapted for TV. Google’s quality guidance emphasizes remote navigation, readable layouts, launcher behavior, performance and television-specific usability.
SmartLives treats TV as its own product surface. We design focus states, card sizes, navigation depth, player controls and back behavior for viewers using a remote from several feet away.
Live streaming, VOD and modern playback
Streaming projects can include live channels, VOD catalogs, search, featured content, recommendations, authentication and other media features supported by the backend. The player layer should be designed around stability, startup time, error handling and predictable lifecycle behavior.
For Android-based projects we can plan playback and media-session behavior using current Android media technologies while keeping the content model and business logic connected to your existing platform.
Google Play TV quality requirements in 2026
Google now organizes TV app quality into TV Ready, TV Optimized and TV Differentiated levels. At the minimum level, applications must meet fundamental television requirements covering launcher presence, remote interaction, stability, manifest configuration and store information.
As of August 1, 2026, Google also requires TV applications to support both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures and comply with 16 KB page-size requirements. New and existing TV apps in Google Play use Android App Bundles. These requirements make technical maintenance and release planning especially important for older codebases.
Integrating accounts, APIs and content systems
An Android TV or Google TV app can connect to your existing CMS, API, authentication service, entitlement system, analytics stack and video platform. This keeps content administration centralized and allows the television product to evolve without duplicating core business systems.
If you already have Android mobile code, SmartLives can assess which layers are reusable and which parts need a television-specific implementation.
Testing across the Android TV device ecosystem
The Android TV ecosystem spans different manufacturers, hardware profiles and operating-system versions. Testing therefore needs to consider more than one ideal device. We evaluate the target market and device mix to define a practical validation plan for navigation, playback, performance and release readiness.
Store review also requires accurate TV assets and, for applications behind a login, appropriate test credentials so the review team can access the full experience.
Android TV as part of a multi-platform rollout
Android TV and Google TV often sit alongside Roku, Fire TV, Samsung Tizen and LG webOS in a complete Connected TV strategy. APIs, authentication and content models can be shared even when the front-end implementation differs.
SmartLives can coordinate those layers so your brand feels consistent across platforms without forcing every ecosystem into the same technical architecture.
Build an Android TV product designed for the living room
SmartLives combines Android engineering with Connected TV experience so your application can meet current television usability, streaming and publishing expectations.
Explore related Smart TV development services
Frequently asked questions
Are Android TV and Google TV the same development platform?
Google TV is an experience built on the Android TV OS ecosystem, so applications are developed using Android TV technologies while following television-specific product and quality requirements.
Can you adapt an existing Android mobile app for TV?
Yes. We can evaluate the existing codebase and reuse appropriate layers, but the interface, navigation and television behavior usually require dedicated work.
What changed for Google Play TV apps in 2026?
Google introduced updated TV quality tiers and, from August 1, 2026, requires TV apps to support both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures and 16 KB page sizes.
Can SmartLives support Google Play publishing?
Yes. We can assist with technical preparation, TV assets, testing and Play Console submission according to the contracted scope.
Planning an Android TV or Google TV app?
Share your current Android codebase, streaming infrastructure, target devices and business requirements. SmartLives can define a television-first development plan.