Android tv

Mohamedalamelhode

Will the browser be available in Android tv, soon

Hadden89

@Mohamedalamelhode It should work. Technically the android TV is an huge non touch tablet with a tuner
Probably would be useful to install something to keep the rotation locked. But I didn't investigate too deep yet.

The only real prerequisite is a pointing device as a smart remote, an usb mouse or a mini wireless kit
(which is the reason a proper TV package doesn't exists. It won't work well with standard remotes).

tested on xiaomi TV:

Install another browser (skip if your tv already has a browser)
From the TV, grab the apk. Press on alternative stores. Most likely you need the 64bit apk..
Install the apk from download files (you will be prompted to enable unknown sources. allow it).
Install the sideload launcher (android tv won't show sideload apps on the dashboard)
Plug/enable your pointing device (a cursor will appear).
Open vivaldi app from the sideload launcher

To remove sideloaded apps , you have to go in settings --> apps and remove manually from there not being visibile on the home.

fredallas

Hello @Mohamedalamelhode

I think Vivaldi is not currently available on Android TV, but I know you can cast the content of websites to your TV using Chromecast https://help.vivaldi.com/desktop/media/cast-to-device/

Regards,
Fred D.

shaunmichelle1

@Mohamedalamelhode

There's no offiicial version of Vivaldi for Android TV devices, but with a little work, it certainly can be used, and works well. I've been using Vivaldi as the default browser on my TV for ages, and it works well.

You'll need to manually sideload the Vivaldi APK onto your TV. Just grab the APK from Vivaldi's website download page on your PC, then connect to your TV with adb and sideload the APK. Note: You'll probbably need the ARM version of the APK, rather than the ARM64 version.

The only real problem with running Vivaldi on the TV is navigation, as the program is designed for touch screens, and TVs generally don't have touch screens. The solution here is to use either a hardware mouse plugged into a USB port of your TV, or some kind of software mouse solution.

If you also have an Android phone or tablet, an excellent option is "Android ADB Mouse Keyboard" from Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=svarzee.android.apps.adb_mouse). This allows you to access the phone's keyboard to enter website URLs, searches etc. Really good app, and totally free.

For a dedicated mouse app on the TV itself, TV Quick Actions Pro (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.vodik7.tvquickactions) is awesome. It's a paid app, but well worth a few bucks. Works well with Vivaldi too. It's got a ton of awesome features besides the virtual mouse (app launcher dock, on-screen clock/weather, screen dimming, button remapping etc). You can scroll web pages with the mouse, select links and so on. It can be a bit fiddly, but easy enough to get used to.

Christopher802

This post is deleted!

Catweazle

I think that it is possible to use Vivaldi with some tweaks in Android TV (almost all, except LG TV, which use WebOS)

RadekPilich

I can confirm that TV Quick Actions is an essential Android TV app to control ATV with the remote.

Btw. it just occurred to me to ask - can anyone recommend an app to use phone as a remote keyboard for the ATV?

Catweazle

@RadekPilich, I asked Andisearch

Its answer

Using Your Phone as a Keyboard for Android TV

The Google TV app offers the simplest official solution - install it, connect to the same WiFi network as your TV, tap the Remote icon, and pair your devices. Your phone's keyboard appears automatically when needed for text input.

Three other key methods work across Android TV devices:

Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse app enables direct keyboard/mouse control without extra software on the TV

Native TV manufacturer apps:

OnePlus Connect for OnePlus TVs

Mi Remote Controller for Xiaomi/Redmi TVs

Universal remote apps like UniMote that work with any Android TV

Common limitations:

Phone and TV must be on same WiFi network

Not all apps support keyboard input equally

Some features require premium subscriptions

Samsung TV users face ongoing frustrations - the SmartThings app notably lacks keyboard functionality despite years of user requests. Many users report this as a major pain point when entering passwords and searching content.

For best results:

Keep apps updated

Use gesture controls when available

Enable voice input as a backup option

Consider manufacturer-specific apps first

The technology continues evolving - newer TV models increasingly support direct keyboard input through official apps, though implementation varies by manufacturer and model year.