5 essential smart TV apps that have nothing to do with streaming

When you think “smart TV,” odds are, the first thing that comes to mind is binge-watching your favorite shows. That’s fair — it is the main reason most of us buy one. Whether it’s mounted in the living room or nestled in your bedroom, a smart TV is usually all about streaming and movie nights. It’s rare that

someone buys a TV
just to let it sit there unused.

But here’s the thing: smart TVs are more versatile than you might realize. Sure, they’re great for streaming, but you can also use them for

gaming
, transforming your wall into an art gallery, or even

running a VPN
to keep your browsing private. The number of ways you can use a smart TV goes way beyond just Netflix and Hulu.

But what about non-streaming platform apps? Having other kinds of apps that function on your smart TV can be a tremendous asset and add to the functionality. Multitasking by using the smart TV for reasons other than streaming can make it a smarter purchase for some. What are the best non-streaming platform apps to install on your smart TV? Keep reading to find out.

Roku TV

Roku TV is the operating system of a Roku streaming device. It features a grid-style setup with boxes for apps.

1

AccuWeather

Know what’s going on out there

AccuWeather / Pocket-lint

Why wouldn’t you want to know the weather if you’re already using your TV? The AccuWeather app makes it super simple — no need for cable or a subscription just to check The Weather Channel. Just open the app on your smart TV and get a clear picture of what’s happening outside your window — or across the country.

There are live weather forecasts and there are free weather alerts, so you don’t have to sign up for anything. It also gives you precipitation updates in your area for the next five days, so you can plan your life accordingly around the wind, rain, sleet, and snow. It’s a helpful app to have that makes a lot of sense to have within reach of your remote or even your voice commands.

Related

4 easy fixes for common smart TV sound problems

Features that enhance sound can cause audio problems if used incorrectly.

2

KaraFun Karaoke

Turn it into a full night out with a jukebox

KaraFun / Pocket-lint

Make a night of it and have a ton of fun while you sing in KaraFun Karaoke. Whether you’re belting out power ballads or butchering 2000s pop hits with friends, this app brings the party. With a massive song library to choose from, you won’t run out of tracks — even if you’re still going strong at 2 AM.

What sets KaraFun Karaoke apart from competitors is that it also has music trivia that you can play. You can take a breather from singing and jump into some music trivia to test your knowledge (and settle once and for all who knows more about ’80s hits). The app offers a mix of free and premium songs, and you can tweak settings like tempo or adjust vocals to fit your vibe.

Related

Tesla is selling karaoke mics for your car, for some reason

It’s one of many gimmick products Tesla and other Musk companies have shipped.

3

TED

Learn instead of streaming with some presentations

TED / Pocket-lint

If you’re someone who loves learning new things but doesn’t always want to sit through a full documentary, the TED app is for you. TED Talks are those bite-sized (or sometimes full-length) presentations that bring big ideas to your screen — everything from science and design to psychology and personal growth.

While TED is known for its in-depth talks, the app also has shorter videos for easier, more casual viewing. While this might be considered a streaming platform, it isn’t scripted shows or movies that it is showing. You can curate playlists and get recommendations on the types of videos that you like, and watch videos with subtitles in over 100 languages.

Related

Streaming service algorithms don’t actually do what you think

Netflix is in the business of keeping you hooked, promoting content that matches your viewing habits.

4

Puffin TV Browser

Explore the Internet from your TV

Puffin / Pocket-lint

If you have an Android TV, the Puffin TV Browser is absolutely worth a look. Sure, Chrome might be the go-to browser for most Android users, but Puffin is built specifically with Android TVs in mind — and it shows. The best thing about the Puffin TV Browser is that it has a built-in VPN, so anything you’re searching for on the TV won’t be shared and will be hidden behind the ISP.

All of your browsing activity is protected when you’re using the Puffin TV Browser. It is made to be used on an Android TV, so the Android TV remote can control the entire app — talk about a seamless process of browsing on the TV. This opens up more possibilities for using your smart TV. There’s also a Puffin TV chatbot that helps you get the most out of your experience.

Related

8 Fire TV apps for streaming free movies and shows

Forget cutting the cord. It’s time to cut down your streaming bill. But with these free Fire TV streaming apps, you’ll have plenty to watch.

5

X-plore File Manager

Plug in and use your smart TV for files

X-plore / Pocket-lint

If you’re trying to sideload apps on your Android TV, a file manager can make the process a lot easier. X-plore File Manager is a practical option because it has a dual-pane layout, so you can see two folders at once while moving files. You can transfer content from a USB drive directly to your TV and view everything in one place.

The interface is simple and doesn’t take long to figure out. There are a few extra settings if you want to remove ads, but it works fine as is. Having a file manager on your smart TV makes a lot of sense — you can not only load things onto your TV, such as photos and videos, but have full access to them whenever you want to.

Related

Don’t forget to do this before selling your smart TV

Take time to assess your TV and protect your personal information.