If you want a quick way to navigate between recent apps you’ve used on your Google TV, the TVQuickActions app is worth checking out.
Google TVs have a lot going for them, but like any product, they’re not perfect. For example, you can’t access your full app list or switch between recent apps. The TVQuickActions app makes Google TV more convenient and streamlined by mapping your app list to a single button on your remote, according to Tech Hive‘s Jared Newman.
TVQuickActions is free to download through Google Play and offers a Pro version for $4.
Once you’ve set up the app — Newman breaks down the process in his article — you should be able to see your full app list by long-pressing the remote’s home button. Newman says the downside to this is that it will replace Google TV’s default quick settings, but you can re-map it to pop up when you double-tap the home button.
The TVQuickActions app for Google TV also lets you set up more convenient fast-forward and rewind buttons, add an app launcher, and assign more shortcuts to one button. With the Pro version, you can enable fast app switching and add a sleep timer (if your smart TV doesn’t have one built in).
Newman said there are many other functions to choose from like a screenshot shortcut, a profile switcher, and a power dialog menu, but encourages users to experiment with the app to figure out what best fits their needs. He also notes that users can restore their remote’s original functions by uninstalling the app.