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Projectivy Launcher is the best-supported first choice for Google TV users who want an ad-free, customizable home screen. FLauncher is a simpler open-source option, while TV Launcher and LTvLauncher suit narrower needs. None can be called objectively “lightest”: the available memory figures are not independent, comparable tests, and installing a launcher does not guarantee that the remote’s Home button will open it.
How the launchers compare
| Launcher | Best fit | What the project documents | Key caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projectivy Launcher | People who want a polished, customizable replacement home screen. | The developer describes an ad-free interface with layouts, wallpapers, icon packs and color schemes. Its site lists Android TV devices including Chromecast with Google TV and says the app guides users through default-launcher setup. | Check which features currently require Premium and verify compatibility with your exact device and firmware. No controlled memory comparison is provided. |
| FLauncher (Zomp fork) | People who prefer an open-source, category-based launcher. | The repository describes app categories and ordering, wallpaper support, pointer and mouse support, and removal of Firebase components. | The project calls itself early-stage and says testing has been limited to Chromecast with Google TV. Disabling the stock launcher may also break the YouTube remote button on that device. |
| TV Launcher (wiiguy) | People who want a basic customizable app grid and are comfortable with a smaller project. | The repository describes a minimal grid and gives its own memory estimates for different configurations. | The figures are developer-reported, configuration-dependent and undated on the repository page—not a head-to-head test or a guarantee. |
| LTvLauncher | People looking for documented options to install and handle the Home button. | The repository describes architecture-specific APKs, accessibility-based Home-button interception, key remapping and ADB steps. | Its author warns that Google TV may override a third-party HOME selection. ADB changes affect system components and carry device-specific risks. |
Which launcher should you choose?
Choose Projectivy for customization
Projectivy has the clearest fit if you want to replace the stock screen with a more personalized one without giving up a straightforward setup path. The Projectivy website says it supports Android TV devices including smart TVs, projectors, set-top boxes such as NVIDIA Shield and Chromecast with Google TV, and Android TV boxes. That is the developer’s compatibility statement, not a guarantee for every model or firmware revision. It directs users to install from Google Play on the TV and says the app guides them through selecting it as the default launcher. Review the Google Play listing and current in-app details to confirm which features are free or Premium before deciding.
Choose FLauncher for a simpler open-source approach
The reviewed Zomp fork of FLauncher focuses on categories and app arrangement rather than a large set of home-screen effects. Its repository documents wallpaper support and mouse or pointer support, as well as the removal of Firebase components. Those are project-described features; they do not establish a broader privacy audit. The README says development is early and device testing limited to Chromecast with Google TV, so treat the project as less mature and verify its current release and behavior on your own hardware.
Consider TV Launcher only if a minimal grid is your priority
The TV Launcher repository describes a small, customizable app grid and reports approximately 30–40 MB PSS on the developer’s typical TV configuration. The project says its estimate varies with pinned apps, background checks and optional features; the page does not date the measurement. It is a useful clue about that setup, not evidence that TV Launcher uses less memory than Projectivy or FLauncher on your device.
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#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Consider LTvLauncher if you need several Home-button routes
The LTvLauncher repository documents several ways to handle Home-button behavior, including Android TV settings, an accessibility service called Home Button Fix, key remapping and ADB. Its documentation also explains why a third-party launcher may not stick: Google TV can give its stock launcher’s HOME intent priority. The extra setup choices are useful for troubleshooting, but they do not make any route universal or risk-free.
Why “lightest” is hard to establish
There is no independent, named, comparable test of these launchers’ memory use or speed in the reviewed material. The TV Launcher estimate is from its developer and depends on configuration; the other project descriptions do not provide matching measurements under the same device, firmware and workload. A number from one project cannot fairly rank it against options that were not measured the same way.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
For a practical choice, weigh interface simplicity, customization, project maturity and how reliably the Home button works on your particular TV or streamer. If you find a launcher feels sluggish, check the device and firmware as well as the launcher: the available evidence does not isolate launcher performance from those factors.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Install a launcher—and check Home-button behavior
A launcher is an app choice, not a guaranteed replacement for the system’s Home action. Google TV may return to its stock screen even after a third-party app is selected. Projectivy says it guides users through default-launcher selection; for other launchers, follow the current project instructions for your exact model.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
Start with the least invasive option
- Install the launcher using its current instructions. Projectivy directs users to install it from Google Play on the TV.
- Open it and follow its on-screen setup, including any prompt to select it as the default launcher.
- Press the remote’s Home button and confirm which screen opens. Also test the buttons you rely on, such as the YouTube shortcut.
Use remapping or accessibility only when needed
The FLauncher fork documents Button Mapper as its simplest Home-button remapping route. LTvLauncher documents accessibility-based Home Button Fix and key remapping as alternatives. These approaches depend on the device, firmware, Android TV settings and the chosen remapping app; follow the relevant project’s current steps and check that the required accessibility or remapping permission is enabled.
Treat ADB package changes as advanced troubleshooting
Both the FLauncher fork and LTvLauncher document disabling the stock launcher through ADB, but neither supports treating this as a routine step for all Google TV devices. The FLauncher README says its ADB approach was tested only on Chromecast with Google TV and warns that disabling the default launcher can stop the YouTube remote button from working; it describes remapping that button as a workaround. LTvLauncher likewise cautions that disabling system packages carries risks and provides commands to re-enable the stock launcher and setup fallback.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Before changing system packages, read the project’s exact commands and recovery instructions, and confirm that they apply to your model. If Home or setup behavior breaks, use the documented re-enable steps for that project rather than guessing at package names or commands. ADB package changes can affect core navigation and recovery, so a working third-party home screen is not worth losing access to essential controls.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
What to check before settling on one
- Device and firmware: Confirm the developer’s compatibility guidance against your exact TV or streamer and current firmware.
- Home-button behavior: Test the physical Home key and any dedicated app buttons after setup.
- Feature boundaries: Check Projectivy’s current Premium features and the present state of smaller projects before relying on a specific capability.
- Maintenance confidence: Consider how mature the project appears and whether its current documentation matches your device.
- Resource claims: Treat project-published memory figures as configuration-specific unless independent tests compare launchers under the same conditions.
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