If you’re the proud owner of a Hisense Smart TV, you’ve probably noticed one peculiar thing: there’s no app store in sight. It’s a common gripe among Hisense users, and it’s left many scratching their heads.
I’m here to unravel this mystery and shed light on four key reasons behind the absence of an app store on Hisense Smart TVs.
Reason 1: The Operating System
First things first, let’s talk about the brain of your Hisense Smart TV – the operating system.
Many other smart TVs, like those from Samsung or LG, often run on popular platforms such as Tizen or WebOS, which come equipped with their app stores.
However, Hisense takes a different route.
Hisense uses the VIDAA platform, a customized operating system designed exclusively for their smart TVs. This decision to roll with a proprietary OS has both its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Optimized for TV: VIDAA is built from the ground up for television use. It’s tailor-made to provide a seamless, TV-centric experience, ensuring that your Hisense TV runs efficiently and effectively.
- Stability: A closed system like VIDAA tends to be more stable, with fewer chances of crashing or glitches that can sometimes plague open-source platforms.
- Cost-effective: By developing their own OS, Hisense can keep costs lower and offer more affordable smart TVs to consumers.
Cons:
- Limited App Selection: The downside to this closed system is the limited app selection. Since it’s not as widely adopted as, say, Android TV, many app developers may not prioritize developing apps for VIDAA.
- No App Store: Unlike platforms like Android TV or Roku, VIDAA doesn’t have a dedicated app store. This means you can’t just browse and install your favorite apps directly on the TV.
Reason 2: Content Distribution Agreements
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, so Hisense has its own OS, but why can’t they strike up some deals for app content?” Well, this brings us to our second reason: content distribution agreements.
To have an app store, a TV manufacturer must secure agreements with app developers to make their apps available on their platform. Companies like Google, with their Android TV, have a vast ecosystem of developers eager to create apps for their platform. Hisense, on the other hand, might face challenges in convincing developers to invest their time and resources in creating apps for VIDAA.
It’s all about the user base. A platform with a smaller user base, like VIDAA, may not be as appealing to developers who are looking for a broader audience. To get developers on board, Hisense would need to invest heavily in building relationships and offering incentives to create apps for their platform.
Reason 3: Regional Variations
One interesting aspect to consider when it comes to Hisense Smart TVs is that app availability can vary significantly depending on your location. This is because Hisense, like many other TV manufacturers, tailors its smart TVs to specific regions and markets.
App licensing agreements play a major role in this regional variation. Some apps might have exclusive deals with certain manufacturers or service providers, limiting their availability on specific TV models or in particular countries. These agreements can prevent the inclusion of certain apps on Hisense TVs in some regions.
So, if you’re in one part of the world and you hear someone in another region raving about all the cool apps on their Hisense TV, don’t fret. It’s likely due to these regional variations in app availability.
Reason 4: User Feedback and Future Developments
Now, let’s discuss what the future might hold for Hisense Smart TVs and their app offerings. User feedback is a powerful force in the tech world, and companies like Hisense are known to listen to their customers.
If you find yourself missing a particular app on your Hisense TV, consider reaching out to Hisense’s customer support or providing feedback through their official channels. They may take note of your request and work towards improving the app ecosystem on their TVs in the future.
Additionally, Hisense has been known to release regular updates to their VIDAA operating system. These updates can bring not only bug fixes and performance improvements but also new features and, potentially, enhanced app support.
So, don’t lose hope! The absence of an app store on Hisense Smart TVs today doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way forever. The tech world is ever-evolving, and Hisense may well surprise us with exciting developments in the future.
Alternative ways
How you can get apps on your Hisense Smart TV, considering the absence of a traditional app store. Here are some methods to explore:
1. Use the Built-in App Gallery
Hisense TVs often come with a built-in app gallery or an app manager. While it may not be as extensive as a full-fledged app store, it’s a place where you can find and install additional apps. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Home Button: On your remote control, press the “Home” button to access the main menu.
- Navigate to the App Gallery: Scroll through the menu and find an option like “Apps” or “App Gallery.”
- Search for Apps: Browse through the available apps or use the search function if it’s available.
- Select and Install: When you find an app you want, select it, and you’ll usually see an option to install or download it.
Keep in mind that the selection here might be limited compared to popular app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store, but you can usually find essential apps for streaming, news, weather, and more.
2. USB Flash Drive Installation (Sideloading)
For advanced users who want to get more creative with their Hisense TV, sideloading is an option. Sideloading refers to manually installing apps using a USB flash drive. Here’s a simplified guide:
- Find an APK File: Look for the app you want to install as an APK file. You can usually find these on the internet, but be cautious about downloading from reputable sources to avoid malware.
- Transfer APK to USB: Copy the APK file to a USB flash drive.
- Plug in the USB Drive: Insert the USB drive into one of the TV’s USB ports.
- Install Using File Manager: On your TV, use the built-in file manager to navigate to the USB drive. Locate the APK file and select it.
- Install the App: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Sideloading can be a bit tricky, and not all apps are optimized for TV use, so results may vary. Also, be aware that not all Hisense TVs support sideloading, so check your TV’s user manual or support documentation for guidance.
3. Use Casting or Screen Mirroring
If your favorite app is available on your smartphone or tablet but not on your TV, you can cast or mirror the content from your mobile device to your Hisense Smart TV. Here’s how:
- Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network: Make sure your smartphone/tablet and your TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Enable Casting/Mirroring: On your mobile device, access the casting or screen mirroring feature. This might be called “Screen Cast,” “Smart View,” or something similar, depending on your device’s operating system.
- Select Your TV: Choose your Hisense TV from the list of available devices to start casting or mirroring.
This method is fantastic for streaming content from apps that may not be directly available on your TV. Just remember that it won’t work for every app, and the quality can depend on your Wi-Fi network’s stability.
4. Invest in a Streaming Device
If you want a hassle-free solution for accessing a wide range of apps on your Hisense TV, consider purchasing a dedicated streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or an Apple TV. These devices have their app stores, regularly updated apps, and dedicated remotes for easy navigation.
Simply plug the streaming device into one of your TV’s HDMI ports, follow the setup instructions, and you’ll have access to a vast library of apps in no time.
