Kastoo
Google TV is not a different system from Android TV: it is the modern interface Google puts on top of Android TV. Underneath they are almost identical, so Android TV apps, including IPTV players, work on both. What changes is the home screen and a few features.
The differences you will notice
| Android TV | Google TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Home screen | Rows of apps and each app’s channels | Movie and series recommendations from all your apps |
| Profiles | Limited | Per-person profiles and a kids profile |
| Search | App by app | Searches all your apps at once |
| New devices | Fewer and fewer | Most current TVs and TV boxes |
| Apps | Google Play for Android TV | The same store |
Do IPTV apps work the same?
Yes. An IPTV player for Android TV works the same on Google TV: you control it with the remote, install it from Google Play or with Downloader, and use the same list. The only thing that may change is where it appears on the home screen: on Google TV, in the “Your apps” row.
How to tell which one you have
- If the home screen has tabs at the top such as “For you”, “Movies”, “Shows” or “Apps”, you have Google TV.
- If you see rows of app icons with each app’s content underneath, you have Android TV.
- To see the version: Settings → System → About → Android TV OS version (on Android TV, Settings → Device preferences → About).
Installing apps from outside Google Play
Both allow it, by enabling the “unknown sources” permission for the app you download with (usually Downloader). On Google TV you also need to enable developer options: press “Android TV OS build” seven times in Settings → System → About. We explain it step by step in installing Kastoo on Android TV and Google TV.
Google is tightening the rules for installing apps from outside its store on phones. Here is what changes and when: read the news.
Which should you choose?
If you are buying a new device, it will almost certainly have Google TV, and that is fine: it is more convenient and gets more new features. Android TV is still a great option on powerful devices such as the NVIDIA Shield. For IPTV, what really matters is memory, the connection and buying a certified device; we cover it in the best TV boxes for IPTV.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from Android TV to Google TV?
Not officially. It depends on each device’s manufacturer, and almost none offer it.
Does Google TV show ads?
The home screen shows recommendations and, sometimes, promoted content. You can turn on “Apps only mode” in the settings to see only your apps.
Does Kastoo work on both?
Yes, the same app works on Android TV and Google TV, with the same licence.
Free for 15 days with all features, no card needed. One licence covers 3 devices.
Kastoo is just a player: it does not sell, host or include lists, channels, movies or subscriptions. The screenshots use a demo list with openly licensed content.