Seemingly Endless Applications
Many new smart TVs, like the Android TV, include access to a variety of gaming apps. Your smart TV can recognize your phone as a type of game controller. Remember your game progress on another device so that you can continue it on your TV. Your smart TV may also allow you to browse the web and offer a variety of other apps like fitness, social media, news, weather, maps, and photo apps. In the future, even more streaming channels, such as those that offer new content from some of your favorite websites, will be available.

Read More: Top 4 Reasons You Need an Android TV Now

Built-in Cameras and Other Features
Many smart TVs include built-in cameras, or else the option to add a camera to your TV. This can be used for gaming purposes, or else to access video-calling apps on your TV. Many smart TVs also allow you to search for a TV show or application with your voice, which can be a lot easier than typing. There’s also the ability for 3D display, meaning that you can watch some of your favorite 3D movies, like Avatar. You can also record your favorite live TV shows without an additional device.

The Risks of Owning a Smarter TV
Just like your other devices, your smart TV can also be hacked. In addition to gaining access to your TV through its Wi-Fi connection, hackers can also spy on you through your TV’s camera or microphone. Unlike your phone or computer, which can be more easily protected against security threats, your TV is more vulnerable. This means that it’s a good idea to avoid online shopping on your TV. Some measures to protect your TV against security threats include avoiding suspicious looking apps and staying up-to-date on your TV’s software.

In addition, if you’re worried about companies spying on your web browsing habits on your computer or phone, then you should know that they’re also spying on your TV habits. TV manufacturers often collect information on what apps you use and what you’re watching, usually for advertising purposes. They can use this information to send targeted ads to any device connected to your Wi-Fi. However, there are often ways to control this through your TV’s privacy settings.

One of the best Android TV sets currently available is the Nvidia Shield Android TV box, which includes a controller (a remote is sold separately), GeForce (a gaming streaming service), and 4K HDR streaming. It’s the best option if you’re into gaming, but it’ll cost you about $200 — at a minimum. However, if you’re not into gaming, you’ll save some money on an Android TV device. There are many other great options available on Amazon, from KudoTV to Matricom, ranging from $30-$100. The following are some of the best features of Android TV:

Read More: 4 Best New Android Apps for August

1. Google Casts Media onto Your TV
One of the best features about Android TV is its ability to work like ChromeCast. You can cast anything — movies, television shows, games, sports, music, etc — from your phone, computer, or tablet to your TV. No wires, adaptors, or additional devices necessary!

2. Gaming
Another great feature of Android TV is the ability to play games, whether you’re playing solo or have multiple players. You can use game controllers, or else your phone or tablet as controllers. You can also play on- or offline, depending on the game. The best part? You can play a game on your phone and then continue it on your TV — exactly where you left off. Your progress will be saved on all of your devices.

3. Voice Search
With this function you can search through your apps more freely. You must say specific commands, but there is a lot of freedom with how specific you must be. For example, if you can’t remember the name of that TV show everyone is talking about, but you know it has Winona Ryder in it, you can command the device to find “television shows with Winona Ryder.”

4. Watch More Than TV Through Your Favorite Apps
All of your favorite media apps are included, like Netflix, HBO Now, and Hulu Plus, in addition to apps such as YouTube, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, Vevo, DailyMotion, and more. You’ll also have full access to the Google Play store, so that you can rent and purchase all of your desired media.