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TV / Streaming Device App (Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV)

General Feature Request

The most requested feature by far. Users want to run Channel Surfer on their actual TVs via Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV apps — not just cast from a browser. 12 people asked for this across HN and email.

Posted by Steven ·
Status: Planned6 comments

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Comments6

  • Steven

    Team•

    Mar 18

    I’m working on this. It’s been tough because one big problem with consumer devices (Roku, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, etc.) They are very weak devices that can’t do much in the browser.

    I do not think Google will let me make a real app that uses the API. They won’t allow a full-fledged alternative player like that.

    So I’m forced to try to get this working in the browser as a good middle ground. But I have to be HYPER performant for it to even remotely work.

    That’s what I’m working on now, cuz even I want this on the tv.

    • Steve Grenier

      •

      Apr 2

      You didn’t mention AppleTV above. Those devices have enough performance, but lack a native browser. Have you ruled out an AppleTV app, or just unsure how to approach?

      • Steven

        Team•

        Apr 2

        The issue is API access. Google / YouTube doesn’t really allow competitor YouTube players. So I really do not think they would ever approve API access to build an app. :-/

        I would strongly prefer to just build an app for Android and Apple TV, but it’s not really up to me. I would need a lot of API access to make this work, and I just don’t think they’ll give it.

        • Steve Grenier

          •

          Apr 2

          Understood, and unfortunately agree. Doesn’t seem like a thing they would approve. Granted it would boost usage of their service, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Also wouldn’t be a direct competitor, I would still want regular YouTube when I’m watching specific things. This is more fun when bored.

          Might be worth reaching out before spending time on it. Worst case if you build it and it’s rejected, you can still side load and use it yourself. Sucks for the rest of us, lol, but at least you can use what you made personally, not a total waste.

          • Steven

            Team•

            Apr 2

            To start with, I’m working on a slimmed-down TV version that works in the browser. I had to overhaul a lot to get that working at all. It’s coming along.

            Sadly, I’ve been a bit too busy to finish it. Had to work on other stuff.

            • Steve Grenier

              •

              Apr 2

              All good man. No urgency with this, and it was no doubt more popular than you expected. Take care of yourself first. Appreciate the answers.