The growing adoption of Android TV among Telcos and Pay-TV operators has opened up new opportunities, but also new challenges. Whether you're deploying your first custom Android TV launcher or aiming for consistency with your existing fleet, having the right development partner can make or break your success.
Today, most operators combine their set-top box (STB) offering with a Smart TV app strategy. Chances are, you’ll also have an existing user base on legacy devices that you’ll eventually want to migrate to your new Android TV user experience. Choosing a partner who can help you navigate this complexity in a cost-effective way is a strategic imperative.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide to choosing the right Android TV development partner:
Unlike mobile apps, any Android TV development project requires specialized expertise in set-top boxes (STBs), remote control navigation, and compliance with Google's ecosystem. Choosing the wrong partner can lead to clunky user experiences, performance issues, and costly delays.
So how do you find the right development partner? Wiztivi has over 18 years of experience helping leading telcos and Pay-TV providers like Vodafone, Orange, and Liberty Global build optimized TV solutions. This has allowed us to identify the key factors that contribute to a successful Android TV strategy: here are six essentials we suggest you look for to maximize the ROI of your Android TV project.
This may sound obvious, but operators often make the mistake of assuming any Android developer can build for Android TV. However, the TV interface is fundamentally different from mobile and requires deep knowledge of:
What to look for: Choose a partner with a proven track record of designing and developing TV apps, custom launchers, and STB integrations. Ask for case studies that showcase their work with leading telcos and broadcasters.
Operators deploying Android TV will use one or more of the following approaches: a standard launcher, a custom launcher, or an OTT app.
Your development partner should help you understand how each approach will impact your timeline and costs, and support you in ensuring compliance with Google's evolving requirements.
What to look for: Your development partner should have experience building all types of Android TV apps and launchers that balance Google’s requirements with your unique branding and UX needs. Look for teams that can integrate features like voice search, personalized recommendations, and frictionless authentication.
For Telcos and Pay-TV providers, an Android TV strategy must go beyond the UI. It needs to integrate smoothly with existing infrastructure, including:
Poor backend integration can lead to service disruptions, login failures, and inconsistent user experiences across devices.
What to look for: A development partner with expertise in API integrations and backend synchronization across Android TV, legacy STBs, and other digital platforms. Ask for examples of successful implementations in similar ecosystems.
Android TV is a Google-powered ecosystem, meaning operators must adhere to strict compliance standards for:
Failure to meet Google’s certification can lead to delays, feature restrictions, or even rejection from the Play Store.
But your Android TV launcher or app is the shop window for your business. It needs to be both in keeping with your brand and consistent with all your apps on other devices. A well-integrated design system is important for creating a cohesive user experience and more streamlined development processes. It allows operators to reuse UI components across different devices while ensuring compliance with Google’s UX standards. A good development partner should help create a scalable Design System that evolves as your platform grows.
What to look for: Choose a development partner that leverages a unified design system while also understanding Google’s certification process so they can navigate requirements efficiently. Look for teams that have worked with certified Android TV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and can streamline approval processes.
Android TV is evolving rapidly, and your development partner should help you stay ahead of the curve. Future-proofing means:
Operators often maintain millions of legacy STBs in subscriber homes, making a full swap-out too costly. A smart Android TV strategy balances gradual migration while enhancing legacy experiences. The right development partner should support cross-platform standardization, allowing consistency of UX across old and new devices. This approach reduces churn and spreads costs over time.
What to look for: A development team that leverages modular frameworks like Wiztivi’s DANA Framework, which enables a single codebase for Android TV, Apple TV, and legacy devices. This ensures you can extend services without constant redevelopment.
Android TV development is complex, often involving multiple teams, third-party vendors, and evolving requirements. Without structured project management, timelines can slip, costs can escalate, and quality can suffer.
What to look for: A partner with a clear project management methodology, including:
Timely delivery is crucial, especially for operators planning major launches tied to strategic business goals. Make sure your partner has a track record of delivering on time and within budget.
Selecting the right development partner for Android TV development is about more than just coding skills. You need a team with deep expertise in custom launchers, backend integrations, Google compliance, and scalable strategies.
The wrong choice could lead to costly missteps, while the right partner can ensure a smooth, high-performance experience for your customers.
Looking for expert guidance on Android TV development? Download our full e-guide to explore best practices and learn how the right partnerships can help you maximize the ROI of your Android TV project.