When you think of the Apple TV and it’s built-in tvOS operating system, streaming applications probably come to mind. Indeed, Apple’s set-top box platform is saturated with streamers of both the paid and the free ad-supported television (FAST) variety, all of which can be downloaded directly from the App Store.
Even though internet-based movie and show streaming is front-and-center with the Apple TV, the platform also hosts a sizable library of applications not designed with content consumption in mind. Putting aside video games, here are five of my personal favorite non-streaming apps available to download and install directly on tvOS.
TV Stats
Monitor your hardware in real time
- Cost: Free
- Open-source: No
Out of the box, Apple’s tvOS doesn’t provide many hardware details or other general system insights. TV Stats seeks to rectify this by offering up a real-time dashboard, complete with CPU, memory, thermal, and networking statistics. These components and more can be monitored with ease using the application, which presents information in a visually pleasing and user-friendly manner that looks and feels native to the Apple TV platform.
Magic Fireplace
Foster a cozy atmosphere
I love a good virtual fireplace, but not all offerings are created equal. Over the years, I’ve encountered plenty of ad-ridden options with low resolution assets and sloppy presentations. Not so with Magic Fireplace: this Apple TV application is expertly crafted, featuring dozens of 4K HDR and HD fireplaces to choose from, tons of customization options, an on-screen clock, anti-burn-in technology, and more. You can also mix in your own background music for added ambient effect, which is a nice touch.
Night Sky
Stargaze right from your couch
- Cost: Free with in-app purchases
- Open-source: No
Night Sky is popular on the iPhone thanks to its augmented reality (AR) exploration flow, but the app also shines when loaded onto an Apple TV. The streaming box’s latest-generation Siri Remote is surprisingly well suited for space navigation, allowing you to stargaze, learn about planets and stars, track the location of satellites in orbit, and locate constellations. Everything updates in real time based on your location, making for an immersive experience that feels right at home on the big screen.
Artcast
Transform your TV into a visual arts canvas
- Cost: Free with in-app purchases
- Open-source: No
Artcast is purpose-built to showcase the wonderful world of visual arts. Serving as a sort of ‘Netflix for art’ application, it lets you sort through countless works, to create playlists, and to display your favorite pieces in screensaver form with frames, mattes, and other visual trinkets. For artists, it’s even possible to upload your own works and to generate revenue right from within the app’s vibrant ecosystem.
Breathing Zone
Breathwork without the added fluff
- Cost: Free
- Open-source: No
Breathing Zone is a simple breathwork application that helps foster a sense of calm. Its breathing section features a color-adjustable graphic that pulses forward and backward, making it perfect for de-stressing or for meditating. Aside from its color pallet, sound effects, the accompanying voice, and speed can all be granularly adjusted right from within the app’s settings. What’s great about Breathing Zone is that it focuses on doing one thing and doing it well, without distracting user interface elements and upsells.
