Television home screen

Available for Android TV

CrackTV™

A local-first Android TV home launcher with no ads or recommendation feed. An account is only used to receive updates.

Version0.21.1Runs onAndroid TV 6.0+PriceFree
Android TV previewAndroid TV 6.0+
CrackTV interface
CrackTVAvailable for Android TV

What it is

CrackTV replaces the standard Android TV home screen with a focused, local library.

It finds installed TV apps, remembers where you were, and keeps favorites, recent apps, categories, search and settings on the device.

What it does

Everything CrackTV can do.

22 features as of version 0.21.1, grouped by what you want to do. What changed lately →

Home

  • Your Android TV homeSet CrackTV as the home screen, or try it in preview mode first.
  • Your appsFavourites, recently opened, categories and search, with every row remembering where you were.
  • App actionsHold OK (or press Menu) on an app to favourite, move, hide, close or open App info.Since 0.13.0
  • Today cardYour CrackNote tasks for today on Home.Since 0.19.0
  • From the StudiosCrackMac products and news, straight from the catalog.Since 0.13.0

Look and feel

  • Personalization WorkshopHome layouts (Showcase, Compact, Apps First), palettes, text size, comfort settings and saved setups you can export.Since 0.9.0
  • The Living IslandA painted island with product landmarks, real weather for your city, day and night, and boats bringing new releases.Since 0.11.0
  • ScreensaversSix worlds including Corner Chaser, Meteor Radio, Phosphor Rain and Sunset Drive.Since 0.9.0
  • Navigation soundsSoft clicks as you move, with on/off and volume.Since 0.11.0

Tools

  • Engine RoomMemory, running apps, one-press Boost, per-app stop and protection, tune-ups and cache cleaning.Since 0.17.0
  • Network LabWi-Fi details, a speed test with a grade, a step-by-step checkup and live signal.Since 0.17.0
  • Power DeskDevice, Android version, storage, uptime and network address in one place.Since 0.9.0
  • Diagnostics and safe modeSee what is slow, and fall back to a calm, still setup without losing favourites.Since 0.10.0

Connected

  • Receive from your PCMessages, links and files (including apps) from the CrackMac Launcher; nothing opens until you say yes.Since 0.14.0
  • Phone remoteUse the CrackMac Companion as a remote and keyboard.Since 0.15.0
  • CrackPulseYour PC and phone can see the TV's health and run Boost or a speed test (only while CrackTV is on screen).Since 0.18.0
  • Camera alertsA small CrackWatch card with the photo, on top of what is playing, without pausing it.Since 0.20.0
  • Notices from your PCCrackMac Inbox notices appear as a quiet card without pausing what is on.Since 0.21.0

Setup and updates

  • New box setupFit CrackTV to your screen and set up the Home button on a new TV box.Since 0.10.0
  • Updates through your accountLink the TV with a short code and update from Settings.Since 0.12.0
  • Remote volumeThe remote's volume and mute keys work with the normal volume bar.Since 0.11.2
  • PlayroomTwo small games for the remote: Signal Catch and App Roulette.Since 0.9.0

Patch notes

What changed lately.

The latest releases of CrackTV. Every release →

0.21.1New address: crackmac.net1 Changed
  • Changed

    Account linking, updates and studio news now use crackmac.net.

    CrackMac moved to crackmac.net. The old address, crackmac.nl, was blocked by its registrar. Install this version once from your library; the TV then updates through your account as before.
0.21.0Notices from your PC1 New1 Improved
  • New

    CrackMac Inbox notices from your PC's Launcher appear as a quiet card for a few seconds, on top of what is playing, without pausing it.

    Only when you switch it on in the Launcher (Inbox, Show new notices on my TV).
  • Improved

    From the Studios lists CrackCover, the new CD and DVD cover designer.

0.20.0Camera alerts1 New
  • New

    CrackWatch camera alerts as a small card top right: the photo, the camera and the time, for about 12 seconds.

    On top of whatever is playing when the Boost helper is on, without taking focus or pausing anything; otherwise while CrackTV is on screen. The photo is never stored.

Before you start

What you need.

Android TV 6.0 (API 23) or newer
First install: download it on the TV from your library at account.crackmac.net, or install from a USB drive
Installs signed before 0.10.0 must be uninstalled first; later updates keep your settings
A free CrackMac account for downloads and updates; CrackTV itself works offline
Updates Install once, from your library at account.crackmac.net on the TV or from a USB drive, then link the TV at account.crackmac.net/link. Updates then arrive through your account.

Available now

Version 0.21.1

Free with a CrackMac account. On the Android device you want it on, open your library at account.crackmac.net, choose Download for Android, then open the file to install.