Transform your old Android device into an Apple TV 4

Did you know that you could use your old Android device as an Apple TV 4 alternative in your living room?

The first thing you need to check out is if your device has an HDMI port to connect to your TV set.  This is quite essential as we want to display the content on the big screen.

If that's the case, install the Kodi app, available in the Google Play Store.  Don't worry, it's free. Kodi is an amazing app to play multimedia content from your local storage or from a remote NAS drive.  For remote controls, look for the official Kodi remote app available on the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.  Install the remote app on your smartphone and your almost ready to go.

In Kodi, on your Android device, go into the settings and activate the remote controls.  Open the remote app and add a new server linking to your Android device.  If all goes well, it will be detected easily.

All you need to do now is add content in Kodi as you need.  Movies, pictures and music.  Finally, connect your Android device to your TV set using an HDMI cable.

That's not all...  Since your Android device can also runs others apps than Kodi itself, you will be able to play games, browse the web and so on.  Of course, you need some devices to control your Android device remotely.  Almost all Android devices do support Bluetooth keyboards and mouse.  If you have a Bluetooth gamepad, you can then transform your Android device into a fully fledged game console.  As good as the Apple TV 4 itself.

Let's recap:
- Apple TV 4 + game controller : 250$ (179$ + 69$)
- Old Android device + game controller : 50$ if you did not have already a game controller.  Add 10$ for a micro HDMI adapter if needed...

It's a neat way to recycle your old Android devices.  As a bonus, your already purchased apps and games will be available on the big screen.

Let's not forget that you can connect your device into an available USB port on the TV set for power.  And why not set it so the camera can see you to make a video call using your TV set.

Have fun!