Is there an API or SDK to create a remote control application on SmartPhone for Android TV

Issue

I have been tasked to create an application for android mobile to control an Android TV, preferably the dashboard/landingpage outside of any apps (settings included). It doesn't really matter if it's via bluetooth or wifi, although I have found that bluetooth is not possible as the HID profile is needed, and that profile is only available on API 28 (I need to support from API 19 up)

There are some apps on the play store that already have this functionality. Most connect via Wifi to the Android TV, also pairing with it.

By analysing the APK Files I found out some options, i.e.

• some use the connectSDK library

• others use what seems to be a native google package that I can't seem to find

  import com.google.android.tv.support.remote.Discovery;
  import com.google.android.tv.support.remote.core.Client;
  import com.google.android.tv.remote.BuildInfo;
  

I found that a couple of years ago the Anymote Protocol could be used as well, but that one only works with Google TV, not Android TV.

The problems I am facing right now is that the connectSDK library isn't being maintained and does not contain any code for Android TV connections. The native google package cannot be found anywhere, not sure if it's included in a specific Jar file, or maybe some obscured/hidden dependency?

I could try to create a connection to a specific socket with Android TV, I know for example that the ServiceType is "_androidtvremote._tcp." and that the port number is 6466. But I'm not sure what would be the best way to implement this.

What I'm looking for are some pointers or ideas how I could tackle this problem. Maybe some references as well.

Solution

So, I found the answer what I was looking for.

If you are a Google Partner (and only then), and have an account with those privileges, you can simply download the jar file at this location. Documentation can be found there as well and the SDK exists for Android and iOS.

Not much information is available how to use it. But by looking over the different classes it can become clear.

Answered By - ChristianoBolla