Android TV apps continue to evolve and expand, even as old favorites like Kodi decline.  Here are the SwampGeek recommended Android TV & Fire TV apps for December 2017.        

Click the image to view screenshots of the December 2017 Android TV Apps

Although popular Kodi plugins have disappeared, others have evolved and been renamed in order to continue providing links to content.

New Android apps, also supported by Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, offer good alternatives to the ever popular Kodi, including:

• Terrarium TV - probably the best alternative, but must be downloaded from backup sources as the GitHub download has been removed
• Stremio - available in the Play Store
• Pluto TV (untested)
• Cloud TV (untested)
• TubiTV (untested)
• YouTube
• (commercial) Amazon Prime Instant Video (not available in the Play Store for Android phones, tables and TV boxes for newer Android versions)
• (commercial) Netflix
• (commercial) WatchESPN (requires cable subscription account login)

Many other apps can enhance your Android TV for Amazon Fire devices...

Cybersecurity Awareness Tip 30: Just Say No to Bloatware

Many software developers and distributors see downloading and installing software as revenue making opportunities. This unwanted and potentially harmful software has come to be known as "bloatware." Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops and other computer come loaded with bloatware. Usually, you can remove preloaded bloatware, though it's not always easy. Microsoft is notorious for installing bloatware - sometimes without asking and without being able to remove it. For 8 days, Microsoft preloaded a password manager with a plugin vulnerability on Windows 10 installations.  CNET's Download.com was a major distributor of software in the early 2010's, when it was caught wrapping downloads in bloatware.

Just Say No to Bloatware

Although you can usually remove bloatware after the fact, why not just say no before it's installed? Bloatware promoters often disguise optional installation through "custom" installation techiques or fake download links.  Some give you the choice to install extras, usually with a convincing pitch and the default selection to install.  Just say, "No."

Resources

• How-To Geek's How to Avoid Installing Junk Programs When Downloading Free Software
• Norton's Bloatware: Why It's a Concern and How to Remove It

A digital business card with a vCard QR code is a great way to connect with people at conferences, meetings, social events or on the subway. You display the QR code on your phone for your new contact to scan directly into their contacts (remember to add and save the new contact!). You can create and host one using easy-to-use free websites in about 15 minutes.  Here's how to create a powerful digital business card with contact info, links to social media websites liked LinkedIn, a vCard QR code with your image or logo, and a vCard file that can be downloaded if there are issues scanning or if the digital card is viewed from a desktop.