If you’ve bought a new TV recently, chances are good it’s a smart TV; by some estimates, 50 percent of all TVs purchased in 2015 will be smart TVs. What does that mean for today’s consumers? A whole new world of smart TV apps that make your new TV as functional as your smartphone or tablet. Want to get the most out of your smart TV? Check out these eight apps that will change the way you watch TV.

Netflix

Image via Flickr by  Stiftelsen Elektronikkbransjen

Ditch the Roku or Apple TV and stream movies on demand right to your TV with the Netflix app. The app is free, although you’ll need to purchase a monthly Netflix subscription. The app works on your smart TV exactly the way it works on your other mobile devices.

Amazon Instant

Splurge for an Amazon Prime membership, and get access to a huge library of movies and TV shows with the Amazon Instant app. Plus, you’ll have access to award-winning original programming such as the series “Transparent” when you subscribe. Enjoy free upgraded shipping on all your Amazon purchases with your Prime membership and access to Amazon Music, as well.

YouTube

If you can’t get enough of cute cat videos, you’re not alone; People watch over 4 billion YouTube videos every single day. The YouTube app delivers your favorite video content right to your smart TV, and you’ll be amazed at how awesome your cat videos and how-to demonstrations look on the big screen.

Spotify

Most smart TVs, such as the ones by LG Home Electronics, have an outstanding system of speakers. The Spotify streaming music app lets you pipe your favorite music through your TV’s sound system. Spotify has over 20 million tracks, so you’ll always have exactly the right music to suit your mood.

Skype

Take a page from Star Trek and turn your smart TV into a communications console worthy of Uhura and Captain Kirk. If you like face to face chats on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll love them even more on your big screen TV.

AccuWeather

Ever get irritated when you turn on the Weather Channel waiting for your local forecast? Download the AccuWeather app for your smart TV and put a meteorologist right in your family room for instant access to all the weather information you need to plan your day.

Hulu Plus

If you don’t have a cable subscription or a DVR, you’ll love the Hulu Plus app. Unlike Netflix and Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus has current episodes of your favorite TV shows available the morning after they’ve aired on TV. There is a monthly subscription (about $8), and ads play before and during your show, but it’s an inexpensive option to other subscription services.

Your Favorite Sports App

Download MLB.tv, NBA Game Time, or NFL Game Pass to your smartphone and stream every game, whether they are available in your market or not. Of course, you’ll pay an annual subscription, but if sports is your life, it’s worth it.

Turn your smart TV into an all-purpose, powerful entertainment and communications center with these eight must-have smart TV apps.

Author Bio

Boris Dzhingarov graduated UNWE with major marketing. He writes for several sites online such as Tech.co, Semrush.com, Tweakyourbiz.com, Socialnomics.net. Boris is the founder of TechSurprise and BlogForWeb. You can connect with him at Google + , Twitter, Linkedin.