IPTV Smarters Pro Removed from Google Play Store – What’s Next?: IPTV Smarters Pro has been removed from the Google Play Store following a court order from Spain, triggered by a lawsuit filed by La Liga, the Spanish football league.
Why Was IPTV Smarters Pro Removed?
The removal of IPTV Smarters Pro comes as part of La Liga’s ongoing efforts to combat pirated streams and unauthorized services. The league has been actively targeting third-party IPTV subscriptions and free streaming websites that distribute content without proper licensing. In early 2022, La Liga submitted a list to the European Commission that included 20 unlicensed IPTV services, 30 streaming sites, and named 80 video players involved in illegal streaming activities. On December 22, 2022, La Liga confirmed that Google had agreed to remove IPTV Smarters Pro from the Google Play Store.
IPTV Smarters Withdrawal
Trading under the name WHMCS Smarters, the European Commission flagged IPTV Smarters as a fraudulent service. According to a response from the European Commission, WHMCS Smarters is an IPTV software solution provider that also offers other online services such as web and app development, as well as billing platforms. One of their products is the IPTV Smarters Pro, an IPTV media player app.
IPTV Smarters Privacy
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) classified WHMCS Smarters as a “Piracy-as-a-Service” provider and gave it a “Notorious Market” status. The United States Trade Representative also raised concerns based on the MPA’s findings. Despite this, neither the European Commission nor the United States Trade Representative made any specific accusations. On December 22, 2022, La Liga confirmed that Google had agreed to remove IPTV Smarters Pro from the Google Play Store.
What’s Next for IPTV Smarters?
IPTV Smarters Pro is no longer available on the Google Play Store. However, there has been no further news regarding the future of WHMCS Smarters. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new developments occur.
Top 5 Alternatives to IPTV Smarters Pro
With IPTV Smarters Pro no longer accessible via the Google Play Store, here are five alternative apps you can explore:
1 Kodi
Kodi is a free, open-source media player that provides access to hundreds of official and unofficial addons. These addons enable you to stream live TV channels, movies, TV shows, music, and more.
2 Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free streaming service that offers over 250 live channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. You don’t need an account to access its content.
3 Plex
Plex allows you to watch over 300 live TV channels for free, in addition to movies and TV shows. It also lets you stream your personal content with its Plex Media Server, which helps organize and configure your library.
4 Tubi TV
Tubi TV is a leading free and premium on-demand and live TV streaming service. It offers more than 40,000 movies and TV shows, along with channels like ABC News, TMZ, and People TV.
5 XUMO
XUMO is an ad-supported service that offers free live streaming of channels across a variety of genres, from news to comedy.
FAQs
Why Was IPTV Smarters Pro Removed from the Google Play Store?
IPTV Smarters Pro was removed from the Google Play Store following a court order from Spain, driven by a lawsuit filed by La Liga. The Spanish football league has been actively cracking down on unauthorized IPTV services that distribute content without proper licensing.
Can I Still Use IPTV Smarters Pro After Its Removal?
Yes, even though IPTV Smarters Pro is no longer available on the Google Play Store, you can still sideload the APK file onto your Android devices. However, you should be cautious and download it from a trusted source to avoid security risks.
Is IPTV Smarters Pro Illegal?
IPTV Smarters Pro itself is not illegal—it is just a media player. However, its removal from the Google Play Store was due to concerns about its potential use with unlicensed IPTV services. Streaming copyrighted content without permission is illegal in many countries, so users should ensure they are accessing legal streams.
What Are the Best Free Alternatives to IPTV Smarters Pro?
If you’re looking for legal alternatives, Pluto TV, Plex, Tubi TV, and XUMO are excellent free options. They offer a wide range of live TV channels and on-demand movies without requiring a subscription.
Can I Use IPTV Smarters Pro on FireStick or iOS Devices?
Yes, you can sideload IPTV Smarters Pro on FireStick using the Downloader app. For iOS users, the app may still be available on the Apple App Store, but availability can vary depending on regional restrictions.
What’s the Future of IPTV Smarters Pro?
Currently, WHMCS Smarters, the developer of IPTV Smarters Pro, has not made any official announcements about the app’s future. However, given the legal pressure from organizations like La Liga and the MPA, it remains uncertain whether the app will return to major app stores.
Conclusion
While IPTV Smarters Pro has been removed from the Google Play Store, it can still be sideloaded onto your devices. Alternatively, you can use one of the above apps to continue watching live TV content.
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