this post was submitted on 02 Dec 2023
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I noticed this too and will probably switch to something different. I have noch idea where to switch to though. Nvidia is apparently also adding ads. Chinese android boxes are not trustworthy at all. Chromecast also feels a bit icky with all the stuff Google pulled off on YouTube. I really just want to switch to a Linux bases htpc, but then Netflix will only be 720p and that's not acceptable. IMHO there currently is no good streaming box
Ironically, last I checked, the Walmart Onn branded box is quite good. They don't seem to have any protections to stop you from installing a custom home launcher.
What are Roku up to these days? I stopped paying attention when they became less of a value option
As said above, Apple TV is really the only one that’s good. It’s great honestly. Zero ads, quick, and even the old HD box is still getting the latest OS updates. It costs the most but it’s truly worth it.
You can easily change launchers on the NVIDIA Shield and Chromecasts. Fire TV's are really the only devices that actively prevent changing launchers and try to force you to deal with their advertising.
Personally my recommendation is generally the Shield, or maybe an Apple TV depending on your use case. Expensive but well worth it imo, you really do get what you pay for.
If you need cheaper, then I'd probably go the Chromecast. Lesser of the two evils between like the Fire TV imo.
This. ProjectIvy launcher on the Shield works wonders.
The Apple TV is the best out there. It’s quick, has a great remote now, and not full of ads. I don’t use android but there’s probably a third party app to use as a remote for pasting passwords.
I recently installed wolf launcher on my android tv. It works like a charm. I also sideloaded most apps that I regularly use, and for my ease of use I installed f-droid on my Tv. I would also recommend getting a Bluetooth keyboard with trackpad combo. Only problem is that Android TVs need to be restarted once in a while or it's prone to crashing, at least mine is.
I did not think aboit the AppleTv at all. This might actually be the first Apple device I buy