I don’t have an Android tv but if that day ever comes, very glad options like these exist.
Know_not_Scotty_does@lemmy.world 11 hours ago
I have a HiSense TV and use ADB AppControl to disable/remove the telemetry or forced updates, and Projectivy Launcher to get a home screen/launcher that doesn’t show adds. Both are free and work really well. I don’t see trash on my homescreen anymore.
Lawnman23@piefed.social 11 hours ago
Janx@piefed.social 6 hours ago
That’s great, but people who don’t already own one shouldn’t support this garbage company.
Know_not_Scotty_does@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
No doubt. The market is shriveling up for people who want a new tv that isn’t garbo. Outside of commercial displays which are like 3-4x as expensive and have lower image quality, I don’t know of anyone making dumb tvs in a 55" plus size. Yes, you can opt not to hook them up to the internet but in a house with non-tech people, its a huge hassle to get them to want to use anything other than the built in apps. Even diy set top boxes running on a pi or shield are not as user friendly for kids or grandparents.
SuspciousCarrot78@lemmy.world 8 hours ago
Good call!
I’d also like to share another option for folks: Flauncher. I’ve been using it for a few years - it’s very clean and lightweight.
You can set it as the default using ADB commands, or install it directly from the Play Store.
gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher
Paired with a button remapper and set as default, I honestly haven’t seen the stock Android interface in years. (Like you, I’ve also used ADB to disable telemetry)
PS: For the uninitiated, these are also worth installing:
smarttubeapp.github.io
Gives you ad-free YouTube and then some.
f-droid.org/packages/org.courville.nova/
Lets you connect a hard drive to your router and create your own local media streaming frontend ala Netflix (or plug your hard drive / USB directly into your TV; it doesn’t care).
While it lacks some of the polish, it’s simpler than Jellyfin or Plex.
Vakbrain@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 hours ago
Until sept 2026…
Do you really think Google will approve those APKs once they have fully lockdown android (that includes Google TV)?
That’s why this push from google to kill the APK installation without their blessing infuriates me!
keepandroidopen.org
rumba@lemmy.zip 7 hours ago
yeah, we’ll be working on grapheneOS tv boxes in a years time.
Know_not_Scotty_does@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
I will 100% jump over to it if that does turn into a thing
SuspciousCarrot78@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
Well, in fairness, Flauncher and Nova launcher are on the play store. Irrespective, there are ways to install things now and then harden against google, such as blocking MAC address, Pinhole, disabling updates etc.
Alternatively, an android dongle (like Onn) is an option, however I would advise against Amazon Fire sticks and the like (telemetry, locked down)
Alternatively, make your own. A Raspberry Pi CM4 TV Stick that plugs into HDMI. If Andorid (and ASOP) become as locked down as you fear, there will be other options - Kodi, LineageOS TV etc.
If Android wants to shit the bed, no problem. It’s not the only game in town.
Know_not_Scotty_does@lemmy.world 7 hours ago
Oh cool, I’ll have to checkout those other tools!
SuspciousCarrot78@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
Well, I was mostly piggy backing on your comment / signal boosting what you were saying. Anyone who’s hacking their TV via ADB commands doesn’t need help with work arounds.
But heck, if and of those are of use, please enjoy.
Know_not_Scotty_does@lemmy.world 5 hours ago
I basically left it vanilla after switching the launcher and borking the updates. We use emby for our home streaming but I am always looking for extra functionality
MunkysUnkEnz0@lemmy.world 5 hours ago
Stremio is also an option.