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Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

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Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#331

This reminds me of plummeting reviews after Chrome recently introduced tab groups. I hope they revert both highly unpopular decisions. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.ch...

I actually use tab groups. Have been using for a long time and really like having the ability to group tabs. What's the issue with it?

They don't have the option to open a link in a new top-level tab, you can only open links in a new tab in the current group.

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#332
post #316

I am hopeful that now that the FTC has a pro-consumer Chair that some of these anti-consumer acts will be curtailed. I would also argue that some of these bad acts could be considered to be false / deceptive trade practices under the various state laws (in the U.S. at least). For example, some people would never have bought a FireTV cube for streaming video if Amazon had revealed that they would be adding advertiseme…

> mandatory arbitration Actually, mandatory arbitration can massively backfire, and the ad change seems like a compelling case. Example: https://www.vox.com/2020/2/12/21133486/doordash-workers-10-m...

Yes -- thanks for pointing this out.

Unfortunately I have seen recently some arbitration clauses now include language saying, for example, that arbitration costs will be shared equally(!) or otherwise limiting their use by consumers.

However, the more that these mandatory arbitration clauses limit consumer rights the more likely that they will be found to be unenforceable. This is one reason that you'll often find that contracts with mandatory arbitration will have a clause specifying that in the event the arbitration clause is unenforceable that the rest of the agreement still stands.

The MegaCorps add this clause because they know that they are pushing the boundaries of what will be allowed by the courts.

Historically arbitration was intended to be a solution for parties of comparable bargaining power (e.g. MegaCorpABC vs MegaCorpXYZ) but instead are increasingly used by MegaCorp vs LittleConsumer.

Does anybody in the U.S. have a credit card that doesn't impose mandatory arbitration? Not that I've seen.

This is a topic that deserves much more news coverage. Most consumers have no clue how mandatory arbitration is being used against them.

And that's before we even consider their more egregious use in, for example, employment agreements as was the case in the article you've shared.

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#333
post #182

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you watch porn on that? Can you stream random online media? Really curious, I do things on my TV I don't see working in a typical apple eco system

You can AirPlay whatever you'd like from your iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device.

at least Sky in the UK explicitly block you from using airplay when the app is running. They detect airplay in use and overlay a gray box on the content. I’ve seen no work around for this and suspect it’s a sign of things to come for other broadcasters and media houses.

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#334

I have a Shield TV and I really despise this change. I bought a device that did NOT show ads on the home screen, now it does. How is that not... it just should NOT be allowed. Show me ads in YouTube, show me ads in whatever other app, but not my home screen. There's a difference. The home screen is MINE, not Google's.

> The home screen is MINE, not Google's.

Android is owned by Alphabet (or Google if you prefer) and you decided to buy a device that runs their OS with their services that are not open source. You probably didn't even pay for the OS. What makes you think it is yours?

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#335
I hate to be that guy, but this is exactly why I happily paid for an Apple TV. Yes, it’s $100 more than basic streaming sticks, but I have never had to worry about ads suddenly appearing after an update. This whole space is a race to the bottom with sticks being sold at or below cost because you are the product. For example, Vizio revealing in their first quarterly report as a public company that they get nearly as much revenue from selling ads and viewer usage data than from selling physical televisions.

https://www.engadget.com/vizio-q1-earnings-inscape-013937337...

A smooth, clean ad-free experience is certainly worth the extra price if you can afford it.

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#336

Seems like a pretty strong case for a Pihole setup. Short of network level fixes or loader swapping, is the best solution a dumb (disconnected TV) and a STB like AppleTV or Roku?

I’m pretty sure I read upthread that the Roku has ads, too?

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#337
post #219
post #208

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can Airplay any video content from the web, or mirror the screen.

So I use another device to browse and the TV only for watching. I get it, sounds annoying just to enjoy some porn

There’s always infuse player and plex, into which you could place whichever pornography your heart desires.

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#338
post #229

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wouldn't that mean you had an insecure device?

I'm really tired of companies hiding behind "security" when it comes to ruining my experience every time I get an update. If they want me to be secure, package essential security updates into seperate downloads.

I consider updates that break workflow or violate privacy to be security risks in themselves.

Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen

#340

I hate to be that guy, but this is exactly why I happily paid for an Apple TV. Yes, it’s $100 more than basic streaming sticks, but I have never had to worry about ads suddenly appearing after an update. This whole space is a race to the bottom with sticks being sold at or below cost because you are the product. For example, Vizio revealing in their first quarterly report as a public company that they get nearly as m…

Indeed. It's hard to sympathize with people upset about ads when they bought a platform made by an ad company. The outcome was obvious here.
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