The new Apple TV 4K is a absolutely better than any of the high end android tv devices. I’ve been through them all (at considerable expense) and am now totally happy on the new apple tv
How does the upscaling on apple tv compare to Nvidia shield's ai upscaling?
Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
341–350 of 507 posts
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#342Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#343As an alternative to a different launcher you can block the domain responsible for the ads [0] in your DNS resolver. The Launcher will then fallback to less intrusive "ads" for the standard apps: YouTube, Google Play, Google Movies, etc. I've added it to the adaway.org list [1], so it might find its way into blocklists you are already using soon. [0] androidtvwatsonfe-pa.googleapis.com [1] https://github.com/AdAway/a…
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#344Seems 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
#345The weirdest thing is that these ads have a political agenda, every day it’s for a new LGBT program. Every. Single. Day. Right now the three ads on the carousel are Pride on Disney+, Turn it Around on myCanal (French cable which I don’t use, I have no idea why I have ads for this one) and another LGBT documentary on France TV (same, I don’t have the app installed so no idea why I get this « recommendation »)
Edit: please don't downvote me for stating a fact, I don't emit a judgment of value here. The fact is 100% of the ads I get are flagged as LGBT, which IS weird. It's not the only subject to discuss, and not one I personally care a lot about. I could get ads for documentaries on economy, animals, food, tons of topics, but I just get LGBT. Maybe it's not your experience, but it is mine.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#346Earlier quoted context omitted.
I absolutely blame Nvidia for this. I fully expect ads on my $25 Fire Stick. It's part of the bargain with Amazon. There is no way there should be ads on a $150-200 device, especially when they have been added in well after purchase. Regardless of where they choose to lay blame, if Nvidia doesn't fix this I am done with their devices when it's time to replace them.
My $2000 top of the line Samsung tv is filled with ads. I assume LGs running android tv also got hit. Those TVs go up $3700 for their largest consumer OlED panel.
Sony's "smart" TVs all come with Android TV (now called Google TV). Their top of the line OLED TV Sony Z9J starts at $8,000 in 75" and costs $10,000 in 85".
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#347I 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.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#348Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can you be more specific? I have multiple Apple TV STBs and don't see what you're describing.
They’re probably talking about the Apple TV App on tvOS, which searches services you don’t necessarily have. You can get rid of it though, so I don’t know what the big deal is.
Years ago, the App Store also used to not show ads.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#349I 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…
I generally prefer more open ecosystems, but Apple has built a pretty strong reputation for not just being an ad company and for making solid products that are supported much longer than competitor devices.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#350Where does the "ad invasion" end? Smart toasters that force you to watch ads before getting your toast in the morning? Smart windows that display ads that block your view of your backyard? Smart paints that display ads on your bedroom walls? Smart shower-heads that play jingles as you wash yourself? Smart brain implants that directly induce subconscious desire to buy certain products and services? Is there some kind…
And the wealthy will get their peace of mind as they buy out of the system while continuing to preside over and profit from it. It's just going to become another thing that poor people have to live with; subservience to the corporate overlords.