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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

#371

Post by novok »

ronsor wrote: post #317
lstamour wrote: post #304

Earlier quoted context omitted.

New in iOS 14/15: > Software Updates > iOS now offers a choice between two software update versions in the Settings app. You can update to the latest version of iOS 15 as soon as it’s released for the latest features and most complete set of security updates. Or continue on iOS 14 and still get important security updates until you’re ready to upgrade to the next major version. https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-15-preview…

Apple, the antithesis of user choice, is even now offering an option between upgrading and getting security updates.

Apple is better in some choices vs others, and has been for a while.

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

#372

Post by sedatk »

billyhoffman wrote: post #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 m…

I think this would be a great time for Apple to release an actual TV. I know of no major TV brand that doesn't employ some kind of tracking or advertisement. Even LG has devolved into that pit.

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

#373

Post by josefx »

thiht wrote: post #347
ocdtrekkie wrote: post #340

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

I bought a Sony TV, not a Google one. I would have expected Sony to disallow this somehow.

As far as I understand Googles Play Store comes with a viral license that forces preferential treatment for Google services on all Android devices made by a manufacturer unless they are sold in a country where that kind of anti competitive behavior is not tolerated. Basically Sonys choice is let Google rape its customers or kill all its Android based products over night.

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

#374

Post by kmonsen »

nonbirithm wrote: post #263
bencollier49 wrote: post #213

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wouldn't that mean you had an insecure device?

The big issue with major OS updates for me is that the security updates are bundled with the feature updates. That's why updating Android on my old phone stopped being feasable, when the increased performance requirements caused it to remain persistently hot and unresponsive. Not just the security updates, but also things like APIs that prevent some applications from being compatible. Still, I have to wonder how much…

To be clear Android the operating system offers targeted security updates. The device manufactures prefers to package them with feature updates. I guess it doesn’t matter for users.

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

#375

Post by 2OEH8eoCRo0 »

novok wrote: post #367
2OEH8eoCRo0 wrote: post #359

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you sideload? Is there NewPipe? Pass. No ads but no choice. It solves one issue but creates another.

Yeah i agree, s-tube and newpipe are really great and you’d never get that on an apple tv. Would’ve gone for an apple tv otherwise

Same. If Apple opened up their devices I'd switch everything over in a heartbeat.

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

#376

Post by rglullis »

billyhoffman wrote: post #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 m…

You know what else can give you a smooth, ad-free experience and freedom? Any cheap mini-pc with Kodi installed.

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

#377

Post by prepend »

gambiting wrote: post #354
billyhoffman wrote: post #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 m…

>> but I have never had to worry about ads suddenly appearing after an update The problem is that Android TV users used to think the exact same thing. It's even said in the reviews explicitly by some people. I don't and I won't trust a corporation, be it Apple or Google, to not do something in a future update - if it works fine right now then unfortunately that has to be good enough.

Not all companies are equal.

Some make money by selling things so they have an incentive to keep happy customers. Some companies don’t.

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

#379

Post by jbluepolarbear »

headmelted wrote: post #227
jbluepolarbear wrote: post #157

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If history taught us anything it’s that people will move to less friction platform. I was long time Google, but over the last few years I’ve almost migrated completely to Apple. I know a lot of developers in my field (video games) that have done the same. Google is using its size and reach to fill my products with ads. I’m not an ad id and I want to be treated as such. Also, why is android such a bad development plat…

tvOS has the same problem I’m afraid.

I use tvOS everyday and it’s not the same.
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