Earlier quoted context omitted.
The plex client is rock solid
Apple tv has plex?!! I'm getting one!
Basically every streaming device has a Plex app: https://www.plex.tv/apps-devices/
Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
411–420 of 507 posts
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#412If history has taught us anything: this will blow over in a few weeks or months and everyone will get used to it in the end. The small percentage of users who (sometimes only temporarily) stop using the service is offset by the new income and the majority of users do not care.
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…
I remember when moving to Linux in 2010 (then Mac) being surprised that:
- There were practically no ads, and especially no ads with easy traps such as “You have a virus, install this to remove it”.
- There were no OEM drivers, and thus no Askbar, the 404 pages were really 404s, and the Search on Google bar really went to Google.com. That was new for me, coming from Windows.
- If there were ads, on Mac, they were for higher-class products, not fast food.
People joke about the 20% to 100% higher cost of Apple products, but being away from the grandma/noobs ecosystem has no price. Corollary: Grandmas and noobs endure an obnoxious OS experience, because advertisers know that a lot of them will click on traps like “Error 404. Enter your credit card to view content” (or, today, “Want in on the Bitcoin experience?”).
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#413I 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…
Yeah, Apple products have a reputation as “luxury” products, but the value is solid. For instance, with few exceptions, their phones receive updates for at least 6 years after release. Cheap android phones will be lucky to see 2 and even Samsung only does like 4 (and that’s recent… before it was 3). The iPhone 4S was updated for 93 months, almost 8 years. I generally prefer more open ecosystems, but Apple has built a…
Also all manufacturers which are not tracking Google's updates in a monthly interval are essentially worthless from a security perspective. Nobody needs to care about the latest Android version, which is only bringing marginal improvements amyway.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#414I 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…
Apple TV is ad free so long as you don’t count the un-dismissable 1p promos for Apple TV+ trials and Apple Arcade trials.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#415Why people thought Google would suddenly stop being an advertisement company? (And pivot to what exactly overnight?) That's both in their DNA and still their overwhelming largest business. Of course don't buy a "smart" TV (that would probably be described more accurately as an "idiotic not-maintained-a-lot-IOT TV with more heavy planned obsolescence than usual"), but if you do, of course stay away from Google.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#416Earlier quoted context omitted.
You know what else can give you a smooth, ad-free experience and freedom ? Any cheap mini-pc with Kodi installed.
Yeah, but can it do that out-of-the-box with zero effort for the rest of my family? Sadly, no. Futzing with Kodi updates, patches, updates to the OS, drivers, etc is all way too much to be considered ’smooth’ for most.
The number of people who don’t understand this is shocking.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#417Where 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…
Smart wallet, with smart money - google know better how to spend them.
Smart condom with smart lubricant - pay as you use.
Smart pants - ads on ass, smart farts.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#418I wonder, does the hardware makers have a word to say about it ? Do they get a cut ? As I see it, it can impact sales (just look at how many times the shield is mention here)
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#419Earlier quoted context omitted.
You know what else can give you a smooth, ad-free experience and freedom ? Any cheap mini-pc with Kodi installed.
Yeah, but can it do that out-of-the-box with zero effort for the rest of my family? Sadly, no. Futzing with Kodi updates, patches, updates to the OS, drivers, etc is all way too much to be considered ’smooth’ for most.
Oh, yes, the old America's motto: "Give me convenience or give me death!"
Joking aside, there is not much futzing around to do if you just go with LibreElec, and you can even buy pre-installed boxes nowadays.
Re: Reviews of Android TV launcher after Google added ads to the homescreen
#420Where 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…
A quick search found this article in the marketing press: https://martechseries.com/mts-insights/guest-authors/why-ref... It's from 2018, and no progress has been mad on this wonderous world for ad-subsidized fridges that I know of. Still, it's clear people are thinking along these lines. And I remain adamant that any appliance I own like this must not have wifi or bluetooth functionality. After my TV started showing…
Amazon devices give wifi to each others even if they belong to the neighbor. Next posh thing will be Faraday enclosures for fridges.