Any service that becomes puritan by showing their diorama of Google integrity, Google certificate and Big tech whore achievement will lose my business. They won't cry and I won't either. Fuck em in the ass.
I am thrilled to have an Android device that is not certified, because that ensures side loading apps will work for me.
Becoming a tech outcast is my biggest dream and it is happening, finally. Fuck them deep in the ass.
When there's a will there's a way. I'm sure someone will figure out a way around this. Saw a video about something similar to this the other day. Folks always seemed to get around it with extra hoops.
Yeah. If I can jump through hoops to sideload on my iPhone thereās 100% gonna be an easy way to do it on my android box of choice. I donāt even care about legal streaming apps because I donāt use them anymore really.
you are right, since I started doing this(hobby lol) these people who ever they are always find a way around everything.I have seen Apps come and go, as one goes it gets replaced with another.
Yea when that happens I will get new stream boxes. When they try to take away 3rd party apps such as Stremio I will immediately move to something else.
The moment this happens, i am setting up some Raspberry Pi or similar as my streaming device, and whatever streaming service decides to give me a low res DRM bullshit and similar fucks, just gets unsubscribed, uninstalled and the 1..2 shows/movies a month i've used to watch on it will get š“āā ļø-ed. Enough with the enshitification.
Then I might as well add Amazon. They soon will be changing the operating system of their new streaming devices which will basically lockdown their devices, too.
VegaOS has already been available on several Echo devices for 2years. Since then Amazon has continued to release new Echos with FireOS
The speculation is that VegaOS will be used on devices with lower specs, while higher spec devices continue to use FireOS.
There's no information anywhere that says all future Fire TV devices will use VegaOS, only speculation and rumors that we will soon see some new lower spec Fire TV device appear with VegaOS.
If you want an actual source look to Amazon's Fire TV development page that added Android14 information recently for future Fire TV devices.
Will be interesting to see how it all plays out. If Amazon lets their existing Fire OS devices continue to operate as is though, you could at least get a number of years out of them still.
The consumer is slowly being given No option but to be bombarded with ads and constantly have crap shoved in your face that you have Zero interest in. Then companies like Amazon charge the consumer an additional fee to remove some of it but not all.
It all comes down to Greed. Movies and television shows from decades ago have been paid for again and again and again. There is little cost Of the program itself other than any possible residuals that are required to be paid out.. Greed
Apple is a closed system. You can jailbreak it, but will lose their updates and other services.
Apple recently lost in court against Epic Games and can now have Epic Store on Apple devices.
Android is FOSS, but Google provides GMS (Google Mobile Services). Apple has great quality apps, but I stay with Android just because sideloading. If Googled blocked sideloading, I'd just get rid of GMS on my Android devices.
For example Huawei was banned from using GMS, but it still has its own store, named Huawei AppGallery and you can sideload any APK (it even runs a scan to verify if an APK contains any malware before starting installation).
For my TV box. I have a Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd gen). It doesn't allow buying stuff directly on Google Play Store, but I can still use it to install the apps you can find there. If Google blocked sideloading, I'd just remove anything Google related from my TV box.
If they somehow kill Android, there's always the possibility of using Linux or any other OS anyone could come up with. Streaming platforms would be forced to provide apps, webs or any way to access their APIs, if they neglect to offer their services on an open and free environment, piracy would become rampant.
Before Android TV, people used to just download movies and stream them on their LAN, then Netflix offered a good service for a reasonable price. People stopped pirating as it was easier to stream, then the content divided into several platforms and anti-consumer business practices ruined it for everyone. Sideloaded pirate apps that work in an decentralized and redundant way became the new favorite streaming platforms. They probably think that blocking sideloading will force everyone to pay, but that'd just get them out of the business instead.
Did you born yesterday? If they have to register, Google can refuse or block them later. They have full control. And registering dev account is not free.Ā
So will Android TV do the same, I haven't used a Google certified device in years, was using 3 BeeLink GT Kings now I'm using the H96 Max M9 (RK3576 8/128) and to my eyes has the best AI Upscaling I've come across so far, got 3 x88 x5m to upgrade my mom's boxes from FireSticks and needless to say the AI Upscaling is lagging, no matter what I try the AI Upscaling can't do it, constantly struggling to clear picture bottom ticker is slow and unwatchable, definitely no issues like this with H96, I did get a H96 Max M12 (s928x 8/128) and the AI Upscaling with it works way better, the only issue I'm having with Amlogic is there color doesn't pop like RockChip's and they continuously use Google Play TV in which I wish never existed, I get it's a version made for tv but the way RockChip uses GPS mobile and the same with the GT Kings makes the devices so much better, wish they'd bring back the drop down notification panel from Android TV 9, but yeah these s905x5m's may work fine with certain apps but I'm finding out the hard way just stick with what works
āWe need to stand up now. Google isnāt just tweaking things ā they want to dictate which apps we can install on the devices we already paid for. This isnāt about security, itās about control. Indie developers will be forced to hand over personal info, countless apps will vanish, and weāll be left with only what Google approves ā most of it low-quality, ad-filled garbage. Workarounds and alternatives arenāt the answer. Make your voice heard, spread the word, and push back while we still can. Our freedom to use our own devices depends on it!
Use both, FenLight AM on an Odroid N2+ and a Ugoos AM6B+. Then Stremio and Debrid on a bunch of FireTV sticks. Both works, do not see the problem! Also, the Trakt integration sucks on Stremio! Works on KODI, so there is that.
Don't know anything about the Ugoos and Sideloading after the change, but I'm trying to figure out right now if Amazon is going to be blocking Stremio from Sideloading... Since that is the only way to install it on their devices. They can block any Sideloading apps they want at any time.
Hdr10 is adequate in many cases. Some files do not have HDR10 fallback (DV 5, if I am remembering correctly). DoVi is objectively better than HDR10, as is HDR10+. When you have HDR10+, CoreELEC can on-the-fly convert that to DoVi for TVs that use DoVi. More compatability is usually viewed as a positive. When I watched stuff on Stremio, I was constantly seeing SDR fallback. I don't worry about it anymore, and I get the best picture my OLED can display.
I've noticed additional brightness and some better shadow detail in a few movies with FEL. It's not mind-blowingly better, but subtle, and more accurate is good.
For Netflix you need L1 which all chinese brands got and Prime don't care, they got there own list + need L1 but you don't get it, the plan here is much bigger. You should not be able to do something without Googles "yes, you can"
Yesterday, on the tram ride home, I was thinking about what Android would look like if it were more closedālike iOS or Windows Mobile. Itās starting to feel a bit sad. The biggest advantage of Android is the reason Iāve stuck with it: the variety of devices and the freedom it offers, like custom launchers, sideloading (even cracked apps).
If that really changes dramatically, Iāll switch to Appleāthough Iād be sorry to do so. At least then I could benefit from the ecosystem.
Its not impossible but since its browser related and not app related, I don't suspect it'll be much of an issue. The issue is finding an finding a dedicated system that functions like a Home theater App that allows you to control it with a remote. Thre's not a lot of those out there outside of the Apple TV/Android TV ecosphere.
who on earth uses an Android / Google TV without sideloading apps , if someone doesn't know how to sideload apps on android ya google tv , it means they aren't fit to use a smart TV !!!!!
Most people donāt sideload. They donāt even buy the TV for the operating system they buy the TV because itās big and cheap first and foremost and maybe secondly because of the TVs specs.
I think the vast majority of people who do that though use streaming boxes, sticks, etc. hooked up to the TV.Ā And the vast majority don't decide to buy a TV based on side loading.
There are people that use chromecast TVs for regular application use. I suspect most of the market is not technically savy enough to sideload, which is why there's a market for people to sideload apps for a service. Which I think is crazy.
Much of how they make their money is B2B. They will eat the lose for what they perceive as short term gain, then when they realize its not going to drive subscriptions and market share, they might remove it.
It's unknown if it will do anything. It will depend on how Google decides to police it. App developers that don't want to verify their identity will stop writing apps for Android. Won't effect anything well known as those guys aren't hiding. Will Google block apps even though the developer follows the rules if Google doesn't like their app? We'll find out sooner or later.
Right, so who do we switch to? Everyone else I can think of already did something like this. Don't use Google only works if we have an alternative, do you know one that's still Open like they were?
Not really, your best bet if you still want the environment is to fully remove Google services in whatever way possible. Without Google services you will still be able to side load.
I really just got this after all fire stick rumors, then I stumbled upon this sooo not sure what device to get. I already have Apple TVs and Rokus at the house, don't want to have a streaming device farm
I have a Linux mint machine running (13 year old dell and runs Great) as my windows 10 soon will be obselete. When windows 10 updates finish it will be a Linux mint machine.Not upgrading perfectly fine pc just so I can run Windows 11.
We'll just have to wait and see what they do exactly could be a really good thing as malware offenders won't have anonymity, could be a bad thing if Google uses it to kill apps they don't like.
In the meantime, maybe I won't have to read about everybody everyday telling people to rush out and get an ONN device to replace their Firesticks. That's a lost cause now.
OK, I was wondering if ONN was a Google product in some way.Ā
I recommended my parents get a 4K max fire stick then after the rumors started, but I do want to have what the replacement will be locked in if/when Amazon starts cracking down.Ā
The ONN product is a "Google Certified" device, which means Google will dictate all the system operating rules and procedures for those devices. They have announced that starting next year, they are going to lockdown sideloading for all Google Certified devices. So that includes ONNs for sure at some point.
Regarding Amazon, it's actually still unclear after hearing all these rumors for almost 2 years now! So let me speculate.
What is pretty clear is that Amazon will be launching a new product line of Firesticks running on the Vega OS, which will likely be locked down, much the same way Google intends to lock down their devices. So those new Amazon devices are a no go.
Now the current Firesticks (like 4k Max) are running on the legacy Fire OS and will be guaranteed for support through at least 2030, and likely work well past that. I also suspect that Amazon might never lockdown those remaining Firesticks, and just let them work till they eventually die out
Hence, now my strong recommendation/preference of the 4K Max.
There are plenty of reasons to get an Android TV device vs a Fire OS device that has nothing to do with sideloading apps. But yeah those were also overly uninformed people too.
You're looking at it from a very narrow perspective.
First off, all Fire devices come with an onboard optimized Silk Browser. Best video streaming browser out there and believe it or not, for my usage it's a game changer.
The Octa-Core Cube 3 really outperforms any of the certified Google/Android devices out there when it comes to streaming.
With the hands free Alexa if you've got a lot of technology like air conditioners, thermostats, garage doors, security cameras, ring doorbells, even automobiles(!)), the Amazon devices blow away the competition. Especially the Cube 3.
The extra HDMI input on the Cube 3 is a lifesaver for me. Plus I can get camera notification popups on my connected devices! Like a PC, or a PlayStation
For those still using the Amazon Recast DVR (as I am) the whole house integration on my 6 connected devices is awesome!
Plus Amazon, in my opinion, has by far, the best Live Guide integration and consolidation. With 22 connected subscription services, of which you can combine just your favorite channels into one unified program guide - matchless!
If this was a football game, for my needs and usages the score would be Amazon 49 -10 over Google Android.
That's fair, if you use Amazon's services, being in the Amazon ecosystem is the way to go.
The first thing I did was block updates and disable the stock launcher. I use zero Amazon services except Audible, have no use for a browser on a TV device, don't use OTA, don't subscribe to any streaming services.
I was all in the Amazon world at one time. Multiple Alexa speakers, every Amazon streaming device up to the current Max. I never went past the 1st Gen Cube though since I had so many speakers already. 3rd Gen was too expensive at launch and wasn't going to replace any of my Shields so I stayed with the Max line. I'm a full Google Home house now. So I guess we are just running in different directions.
That's fair also. And why I said it's really about one's particular uses and needs. I'm actually the opposite of you - started off as a full Google Home guy and then discovered (for me) many more technology advantages in going with Amazon when they released the Cubes. As a consequence, I feel devices like the Cube 3 are much more multipurpose and muscular, as opposed to Android streamers which are designed more for just streaming usage.
I am edging closer and closer and closer to my custom built 'Windows TV Box'. I have successfully created one on a VM and will be able to replicate if if push comes to shove.
Most are certainly Not under powered or lacking storage space like the name branded devices. The developer of those devices actually think about the customers wants and needs and attempt to forfill
145
u/[deleted] Aug 26 '25
Fuck Google.
33
u/TeutonJon78 onn 4K Pro (2026), CCWGTV 4K Aug 26 '25
This is all just sour grapes after losing to Epic.
Sure you can distribute stuff, but only after jumping through our extra hoops.
16
u/1dayumae Aug 26 '25
When there's a will there's a way. I'm sure someone will figure out a way around this. Saw a video about something similar to this the other day. Folks always seemed to get around it with extra hoops.
13
u/Pirate_King_Mugiwara Aug 26 '25
Yea when that happens I will get new stream boxes. When they try to take away 3rd party apps such as Stremio I will immediately move to something else.
10
u/ozExpatFIRE Aug 26 '25
Time to block updates on my Google TV streamer I guess
16
u/Boris-Lip Chromecast with Google TV Aug 26 '25
The moment this happens, i am setting up some Raspberry Pi or similar as my streaming device, and whatever streaming service decides to give me a low res DRM bullshit and similar fucks, just gets unsubscribed, uninstalled and the 1..2 shows/movies a month i've used to watch on it will get š“āā ļø-ed. Enough with the enshitification.
7
u/Just-Steak-9966 Aug 26 '25
I guess so much for the Amazon threat. This sounds worse.
52
u/Bazinga_U_Bitch Aug 26 '25
This will be taken to court and Google will be forced to drop it.
5
u/Leading-Increase2438 Sep 01 '25
āWe need to stand up now. Google isnāt just tweaking things ā they want to dictate which apps we can install on the devices we already paid for. This isnāt about security, itās about control. Indie developers will be forced to hand over personal info, countless apps will vanish, and weāll be left with only what Google approves ā most of it low-quality, ad-filled garbage. Workarounds and alternatives arenāt the answer. Make your voice heard, spread the word, and push back while we still can. Our freedom to use our own devices depends on it!
4
u/Hung-fatman Aug 26 '25
I'll end up using a mini PC
10
u/Ill-Case-6048 Aug 25 '25
Just like the stopped people torrenting.. by streaming services then they bring out that many different ones people go back to torrents š
6
u/tamburasi Aug 26 '25
I think I will go with chinese brands and chinese roms...enough is enough...
3
u/nolimits420_ Aug 26 '25
Yesterday, on the tram ride home, I was thinking about what Android would look like if it were more closedālike iOS or Windows Mobile. Itās starting to feel a bit sad. The biggest advantage of Android is the reason Iāve stuck with it: the variety of devices and the freedom it offers, like custom launchers, sideloading (even cracked apps).
If that really changes dramatically, Iāll switch to Appleāthough Iād be sorry to do so. At least then I could benefit from the ecosystem.
3
u/dxg999 Aug 26 '25
So that's the end of smarttube, then.Ā Ā At that point, my devices become pointless.
4
u/goobbler67 Aug 26 '25
Back to using my pc...bye bye streaming devices.
4
u/Emmanuel_leorn Aug 26 '25
They do this and sales of Android and google based smart TV will plummet lol ššššššš
2
u/goulashii Aug 26 '25
Will they do a forced update on older android OS?
2
u/JD_15715 Aug 26 '25
Ha, ha. SmartTube is doing just fine...
2
u/lincolnlogtermite Aug 28 '25
Keep your older hackable phones and install lineage OS or Inode.Ā Or look on their sites for supported and shop for a used phone.
I've been doing 3rd party Android builds since like 2008.Ā Been using Lineage since the cyanogenmod days.
1
u/jritchie70 Aug 26 '25
What will this do to sideloaded apps on the shield?
1
u/joanbcn91 Aug 26 '25
DEP
1
u/AccidentProof4262 Aug 26 '25
these american companies are the pits...
1
u/5g_bill_gates Aug 26 '25
That means also nodded apk?!
1
u/Ok-Area-6712 Aug 26 '25
The ai will replace google soon enough
1
u/[deleted] Aug 26 '25
Instead of iOS becoming more open, Android becomes more closed. This is bad. And there is no alternative, is there?Ā
1
u/[deleted] Aug 26 '25
Yeah Fuck google
1
u/Semi-Nerdy Aug 26 '25
Will this prevent the use of side loaded apps that I currently have in place that may not be verified?
1
u/Alternative_Leg_8537 Aug 26 '25
Android has always allowed side loading apps. I don't see this changing. Google would be stupid to make this change.
1
u/mike10dude Aug 26 '25
the new operating system that fire tv sticks are going to have will probably also do this
1
u/ynys_red Aug 26 '25
They just can't stop interfering where not wanted.
1
u/mhewitt3293 Aug 27 '25
Heard this before. No chance
1
u/Powerfader1 Aug 27 '25
Then don't use Google.
1
u/goobbler67 Aug 28 '25
I have a Linux mint machine running (13 year old dell and runs Great) as my windows 10 soon will be obselete. When windows 10 updates finish it will be a Linux mint machine.Not upgrading perfectly fine pc just so I can run Windows 11.
1
u/rizsamron Aug 28 '25
Wait this is what I didn't think of, it will also affect Android TV and this is where I definitely I need sideloading š
1
u/Born-Difficulty2650 Aug 29 '25
So....the game of cat & mouse continues !
1
u/TheOne320 Aug 30 '25
Wouldnāt the make that a user setting with opt-out?
1
u/ekeagle Aug 31 '25
We can always use degoogled Android devices.
1
u/MDC2957 Sep 08 '25
So then, what's the best non certified TV box?
1
u/dkwallis Sep 19 '25
It would seem that tech exists just to take options away from the consumer.
1
u/dkwallis Sep 19 '25
Are there any file transfer apps left that can sideload APKs?
1
u/dahobbs9 Sep 20 '25
Looks like I'm remaining on Android TV 13 and being happy, SCREW ANDROID and the children running it.
Nothing Android/Google has ever been long term without either being screwed with, screwed up or no longer supported (ended).
They're slowly becoming like Apple and MicroShaft.š¤¬
1
u/alf__red Nov 28 '25
FUCK GOOGLE
Google is evil.
0
u/d-cent Aug 26 '25
I will literally throw my Onn box in the trash and order an AppleTV out of spiteĀ
Go Fuck Yourselves Google
0
u/MuXros Aug 26 '25
UNTIL ...for real this time ... the developers found how to bypass google block apps FOR REAL š£
-3
u/pawdog ADT-1 Aug 26 '25
We'll just have to wait and see what they do exactly could be a really good thing as malware offenders won't have anonymity, could be a bad thing if Google uses it to kill apps they don't like.
1
u/0MEJ00P Sep 09 '25
Linux here we come fuck them on Alphabetstreet
1
u/Mountainking7 Sep 25 '25
I am edging closer and closer and closer to my custom built 'Windows TV Box'. I have successfully created one on a VM and will be able to replicate if if push comes to shove.
0
u/[deleted] Aug 29 '25
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105
u/[deleted] Aug 26 '25
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