Why dirt-cheap Android TV boxes are a terrible idea

[Bradley Prior]

Why dirt-cheap Android TV boxes are a terrible idea

Cheap Android media boxes and TV sticks might not only struggle to run your favourite video streaming apps but can also leak your sensitive personal information to hackers.

 

[Lupus]

Someone watched Linus

 

[ArmatageShanks]

Just use something running windows or linux

Intel Nuc would give you everything you could ever want, considering its a pc, but alas, people want simplicity

 

[cda]

Just use something running windows or linux

Intel Nuc would give you everything you could ever want, considering its a pc, but alas, people want simplicity

People want a reasonable user experience for lying on the couch, and UI actually designed for use with a simple remote?

Geesh, whats wrong with them. Outrageous

 

[Heisenborg]

Just use something running windows or linux

Intel Nuc would give you everything you could ever want, considering its a pc, but alas, people want simplicity

The stupid is strong with this one

 

[FiestaST]

 

[FiestaST]

• Blaupunkt Android TV B-Stream — R1,469 (Takealot)

 

[CommonSense]

View attachment 1527641

Same here.
I suspect it is exactly the same as what happened to Phillips. The company is not a high tech company anymore.
They only do Medical Devices these days I believe.

But the Philips name is widely used on a variety of appliances. It is because they sold the right to use the name along with those business units when they disposed of them. Hence the Philips name on appliances even though it is not the original Phillips company.

 

[rvZA]

Easy. Create a Google account specifically for your Android device. Download all content on HDDs and stream from there. Spam the hackers with.... nothing.

 

[backstreetboy]

Terrible headline. Those boxes run Android and not Android TV.

 

[PsyWulf]

They ain't wrong,that x88 is ****ing terrible

 

[Lawnchairman]

If you install APKs with free services do you not run the same risk even on a certified box?

 

[Dolby]

Easy. Create a Google account specifically for your Android device. Download all content on HDDs and stream from there. Spam the hackers with.... nothing.

Even easier is just not to buy one on the first place

 

[RedViking]

Terrible headline. Those boxes run Android and not Android TV.

They are still sold as and labeled as Android TV Boxes. Headline is correct.

Amazon.com : t95 h616

 

[RedViking]

Ematic 4K is extremely slow in navigating menus and settings. Don't recommend.

 

[nicroets]

If you install APKs with free services do you not run the same risk even on a certified box?

No. Android does not allow one APK to access the private data of another.

These "bad" boxes are modified on the firmware level to include a backdoor. Or the malware runs as root.

As rvZA says you can still use them with a dedicated Google account.

(Or you can just buy a Chromecast, pay for Netflix and enjoy.)

 

[krieg]

I have been looking at these boxes recently for use as small Linux boxes running Armbian.
Here is a link for Rockwell / AMLogic / AllWinner devices. Github

 

[supersunbird]

Just use something running windows or linux

Intel Nuc would give you everything you could ever want, considering its a pc, but alas, people want simplicity

Will do, Mr Big Spender

 

[noxibox]

Just use something running windows or linux

Intel Nuc would give you everything you could ever want, considering its a pc, but alas, people want simplicity

So which Intel Nuc is available for R1500 or less? Does it come with a remote control and user interface designed for use on a television?

If it would give me everything I could ever want it would also run MacOS.

 

[dualmeister]

Will do, Mr Big Spender

This would be awesome.