I only stream to watch Movies and TV, either on demand or live. If you can manipulate your device to act as a server or change programming in file managers, well, Bless Your Heart!
Roku is a restricted (can’t sideload apps) device that includes more than 4,000 verified apps. All devices using Google’s Official Certified Android TV is also a restricted device to varying degrees, including the 4K Max.
On an older Panasonic I have a Roku Express 4K+ ($29) and an Nvidia Shield Pro joined by an HDMI switcher ($15+). All verified apps from Netflix and Tubi to Fawesome plus the Roku Channel are on the Roku. On the Nvidia, all verified apps are uninstalled or disabled, leaving lots of room for internet tv, Stremio, VPN, and a few unverified APKs.
On my ONN Roku TV the 4,000+ apps are included, so a weaker device (Tivo 4k) with verified apps uninstalled or disabled can easily handle internet TV, Stremio, etc.
This Spring Roku plans to introduce and sell their own brand of TV both premium and budget models. So if your Samsung or Sony TV doesn’t include 4,000 apps, King Roku will expand the kingdom, now 60 million strong.
Unrestricted devices like Buzz and Ugoos are my next area to learn more about as a new Roku TV with an Unrestricted Streaming Device appears the next big step.
As Luke Bauman would say, “and that is my opinion, you are free to think whatever”.
You said this time and tome again. We get it. But i want to side load apps so its not the king. I dont want paid apps… i use 2 and get everything. Roku is just okay.
You sound like a sale man. Anything that restricts you from sideloading apps you want isnt the best. Just control.
How many people here at Troypoint want 100% of their cord cutting to be verified apps, with no ability to expand that if they so choose? Roku is a big name, sure, but using Netflix, Disney+, etc etc can be done easily on any and every streaming device. Those people likely would just need Roku customer support if their stick starts to malfunction. Not a whole lot of need to join the Insider at that point, although those people are welcome!
Hes just stiring the pot. Hes done this before. Roku is not the best. Its name branded software without the ability to load “unapproved” software so it may be good at its user interface but its not the best. Infact its not the best when it comes to the big brand names ether.
If you want to sideload apps dont buy roku. And yes i have a roku tv in the bedroom, im aware of its capabilities and free stuff. But if i want to not spend a dime on these paid apps and load up a apk i like… cant do that on roku.
To say any of these things is the king is not right. Use what suits your needs
@TP-Dracoo Ya got me! I’m a 75 year old retired salesman. Proudly a retired salesman! We think nothing of expanding storage and utilization using an OTG cable and USB stick in combination with Android devices. I merely presented a different method to use additional devices in a different combination to improve storage and performance. It’s simple and works for me.
I happily apologize for all who are insulted or denigrated by different thinking. I do hope to hear more from users of unrestricted devices like Buzz and Ugoos. Again, I apologize.
Hey Big Dave. Not to be to critical but when advocating for something, you should be sure to have correct and precise information. Firesticks do not have Android TV. They are in fact FireTV.
Well, if @miki posted the same thing you did about firesticks id say the same. But the difference is you can still sideload on their device. This convo is subjective. All im hearing is why you like Roku so much. You are not offending me or hurting anyone’s feelings here… But the big fact is Roku is restricted and to most of us here thats a no go. Roku is a fine working tv and i love the UI and how it works. But me not being able to put stremio or syncler on it is a no. The roku in my bedroom works fine, Great for those verified apps. But you made a claim that its the king when that is incorrect. Dont have to apologize but merely understand that its not a good setup for people who want to not use Netflix and such, who want a setup where they can pay less and still get the same.
I agree. If the proprietary and restricted operating systems on Samsung, Roku, LG and other TVs were stock android or Android TV instead, we wouldn’t need to be buying streaming devices to get around the app downloading restrictions. My son has a Sony smart tv (android tv o/s), and we can download any open source app we like. As far as stock android devices, in my personal experience, Ugoos wins hands down for hardware quality and ease of use.
