Greetings fellow privacy enthusiasts!
I’m searching for a privacy-respecting media box that can run Android apps. The streaming device market features options like Shield TV, Chromecast and various Amlogic boxes. However, finding one that truly embraces FOSS principles while meeting essential needs has proven challenging.
Essential requirements:
- Android app compatibility - specifically need to run certain apps
- Strong privacy and security features
- Reliable, long-term software support (I’ve grown weary of devices becoming obsolete within 2-3 years)
- Budget-conscious: Aiming for under 150€, though I’m willing to invest appropriately for the right solution
- Willing to invest significant time in initial setup, but afterwards it should “just work” with minimal maintenance
- Timely and automatic security updates (ideally close to upstream releases)
My initial research suggests two potential approaches, though I’m not entirely certain about all implications:
- Mainstream devices (like Nvidia Shield) that can be degoogled through ADB commands
- Devices that are officially supported by LineageOS
While both paths seem promising, each raises certain concerns. For instance, degoogling might require ongoing maintenance, and running LineageOS could mean losing some device-specific functionality (as is the case with Shield).
The Raspberry Pi, with its open-source foundation and community-driven LineageOS development, seems interesting, though the lack of institutional backing raises some concerns about long-term reliability.
I’m still learning about the security implications of these choices. While I understand that phones running LineageOS don’t match GrapheneOS’s security standards, I’m uncertain how these considerations translate to a media box environment.
I’m open to exploring:
- Custom firmware solutions
- Alternative hardware platforms
- Creative, FOSS-friendly approaches that preserve privacy while maintaining Android compatibility
Has anyone in the community successfully navigated these choices? Your experiences and insights would be invaluable, particularly regarding long-term viability and security considerations.
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That’s actually pretty interesting. Thank you for mentioning!
Have you got any experience with this (particular) combination?
It shouldn’t be too taxing on the Pi 4 or 5, Waydroid runs an LXC container with x86_64 LineageOS. It works well, but requires Wayland.
Thank you for chiming in and providing some much needed insight!
Is what you’ve described easy enough to accomplish for everyone with some Linux experience? Or do you think a guide of sorts is required?
It would be easy. Just install Waydroid and install an android app on the Android system. Look at Waydroid official install guide and maybe watch a video.
Thank you! Much appreciated!
deleted by creator
Why not use jellyfin on a Pi or old pc for like 30 bucks off eBay or wherever and use or use Plex but jellyfin is better I think, or any of the arrs like sollaar, or the like.
Thank you for mentioning Jellyfin. However, unfortunately, I do need support for Android apps. That’s simply nonnegotiable. Mind you; I’m well aware of the capabilities of Jellyfin. But there are simply things it can’t do…
Is there a specific android app you need?
https://gitlab.com/android_translation_layer/android_translation_layer/
And of course waydroid. Both these solutions let you run android app on Linux, but like wine, they won’t work for every app.
Waydroid probably works for all apps not dependent on google though. But it’s more difficult to set up than the android translation layer.
Is there a specific android app you need?
Currently, there are already a couple I need beyond future-proofing.
https://gitlab.com/android_translation_layer/android_translation_layer/
Thanks for mentioning this! While I’ve had some experience with Waydroid in the past, this is completely new to me. Looking at it briefly, it seems to operate differently than Waydroid’s full Android emulation approach. Instead, it works as a translation layer (like Wine), making it both more efficient and potentially better integrated with Linux. Is this a correct assessment?
Despite having researched Android on Linux solutions before, I hadn’t come across this one. Typically, these discussions only mention Anbox or Waydroid.
