this post was submitted on 16 Mar 2025

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Completely blocking out google (feddit.org)

submitted 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I've come to the realisation that boycotting google, completely, is impossible. It works fine on the computer and for some apps on the phone, but it's very difficult for a smart TV

The problem starts at the very beginning. To even start using the tv, I must have a Gmail to log in. I have to have a Gmail/log in to Google to use the Google Store.. Google Store? Yes! Because it's not possible (for me at least) to install f-droid or aurora store. I'm aware of the fact that I can't do everything... But it irks me. Does anybody have any tips for how to get around this? Currently I'm considering getting a hdmi cable and use the tv as a computer monitor... But then we're in the territory of having to buy a lot of new things to boycott. Wich, of course, is also not the best solution.

However, I'll add to this that this irks me. But it's not as big of a problem as buying Russian and American oil and gas.

Quote and picture is from batman begins. I recommend giving it a watch

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[–] [email protected] 17 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Setup a raspberry pi as a streaming box. Lots of guides out there.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 19 hours ago

Thank you 👌

[–] [email protected] 6 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Purchasing new hardware to boycott isn't necessary. The important thing is for people to find out, realize and recognize how dependent we are on these technologies and the challenges involved. There's no simple or free solution to replace devices like Alexa and Google Home. Both Android and Apple smartphones send various data back to the U.S. every day. However, when you do plan to buy new devices, consider alternatives that prioritize privacy and security made in Europe.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 16 hours ago

You can run your own offline voice assistant. Willow is an example of this

[–] [email protected] 3 points 18 hours ago

You don't need a smart tv, just go to a thrift store and buy an older model.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 17 hours ago

When it comes to boycotting just reducing your usage is still a good thing. You also have to think about getting other people onboard. I still use Google Maps and Gmail (simply because it’s connected to all my stuff) but I’ve got plenty of people to use DDG just built showing how the results are arguably better and it’s really easy to !g to Google if you don’t find what you want.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 18 hours ago

Root your TV, you can disable a lot of google stuff on it and use another launcher, disable ads, disable tracking, assistant etc. You can also diminish the impact of having to use google products by making temporary accounts that you only use for one thing and are not linked to the others, accounts that you don't carry on your phone.

It's true, it's not simple...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 16 hours ago

What kind of TV do you have? Cause i cant really follow as a 5 year old Samsung TV user. Only YouTube comes preinstalled and you have to login to use it. If it is an android TV, i believe there are many sideways to install aurora store from a computer. I mean there are ways to install apps in Samsung TV that are not in their apps store, and TIZEN OS is not that popular as Android.

EU should step on in these limitations. They have forgotten TVs and only focusing on phones.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

Which Smart TV has Google built in?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 18 hours ago

24% of the market was google tv in 2024.