Onn needs a Google account. Fire stick requires an Amazon account. Apple tv, obviously an Apple account. PS5, Xbox all the same.

Is there a box that will let me stream Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, my own stored media?

Osmc is great for home stuff, but can’t do Hulu Netflix.

I could use a Linux PC, but not as simple as 1 remote for a cheaper box top.

Any suggestions? Or do I just get a Linux host

  • LordCrom@lemmy.worldOP
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    4 months ago

    The Google tracking. I run everything out of my garage. Just to avoid a Google signin. Plus you can’t get an account without linking it with a phone number. VoIP numbers don’t work last time I tried.

    • lemmefixdat4u@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      Pay-as-you-go phones work. A $15 (sometimes free) basic cellphone with a few minutes are all you need. Once the account is set up, the phone isn’t needed. I’ve made quite a few Google throw-away accounts this way. Just never lose your password and don’t turn on 2FA.

      As far as Google tracking goes - you can firewall off all the Google servers if you dislike them, or use a router that connects through a VPN if you need that level of privacy.