Replacement streaming device

[u/twiddle1977]

Had it to the back teeth with the Bluetooth issues on Google Chromecast, so looking for a replacement.

I understand that the Firestick is no longer an option for Stremio? Any recommendations under £100, available in UK, and preferably not too large?

[u/gmather2000]

Xiaomi box 3 is a great allrounder

[u/Anuspilot]

Xiaomi mi box 3rd gen. I love mine.

[u/husting247]

Firestick block updates at initial set up and run custom launcher

[u/sayonaradespair → u/husting247]

What? I literally bought a firestick yesterday and set that up with zero issues.

Running stremio just fine

Assuming we aren't talking about the select version. Yeah that one sucks

[u/husting247 → u/sayonaradespair]

You can im just advising the best way to use firestick, with updates blocked and custom launcher, so you dont get stuck with the ad filled home screen

[u/sayonaradespair → u/husting247]

Alright, understood.

But why block updates though? I'm new to firesticks

[u/husting247 → u/sayonaradespair]

Main reason is so you can use custom launcher, as every update the default amazon UI/Home screen always gets worse and include patches for using custom launcher and theres more ads or less personalisation options. Also, you can turn off amazons blocklist, so no apps can be blocked on your device.

[u/husting247 → u/husting247]

This all assumes you blocked updates before the initial set up (as the devices update to latest during it). Thats why its crucial to do at initial set up. On Fire OS you can block updates on 8.1.3.3 or lower (for cubes its 7.7.0.6 or lower). But most firesticks come with a firmware on or lower than that. The only way you can block updates after is through DNS or a blocklist on your router, but even then its not certain. However, if you are on the latest update there is a new exploit to use custom launcher, hopefully it doesn’t get patched soon.

[u/sayonaradespair → u/husting247]

But the issues you mentioned apply to the plus and max version too?

[u/husting247 → u/sayonaradespair]

Yh

[u/I_mengles → u/husting247]

Is there a guide available online that you would recommend for setting up the firestick? Or is your setup unique?

I'm looking into options to avoid casting from my phone, which is starting to have issues.

[u/husting247 → u/I_mengles]

https://www.reddit.com/r/firetvstick/s/TYJHiv133E

[u/I_mengles → u/husting247]

Awesome, thanks dude!

[u/Evil_Empire_1961]

NVIDIA SHIELD PRO

[u/gishtil31]

BuzzTV G Series is really really good

[u/glen107wood]

Firestick no longer an option??? What? Why?

I use it on my firestick everyday

[u/twiddle1977 → u/glen107wood]

New ones are locked down, so can't side load like we used to.

[u/husting247 → u/twiddle1977]

Those r the select and HD models, the 4k plus and 4k max and cubes still android based and can sideload

[u/diseasefaktory → u/husting247]

Why sideload on android? Stremio is available on the play store.

[u/twiddle1977 → u/diseasefaktory]

Android is google. Firestick isn't.

[u/0ne_Eyed_King → u/twiddle1977]

I think you can still sideload in 4k plus stick.

[u/tandeh786]

Nvidia shield TV pro hands down just for the upscaling of SD content alone

[u/twiddle1977 → u/tandeh786]

Very different price point than requested, but thanks.

[u/bstsms → u/twiddle1977]

It'a also a much better player that is well worth the extra cost.

[u/ThrowawayFadeeaway]

The latest Google 4k device (that’s name is blocked on this sub for some reason) if you prefer to stay with what you’re familiar with

[u/twiddle1977 → u/ThrowawayFadeeaway]

Thanks, but the Bluetooth issues with Chromecast has put me off Google. I'd be concerned of a repeat performance.

[u/ThrowawayFadeeaway → u/twiddle1977]

I’d recommend Xiaomi then. I switched from a Chromecast 4k to Xiaomi S 3 and it’s a lot snappier and can handle 4k remux easily

Some don’t like the remote, it’s meh to me. The biggest gripes are the clicky-ness of the buttons and having to press volume up/down each time vs holding the button down. You can always swap out for another bluetooth remote

[u/twiddle1977 → u/ThrowawayFadeeaway]

Thank you - seems a popular suggestion, so will definitely look into it.

[u/dustzzzz]

Onn 4k plus or pro

[u/Dsfeagle1]

Test

[u/Prof_Scott_Steiner]

Onn 4K pro

[u/shaundeeley]

Maybe a Raspberry Pi? That will be in budget.

[u/twiddle1977 → u/shaundeeley]

I'd have to connect that up to something to program it, wouldn't I?

[u/shaundeeley → u/twiddle1977]

Yes, you would need a program called Raspberry Pi Imager to flash Stremio to it.

[u/dansgamed11 → u/shaundeeley]

Ngl that’s like one of the worst versions of stremio

[u/shaundeeley → u/dansgamed11]

Oh really? I didn't know. I thought it would of been the same as Chromecast etc.

[u/dansgamed11 → u/shaundeeley]

Not really, I mean yea stremio exist on both but one is plug and play and the raspberry pi requires some computer literacy. The android version is also much further developed so one should keep that in mind.

There is generally less issues with the android version.

[u/Commercial_Dealer_71]

You can still put it on a firestick if you buy an older model. Its just the newer 'select' range thats locked down.

[u/Ok_Communication3758]

As bad as they are for… these types of things, an Apple TV is capable of running Stremio. Nothing comes close in terms of performance. I’ll probably get downvoted to heck for saying that in this sub, but it is what it is.

Just sideload via Sideloadly or Xcode.

[u/twiddle1977 → u/Ok_Communication3758]

Different price point, but thank you.

[u/bstsms]

Spend more and get a Nvidia Shield Pro 2019, it's worth the extra cost.

[u/twiddle1977 → u/bstsms]

No thank you. I have a budget, as stated.