It seems like Remix OS is gaining popularity: http://liliputing.com/2016/03/remix-os-for-pc-beta-how-to-dual-boot-windows-and-android-as-a-desktop-os.html
Remix OS allows you to install an Android OS directly to your PC. I believe currently it is running Lollipop under the hood and they are targeting a Marshmallow release in 3-6 months. Combine this with a launcher and I can see this as a real alternative to a dedicated Android TV box. What are your guys thoughts?
No not for me don't like the interface and no Netflix
I'd have to disagree. Remix OS is heavily focussed on creating a desktop UI running android, the majority of features that have been implicated attempt to mimic a desktop interface with existing android apps. If you try to use Remix OS as a TV interface with a custom launcher and remote you lose all that makes Remix special and you just end up with android running on an x86 processor. The lack of hardware acceleration and sparse app support would also ruin the experience.
If you wanted a full desktop interface on your TV there are already several computer sticks that accomplish the same thing with a full windows 10 interface, some are already more powerful than the shield and run full desktop applications.
There's a certain niche that the Remix team are trying to fill that isn't anywhere near the one for Android TV, If you want an OS that can run low power apps on a cheap PC then Remix might work. If you want a device for multimedia and entertainment then Android TV is the way to go.
No Netflix? No thanks.
I don't know...
People who are complaining about this app or that app not being available need to remember this is likely a very temporary situation and lest we get ahead of ourselves there really aren't that many apps for the AndroidTV either. I will say this though, I was pleasantly surprised to see several games that I was unable to get to look nice on my tablets looking great on the RemixOS live install I tried. App compatibility is something that could change quite rapidly given the commitment the RemixOS team has already shown towards getting as many apps running as possible.
So how much difficulty would there really be in adding a "TV mode" launcher subset which works with a remote much like the Leanback Launcher does now?
If you want to install Android on a PC that is all fine and well but wouldn't this be for games only? Unless you absolutely just loved the interface there isn't very much (if anything) that can be done with Android that can not be done on a PC through the Chrome browser.
A port of Remix OS or a launcher for the Shield would be cool.
I will review the new U1 Remix OS TV Box from http://unuiga.com It should be very interesting.
I don't think so. The remix UI is very centric around mouse/keyboard. Take that away and replacing it with a lean back style launcher and you take away remix OS's primary benefits.
Remix OS also cannot act as a Google cast receiver either.
Netflix doesn't seem to play back videos on remix OS either
The goog play music all also doesn't render correctly with remix OS's window sizing.
Specifying a target audio output (hdmi,toslink,analog) is also challenging, if not impossible. When I loaded remix OS on my Mac mini, it would send all audio to the mini's internal speakers.