I'm looking to buy the gen 2 Shield TV base model. One thing that would be nice to have is system wide ad blocking. What's the best way to do this? Do you need root access?
Also, are custom ROMs a thing? What about launchers? Honestly I'm fine with the default stuff, I'm just wondering. Are there downsides to root?
You can use DNS66 to block ads without root. http://www.ghacks.net/2016/10/25/dns66-host-based-blocker-for-android/
If you do root you can use xposed to block youtube ads and use any of the root ad blocking apps
I use HALauncher on my shield as its more customizable and you can change the icons, or use side loaded apps on the main launcher screen.