Question about Android TV boxes

by jadonparker

I got the Nexus Player a while back. I honestly don't really use it much. It's basically a 5th backup in my house. I am looking to get a streaming music service like Spotify or Google Play Music, both which happen to be on Android TV. A couple of questions though . Do Android TV boxes slow down over time like Android phones do? This has to pass the "spouse test" and work with minimal issues or moving from Roku isn't going to happen.

I'd probably get the Shield if I did buy it. Also, what's the future of Android TV? It doesn't seem like anybody really talks about it. Makes me worry that apps and services will go there or not or if they do, don't get updated very much. Although, ironically enough, it looks like Android TV currently has the most of the apps that I would want, besides Amazon Prime Video...which I understand can be side-loaded.

My other option is a Fire TV, which I know is a fork of Android anyways but different app store. That also seems to have all the apps as well, besides Google stuff but I have seen videos of side-loading those as well. Fire TV boxes are half the price of the Shields so that's a thought as well and the Fire TVs seem to be at the top of the conversation when talking about streaming boxes next to Roku and Apple TV.

anywho, just a bunch of incoherent questions and thoughts here. what do you all think?

JimboLodisC

Bought a Shield, best purchase I've ever made. I have no desire to try anything else. I had a Fire Stick, and it just didn't have enough power. My Nexus Player was fine but had stutters in performance. The Shield eats up anything I throw at it. Worth every single penny.

DeskReference

Have the shield and mibox. Both pass the wife test. Most troubleshooting I have to do is tell her to reboot it. Which isn't often. Shield is more reliable and haven't had an issue with it. Wife uses it everyday (regular apps along with sideloaded ones) and she's been happy . Very user friendly.

Ariakkas10

I have a 1st gen shield that's as quick and snappy as the day I bought it.

The shield is updated constantly, Nvidia has been an outstanding steward of the product. They have been absolutely stellar.

The shield does have Amazon Prime Video. No need to sideload

There is absolutely no comparison between the shield and a nexus player. The nexus player is junk.

That said, sometimes apps are slow to update, but it hasn't been a big issue for me. The big one right now is the Hulu app is the old version, so you can't watch live TV if you pay for Hulu live.

I can't think of any other apps that are significantly behind that it hinders functionality. I'm sure there is though, prolly one that I don't use.

The nice thing is that you can just chromecast whatever is lacking. ,

raptor75mlt

There is more than just the Shield, Mi Box and Nexus player in terms of Android TV availability, depends on the country you're from.

Edit: downvotes by Shield shills as usual - please inform yourselves https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/8ghsc1/full_list_of_certified_android_tv_devices_here