Should I switch to Apple TV from Nvidia Sheild?

[gimmesomemo]

I folks!


So Im trying to figure out if I should do this move, but having not actually used an Apple TV for quite some time, Im not really sure if it’s a good idea.


Here’s my setups, and my problems -

I have a 2015(I think?) Nvidia shield pro 500gb. I do like it don’t get me wrong, but here are some of my issues.

• First, and a biggie, I no longer feel comfortable letting google have an eye on me. When I first purchased it I was on android, not so privacy aware, and the built in chrome cast was nice.
• I used to be into Plex. But these days I just don’t have the time or motivation, and tend to find everything I need through the normal streaming ways.
• I have recently moved to Germany from the uk. The native nordVPN app seems to just be totally crap now. Tends to not always work and even when it does work, I’ll suddenly get a geolocation block mid stream. I know it’s not necessarily NordVPN and probably more to do with the android OS somehow letting them know my location, as on other platforms, iOS or Mac, it works just fine. And casting is a nightmare, as it needs the vpn active on both Shield and phone, and then is very patchy,
• I used to have the odd play around on geforce now, but haven’t touched it for over a year and no longer interested.

So from my point of view, many of the advantages are no longer there.

So I know there’s no way of having a VPN app on the device, and Im not interested on putting it on my router. But I tested the airplay from my M1 Mini (with VPN on) to my Samsung tv and that does work.
So I know I can manage like that. I could also do it from my phone, but some apps, like All4 don’t allow you to airplay from the app. (From browser on mini its fine).

I’ve got an ONKYO 676 as my AV receiver, which I used to use all hooked up with hdmi and cec, but I had so many headaches of it randomly stopping working I now just use optical straight to the TV.
Im not sure what was causing the mixup, it could have been the shield.

I am an iOS dev, so I guess it would be fun to tinker with some TV apps. And Ive also got apple one, so arcade for the kids, tv+ etc…


So… Should I sell the Shield and go Apple? Would it make a difference to my life - or have I literally got the Kool-aid flowing through my veins?

 

[Anarchy99]

personally I have both (several generations of each) and I prefer the interface of the appleTV more (all seachboxes and keyboards act the same) whereas app to app the shield (or any android tv) those and similar functions can work different.

I prefer airplay native on the AppleTV vs the Apps that allow Airplay via the shield as I find its obviously quicker to start/stop native.

I prefer the shields remote App more than the Apple TV one (the page with the app launcher is seriously something I wish Apple would make a page/option for)

I also prefer the shield 2015's remote more than both the OG appleTV 4 remote or the revised white circle more clicky AppleTV 4K remote (better volume slider, more buttons which you can if you want program and that headphone jack for if I want to watch early/late)

HOWEVER I like the AppleTV 4/AppleTV 4K remote better than the new 2 styles of shield remote.


on the AppleTV im annoyed with the lack of side loading Apps so I keep my ATV 4 jailbroken but have yet to install the breakoutboard to jailbreak the 4k so its what I use for any streaming 4k media but for everything ripped and/or otherwise local, the shield is king.


plus the 2015 shield has held up well, its barely outperformed by its successors the 2017 and 2019 ( 2019 does have the sexy AI upscaling though that works better than I would have thought)

BONUS the 2015 has the 500gb HD so you can upgrade that to a SSD also dont forget the shield has the distinction of being the only android box to be able to be a PLEX server as well as a client.

anyway I'm rambling... so due to Apps primarily if I averaged my usage, shield is the better option if you had a lesser android box the AppleTV might be more compelling or at least not fail as hard but IMO other than the ease of use with the consistent menu's the shield has it handly beat.

while im excited to try out the new AppleTV I imagine I will end up returning it and just buying a couple new style Siri remotes for the existing AppleTVs I have because they did add/upgrade it enough to justify it based on the keynote.

honestly Apple has the 2 week no questions asked return policy, dont take my word for it spend some time with it to see everything for yourself worst case scenario you have to go through the hastle of printing out a return label an scheduling a UPS pickup

 

[satcomer]

Why only one? Why not both and use each one anytime you like! Then after a while figure it out yourself!

 

[Audit13]

I have a Shield 2017 and Apple TV 4K. Both have their pros and cons so I use both.