this post was submitted on 18 Jan 2026
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A hacked Onn. Very cheap but decent device you can get from Walmart. Then side load an open source (and ad-free) launcher onto it using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
That might be a decent choice, we're in the UK so no Walmart but looks like I can get one online. When you say hacked are you just referring to installing a custom launcher with ADB, or do you need to root it or something to get access to ADB?
This is the same thing I was referring to. If you search for "on Google TV side load" or any variation you'll find loads of articles.
Oh looks like it's just the same process I used to install a custom launcher on my Shield. Is Wolf launcher still recommended or are there better options now?
Wolf launcher is what I've been using, its been a couple years since I looked to see if anything better was around but I've never had a single issue with it.
Just side-loading it, from what I recall. It's 'hacked' in that you are manipulating the put-of-the-box software. But it's not like crazy '1337' coding it anything. You just have to be comfortable with a console and read a little bit carefully.
Out of curiosity, where are you ordering it from online in the UK? I have family and friends there, so this might be useful to them. Thanks.
I literally just googled it and one of the top results was Amazon, looks like it ships from the US but delivery seems to be fairly cheap