Everyone keeps saying it’s the best media player, so I’m interested in getting one, but I haven’t had a google account for many years now and don’t want to create a new one just for this.

Does anyone know if it’s possible to run one without a google account?

Edit: I would only want to use it for Plex and maybe youtube

  • clayh@lemmy.ml
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    9 months ago

    I run a shield for Plex and have never logged into my google account on it. I’ve disabled play store and most google services. Also I keep the android on the stock version.

    Works flawlessly.

    • anytimesoon@lemmy.mlOP
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      9 months ago

      So it’s possible to run it without signing up. Thats good news. All the reviews seem to say it’s a requirement for the initial set up

      Are there any special steps to get your set up? I imagine you need to side load your apps because the play store won’t work, but is there anything else?

      • clayh@lemmy.ml
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        9 months ago

        I side load Plex from the direct download links in the forum (Plex pass is required for this I think but there are def other ways to get the apk). I do not run the shield as a sever as I have a dedicated box for that.

        Nothing special about the setup at all, I just prefer a minimalist approach to software so I disabled everything on the shield that wasn’t necessary to run Plex.

        E: should be clear this is a shield pro

        • clayh@lemmy.ml
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          9 months ago

          I bought a shield pro last year and never once logged in to google during setup or any time after.

          • youmaynotknow@lemmy.ml
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            9 months ago

            See? Unlikely, not impossible. I’ve never tried. I just chose to remove Google from my life, that thing used Google accounts, gone!

            • clayh@lemmy.ml
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              9 months ago

              I’ve never used a google account on it. That’s the point.

              It is not necessary to be in the google ecosystem to use the shield (pro) to its full capabilities.