I use Projectivy on my Shield. It's a much cleaner interface. It's still the Google OS though, just a different launcher, no ads, no recommendations.
post
Dunno about your setup, requirements and abilities, but you could always use a cheap tiny computer (or some rapsi or the likes) and use Linux. Probably won't do for silly streaming-services like netfucks or disnay-. But would greatly do for jellyfin, emby or Plex. In addition to kodi, if needed. For raspis there's a distribution already pre-made with all of it for this exact purpose.
https://cleanyour.tv/ Works well on a onn 4K Plus if you are looking for a new device!
replies:
KostaKANG has Android TV without Google for RPi 4 and 5 https://konstakang.com/tags/AndroidTV/
I don't have one of these devices but found this git with some information. Use with caution. https://gist.github.com/jasimancas/53341f47f0a844bf09837f88ad8977f9
replies:
all 7 comments