The equivalents for Android, precompiled ReVanced APKs, are commonly used to spread malware. Following the instructions to patch the app yourself isn’t hard. Google taking down precompiled modded versions of YouTube but leaving patches and the the tools anybody can use to apply them is a neutral thing at worst.

Also I don’t see anyone in this thread glad that Google did this, aside from the first half of the joke / fakeout / pun post about IPA beer.

I use FLauncher, and the jellyfin for android TV app works great. You can cast with or without having the app installed but the remote is nice so I rarely use the casting feature for watching my locally hosted stuff. It’s just convenient for content on twitch or youtube.

The Walmart “onn.” has been perfect in my household. Dirt cheap at $20, degooglable, good remote (you can use an app to rebind the streaming service buttons to apps you actually use). Supports the Google cast protocol and also SmartTubeNext. No ads of any kind on the home screen, because I’m using a custom FOSS launcher.

I’ve seen them in the wild, I live in the bay area. They look worse than in the pictures. The brushed steel catches every speck of dirt and oil. It’s like they’re driving a damn crock-pot.