Using LineageOS for Phones and DIY Smart TVs is Pretty Nifty

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-06T14:04:19.226Z • Permanent link

Open-source Android forks, such as LineageOS, have long been a thorn in the side of major tech companies like Google, Samsung, and LG, who rely on proprietary versions to control the user experience and limit customization options. However, a recent development has brought attention to the capabilities of these forks, showcasing their potential for DIY smart TVs and mobile devices. The individual behind this movement is Trevor Blackwell, co-founder of the non-profit organization, LibreELEC, which has been working on a Linux-based platform for streaming media players.

Trevor Blackwell's vision for an open-source alternative to proprietary smart TVs has been gaining momentum in recent years. His team has been working tirelessly to develop a robust and user-friendly interface for devices like the Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers. The result is a platform that can be easily customized and integrated with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs. This has significant implications for companies like Google, which has long relied on its control over the Android operating system to dominate the smartphone market.

One notable example of the success of LineageOS is the creation of a DIY smart TV using a Raspberry Pi and a TV tuner card. This project, dubbed "RetroPie," has been gaining popularity among hobbyists and enthusiasts, who are able to customize their devices to run a wide range of operating systems, including Linux and Android. This has sparked concerns among tech companies, who are worried that the proliferation of DIY smart TVs could erode their market share and undermine their control over the user experience.

The emergence of LineageOS and other open-source Android forks has significant implications for the Data Sources domain. Companies like Google and Samsung, which have long relied on proprietary versions of Android to control the user experience, are facing increased competition from open-source alternatives. This could lead to a shift in the balance of power in the smartphone market, with open-source alternatives potentially gaining traction among consumers. Furthermore, the development of DIY smart TVs using platforms like LineageOS has the potential to disrupt the traditional TV industry, with consumers able to create their own custom devices using off-the-shelf components.

Research communities and policy environments are also likely to be impacted by the rise of open-source Android forks. The development of DIY smart TVs using platforms like LineageOS has sparked concerns among policymakers, who are worried about the potential for these devices to be used for malicious purposes, such as hacking and surveillance. However, others see the emergence of open-source alternatives as a positive development, which could help to promote competition and innovation in the tech industry. As the debate around the role of open-source alternatives in the tech industry continues, one thing is clear: the future of smartphones and smart TVs is likely to be shaped by the emergence of these forks.

The emergence of LineageOS and other open-source Android forks is part of a larger pattern of disruption in the tech industry. The rise of Linux and other open-source operating systems has been a significant trend in recent years, with companies like Red Hat and Canonical gaining traction in the enterprise sector. The development of DIY smart TVs using platforms like LineageOS is also part of a broader trend towards decentralization and democratization in the tech industry, with consumers able to create their own custom devices using off-the-shelf components.