Agreed! I am concerned though that even if a viable casting alternative started gaining momentum that Google would essentially prevent it from being widely adopted or incorporated into apps/websites the way that Chromecast is. I think it would have to be created by a large tech or media company and/or be compatible with Chromecast.

Apps are still really frustrating though. If an app exists (big if), I found the apps to either miss key features compared to the corresponding apps on other platforms or the UI/UX was terrible for a TV app.

I could get by if just one of casting or the apps were comparable to more popular alternatives. Having neither makes it very difficult to moved away from those alternatives.

I do not think what I would want as a replacement exists (yet). My main requirements are:

• Only FOSS software and firmware
• Similar level of “casting” compatibility/ubiquity as the discontinued Chromecast
• Easy navigation and/or great UI/UX
• Can be controlled with a stand alone remote control, phone/tablet/laptop, and remote services like Home Assistant
• As portable and low powered as the discontinued Chromecast (or no less portable than a small mini-pc)
• Ability to turn on/off the TV, switch inputs, and control the volume
• Ability to install apps/plugins to directly on the device (maybe even things like Lutris, Moonlight, or something similar for gaming)
  • Ideally, the apps would be as well maintained and provide similar levels of quality as something like an Android TV or Apple TV
• (bonus) Ability to store media locally for offline playback

I think the closest I have seen is LibreELEC + Kodi on a RaspberryPi or mini-pc. It’s still not quite there for my tastes though. Hopefully the recent Chromecast announcement will lead to more/better alternatives in the coming months!