added chromecast with Google TV default launcher disabling guide

docs/ChromecastGoogleTV.md

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+# Chromecast with GoogleTV
+While being a great SmartTV replacement the default set-up does not allow for much customization and has annoying ads included.
+## Changing the Default Launcher
+You will need:
+- A Chromecast with GoogleTV
+- A Laptop with `adb` installed. (On Arch: part of the `android-tools` package)
+- A Laptop with Thunderbolt or USB-C which allows for high power throughput to power the Chromecast as well as connect via ADB.
+
+Google, being Google, does not allow for the disabling of Ads in their default Launcher.
+This is a tutorial on how you can disable the default launcher and replace it with one of your choice.
+We're assuming you're using a Chromecast with Google TV similar to [this one](https://www.digitec.ch/de/s1/product/google-chromecast-mit-google-tv-4k-google-assistant-streaming-media-player-14676764).
+
+### Download a Launcher of your choice
+Go to the Google Play Store and choose any Launcher you would like to use. Good ones are FLauncher or Launchy for a more minimalistic approach.
+Ensure that the Launcher is installed and working before proceeding.
+
+### Enable Developer Options.
+Go to `Settings -> Device -> About -> Build` and press the main button about 10 times until a Dialog pops up claiming you're now a developer.
+
+### Connect your Laptop
+Plug the Power Cord of the Chromecast into your Laptop. You will most likely require a USB-C to USB-C cable instead of the included USB-A to USB-C one. The Chromecast should now be able to boot up without the low-power warning. If you're getting the low-power warning you cannot continue and might require a different laptop with better Thunderbolt/USB-C support.
+
+On the chromecast there should now pop-up a dialog asking whether you want to trust the connected device. Trust it.
+
+### Disable the Default Launcher via ADB
+
+On your Laptop, open a terminal and ensure that you can find the chromecast via `adb show`. One device should be listed.
+
+Then, use these commands:
+```sh
+adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tv.launcherx
+adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.tungsten.setupwraith
+```
+This should have disabled the default launcher. When pressing home, a dialogue should pop up asking for a new default Launcher if multiple are installed.
+
+
+### Re-Enable the Default Launcher via ADB
+In case you want to revert these changes you can use these commands to do so:
+```sh
+adb shell pm enable com.google.android.apps.tv.launcherx
+adb shell pm enable com.google.android.tungsten.setupwraith
+```

index.md

@@ -29,6 +29,9 @@ Happy to accept pull requests for new topics!
 =======
 - [calcurse sync](docs/calDAV.md) Sync calcurse with you phone etc.
 
+# Other
+- [Chromecast with Google TV](docs/ChromecastGoogleTv.md) a neat way to disable the built-in launcher and it's baked-in ads.
+
 # Admin
 
 - [README](README.md)