I’m hearing a lot about websites like netflix and YouTube crippling their performance in some way if you’re using firefox instead of chrome/a smart TV
Is it likely to cause me problems if I just globally change my useragent to chrome instead of firefox?
Alternatively, is there an extension that automatically bypasses all of these things that people are aware of (pretends to be a smart TV for netflix, chrome for YouTube, etc automatically)
If there’s not an extension, what would be involved in making one? Obviously user agent changes dependant on URL but I’m not sure what other metrics these websites might be able to use to figure out what you’re using
You shouldn’t expect much problems by changing the user agent. But it won’t solve your Netflix etc. problems, those platforms check specifically for a DRM implementation that Firefox doesn’t ship with. I don’t know if it can be installed in any way, but if it can, that’s the only way to have the good Netflix (Disney+, HBO Max etc.) experience.
netflix maxes-out at 720p on any third-party (not os-provided) browser (i.e. on windows you have to use the ‘app’ or edge), including anything running on linux/bsd. there may still be an addon to get 1080p, at least, while using a different chromium-based browser and/or firefox, though.
iirc, d+ limits all browsers to 720p.
prime allows some browsers and hw configs to access 1080p streams. dunno about other services.
Ah that sucks I had a feeling it wouldn’t be that simple
I’m debating whether it’s worth just running Google TV via waydroid, do you think that would work?
Not sure, tbh, it all boils down to the DRM implementation which I’m not really sure Waydroid provides (though it’s just a gut feeling, I have no idea what Waydroid is capable of).
But you can try and let us know! If you’re using Windows, the easiest would be using the official apps for the services you want to use.