You have to flash an extra file if you need the proprietary Google Play Services, at default LineageOS is just stock android without it. MicroG is is indeed an open source reimplementation of GPS, so it spoofs your device as it has the real GPS installed.
Also it uses other (local) database of network locations (UnifiedNlp) so when using a maps app it will find your location faster and more accurate than only relying on gps (the positioning system, not Google Play Service) ;)
In my opinion I feel like /e/OS is too bloated and I don’t like the iOS inspired theme. If you prefer stock android you should choose LineageOS. BTW there is also a fork of LineageOS called LineageOS for microG, should you need Play Services.
You can use Universal Android Debloater. Most apps have a description of what it does and if it’s safe to remove or not. Already debloated a few Samsung phones with it, works great :)
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What software do you use for the thin client part? I’m really happy with Moonlight, just Wayland support (no cursor) is a little broken.
A few months ago I bought a second hand Nvidia Shield TV (€40), flashed LineageOS on it. Very happy with the device, especially the performance.
I use Jellyfin, SmartTubeNext and some VOD TV apps from my country. I’ve Adguard Home on my Proxmox server (can also be a Raspberry Pi) that I use for DNS adblocking, so we can watch VOD TV without any ads. Works really well :)
We’ve switched to this from cable TV and my family loves it, we can watch anything we want without any ads and FREE!
Only problem (not for me) is that Netflix doesn’t work on it without GAPPS.
https://lemmy.ml/comment/7407133