What's open
Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and Prime only send 4K to devices that are certified and run locked software, with a security key installed in the factory. That locks the software, not the hardware design. So OpenStick is open hardware that ships locked, and you decide whether to unlock your own unit.
Open source
Section titled “Open source”| Part | Licence | Repo |
|---|---|---|
| Home screen (launcher) | Apache-2.0 | launcher |
| Device service and local API | Apache-2.0 | openstickd |
| Home Assistant integration | Apache-2.0 | ha-openstick |
| Mainboard, case, remote shell, accessories | CERN-OHL-S-2.0 | hardware |
| This website and docs | Apache-2.0 code, CC BY 4.0 content | website |
Locked
Section titled “Locked”| Part | Why |
|---|---|
| Shipped software (bootloader, Android core) | Certification requires a locked boot chain. You can unlock your unit; see below |
| Device keys | Installed in the factory inside the chip; never extractable |
| Google services, Play Store, Google Cast | Google’s software |
| Streaming apps | Made by each service |
Unlocking your unit
Section titled “Unlocking your unit”A switch in settings unlocks the bootloader so you can run any OS. It’s off by default, wipes the device, and shows a warning at every boot. Once unlocked, the device can’t prove it’s unmodified, so Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and Prime play at 720p or less. Everything else keeps working, and streaming services open as web app tiles.
Building a board yourself from the published files works the same way: no factory keys, so subscriptions play at 720p.
The Linux kernel source for the device is published, as its licence requires. We’ll link to it here.