I have tried the following option but checking if anyone has something easier or a more ideal, modern solution (seeing threads from many years ago which have since lost functionality):
Goal - Turn TV into Digital Picture frame with HA smarts/automations
Start: Trigger on Nvidia Shield with Presence Sensor (Easy), then:
- Nvidia / Chromecast Screensaver “Backdrop” Feature + Google Photos “Dreams” functionality - Basically if you select backdrop in the Nvidia screensaver settings it will then play the Google Photos album.
Pros:
- Easy Google Photos connectivity
- Very good privacy - I have seen numerous slideshow apps recommended over the years but I’m uncomfortable with all of the Google Account permissions they ask for
- Nice of them to sometimes collage the photos so it’s not a boring static slideshow
Cons:
- I have struggled to shorten the trigger time because if I customize it via ADB, Nvidia no longer triggers the screensaver at all.
- I have struggled to trigger com.google.android.backdrop from HA, but maybe I’m missing something?
- Not a fan of the overlay that darkens bottom half of the screen - I want to see the full photos
Otherwise, I am expecting people to suggest: a different slideshow app + move away from Google Photos by just downloading the photos OR some sort of Fully Kiosk solution?