No devices are "forced" to use "Android type hardware / Android OS". They use it because it's free. That's... important. Right?
The important bits (hardware drivers and core applications) aren’t open source (AOSP doesn’t include the new default apps or standard libraries.
Also, the important stuff is tied to google services that spy on you.
I think it’s completely reasonable to reject that stack, and lament that no one offers a high quality, supported alternative software stack at a reasonable price.
They are still not making Apple TV set.
With WatchOS and the Apple S3 chip already includes 90%+ of the features needed. I bet the S3 cost less then $20, and Apple could have sold it at $50 along with WatchOS to specfic market that Apple do not intend to compete. Fridge, Fan, Lamp, bikes, TV set, radio, kitchen appliance or what so ever.
Apple currently charges $1 for the controller of Lightning Cables regardless of volume. They could have just offer similar program.
Make a version of iOS that companies can build off of; maintain the OS patch cycles but let them put their own app / front end on it.
Tons of smart devices exist now a days; TVs, refrigerators, bikes, etc... There's a market for an Apple based system for sure.
But yes - I'll taking a flying unicorn also in the interim.