Develop Bugs

[Q] Full HDMI, now Dualshock 3?

So now that we have got full HDMI out, are there any devs looking into getting the PS3 controller working with our beloved EVO? I'm aware of the ability to use the Wiimote. I've also heard they have gotten the sixaxis controller working on maemo, another linux based mobile system, and supposedly there are drivers for using ps3 controllers on windows 7? Let's get some reverse engineering going on this bad *****, I know I would love to see this!
On a side note, thank you to everyone in the community, lurkers and active members alike, especially the devs who work day and night so that we can play with our toys to their full potential!

From what I remember reading in here somewhere it has to do with the Bluetooth stack(s) used on android, where the protocol* wiimote uses is compatible and the ps3 one isnt.
*correct me if I'm wrong people
Sent from my Ginger ***** Supersonic

Yes this would be excellent! But how long will it be before the market devs start converting their games to be compatible with such epicness lol!?
Seriously someone should establish this
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

Totally possible to get the PS3 controller working.
Would require a custom bluetooth stack, custom kernel with usb-host mode to do the initial pairing, then finally pairing it with the custom bluetooth stack.
See link for more info: http://www.pabr.org/sixlinux/sixlinux.en.html

This would really be amazing. The wiimote ain't that great for playing many emulators unless you connect a classic controller to it.
Cobaltikus said he'll look into porting his CobaltController (Dual Shock 3 for WM6) to android about one month ago, so it might happen soon.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11760212&postcount=638

aejt said:
This would really be amazing. The wiimote ain't that great for playing many emulators unless you connect a classic controller to it.
Cobaltikus said he'll look into porting his CobaltController (Dual Shock 3 for WM6) to android about one month ago, so it might happen soon.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11760212&postcount=638
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I wish Nintendo made a classic controller that was standalone with bluetooth (that didn't need to be tethered to a wiimote).

rstuckmaier said:
Yeah, I wish Nintendo made a classic controller that was standalone with bluetooth (that didn't need to be tethered to a wiimote).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Datel’s Wii Wireless Retro Controller
This may be the only place to get it as Nintendo cried about it and the vendors then pulled it.

Lokifish Marz said:
This may be the only place to get it as Nintendo cried about it and the vendors then pulled it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that one be possible to use with the phone (with the already existing wiimote-app, because I doubt anyone will make a new one for that)? If so, I might consider buying it.
Edit: Googled, and found out that it works! Can't link it however, due to my low post count, but it was the second result when googling "Wii Wireless Retro Controller datel".

Lokifish Marz said:
Datel’s Wii Wireless Retro Controller
This may be the only place to get it as Nintendo cried about it and the vendors then pulled it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks! Who knew? Well, apparently you did...

RII mini Bluetooth Keyboard w/ Touchpad

So i purchased the RII Mini BLuetooth keyboard excited to have it work with the Webtop...and alas there is an issue with the drivers. I was super excited as it has both a keyboard and a wireless touch pad and thought it would be perfect but it just aint working.
Has anyone been able to get this working? Or considered trying it?
Edit...got it paired. not drivers needed. Unlike other devices where the pairing is coded on one end, the keyboard requires that once you've inputted the desired code on you Atrix, that you put the same code in on the keyboard and press the enter button. Voila. A great product - highly recommended especially for webtop users.

goog-ed, nice looking product. glad to have a confirmed all in one solution when i need one. Thanks
quick link to goog shopping results for n e 1 wanting to check it out http://goo.gl/FEb6M

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this too... just FYI, there are two different models, one for 2.4 Ghz and one for bluetooth, and they are not well described on Amazon and the like; I'll post the appropriate links below:
http://www.amazon.com/ProMini-Wirel...EUBI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302464752&sr=8-2
http://www.riitek.com/product.asp

You need the Bluetooth one
if it says 2.4ghz, it's the wrong one.

I've been using one of these with my HTPC setup for a while and I love it!

Can't wait!
I just ordered one, since I was seriously looking for a portable bluetooth keyboard to take around with me and use for my phone and laptop. It should be coming in today, and once I have time, I'll probably make a video on using it, just like I did one when I had the original Droid.

I'm also waiting for mine to be delivered, along with a bluetooth mouse. Should make the webtop experience much more useful.

I don't know, now I'm thinking of going this route: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FOOI2/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
The question is, do I really use webtop that much???

For your dollar, well spent
I sent an email asking the quality, more importantly will it work with the atrix? And has anyone complained about it and the atrix combo.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Wireless-B...&otn=3&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=8444646627280274537
Thats well worth the 19$ if it works.
If they say yes I'll buy one, and let you guys know.

@swiftks
I use it quite a bit but couldnt justify over 100 bucks. Looks spify though^_^
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Swiftks said:
I don't know, now I'm thinking of going this route: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FOOI2/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
The question is, do I really use webtop that much???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered one of these and it went back to Amazon immediately. Quality was bad..two keys didn't work; one not at all and one only if you pushed really hard. Too expensive for that kind of thing. I wound up buying the Moto keyboard and paired a Verbatim bt mouse....

i was thinking about getting one of these for usage with webtop and when traveling. I actually ordered one, but had to cancel the order when i realized i got the non bt by accident and haven't reordered yet. There is also another version on amazon thats a keyboard only thats a bit cheaper but might actually be better designed for tapping out lonf messaves.
For fhose that have one, how comfortable is it to type a message/email with the Rii? Im still not a fan of these touch only keyboards which are much slower and less ac urate than say the slide out keyboard on my old tilt.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

can someone confirm that using a BT keybpard works with the Atrix and the Webtop hack. In other words, I have the webtop hack working. If I leave this by my TV can I use the BT keybaord to control the device?

has anyone tried this keyboard with the Atrix and will the mouse work?
http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Bluetooth-Wireless-Chicklet-Keyboard/dp/B0042W74SI/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

ekerbuddyeker said:
can someone confirm that using a BT keybpard works with the Atrix and the Webtop hack. In other words, I have the webtop hack working. If I leave this by my TV can I use the BT keybaord to control the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the webtop hack working with a bluetooth keyboard (Motorola) and mouse (Verbatim brand). It worked fine. Since I upgraded to .83 firmware I didn't reinstall the hack since I mainly use the lapdock now.
Off topic-anybody want to buy a Motorola Bluetooth keyboard (works fine)? Since I use the lapdock (see above) I don't use it. $50 shipped in Continental USA.

Works perfectly with RII bluetooth and webtop
Yep it works perfectly. Very good keyboard. Laser pointer is a nice benefit for cats

could also try the bt ps3 logitech keyboard. i have it right now and works great!
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/gaming/mice-keyboard-combos/devices/3616

ekerbuddyeker said:
has anyone tried this keyboard with the Atrix and will the mouse work?
http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Bluetooth-Wireless-Chicklet-Keyboard/dp/B0042W74SI/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well here I am tyoing in this keyboard while my atrix is connected to my 52 inch plasma using the webtop hack. Its a fantastic combination that cost me $40 imstead of the $179 Motorola wamts. As soon as it saw bluetooth, the atrix went into big clock mode, which in itself is nice. Keyboard is small but useable but does take some getting used to. It has a tracball for a mouse, which works but isn't so easy to navigate. Also pairing isn't well explained. When atrix asks Dor code put 1111 THEN 1111 enter on the bt keyboard!
Whole combination is amazing. Browsing the web on the tv is an exoerience.
This atrix really is unique.
I was also able to go into the entertainment center and can go forward or back through a movie. And keep it picture in picture.
And answer a call.
Astounding!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Got mine working today, did passcode on phone then just pressed the same passcode on keyboard and enter. Worked well.
Thanks

Wow im glad I stumbled on this thread. I ordered mine last night from eBay.. Good to see it will work AFTER I make the purchase of course lol

[REVIEW] Phonejoy bluetooth gamepad - new video bluetooth multiplayer via MHL!

A little something for retro gamers (or just gamers) amongst us:
http://blog.clove.co.uk/2011/07/21/...phonejoy-refresh-dual-analog-sticks-are-a-go/
...and now N64oid updated to 2.4 for bluetooth multiplayer support!
http://www.androidnz.net/2011/09/n64oid-updates-to-24-multiple-bluetooth.html

Nice video.
I've already pre-ordered mine. Hopefully it will come soon enough.

Talking to Martin at Phonejoy it should be very soon!

i liked this concept, but it would have been a 'yes' from me, if only they incorporated a keyboard style controller, which we could attach to our s2 ;(

I got an email from the makers just a couple of minutes ago to say they are making one just like that (similar to the iControlPad, one that the phone sits within). Its presently in the design stages.

Wanna have one
NZtechfreak said:
I got an email from the makers just a couple of minutes ago to say they are making one just like that (similar to the iControlPad, one that the phone sits within). Its presently in the design stages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Hope 2 see it soon ;-)
I already thought of making my own construction.

Clove have a pre-order going on these now, they need 50 orders by the 15th of August to go ahead (no idea how many they currently have). If you are keen its worth looking into.
http://www.clove.co.uk/phonejoy-analog-android-game-controller

Disappointing. So the 'Analog' sticks aren't Analog after all, hence running everywhere in Mario and the sniper issues you mention. Pretty pointless upgrade from the original then no?
Or is it that the emulators are just not programmed to understand the analog instructions?

NZtechfreak said:
I got an email from the makers just a couple of minutes ago to say they are making one just like that (similar to the iControlPad, one that the phone sits within). Its presently in the design stages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been searching for one for so many days.... Definitely order one.

£47?
Other than not needing a custom rom, how is this any better than using a proper ps3 controller?
Sent from my Galaxy S II using XDA App

Err, is it possible to get ps3 controllers working with a custom rom then? excuse my ignorance..

r2001uk said:
£47?
Other than not needing a custom rom, how is this any better than using a proper ps3 controller?
Sent from my Galaxy S II using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work with any HID supporting device - which at the moment is a lot more devices that you'll find with PS3 support.
True PS3 support is starting to get out there though - if you're on CM7 or MIUI you should be able to use a PS3 remote right now, since there is a software out that can do it (forget the name, search for sixaxis in the Market brings it up).

deezle said:
Err, is it possible to get ps3 controllers working with a custom rom then? excuse my ignorance..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a custom ROM with a normal bluetooth stack, yes. There is a sixaxis app in the market for a couple of dollars IIRC, there's also a free app to make sure it'd work before you buy it.

NZtechfreak said:
It'll work with any HID supporting device - which at the moment is a lot more devices that you'll find with PS3 support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's a big plus for me at the moment I guess - I'm now rooted but I'm happy with stock (and don't fancy playing with buggy nightlies again).
It just struck me as a little pricey for something that sounded very cheapo (maybe it was just the recording). My Datel retro controller only cost £17ish - although that's as limited as a PS3 controller with regards to bluetooth, sadly.
Do we have MIUI for SGS2? I might look into that...

In hindsight, I think I'm gonna try and get one of these - there's a crappy dilemma with the PS3 controller:
- Put custom ROM on, allow PS3 controller to work with 'normal' BT stack, sacrifice TV-Out via MHL/HDMI
- Stay stock, retain TV-Out but obviously unable to use PS3 controller.
Seems Clove decided not to stock them though, that sucks.

Ive ordered one from the phonejoy website. I was using CM7 before to play with my ps3/wiimote controller, but I need my TV out too. So back to a rom which allow my TV out and buying that controller.
I was going to go with an Icontrolpad, but its at least X2 more expensive than this one... Gonne give a review when ill get it, it should take +-1-2 months... that suck haha

IIIPowerIII said:
Ive ordered one from the phonejoy website. I was using CM7 before to play with my ps3/wiimote controller, but I need my TV out too. So back to a rom which allow my TV out and buying that controller.
I was going to go with an Icontrolpad, but its at least X2 more expensive than this one... Gonne give a review when ill get it, it should take +-1-2 months... that suck haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the TV Out is an important aspect for me, and part of the reason I'll be sticking with the Phonejoy for now at least.
iControlPad is just plain worse for use with TV Out, while it is better for portability the price seems pretty unrealistic to me. Phonejoy have been developing a similar control pad to the iControlPad style, no ETA on availability etc, but its in the works.
Incidentally, the latest Jirioni Arcade update is compatible with the MAME4ALL ROM set, pretty good with this set up!

NZtechfreak said:
Yep, the TV Out is an important aspect for me, and part of the reason I'll be sticking with the Phonejoy for now at least.
iControlPad is just plain worse for use with TV Out, while it is better for portability the price seems pretty unrealistic to me. Phonejoy have been developing a similar control pad to the iControlPad style, no ETA on availability etc, but its in the works.
Incidentally, the latest Jirioni Arcade update is compatible with the MAME4ALL ROM set, pretty good with this set up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And why icontrolpad is worse for tv out? You dont need to have the cellphone right to it, so icontrolpad or phonejoy will do the same thing in the end. I know icontrolpad can have some claw to hold the cellphone, but theyre not needed to use it.

some Phonejoys are appearing on ebay UK now.. i got mine for like £41.00, cheaper that his website and shipped from the uk
I'm really quite impressed with it, love using the sticks in games like Syphon Filter. So good using TV out on a big screen, my phone is now basically a super portable multi-console. love it

Reason the iControlPad is worse is that its a worse controller configuration for emulating systems like the PSX/N64, if you're tethered to the TV then its mobility advantage is irrelevant.

Fire TV or Something else...

So I already have one FireTV that I bought pretty shortly after it came out. Because of that I was able to prevent it from updating and also was able to root it and unlock it. I've been very happy with this device but I'm looking to acquire a second device and that's my problem. With the state of the FireTV now it seems that it is unrootable and potentially brickable with the way Amazon is treating it. Also, I'm concerned that the future may hold a device that can't have apps sideloaded as well. My primary use for the device is Kodi/XBMC, Netflix, and Plex, though I do have prime and occasionally use prime instant video as well and I pretty much prioritize my use in that order. I suspect if I went with something such as an Amlogic M8 or some other android box that I'd have to give up the Amazon services.
So I guess my question is, how does the FireTV hardware compare to the others? Is it a lot better than something like the M8 box? I'm not really a dev, though I'm extremely comfortable with android flashing and such as well as linux, so I'm also wondering are the devs optimistic that they'll be able to hack around Amazon's attempts to block us? Or is it looking more like a lost cause? I noticed work being done on a CM12 port but if I buy a brand new fire tv that can't be rooted then it would seem I'll be limited in what I can do or flash with it.
I'm looking for opinions or feedback so all thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!

Of all the android devices, I'd say the FireTV is still the best bang for the buck. The next step up would be a Chromebox running OpenElec, but I haven't attempted it myself.

I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.

The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).

psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im all for trying new boxes, but seems right now fire tv is the one to stick with. I say right now because there are new ones coming this year. Imo its not the time to buy.
This new update really improved aftv. I wouldnt worry about them taking away sideloading or kodi.
Yes. Im sure you can sideload prime on the Android tv box but not certain itll be great because those apps are made for tablets. If youre hooked on prime, i dont know of a better option than aftv right now.

Magnesus said:
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do like the fire TV remote, but there are better remotes you can buy for $15-20.. you can have a full remote on one side and full keyboard on the other, with air mouse capabilities.. its still cheaper to get a cs918 and a decent remote.. and still be able to root. have apps such as STB emulator work properly (without external players). play many games with the air mouse or by configuring buttons on the keyboard.

dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix on those china boxes will be stuck at 480p resolution. You will never get HD with any of those china boxes.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

Side-loading is not going to be blocked. Amazon wants you to be able to do that so every FireTV is a potential dev/test box, and they have instructions on their site showing how to do it.
IMHO, FireTV is currently the best option for what the OP describes. If Amazon Instant Video (Amazon Prime support) makes it to GATV boxes, one of those may be better. The nvidia shield console looks really good, and even the Razer Forge TV looks like an improvement over the Nexus Player. Both of those are expected soon.

If Amazon Prime Streaming is important a original Amazon hardware is still better than a regular Android device with installed app from the store. The point is at least for the german market there are restrictions for movies with a high maturity rating. For e.g. in germany FSK18 movies (I think can be compared to a "NC-17 (Adults Only)" rating in the U.S.) won´t play with the Android app and are blocked since PIN handling is not supported. On Fire TV tablets it is also possible to download many movies for offline use for 48h and this is not possible with the regular Android app.
Concerning the remote the aTV does use a Bluetooth RC and not an Infrared RC so it is possible to hide the aTV for e.g. behind the TV and it is still usable. This is difficult with an IR remote if there is not an external IR eye with a connection cable extension.

Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.

Have a look on the serial. It may hint if a device can be rooted:
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/

psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aren't most android box's NOTORIOUSLY having over-heating issues.. the reason I went with "firetv" was that reputation.. is this one of e'm that's fine?

sure for people that overclock them... my CS918 feels as warm as my fire tv to the touch... I am sure, however that with a more inferior device, there is a higher chance to get a lemon, but you return it in that case..
My point is, if all your doing is buying a fire TV to sideload apps and do things it was never meant to do... why not just buy a device that is easily rootable, and easier to work with., for half the cost.

Most of those cheap Android boxes are based on Rockchip chipsets (similiar to those used in many low cost tablets) which are not really competitive. Of course they are less restricted than the aTV but it is still not good a replacement when you are using Prime streaming or apps which need more power or memory. For me the price was also not an argument since I bought my aTV for 49€. Those Rockchip boxes do cost more from around 59€ to 79€ with a hardware which is poor compared to the aTV. Most of them are sold for e.g. only as 1GB variant which is half of the memory of the aTV and are missing Bluetooth.
So it depends IMHO on the intended use of such a STB and also with the restricted FireOS environment the aTV is a really good Android STB.

I beg to differ, inexpensive doesnt mean not as good.
My CS918 works perfectly with Kodi. Its chipset has much more community support, STB emulator works perfectly with it without the need for an external player.. Addon devices such as air remotes work better as it uses default mapping, where the fire tv does not..
To each there own.. if your using amazon services heavily, of course the fire tv is better. but if they are secondary to Kodi, just buy the cheaper box, that has more support, and install the amazon plugin for kodi...
I have mine set to use Kodi as the launcher, added Genesis plugin (set on auto) and set up libraries correctly, added stalker plugin for live tv.. added icon to STB emulator as an alternative, and added an icon to bring up the app list... i never have a reason to leave kodi.. all the media i could ever need and still run any android app, much more smoothly than on a unrootable fire tv...

dupsatou said:
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.

navigates said:
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...

dupsatou said:
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
send them a question. I sure hope its new as mentioned. why would someone sell at retail after tampering. ? lets see what I get. Mine has not yet shipped out.
when you hear back. let us all know.

My $.02
I have a lot of different devices. FTV's, Rokus, Android minipc's, chromecast.. etc.. In my opinion - the FTV's are easily the best value. The hardware is very very snappy, and I think they did a pretty good job in design. I am even a little impressed with the capabilities of the scaled-down FTV Stick.
I have a plex server, and between the plex app on FTV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, my bases are essentially covered by the stock platform. I do have kodi which I use a lot personally.. I dont make use of all the available streaming tv channels etc in kodi, but Its fun to "tinker". The beautiful thing is, you can do both.. The stock platform is perfect for others in my household who arent into all the gadgetry, but just want to get to their programs and have them play, and I can run Kodi and do my own thing.
There are a few things that I think could be improved. - The remote is small, and all black, which is sleek, but it makes it a little more difficult to locate and manipulate in the dark. The layout isnt as intuitive to the touch as say the Rokus. It also has no loop to attach a lanyard. I would attach a small strap to the remote if I could to help me keep track of it. That thing seems very easy to lose These are small nits.. but if your complaints about a device are on this tiny scale, you must be pretty happy with the device overall.

New Shield already available for purchase @ Best Buy. Official release date OCT 28th!

Anyone else getting it/looking forward to it? I'm looking forward to that new remote most of all tbh
I will 100% be getting it, but I'm waiting for Black Friday to buy it. Putting my old (2017) Shield in my bedroom, new Shield in the living room and Firestick in the guest room.

JoeFCaputo113 said:
Anyone else getting it/looking forward to it? I'm looking forward to that new remote most of all tbh
I will 100% be getting it, but I'm waiting for Black Friday to buy it. Putting my old (2017) Shield in my bedroom, new Shield in the living room and Firestick in the guest room.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is it available? I looked and only see old one..NOW available on Nvidia site

I am in CT and I see it listed on the best buy site. Says it is available at their Danbury CT store today.

The base model looks so disgusting , no way I'm placing this on my shelf to expose, plus it lacks USB ports and has no gamepad. Why would they make it round like that ? An article I read says it might be to compete with firesticks and chromecast small form factor devices. No USB ports is a killer though.. my favorite keyboard/remote combo could not work in it. So the only way to have gamepads to play on this would be bluetooth ? I might go with the pro eventually , but not until it's been tested by the community and that feedback has been given.
Edit: Just notice the remote is triangular... Why can't nvidia design a proper remote ?

Roamin64 said:
The base model looks so disgusting , no way I'm placing this on my shelf to expose, plus it lacks USB ports and has no gamepad. Why would they make it round like that ? An article I read says it might be to compete with firesticks and chromecast small form factor devices. No USB ports is a killer though.. my favorite keyboard/remote combo could not work in it. So the only way to have gamepads to play on this would be bluetooth ? I might go with the pro eventually , but not until it's been tested by the community and that feedback has been given.
Edit: Just notice the remote is triangular... Why can't nvidia design a proper remote ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "non" pro is meant to lay on the floor where your cables run and not be visible. I has an SD card slot. This may be enough for most people.