Develop Bugs

Asus Miracast Dongle (does it work?)

Hey guys,
I just heard about this little marvel..
http://www.asus.com/Tablet_Mobile_Accessories/ASUS_Miracast_Dongle/
Has anyone try this? I really want some sort of Airplay functionality for my tablet, its around 100$ but if it does what it says it does, i think its worth it.
So, anyone have one?!
Edit: got way to excited and noticed its not release yet... Lol. So who is getting one?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 on Rogers Wireless

kriEv said:
Hey guys,
I just heard about this little marvel..
http://www.asus.com/Tablet_Mobile_Accessories/ASUS_Miracast_Dongle/
Has anyone try this? I really want some sort of Airplay functionality for my tablet, its around 100$ but if it does what it says it does, i think its worth it.
So, anyone have one?!
Edit: got way to excited and noticed its not release yet... Lol. So who is getting one?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 on Rogers Wireless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue about this guy. I have a Netgear PTV3000 that works pretty well for screen mirroring. I use it for streaming media. For gaming I use the Analogix Slimport since wireless mirroring addsd latency.
Would like to hear people's reviews about the Asus product as well. I guess will have to wait till it's release and someone tries it out.

kriEv said:
Hey guys,
I just heard about this little marvel..
http://www.asus.com/Tablet_Mobile_Accessories/ASUS_Miracast_Dongle/
Has anyone try this? I really want some sort of Airplay functionality for my tablet, its around 100$ but if it does what it says it does, i think its worth it.
So, anyone have one?!
Edit: got way to excited and noticed its not release yet... Lol. So who is getting one?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 on Rogers Wireless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend downloading Allcast Beta
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/12/01/koushs-allcast-beta-enters-the-play-store/
Works for all kinds of devices Smart TV's, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku .... I'm pretty sure any DLNA device as well.

onilink67 said:
I'd recommend downloading Allcast Beta
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/12/01/koushs-allcast-beta-enters-the-play-store/
Works for all kinds of devices Smart TV's, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku .... I'm pretty sure any DLNA device as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AllCast is definitely a great video streaming option, especially for the cross platform (I have only tested it out on my Samsung TV). But, it is rather limited, at least at this time. Currently, it will only stream videos that are on your phone. It won't display pictures, stream other video services (Netflix, VUDU, etc), or even do mirroring. Hopefully, it will have these features in the future.
As for a mirroring device, I have high hopes for the ASUS Miracast Dongle. Hopefully, the dual bandwidth will cure the latency issues with the current wireless options. Unless I see reviews of it being a complete failure, I will be purchasing one of these.
Anyone seen when these will be released?

$100 for this is just crazy... and people complain about Apple's pricing?

android tv stick is a better choice
i recommend to buy an android tv stick like tronsmart mk908 or t908. it is a standalone pc stick and can even sstream everything via miracast.
it is much cheaper. chromecast or asus dongle are very limited of its functions.
cheers

they can't be serious with the name "Dongle"

here is another Dongle to keep an eye on
http://www.iviewus.com/miradongle.html

sando7 said:
here is another Dongle to keep an eye on
http://www.iviewus.com/miradongle.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sleazy warranty policy. Bet they ship it back to you via a buck or two's postage.

Solutions Etcetera said:
Pretty sleazy warranty policy. Bet they ship it back to you via a buck or two's postage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cannot expect to much for 35 bucks...gonna keep an eye out for some reviews.
bought a tablet from them a couple of yrs ago, never had any probs, they been around for awhile now...yet you never know until it happens......sure beats throwing 100 bucks out there without knowing.

you can get some very cheap miracast dongles.
I've got one of the measy a2w ones
http://www.futeko.com/products/AC076.php
that works with all my other android devices, presuming it'll work with my n7 when it turns up (won on the kitkat promotion)
some info on it on that sellers site
http://www.futeko.com/navpage/support.php#measya2w

sando7 said:
here is another Dongle to keep an eye on
http://www.iviewus.com/miradongle.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im curious to see if this one works as well as they say it does. Just not wanting to be the test rat for it atm... Done my fair share of testing new products.

there was a German poster over at the Asus T100 forums that said the Asus Dongle would not work for him.
i went ahead and bought the Actiontec Receiver from Wally World, works just fine so far, had to update the firmware...good to go.

sando7 said:
there was a German poster over at the Asus T100 forums that said the Asus Dongle would not work for him.
i went ahead and bought the Actiontec Receiver from Wally World, works just fine so far, had to update the firmware...good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work with your Acer A210?

nKiwan said:
Does it work with your Acer A210?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cannot find a setting for Wireless Display or Cast on my A210....i did read the info at wifi alliance about the A210 being supported.....maybe there is an app i need to download.....did not really check into it until now, i purchased my A210 about a year ago.
Actiontec Receiver works for: Asus T100, Asus MeMO Pad HD7, Nexus 7 (2013), no probs.

sando7 said:
cannot find a setting for Wireless Display or Cast on my A210....i did read the info at wifi alliance about the A210 being supported.....maybe there is an app i need to download.....did not really check into it until now, i purchased my A210 about a year ago.
Actiontec Receiver works for: Asus T100, Asus MeMO Pad HD7, Nexus 7 (2013), no probs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember Best Buy selling the Rocketfish Miracast Video Adapter for $19.99 a while back. This is the cheapest miracast adapter that works with either 2.4 & 5Ghz bands.

bluetooth mouse for firetv stick

http://www.motorola.com/us/accessor...ndroid/rz100-bluetooth-remote-retail-kit.html
So I bought one of these Motorola RZ100 for $10 shipping included. It looked interesting and the price was right. and I was hoping it would work on my LG phone in my dashmount. It would connect but no mouse visibile or buttons. I decided to try it on the firetv stick and it worked. (note stick has been blocked from all updates, it has original shipping firmware)
I believe it has issues with non-moto 4.x android devices.
to sync it you have to sideload the specific settings.apk for the firetv
mouse moved rather slow and I could not improve speed. but heres why...no root. I can still install apps that just every so often need a mouse so it comes in handy.
I also recommend heading over to your local gamestop for one of these items. They also work as a mouse. I had to return 2 because they would not charge. Plug yours in at the store and verify the thing still charges. This are discontinued and you can use the web page to find a store that has one near you.
http://www.gamestop.com/browse?nav=16k-3-nyko+android,28zu0
Dell makes a bluetooth mouse that works
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=332-1400
my friend got this on sale for $22 shipping included
Hp makes a nice bluetooth mouse that also works the hp4000
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-wire...16ff27c&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=8106&ksdevice=c

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.

SmartThings Shield USB link

Has anyone bought one for their shield yet? I just ordered mine along with a light bulb, too good of an offer to pass up IMO!

Got mine a couple days ago. Hooked right up with a few Zigbee sensors I had in the house and working great Waiting on a Google Home Mini to see how the interoperability (sp?) goes with it set up in different rooms.

What is the deal with that?
I mean offer.

Silenus21 said:
What is the deal with that?
I mean offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my link for $10 using a code SHIELDLINK or something similar .. I had bought a Shield Pro and the email had a link. Great deal to make money on.... I prefer my SmartThings hub to the Shield Link approach.

Ordered one for 10 plus shipping.
Will start testing some things with it when it arrives.

I got one. Had shipping problem but that was USPS fault.
Install went easy. No smart items yet, so who knows. Might get a thermostat and a light bulb.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

So... How well does it work?
I have one, but haven't connected it yet as I am currently using the HueLink hub for lights...

Mine works great. I don't have a full-size hub and never have, but there are no delays, downtime or glitchiness to speak of. I have 25 devices connected to and this is probably obvious, but if anyone is wondering it does continue to work when the shield is sleeping as well.

koriflame said:
Mine works great. I don't have a full-size hub and never have, but there are no delays, downtime or glitchiness to speak of. I have 25 devices connected to and this is probably obvious, but if anyone is wondering it does continue to work when the shield is sleeping as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes mine works sometimes it doesn't...

Guys have you tried this outside USA?
My shield TV doesn't give me a code to activate the app.

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.