Hey Guys,
I installed XBMC on my G9 101 and it looks really cool.
I know it's beta and not the release version, and still I have some issues.
1. Movements (left-right) feels really slow
2. Back button doesn't work
3. After trying to load music files from my computer over WiFi (SMB) - it crashes.
4. Often the app will crash.
Any experiences? Some ideas about how to improve it?
Cheers
G
XBMC currently working on G9 80 using DicePlayer as an external player
GuyKhmel said:
Hey Guys,
I installed XBMC on my G9 101 and it looks really cool.
I know it's beta and not the release version, and still I have some issues.
1. Movements (left-right) feels really slow
2. Back button doesn't work
3. After trying to load music files from my computer over WiFi (SMB) - it crashes.
4. Often the app will crash.
Any experiences? Some ideas about how to improve it?
Cheers
G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got an Archos G9 80. My first attempt at using XBMC didn't go so well due to the lack of hardware codec writing for the "NEON" version of XBMC with the G9.
To get around this, someone wrote a profile routine so that XBMC would be forced to use an external media player (DicePlayer) which comes preloaded with a bunch of codecs.
Your going to need to get your tablet rooted first, but after that, basically you DL Diceplayer from Google Market and install and then install a modified version of XBMC. From there you use a root explorer app (Google Market) to get to the “Userdata” folder in XBMC and paste in the profile file (xml file) to force XBMC to play media from the external DicePlayer. Reboot the tablet and from there it works like a charm. Below is a link to the modified XBMC, the xml profile file and a readme.txt.
http://www.xbmcandroid.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fnuskunetworks.box.com%2Fs%2Fszhjfmo6ejkpn57lvf1x
Also, you can find instructions to load a bunch of repositories (Channel1, Icefilms, etc. for Android XMBC) from the link below (you may need to be registered to the site to see the page though):
http://www.xbmchub.com/blog/2012/08/28/search-for-a-specific-movie-in-the-1channel-video-addon/
I'll stick with this procedure until XBMC for Android has been updated with compatible graphic hardware code.
smithmal
smithmal said:
I've got an Archos G9 80. My first attempt at using XBMC didn't go so well due to the lack of hardware codec writing for the "NEON" version of XBMC with the G9.
To get around this, someone wrote a profile routine so that XBMC would be forced to use an external media player (DicePlayer) which comes preloaded with a bunch of codecs.
Your going to need to get your tablet rooted first, but after that, basically you DL Diceplayer from Google Market and install and then install a modified version of XBMC. From there you use a root explorer app (Google Market) to get to the “Userdata” folder in XBMC and paste in the profile file (xml file) to force XBMC to play media from the external DicePlayer. Reboot the tablet and from there it works like a charm. Below is a link to the modified XBMC, the xml profile file and a readme.txt.
http://www.xbmcandroid.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fnuskunetworks.box.com%2Fs%2Fszhjfmo6ejkpn57lvf1x
Also, you can find instructions to load a bunch of repositories (Channel1, Icefilms, etc. for Android XMBC) from the link below (you may need to be registered to the site to see the page though):
http://www.xbmchub.com/blog/2012/08/28/search-for-a-specific-movie-in-the-1channel-video-addon/
I'll stick with this procedure until XBMC for Android has been updated with compatible graphic hardware code.
smithmal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solution sounds wonderful.
Only problem is, when installing XBMC (with Dice installed) - before and after copying the xml file - it crashes on load.
Do you experience something similar?
Hate to bring back a old thread but here we go..
I have multible ras pis running XBMC froto w/ MythTV pvr setup...
decide to go ahead and install on my gen 9.. now having issues with video shutering during live tv. seems to be strickly related to tab..other frontends run fine.. any ideas?
What do people think of the Kindle Fire TV in it's current state running the latest update?
I managed to get one on offer for £49 but even at that price I'm not sure I'd get much use out of it.
I'm not too bothered about Prime streaming (although I have it) - I wanted a powerful Android TV box that could run applications more easily than streaming my phone over Chromecast.
By the looks of things, the fact that rooting has been taken away, running side-loaded .apk apps is very difficult and cumbersome to get to through the menu system.
Before I return it, what do people think?
Reconsider Returning Your Fire TV
Try using the FiredTV Launcher before returning it. This launcher does not require root and will bring all sideloaded apps to the home screen with the ability to have access to the Amazon content as well. It is customizable and is the best alternative launcher for non rooted Fire TV devices. And XBMC/Kodi/SPMC run great on the Fire TV.
Didn't the latest firmware add non-rooted access to apk installing from unknown sources?
Sell your AFTV and get a decent Android Box! The AFTV is crippled and locked down beyond anything. You can only get happy with it if you use Instant Video and their Appstore. Workarounds with XMBC not work reliable: launcher sometimes crashes, Instant Video gives you error if you not closed XMBC properly, no external storage, keyboard layout cannot be changed, standby not works reliable, .... the list is endless. Yeah basically you can watch a movie with XBMC but everything around it is a pain in the a** although the hardware is decent.
Software root is broken for very long already and also people failed to get it rooted by a hardware hack. And in this forum are some very skilled people as I know. I not see any tiny evidence that there is a new root in sight.
Go ahead and sell this useless brick and get a android Box. Make sure to check out freaktab.com before you decide.
Whenever a box with Nvidia K1 comes out,get that if it does not cost too much,and hopefully it will have 2GB of RAM.
sebr said:
Sell your AFTV and get a decent Android Box! The AFTV is crippled and locked down beyond anything. You can only get happy with it if you use Instant Video and their Appstore. Workarounds with XMBC not work reliable: launcher sometimes crashes, Instant Video gives you error if you not closed XMBC properly, no external storage, keyboard layout cannot be changed, standby not works reliable, .... the list is endless. Yeah basically you can watch a movie with XBMC but everything around it is a pain in the a** although the hardware is decent.
Software root is broken for very long already and also people failed to get it rooted by a hardware hack. And in this forum are some very skilled people as I know. I not see any tiny evidence that there is a new root in sight.
Go ahead and sell this useless brick and get a android Box. Make sure to check out freaktab.com before you decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot compare a plug and play android box with limited hardware to a super powered AFTV. Most of the issues has been fixed and being refined.
If you want a ready made box, then be happy with hardware issues.
The threads on custom ROMS are generating lots of posts.
Some questions are asked multiple times, some are never answered (because lost in the flow)... making it hard to take a clear decision about with custom ROM to flash, if any at all.
Thus, I'd like to use this thread to discuss about the "pros and cons" of each method, or rather the "possibilities and limitations" of them.
For the moment, this would include the three following ROM:
- The stock ROM (the one you get which your fresh Shield TV)
- The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
- The Full Android Marshmallow ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
The goal is not to encourage you to go in one or the other directions, but to provide objective arguments. This is why I wrote "possibilities and limitations" are preferred to "pros and cons"
Please comment in this thread, and I'll update the following posts regularly.
1) The stock ROM
Link to Nvidia Open Source Resources and Drivers here
No operation required, this is the standard ROM already installed on the Shield TV -> Just Plug and Play!
Shield TV game controller and remote fully working wireless (Wifi-Direct), including Voice search, and headset plug.
Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed.
Play store limited to Leanback-compatible apps (Shield TV runs Android TV)
- Thus, the number of compatible apps is limited (also due to the absence of touchscreen, obviously)
- Some apps cannot be installed at all, or cannot be run properly
Standard applications (not available as Leanback-compatible apps, e.g. web-browser...) can/need be sideloaded
- By defalt, sideloaded apps don't appear in the standard Home menu
- Sideloaded apps can be started using Sideload Launcher or Apk2tv
Standard applications can also be installed directly from Play store using Market Helper. NOTE: this requires root access.
Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
Unability to use a remote desktop
Apps related
No web brower installed, but Chrome (or others) can be sideloaded.
Skype for Leanback isn't working: calling buttons cannot be selected, no video call button.
Kodi can be installed. It allows you to stream content directly to your TV
To be checked:
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. (Works on the StockRestyle)
2) The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Full Play store available (access to more games. Yet, touchscreen-only games cannot be played with a game controller)
Aptoide TV filters apps that are compatible with Android TV. For example, for Skype, the standard Aptoide app provides the last version of Skype (6.26 for the moment, which is not working on this ROM), while Aptoide TV provides the version 6.15.
Shield TV game controller globally working
- Some issues reported with the new version of the game controller: Home and Back buttons not working well.
- Voice search button first starts Google search, a second press (not a double press) starts Voice search
The Nova interface is designed for touch and/or mouse and/or keyboard actions
- Most of the interface can be used using a remote or a game controller
- But, the configuration often requires a mouse (or at least, is faster to use with a mouse)
- A wireless all-in-one keyboard is a good device to use with, e.g. Logitech K400 Plus (others are good too, but this one is battery-friendly)
Web browser usable in full desktop mode, e.g. Chrome (without ads if you download adaway, root required)
Multitasking may look limited. Yet, you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (e.g. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. They won't appear in the list of connected devices, but they are working well, including microphone.
It may feel like a bit of a strange mix, not really remote-friendly, but not really full Android capable either. However, this is the only know solution to keep the proprietary tools from NVidia working while having a standard Android interface.
Apps related
Skype 6.14 and 6.15.x are fully working, i.e. audio and video calls, using UVC webcams (tried with Logitech C920 and C930)
Some easy fixes
Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation in the App-Drawer: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Foreign external keyboard can be remapped using one of the many apps available
- External Keyboard Helper Pro is working well in my case: Android interface in English (US), external keyboards in German (QWERTZ, Logitech K400 Plus and Logitech K830). You can try the demo version for free. PS: I'm not linked in anyway to the developers of this app.
3) The Full Android Marshmallow ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Smooth, fast, responsive ROM
Full Play store available, more standard applications should be compatible
Leanback only applications can also be launched using an tweak tool: QuickShortcutMaker (see video here)
Shield TV game controllers not working wireless (using Wifi-Direct) but working as normal a standard gamepad when connected via USB
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio. [Confirmed here]
Long-term update is questionable because it depends only on the person who is providing this ROM (even though this person is very active)
To be checked or confirmed by several users
Some slower performance (frame rates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1) [Mentioned here]
- This could indeed be a counterpart of all what is running in the background of full Android (see here). In others words, full Android is more general in the sense it offers more possibilities, but at the same time it cannot be expert in all those aspects. Thus Android purist would prefer to go for this ROM while Nvidia gamers may prefer to stay on the Stock or StockRestyle ROMs. In the end, YOU make the final choice.
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio.
- Working: here
- Not working well: here
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
IamSonoma said:
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
If I had more time, less family, less places to fish I would run 3 boxes and compare them all. I would always need to have one that is stock and family friendly for the wife and the kids.
When i bought mine a month ago I was hoping there was more community support but it may take more time to catch on. Luckily Zulu gives us two options to toy with. They work pretty good. Statistically speaking and I could be wrong, About 90% of the people making a purchase like this just want to plug and play and have no desire to tweak or tinker. I know this because out of the 6 in my family I am the only one that even thinks "can I root it?" when I am researching it. The rest of my family just want to plug and play. They want simple.
As for me I want it to over-clock, play games without CDs (Wii<family loved this but I have a tone of unwrapped games> and xBox with external HDDs), aging my self here play a game using two 5 1/4" floppy drives with all files working on 2 disks instead of 6 disks(AD&D SSI games), running android on my tilt 2 slide out keyboard sell phone, I could go on.
I really hope development picks up. I only wish I could help more. I do encourage Zulu and others to continue.
IamSonoma said:
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was also hoping for more feedback.
Indeed, the last few weeks I was struggling to find the best ROM that would suit my need. After reading the 200+ pages of post in the thread of the ROM proposed by @zulu99, I had hard time to extract the right information.
Thus, the idea of this post: I want to present objective points of comparison, I have no apps to sell.
The point is also to avoid the post like "Which ROM should I pick?". If the advantages and limitations are clearly listed, everyone should be able to make his/her own decision, all ROMs are good, it only depends on what you want to do with it.
PS: In my case, I wanted to 1) keep the Nvidia Shield TV game controllers (and my Fire TV 4K remote and game controllers), and 2) to have Skype working. Thus, my final choice for the StockRestyle ROM.
Mythamp's Review of the Roms
Stock Rom
Pros:
1. Ideal for basic 4K TV owners who want to stream all current channels of 4K content
2. Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed
3. Remote and Controller work great
4. Kodi allows you to stream content directly to your TV
Cons:
1. Small selection of Android TV Apps
2. Browsers and Non-Android TV apps need to be side-loaded
3. Cannot install most Non-Android TV apps
4. Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
5. Unable to remote desktop into the device incase you wish to send remote instructions to download content so that you can come home and enjoy.
Overall:
The Stock Rom is unable to take advantage of Android. It is a cumbersome process for people who like quick responses. I would say it is as limited as any other 4k TV's with Android built-in apart from a few Nvidia games. Trust me, this does not justify the $150 investment.
Stock-Restyle Rom
Pros:
1. All of the pros of Stock Rom including full controller and remote support plus
2. Install unlimited Android Apps taking full advantage of the Google Play Store
For Example:
• Use "Airdroid" app (root required) to remote mirror your device from work and have all the content ready when you get home.
• Play thousands of Android games on your 4k TV
• Use Chrome in full desktop mode (root required) without ads (download adaway) - almost as good as a desktop Chrome. Great for quick browsing.
3. Less cumbersome to move around by using a Keyboard with Trackpad (I personally use the "Logitech K400 Plus")
Cons:
1. Multitasking may look limited - yet you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
2. Many Android apps (mostly games) require touch, which can be done using android mobile device with Droidmote installed. Some games can be played using the Keyboard/Trackpad combo but its a hit & miss.
3. No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (Eg. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
4. It is technically not a Full/Clean Android as it has Nvidia's framework still builtin
5. Some easy fixes FYI
• Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
• Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Overall:
The Stock-Restyle Rom is in my opinion the best rom for the Nvidia Shield TV. It opens the device to all the Android & Google Play Store goodie-ness, while allowing you to use the fantastic shield controller and remote to play/stream all nvidia and some android games. I have also personally found that android games run smoother on this rom than on the Full Android Rom (Maybe its because the rom is based on the nvidia framework, I could be wrong.)
Bottomline - install this rom before trying the rest.
Full Android Marshmallow Rom
Pros:
1. Amazingly smooth, fast, responsive rom
2. You get the full Android experience
3. Includes all the pros of the above Roms
Cons:
1. No support for Nvidia controller wirelessly, you can use it by plugging in the cable and installing keyboard drivers
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Overall:
The Full Android Marshmallow Rom is a great solution for Android purists. You will miss-out on the seamless (wireless) experience of playing all the Nvidia/Android Games. If someone can get the wireless controllers to work here, I will be the first one to shift over from stock-restyle rom.
- This is just my opinion on the roms based on my usage, I am sure many users have their unique needs which might not match my feedback, so please take all this with an open mind -
mythamp said:
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it work, also audio.
*1
zulu99 said:
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
JulienPr said:
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
IamSonoma said:
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
JulienPr said:
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have version 2.
IamSonoma said:
I have version 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if there was a "version 1" of the remote, I cannot find any trace of it.
But, since they change the design of the Home button to be a circle only on the V2 of the game controller, and that it's the same as the V2 of the remote, it wouldn't be surprising if there was a V1 of the remote with similar symbol as the V1 of the game controller.
@zulu99, which remote do you have?
Love this thread guys as I've been considering another ROM but didn't know the clear pros and cons of Full Android and now this ReStyle one which I'm very interested in. I have a few questions for anyone. Perhaps the answers could gain momentum for many others as you guys are absolutely right that AndroidTV's app selection isn't just lacking, it feels like AndroidTV apps exist and the consumers want them, but the interface for getting them or allowing users to simply inform specific developers the demand to support it is insanely behind. On the desktop play store you can't even sort or filter Android TV apps other than seeing these two specific links unless an active user is seeking blogs or postings regarding them.
Apps for Android TV
Games for Android TV
Gotta vent a bit the already known... feel free to skip down...
On the stock play store, you can search for apps but not having even top charts or proper categories other than the useless 'featured' in addition to strong limitations is hurting as a whole. Some of the biggest brands out there have no or heavily limited apps for ATV, including even many tv channels like TNT or ESPN. I think Nvidia or Google for the time being should at least allow the detection of a mouse and keyboard to least show apps that 'might work' rather than none and give the user the option to control that. Hopefully Android N will improve things with the Picture in Picture and maybe even DVR abilities. Love this box but even though Android is a strength, it's also a weakness in the shade of a very sensitive cycle. More users --> More developers thus more apps --> More users --> More developers --> etc... I feel like the users are there, but while developers are increasingly aware, it should grow faster, and Google should help that awareness.
Anyways my questions were:
1) Does HDMI-CEC still work? Currently in stock it works in turning on the tv and with the tv on its Source Input, off with tv, and controlled by tv remote but not with volume (shield remote controlling tv volume).
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus phone.
3) Any loss of 4K support, including Youtube, Plex, VLC, MXPlayer, or hopefully introduction of HDR support (doesn't work natively on Shield perhaps because of the HDMI 2.0a not yet being implemented). I'm interested in keeping Full dynamic range and ability to toggle 4K 60 and 4K 24fps along with Plex (with Refresh Rate Switching for native 24fps support in 60 mode). So I guess along with this can AndroidTV specific apps still be installed or will the phone/tablet versions be installed instead? Example: Plex.
4) Is Adoptable storage still supported? I'm guessing when flashing the StockRestyle ROM we'll have to wipe the adoptable sdcard and essentially factory reset.
5) Can AptoideTV work just fine on stock? I'm going to probably try it tomorrow
While I personally don't play any of the Nvidia games, I'm looking to have the Stock Stability + current emulator/rom support (rooting for Wiimote support) + specific apps that are not supported on AndroidTV without having to constantly manually update them through sideloading. Apps I'm interested in include Google Apps including Google Photos + Logitech Webcam supported (Skype + Hangouts + FB Messenger) and possibly Amazon Prime Video but ideally if it can support at least 1080p or 4K. I also use Kodi but am still learning to use it.
I'm very familiar with modding on my Nexus 6P (TWRP, root, Xposed, with monthly updates) so was wondering if there was anything different I should know other than the obvious loss of a screen when adding custom recovery and rooting along with Nandroid backups. Has any one successfully backed up their stock ROM and restored it later? Also anyone root stock, then backup everything on Titanium Backup (sideloaded) and restore apps + data on StockRestyle ROM?
My set up is 16GB Shield Stock 3.0 not rooted yet + Samsung 128GB Pro+ microsdxc + Stock Controller + Remote, it's connected to a Samsung 4K SUHD UN65JS8500. Also using bluetooth Logitech keyboard + mouse, xbox 360 receiver, x360 controllers. Still waiting for possible DVB-S2 integration and maybe live tv solutions like silicondust.
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-> the shield remote is ok on full android.
I use it to watch movies with headset plug in ...but only the microphone function don't work
copticwalad said:
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus.
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I'm curious about this too. I like the idea of the shield basically replacing my chromecast, but with Full Android it looks like you can't cast TO it, but you can cast IT'S display like any other phone or tablet. Is it possible in full android to cast another device TO the shield with full android?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA-Developers mobile app
Hi,
I purchased a Philips 50PUS7303/12 a few days ago and although very happy with the screen quality I was very disappointed to find that the TV doesn't have the full Play Store or the ability to sideload apps and this was the main reason for going for this Android TV as it just fitted within my budget. Can anyone offer a way to get around this limitation (Philips are shooting themselves in the foot by making it this restrictive). I wanted to install ITV Hub, All 4 and My5, along with TV Catchup as freeview is bad in my area.
Another issue I have still related to the TV, is how to get proper 'Freesat' with EPG. Most of the channels have no name and they are in no proper order. Is there any way to address this.
Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.
Regards,
Robert.
I also plan on purchasing this TV (i.e the 65") and was interested in installing apks. From what I've read on reviews on Amazon UK, you should be able to do this by enabling "unknown sources" from the Google security settings, put any .apk files that you have on a USB and use a file explorer (e.g ES File explorer) to find the USB directory and install the .apk files from there. Should be a piece of cake.
Let me know it this works as this is one of the main reasons why I am interested in buying this smart TV.
Hi jpapadami,
I tried doing that and was able to install ITV Hub, All 4 and My5, but of these apps would show on screen. Going to setting and apps I was able to see each application but was unable to open any of them. ES file explorer installed OK and I was also able to install Modbro.
Regards,
Robert.
Hi, oldish thread but I just got the same TV on a black Friday deal. However its not worth keeping the tv if I cant get itvhub and other UK catch-up apps to work.
I can side load the apps made for non TV devices, but i really want the TV versions as they work better with the remote.
Closest I can find is an xda thread from 2016 where someone pulled the apps from a fire TV device then removed the Amazon requirements from them so they would work on any Android TV device, unfortunately those apks don't work anymore. But I think that looks like the best way?
I've also had a poke around on my Sony android TV, which has all the catch-up apps linked to youview, but I can't find any apks to pull and even if I could i suspect they will be locked to Sony
You can always use aptiode for the apps and use tv app repo to link them / create shortcuts on the main menu.
orhtun01 said:
You can always use aptiode for the apps and use tv app repo to link them / create shortcuts on the main menu.
Click to expand...
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Hi, complete novice here, how is this done?
Do I install aptiode on the tv and then that will install my apps?
Thanks
Southy007 said:
Hi, complete novice here, how is this done?
Do I install aptiode on the tv and then that will install my apps?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to side load aptoide. Search Google and look for the app called TV APP Repo. It wi create the shortcuts on the leenback launcher.
orhtun01 said:
You need to side load aptoide. Search Google and look for the app called TV APP Repo. It wi create the shortcuts on the leenback launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Southy007 said:
Hi, complete novice here, how is this done?
Do I install aptiode on the tv and then that will install my apps?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
orhtun01 said:
You can always use aptiode for the apps and use tv app repo to link them / create shortcuts on the main menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi...
the Thread is a bit older but thats not important. To install any other Apps that are not to find in Android-Tv Play-Store is that simple as to dig in your nose xD
first go to Play-Store and install a file explorer like x-plore to your Tv.
Now you can download any App---apk with you Computer and put it on a USB-Stick or USB-HDD/SSD. Transfer the portable device with your own Hands from PC to Tv Connect the portable Device to USB on the Tv and open the file-explorer. OpenRoot of the portable Device where the apk from the App is in. Choose the apk file and install it to Tv. If you now have a custom Launcher on Tv like sideload-Launcher or ATV-Launcher. Lte your installed Apps shown in this Launcher cause in the stock-Launcher not all Apps would be listet and showing.
Thats all...that easy right.
solong
speedson