One of the biggest features I'm looking for in either the EVO or Streak (still not sure which I'm going with, gotta wait another month for the Streak to come out) is to have the Android desktop/UI/home screen sent out via HDMI. What I would hope to do is:
- be using the phone
- dock it (with HDMI to display)
- have the display show up on the TV (preferably fitting the aspect ratio and resolution of the display, though not necessarily a requirement)
The thought then would be to use a mouse and keyboard via either Bluetooth or USB (in host mode, obviously), and use the phone on the larger display to function basically as a netbook replacement (web browsing, music/videos, light gaming, light office prod. stuff).
I've seen other people on here asking around if it was possible, which it looks like it ISN'T out of the box...but maybe a developer looking for something to do might pick up on this post. You'd make a lot of people very happy!
I am also very interested in this.
So basically something like this?
http://sven.killig.de/android/N1/2.2/usb_host/
I think a good example would be the functionality that matches the current Touch Pro/Fuze TV-Out functionality... Unlike the HDMI output restrictions that are currently on the Evo device, I am able to use the entire OS (Winmo) to select start, programs, play programs, games (Tony Hawk), etc. The TV acts a full clone to what is on the phone screen itself..
I am looking for similar functionality so I can play a movie, nav, on a HDMI connected slate while the Evo is out of site (examples - vehicle screens, portable screens ). Obviously there would no input commands from the screen attached device, but a bluetooth air mouse could help out with that.
Yeah... would be nice, imagine HID bluetooth devices(wii mote controller) hook the phone to a tv, and play some classic games...
RIGHT ON
techwerkz said:
So basically something like this?
http://sven.killig.de/android/N1/2.2/usb_host/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as far as input goes, but it would also need software (or a core OS update?) to push the display out via HDMI, at the same time.
I was really interested in this as a possibility, and certainly took notice of the nexus one with host USB capability. Bear in mind the Nexus One was not pushing the device's display out, it was running an X server, but still a neat idea.
I know that currently only the HTC software can push anything out of the HDMI port, but I expect it is simply a matter of applications knowing to take advantage of it, probably not even drivers.
A quick google of htc evo hdmi API gets you sprints android development site, which says the guide includes info on how your applications can take advantage of the HDMI port. I haven't messed with the android API much yet, but the only issue would be for someone to write an application that can grab the entire display, and then push it out to the port via the API.
http:// developer.sprint.com/site/global/develop/mobile_platforms/android/android.jsp
laydros said:
I was really interested in this as a possibility, and certainly took notice of the nexus one with host USB capability. Bear in mind the Nexus One was not pushing the device's display out, it was running an X server, but still a neat idea.
I know that currently only the HTC software can push anything out of the HDMI port, but I expect it is simply a matter of applications knowing to take advantage of it, probably not even drivers.
A quick google of htc evo hdmi API gets you sprints android development site, which says the guide includes info on how your applications can take advantage of the HDMI port. I haven't messed with the android API much yet, but the only issue would be for someone to write an application that can grab the entire display, and then push it out to the port via the API.
http:// developer.sprint.com/site/global/develop/mobile_platforms/android/android.jsp
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Click to collapse
Only thing I'd worry about there is that it isn't actually "grabbing" the screen (as in screen captures, polling it for changes, etc) because that could absolutely kill performance. That's why I wonder if it wouldn't require driver access or update, in order to actually "push" the display out the HDMI port (note: I'm not a developer, so I can only do my best to keep up with what potential issues might be. )
Any update on this?
I noticed if you read further down on the USB Host Mode page, there's info on a USB TV driver (TV IN sadly), an X11 driver (not sure which way they mean), and also DisplayLink although I think that is some kind of device you need to buy. If I could X11 remote host my Android that would be PIMP but I doubt I'll get that lucky!
I desperately want to do this myself (TV OUT from Android), whether it be HDMI or USB or whatever. I need to output the OS and apps (for demo purposes).
i was thinking the same, somewhere along the lines of PdaReach for palm devices. but the monitor being an actual TV for entertainment purposes. ...trying to get my extra ten dollar fee to use. so if and when netflix decides to make a platform for android devices we could hence watch movies on our televisions via our phones streaming to the TV
hexydes said:
Only thing I'd worry about there is that it isn't actually "grabbing" the screen (as in screen captures, polling it for changes, etc) because that could absolutely kill performance. That's why I wonder if it wouldn't require driver access or update, in order to actually "push" the display out the HDMI port (note: I'm not a developer, so I can only do my best to keep up with what potential issues might be. )
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Click to collapse
The framebuffer is unprotected on stock Evo's & rooted Evo's alike, so if you just grabbed every frame as it went through the framebuffer and outputted it to the display, it could be done easily on any Evo. That is unless HTC plugged the unprotected framebuffer bug on a new update.
In any case, it wouldn't be that hard, it'd hurt performance a little, but I don't know for sure. An app wouldn't be that hard to make, think a high speed screenshot app, talk to the devs of ShootMe about how they grab from the framebuffer.
Geniusdog254 said:
The framebuffer is unprotected on stock Evo's & rooted Evo's alike, so if you just grabbed every frame as it went through the framebuffer and outputted it to the display, it could be done easily on any Evo. That is unless HTC plugged the unprotected framebuffer bug on a new update.
In any case, it wouldn't be that hard, it'd hurt performance a little, but I don't know for sure. An app wouldn't be that hard to make, think a high speed screenshot app, talk to the devs of ShootMe about how they grab from the framebuffer.
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That IS Genius!! Is anyone going to do this, or do I need to? (I have no Android programming skills sadly!)
I finally got a working HDMI cable from Sprint. My Amzer cable is bad apparently!
I'm happy now!
But still, ANYONE want to embark on this project??
jigglywiggly said:
Yeah... would be nice, imagine HID bluetooth devices(wii mote controller) hook the phone to a tv, and play some classic games...
RIGHT ON
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Click to collapse
Now THAT would be awesome!
i hope someone figures this out because i really need HDMI out on slingplayer to work
I wonder if we can just find the piece of code that the stock Youtube & HTC Gallery uses to take advantage of the HDMI and then implement it as a system service? Or at least have HTC tell or post on their website how to implement the code in their app, especially for the slingplayer!
Ill buy someone an HDMI cable if they're willing to work on this lol
skewbasteve said:
I wonder if we can just find the piece of code that the stock Youtube & HTC Gallery uses to take advantage of the HDMI and then implement it as a system service? Or at least have HTC tell or post on their website how to implement the code in their app, especially for the slingplayer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy, it's all right here!
docs.google.com/ View?id=dhtsnvs6_57d2hpqtgr#4_HDMI_output_support_82321908
(I can't seem to post a link so you'll have to copy/paste this one)
skewbasteve said:
I wonder if we can just find the piece of code that the stock Youtube & HTC Gallery uses to take advantage of the HDMI and then implement it as a system service? Or at least have HTC tell or post on their website how to implement the code in their app, especially for the slingplayer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That won't work. It's already in the Evo developer docs as posted by the person above me. All it does is take any VideoView object in any app and broadcast it over HDMI unless you specifically tell it not to in the application manifest.
There is no way to run that as a service. As of yet I've tried the following:
Copy frames via CLI from /dev/graphics/fb0 (the main screen framebuffer) to /dev/graphics/fb1 (the HDMI framebuffer) to see if it is possible to work it like that. It isn't.
Symlink the two framebuffers so in theory whatever happens to one, should happen to the other. It doesn't work either. It does do something since it breaks HDMI output, but it doesn't display the screen. This could be because the resolution doesn't match one of the TVs supported resolutions.
I'm still going to try a custom kernel once I get my build environment set up (hopefully tomorrow) with a few changes, but I can't promise anything. Anything more complicated than Java is a little over my head, but I can do a little.
I'll keep you posted.
Regards,
Jesse C.
I'm willing to put $10 towards the bounty.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Question:
Why would you charge for tethering with the atrix laptop companion dock when what you are doing technically isn't tethering? Forcing users to have a tethering plan with the atrix laptop dock would be akin to forcing someone who used a bluetooth keyboard with their smartphone.
Or for how is the way the dock is implemented different than sending video out to tv. Some smartphones have this capability and allow you to play media from phone to tv, look at pictures, or even view apps or your browser on a large LCD screen which is no different than how the dock companion is implemented.
So i reiterate why should pay a tethering plan to use the dock when you aren't tethering?
PS
For those who aren't aware of what the laptop companion dock is....its simply a screen and keyboard/mouse and thus allows viewing of your phone on a bigger screen with full keyboard. The dock does not have its own processor, memory, or OS. You are using the phone as the brain. This isn't using the data connection of your phone as a modem for a full fledged laptop that has its own cpu, memory, and OS.
I think the reasoning is that you are actually using something else and getting the content from the phone.
When you send stuff over a.cable yo the tv, or whatever you're doing,.you have to interact with the phone all of the time.
With the laptop dock, you are primarily using something that is being powered by the phone; an active experience rather than a passive one, if you will.
Captivate 2.2.1 Paragon
The tethering plan also gave you 2GB more than basic one. So you will get 4GB in total. And for the laptop dock, you will get two USB ports to manage files from USB drive or USB harddisk, usb mouse..etc. I don't think the TVout cable has this kind of function.
And when you want to type a long document in the trip or in a rush, I don't think Phone+bluetooth keyboard+LCD screen will be convenient than laptop dock.
His point is that tethering, by definition, is not really required for the dock as it's still the phone that's being used, even if attached to make it into a "laptop".
AT&T likes money... that's basically the only reason I can find. It does provide a way for reducing the price on the laptop dock, though it ends up being more expensive through the plan. The dock can still be purchased without the tethering plan.
I'd say their reason for the the tethering plan is more for the added 2gb of data.
They are marketing this product as a way to ditch your laptop/desktop. That being the case I think even a moderate user might come close to the 2gb cap if they use it as their primary device.
This is similar to when they started making it mandatory for smart phones to require a certain amount of data. It's easier and more cost effective to require people to use a data plan that will fit most users than having disgruntled customers complaining about overages. I'd say if there's one thing that wireless carriers have learned over the years it's that people don't like being surprised on their bill.
I'm not saying I like this approach but I understand why they do it.
So is there any way to setup ubuntu for the webtop and then vnc into it without being connected to anything? Not sure i care to mess with the hdmi on my tv and neither of my monitors had hdmi ports. It would be cool to be able to remote into it though.
ChumleyEX said:
So is there any way to setup ubuntu for the webtop and then vnc into it without being connected to anything? Not sure i care to mess with the hdmi on my tv and neither of my monitors had hdmi ports. It would be cool to be able to remote into it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can get an HDMI->DVI converter and use it on your monitor. much more efficient solution.
I like what your saying, but it would be cool if we could add the device to wifi and somehow boot the webtop and remote in. Now off to amazon to find that device.
Hello. I was looking to replace my laptop these days and since i own a desktop pc,i was thinking maybe a tablet would be a solid solution for something more mobile. I own an android smartphone,but i don't know tablets and their limitations. So,to be more specific:
1) Is it possible to read/write data to external devices,like hdd or usb? And if so, does it need root or is it stock enabled?
2)Is it possible to mirror screen to a monitor? I'm reading strange answers about miracast and i am not completely sure if its micro hdmi out enables mirror screening or just movie streaming.
3)You think it is possible to do some programming on it? Obviously i am not talking about serious and heavy stuff, but since it comes with the best processor out on tablets-yet- and 2gb ram and there are many IDE's on play store i'm guessing it should be ok? Also,would it be a near laptop experience if i installed the linux app?
Hope i did't tire you,thanks for reading.
1)https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer&hl=en <- non root.
2)HDMI out does complete mirroring iir
3)well, you could boot ubuntu if you HAD to. but i don't see why not.
I don't think Android in general is well suited for a laptop replacement. I need things like the ability to view more than one window at a time, particularly when programming.
That said, one of the first things I want to do is work on being able to dual boot Linux and Android. For most entertainment type things Android is best but for productivity I'd prefer to boot Linux.
Same here. I mainly got the Nexus 10 as a laptop/desktop alternative to connect to external LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and possibly USB storage. It obviously seems powerful enough.
Questions:
Since the built-in display resolution is 2560x1600 and the HDMI output is 1920x1080 does it scale down the built-in display when mirroring?
In mirroring mode can you use the tablet as a touch input (laying it flat next to the keyboard) in place of mouse?
Thanks.
Thank you all for the fast answers.
1)From what i saw,usb importer is for reading only,not writing. So i'm guessing root is needed?
2)Thanks,i didn't know it mirrored to screen.
3)You are right about that part,programming needs many windows. Im guessing apps that offer ide's with multi tabs and possibly extending the display through the hdmi out to two monitors instead of mirror could be possible,right? How does the tablet do with compiling/running speed?
Obviously you are right though, dual boot would be the best option.
Thanks again.
If you are looking for the desktop experience, laptop is still your best choice, there's plenty of processing power, program compatibility, storage and screen space at ~$500. Tablets are mobile devices with limited HW and OS, but in return significantly faster internet, social media and multimedia access, better screen, longer battery life and much comfortable weight allowing the kind of easy use (e-reading in bed etc.) a laptop cannot. The closest tablets to a real laptop are the full Windows8 ones starting around $1000. If I wanted the programs and stuff I'd go with a $500 laptop, if I wanted the larger mobile, multimedia and reading experience, which I do, I'd get the Nexus 10.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Nexus7
That'll most likely happen on the Nexus 10 as well at some point
Does anyone know if its possible to mirror the display of my android device to my touchscreen PC?
I can mirror my phone to my HDMI TV, so if I have HDMI input can I mirror my phone to my touchscreen windows 8 tablet and control it? I have Surface RT, so I am really doubting it, but I would like to know if anyone even knows if this is possible in any version of Windows. What would kick ass, is if you could take a rooted device, plug it in, force tablet mode, and control your phone, and all applications with your tablet. Instead of using Bluestacks emulation, you would think you could just plug your phone in and use it. I assume it would either need to be via USB, or Micro HDMI
also, is it possible to use my Surface RT as an external monitor for my PC? I know I can use an external monitor for my surface, but can you do it the other way around?
Thanks
No, it is not possible.
Root the android device, install a VNC server, and use a VNC client on the desktop to see the Android's output.
Just to note, it won't properly forward touchscreen events for multitouch and the like.