Database Users

[Q] eLocity A7

My grandson is about to receive an eLocity A7 and we have been told he would have to download/install recent firmware updates.
#1- Is this a difficult procedure for a 12 year old to do?
#2- We also learn there have been two firmware updates: Version 2.0121 and then Version 2.0124. Is that true?
#3- If he has an older firmware version on his unit, will he have to download both of these updates? Of will he need to download/install the latest one (2.0124) and that would contain all updates in previous version updates?
Please advise soonest and thank you for your help.
Alice

1. It is not difficult. Manual is there - http://elocitynow.com/support_downloads.shtml
You must learn two important things:
- copy update.zip to root directory at sd-card (and do not unpack it)
- plug in ac-adapter (if charge < 50% and ac-adapter does not used, device may turn off while update process is running -> it can brick device).
2. Yeah. It's true. 2.0124 last...
3. I think update 2.0124 contains all previous updates, cause Stream TV Networks posted their updates at same place...
You cann't find update 2.0121 at official site.

Hi Alicez,
Here's the link to the firmware updates page from eLocity/stream networks.
http://www.elocitynow.com/support_downloads.shtml
This provides the details on downloading and installing the update(s).
You should only need to run the latest update which will include previous patches.
This isn't too difficult, but you may want to supervise just in case.
Also, you will need a MicroSD Card to load the update file(s), in case you don't already have one.
While it is not necessary to run the updates before using the tablet. However, it is highly recommended for optimum performance. It is also worth noting that when you apply updates, you should perform a factory reset on the device before updating (unless its brand new of course). So if you do intend on running the updates, I suggest you do so, prior to using it too much otherwise you will loose your personal settings/data during the update.
Also to gain access to the Google Market, Gmail, G-Maps, etc. you will want to think about applying the DexterMod
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890042)
NOTE - the "DexterMod" is not supported by Stream/eLocity.

5[Strogino] said:
- plug in ac-adapter (if charge < 50% and ac-adapter does not used, device may turn off while update process is running -> it can brick device). .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your answer.
I am sorry, but I do not understand the above.
Do you mean I should charge the eLocity A7 COMPLETELY before I input the SD card (with the 2.0124 download on it) ?
Or, should I keep the AC power cord plugged into the wall socket after I input the SD card?
Thank you.

DANOinSD said:
Hi Alicez,
While it is not necessary to run the updates before using the tablet. However, it is highly recommended for optimum performance. It is also worth noting that when you apply updates, you should perform a factory reset on the device before updating (unless its brand new of course). So if you do intend on running the updates, I suggest you do so, prior to using it too much otherwise you will loose your personal settings/data during the update.
Also to gain access to the Google Market, Gmail, G-Maps, etc. you will want to think about applying the DexterMod
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890042)
NOTE - the "DexterMod" is not supported by Stream/eLocity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
#1- I am a bit confused about the above "perform a factory reset."
What is that? Would that reset the unit to the factory settings that originally came with the unit? I would not have to do that since we have not received the tablet as yet. Do you suggest that as soon as we unpack it, we perform the update of the new Version 2.0124 version? Not doing "factory reset?"
BTW:
#2- What is: Google Market, etc.? DexterMod? Remember, we are completely new to all of this.
#3- Will he be able to watch YouTube Videos and access AOL (free email) and Hotmail on the unit right "out of the box?"

alicez said:
Do you mean I should charge the eLocity A7 COMPLETELY before I input the SD card (with the 2.0124 download on it) ?
Or, should I keep the AC power cord plugged into the wall socket after I input the SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stream TV Networks strongly recommends keep the AC power cord plugged into the wall socket before input the sd card and start update
But it's not necessary if charge is more than 50%. This limit isn't accurate, it may be 60%, 75% or anything more... Just notice, if you does not using AC adapter and charge equals 20% (30%, 40%) - you may face with problems, so should charge to 50%+ or stay charged.

5[Strogino] said:
Stream TV Networks strongly recommends keep the AC power cord plugged into the wall socket before input the sd card and start update
But it's not necessary if charge is more than 50%. This limit isn't accurate, it may be 60%, 75% or anything more... Just notice, if you does not using AC adapter and charge equals 20% (30%, 40%) - you may face with problems, so should charge to 50%+ or stay charged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
#1- The "Update.zip" file (93MB - big file!) on the SD card should be put into the 'slot' on the eLocity just as it is. Correct? No other files on the SD card.
#2- Then the 'Update.zip" will be unzipped by the eLocity and AUTOMATICALLY installed to the eLocity. Corret?

alicez said:
Thank you.
#1- The "Update.zip" file (93MB - big file!) on the SD card should be put into the 'slot' on the eLocity just as it is. Correct? No other files on the SD card.
#2- Then the 'Update.zip" will be unzipped by the eLocity and AUTOMATICALLY installed to the eLocity. Corret?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the "Update.zip" file is your MicroSD card and in you device do the fallowing to run the update:
Go to "settings"
Scrool down and click "about device"
Click the first option "system update"
let it update (this will take some time)
Note: The device my go into a "boot loop" if so just push and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to force it to turn off. Then turn it on again and it should boot normally.

Does this eLocitiy play YouTube videos (right out of the box)?
My grandson really likes watch those videos, but somebody said 'tablets' do NOT play all YouTube videos.
Please advise soonest because if it doesn't play YouTube videos, I will have to return.

Hi ALicez,
A factory reset is just as you stated, "a reset to factory settings", this would revert the firmware (updates, if you have any) back to what the tablet came pre-installed with.
As 5[Strogino] states you will want to charge up the tablet before doing the update, and leave it plugged in during the update process (which can take approx 10mins or more). I would go ahead and get familiar with the tablet and its menus, functions, etc. before running the update, just so you know what you're dealing with.
As 5[Strogino] states, once you run the update the tablet should do the rest (unpacking the zip file, etc).
Regarding the Google Market, this is one of the main features of the Android OS, which allows you to download and install applications from various vendors, many are free and some are for a small cost (usually $1-$3). Almost all tablets currently for sale do not have the Android/Google market pre-installed as Google has set very strict requirements for allowing this application to be pre-installed (mostly cell phones have this). Fortunately, many in the development community (such as Dexter and his Mod) have created update files that provide this application and all its glory to these tablets.
As far as using the tablet without the market, yes you absolutely can. The internet browser is 100% functional and HAS full adobe flash pre-installed, which many other tablets do not have. So, yes you can check email, watch videos, etc with no additional modifications. I will say that many popular websites and email providers have "Apps" available on the Android/Google Market that make checking email faster and easier (such as not having to use the browser to access email, and allowing for login/credential saving). So in my opinion, it is worth the extra effort to install the DexterMod which will provide these goodies. Installing the DexterMod is just as easy as installing an update. Hope this helps!

And yes there are some sites and videos that either do not play at all or play correctly. You Tube should be fine, Hulu does not work, but sites such as ComedyCentral work just fine for me. Also many sites such as You Tube have Apps in the Google Market to aid in this effort. Unfortunately though video is more dependent on the content (video) providers website development and architecture (optimized for mobile, etc.) than the tablet itself.

DANOinSD said:
Hi ALicez,
A factory reset is just as you stated, "a reset to factory settings", this would revert the firmware (updates, if you have any) back to what the tablet came pre-installed with.
As 5[Strogino] states you will want to charge up the tablet before doing the update, and leave it plugged in during the update process (which can take approx 10mins or more). I would go ahead and get familiar with the tablet and its menus, functions, etc. before running the update, just so you know what you're dealing with.
As 5[Strogino] states, once you run the update the tablet should do the rest (unpacking the zip file, etc).
Regarding the Google Market, this is one of the main features of the Android OS, which allows you to download and install applications from various vendors, many are free and some are for a small cost (usually $1-$3). Almost all tablets currently for sale do not have the Android/Google market pre-installed as Google has set very strict requirements for allowing this application to be pre-installed (mostly cell phones have this). Fortunately, many in the development community (such as Dexter and his Mod) have created update files that provide this application and all its glory to these tablets.
As far as using the tablet without the market, yes you absolutely can. The internet browser is 100% functional and HAS full adobe flash pre-installed, which many other tablets do not have. So, yes you can check email, watch videos, etc with no additional modifications. I will say that many popular websites and email providers have "Apps" available on the Android/Google Market that make checking email faster and easier (such as not having to use the browser to access email, and allowing for login/credential saving). So in my opinion, it is worth the extra effort to install the DexterMod which will provide these goodies. Installing the DexterMod is just as easy as installing an update. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
How do we get GoogleMarket? Or if not possible, how do we get the DexterMod, so we can download free apps? Are these free items, etc. Can my grandson do the downloading by himself, or is it difficult?

alicez said:
Does this eLocitiy play YouTube videos (right out of the box)?
My grandson really likes watch those videos, but somebody said 'tablets' do NOT play all YouTube videos.
Please advise soonest because if it doesn't play YouTube videos, I will have to return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, absolutely.
There is a YouTube app that allows you to view YouTube videos. You can also go directly to YouTube.com with the browser and play videos just like on your computer.

Can someone answer my question in #12 above:
"How do we get GoogleMarket? Or if not possible, how do we get the DexterMod, so we can download free apps? Are these free items, etc."
This unit already has "Getjar" apps. Is that the same as GoogleMarket? Or do I still need GoogleMarket? Please advise as we are new at this and I am trying to get this set-up so my grandson can use it to it's fullest potential.
Thanks
Alice

alicez said:
Can someone answer my question in #12 above:
"How do we get GoogleMarket? Or if not possible, how do we get the DexterMod, so we can download free apps? Are these free items, etc."
This unit already has "Getjar" apps. Is that the same as GoogleMarket? Or do I still need GoogleMarket? Please advise as we are new at this and I am trying to get this set-up so my grandson can use it to it's fullest potential.
Thanks
Alice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getjar is an "App Market" of sorts that come with the A7. Google MArket is a superior Market and easier to use. I would recomend installing the DexterMod that already has the Google Market and Google apps preinstalled.
Go here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890042
download the ElocityMod v1.1 and install the same as you would the official eLocity update. You have to rename it from "ElocityModv11.zip" to "Update.zip" prior to installing.
ElocityMod v1.1 is basically the Official eLocity update with the Google Market and Google Apps already added.

dexter mod
http://dext3r.komodin.org/
Here is the dexter mod link. About mid way down on the page you will find the elocity a7 file. Just download , then rename it to "Update.zip" and install just like regular firmware update. This will pre-install google market,etc. You may want to sign up for a gmail account first, so you don't have to mess with that part after the install as this needed for the market.
Should also be instructions on dexters site or elsewhere on this site (xda) use search bar above to find more.
Getjar is sorta like the google market but has significantly less apps available.
Also since this is for a minor, suggest setting parental controls in the settings menus.

DANOinSD said:
http://dext3r.komodin.org/
Here is the dexter mod link. About mid way down on the page you will find the elocity a7 file. Just download , then rename it to "Update.zip" and install just like regular firmware update. This will pre-install google market,etc. You may want to sign up for a gmail account first, so you don't have to mess with that part after the install as this needed for the market.
Should also be instructions on dexters site or elsewhere on this site (xda) use search bar above to find more.
Getjar is sorta like the google market but has significantly less apps available.
Also since this is for a minor, suggest setting parental controls in the settings menus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it the one for ElocityModv 1.0c.zip from dext3r.kamodin.org for 95MB?
Please, what do you mean by "and install just like regular firmware update?" I'm getting a bit confused and mixed-up, and don't want to do anything wrong with this new Elocity.
Also, I see in the Quick Start guide: "To delete an icon, press and hold the icon, then remove it to the Recycle bin."
We tried that and it does not work. We tried to delete the Facebook and the Amazon MP3 icons, but they still remain on the desktop. How can we remove?
Thanks
Alice
----
Elocity A7
A Quick fix custom rom for the tegra2 tablet with root,googleapps and improved game support.
28-dec-2010 ElocityMod v1.0c ElocityMod v1.0c
Initial release with googleapps, root and wma/wmv audio support + build.prop fixes.

[Q] Whats the first thing to do after I'll turn on my a500 for the first time?

What you guys did, after you tear down the box and turn on your acer a500 for the first time, excluding language and timezone selection?

Check for update manually

root it

ibila said:
Check for update manually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the easiest way to do this?

ken_sadgit said:
root it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what is it, or how they do it, but first I wanna know why they do it. All I heard is root! root! root!

get to know it
Do not root update install 3rd party apps until you know honeycomb and android
Of course root is obviously needed it also puts system files in your hands to mess up.
Please be careful and read all the forums and threads here
Thanks for hearing my 2 cents
If you dont know why you most likely do not need to do so yet
There are a great bunch of people here .take your time and do not jumpinto to deep

If you're not going to root, obviously the first thing is to set your tablet up with your Google account (either an existing GMail account or a new one.) Then set up any other email accounts, and install any apps you know you want that aren't on the tablet already (Kindle/Nook, games, utilities, TweetDeck, Pandora, MoboPlayer, etc.)
Find yourself a good File Manager; Android doesn't come by default with a program to let you view the files on your tablet :| I personally use ES File Explorer, but HD File Manager is also pretty good and was designed for Honeycomb/tablet size displays.
As Erica said above, don't even consider rooting until you've worked with Android a bit. If you don't need the tools root provides, you're better off not doing it.
Rooting your tablet (or other Android device) installs a "SuperUser" application which can allow other apps to act as the owner of the operating system (for Windows user, Administrator level privileges rather than User). In most cases, the method of getting root involves using a device- or Android-version-specific exploit/security hole.
With Root/SU, you can:
Run root-only apps like Titanium Backup, SetCPU (profiles only currently)
Remove and/or replace apps and other files not normally in the "user" space (CAUTION: Acer's update process expects damned near all of the pre-installed apps to still be there, so ALWAYS back up the original files!)
Once the hard-working and never-appreciated-enough Devs figure out a way around the bootloader (or Acer unlocks it), you can replace the kernel files, overclock, replace the entire ROM with a custom one
Some caveats:
Rooting will almost certainly void your warranty (if discovered should you have to return it for warranty service) and if you do it wrong, you can brick your device (i.e. you now have a flat black brick, not a functional device)
Some apps will not work on devices that are rooted (and/or have the SuperUser app present). Currently this includes at a minimum Google Movies and Blockbuster.

DON'T waste you time trying to update. It's been pulled until release fo HC 3.1.
DO enjoy the unit!
DO download apps and play.
Root at your own risk, but HC 3.1 is around the corner and you will have a dificult time getting it if you don't know what your not a techie.
Lastly, put it in Airplane mode before sleep mode to save battery. If you are turning it off, no dif.
Get Astro file mgr - free
Get Weatherbug for HC - free
Get Pandora - free
Load a micro mem card with all you music and videos, and enjoy one of the best devices in production.
If you have a memory card reader, blow you Ipad friends minds by asking them to borrow the memory card in their digital camera, plug it into the USB and swipe through their pictures. They don't have an app for that.

I have had my A500 since last week. I have basically just been trying out apps and browsing Forums to get more info. In the end the forum here seems to be most active and contains the most interesting information.
Also try to google for list with "Optimized for Honeycomb". This will make you fiind the apps that are optimized for the Tablet.
I did not root my device as I dont have any need for it (yet), but I am certainly waiting for 3.1. The current version of honeycomb is a bit unstable.
For the rest just enjoy the tablet

Smile, you just bought a great tablet

So what are you guys saying is that I should not update my build version, and wait for the 3.1 update

Of course first have to buy a screen protector before remove the plastic cover. Apply the screen protector before it get dusted. Then only turn on the device, sign in your Google account and connect internet and do setting. Then go update the firmware.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

So what are you guys saying is that I should not update my build version, and wait for the 3.1 update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, unless you know what you are doing.

[Q] Acer a500/ Android Newbie! Help me get started!

Hi,
I am new to the world of Androids, I posses a Acer a500 Tab and a Nexus S phone. I know the basics like how to download apps and navigate trough most of the basics stuff but I am new to all the more ''advanced'' stuff. So I had a couple of questions and if you want to give me any tips on the apps that I should get let me know as well!
1) Root - What are the main reasons you need to root your tablet for, from what I understand it gives you extra permissions to change your setting but does it give you free apps as well like jail breaking?
2) Can you un-Root your tablet if you ever need to bring it back?
3) From what I understand you can link your computer, your phone and your tablet all together so what is the best way to do that and what does that let you do?
4) What is the best internet browser to download? ( I have downloaded both firefox and opera so far)
5) When people are speaking about the ROM does it mean the '' hard drive'' of the tablet?
6) I heard of this website on a another forum: tegraowners.com
What does it do? It looks like it could be usefull to me and do you need to be rooted to use it?
7) Finally, any apps most have suggestions ( I downloaded the most popular one like : Pulse, TED, Skype Barcode scanner etc... I also find wizz bar and wizz widget pretty cool apps)
Thank you for your patience and to making me less newb!

I'm also new with Android. I have had my a500 for about 2 weeks, but I have learned a lot .
1/ Root mean giving yourself full control of the tablet (well, with right software, you can control everything, cpu clocks, voltages, which stock apps you want to keep, much more). With root, you can install/ apply bunch of useful tweaks like ah-hoc support, 3g dongle support.
If your "free app" means "free paid app" or simpler "pirated app", well, pirating is not good, but that's your choice. You don't need root to pirate. Just uncheck an option in setting\application then you're good to go. Download the apk, browse to it with file browser then install.
2/ From what I read, it's possible. Even when your tablet is bricked, you can still manage to install stock ROM before send it to service.
3/ For mobile storage, Dropbox seem very good. There are also many app to share folders between Android devices and with PC via Wifi.
4/ Personally, I use Opera Mobile and sometimes, default browser and Opera Mini (it's very powerful to have access to forbidden websites, like Facebook in my country). I heard that Dolphin Browser is also good, but I haven't tried yet.
5/ Well, ROM stands for "Read-Only Memory" . Just imagine you buy a PC with pre-installed Windows, like that. You can install another version yourself, can re-install it if it got broken. You should think about it like an image of customized windows. You can choose which is suitable for you and install it. It stands as system partition on our device. When people talk about ROM, they care about which customizations that ROM has.
6/ tegraowners.com is the site of legendary thor . He is a good modder. We own him a lot for his work on a500. Some problems about the source code of his amazing kernel stop him from posting here, it's rumor . So you have to visit that site to get his ROMs and Kernels. His forum is also very good, you can see many of XDA members there .
You need to root to install custom ROMs. Yes, root it, and try Thor's ROM v14, it's really sweet.
7/ I recommend QuickOffice HD Pro, Temp+CPU, Thumb Keyboard, Titanium Backup Pro, Pimp my CPU/ SetCPU (only if you want to show your tablet who is the boss ), don't forget to get BetterBatteryStat. JustPicture is also good for browsing photos, for comic, I prefer Perfect Viewer. File Manager HD (honeycomb) is also very good. If you love analog clock, you can get Analog Clock Collection, very handy and lightweight.

WOW
yes lots of Questions...
Well answered above.. only issue is rooting alone will NOT allow you to overclock your Kernel needs to be one from a custom dev or a cooked rom with custom kernel..
Just please read read and understand whats going on before you start flashing.. To avoid bricking your device and causing headaches..

Sideloaded apps/games on homescreen?

or even better in designated folders.. as far as I understand, this can be done after rooting right? but I'd rather not go down that route (at least atm) as I haven't a clue what I'm doing & the methods I've seen for the Shield TV are a little complicated for me (is there an automated method?)
Advice would be appreciated.

If you want to use the LeanBack (default) launcher you have to download SideLoad Launcher from the play store, otherwise you can flash Zulu99's ROM that gives you the default Android experience.

Agreed. I want to root my Android TV, but every thread I read is a little different, and since I don't have much experience doing it, I don't even know where to start. I'd rather wait until I've understood the process better before taking a chance at bricking my console.

Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.

I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.

Rolldog said:
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend trying it out with a cestom rom, as long as you are willing to unlock. I have since gone back to stock after trying both as I needed/wanted 2 features. The streaming button (there is a paid alternative) and the headphones on the controller. Keep in mind you also give up wireless controller, hence the headphones, by going to other roms. I use a monitor, and without a USB DAC I don't have sound if I give up wireless. I have simply settled for running 2 sidebar launchers, and it's working great for me. Also, Market Helper is good as it'll tell the play store (web version) that you are using a Nexus 7, ect, and can install most apps that way easily without having to sidelead everything. It'll also handle auto-updates ironicly ,ith stock play store app. Hopefully that'll help you decide. Please let us know what you did and why as we as a community like to know users needs. If you get stuck at any part of the process, please PM me or ask on the forums. We'd be glad to help with anything!

I don't have any problems with unlocking it, I, like you, just want to be sure I don't lose any features of the Shield. Losing game streaming and the wireless controller sound like a deal breaker. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone fixes these issues in a custom ROM. The wireless controller is configured using WiFi Direct. Even on Nvidia's website, they're all for people rooting their device and customizing it the way people want. One guy, who works for Nvidia was saying that they're definitely not against people rooting it because once someone buys it, they're willing to do whatever they want with it. So hopefully, we'll see Nvidia release more info to help people develop custom ROMs without losing any of the functionality of the device. Aren't there custom ROMs you can flash onto the Shield Tablet and still be able to use the wireless controller?
Is Market Helper an apk to install on the console? And what sidebar launchers are you using? There are times when I try using Shield Hub to connect to my local PC and it not work, and then I try with Moonlight, and it works everytime. I also like using the remote desktop feature. If you add the remote desktop app manually into the GeForce Experience software on your PC, then using the Shield, you can connect to your desktop using either Moonlight or Shield Hub and your TV mirrors your monitor.

kdb424 said:
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to forget Es file explores send by land feature which is great for sending apks from other devices to your shield

Element E4STA5517 55" 4K Android TV [TU43GDX] upgrade os?

Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted messing with this unit - found nothing on Google/duckduckgo.
Had it 2ish years, been a glitchy little monster and apps like Hulu show incompatibility (though they are 'preloaded' and on the menu). So far as I can tell the system OS has never been updated and am curious what might be done to refresh it?

TheDrake2k said:
Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted messing with this unit - found nothing on Google/duckduckgo.
Had it 2ish years, been a glitchy little monster and apps like Hulu show incompatibility (though they are 'preloaded' and on the menu). So far as I can tell the system OS has never been updated and am curious what might be done to refresh it?
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Unfortunately most android TV's don't get updates because the manufacturer doesn't take the time or resources to make an update and push it to the TV's.
As for glitches and apps I would try expanding it's memory using a flash drive and moving apps to it and letting the device use it as internal storage. And I'd use a PC or laptop and download the free program called "adb app control" and use the debloat option and clean some stuff off it. I'd also suggest getting a lighter launcher than the default one. There's a few options here -> Link but I like one called dashboard from the playstore. Also install a launcher manager and/or button mapper (both are free). Hopefully some or all of this helps make your tv a little snappier. I have a fairly new Hisense android tv and I did all this and it feels a lot better than stock.