Related
I'm really really excited...! This is my dream tablet, I've been waiting for this for over a month. And now its finally mine! But there is a problem, since I've no WiFi network in my house(for now), how can I install applications. I know the android applications are .apk format, but I don't know from where to download them. I got the file manager HD .apk file but I don't know how to install it. Please help!
Youll have to root your tablet then you can install apks locally. Alternatively you can try easy installer. You will need a internet connection as its required by the Market to install apps.
gravyplaya said:
Youll have to root your tablet then you can install apks locally. Alternatively you can try easy installer. You will need a internet connection as its required by the Market to install apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you have to root to install apps locally... as long as you have the unknown sources option checked, you can install apps from wherever you want. If you have a desktop with internet that you can get to, you can download the apk's from various torrent sites, and I think there is a web version of the android market? I'm sure there are other places as well, just search on Google. anywhooo, then just transfer the file over to your A500 via the USB cable or flash drive, and open the file through the app manager option that pops up when you tap on it, then click install.
I have had no problem download APKs onto my desktop computer and then putting them on a Micro SD card to use on the A500 without having to root anything.
u can use Docs to go to navigate to .apk on your tablet and launch instal from there. Thats my way)
jodiac said:
I'm really really excited...! This is my dream tablet, I've been waiting for this for over a month. And now its finally mine! But there is a problem, since I've no WiFi network in my house(for now), how can I install applications. I know the android applications are .apk format, but I don't know from where to download them. I got the file manager HD .apk file but I don't know how to install it. Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on getting your Inconia!
For apps like the filemanager you could just download them from the Android marketplace, then they would install themselves. Otherwise, place them on your sd card if you're downloading to your PC first. Apps will also install if they are in your download folder on the tablet (say for example, if you download from the dev's website or email them to yourself as an attachment).
One thing you might have to do first is check the setting that allows you to install "unsigned" third-party app. I believe it's: Setting->Applications->Unknown Sources.
From what I understand, there's not much concern of installing something harmful anymore (for which this setting was designed to protect against), but I could be wrong. Just be careful who you are getting the app from if it's not from the market, a dev's site or a reputable person here at the forum.
That's my $.02 Have fun!
Just get a home network!
Enjoy your Iconia....I love mine!
Congratulations
- No need to root for installing apk, just check the checkbox (the Iconia will told you what you have to do anyway)
- Get a wifi quick
Need Moboplayer and A good office editor
Hi, I still need few days to set up my WiFi network at home, in the mean time, can any one share any direct download link to .apk files like moboplayer and a good office editor?
Hi,
First post so please be gentle. I've got a Lg GT540 running 1.6 and wanted to install a couple of apps onto the phone internal memory, so I got the apk files onto my desktop and connected the phone up via usb and could not and have not been able to copy these files onto the internal memory. In fact the phone does not come up as a drive or anything and copying the files onto the sd card leaves them stuck there and not being installed.( Mainly the astro file manger app.)
I then considered upgrading the phone to 2.1 via the LG site and downloaded LG suite etc and all was going well until the process stopped at 4% upgrade and requested I disconnect from pc, remove battery etc etc. I tried to follow that procedure 3 times and it still failed.
Not beaten I then found some stuff online to enable me to reflash to 2.2 (Modaco) and started that process. One of the first things it required me to do was start the phone in Fastboot mode by holding the camera button down whilst powering up. THe phone stubbornly refused to go into Fast boot.
Sooo, How do I get to copy Astro onto the internal memory so I can do what I want to and/or how can I upgrade to 2.2/
Firstly when you try to get into fastboot it wont work until you install a fastboot kdz.
This will allow you to flash roms onto ur phone.
I've made a video on a "how to" its in the general, look trought the pages or visit www.YouTube/user/tech2tuts
There's also a video on how to install android 2.3 swiftdroid. Its on the same channel in the favorites.
But beware u will lose all you apps unfortunately. Unless you get astro file manager or titanium back up which requires your phone to be rooted.
Sent from my GT540 using XDA Premium App
Unable to install apps
Hi Chris, Thank you for the link to the demo and I will need to look at that with a view to implementing. No doubt I'll be asking for some assistance during the process.
However I'm still at a loss with not being able to install apps directly onto the phone memory and would appreciate some pointers on that. I have acess to a desktop running XP and a laptop running Windows 7.
Thanks in advance.
You probly cant install apps due to lack of internal memory. Bye install the Kdz it will enable over 230mb of internal , along with apps to sd, so no need for use of internal.
unable to install apps
Thanks again, but phone showing 3.6 gb avaiable on sd card and 120mb available on internal memory?
I really want to know why my pc connection only reads my sd card and not the internal memory. Is there an approved way of connection ie whether I need to use any LG software etc.
Hmm that's odd. When you connect to comp it should only show SD card, have u tried a factory reset?
Sent from my GT540 using XDA Premium App
unable to install apps
Hi again,
have made some progress and managed to update the os to 2.1 off the LG site.
When usb plugged into pc it does read the sd card and I am able to copy files inc apps to it but do not know how to run them!!! My belief is that I need to install apps to the phone memory???
Ohhh i think i see your problem now.
So uve downloaded apps from this website or other?
And you want to know how to install them?
Get astro file manager or any other ones the same,connect your phone, put the Downloaded file into a folder , like downloads in your SD card then disconnect your phone , open astro the go into SD card and downloads folder and press on the app, it will ask you to install and Bam your done.
Or if its saying that ur not able to install it, go settings>applications>development>usb debugging tick it and also allow installation or 3rd party apps tick that to.
I think that what you mean?
Hi Chris, I think you are close to understanding my problem, I have a apk file of astro pro on my pc but am not sure where to copy it to. I have tried copying it onto my sd card but am then not able to run it?
Do I need to have the phone rooted etc?
Cyborg mechman said:
Hi Chris, I think you are close to understanding my problem, I have a apk file of astro pro on my pc but am not sure where to copy it to. I have tried copying it onto my sd card but am then not able to run it?
Do I need to have the phone rooted etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first thing to do would be to downlaod Astro Free from the market and then navigate to the sd (home on astro) and select the apk, open app manager and install, install. Now it will be installed.
Tap here and then tap download directly from market to download from market.
Sent from my jv02 using XDA App
Quinny899 said:
The first thing to do would be to downlaod Astro Free from the market and then navigate to the sd (home on astro) and select the apk, open app manager and install, install. Now it will be installed.
Tap here and then tap download directly from market to download from market.
Sent from my jv02 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i understand. Follow these instructions. Astro is free on the market anyway. The pro version is no different.
A very big thank you to Chris and Quinney I actually had the Astro apk on my laptop and sent it across via Bluetooth and I'm now up and running, Only had bluetooth working since the update to 2.1
Wouldn't mind getting it to run a little faster though, I see people reporting 800mhz being smooth.
unable to install apps
Hi, thanks Chris and Quinney, Finally managed to send the Astro apk from my laptop via bluetooth and all my problems are behind me.
Thanks once again.
No problem.
So I am trying to load a couple of apks I have and it's been no go. On my Epic I usually just dropbox, open, and install. I tried that and initially got the security message. That is already taken care of via nookcolor tools. So that isn't the issue. My issue is every time I go to install I go to Astro, open the file via the "open app manager," it takes me to the info install page...I click install and it loads into the package installer, excellent...and then it just stalls and the progress bar runs and runs but never progresses. This has happened with every apk I have now tried.
Okay...so I figured I'd just go the little more involved (very little, no need to be that lazy, right) route and adb install. Well carp. All goes well, I adb install blahblah.apk and it starts rolling..."570kb blah..etc pkg /blah/temp/blah"...and just hangs there...never to give me the gratifying "success" message. Again, I have tried this with different apks that I know work and the same results. I restored to stock and rerooted, just in case. Same
I am running stock rooted (manualnooter) at this point, just got the nook day before yesterday (one of the many who jumped at the refurbs). Market apps download fine. I'm a blue dot, if that makes any diff. Likely not but meh.
I have searched and googled and not found the answers...but I know I am missing something elementally simple. My luck I'll look like an idiot and it will be a "did you check to see if you had any gas?" broken down car scenario. I'm okay with that, as long as I'm running again. I'm pretty sure I checked all the out of gas scenarios but I likely missed one or two so... any help is much appreciated. Thanks a ton...
I should know better than trying to write before coffee
Well, My answer is not a "check gas" answer. It's pretty dang weird.
1. Download ES Explorer from the market.
2. Start ES Explorer, hit Menu>Settings. Goto Root Options (NEW) and tick both check boxes. Hit allow when it asks you to.
3. Go back twice, until you see your sd card contents. Find the APK on there and select and hold. Hit copy and then hit the 1st button on the row of buttons (it's an icon of an sd card OR a Home icon) If you see a data folder, go in to it. If not, hit the 1st button again.
3. Once in the data folder, go into the app folder. Pull up the little white tab on the bottom. Tap the APK you wanted to install. It will copy. Once you see the APK's icon in the folder, hit the home button and restart. That should have installed it but it is a slow method. Note that you can Multi-Select APK's by pressing the Multi-select button and pasting them all in the /data/app/ folder.
are you sure you have side loading checked
Settings > applications should be the top box.
fnordsnafu said:
So I am trying to load a couple of apks I have and it's been no go. On my Epic I usually just dropbox, open, and install. I tried that and initially got the security message. That is already taken care of via nookcolor tools. So that isn't the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he already took care of that. And he is on stock, so there is no Applications setting.
ikingblack, thank you, thank you!
Not sure why but by doing this it somehow unsnafued the package installer as well (fingers crossed). I went through your instructions with a known good apk that would not install for anything before. And there it was after the copy, paste reboot etc. Not too much to ask for...still was confused as to the why of the normal package installer method not working. So I decided to give it (package inst) a go with another known working apk (I had just tested it on my epic) that previously wouldn't install, repeatedly, and now it installed just like it should. Scratching my head in wonder. It shouldn't be the reboot, as I have do so many times...the only difference is the install instructions and adding ES (I'm leaving astro behind I think). All I know is it is working and I am a happy camper (tent is in the back yard...) Thanks again! cheers!
Sure. Also, you can select all the APK's using the 2-file icon at the top and tapping the APKs, then press-and hold on one of the APk's and then go to data app, and keep tapping the APK's you wanna copy. And then reboot. Enjoy your Nook!
Thanks for this, it fixed it, but I don't know why.
I suffered this issue on my dell streak.
It was working fine a couple of days ago when I installed GetJar.
Suddenly today for no reason I can determine:
All APK's I tried the install button in the package installer was not grayed out, but it would not respond when pressed.
I've just been setting up my streak again and installing a lot of software. I'm guessing something must of gone wrong.
Someone on another post suggested JuiceDefender may have caused it but I've not installed that recently.
In my case I did:
(1) Installed esFileExplorer
(2) Copied an apk to the folder /data/app/ as described above
(3) restarted the phone
This did not install the app for me.
(4) Tried running the apk file again. Suddenly the Install button is clickable again?! The app then installed just fine.
(5) Tried a different apk (without copying to /data/app/)
Now that will install fine?!
This is really weird. I can't replicate the issue now (which is good!)
but I also can't tell which action fixed it.
As said above it may have been installing esfileexplorer and giving it root access.
It may have been the act of copying the file that reset something.
It wasn't the reboot, at lease not on its own as i'd already tried it.
Regardless, thanks for the info.
If anyone sees this issue again you might want to just try installing esfileexplorer and see if apk's will then install.
This might help us identify which bit of the process is creating the fix.
Just found another suggestion if anyone is interested:
Some suggests using the 'Fix permissions' option of Titanium Backup. I have no way to test this.
DISCLAIMER: though this seems safe, there are always risks. Warranty may be void, bugs might crawl out of your shield. I am not responsible for mishaps, bugs, crashes, damage, loss of jobs, girlfriends, and/or if your shield turns into Skynet and begins to destroy the human race!
Firstly, throughout this tutorial I will be shamelessly pointing you toward others threads. Please, give them your thanks. They are masters in their fields and with out them none of this would be happening! Also remember noone gets paid for any of this, they with their skills and I with time do this out love for tech and a desire to help others and see them enjoy their tech as much as we all love ours. That said... Onto the cookies!
*********PLEASE NOTE*********
*********THIS ENTIRE PROCESS CAN BE DONE WITH OUT ANY ACCESS TO A PC!
--BUT--
TO KEEP A LOCKED BOOTLOADER AND AVOID WARRANTY NASTYNESS PLEASE READ
*If you are still on a locked bootloader, and want to easily keep it. Root ota 2.2.1 first, install flashify, and use it to install twrp.
*Rooting ota 3. 0 and using flashify from there will also preserve locked bootloader.
*Rooted ota 2.2.1 or a custom recovery will break nvidias native ota system. You will have need a copy if the FULL OTA from the links provided. They flash easily in twrp. But ONLY THE FULL OTA, NOT THE INCREMENTAL.
******PREREQUISITES (These Are Required)******
*Must be rooted.
If coming from stock, (unrooted, stock recovery, and locked bootloader) Kingroot will root any ota so far.
Install apk, run it, it will most likely reboot your shield, on ota 3 it will freeze, (mine did at around 30% on ota 3, but instead of a reboot, I got a freeze) this is normal. Hold power button until the shield turns off. Boot back up, and run Kingroot again. It should now complete fine, installing Kinguser as root control app. This gives you enough root to run flashify from play store to install the next step. (thanks to China for making kingroot and whoever translated it for us)
Kingroot link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
*Team Win Recovery Project (twrp) must be installed.
Head over here to @Steel01 thread for multi rom twrp. You will only (at the moment) need his modified twrp build. More instructions there. Don't forget to thank him! (Thanks @Steel01)
@Steel01 multi rom twrp thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/development/multirom-v30-unofficial-port-t3025355
*ota 3.0 FULL OTA (thanks to @MidgetMob)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...k-recovery-images-ota-library-guides-t2988881
*MEGA may or may NOT work. Mega has issues from time to time. (thanks @Ctrl_Alt_Del for the heads up)
****If MEGA links are not working, here's another source.
Thanks @gavin-phelan for the links.
OTHER Link for full ota: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/general/android-5-1-t3115536
*SuperSU recovery flashable installer. (thanks to @Chainfire)
Link to supersu beta (beta works better for the xposed framework):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133
*Fdroid store for selinux mode changer (needed for viper) and ad away apps! (thanks Fdroid!)
Link: https://f-droid.org
*****OPTIONAL*****
*Xposed super alpha for Android 5.1 (sdk22) (thanks @romracer)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/super-alpha-posted-permission-xposed-t3072979
You must read that thread a bit. You will need the xposed installer from the main xposed lollipop thread. (thanks @rovo89)
Main xposed thread
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
*Gravitybox works on 5.1 now (thanks @C3C076)
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v5-0-0alpha-tweak-box-t3037566
*BusyBox - Busybox is required for viper4android install. Make sure to run and install it BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. The apk can be installed, but when you run it. It will try to install the viper driver. Selinux must be set to permissive, and busybox installed first.
It can be found in play store.
*selinuxmodechanger can be found in fdroid repository.
*ViPER4Android audio engine (thanks @zhuhang)
For viper install. Be sure to install fdroid and get selinux mode changer. And change to permissive BEFORE YOU INSTALL VIPER DRIVER. the app is fine but for the driver to install selinux must be set to permissive. After that it's fine to set it back to enforcing.
Link: http://vipersaudio.com/blog/?page_id=48
Forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
Someone said cookies? (Procedure)
**tip** titanium backup SUCKS FOR backing up app data. Bugs out the apps sometimes. So for games, manually backup saves and place them back after reinstall. It's helpful to use tibu to backup your apps alone. Then use tibu again to make a recovery flashable zip to reinstall them all at once....
*Firstly you will need a root enabled file browser (I use es file explorer)
*On the internal memory, firstly back up any pics or ANYTHING you want saved from internal memory to the external SD card. (I usually name my backup folders starting with a # to keep them separated from anything that's written to external via an app or the system. Helps to keep track.)
*Next delete it ALL. In es file Explorer just as everything in sdcard0. /android gone, all folders, ax them. I even nuked the hidden folders and all. I wanted a totally clean install. So anything in the /sdcard0 folder can get wiped. As wiping through twrp DOES NOT WIPE THESE FILES. And sometimes can cause oddness on new installs. This can also be achieved through twrp but it takes longer. Keep in mind that everything inside /sdcard is rebuilt on FIRST boot. Hence deleting in twrp. Don't navigate to straight / things go bad if you mess about in those files....
*After everything has been deleted on internal, and the folders your not using for backups on external. Namely the /android folder on external. You should be ready to reboot to recovery....
*Now reboot into twrp. Click wipe, advanced, then check dalvik, system, data, and cache. Wipe
*Now flash the FULL OTA for your model of shield.
*Next click the home button in twrp. Then Mount, then, uncheck the box for system, then, re-check it. (remount system)
*Now click on the Home button again, Advanced, File Manager.....
*Now the fun part...
Navigate to /system/app and delete the following FOLDERS, contents and all, by clicking on each folder one at a time, once clicked, it will show you contents of that folder. At the bottom click select, then delete, swipe to delete. For each of the following folders....
++*NOTICE* Some of these folders contain libs (library files) and i discovered some issues with deleting them. (videos not working, possible connection console mode crashing, etc) These folders are indicated below, and any side effects possible due to its removal. Console mode has been solid so far even without the libs. That doesnt mean that it wont cause any issues later and i just havent seen it yet. So BEWARE o0o0o =D
Adobe reader
Books
Calendar
++**Chrome (I use chrome beta) (CONTAINS LIBS) possible connection to the "great chrome slowdown" These ARE SAFE to remove and removal may cure the slowdown bug. either way, using any browser BUT chrome (i.e. Chrome Beta, Dolphin, Opera etc.) also fixes the "Chrome slug races"
Cloud print
Input methods for Japanese and Korean (unless you need it)
++**Drive (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent noticed any side effects from removing these and SHOULD BE SAFE to delete. also i use es file explorer for drive access
Email (I use inbox)
Evernote
Evernote widget
Exchange2
Gmail (I use inbox or reinstall from store)
++**Hangouts (CONTAINS LIBS) i use hangouts for OUTGOING PHONE CALLS, as such i feel these libs are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. i havent found any issues so far but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY on an essential core sytem
Holo spiral
Google tts (optional)
Juswrite (I don't use the stylus or handwriting)
latinIME (aosp keyboard)
++**Maps (CONTAINS LIBS) i havent found any issues but NAVIGATION to me is an essential core system therefore i feel these are POSSIBLY NOT SAFE to remove. again BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Music2 (I use gonemad music player or reinstall from store)
Newstand
Nvcameraawesome (it sucked and I use camera51)
Phase beam
Play games
++**Print spooler (CONTAINS LIBS) never use(d) it so i dunno really. SHOULD BE SAFE to remove (feedback welcome)
Street
Stylusmobileoem (like I said I don't even HAVE a stylus (unless someone has an extra they are willing to mail....)
Talkback
Trine 2 (unless you like it)
Twitch (unless you use it, also in play store)
++**Videos (CONTAINS LIBS) I had issues playing embedded videos in play store (app trailers) and some websites. i would recommend DO NOT REMOVE THIS. i ONLY left this here for info only. remove ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
Write (again with stylus stuff)
++**Youtube (CONTAINS LIBS) never had any issues removing this. but i feel it could be related to my above mentioned video playback bug. this is OPTIONAL.
*now navigate to /system/priv-app
Delete folder musicfx (needs to be gone or disabled for viper4android audio install)
*now navigate to /system/vendor/app
Delete the folder watercolor (dabbler can be gotten from play store)
*if you feel busy /system/media/audio is where the ring tones are and you can delete the ones you don't use for more space but it's only 3mb....
*FINALLY hit the home button in twrp again.
**DO NOT FORGET** Install superSU beta for root!!!
*REBOOT!!
*After system boots up and gets done optimizing, it's safe to reboot back to twrp and flash the xposed framework.
*You're done! That's it... Wait... What? You want even MORE cookies? Well, OK....
*Keep reading for optional steps for even better results!
***PS... Keep checking our friend's @BitOBSessiOn and @twistedumbrella threads for really great kernels for our ota..
Thanks @BitOBSessiOn
Thanks @twistedumbrella
Links:
Bito: http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi.../tweaked-kernel-nvidia-shield-tablet-t3069776
++++++ ***check out @BitOBSessiOn thread, ota 3.0 source built, optimized kernels for all models released!
NEW UNIFIED BUILDS FOR OTA 3.0 (ONE FILE FOR ALL MODELS)
Twistedumbrella: 2.2.1 ONLY http://forum.xda-developers.com/shi...t/stock-lollipop-kernel-cifs-support-t2967839
And some more post script.
PPS **tips**
*System apps always keep a copy of themselves for when it gets updated, so all those apps (that you just deleted) end up being over 400 mb after they all update once. And they ALL HAVE updates at time of install. So you save there. Just takes a minute to reinstall as user apps from the play store,and save a bunch of space.
***WIFI ISSUES!** If you do NOT HAVE a 5ghz router. Go to wifi settings, advanced, wifi band, switch from auto to 2.4ghz, makes the Web run faster and if it's set to auto I notice a good 40 second delay in wifi connecting. Also make sure the box "wifi always scan" is turned in. Otherwise wifi doesn't auto connect at boot.
*Get folder mount from the play store. It automagically patches android to let apps write to external SD. As well as links folders on external to internal so you can move ANY app to sd card. Profit!
*For a cleaner install. Install fdroid, then ad away. And run ad away before you ever open more than play store for es file Explorer to install fdroid. This way ad away is the first or one of the first apps to open. Blocking ads from that point on. That way if apps have built in ads, they won't even be able to load!
*Also thanks to @djdarkknight96 here's a link for a bad ass themed SwiftKey keyboard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016053
*To improve system responsiveness, enable developer options (In settings, click about tablet, click build number 7 times.) Then in developer options about midway down, turn "window animation scale" "transition animation scale" and "animator duration scale" from 1.0 to .5 this increases the speed of animations throughout the system/rom
*After installing the gravitybox xposed module, you can turn those 3 animation scales down further to .25 for even faster response.
*Native lcd density for shield tablet is 283.
It comes stock at 320
*Nvidia corporate tegra color scheme. Green is hex (#76b900) rgb (r:118 g:185 b:0), and grey, hex (#5c5c5c) not sure greys rgb. And black.... I looked it up in their corporate and product guidelines pdf.
*You can add apps to console mode by clicking the little + symbol under "android games" and "media apps" in shield hub. They will then be added to the "easier" to navigate shield hub menu.
*In the play store kernel adiutor (yes that's how it's spelled) allows control over the cpu speed and other critical stuff and things. To squeeze alot more juice from your battery, if everything else here is done, I found I could clock the cpu @2ghz (200mhz down from stock) and it's just as fast as true stock. Killer battery savings on top of the improvements already made in ota 3.0
*If you adjust the clock speeds in kernel adiutor... Make sure to reset the minimum to 51 every time and sit and watch to make sure they stuck. They will float around, then settle. But if you exit after altering the max and the minimum is floating high, it will set the minimum to that value.... Found THAT out the hard way......
*The letters that form the word "SHIELD" on the back of our devices.... Are stickers in small indents.... Looks really kewl if taken out. (see post #13 for pics)
+ *POSSIBLE USB ON THE GO (OTG) FIX*
Power off your shield, plug in USB OTG cable with a flash drive in it. Power on the shield. Once booted, pull flash drive and use whatever OTG compatible device you wish (mouse, keyboard, micro missile launcher--thanks ThinkGeek!))
ONE CONDITION! This method BREAKS CHARGING UNTIL NEXT REBOOT! (thanks nvidia!)
Enjoy!
Questions and comments always welcomed and encouraged!
If i forgot something, missed a step, whatever. Let me know!
I'll update/add to this if/when I think of things.
Ideas? Let me know!
CHECK POST #2 FOR UPDATE TIMES.
I'll try to highlight changes until I update again.
Look for the + symbol
Cheers,
Cyris
Mmm cookies just like mom makes!
Just a reminder! ALWAYS CHECK THE MD5 CHECKSUM FOR DOWNLOADED FILES. Md5 checker in play store works great. It can certainly save some headaches!
A SECOND MORE IMPORTANT REMINDER, KEEP A COPY OF YOUR FULL OTA IN THE ROOT OF YOUR EXTERNAL SD CARD. THAT WAY IF THE LIQUID DEFECATION TRULY STRIKES THE AUXILIARY ROTOR. YOU CAN USE NVIDIAS BACKUP STOCK RECOVERY (AT BUGDROID (ANDY ON HIS BACK WITH A RED ! OVER IT) HIT "VOLUME UP" + "POWER") TO WIPE DATA AND FLASH A STOCK FULL OTA AND GET BACK UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. THEN USE KINGROOT, THEN FLASHIFY, THEN TWRP, TO GET ROOT BACK AND CUSTOM RECOVERY....
**UPDATES**
Times are Pacific (my local)
+Initial post 5/25 @ 1300 (apx)
+Updated 5/25 @ 1655
+Updated 5/25 @ 1730
+Updated 5/25 @ 1810 - make sure you check this one for viper audio install
+Updated 5/25 @ 2304 - new full ota links
+Updated 5/26 @ 1030 - @BitOBSessiOn ota 3 kernel release, links posted
+Updated 5/26 @ 1546 - Added usb-otg temporary fix
+Updated 5/27 @ 2200 - Cleanup OP, removed old + symbols
+Updated 6/17 @ 1430 - Added info on folders containing LIBS in the wiping section.
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
Nice! I will report back once I have redone my tablet.
And please, give me some time. It's the end of a holiday weekend & I have a few things to do before going back to work Tuesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I created this thread for a laid back easy way to (try) and get the most from our device. Xda was always my go to place to find help and it's a bit different now. Not everyone is a developer, but it shouldn't be hard to get knowledge from those that are. Hell I'm no dev, just like to test stuff, a crack flasher. But at one time I didn't know what root was..... We all were. I know I love it when I show someone my device I spent 100s of hours tweaking just right and the look on their face! At one time that was me. I had to ask questions that probably got a few chuckles. But usually there was someone there to ask. If i can help I figure I SHOULD,
As I said I encourage questions. It may help someone else later on. Cheers!
... Wrong button.....
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Ctrl_Alt_Del said:
All is well. And the wipe,install directions from TWRP went flawlessly.
As soon as it booted, I was presented with the Welcome screen, as if it were a brand new device, unlike just updating an older OS. Chose the language, if I had a Google account & signed in...all that cookie dust. Apps from the list I have backed up to the Google servers under my account downloaded & installed automagically.
And best of all....no more "Android is Starting" & no more "optimizing the apps" at cold startup! Big thumbs up there! :good:
By the way, I could not get the full install from the link you provided from another user. It went to Mega & Mega is having transfer issues. It would download about 10 thru 15 % then flash something about a transfer error, then reduce the file transferred back down to 8 or 9 %...then download that again up to around 12 % or so, then back down to 8 %....lather, rinse, repeat...indefinitely! I used this user's link in his post to get the correct ROM: Android 5.1 out now
Just an FYI there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it went well. And thanks for the info on mega. It does that from time to time. Could be alot of people trying to get that file right now. Links updated.
If you go through the xposed install and all. It gets spooky fast....
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Excellent guide and info. Spent all weekend formatting and dealing with "optimizing apps", this fixed it all, great tablet now
GOALAR said:
can you explain about screen density? native 283? how do you know that? table has 320 dpi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an 8 inch screen. With a resolution of 1920x1200 I'm not sure the math, but it adds up to 283,or there are a few sites that you can go to and enter your the screen info and it will tell you what you density is. Density is how many pixels are in a square inch. Also GSM arena and a few other sites show this data if you Google "shield tablet specs".
Switching from 320 to 283 just makes the screen look sharper. It also can effect what games are listed as compatible in the play store. Example, dead space and dead trigger 2 will not install @ 283. But will run at it. I have dead space myself and it plays fine but I have to side load it or set my density back to 320 in build.prop then install it.
Think of it like running different resolutions on your pc monitor. The monitor will show them just fine, but only 1 is the exact spec from the factory, and look the best.
Thanks For This
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
koop1955 said:
Hi, @Pariahnoble. Just wanted to say that this is great, exactly the kind of effort that supports the XDA community.
I am sure that this will be a huge help to a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! =D Just hope it does in fact help some folks enjoy their shields a little more. I've been pretty unhappy so far, it was this or a Nexus 9, now I don't regret my decision anymore lol
Pictures of back of shield with letter stickers removed
Updated again
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
radio five said:
I'm surprised there aren't more comments on this thread. This looks great.
By the way, did I miss something or can this actually be done completely without the use of a computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope didn't miss a beat. This whole process can be done with no pc (I don't have a pc, my shield is my ONLY device.) so I've learned how to do it all locally (on board the shield itself).
This is only just now available, 5/13 kingroot was released that would root the tablet stock off the shelf. And flashify to put on the custom twrp. After that it's good times!
Ps, thanks for the heads up on the no pc thing, I forgot to mention that, OP updated...
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
radio five said:
That's great news for me since my computer recently took a **** and I'm about to throw my old laptop out the window. (windows vista, won't take adb drivers, runs out of memory using chrome, etc...)
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch! I feel your pain. I recently had to try to flash using add (adb but "add" was a great typo) on Windows xp.... Oh yeah... THAT went well.... Then 2 days later kingroot came out.
Just make sure (and I'll add this to the op as well) to keep a copy of the full ota on the ROOT of your external SD card, that way if your shield take a flaming deuce in your hands, you can STILL use nvidia backup recovery. If you have ever seen the "bug droid" (ole Andy on his back and the flaming red ! Over it) hold the "volume up" button and hit power and the nvidia recovery comes up. Let's you flash a STOCK FULL OTA and bam, back in business, just kingroot, flashify, twrp, keep calm, and carry on!
Man, I'm glad you said something! I'm gathering all the files on my external sd card in a folder (downloads/Shield Optimization) and I was getting ready to take the plunge. I'll move everything to the sd card's root before I get started.
I'm also considering backing all of my sd card to a work computer temporarily so I can reformat it. My junk heap of a laptop can't read it but I suspect my shield may have formatted it to a weird..... format.
I just want to have the card ready in the event I want to transfer large files and not wait as long.
Speaking of which, would I be able to format my sd card via my PC with it still in the Shield, connected by a usb cable?
Sorry if I'm getting slightly off topic.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
@radio five
Firstly the only file you really need in the root folder is the ota zip. That's only because I'm pretty sure that's where the stock recovery will look for it, IF everything goes to hell.
Yes about formatting your card or storing files elsewhere during all this. The closer to a fresh card and internal memory the better.
Not sure what if any besides ntfs that the shield would format it to. But ntfs is recommended. And it's so far the only (I think) supported format for cards over 32gb. Also. After you format it to ntfs, quick format is OK, full is better but much slower on Windows, make sure to name it. Any is OK. "Sdcard" works.
In Windows Explorer, click on the volume (Sdcard you just formatted) to select it. Wait a sec. Then click it again. And name it when it highlights.
It fixes SOMETHING, Noone really knows what, but makes the shield recognize SD cards over 32gb
I'm sure there IS a way to format via adb, but I have no idea how...
What topic? >.< lol all questions are encouraged.
Hi
it is a long time ago.
Lastweek I got the fireTV update on the Amazon echo show 15. Without this change/update no chance for me to sideload apks. Funny is before the update the firmware is V7.5.5.5 and after firetv installation it is V7.5.0.1. Don't ask me why. Maybe they drunk to much.
But it took me 20 min to find a workaround to sidekoade apks.
@Amazon_Devs: Stop reading here. DO NOT BLOCK this workaround, make the launcher selectable again and bring the same Dev functions like on fireTV! THANK YOU!
I am not responsible for any damage or warranty loss
So end of the political messages.
For the first apk i would install Firefox apk(with it you can download more apps more comfortable)
1. Open FireTV Icon
2. Open appstore
3. Get Downloader, Totalus (launcher) and Total comander from Amazon fireTV appstore
(All the Apps do not work with touch.)
4. Open App Downloader
5. Select with onscreenremote "Browser"
6. Look for a page where you can get Firefox apk. I used uptodown
7. Download the apk (i recomend Firefox)
9. Go to total comander
10.Move with total comander the downloaded file from path Downloader to Downloads
11. Open totalus launcher
12. Open the blue folder (system file explorer)
13.Klick on Downloads
14. There should be your downloaded apk.
15. Install it
Ok done
When you install Firefox nextime you will have a browser which support touch functionality and when you download the next APK it will be directly stored in the Folder Downloads
Then just repeat the last steps 11-15.
Limitations:
Getting permissions is like Russian roulette storage is no problem. Special rights or higher permission can't confirmed in the system settings.
Dev options are available but it is the same **** as before.
Ok so now to the use cases:
I use this (now) awsome 15.6 zoll screen in my citchen to controll everything via homeassistant.
If you a owner of a Fritzbox Cable you can install Fritz TV apk direktly from AVM and you get a nice TV.
Homeassistant (you can enable in the app settings stay activ)
Spotify
Firefox
Total comander as an apk (not the Amazon appstore version. Remove it and install total comamder apk and you can controll it with the touchscreen)
I tired Nova launcher and Microsoft launcher
F DROID Can't install apks
Playstore (I think they have put playstore on a apk blacklist)
Uptodown can't install apks
There is some days ago another manual the suggested using Makrodroid for automations. May Tasker as well.
Also a APK which creates a storage via wifi. So with it you can transfere files from a PC to the echo show and the other way round.
Open Points:
I installed Wolf Launcher aka launcher Manager for FireTV. This launcher request the standard app for Settings.
When someone here is able to create a app which request the standard settings app and will open a selectable app like a launcher or whatever. The settings button can converted to a custom shortcut.
A custom linageOS ROM would be nice but I think
the kernel source for CPU AZ2 (some informations about processor) is not released and there is no way right now to install twrp. Correct me if I am wrong.
Some more blabla:
Echo Show 15 opened: teardown echo show 15
Her is written the hardware price is 309 Dollar. I bought it during blackweek for 199 and if you have a old echo you can make a trade in and you can get 25% discount on top.
Sideloaded apks listed in firetv as grey/black fields so you don't know which app is the correct one.
This could a workaround: Workaround icons
I also bought the usb network adapter to connect the device by LAN and I am thinking about a POE powersupply it.
There are two more guides out there:
Guide 1
Guide 2
Appdownloader became unavailable yesterday morning - if you try to install it the icon doesnt say GET - it just says unavailable. Any other workarounds for adb?
Hi
May the wifi ftp app could work or the other Downloader App but both are not for free or do it like in Guide2
I used the WiFi Transfer app in the store - then you can use the built in File Manager thats on the Show to install the APK's - Since they removed Downloader, this way is the second way to do it - and a little tougher to disable without a firmware update, assuming they remove the built in File Manager to install apps.
Robotica72 said:
I used the WiFi Transfer app in the store - then you can use the built in File Manager thats on the Show to install the APK's - Since they removed Downloader, this way is the second way to do it - and a little tougher to disable without a firmware update, assuming they remove the built in File Manager to install apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I am really new at this for the Show 15, but I am learning.
The wifi transfer app worked to get my apk on the show 15 and I used Total Commander to move it to the Downloads folder.
When I install it though it doesn't show up, as if it didn't install.
I don't remember what other app I used to try to install it, but at some point I got a message saying that I didn't have permission to install apps from unknown sources.
What am I doing wrong?
You need to use an app that is a trusted installer - the original method worked since Downloader has this, but all the other file managers do not. So, using Total Commander and go to system apps (scroll down a bit on the left side) - Open system apps and then on the right hand side, scroll down to File Manager (it may just say file). Then Click the virtual remote enter button and hold it for a bit, after about 2 seconds the upper right hand corner will show a new icon, it will be the first icon in the 4 icons in the upper right. Using the remote clik the new click and it will open up the File Manager - Install from there
Robotica72 said:
You need to use an app that is a trusted installer - the original method worked since Downloader has this, but all the other file managers do not. So, using Total Commander and go to system apps (scroll down a bit on the left side) - Open system apps and then on the right hand side, scroll down to File Manager (it may just say file). Then Click the virtual remote enter button and hold it for a bit, after about 2 seconds the upper right hand corner will show a new icon, it will be the first icon in the 4 icons in the upper right. Using the remote clik the new click and it will open up the File Manager - Install from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for working with me on this.
When I open Total Commander there is a list on the left.
The last one is - Installed apps
In that folder there is a File Explorer 1.681A and one that I think I downloaded - File Explorer for Fire Tablets & TV (File Manager App) 1.0
Using my Fire TV remote and holding down the ENTER button a menu pops up:
Launch app(main function)
Copy via bluetooth
Delete
Properties
Copy to clipboard
Sent to
Open with...
What am I doping wrong?
No Problem - this is the part you need - Use TV File Manager - That has the systems app option, its the in the play store...
It will have the system files on the left
Robotica72 said:
No Problem - this is the part you need - Use TV File Manager - That has the systems app option, its the in the play store...
It will have the system files on the left
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With TV File manager I get "For your security your tablet is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source". There is a "settings" that shows up with the message, but when I click that it just goes back to the TV File Manager screen. Ugh
Any other suggestions?
HypnoticGuy said:
With TV File manager I get "For your security your tablet is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source". There is a "settings" that shows up with the message, but when I click that it just goes back to the TV File Manager screen. Ugh
Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wait. Still trying something.
HypnoticGuy said:
Oh wait. Still trying something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, when I go to "System Apps" in TV File manager, then "Files" it
HypnoticGuy said:
Oh wait. Still trying something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it!! Thank you soooo much!
You're my hero! This is great!
Excellent - Glad you got it working... I ordered another one since this works, hoping it gets here quickly before Amazon figures this one out and disables it in some update. I think it would require an entire system update to disable since its a system app.
Hi,
I've try to install something since Downloader is KO but.... how what dit you (@HypnoticGuy ) do to install it ?
tried installing the same way but there is a new message "unable to install apps from unknown source".
Is there any way around this? seems like Amazon blocked it all.
need to know before sending it back as it is useless for me if I cannot side load anything on this...
When do you get the error that you cant install apps from an unknown source? I can still sideload apps using the built in, system file manager, but I havent updated since it worked (assuming Amazon did updates)
Amazon updated and removed the built in file manager so you can no longer install APKs by opening them with it. I’m not sure what to do now and may just return mine until this gets sorted out. Wish I could downgrade the OS, but it seems unlikely
adb sideloading may be one idea, but enabling developer options does not show adb debugging menu anymore.
Hello everyone,
I got an Echo Show 15 as a gift for Christmas and then brought it to the software version at the time. So Firetv was on it but I didn't do anything else and since I still haven't tackled the wall mounting with cabling, it hasn't been switched on since then.
My question would be: Is there a way to block it so that I can install the kiosk browser or will it still force the update on me?
I have Pi Hole but have no idea what to set there!
Of course, I don't dare to put the device into operation now either
does anyone know?