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I'm writing an article on the Nexus 7 and Jelly Bean, and I wonder if someone with more coding knowledge could help me out with something.
I'm wondering why so many apps are listed as "incompatible" with the Nexus 7. Is it the device configuration, or something to do with the way the apps are coded? Why would an app like NBA JAM work on a Galaxy Nexus but not a Nexus 7?
I think it's the default screen DPI value screwing things up.
Sent from my Galaxy S III
TheBiles said:
I think it's the default screen DPI value screwing things up.
Sent from my Galaxy S III
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Click to collapse
That would cause apps to be listed as "incompatible" in the Play Store?
How can developers make apps more widely compatible? Shouldn't the Android SDK responsive design features take care of that?
Thanks!
A lot of the applications that are listed as incompatible are in fact compatible if side loaded onto the device, bypassing the Play Store.
I don't want to assume you are new to Android but usually within 2-4 weeks of a new Android OS launch, more applications will become compatible in the Play Store.
Nexcellent said:
A lot of the applications that are listed as incompatible are in fact compatible if side loaded onto the device, bypassing the Play Store.
I don't want to assume you are new to Android but usually within 2-4 weeks of a new Android OS launch, more applications will become compatible in the Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a Nexus user for a few years now, so I know that eventually apps will be updated, although it's always pretty annoying in the beginning. I'm just trying to understand better what developers have to do in order to make apps compatible with new devices and new versions of Android.
Many also show incompatible (such as Amazon) because they require a rear camera. They work fine when sideloaded (as mentioned above) but force close when trying to access the camera.
There's a build property for "highest version of android that this app will work for". Google advises against using it in the documentation, but a lot of devs set the max version to ICS anyway. Expect it to be corrected as more people get JB
While I have been initially impressed with the hardware, having most of my apps appear as just larger phone apps is annoying. My original reaction to this was "it will get better", right? Now I am not so sure. Did Google screw the pooch on this one?
Case in point: Grocery IQ, an often used app has been recently updated to a tablet version "yay!". But initially this update broke both the phone and tablet version on Nexus 7. I contacted the developer and was told they were aware of the issue and a fix would be released soon.
Got that new release this morning, the phone version, not the tablet version. Tablet version is incompatible with the Nexus 7. So... yet another app that has a tablet version, but not on the Nexus 7.
So is the iPad Mini the only 7-8 inch tablet available or do the Samsung 7 inchers behave like a tablet too? And what has Google left out of the dev environment that has developers of apps like Grocery IQ and Trip Advisor issuing their phone apps to the Nexus 7 and not their tablet counterparts?
It does get rather annoying just having a "big" phone, I'd love to see some tablet apps appearing PROPERLY on the Nexus 7.
But thats Android in general at the moment, everything is scaled and all look the same!
And don't forget the lazy companies, that, instead of releasing just the phone app, or tablet app, just block and ban an app for the nexus 7.
ChatOn for example -.- finally got my guys to use it, and now I have to search for a new chat app -.- and the support just says "thx for your mail" blah blah.... But we'll see what the future brings...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Some tablet apps work, like news 360 and that is brillaint and the Times app worked as tablet. Only thing what annoys me is Chrome always requests mobile sites.
It's the fault of lazy or incompetent developers.
It really takes no magic to check for tvdpi (IIRC) and then load the tablet layout XML - but they just fail to do it.
But they'll get what they deserve. Their apps will get lesser downloads over time and people will move to the apps doing it right.
And it's also not hard to just release the app until they fixed it.. Why banning... I don't get it..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Blaming the app developers is not really the smart route. Google has had plenty of time to make the n7 a tablet ui. We are on the fourth revision (4.1, 4.1.1, 4.2, 4.2.1) and google has actually moved further away form tablet ui by removing all remaining framework for it in 4.2. In this instance, looking any further than google when assigning blame would be silly. But, those kinds of things make you appreciate our xda devs just that much more when they release fixes for us all.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
rebel1699 said:
google has actually moved further away form tablet ui by removing all remaining framework for it in 4.2.
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Click to collapse
Wrong.
Don't confuse the complete "tablet UI" with the launcher and notification area.
The notification area is actually THE ONYL thing they changed.
The UI still uses fragments when in "tablet (UI) mode" - just compare the settings app with the default DPI and then edit it to 160, big difference there.
hi guys i'm a new member to this community and i'm ready to change from apple and IOS to android which i have never use..
i have find to sell my iphone and with that money to buy the nexus 4. During the last 3 weeks i have read and view many reviews about the nexus 4 and i believe it's a great phone !
what do you think will be the difficulties that i will face during this transition between the two different softwares??
is finally the nexus 4 a better phone than the iphone 4s?
thanks in advance for your answers!!
If your a techie, you shouldn't have any problems and you should be able to guide yourself through Android. Everything you need is in the Notification Drawer! You might have a hard time adjusting to no physical home button, but you'll get used to it. Music is just drag and drop, or it would be worth it to download Google Play Music on your computer and sync your music in the cloud. Just explore the phone the day you get it. I personally like the overall look and feel of Android more than iOS. Welcome to the best Android experience out there, a Nexus 4!!!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Gorjira said:
If your a techie, you shouldn't have any problems and you should be able to guide yourself through Android. Everything you need is in the Notification Drawer! You might have a hard time adjusting to no physical home button, but you'll get used to it. Music is just drag and drop, or it would be worth it to download Google Play Music on your computer and sync your music in the cloud. Just explore the phone the day you get it. I personally like the overall look and feel of Android more than iOS. Welcome to the best Android experience out there, a Nexus 4!!!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your answer!!!
Like most iPhone users, you're going to spend weeks posting threads asking how to exactly replicate iPhone functionality before realizing that the Android experience is different and you just need to learn new ways of working.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
stefanos7 said:
hi guys i'm a new member to this community and i'm ready to change from apple and IOS to android which i have never use..
i have find to sell my iphone and with that money to buy the nexus 4. During the last 3 weeks i have read and view many reviews about the nexus 4 and i believe it's a great phone !
what do you think will be the difficulties that i will face during this transition between the two different softwares??
is finally the nexus 4 a better phone than the iphone 4s?
thanks in advance for your answers!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any phone is better than an iPhone.
Just kidding, but seriously. don't get me wrong, iPhones are good phones, they really are. People get them cause they like them, I get androids because I like them. Spec wise, Nexus 4 blows iPhones away. IMO, Nexus 4's are way better than any of the iPhones out right now. I talked to my friends who went from iPhones to Androids, and they said the only difficulty they had was getting used to how the OS is. iPhones are simple, and straight forward. Theres not much you can change about an iPhone unless you jailbreak it. Androids are customizable right out of the box.Only problem you MIGHT face is getting used to android.
@mrjoeltan: I agree with you, just want to add: I feel that android, starting jelly bean, doesn't require any customization. Let me explain.
For the longest time, people compared android to iOS this way: iOS you can't customize, but it works pretty amazingly right out of the box. Android, on the other hand, can be customized to incredible levels; however, right out of the box it is not a great experience. And up till jelly bean, I agreed with this claim.
What I think changed in the last half year is that now android (jelly bean, so Nexus 4 for sure) is as amazing out of the box as iOS, with the added ability to customize the sh*t out of it if you want to.
To not be completely off topic:
There will be very few things you need to "learn" during transition. I think the largest one is the way system handles settings of notifications and alerts: b/c iOS uses only its own push notifications, all sound settings for all apps are done in the "settings" app. Android is a bit different- the apps keep a service running in background for themselves, and so you have to edit sound/alert settings in the apps themselves. The reward for this is that apps can have more advanced notifications with popup menus, repeated alerts etc. They will all appear in your notification drawer, but they can do more.
Music is simple drag-and-drop.
Other difference is handling of files. PDFs will first download, only then you can click on them to view them. They will be stored in the "Download" folder, accessible either via the "Downloads" app or via file manager of your choice (I recommend installing one).
If you have more apps that allow opening some file (ie, you have Adobe Reader and the built-in quickoffice viewer), when you click on a PDF (or some other supported file, even link), you will have a window allowing you to choose what program should open the given file. (don't worry, you can set defaults and not worry about it again)
I suggest you set all google maps links to default to the google maps app, not the browser. Similarly, set all youtube links to go to the youtube app, not the browser.
Hope I helped!
matus201 said:
@mrjoeltan: I agree with you, just want to add: I feel that android, starting jelly bean, doesn't require any customization. Let me explain.
For the longest time, people compared android to iOS this way: iOS you can't customize, but it works pretty amazingly right out of the box. Android, on the other hand, can be customized to incredible levels; however, right out of the box it is not a great experience. And up till jelly bean, I agreed with this claim.
What I think changed in the last half year is that now android (jelly bean, so Nexus 4 for sure) is as amazing out of the box as iOS, with the added ability to customize the sh*t out of it if you want to.
To not be completely off topic:
There will be very few things you need to "learn" during transition. I think the largest one is the way system handles settings of notifications and alerts: b/c iOS uses only its own push notifications, all sound settings for all apps are done in the "settings" app. Android is a bit different- the apps keep a service running in background for themselves, and so you have to edit sound/alert settings in the apps themselves. The reward for this is that apps can have more advanced notifications with popup menus, repeated alerts etc. They will all appear in your notification drawer, but they can do more.
Music is simple drag-and-drop.
Other difference is handling of files. PDFs will first download, only then you can click on them to view them. They will be stored in the "Download" folder, accessible either via the "Downloads" app or via file manager of your choice (I recommend installing one).
If you have more apps that allow opening some file (ie, you have Adobe Reader and the built-in quickoffice viewer), when you click on a PDF (or some other supported file, even link), you will have a window allowing you to choose what program should open the given file. (don't worry, you can set defaults and not worry about it again)
I suggest you set all google maps links to default to the google maps app, not the browser. Similarly, set all youtube links to go to the youtube app, not the browser.
Hope I helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you all for your help!!
I have just ordered the 16 gb with the official bumper!!
i will return with my first impressions as soon as I have it in my hands!
Welcome to the world of Android. You will really enjoy the Nexus 4. The phone is smooth as butter and the customization is fantastic. I actually replaced the standard launcher with Nova Prime launcher as it offers even more customization than the standard launcher.
if you have your iphone jailbroken, it will be easier to port to Android, have fun..
Definitely get back and let us know if you have any questions - I just held my boyfriend's hand through his iPhone to Nexus 4 transition (I give great Valentines presents!), so I'm sure some of your questions will either pop up for him or already have.
calanizzle said:
if you have your iphone jailbroken, it will be easier to port to Android, have fun..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have jailbroken it in the past once but now my iphone is without
qocarekeri said:
Definitely get back and let us know if you have any questions - I just held my boyfriend's hand through his iPhone to Nexus 4 transition (I give great Valentines presents!), so I'm sure some of your questions will either pop up for him or already have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you (great gift!!)
I'm sure about that
how does your boyfriend finally feel with your gift??
does he miss the iphone?
You wont regret buying and android device like the nexus 4.
IMO android is much more flexible customisable and powerful than iOS. The iOS is soo God darn easy to use because there isn't much to do in it. It has a homescreen and... Well that's pretty much it!
But android 4.0+ combines ease of use and great functionality. Once you switch to android and start using all of its features, you'll never go back.
Oh and BTW, I think the Nexus 4 looks damn sexy, looks better than an iPhone.
stefanos7 said:
I have jailbroken it in the past once but now my iphone is without
thank you (great gift!!)
I'm sure about that
how does your boyfriend finally feel with your gift??
does he miss the iphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was an adjustment period for him - how do I get X, where can I find apps, where is X setting.
He was a little pouty at the beginning of the process, but after a month or so, he's up and running and very happy. The main thing that he missed was a collection settings that covered all apps.
-Keri
qocarekeri said:
There was an adjustment period for him - how do I get X, where can I find apps, where is X setting.
He was a little pouty at the beginning of the process, but after a month or so, he's up and running and very happy. The main thing that he missed was a collection settings that covered all apps.
-Keri
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I can see how that could be a problem. However I went the other way (Android to an iPad) and was greatly dissatisfied with the super easy and noob setting of iOS.
On topic, I would suggest OP to use the phone for a couple months, before venturing into any customization options (rooting, kernels, ROMs, launchers etc). Getting used to Android could take you a while but once you get used to it your production will be greatly improved.
wngmv said:
On topic, I would suggest OP to use the phone for a couple months, before venturing into any customization options (rooting, kernels, ROMs, launchers etc). Getting used to Android could take you a while but once you get used to it your production will be greatly improved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And when you decide to do so, follow the link in my signature. Do not use a toolkit!
Good luck with it all, you'll love it! Let us know if you need any help. :thumbup:
wngmv said:
Yeah I can see how that could be a problem. However I went the other way (Android to an iPad) and was greatly dissatisfied with the super easy and noob setting of iOS.
On topic, I would suggest OP to use the phone for a couple months, before venturing into any customization options (rooting, kernels, ROMs, launchers etc). Getting used to Android could take you a while but once you get used to it your production will be greatly improved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I used an iPad recently and I actually found it very counter-intuitive having all of the individual app settings under the general settings app. I wanted to sign out of the email app for example but I genuinely could not find a way to do it from within the app itself, and ended up having to go to settings then manage accounts or something similar. In Android I just hit menu in any app I'm using and I can be certain that there will be some sort of settings or options button, which to me seems much more logical since if I want to change an app setting the likelihood is that I'm using that app already. Obviously the opposite will apply for users moving from iOS to Android, but I think I'm just so used to Android now that iOS simply doesn't work for me.
Vangelis13 said:
And when you decide to do so, follow the link in my signature. Do not use a toolkit!
Good luck with it all, you'll love it! Let us know if you need any help. :thumbup:
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Click to collapse
ok thanks a lot for your help i will follow your advice !!
however you could find a better avatar!! the red one!!!heheh
na sai kala!!
Hello
An interesting article I read today with regards to the skins OEM put on android devices (touchwiz) that leads to fragmentation.
Interesting quote from the article,
"I believe this Android update underscores Google’s new vision for OEMs has hardware producers only! Android 4.4 is a trojan horse of unification - it will give Google the tools it needs to completely wipe a skin from a device with a simple download from the Play Store."
If this turns out to be true it can have a major impact on the Galaxy Note products due to it being so reliant on touchwiz. Also I do not know how deeply integrated touchwiz is on Android so I guess time will tell.
http://techtainian.com/news/2013/10...l-reclaim-android-and-unify-holo-with-kennedy
Great article. Thanks for posting the link. I hate touchwizz and love simple vanilla android which you get on the nexus devices. Android needs to be simple to use and I find using touchwizz requires a another learning curve and it just irritates me. I think manufactures should use stock android and then install custom launchers and apps. Commercially google wants to retain the rains of android which will also be a business decision. I can see the advantages for Joe public who could just pick up any android device and know it works like any other device. I want the choice to pick either without having to root a device and install custom firmware.
andyzarins said:
Great article. Thanks for posting the link. I hate touchwizz and love simple vanilla android which you get on the nexus devices. Android needs to be simple to use and I find using touchwizz requires a another learning curve and it just irritates me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vanilla is good but then you don't get S Pen and multi window. And nexus devices come without SD Support.
ddavtian said:
Vanilla is good but then you don't get S Pen and multi window. And nexus devices come without SD Support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These two things do not apply to one another whatsoever. Samsung could put S-Pen, SD, and multi-window support on their devices without the UI overhaul. The two are not in any way connected.
It makes perfect sense for them to put stock android in their tablets and make the S-Note, multi window etc available via the playstore.
Honestly, I don't know about Samsung's and Google relationship as it stands today but if Google does makes an app that allows the user to remove OEM skins than it might be the start of the downfall between the two companies.
On a side note there are rumours that the new Nexus 10 is Asus built not Samsung.
Not a rumour. Asus is building the new nexus 10. One the fence about buying the new 10.1 or waiting for the new nexus.
has anyone flashed new stock based rom by DroidMote Server / Client?
https://plus.google.com/+VideomapIt/posts/WLMsgEqw7dw
digweed4me said:
has anyone flashed new stock based rom by DroidMote Server / Client?
https://plus.google.com/+VideomapIt/posts/WLMsgEqw7dw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is a great rom overall but is not 4k/1080p friendly (as far as video playback is concerned in Youtube and Netflix) and you will lose leanback launcher functionality.
https://plus.google.com/+VideomapIt/posts/QiC1Pksvzaq
https://youtu.be/NMqz8e33oq8
With Android you can do all. With Android TV no. Now and forever because Android TV was invented for TV manufacturers that want a limited OS to better sell their services.
This is what I understand but I hope to be wrong.
zulu99 said:
https://plus.google.com/+VideomapIt/posts/QiC1Pksvzaq
https://youtu.be/NMqz8e33oq8
With Android you can do all. With Android TV no. Now and forever because Android TV was invented for TV manufacturers that want a limited OS to better sell their services.
This is what I understand but I hope to be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
completly wrong.
Android TV is a full Android plus new TV features (search,recommendations,background playback). It's not limited.
It's just the launcher and the store that 'filter' apps that are not specifically optimized for a TV experience (= with a remote instead of touchscreen).
Savvy people can sideload and use any apps on Android TV.
But the goal of Google and TV manufacturers isn't to provide a system for savvy users, that would be a niche market and not worth their time & money.
They want a system anyone can use, the average user. A simple to use and consistent interface from app to app, while keeping the full power of Android behind the scene. Because nothing is more confusing for the average guy than using a 'made for touchscreen' app on a TV or using apps with different 'UI behavior' , it's the best way for him to throw away the whole thing in the trashcan
TV manufacturers don't sell services anyway, they sell TV...
kgersen said:
completly wrong.
Android TV is a full Android plus new TV features (search,recommendations,background playback). It's not limited.
It's just the launcher and the store that 'filter' apps that are not specifically optimized for a TV experience (= with a remote instead of touchscreen).
Savvy people can sideload and use any apps on Android TV.
But the goal of Google and TV manufacturers isn't to provide a system for savvy users, that would be a niche market and not worth their time & money.
They want a system anyone can use, the average user. A simple to use and consistent interface from app to app, while keeping the full power of Android behind the scene. Because nothing is more confusing for the average guy than using a 'made for touchscreen' app on a TV or using apps with different 'UI behavior' , it's the best way for him to throw away the whole thing in the trashcan
TV manufacturers don't sell services anyway, they sell TV...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is a FACT that with Android we can do all. Also specific things of Android TV. The inverse is not possible. But i'm very sorry of this
But this is not problem, the important fact is that Nvidia Shield Console have very good hardware and finally we can have a good full Android device connected to our TV.
The choice from Android TV and full Android is a reality so advanced users can have the alternative.
If it was not a question of money / forced limitations, should be more simple create a specific Launcher for TV that all can download from Google Play and specific apps more accessible with a dpad also downloadable for all from Google Play.
zulu99 said:
Is a FACT that with Android we can do all. Also specific things of Android TV. The inverse is not possible. But i'm very sorry of this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
Android TV is Android + more features..
I don't get what you can do with Android that you can't do with Android TV.
Actually it's the contrary: you can do stuff with Android TV that you can't do with Android, for instance acting as a Chromecast (Google Cast Receiver) or displaying a video in the background of your launcher (home screen) from an app.
kgersen said:
no
Android TV is Android + more features..
I don't get what you can do with Android that you can't do with Android TV.
Actually it's the contrary: you can do stuff with Android TV that you can't do with Android, for instance acting as a Chromecast (Google Cast Receiver) or displaying a video in the background of your launcher (home screen) from an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only one example of others million, install chrome browser and observe how it look bad at 320 dpi. Like the most negative phone of 10 years ago.
Android TV is a stripped down version of Android full of limitations.
Chromecast functionality are possible also on full Android.
Android is Android because you can install and update million of apps directly from Google Play. Android without apps is nothing. This is also the difference with Windows Phone, Ubuntu Phone and many others OS that dream the android apps ecosystem.
The actual number of Android apps in Google Play is a reality because independent developers thought that Android would have been a real open source OS, no longer thinks so after so many closures.
Apart that every single standard app is better and faster than the leanback version. Try Youtube as example to better understand. Life is too short to waste time with the directionals keys. Was already a failure on old Smart TV.
But if in the world there are people that bought an Iphone, This justifies even people who prefer Android TV
My interest is not to be right about this, i'm very happy with full Android. I'm just sharing my experience and i know Android quite well.
The thread of full Android firmware is this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/rom-t3138575
I don't understand why for this good hardware, one of the best in the Android world, we can't have a regular forum like all others devices.
Can someone explain ? please. Just for information.
@zulu99 I have a nexus player, I'm currently running CM12.1 but even on stock there was not much I couldn't do.
There is an app to allow easy use of sideloaded apps, a keyboard/trackpad combo let's you navigate without the directional keys on everything but the lean back laucher. Only thing I wasn't able to do is get the VPN working well (had to use separate VPN app, no built in VPN). I'm not saying ATV is better then Normal Android, just that you can do almost anything with a little effort. ATV is Android, same kernel and the core is built on the same code as normal Android.
Android is still very much an open ecosystem. Yes some things are locked away, but nothing as draconian as Apple or Microsoft. Even without root a lot more is possible on a system running Android then any other comparable platform (Android wear vs WatchOS, Android vs iOS, etc). I respect that you are a developer, I just think your 100% wrong in your view on ATV.
I'll be getting the Shield soon as a gaming/streaming TV console for an upcoming multi month work trip.
zulu99 said:
Only one example of others million, install chrome browser and observe how it look bad at 320 dpi. Like the most negative phone of 10 years ago.
Android TV is a stripped down version of Android full of limitations.
Chromecast functionality are possible also on full Android.
Android is Android because you can install and update million of apps directly from Google Play. Android without apps is nothing. This is also the difference with Windows Phone, Ubuntu Phone and many others OS that dream the android apps ecosystem.
The actual number of Android apps in Google Play is a reality because independent developers thought that Android would have been a real open source OS, no longer thinks so after so many closures.
Apart that every single standard app is better and faster than the leanback version. Try Youtube as example to better understand. Life is too short to waste time with the directionals keys. Was already a failure on old Smart TV.
But if in the world there are people that bought an Iphone, This justifies even people who prefer Android TV
My interest is not to be right about this, i'm very happy with full Android. I'm just sharing my experience and i know Android quite well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Chrome looks bad on TV isn't because of the OS... You "know Android quite well" but you clearly don't know what is an OS and what is an app and where the 'frontier' between the two is.
You're confusing a lot of things and mixing things up.
Plz do show me Chromecasting Netflix for instance on what you call "full Android" (which I just call "Android").
I agree with Zulu. If you want locked down hardware and software, please go buy an Apple TV. And you also probably have no reason to go to XDA developers as this site is all about tweaking. Without root, what tweaking are you doing?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
well said @machx1111
Leave zulu99 to his noble developing work @kgersen Some of us find this sort of stuff really useful.
I get that you don't personally find it useful but your comments seem to be borderline insulting considering the effort zulu99 has gone to. This forum really isn't the place for criticism unless it's constructive.
BenjiHansell said:
well said @machx1111
Leave zulu99 to his noble developing work @kgersen Some of us find this sort of stuff really useful.
I get that you don't personally find it useful but your comments seem to be borderline insulting considering the effort zulu99 has gone to. This forum really isn't the place for criticism unless it's constructive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wth are you talking about? did you even read our comments ?
I never said we mustn't root or do alternative ROM or that I want locked-down devices and software.
We're just talking about Android vs Android TV.
I just don't get why people waste their time porting CM or a 'smartphone/tablet/touch' version of Android to the Shield when it already has a full OS: Android TV and that NVidia already provides all the source and tools to build your own firmware for it: https://developer.nvidia.com/shield-open-source
I think they're just transposing what they had to do on smartphones and tablets because OEMs won't release the sources and tools to build your own firmware, to a new device just because it also run Android... They didn't bother looking up or asking NVidia...
Android TV is Android, if you don't like the 'TV' part just don't use it, go download the source code from NVidia and adapt/change what you don't want or add new features. If you prefer to use an UI made for touch on a TV that's your choice...hell you can even adapt Linux for Tegra for the Shield if you want Ubuntu instead of Android.
I'm all for tinkering and rooting but do it right, even more when the manufacturer can help you do so.
_Dennis_ said:
@zulu99 I have a nexus player, I'm currently running CM12.1 but even on stock there was not much I couldn't do.
There is an app to allow easy use of sideloaded apps, a keyboard/trackpad combo let's you navigate without the directional keys on everything but the lean back laucher. Only thing I wasn't able to do is get the VPN working well (had to use separate VPN app, no built in VPN). I'm not saying ATV is better then Normal Android, just that you can do almost anything with a little effort. ATV is Android, same kernel and the core is built on the same code as normal Android.
Android is still very much an open ecosystem. Yes some things are locked away, but nothing as draconian as Apple or Microsoft. Even without root a lot more is possible on a system running Android then any other comparable platform (Android wear vs WatchOS, Android vs iOS, etc). I respect that you are a developer, I just think your 100% wrong in your view on ATV.
I'll be getting the Shield soon as a gaming/streaming TV console for an upcoming multi month work trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Lollirock firmware on Nexus Player and no cyanogenmod if you want a regular Android firmware in which you can install all from Google Play.
I respect the classic Cyanogenmod development / firmwares, but on Nexus Player the cyanogenmod firmware is just a strange hybrid. It use many parts of Android TV. Usually Cyanogenmod add things to Android, on the nexus player it remove things from Android
Not really useful. Read posts of users to better understand.
In lollirock firmware thread in the last part there are comparisons made by users.
---------- Post added at 11:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------
kgersen said:
wth are you talking about? did you even read our comments ?
I never said we mustn't root or do alternative ROM or that I want locked-down devices and software.
We're just talking about Android vs Android TV.
I just don't get why people waste their time porting CM or a 'smartphone/tablet/touch' version of Android to the Shield when it already has a full OS: Android TV and that NVidia already provides all the source and tools to build your own firmware for it: https://developer.nvidia.com/shield-open-source
I think they're just transposing what they had to do on smartphones and tablets because OEMs won't release the sources and tools to build your own firmware, to a new device just because it also run Android... They didn't bother looking up or asking NVidia...
Android TV is Android, if you don't like the 'TV' part just don't use it, go download the source code from NVidia and adapt/change what you don't want or add new features. If you prefer to use an UI made for touch on a TV that's your choice...hell you can even adapt Linux for Tegra for the Shield if you want Ubuntu instead of Android.
I'm all for tinkering and rooting but do it right, even more when the manufacturer can help you do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About you, instead of writing things without sense, present to us your work. We will happy to test.
What are you doing for others people ?
If you like Android TV why you write here ?
Please i don't want problems with others users.
I'm already exposing myself too much.
But is necessary to demonstrate that we understand very well when things are necessary and others things are just made to protect economic interests against the fair competitive laws.
Apart all, is not most useful that you can do more things instead of be able to do just what others wants ?
Why we should remain closed in the Android TV that is a "Walled Garden". Because you don't like ?
Two things are always better than one.
p.s.
Netflix work well in full Android firmware, like google movies app and all others DRM players.
Chromecast functionality are working too.
Usually i use Chromecast functionality only if there isn't an app to do it natively inside the box. Is stupid stream with chromecast if you can have it native inside the box. But you can do all with quite all apps. also screen mirroring is possible. tested with my galaxy s6 and nexus7
All others Leanback-Only apps are working well ( 10 / 11 in total )
also xposed framework is beautiful to tweak your firmware.
When i read comments like your i'm very happy, because usually mean that the firmware works very very well
What many people not know is that in Google Plus, Facebook and also in xda forum like in others forum, users can be paid to do good reviews and support some platforms, just to make advertisement. Attention when you read.
RELY ON TESTS MADE ONLY BY YOURSELF
zulu99 said:
Use Lollirock firmware on Nexus Player and no cyanogenmod if you want a regular Android firmware in which you can install all from Google Play.
I respect the classic Cyanogenmod development / firmwares, but on Nexus Player the cyanogenmod firmware is just a strange hybrid. It use many parts of Android TV. Usually Cyanogenmod add things to Android, on the nexus player it remove things from Android
Not really useful. Read posts of users to better understand.
In lollirock firmware thread in the last part there are comparisons made by users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm enjoying the hybrid model used on CM. I get that its not for everyone, was just using it as an example.
I am able to do almost anything I could do on my phone on the TV. Does it all work perfectly? Of course not. Many apps are designed around a multi touch screen, my TV does not have a touchscreen at all. I just don't understand why you feel Android TV is more locked down then standard android. I was able to use es explorer to side load anything I wanted. Does not mean it worked (some apps are not programmed for directional keys and rely on touch input only, so they needed a mouse. Once I got that set up I can use anything fairly well. I have Amazon prime music working great for example, and I have prime videos loaded (haven't used it yet, netflix and hulu have my attention right now). This is all doable on androidTV, can't do it on my Roku, all I can get for amazon music is the non-prime stuff.
I can only think one think of one thing ATV can't do (native VPN) and one thing stock android can't do (well haven't tried sideloading the app yet) and that's receive a chrome cast stream, or send a chrome cast from one phone to tablet or whatever. Mostly the two versions seem comparable, the differences are in the stock apps (read Launcher and play store).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
_Dennis_ said:
I'm enjoying the hybrid model used on CM. I get that its not for everyone, was just using it as an example.
I am able to do almost anything I could do on my phone on the TV. Does it all work perfectly? Of course not. Many apps are designed around a multi touch screen, my TV does not have a touchscreen at all. I just don't understand why you feel Android TV is more locked down then standard android. I was able to use es explorer to side load anything I wanted. Does not mean it worked (some apps are not programmed for directional keys and rely on touch input only, so they needed a mouse. Once I got that set up I can use anything fairly well. I have Amazon prime music working great for example, and I have prime videos loaded (haven't used it yet, netflix and hulu have my attention right now). This is all doable on androidTV, can't do it on my Roku, all I can get for amazon music is the non-prime stuff.
I can only think one think of one thing ATV can't do (native VPN) and one thing stock android can't do (well haven't tried sideloading the app yet) and that's receive a chrome cast stream, or send a chrome cast from one phone to tablet or whatever. Mostly the two versions seem comparable, the differences are in the stock apps (read Launcher and play store).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Android we can install all apps simply from Google Play and all works better at 220 / 230 dpi. Touch-only apps are not a problem, with DroidMote i can use very well multi-touch apps and games.
You will search manually for every single apk when an update is available ? Get it from your phone, upload and reinstall. Baaaaaaaa
Good Luck
p.s.
Today i used all the day the Shield Console with full Android firmware and i can say it is Super. I installed and tested all benchmark apps, all others my preferred apps. All work super smooth and i like this hardware. I will never turn back on Android TV
zulu99 said:
With Android we can install all simply from Google Play and all works better at 220 / 230 dpi. Touch-only apps are not a problem, with DroidMote i can use very well multi-touch apps and games.
You will search manually for every single apk when an update is available ? Get it from your phone, upload and reinstall. Baaaaaaaa
Good Luck
p.s.
Today i used all the day the Shield Console with full Android firmware and i can say it is Super. I installed and tested all benchmark apps, all my preffered apps. All work super smoth and i like this hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not an issue inherent to Android TV, that is a function of the play store.
Don't get me wrong I'll probably try your ROM at some point. I make my own opinions, so I'm constantly trying new stuff.
_Dennis_ said:
That's not an issue inherent to Android TV, that is a function of the play store.
Don't get me wrong I'll probably try your ROM at some point. I make my own opinions, so I'm constantly trying new stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems. we are here to discuss like good friends. I'm writing from Shield Console in a beautiful Chrome Browser at 220 dpi.
I like to discuss and hear the opinions of others.
I have only one big problem, my bad english. I'm Italian
zulu99 said:
No problems. we are here to discuss like good friends. I'm writing from Shield Console in a beautiful Chrome Browser at 220 dpi.
I like to discuss and hear the opinions of others.
I have only one big problem, my bad english. I'm Italian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its OK, I'm pretty good at understanding, my wife is Filipino and I lived in Japan for 3 years.
I may attempt to mess with some settings (I noticed a TV setting in build.prop) to see if I can get full play store use without changing much, mainly so anyone can use what ROM they want while getting access to both stores I see that as the best of both worlds.
_Dennis_ said:
I may attempt to mess with some settings (I noticed a TV setting in build.prop) to see if I can get full play store use without changing much, mainly so anyone can use what ROM they want while getting access to both stores I see that as the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a minix neo x8h+ and this box is "seen" by the play store as a leanback compatible box, but it also has access to all the android apps... so this may be a build.prop worth looking at?
I am getting an Nvidia console in a couple of weeks and would love to use leanback BUT not with the added hassle of installing and running non leanback apps.
tx Mark.