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I don't think they notice the full potential their device has because people aren't speaking up about it. I think if enough people here email them, asking for them to open the device up for us, they'll see the benefits of us having root access.
I just wrote those one to them.
I sincerely hope this message is read with an open mind by those in charge of the Amazon Fire TV device. Please, PLEASE make sure this gets to the right people who can make a change.
First off, I'm a die hard fan of Amazon, especially ever since I first got my Prime account. I've had issues with orders in the past, as well as products and the Amazon team has always, ALWAYS had my back, which is why I generally do all my shopping strictly with Amazon, even if I can find it cheaper elsewhere, because I know if issue arise, Amazon has my back.
To the point!
The Amazon Fire TV is probably one of the most nifty devices for steaming that has ever come out. It dominates the Roku which I was a huge fan of. The hardware in this little thing is just downright impressive for what it is, especially with it running Android. The possibilities were endless!
So the issue? I'm speaking for hundreds of people, who all should speak up but don't have the time or will to do so.
The biggest benefit of the Fire TV is the fact stated above, it runs Android. We can do so much amazing things with an operating system as open as Android. The problem we have though, as a large community who love to tinker, such as those of us who are part of the XDA community, is you're not allowing us the full potential of the hardware.
The main reason I bought the device wasn't just because it was Amazon backed, and it ran Android, but because it had root access. With that I was able to run my emulators and play NES games and so forth from the comfort of my couch without having to lug out a computer and have the inconvenience of needing a keyboard and mouse to start it all up.
I had the convenience to put a web browser on it so I could run a wireless keyboard to it if I needed to search for something quickly online instead of going into the other room to turn my computer on or find my tablet.
The device ships with a very limited built in storage which is not very good for installing apps. Just installing Bard's Tale eats up almost the entire storage. With root access we could run external pen drives to allow extra storage.
I want you to really think about the potential your device has. You will lose NOTHING by allowing us to root. You will lose NOTHING by allowing us access to the bootloader for custom roming.
Look at Android phones right now, those that are unlocked, like the Nexus devices are among the most popular because of what we're able to do with it. People buy them SOLEY because they know they can Rom it, customize it and so forth.
People see right now that we can't get root access working again and we're losing a lot of options we once had and it's turning people off.
If people see that Amazon took it's community into mind and let us have our root access....people will respect that and buy more of your devices! It's a Win - Win!
I mean really think about it, what are you going to lose? Some people possibly bricking the device? That's their problem, not yours. Warranty is void when tinkering, plain and simple.
Right now, without root access, we're not much better off than owners of the Roku. No enthusiasts bought the Roku because all it is, is a steaming device. Us tech junkies such as myself, bought the Fire TV soley because it allowed more freedom to do more with my device.
So please, I speak for many, open up the flood gates for the community and give us an unlocked bootloader, or at least just make root access easier to acquire!
Sincerely,
An Amazon Junkie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spykez0129 said:
I don't think they notice the full potential their device has because people aren't speaking up about it. I think if enough people here email them, asking for them to open the device up for us, they'll see the benefits of us having root access.
I just wrote those one to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon is notorious for locking down their devices extremely hard. I doubt the Fire TV will be any different. And then you have the fact that the content providers don't really want it. Piracy and all that nonsense they like to say.
The added bonus for a rooted Fire TV is Play Store access complete with a fully functional compatibility filter.
Since I actually (re-)gained access to the Play Store,I was able to use my existing acount from my GS7 to install a paid app on my Fire TV that I once had on the GS7 without needing to buy it again.
I want an unlocked bootloader so I can get the multitasking GUI of a modern Linux Distro.
Maybe if the ARM Linux build of Dolphin with OpenGL 2.0 is found,anyone could use Freedreno to actually get it running on a Fire TV!
Id be more or less happy without root if they'd bake in A) Sideloaded apps showing on the menu and B) External storage
Its cool to be able to do other stuff but these are the deal breaks for me. The internal storage on this thing is so ridiculously small, I have no idea how it made it through Q&A. Id have paid the extra $10 for more memory if they offered it.
retroben said:
The added bonus for a rooted Fire TV is Play Store access complete with a fully functional compatibility filter.
Since I actually (re-)gained access to the Play Store,I was able to use my existing acount from my GS7 to install a paid app on my Fire TV that I once had on the GS7 without needing to buy it again.
I want an unlocked bootloader so I can get the multitasking GUI of a modern Linux Distro.
Maybe if the ARM Linux build of Dolphin with OpenGL 2.0 is found,anyone could use Freedreno to actually get it running on a Fire TV!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why on earth would Amazon support the Play Store when they have their own app store? The idea is to generate revenue, not funnel it elsewhere.
rbox said:
Amazon is notorious for locking down their devices extremely hard. I doubt the Fire TV will be any different. And then you have the fact that the content providers don't really want it. Piracy and all that nonsense they like to say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I get that but there were phone companies that said the same thing, then when people took a stand to go to phones that were unlocked, the manufacturers saw the potential. If enough people bug Amazon about it, it has the potential to make them see the benefit.
Amazon hasn't gotten as big as it is by making poor business choices (Fire phone notwithstanding). We tend to forget that the vast majority of people who buy a fireTV don't have a clue what rooting is, much less its benefits. The bottom line for Amazon is that they will make a helluva larger profit keeping their customers within their own ecosystem than any increase in FTV sales that might occur by appealing to those would prefer a box they can root.
Amazon has announced the Fire TV Stick this morning. It is capable of the full Fire TV experience. It's $39, but for 2 days only Prime members can pre-order it for $19. It has 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, a dual-core processor, and dual band MIMO wifi.
It comes with a basic remote that doesn't support voice search, although it is compatible with both the voice remote and game controller. There is no ethernet or optical audio. It cannot be powered through HDMI, so it needs external power.
Here is a comparison chart.
Since xmas is coming...
This could be a too much of a wish, but I was wondering sth:
I have a Motorola Lapdock and I see people use that device with the andorid TV sticks together as a portable laptop/tablet kinda device. I was looking for those sticks but most of them have bad reviews and outdated hardware for today. Amazon's fire stick make me excited, because the very first thing come to my mind, hacking this stick, install an android OS and use with Motorola Lapdock as a portable laptop.
I wonder such thing would be possible with this device. I ordered 2 with this great introduction price, and I am waiting to hear from you if such wish would become true?!?!?!
(santa hear me!)
What's the chance of being able to sideload apps, install Google Play Store, root it, etc?
I ordered one and may order more (even at $40) to replace a couple of ATV2s around the house which are running XBMC. My main hope is for MHL/HDMI-CEC control allowing for at least basic control through the TV remote... otherwise I won't be buying more than the one because I use Harmony remotes in pretty much every room in the house and won't allow the addition of something like LIRC or other IR receivers like the full Fire TV does. Even if I can't sideload full XBMC, I'll be fine running SPMC which is already free in the Fire TV section of the Amazon App Store, or even PLEX as a worst-case as it's already confirmed for the Fire TV Stick.
Would live something like this where i can simply install openelec and boot straight into xbmc.
Also looks like this is only for USA members which sucks lol. I have amazon prime but UK
Pre-ordered. I hope I can get XBMC on it
just ordered 2, $40 is a steal for two of them!! This will look good right next to my FireTv, Ouya, Mojo, chromecast and nexus player.....wait how many ports does my TV have?!?! lol
I would order a few of these if they would ship to Canada but unfortunately they don't. I even have a US prime membership. If anyone would be willing to ship me a couple please PM me. I'll pay for shipping, etc. no problem. I would really like to get in on the 19$ deal they have on right now.
For what its worth, it does run on android. Exactly the same as the Fire TV does apparently.
This is from their Dev Channel: https://developer.amazon.com/public...-in-the-Living-Room-with-Amazon-Fire-TV-Stick
Can this mirror my android screen without wifi present? or with a wifi router that has no internet?
I work at a fire station which has no internet, i have a data signal on my cell phone, but im not leaving my cell phone there when im not there. So can you connect an android device directly or if I have a spare router plugged in but not connected to anything? Or send videos from my GS5 to it?
Thanks!
I don't see it say that you have access to the App Store...do we have any confirmation that you can download/sideload apps to it? That one feature will make this either a great deal or just a good one.
I don't see it say that you have access to the App Store...do we have any confirmation that you can download/sideload apps to it? That one feature will make this either a great deal or just a good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id imagine it has some sort of app store as they mention gaming (200ish games) and i cant imagine they preloaded 200 games onto it with 8GB storage total.
I just ordered 2 @ $40 as well. Might even replace my Vizio Co-Star with one if it works well. Ashame the remote doesnt allow voice control but at $20 for the device and remote i wont complain. Also impressed this is stand alone unlike the Chromecast. Looks like my expected delivery isnt until Dec 10th though, almost a month after release
I just ordered one. Probably end up being a waste of money, I'm hopeful that Google Android TV will be better than FireTV in which case I'll swap out my current Roku/FTV boxes for GATV boxes, but for $20 I figured why not...
edit: My assumption is they are the same OS/functionality as the original Fire TV boxes, just lower hardware specs. If you can run something on the FTV you should be able to run it on the FTV streamer, possible performance issues aside. If you can side-load it on the FTV, you should be able to side-load it on the FTV steamer.
Maybe they add usb mass storage support to the fire tv now as there are not a lot of reasons to buy the fire tv instead of the new stick...
Eat it iPhone said:
Id imagine it has some sort of app store as they mention gaming (200ish games) and i cant imagine they preloaded 200 games onto it with 8GB storage total.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
200 games isn't a lot. It sounds like a reduced library App store.
I guess my line in the sand is whether we can get XBMC/SPMC on it, or not. I tried streaming from my desktop to the Chromecast before, and the latency was no bueno. I couldn't even watch it. Adb/sideloading function would make this thing scream.
My mother in law just picked up 1 for herself and one for me. Can't beat $20 a piece. Hopefully XBMC won't be a problem on the latest firmware.
BonezMontana said:
My mother in law just picked up 1 for herself and one for me. Can't beat $20 a piece. Hopefully XBMC won't be a problem on the latest firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, no kidding. I wish that we knew this before I plunked down my $20 though.
spyder3 said:
Yeah, no kidding. I wish that we knew this before I plunked down my $20 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it even tho I don't need it. $20 isn't anything tbh
spyder3 said:
Yeah, no kidding. I wish that we knew this before I plunked down my $20 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take my chances anyways though because I don't watch tv in the bedroom anyways unless I'm sick lol. I was gonna get the playstation tv until i heard the ps4 streaming sucks. So the roku stick was an alternative, since I have 2 of them in my kids rooms. I just wish I had the knowledge to unlock this thing lol. In regards to XBMC though I'm getting confused as I see that some users were able to get it to work by disabling some setting.
superkoal said:
Maybe they add usb mass storage support to the fire tv now as there are not a lot of reasons to buy the fire tv instead of the new stick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be nice if they add usb storage to the FTV, that's my number one complaint. However, think of the FTV streaming stick like the Roku streaming stick. Cheaper, smaller, lower power cpu, no lan, and in the case of FTV no optical out. If our (my) assumptions about the FTV stick are correct, it will be a better option for a lot of people.
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.
ITV PLAYER
40D
CHANNEL 5
They have apps on fire tv but can these not run on NVIDIA SHIELD? IF ITS an apk file..
thanks
I've wondered this too, I know that in the early days people had a little success with the Nexus Player for some US on-demand apps. Problem is I've never been able to obtain the exact Amazon apks. Somebody from the UK needs to extract them from a Fire TV. It seems that there isn't nearly as much of an Android TV app deficit in the US any more so the UK apps that you list are the biggest ones still missing from the Android TV ecosystem, at least they are for UK users. The way in which Amazon considers itself to be in such a cut-throat competition with the rest of the Android world, I wouldn't be surprised if they've locked their TV apps down from use on any other Android devices, while they pretty much beg developers to bring their tablet apps over from the Play Store... I digress.
If somebody is willing to extract the apps you list and any of them actually work, this tool would be really useful.
Hey everybody.
I've been using media streamers for a bit.
Started with a Chromecast, then Amazon Fire stick and now with a Nexus Player.
Previous streamers felt limited but the nexus player felt better.
Now I've been thinking about upgrading to a Apple TV 4 or a Nvidia Shield tv.
My question is: Do you guys feel remorse of having bought this?
Performance aside is a bit expensive compared to other boxes.
I have a pc with a GTX970 and I was thinking maybe this will work to stream some games to my living room.
Another thing, how far away from a Shield TV 2 are we? This will surely have a price a drop when they announce the second gen, although while there is no much competition I think Nvidia will sit a bit.
You've had plenty of views but no replies...so I'll chip in lol
Do I regret buying one....no. The only thing that bothers me is how spartan the app store is for Android TV, obviously this can change in the future. If you already have a Nexus then you're already using Android TV. Is it expensive? Considering the price of the Fire TV gaming bundle...I actually think the 16GB model is priced well. I got the Nvidia remote free when I bought mine, you've literally just missed a promotion to get an extra controller. Perhaps you'd rather wait for another promotion before purchasing to get the most for your money. Buying the 16GB model and upgrading the storage via MicroSD or USB HDD would make the most sense rather than the expensive Pro model with 500GB.
Yes you can gamestream from your PC, this feature is under the SHIELD HUB...you could also try installing Moonlight which might offer slightly better performance. I've tried the Geforce NOW service and the games do play quite well to be fair. Although I will say for best results forget about wifi and hard wire the SHIELD to the router...even if you have to buy some inexpensive homeplug network adapters.
What I have done is install SPMC (KODI). I have customised it to work as a homescreen/dashboard essentially, it auto starts when I power on. This way I can set shortcuts to what I want...my retro arcade (Hyperspin), Shield Hub, Remote Play (PS4), Netflix, Radio, my movie and music collection on my home PC...you get the picture
I have no idea what Nvidia are planning. Although I would guess that we would see the Shield Tablet updated before we see a new SHIELD TV. The tablet still uses Kepler tech...the Shield TV is Maxwell. If there was a new SHIELD TV it would surely be based on Pascal
Do It
I was actually reconsidering the same like you also the apple tv.
Now I'm happy i choose the Shield! Nvidia allows you to unlock the bootloader and root the system without losing warranty, which is a great thing.
I wasn't happy with the Leanback launcher as there is a lot of stuff i don't like and the apps i installed via APK and Aptoide TV didn't show up (only with help of the sideload launcher).
So i rooted it and set a differnt launcher as default! now it is really great! I have adaway, Firefox with several adons and kodi with husham wizard!
The box is extremly fast! I have a logitech usbe mouse and keyboard connected and the box also works with my logitech universal remote.
Alsow with marshmello (shiled os 3.1) you can add a microsd with up to 128 GB to expand the internal storage!
I found an amazing app called "AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO)" that you can use to mirror your tablet/mobile phone screen beside the standard YouTube casting
The only thing i'm not happy with is that it doesn't have a optical/coax audio output.
The apple tv is for sure much more limited and has by far not the game performance of the shield!
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Pion33r said:
Do It
I wasn't happy with the Leanback launcher as there is a lot of stuff i don't like and the apps i installed via APK and Aptoide TV didn't show up (only with help of the sideload launcher).
So i rooted it and set a differnt launcher as default! now it is really great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doe the controllers still work when you root? I Heard some about trouble with that.
Pion33r said:
Do It
I wasn't happy with the Leanback launcher as there is a lot of stuff i don't like and the apps i installed via APK and Aptoide TV didn't show up (only with help of the sideload launcher). So i rooted it and set a differnt launcher as default! now it is really great! I have adaway, Firefox with several adons and kodi with husham wizard!
Maybe try SPMC, it's a fork of KODI. It's being developed with the SHIELD in mind. Unlike KODI, you can actually launch android apps from within SPMC (so you don't really need sideload launcher). It also integrates with the leanback launcher, providing recommendations from SPMC. Voice search from the launcher will also have links to your SPMC library. The voice feature also works with the keyboard in SPMC, so you can speak rather than type in the search box
I found an amazing app called "AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO)" that you can use to mirror your tablet/mobile phone screen beside the standard YouTube casting
Airplay is for Apple devices, the SHIELD natively casts from android devices. I don't buy Apple stuff, so I've never tried it but KODI/SPMC has Airplay built in...just turn it on in the services. I'm glad to hear you're happy with the device...I always enjoy seeing the different ways people set them up and use them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
foomanjackel said:
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in the UK that promotion ended on the 1st of May. If it's still available to you guys "across the pond"...that's great! Good looking out
discocandy said:
doe the controllers still work when you root? I Heard some about trouble with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted my SHIELD. I could be wrong but I think the controller issues were more to do with people flashing a different ROM after rooting...the SHIELD game pad would need to be wired for example, although that may have changed by now. As we are talking about game pads. One of the reasons root would appeal to me, is that it's required for the Sixaxis app. This app will allow the DS4 pad to connect via bluetooth (lag free), as I have the Remote Play app installed this would be nice.
My phone is rooted with a custom ROM and recovery. I don't really feel that I need say an Adblocker on the SHIELD TV to be fair. Of course there are plenty of other good reasons to root the device. In fairness I am at a point now where I know how I want the devices to be, so the thought of wiping it and doing it over "properly" is getting more appealing. Rooting would help me fix a few niggling things...for example I really would like to be able to manually add the MAME 2014 core to Retroarch, I need this core for my Retro Arcade but the buildbot for Retroarch won't add it currently.
Wish you all the best playing with your devices
discocandy said:
doe the controllers still work when you root? I Heard some about trouble with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No trouble at all. I'm on the latest version of Shield os (3.1 Marshmello). What i relly love is that now i can even use Titanium backup
Next step - Xposed
foomanjackel said:
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i actually bought mine @ gamestop in my town about 3 weeks ago. it is the 16gb version w/one controller included.... returned it today for a full refund (they put the amount on a gift card) and have just re-ordered the same unit from their website where it is the same price but now includes 2 controllers. used the gift card as payment and am just paying the shipping fee. should have the new one in a few days.
The controller works fine if you root. However, if you install a custom ROM, you will need to connect the controller to the Shield with a micro-USB cable.
The only real problem I have with the Shield is that Android TV is not nearly as capable as full Android.
Thanks a lot guys.
Hopefully I can sell my nexus player with my x360 pad on it and recoup some money for the shield tv.
foomanjackel said:
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that online?
Share a link please.
Silenus21 said:
Is that online?
Share a link please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, online only. Bought mine in store 3 weeks ago with one controller. Returned yesterday for full refund which they put on a gift card. Used gift card at home to purchase online w/the extra controller. I'll be without unit for a few days while waiting for the new one, but I dont mind the wait if I can get a unit with the extra $60 controller
http://m.gamestop.com/browse/search?searchTerm=Nvidia
Thanks.
But sucks they don't take my paypal from outside USA.
And they are expensive on Ebay.
Wait, Amazon has it with the second controller for 200.
http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD...d=1463060240&sr=8-1&keywords=nvidia+shield+tv
Silenus21 said:
Thanks.
But sucks they don't take my paypal from outside USA.
And they are expensive on Ebay.
Wait, Amazon has it with the second controller for 200.
http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD...d=1463060240&sr=8-1&keywords=nvidia+shield+tv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great!! :good:
Using the 16gb model on my Sony Bravia TV with matching home theater setup with TV remote function with all shield apps including Kodi.
Missed out on free remote offer but pleasantly surprised that original TV remote gives me full functionality and more.
My only regret is that I didn't get it sooner. [emoji13]
My roku3 is collecting dust big time.
Have not subscribed to cable since 2010. Before shield was running MK-908 and was happy with setup, but the shield blows everything else out of the water.
Pp.
sent from my stone/stock S6e using microwave technology.
Yes I love mine the only thing I dislike is I bought the Pro model and you don't have full access to the HD unless you do some skull doggery. If it were easy to put a SSD in it and actually be able to hook it up to my pc that thing would be totally awesome 10/10 but alas you can't. I say get the 16GB model and go from there.
Thanks guys, got mine today.
Now to read some guides on rooting this thing.
Silenus21 said:
Thanks guys, got mine today.
Now to read some guides on rooting this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fairly simple guide here:
http://nvidiashieldzone.com/shield-android-tv/nvidia-shield-tv-16gb-root-m/
* be sure to have a usb mouse ready....you'll need it to make the "swipe to flash" when you are in TWRP. i tried a keyboard (with trackpad), the remote and even the phone app....but only the mouse would work for that step.
Thanks.
Rooted it yesterday.
Only having trouble setting up Dolphin, can't configure the shield controller and can't find an ini online.
I bought my shield to run as a Plex server because all Plex could talk about was "Shield is THE server..." It's not until you get it running that you learn that is cannot do a lot of things that my PC server handles easily. Then you find out that there's no Music Plus and missing transcoders and, btw, I hope you still have that PC because you will need it to manage your Shield Plex Server and migrate your media. Oh, and wait until you learn about file sharing with the Shield...allow yourself a little time! The punchline is that performance is tame. I do not serve 4K media, but 1080p was great from the PC that runs as a vm with 4GB.
And I made the mistake of tossing an extra remote and the (very cool and expensive) stand in my cart.
Oh well. I really need to start playing games.