Is there a solution to this? Maybe remapping a button on the controller? I know there is a pretty simple way to do this in Kodi, but I need to make this work in other apps, such as emulators. How will I be able to manage settings and options without it?
This has been discussed at http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/help/3-dots-menu-t3067105. If you're running Android 5.1 or higher, most sideloaded apps won't have accessible menus. You'll need to email the developers of the apps you use to request that they restore menus for their apps on Android TV devices running Android 5.1 or higher. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) won't restore the missing menus so the only other possibility is that an Xposed module such as the one at http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-force-3-dots-menu-t3181622 may serve that purpose in the future.
Thanks for clarifying. Why did they remove it? So dumb...
I don't know why they made that change (and I agree that it's a lame decision) but it seems that Google started enforcing stricter material design requirements on apps as of Android 5.1 and higher on Android TV. That's why I suggest emailing the developers of the apps you use to see if they can update their apps to properly support Android TV. As I discovered with DroidMote Server months ago, this problem can be worked around with app updates. It's not a sure thing that developers will agree to do so for the Android TV platform that they may not officially support but it's worth a try. Which emulators are you planning to use? I don't think that Robert Broglia's excellent .emu apps are affected by this problem.
I have used yongzh's emus until now. But I found replacements so I'm fine for the moment.
Related
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
TheGeeZus said:
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, i rooted mine because i really needed to have expandable storage. So i rooted for chainfires stickmount. So i could have all my movies on my external hard drive run through xbmc natively.
↑This!↑
I have not rooted mine but if i do it will be for the ex-storage as well.. i am at the point of not storing a lot of movies because they are almost all online for a fee or free if you go that way.. We watch a movie once or twice and that is the end of it.. So to add to your debate i don't at this point see why you would root this device.
Would like a reboot function..
Im sure someone will come up with some nice ways to use root.. give them a week or so lol..
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing). My daughters now have immediate access to over twenty very large installed games so far thanks to folder mount. I also store all my kodi fanart, cover art, cd art, etc on the external as it takes up so much space internally for my large media collection that kodi accesses from my nas.
There will be future uses for root as well, of course (there always is), but these were my immediate needs.
Elrondolio said:
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
kaess said:
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Elrondolio said:
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last thing you said is exactly why I am resisting the temptation.
I am being fair with the fact that this is the first face of Android Tv and there is yet more to see and I am faithful that most feature that needs root for now, Google might have something on their sleeves, but they are waiting to see how many Nexus Player gets sold, specially after the holidays.
My mom and my step-dad were impressed with the Nexus Player so great, that my step-dad sold me the Google Chromecast as he wanted to have an experience on his own and he really didn't find the Cast environment hard but he liked the more controlled environment of the Nexus Player, so we are buying a second one for me and I will let him take the first one after the second arrives.
I think that is another example that rooting (again, my exception is that a proven restart method gets developed) for now is not needed in base of a normal usage and still haven't got the problem of storage (yet, I know the day will come).
Greetings all
I've been sideloading fire OS that are not available for standard Android TV. After installing the Amazon app store I've been able to use MOST with hardly any problems. Except for one thing, many apps like NBC work. On playback however they don't fill my screen. Basically it's underscaning I'm aware that Amazon's developer guidelines are slightly different and that's the reason.
I'm curious if there's a way to fix this with a overscan correction in Android Studio or with a third-party app?
I'm quite familiar with sideloading regular Android apps that don't have an Android TV version, but is there any way to force an app that supports both to use it's mobile version for the Shield TV? I have a VPN through SurfShark that only provides a single apk, and the UI changes depending on if you install it on a phone or Android TV. Problem is on the Shield I'm missing a few features that the app has on my phone, namely the reverse whitelist (selecting only a few apps that use the VPN, everything else is left alone). Also in the SurfShark whitelist options it shows all the installed apps on my phone, but on the Shield many apps aren't listed (Prime TV, NHL, etc).
Apart from waiting for their dev team to fix the Android TV UI, the easiest fix would be to just install the mobile version on the Shield but I can't figure out a way to do that since it's just a single apk, and Google isn't helping either.
Hemi-Cuda said:
I'm quite familiar with sideloading regular Android apps that don't have an Android TV version, but is there any way to force an app that supports both to use it's mobile version for the Shield TV? I have a VPN through SurfShark that only provides a single apk, and the UI changes depending on if you install it on a phone or Android TV. Problem is on the Shield I'm missing a few features that the app has on my phone, namely the reverse whitelist (selecting only a few apps that use the VPN, everything else is left alone). Also in the SurfShark whitelist options it shows all the installed apps on my phone, but on the Shield many apps aren't listed (Prime TV, NHL, etc).
Apart from waiting for their dev team to fix the Android TV UI, the easiest fix would be to just install the mobile version on the Shield but I can't figure out a way to do that since it's just a single apk, and Google isn't helping either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soome app with that allinone package usually changed with how you launch it. Try launch it through sideload launcher usually load mobile one.
Want to start some research about this board. I know that JTC uses it in its TV sets, but its probably widely spread among OEM TVs.
To discover firmware I unpacked a update and found a file: CtvUpgrade.bin that starts with a list of partitions that are in its ROM.
Anyone knows more about the format or want to join me here?
Hi.
The board is a cultraview they like to have a custom OS from Zeasn on it.
To be recognized by the launcher cultraview_open_launcher.
This is built into cheap models.
You get to the hidden tv menu through input / source and then 2580.
I myself have a device from kb-elements with cultraview board and custom OS.
Oh, well - good to have a bro here
I could figure our already some thing in the Service Menu (Overscan, Reduce backlight further more).
But sill I just have quite a few questions:
Does your board allow record broadcast?
Could you get rid of the annoying "Energy waste" pop-ups if you increase volume?
Did you get root access to it?
A german bro.
No root is only possible with a root OS version which then has to be flashed Via USB.
This will void the guarantee.
Especially since at least for me it is an OS adapted by Zeasn.
I suspect that JTC is similar to kb-elements.
The file ctvupdate is only firmware for the board.
I would avoid the ctv mode at least when the backlight is deactivated.
Yeah, where are you from? I am not so afraid of guarantie. But I need to know more about. It would be cool to have a real Android, so where all apps will work. Widevine would be cool.
I've seen different update files for same TV with different serial numbers. Guess it is just the different panel. Would be great to separate android from the HW-specific stuff.
Does your TV allows recording?
Lower Saxony.
The cultraview board is often built into cheap devices.
Jtc / Jay tech, TCL, Hisens, KB elements.
Unfortunately, widevine is not on it and the Android is also an adapted "not Google" version.
Playstore ect are installed, if at all, which sometimes leads to problems.
Root access is also not possible. Unless you have an update for the USB stick and modefiert it for root access.
But that is beyond my knowledge.
Yes PVR works, even on a USB stick which sometimes does not work.
If necessary, it could also be activated in the service menu.
For me Playstore isn't working anymore. Although all other apps does have network it complains not to have it.
I manually updated to latest gsf and gms (Service Framework and Playservices for Android 9+) and also to the latest Playstore. I found that I have to install the Playstore for Android TV [8]. Installing the normal one [0] works, but after starting it complains with: This version is not compatible to device.
Nevertheless it keeps non operational with "no network". Help!
I am wondering what can prevent Playstore from working? Is it because of Android TV?
I am pretty sure the Android on this TV is far from perfect, but hey - why no PlayStore. I think once it worked.
Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted messing with this unit - found nothing on Google/duckduckgo.
Had it 2ish years, been a glitchy little monster and apps like Hulu show incompatibility (though they are 'preloaded' and on the menu). So far as I can tell the system OS has never been updated and am curious what might be done to refresh it?
TheDrake2k said:
Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted messing with this unit - found nothing on Google/duckduckgo.
Had it 2ish years, been a glitchy little monster and apps like Hulu show incompatibility (though they are 'preloaded' and on the menu). So far as I can tell the system OS has never been updated and am curious what might be done to refresh it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately most android TV's don't get updates because the manufacturer doesn't take the time or resources to make an update and push it to the TV's.
As for glitches and apps I would try expanding it's memory using a flash drive and moving apps to it and letting the device use it as internal storage. And I'd use a PC or laptop and download the free program called "adb app control" and use the debloat option and clean some stuff off it. I'd also suggest getting a lighter launcher than the default one. There's a few options here -> Link but I like one called dashboard from the playstore. Also install a launcher manager and/or button mapper (both are free). Hopefully some or all of this helps make your tv a little snappier. I have a fairly new Hisense android tv and I did all this and it feels a lot better than stock.