Database Users

[Q] Control Android TV stick with Android Smartphone/Tablet

For now it doesn´t matter if it only works with certain combinations of Stick and Smartphone/Tablet
I just want to know if it is even possible.
With Control I mean that I can see the same screen that runs on my TV on my Phone/Tablet, because I am thinking about buying a Nexus 7
and those stupid things don´t support Video output in any way
Hopefully somebody can answer me this question
As always i´m sorry for my bad english :cyclops:

I use the mk 802 III remote free from the play store to control my unrooted mk809. Works fine. If your stick is rooted, then droidmote on the play store also seems good, but I've not tried it yet. For this one you download a server app on the stick (paid) and a free contoller app to your device.
You don't get a mirror of the stick display on your phone - it basically turns your phone screen into a touchpad which controls a mouse pointer on screen - similar to a touchpad for a laptop. The only thing for the mk802 app is you need to keep switching modes for operating the pointer and operating a scroll function. Easier to do than explain, and its fine once you get used to it.
There are also remotes for xbmc if you decide to go that route (and why not!) which are a bit easier to use with that app.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

DroidMote, is not only a keyboard, a mouse, a multi-touch touchpad and a real controller with six axis and 16 buttons, with DroidMote you can play also with all multi-touch-only games even if you don't have a touch screen or your device is hooked to the tv
And with the last versions you can use also your hardware controller via DroidMote Client to play all multi-touch-only games
DroidMote Client control Android, Windows and Linux
Look this playlist for know almost all potential:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2E8D73B9D757086B
the latest videos refer to the latest versions

Is there a solution for any of this problems?

I have a 16gb model with stock 2.1 unrooted firmware , and I'm currently waiting for another one to arrive. The one I have has a 32gb micro sd card and 2 usb 3.0 4tb external hdd's connected, I use it mainly for running kodi, and for streaming the external hdd's content to other devices at home that also have kodi installed. For my type of usage, by priority, this are the things I would like to see fixed / implemented:
- We already have suspend and reboot, but I would really like if there was a simple turn on and off / remote power off option without having to phisicaly touch the console, I don't like that the external hdd's are always working;
- Better system / app compatibility with external drives, currently I can't even make a simple kodi library backup;
- Option to auto-start a certain app after boot, by exiting that app it would go back to launcher;
- Better mouse support, those who use es explorer know how hard it is to do even the most simple actions without using a mouse;
- More theme / launcher custom options, possibility to choose only what I want and the size I want it to show on the "desktop", change wallpapers;
- More app compatibility from play store, there is a very limited number of apps currently available that are compatible with shield whitout having to use sideload launcher.
I don't know if there's already a solution for any of the things I mentioned, especially the first two, if so, please let me know, thanks!

BrunoNRG said:
I have a 16gb model with stock 2.1 unrooted firmware , and I'm currently waiting for another one to arrive. The one I have has a 32gb micro sd card and 2 usb 3.0 4tb external hdd's connected, I use it mainly for running kodi, and for streaming the external hdd's content to other devices at home that also have kodi installed. For my type of usage, by priority, this are the things I would like to see fixed / implemented:
- We already have suspend and reboot, but I would really like if there was a simple turn on and off / remote power off option without having to phisicaly touch the console, I don't like that the external hdd's are always working;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
controller/remote can already wake up the Shield.
AFAIK, the USB mass storage protocol doesn't have disk-specific instructions for spinning up and down drives. So it's up to each drive and/or enclosure (case+usb<->sata controller) to provide this functionality.
BrunoNRG said:
- Better system / app compatibility with external drives, currently I can't even make a simple kodi library backup;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait for the next update (Android 6.0) or root than sdfix (google it).
BrunoNRG said:
- Option to auto-start a certain app after boot, by exiting that app it would go back to launcher;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
search 'auto start' in the play store (might need to sideload)
BrunoNRG said:
- Better mouse support, those who use es explorer know how hard it is to do even the most simple actions without using a mouse;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just plug a mouse ?
BrunoNRG said:
- More theme / launcher custom options, possibility to choose only what I want and the size I want it to show on the "desktop", change wallpapers;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install another launcher.
BrunoNRG said:
- More app compatibility from play store, there is a very limited number of apps currently available that are compatible with shield whitout having to use sideload launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
best way if you want a specific app to appear in the TV store is to contact the author of that app.
anyway this is a design/philosophy problem.
go for alternate ROM if you don't like the design/philosophy of Android TV.

kgersen said:
controller/remote can already wake up the Shield.
AFAIK, the USB mass storage protocol doesn't have disk-specific instructions for spinning up and down drives. So it's up to each drive and/or enclosure (case+usb<->sata controller) to provide this functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but the current standby / sleep mode is a little like locking the screen of your phone (or even less because everything is still working, just the "screen" is turned off), I wanted the option to acctualy shut down shield with the remote, currently it can only be powered off by holding the power button on the console for about 10 seconds, after that you can't turn it on again from distance with any remote / controller.
The two external hdd's I'm using on shield are self powered 3.0 usb 4tb Verbatim Store `n` Save, when connected to any other device (wd tv, laptop, etc....) after a few minutes of not being in use, they will enter standy mode / shutdown, even if the device where they're connected to is still on, if you need to access any of it's contents (just open the hdd root folder for instance) they will power on automatically, this doesn't happen on shield and I don't think that this is any of the hdd's fault, I also don't know if it's in any way harmful for the hard drives to be on all the time...?
kgersen said:
wait for the next update (Android 6.0) or root than sdfix (google it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason why I want to backup kodi's library is exactly because, in order to root, I need to unlock the bootloader and, in doing so I'll loose all data...
kgersen said:
search 'auto start' in the play store (might need to sideload)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any auto start app you advice?
kgersen said:
just plug a mouse ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a logitech k700 mouse + keyboard combo, but the mouse stops working after some time (I believe this is a known issue on shield), I don't know if this is due to leanback launcher, it does this with every mouse I tried so far...
kgersen said:
install another launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which launcher works best on android tv without being "sidelaunched"...? I ask this because the one I tried didn't open on shield startup, I had to open if afterwards on sidelaucher. I've also read that the opposite can also hapen, that certain launchers (xbmc launcher for instance) won't let you go back to leanback or access shield settings...
kgersen said:
best way if you want a specific app to appear in the TV store is to contact the author of that app.
anyway this is a design/philosophy problem. go for alternate ROM if you don't like the design/philosophy of Android TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have nothing against the design/philosophy of Android TV, I just think that if a certain app or game (Sine Mora [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digitalreality.sinemora] works flawlessly using the controller) is fully compatible with shield, it should be accessible without the use of sidelauncher.
Thanks for the help

BrunoNRG said:
they will enter standy mode / shutdown, even if the device where they're connected to is still on, if you need to access any of it's contents (just open the hdd root folder for instance) they will power on automatically, this doesn't happen on shield
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im having the same hdd wake issue, only difference is mine seems fine until the satv sleeps. the hdd doesnt wake when satv does... so far my search for a fix hasnt gone well, hoping the M update will take care of it.
might give HAL launcher a try if you dont want to sideload, if you havent already. iirc it had an option in settings to be used as default launcher. i tried it about 6 months ago and went back to leanback.
there dont seem to be many good alternatives atm
and AutoStarter should work for autolaunching apps, also has a start to foreground and delayed start options, havent tried it on the satv though

BrunoNRG said:
The reason why I want to backup kodi's library is exactly because, in order to root, I need to unlock the bootloader and, in doing so I'll loose all data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can backup your library to the cloud or a network server with ES File Explorer.
or with a PC (win/mac/linux) and adb (you dont need an usb cable, just activate debugging & network debugging in the Shield then "adb pull" the files you want to backup).
BrunoNRG said:
Any auto start app you advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. I use none.
BrunoNRG said:
I have nothing against the design/philosophy of Android TV, I just think that if a certain app or game (Sine Mora [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digitalreality.sinemora] works flawlessly using the controller) is fully compatible with shield, it should be accessible without the use of sidelauncher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, Sine Mora is accessible from the web play store , you don't need to sideload it but you need another device to access the web play store to push it to the Shield (or sideload a browser in the shield 1st since you have a mouse).
If Sine Mora doesn't show in the Shield Play Store it's because its editor didn't opt-in to do so. Try contacting them to fix that, some developers are just unaware of Android TV until someone ask them about it. The fix can take less than 5 minutes usually. The opt-in can't be automatic for a lot of reasons but mostly support (even more if it's a paid app).

How to Get Xfinity TV (X1 app not TV to GO) to not close back to home screen

has anyone figured out why the Xfinity TV app closes or how to fix this I have the newest version installed on my nvidia shield and the app closes after about 10 minutes of watching a live or on demand show and goes back to the Home screen? On my fire stick the app doesn't close but I get other playback error on live channels. The TV to Go app works 100% on my correctly it never closes but it lacks a channel guide and DVR abilities so I would rather use the X1 TV app instead. any suggestions on how to get the app to stop closing back to the home screen?

I can't even get it to authorize my device. I put in my info and it just gives me a retry error.

davidreyes13 said:
I can't even get it to authorize my device. I put in my info and it just gives me a retry error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it did that for me too at first I had to call Comcast and tell them I to activate my account to use the X1 TV app they did something on their end and I was able to login and add my device to the system. . I wasn't able to use the app on any device though so that may have been something different

jlennonfan said:
has anyone figured out why the Xfinity TV app closes or how to fix this I have the newest version installed on my nvidia shield and the app closes after about 10 minutes of watching a live or on demand show and goes back to the Home screen? On my fire stick the app doesn't close but I get other playback error on live channels. The TV to Go app works 100% on my correctly it never closes but it lacks a channel guide and DVR abilities so I would rather use the X1 TV app instead. any suggestions on how to get the app to stop closing back to the home screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue, want to get it working on the Shield. any fixes?

Have you tried this modded apk? It's been floating around and hasn't given me any issues. It even opens right to the live tv channel selection. I also created a banner so it shows up in the Android TV leanback launcher.
http://www.filedropper.com/xfinitytvgopackage

disregard, i just realized your post said not TV GO...

The reason xfinity tv app was closing was due to the blue tooth keyboard turning off after not being used got a WiFi one solved the problem or now just using the game pad right control stick. New issue is the newest version won't play content I have to use the old version of the app. Anyone have any ideas?

BUMP, we really need to figure this out! I was really enjoying the TV GO app working on Shield, now that it is retired we really need to focus on getting the replacement Xfinity TV app working!

Yes, mine does the same and won't work. Now it looks like it is dead and they have stopped the server. I have tried all different solutions. Is there a modded apk or a fix yet? I used to use the Xfinity TV Go and now it won't work. Xfinity TV won't even open.

I can confirm that the Xfinity GO app no longer works on the Shield TV and that the current Xfinity TV app crashes/closes after launch. My guess is that the app checks the type of device that the app is installed on and if it detects that it's an Android TV OS it automatically closes. I wonder if there's a way to modify the APK to either trick the device into thinking it is running on stock Android or remove the check altogether?

Homestar9 said:
I can confirm that the Xfinity GO app no longer works on the Shield TV and that the current Xfinity TV app crashes/closes after launch. My guess is that the app checks the type of device that the app is installed on and if it detects that it's an Android TV OS it automatically closes. I wonder if there's a way to modify the APK to either trick the device into thinking it is running on stock Android or remove the check altogether?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted one of my shields so it is running full android OS 6.0 and in about devices it declares it's self as a Tablet thinking the same line of thought you are presenting. No dice. Downloaded the Tvgo app and it did just about the same thing. The app loaded and I got all excited then I selected some content I had recorded and live tv and both times it came up with something to the effect that your carrier does not support releasing DRM content to this device crap.. Ultimately they want you to rent one of their POS boxes. The silly thing is if that is what they are so worried about, losing that revenue stream, then why allow anything but their devices to run their content? Can still run on laptop or pc no problem. Apparently they are not aware of casting? It's all the same big corporation trying to hold onto market share by force instead of placing that energy into developing things people want along with the evolving tech. They will have to evolve or go the way of Block Buster video. LOL.

Hi Guys,
Been looking at this for a while. I have a Nexbox A95x Aml based Android box. The latest version of the Xfinity TV App (3.10.0.016) refuses to work . But... I have managed to find a earlier version that does. I can only presume after this version (3.2.1.028) they added the DRM type check , to check for either root or a "non approved" device.
I have tested this quite a bit and it does live TV and also you can even download (the holy grail lol) and watch shows offline. To do this,the app MUST be left on internal storage and not moved to the SD card.
The bad news is that at some point I bet Xfinity will force a update ie make this older version non working. But hopefully , someone here will be able to turn that off.
Dont forget to go to the Google apps store and disable Auto updates on this app ,otherwise your device wil just Auto install the newer version.
Hopefully , someone (much more skilled than me lol) may be able to compare this older version with the new one and disable DRM check for a newer version.
I have uploaded the version that works for me here:
h t t p://bit.ly/2gQn3eR
Sorry for the funny url , but XDA will not let me post urls until I have ten posts..

Any updates on making the official XFinity TV app work now that XFinity TV Go has been shut down?

I am also looking for someone who can mod the new Xfinity app (remove the HDMI check.......I think) to get it to work on the fire stick. The new version loads but will not open. The screen automatically goes blank and closes down.

I just wanted to let everyone here know that if you upgrade your shield to Nougat the Xfinity TV even older versions of the software that would work on prior to the new 7.0 firmware release now won't work at all so if this is something you want I would hold off on doing the 7.0 Nougat update to your shield I plan on reverting back my shield to regain the ability to use the Xfinity TV app.

jlennonfan said:
I just wanted to let everyone here know that if you upgrade your shield to Nougat the Xfinity TV even older versions of the software that would work on prior to the new 7.0 firmware release now won't work at all so if this is something you want I would hold off on doing the 7.0 Nougat update to your shield I plan on reverting back my shield to regain the ability to use the Xfinity TV app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that information. Sucks for us Nougat upgraders though.

hey guys
I've got some pretty good news for those with the new Nvidia shield or have updated the old one to Nougat already and lost the ability to load the Xfinity TV app. I have found an alternative way to watch Xfinity on the shield Tv it is not an ideal way to watch and may not work for everyone's needs. I found that if I launch a game stream game on the Shield and Minimize the Game window before the game starts up or goes full screen, you will get a remote desktop like session which can be controlled with the the joystick on the gamepad. open a web browser and go to Xfinity and it works there is no lag or out of sync audio, it works pretty good, the Quality is better than casting a chrome browser tab from the PC, I also found controlling youtube from this remote desktop method is a far better interface than the Android TV app since you get the full website version of youtube instead of the slimmed down tv app. I should point out this nvidia Gamestream Remote environment is different than using a typical remote desktop client like the Microsoft Remote desktop client, most remote desktop clients don't offer the refresh rates needed to stream HD video without lags or audio syncing issues however the Nvidia Gamestream app does. I am sure there are other apps that can deliver a RDP session with the high refresh rates needed for viewing 1080p video over and RDP connection, I just haven't found one that works that will do this job. If anyone is aware of another app than can do this let me know I'd like to try it out.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hc652xc2bq8yrfa/AAAkahHih0lzdxbJN4uPL8Rla?dl=0&lst=

usmcnyc said:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hc652xc2bq8yrfa/AAAkahHih0lzdxbJN4uPL8Rla?dl=0&lst=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are these files modified?

OM619 said:
Are these files modified?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We confirm these work

Just thought of a brilliant idea!!

Im just mentioning this on the off chance someone hasnt already thought of it and it may not even be possible anyway. If a dev ported the shield tablet firmware to the shield tv then maybe we could have full access to the library of games the tablet offers with gamepad functionality already built in. If not is there a way we can trick the playstore into thinking the shield tv is a shield tablet and let you install the tablet modified games to check if they work without any mods. NOVA 3 anyone.....

Actually you can install applications on a Rooted Device. But the problem is the Shield Controller.
I tried installing apps but i was unable to control it. I believe it may require some configuration

I would like this as well. There are many touch only games. I use Droidmote and like it(love it) but in my family I am the only one that takes time to load the server and click start, load the client, set the gamepadtotouch/touchpad, load profile, connect the client to 127.0.0.1, set the keyboard to droidmoteime then play the game I picked. Then if I choose another game reload a profile, if I have it. Then play the game.
Most of the time I just say forget it and only play controller enabled games. Sometimes I just want to play a game and move on.
It would be nice if the process was more automated. I am not sure if the tablet OS makes the process easier but it would be nice to see if it would work.
I have researched loading the tablet firmware some but I am hesitant to try it since I have the 500GB STV and do not want to wait 2 hours between firmware loads to try it out. One day I may purchase the 16GB to play around with. Maybe I will find a good used one on CL and give it a whirl.

ive tried usuing market helper to spoof android to android shield tablet and download NOVA 3 but did not work, and i have tried the custom roms with full android not 'android tv' support and i can use sixaxis bluetooth wirless with my ps3 pad but the right analog stick wont move correctly even when configured yet every other control i am able to map successfully. i dont know what to try next....

Any way to get a Android TV like experience?

Currently it's kinda hard to navigate because it's not possible to type with joycons. Apps like YouTube are also impossible to use in docked mode. Does anyone already experimented a bit and got a better experience?

You could try to remote control your switch with your smartphone.
Something like DroidMote should work. I might try DroidMote myself but the Server app is paid and I don't really want to add my Google account to the switch (I am not using GAPPS on switch). Maybe buying it on my phone, backing up with Titanium Backup and restoring it on the switch will do the trick.

You *may* be able to get an android tv bluetooth remote and connect it. I have not tried.

Kodi can give you a great dashboard for an htpc setup with a custom theme. You can even have it auto launch when you boot into android so you never see the android interface just a nice tv setup. That's how I have my Android tv boxes. I use one of these style remotes as well for the keyboard:
https://www.amazon.com/ILEBYGO-Back...e+tv+keyboard&qid=1564503866&s=gateway&sr=8-4
You will want to use Android TV apps for landscape apps like youtube etc.

I use one of these when it's in docked mode. Just have the dongle plugged into the dock and you have an easy to use mouse and keyboard.
https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-Raspberry/dp/B00Z81U3YY

Try hal launcher and the leakback keyboard.

sorry for kidnapping your thread, but when you use docked mode, does it go to fullscreen? Mine stays with black bars up and down... would say that it's not outputting the correct resolution...

Just want to recommend airscreen so you can use it as a Chromecast.

Replace the default launcher with TV Launcher or HALauncher. Use a blue tooth or wireless keyboard until the soft keyboard get fix. The current Amazon Fire TV remote can be paired using blue tooth and works with this android build.

I think would be great if someone with more experience could port this solution https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByIKEmoQi-hpYXBpbV9Sb3JFeVk
It is way to convert Shield Tablet into Android TV Shield. I've found this pdf with guide and files in zips folder. It obviously doesn't flash because Lineage has different file structure, but maybe it doesn't require much tweaking. It would be great, because it comes with Chromecast support and there are plenty Android TV apps which require full Android TV structure.

The scripts itself seems compatable, the only thing that needs proper porting would be TV Gapps. If anyone can port these successfully let me know.

Think it shouldn't be to hard to transform the OS into a Android TV. Just don't have a Switch to play with it, but i really like the Idea... Think i will grab a Switch around Christmas and make it happen...

is it technically possible to implement framerate switching and widevine level 1 support for drm protected content playback in hd in the switch android port?
see my questions here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ni...wers/to-change-tv-refreshrate-docked-t3992615
i'm really curious about that.
would be awesome to watch stuff with the proper refreshrate for smooth playback and the drm protected content in hd in docked mode