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Some of you that are considering firetv might want to look at android streaming media devices instead. I got tis one for 60 bucks from amazon.
http://amzn.com/B00FYI1DKO
Severa typesl available.
Even though it doesnt say it has xbmc preinstalled. Play store installed. Android jelly bean installed. Already rooted. Jhst load su .
Wjth a mouse very fubctionable. Add memory,load up nova and you have a very functionable straming device, and true android.
I do have a firetv whitch i like but other box mighr be a better solution for many of you.
Woody
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
woodsonmh said:
Some of you that are considering firetv might want to look at android streaming media devices instead. I got tis one for 60 bucks from amazon.
http://amzn.com/B00FYI1DKO
Severa typesl available.
Even though it doesnt say it has xbmc preinstalled. Play store installed. Android jelly bean installed. Already rooted. Jhst load su .
Wjth a mouse very fubctionable. Add memory,load up nova and you have a very functionable straming device, and true android.
I do have a firetv whitch i like but other box mighr be a better solution for many of you.
Woody
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For $60 it is way underpowered with an Allwinner A20. For a few dollars more there are quad core and have 2GB. But you also have the common issues like weak wifi, unstable Android firmware ( how much effort does a company put into the OS when they can't spell in the ad selling the device?) , and absolutely zero customer support after sale. I have 4 of the quad streamers and all of them have some little quirk.
kairnage said:
For $60 it is way underpowered with an Allwinner A20. For a few dollars more there are quad core and have 2GB. But you also have the common issues like weak wifi, unstable Android firmware ( how much effort does a company put into the OS when they can't spell in the ad selling the device?) , and absolutely zero customer support after sale. I have 4 of the quad streamers and all of them have some little quirk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And firetv has no quirks? The more you hack the firetv, two things are very possible. You will may loose support and you may loose firetv features. I dont know the current state of rooting other kindle products but you used to loose amazon featuress like video when rooted. This is why ive never rooted my kindles.
Any update might take all efforts to hack away. Who knows what will happen?
Just $20 may be a more expensive than its worth.
Just saying
Woody
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
I just picked up a 2013 model Sony Bravia TV. It has an MHL port which accepts Sony's Google TV Smart Stick, model NSZ-GU1. I managed to find one of these on eBay for $65 and thought I would try it out...
Although I do have a Fire TV and quite like it, this Bravia Smart Stick seems to outshine the Fire TV in usability, IMHO. There are limitations on Play Store apps you can install, however I have been able to sideload and run the latest Gotham release of XMBC and it runs remarkably well. Unfortunately, I am no a video collector so I can only speak for it's streaming capabilities with addons like MLBMC and a few other unmentionables.
Specs:
• Power supply: via micro USB port or MHL (HDMI) out port.
• Processor : Marvell (DE3108-A1)
• Memory: 1GB RAM / 8GB Flash
• Video out: 720p/60
• Video in: 480p, 720p/60
• Audio out: PCM, DD & DD+
• Audio in: PCM & DD
• Wireless LAN: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
• Ethernet: none
• MHL (HDMI) out port
• HDMI in port
• IR Blaster out port
• USB 2.0 port: 1
• Bluetooth: ver 3.0
Although the specs pale in comparison to my Fire TV, the voice search capability blows away the FTV. When searching for TV shows or movies, I get result options for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu or Google Play from what I have seen so far. Also, I can do voice internet searches which are launched and displayed in the Chrome browser. Youtube searches are pretty sweet as well - search results are displayed as tiles across the homescreen and as you scroll through them, video titles and info are displayed as well. Can also voice launch applications, including XBMC. The remote works natively in XBMC and I can also toggle back and forth between XBMC and the Google TV environment. Pretty much the majority of features I find lacking in Fire TV are satisfied here. I almost wish I could replace the ROM from the Fire TV with that of the Bravia Stick. Trouble is the stick is limited to 720p, so perhaps it would only run that format, I don't know. At any rate, I'll keep it plugged in to my TV just for the convenient Youtube search functions if anything, and still run my Fire TV.
HemRoyd said:
I just picked up a 2013 model Sony Bravia TV. It has an MHL port which accepts Sony's Google TV Smart Stick, model NSZ-GU1. I managed to find one of these on eBay for $65 and thought I would try it out...
Although I do have a Fire TV and quite like it, this Bravia Smart Stick seems to outshine the Fire TV in usability, IMHO. There are limitations on Play Store apps you can install, however I have been able to sideload and run the latest Gotham release of XMBC and it runs remarkably well. Unfortunately, I am no a video collector so I can only speak for it's streaming capabilities with addons like MLBMC and a few other unmentionables.
Specs:
• Power supply: via micro USB port or MHL (HDMI) out port.
• Processor : Marvell (DE3108-A1)
• Memory: 1GB RAM / 8GB Flash
• Video out: 720p/60
• Video in: 480p, 720p/60
• Audio out: PCM, DD & DD+
• Audio in: PCM & DD
• Wireless LAN: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
• Ethernet: none
• MHL (HDMI) out port
• HDMI in port
• IR Blaster out port
• USB 2.0 port: 1
• Bluetooth: ver 3.0
Although the specs pale in comparison to my Fire TV, the voice search capability blows away the FTV. When searching for TV shows or movies, I get result options for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu or Google Play from what I have seen so far. Also, I can do voice internet searches which are launched and displayed in the Chrome browser. Youtube searches are pretty sweet as well - search results are displayed as tiles across the homescreen and as you scroll through them, video titles and info are displayed as well. Can also voice launch applications, including XBMC. The remote works natively in XBMC and I can also toggle back and forth between XBMC and the Google TV environment. Pretty much the majority of features I find lacking in Fire TV are satisfied here. I almost wish I could replace the ROM from the Fire TV with that of the Bravia Stick. Trouble is the stick is limited to 720p, so perhaps it would only run that format, I don't know. At any rate, I'll keep it plugged in to my TV just for the convenient Youtube search functions if anything, and still run my Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video is one area the firetv shines. In my opinion, its better than roku chromcast or my android streaming device. It is fast loading programs, and i think streams better than some of tbe other devices if not all of them. I can understand your comment on voice. As limited as firetv is, and there are indications it will improve, helps overcome the cludgy interface. For inatance i dont have to look for netflix app but can get to it through voice command.
I do like it, but it does come with the Amazon way.
Woodg
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Meh I have the imito mx2 box and the wifi range sucks ass. Its useless unless its in the room next to the router.
Fire TV much better in that aspect. The one linked has a exposed antenna so maybe better
FireTV is the fastest Android XBMC solution for a TV...correct me if I'm wrong. Why can't we have a rootable NexusTV running pure android and blasting XBMC Gotham with the full Android Play store as well? Until I can find the right people to take my money and make this happen I'll keeping blocking my FireTV from updating and hoping a glimmer of a FireTV root is coming soon.
HemRoyd said:
I just picked up a 2013 model Sony Bravia TV. It has an MHL port which accepts Sony's Google TV Smart Stick, model NSZ-GU1. I managed to find one of these on eBay for $65 and thought I would try it out...
Although I do have a Fire TV and quite like it, this Bravia Smart Stick seems to outshine the Fire TV in usability, IMHO. There are limitations on Play Store apps you can install, however I have been able to sideload and run the latest Gotham release of XMBC and it runs remarkably well. Unfortunately, I am no a video collector so I can only speak for it's streaming capabilities with addons like MLBMC and a few other unmentionables.
Specs:
• Power supply: via micro USB port or MHL (HDMI) out port.
• Processor : Marvell (DE3108-A1)
• Memory: 1GB RAM / 8GB Flash
• Video out: 720p/60
• Video in: 480p, 720p/60
• Audio out: PCM, DD & DD+
• Audio in: PCM & DD
• Wireless LAN: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
• Ethernet: none
• MHL (HDMI) out port
• HDMI in port
• IR Blaster out port
• USB 2.0 port: 1
• Bluetooth: ver 3.0
Although the specs pale in comparison to my Fire TV, the voice search capability blows away the FTV. When searching for TV shows or movies, I get result options for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu or Google Play from what I have seen so far. Also, I can do voice internet searches which are launched and displayed in the Chrome browser. Youtube searches are pretty sweet as well - search results are displayed as tiles across the homescreen and as you scroll through them, video titles and info are displayed as well. Can also voice launch applications, including XBMC. The remote works natively in XBMC and I can also toggle back and forth between XBMC and the Google TV environment. Pretty much the majority of features I find lacking in Fire TV are satisfied here. I almost wish I could replace the ROM from the Fire TV with that of the Bravia Stick. Trouble is the stick is limited to 720p, so perhaps it would only run that format, I don't know. At any rate, I'll keep it plugged in to my TV just for the convenient Youtube search functions if anything, and still run my Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is very cooool! Is that running v4.x of GoogleTV? I had Sony's NSZ-GS7 googleTV box and was hoping they would update, but that doesnt seem like it will ever happen. Pre-v4.x googletv sucks in all facets of life and the only thing I liked about that thing was the remote, which it looks you have with your unit, and the IR blaster capability. If they could have gotten that thing to run decently stable and updated it to V4 it would have been a great device.. That is why i ultimately decided to get my Fire TV.
I just posted a thread(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52624668) seeing if anyone had connect that remote to the Fire TV since its so awesome.
I have an FTV, but so far I hate having to always go setting, installed apps to run anything i've sideloaded. I'm hoping with root, someone will figure out how to edit the home screen. I can care less about Prime or the front end of FTV. I bought it because of the hardware. I need something kid friendly though. I've tried the cheapo android sticks. Cheap is the best thing I could say about it. Everything ran choppy and very slow.
I loved my NSZ-GS7, Netflix and VIMU ran nice.but no HULU was a deal breaker for cord cutting. So far VIMU for FTV doesn't have AC3 & DTS passthru for MKV so a lot of my videos don't work. Sounds temporary for now...
Until then, I'm still looking for options. The MX2 looked good, but if Wifi suck, that hurts... Anyone used the Neo X7?
Is there a site that does bench marking to compare these devices?
skrypj said:
That is very cooool! Is that running v4.x of GoogleTV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is running 4.something...I retired the TV and Bravia stick for a week or so while I finish off the room I'm putting it in, so I can't say the exact version. It also updated to Android 4.2.2. Without a doubt, the Smart Stick doesn't compare to the Fire TV in terms of hardware and video capabilities, however it is surprisingly usable out of the box, i.e. it did not require me sifting through a 160 page thread on XBMC forums or this entire sub-forum on XDA to get things to where it didn't require a large amount of acrobatic routines to enjoy an evening of media. Another interesting feature is that I am strictly running OTA signal through a Homeworx PVR-150 and was able to enable it through the Google TV Prime Time app such that I could utilize its guide feature and enjoy live TV right from within the Google TV environment. Pretty slick.
There are a number of devices out there, each with its on redeeming features but still no ideal one-box solution. I think Sony made a decent attempt with this particular device, however it is limited to only Sony televisions and at a retail price of around $149, it is certainly bested performance-wise by the FTV and other devices. All I can say is that if you have a compatible Bravia TV and can get one of these sticks for a song, I highly recommend it for casual use. I'm going to run mine until root opens up more possibilities on the FTV.
HemRoyd said:
Yes, it is running 4.something...I retired the TV and Bravia stick for a week or so while I finish off the room I'm putting it in, so I can't say the exact version. It also updated to Android 4.2.2. Without a doubt, the Smart Stick doesn't compare to the Fire TV in terms of hardware and video capabilities, however it is surprisingly usable out of the box, i.e. it did not require me sifting through a 160 page thread on XBMC forums or this entire sub-forum on XDA to get things to where it didn't require a large amount of acrobatic routines to enjoy an evening of media. Another interesting feature is that I am strictly running OTA signal through a Homeworx PVR-150 and was able to enable it through the Google TV Prime Time app such that I could utilize its guide feature and enjoy live TV right from within the Google TV environment. Pretty slick.
There are a number of devices out there, each with its on redeeming features but still no ideal one-box solution. I think Sony made a decent attempt with this particular device, however it is limited to only Sony televisions and at a retail price of around $149, it is certainly bested performance-wise by the FTV and other devices. All I can say is that if you have a compatible Bravia TV and can get one of these sticks for a song, I highly recommend it for casual use. I'm going to run mine until root opens up more possibilities on the FTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they updated their NSZ-GS7 & 8 to google TV version 4.x then i think it would be killer combo. The key is being able to sideload apps which is currently not supported since GTV 3.x is so different from android as it exists on phones and tablets. Plus, GTV 4.x also came with the release of the development kit to the general public so anyone can screw with it.
I just ran quadrant on firetv with a score of 10936. This is a very respectable score. My asus infinity scores around 6200, rooted. This is about a 1500 over stock. My galaxy note 10.1 2014 scores about 20000.
Given what firetv is set up to or better yet not to do this score outdoes many if not most tablets other than the very best.
I'll test my dongle but I pretty sure it won't even be close. Don't know how to test roku or Chromecast.
Woody
Dongle wouldn't play quadrant for some reason.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
so its time for me to upgrade, i owned a g box and it was cool at the time year or 2 later it starts to give me problems its slow most things dont work ect so iv been using my pc to watch movies via xbmc, now i want to stop and look for a new xbmc media player and seen the nexus player and looks promising, and been looking around a bit about xbmc for it, is this recommended buy? id like a box that is fast able to use xbmc and more less problems lol
DayDaysTech said:
so its time for me to upgrade, i owned a g box and it was cool at the time year or 2 later it starts to give me problems its slow most things dont work ect so iv been using my pc to watch movies via xbmc, now i want to stop and look for a new xbmc media player and seen the nexus player and looks promising, and been looking around a bit about xbmc for it, is this recommended buy? id like a box that is fast able to use xbmc and more less problems lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time I would wait just a few weeks as both Razer Forge and Nvidia are releasing new boxes which have better specs.The Nvidia is a little more pricey at $199 the forge will be $99 according to the options you choose. Both will be better boxes if I had to choose. Roku is also due with the Roku 4 anytime now. There will be allot of choices by June.
Im currently using my nexus player solely for xbmc, ive unlocked and rooted it. And ive installed xbmc launcher. Actually im technically using the alpha nightly of kodi. Its amazing. Ive installed genesis, and aeon nox skin. I use the nexus player remote to control kodi. Unles you plan on using the nexus player for kodi, it's useless. But running kodi its damn near perfect.
i love my nexus player. it is not great for everyone though.
first of all you need a mouse and keyboard. and a gamepad.
second and most important you must have a thirst for tinkering to appreciate what you have.
if you just want to consume media stick with chromecast or a cheaper roku.
Kodi runs great on the Nexus Player...the only 2 things for me is the frame rate is locked to 60fps and the inability to play VC-1 (it plays but its pretty unwatchable as I believe it uses software instead of hardware).
What about if you want to play emulators?
if a tablet will run it you can most likely get it to run on the nexus player with some hackery.(lollirock rom will run most tablet apps without much fighting).
my bluetooth controllers work great with the emulators ive tried.
I still think for gamers there are better options coming up. I have the adt1 its a great box guess I am just waiting for the Android Tv box with strong specs. Nvidia Shield?
Don't buy it, I've had mine since 1/22/2015 and I have been having issues with it.
Netflix crashes when I try to choose a show/movie.
Slow at times, including having to fully reset it due to extreme slowdowns.
Remote feels very fragile, buttons feel bad.
Unresponsive when using the remote sometimes.
Voice search is terrible, it's laggy and unreliable. Not to mention it doesn't work with many of the apps.
Wifi connection only, unless you get Micro USB to Ethernet adapter.
No normal sized USB connector, meaning you absolutely need a Micro to Normal USB adapter.
Rooted apps require a mouse and keyboard, the remote most of the time does not work on them. (and remember to hook up a mouse and keyboard you need micro to normal usb adapter)
I feel bad for this Asus/Google product, and wish I could take back my purchase of this item.
Edit:
Most of these issues weren't noticeable when I first got it, but after a while all these things become a big issue.
Here is my take on the Nexus Player:
I've rooted, and installed Droidmote. This allows for controlling sideloaded apps. I have entered custom DNS values to allow for region restricted apps. I transfer apps using the SendAnywhere app. There is much more flexibility with this box than with ones that are locked down. It is more what it can do, than what it does out of the box. There are weaknesses with all streaming media players, but this does everything I need in one box. I haven't had any problems with the Netflix app. For those that like to tinker with android, the Nexus Player is ideal. For those that want an out of the box solution, time will tell.
I regret buying the Nexus Player. It freezes,Bluetooth controller/remote disconnect all the time,lack of apps even with side loading, various app crashes (Netflix mostly),voice search sucks and it just feels like a beta product at best.
DayDaysTech said:
so its time for me to upgrade, i owned a g box and it was cool at the time year or 2 later it starts to give me problems its slow most things dont work ect so iv been using my pc to watch movies via xbmc, now i want to stop and look for a new xbmc media player and seen the nexus player and looks promising, and been looking around a bit about xbmc for it, is this recommended buy? id like a box that is fast able to use xbmc and more less problems lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the Android TV platform is great. But the nexus player doesn't seems as good as what is coming soon hardware wise. I'd wait for the Razer forge tv or nvidia shield console.
cheeto said:
I think the Android TV platform is great. But the nexus player doesn't seems as good as what is coming soon hardware wise. I'd wait for the Razer forge tv or nvidia shield console.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the nvidia looks pretty sweet.
I love it!!
I have had many devices including ATV1,2,3 and the WD TV. The Applee 3 is still used for mirroring from Idevices. The WD was second device as it had and external HDD port but it was constantly rebooting. With my Nexus player I enabled devleoper mode and enabled the USB support. I bought an USB to go cable and installed file explorer. Now it's my favourite device. It can do HDD movies, netflix and Kodi.
Well worth it in my mind. Also had custom roms available if you don't like android TV and want to go to lollipop.
If you can find an Android ADT-1 (the developer's Android TV box), then you'd be better off with that. Much better specs - I've been using mine for nearly 2 months now and since the 5.0.1 update about 7 weeks ago it's been running flawlessly.
Lokke9191 said:
Im currently using my nexus player solely for xbmc, ive unlocked and rooted it. And ive installed xbmc launcher. Actually im technically using the alpha nightly of kodi. Its amazing. Ive installed genesis, and aeon nox skin. I use the nexus player remote to control kodi. Unles you plan on using the nexus player for kodi, it's useless. But running kodi its damn near perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
Were you able to get Navi-X up and running?
This is my main reason for wanting to buy the nexus player. This way, I'd not need to hook my laptop up to the TV and could just access Navi-X from the Nexus Player.
Please advise if you (or anyone else) has been able to get Navi-X running on the nexus player.
Thanks!!
I think the biggest plus for the nexus player would be regular android updates directly from google for a long time.
I currently have the FireTV (have a few days left before 30 day window is up) and just purchased the Nexus Player to see how it compares. I much prefer the Nexus Player UI and love android, but trying to see if all the extra work is worth having the Nexus Player. I haven't had a chance to mess around with it too much, but did notice a severely limited number of apps available through play store. I knew this was going to be an issue - but still surprised me. First I will outline what type of user I am and then I am curious your thoughts on Fire vs NP
User:
Pretty basic user. I will use my box for Kodi and then a few apps such as HBO, Showtime, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Youtube, etc. I do like the idea of this being android and another option for casting from my phone. I am a entrenched with the google suite of products so I see this as a plus as well. I am able to do some basic operations such as sideloading and such, but typically have to follow a step-by-step process. I loaded Kodi.TV just fine on my FireTV.
I am looking for a somewhat simple solution, but am willing do a small amount of work if the UX/UI is definitely better. I guess I am starting to wonder if a NP is going to be a constant fight and worth it to considering I won't be gaming, or other things that may be great on the NP.
What is everyone's thoughts? Feel free to ask me questions as well and thank you in advance for your help.
I own and use both(different rooms) and the firetv does amazon instant where the nexus player doesn't(kodi addon is hit or miss). I have also had less issues with kodi on the firetv. I had to disable sleep to get kodi to work right on the nexus. I have not seen an hbogo app on the nexus player where the firetv has that. The plus side to the player is it is easy to do what u want on it.
With as much as I like the firetv once my prime is up I'm getting rid of it for another nexus player as amazon has **** customer service when it comes to the firetv devices. I had a tv stick I used that died and after fighting with their cs for a few hours I hung up and went and bought the nexus. Also the fire devices are Android they are just not stock. Sideloading on both devices is the same process(adb or a file explorer).
With HBO and Amazon Prime aren't I able to sideload those apps on the the Nexus Player? If so how do most popular side loaded apps perform?
u can use the normal amazon prime app but u need a mouse to nav it, same with the habogo. there was an androidtv amazon app from a sony tv but amazon blocked it from working on anything but the sony tv. if the app doesnt work well with the remote(most dont) u need a mouse
Greetings;
I'm on the fence as to buying a Shield TV or Shield Tablet!
I had a terrible experience with Nexus Player and
am afraid that Shield TV has all the same problems/shortcomings,
i.e. apps compatibility, navigation & etc.
Any input is much appreciated.
Ten times what the the new us player was, the shield TV is awesome!
I have both the k1 tablet and the TV, if i could only have one it would be the shield TV as for the sheer power of x1 chip over the K1
But the tablet is pretty damn good to...
App compatibility is still a bit low but you can sideload many and they will still work often enough
But great devs here bring full Android that is 99% working flawless if you need
Really the only thing you need connected to a TV, games, Netflix, kodi, Plex... all here with no issues
Gamepads and remotes are pretty slick although i sometimes have issues with my remote and voice commands
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
While there are plenty of listings on YouTube for how to convert Android OS apps to Fire OS, there isn't much for the other way around. I know there used to be a thread for this, but it hasn't been updated in a long time. I had used a modded version of Watch TVG (now Fanduel Plus) to watch horse racing in glorious HD (for some reason, the website version of TVG only shows SD streams, and my cable operator only has SD, for the main TVG, and no TVG2 ...) but it stopped working ... was told I needed to update to the newest version, which I of course couldn't. Now that Fanduel Plus will also be offering international basketball leagues in addition to horse racing, the app seems more attractive than ever ... but no good on Android TV, unlike Fire TV, Roku, or Apple TV. If anyone has this app modded to work on Android TV (or any Android version, for that matter) , or a how to to on how to covert between the two similiar, but different, formats, that would be great.