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Hey everyone! Recently migrated phones from a Touch Pro 2 to this (like a lot of you probably did) and have spent the last couple days trying to get used to the Android OS. So far I've managed to pretty much set up everything how I want and I've rooted, over clocked, and flashed a custom rom onto it (Virtuous v1.0.2).
Coming over from Windows Mobile though, one gripe I am having is being able to rename the apps in the app draw. Since I only have about 6 apps on the homescreen, I'm aware it is possible to rename them using programs such as bettercut or super app manager, but unfortunately I've not yet found a way to rename the apps in the app draw. I like things to be neat and labelled nicely which not only look better, but makes it easier to find things.
Is this any way possible to do once you're rooted up? Ideally I don't want to turn off the Sense UI interface and switch to something else because I quite like the Sense widgets. It's baffling why this option of renaming applications is not possible/much simpler.
Thanks in advanced for any help
Not looking good is it.. Lol
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Not sure if what you want is possible...
Sent from my T-Mobile G2
Of course its possible. Android is open source. Take the source for the launcher, make changes necessary to rename applications, compile, install.
Hint: Some other launchers that you may be able to download and install, even on a NON-ROOTED phone, may already have this ability.
Don't know if there is an easy way to do this in the stock Sense launcher.
Only way I know if you only want to do this to a few apps, and have the APK for those apps: There is an XDA user made app called APK Edit, which allows you to change the icon and name of the app. Just use this to edit the APK, then install the APK.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890199
or even better in designated folders.. as far as I understand, this can be done after rooting right? but I'd rather not go down that route (at least atm) as I haven't a clue what I'm doing & the methods I've seen for the Shield TV are a little complicated for me (is there an automated method?)
Advice would be appreciated.
If you want to use the LeanBack (default) launcher you have to download SideLoad Launcher from the play store, otherwise you can flash Zulu99's ROM that gives you the default Android experience.
Agreed. I want to root my Android TV, but every thread I read is a little different, and since I don't have much experience doing it, I don't even know where to start. I'd rather wait until I've understood the process better before taking a chance at bricking my console.
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
Rolldog said:
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
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Click to collapse
I recommend trying it out with a cestom rom, as long as you are willing to unlock. I have since gone back to stock after trying both as I needed/wanted 2 features. The streaming button (there is a paid alternative) and the headphones on the controller. Keep in mind you also give up wireless controller, hence the headphones, by going to other roms. I use a monitor, and without a USB DAC I don't have sound if I give up wireless. I have simply settled for running 2 sidebar launchers, and it's working great for me. Also, Market Helper is good as it'll tell the play store (web version) that you are using a Nexus 7, ect, and can install most apps that way easily without having to sidelead everything. It'll also handle auto-updates ironicly ,ith stock play store app. Hopefully that'll help you decide. Please let us know what you did and why as we as a community like to know users needs. If you get stuck at any part of the process, please PM me or ask on the forums. We'd be glad to help with anything!
I don't have any problems with unlocking it, I, like you, just want to be sure I don't lose any features of the Shield. Losing game streaming and the wireless controller sound like a deal breaker. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone fixes these issues in a custom ROM. The wireless controller is configured using WiFi Direct. Even on Nvidia's website, they're all for people rooting their device and customizing it the way people want. One guy, who works for Nvidia was saying that they're definitely not against people rooting it because once someone buys it, they're willing to do whatever they want with it. So hopefully, we'll see Nvidia release more info to help people develop custom ROMs without losing any of the functionality of the device. Aren't there custom ROMs you can flash onto the Shield Tablet and still be able to use the wireless controller?
Is Market Helper an apk to install on the console? And what sidebar launchers are you using? There are times when I try using Shield Hub to connect to my local PC and it not work, and then I try with Moonlight, and it works everytime. I also like using the remote desktop feature. If you add the remote desktop app manually into the GeForce Experience software on your PC, then using the Shield, you can connect to your desktop using either Moonlight or Shield Hub and your TV mirrors your monitor.
kdb424 said:
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to forget Es file explores send by land feature which is great for sending apks from other devices to your shield
What launchers are available out there which offer more than the leanback launcher? I noticed I cannot change wallpaper, live or static, display non-TV apps or change many other settings with it. Do you have any suggestions for others to try?
Unfortunately all which I have tried seem underdeveloped atm. Before Android TV there were already a bunch of mediocre 10-foot launchers for older Android-based boxes. It would be really nice to see somebody develop an improved version of the Leanback Launcher with added customization (like Nova Launcher vs AOSP's launcher), but I heard somewhere that the Leanback launcher isn't open source. It would also be nice for such a launcher to be made compatible with all Android TV and normal Android devices so that you could have the Leanback interface on things like like MiniX devices, Fire TV devices or even an old Android smartphone strapped to the back of your TV. @dhacker29 ported CyanogenMod 12.1 and later AOSP 6.0.1 to the Nexus Player where he included the Leanback Launcher with modifications to the UI and an option to change the background image, though I doubt that you can just extract the app and run it on the Shield.
Ive tried HALauncher on my shield tv (not rooted / stock firmware), that's pretty good. It allows you to choose wallpaper, change font colours, and arrange your own quick launch items. Only problem is that it wont show the Nvidia Shield hub items (game stream etc) except the store place. Its free so worth looking at.
If you like the style of Leanback but would prefer more control and ability to customise, HALauncher is the best option. It also supports mouse control too, unlike the truly awful and crippled Leanback.
If you prefer something a bit different there are numerous launchers out there. You have SquareHome.Tablet launcher. It's very good and allows a metro-like setup and can create some fantastic looking home pages if you put the effort in. Another is Launcher Lab, which has some fantastic effects. Although the downside of this is that you can't use a direction pad, which means it's mouse only. Total Launcher is worth a look too.
See the Minix Forum thread below for examples of what you can do. They're all on Minix devices of course, but there is nothing stopping identical home pages being set up on the Shield.
http://www.minixforum.com/threads/lets-see-a-shot-of-your-launcher-customizations.441/
Hi
I installed with adb F-Droid and apps distributed with F-Droid. The most apps don't show up in main menu.
Now I wish to install a custom Launcher, which shows those apps.
In F-Droid I didn't find any launcher with Android TV support.
I don't have a Google account, so cant use Google Play.
I know it doesn't approve the prerequisite of being in F-Droid, but the next one is here on XDA and it's been made by the great Chainfire, so I'll recommend it to you anyway:
[APP][TV5.0+][2015.03.10] Sideload Launcher for Android TV v1.05
Easily launch apps you sideloaded to your Android TV This is only for the new Android TV devices, like the ADT-1 and the Nexus Player, it is completely useless on other devices Android TV requires existing apps to be updated and declare...
forum.xda-developers.com
You can directly install the .apk with a pen drive without using Android TV Google Play Store, and is for exactly what you are needing.
I have it installed on my TV, and it works flawlessly.
Other tip: you can directly install the F-Droid official "Store" app on your TV with the .apk (I didn't catch correctly if you did so, or if you are installing apps from there with adb), so you don't need to be using adb each time you want something from there.
I have it installed with the official .apk as well and it's a bit slow, but works and can be used to update whatever app you installed from there. Mind that for the updating part to work, you need a "mouse input" type of device for doing the "scroll down to refresh" gesture, so the app updates the repository information and lists the updates available for your apps.
Thank you very much for help
For this launcher I can't find the Git repo. At the moment I use FLauncher which is in Beta. Wrote the same in official thread.
I can't connect mouse/keyboard to ATV, see
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...y-paired-it-with-lg-tv.4408593/#post-86493315
Try Wolf Launcher
Wolf Launcher 0.1.9 Wolf : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Lancher
archive.org
texten said:
Try Wolf Launcher
Wolf Launcher 0.1.9 Wolf : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Lancher
archive.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I can't find the Git repo and it seems not in F-Droid
Android TV Launcher is for those users who want endless customization options on Android TV. You can add your favorite widgets on the home screen from weather to time widgets — everything is available. You also have support for app widgets. If you want to change your launcher too, there is an easy way-Open Device Preferences of your Android TV. Then go to Build Version under the about section. Now, repeatedly press it until Developer Options are enabled. After enabling, go back to the Device Preferences menu and open Developer Options.
FLAUNCHER is open source android tv launcher made with flutter
FLauncher / FLauncher · GitLab
Open-source alternative launcher for Android TV, built with Flutter.
gitlab.com
My Android TV box does not show installed app. No matter what Launcher I try the app icon remain invisible. The app can opened from settings. chainfire's sideload launcher does not make any difference. there must be something in the android core itself.
use Flauncherit shows any apps you wants !
chainfire doesnt not even see sideloaded apps anymore
PuckBass said:
chainfire doesnt not even see sideloaded apps anymore
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Click to collapse
For me is still working perfectly! Thanks for the alternative, anyway.
Hello everyone,
I've got a Smart TV with stock Android TV (v 11, can't disclose client , at the moment).
Is there any way to add a super minor customization to android tv ?
It's literally minor, it's adding an entry point for an App, which is not an App Icon Launcher, because they want it to look like integral part of the OS.
It could be anything like an Icon (next to the other system icons like settings, input, profile), or an Entry in system settings menu' , or something like that, to launch the Application.
It's so minor that redo all the work and get into AOSP is way too overkill, it would start a completely different project.
No, the client exclude the option to just have the App installed, they want the App as it was integral part of the Operating System.
I've read several documentations :
- Aosp : Way too many cons for such a small customization.
- Android Operator Tier with Custom Launcher : Could be viable to do a custom launcher, but the Smart TV is not eligible for operator tier (Not sold in leasing, do not sell any pay/linear channel, it's just a plain Smart TV)
- Custom Launcher on stock Android TV : Not viable, it would still be an Application with its launcher or would need some tricky configuration which wouldn't look like integral part of the OS at all.
- TIF (TV Input Framework) : Would just modify and recompile the TV App work ? I'm not sure if it is possible and how difficult it would be and if it is possible to "overwrite" just the TV System App on a Stock Android TV OS.
Do you have any suggestions how to achieve the desired "customization" without loosing all the built in supports/services that come with stock Android TV OS ? The simpler the better.
Thank you so much in advance!
from what you're explaining isn't a minor customization.
what you want is to customize the android tv launcher, however that launcher is an app just like everything else on the tvbox including your iptv app, youtube app, netflix app, etc...
so for your to achieve what you want, you'll need to have some dev knowledge, and you'll need to disassemble, modify and reassemble the launcher app + do whatever customization you need done.
it's not impossible, however it's not easy at all.
option2: you can hire a developer to develop your own tv launcher with whatever customization you want, probably won't be cheap, but will achieve exactly what you want.
option3: find an open-source tv launcher, use it, customize it as you like, you may or may-not need to hire a developer to do extra customizations, your cheapest, easiest, and quickest way to achieve what you're looking for. just google open source tv launcher, i'm sure you'll land on a few.
example:
Code:
https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher
donmega_icecube said:
from what you're explaining isn't a minor customization.
what you want is to customize the android tv launcher, however that launcher is an app just like everything else on the tvbox including your iptv app, youtube app, netflix app, etc...
so for your to achieve what you want, you'll need to have some dev knowledge, and you'll need to disassemble, modify and reassemble the launcher app + do whatever customization you need done.
it's not impossible, however it's not easy at all.
option2: you can hire a developer to develop your own tv launcher with whatever customization you want, probably won't be cheap, but will achieve exactly what you want.
option3: find an open-source tv launcher, use it, customize it as you like, you may or may-not need to hire a developer to do extra customizations, your cheapest, easiest, and quickest way to achieve what you're looking for. just google open source tv launcher, i'm sure you'll land on a few.
example:
Code:
https://gitlab.com/flauncher/flauncher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
Thanks so much for the answer, Don Mega.
Damn i hope there was an easier way to add an icon.
I see...
No need to hire a developer.
I'm a Senior android engineering and I got a skilled team but we never had to work on the android TV OS system itself tho ( we're specialized on mobile apps and iot solutions, not tvs).
Btw .. I could develop a custom launcher but it may take time and as I said as far as I've read on documentation, a custom launcher would still need AOSP if the manufacturer want to override the system one.
Doesn't it ?
I ask 'cause AOSP is too much of an effort (at least just for an icon!) and several manufacturer who started on aosp and various customizations are now abandoning it (I already worked on a STB for British telecom and yeah, i didn't work on their custom OS specifically but i know they changed their mind in the end).
Probably because once you go that route, you loose all the support and services out of the box, and you need to take care of too many things to keep it up to date.
So they usually prefer to stick to Android tv stock version (wise choice).
If that's the case I suppose the manufacturer will be better find a more standard way to launch their app
Nimx said:
Btw .. I could develop a custom launcher but it may take time and as I said as far as I've read on documentation, a custom launcher would still need AOSP if the manufacturer want to override the system one.
Doesn't it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no need for flashing a different OS or Custom Rom to be able to install a custom developed app.
so if you make your own apk, all you need to do on the existing tvbox, enable unknown sources, to be able to install your own apk on there, it should be pretty straight forward.
put the apk on a usb stick, plug it into your box and navigate to any file manager app, you'll be able to find your apk, click on it and install, on your remote control press the HOME button, it should popup a msg asking which launcher you want to load, since now you developed your own launcher and the old launcher is still there, choose which launcher you want to be default. you can always go into settings > apps and disable the old launcher so if anyone presses the HOME button again, it always defaults to the new one you developed.
so short answer, no you don't need AOSP or any type of Custom Rom
donmega_icecube said:
no need for flashing a different OS or Custom Rom to be able to install a custom developed app.
so if you make your own apk, all you need to do on the existing tvbox, enable unknown sources, to be able to install your own apk on there, it should be pretty straight forward.
put the apk on a usb stick, plug it into your box and navigate to any file manager app, you'll be able to find your apk, click on it and install, on your remote control press the HOME button, it should popup a msg asking which launcher you want to load, since now you developed your own launcher and the old launcher is still there, choose which launcher you want to be default. you can always go into settings > apps and disable the old launcher so if anyone presses the HOME button again, it always defaults to the new one you developed.
so short answer, no you don't need AOSP or any type of Custom Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The manufacturer obviously don't want users to do this procedure to choose the new launcher, but should be able to persistently active it overriding the system one. And that's why I thought custom ROM was needed.
If that's not true then your solution is the perfect one
donmega_icecube said:
no need for flashing a different OS or Custom Rom to be able to install a custom developed app.
so if you make your own apk, all you need to do on the existing tvbox, enable unknown sources, to be able to install your own apk on there, it should be pretty straight forward.
put the apk on a usb stick, plug it into your box and navigate to any file manager app, you'll be able to find your apk, click on it and install, on your remote control press the HOME button, it should popup a msg asking which launcher you want to load, since now you developed your own launcher and the old launcher is still there, choose which launcher you want to be default. you can always go into settings > apps and disable the old launcher so if anyone presses the HOME button again, it always defaults to the new one you developed.
so short answer, no you don't need AOSP or any type of Custom Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to keep you updated.
Custom launcher need user to set the new one.
But we found a possible solution without the burden to do a custom Rom.
Adding a new Ad-Hoc button on the Remote controller to launch their ecosystem settings app and/or a custom launcher (since this Smart Tv is a new model that will initially be delivered to several europe countries).
In this way it will look quite integrated in the android tv system, and the android TV OS will be always kept up to date from regular google updates, without all the issues plaguing custom roms like it does for other manufacturers.
Thank for your help
Nimx said:
Just to keep you updated.
Custom launcher need user to set the new one.
But we found a possible solution without the burden to do a custom Rom.
Adding a new Ad-Hoc button on the Remote controller to launch their ecosystem settings app and/or a custom launcher (since this Smart Tv is a new model that will initially be delivered to several europe countries).
In this way it will look quite integrated in the android tv system, and the android TV OS will be always kept up to date from regular google updates, without all the issues plaguing custom roms like it does for other manufacturers.
Thank for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sometimes i wish i was a developer, glad you found an easy solution.
thank you
It's still quite easy to become a developer due to high demand.
Not sure how old are you but I started when I was 34 yo by myself with no prior experience.
Nowadays, 5 years later, I Interview many candidates and I can tell the discriminating factor is not prior studies but dedication, high IQ (logic and abstraction wise) and learning speed.
Good luck if you'll ever decide to get into it
i'm 44 i have no patience for programming in general, I never did, I'm a full time network admin, and really into hardware a lot more than software.
but when it came to Android, i got my hands dirty flashing custom roms on all my phones. i started to customize my own roms for tv boxes.
but I kinda wish I did have some android dev skills, it's the only thing i end up outsourcing when needed.
thank you