I need to replace my parents 7 year old Windows PC with a new one. I was thinking of getting a Android stick instead since their uses are limited to Skype, Hangouts, Facebook, occassional browsing and YouTube. Besides, at least my mom has become pretty familiar with her Android phone.
What I have in mind is this:
Buy a monitor with HDMI port or DVI. The monitor will have built in speakers as well. Connect the stick to it.
Attach a USB hub to the stick.
Attach webcam, keyboard and mouse to the hub. Alternatively, attach keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in the monitor (if available). I don't want to use bluetooth because they will find recharging the keyboard/mouse difficult.
My questions are:
How effective this setup will be for the above mentioned purposes? The reason I ask this is because most people seem to be using Android stick primarily as a media player.
I tried hooking up two tablets to my TV, neither of them gave full screen. Will I face such problems with the stick? Do I need to look for any specific monitor resolutions or aspect ratios?
If I attach keyboard and mouse to the monitor's USB port, will it work?
Are there any sticks which will support touch screen monitors out of the box?
Will it play the sound through monitor out of the box?
In case I have to use bluetooth, can I pair both keyboard and mouse at the same time?
Do I need to shutdown the stick just like a PC or will a simple mains switch off be enough? Or can I leave it running all the time without worrying about the power consumption?
Please recommend a good stick for this purpose.
Am I overlooking something? Will I need any extra components?
I will most likely be telling them over the phone on how to set up the whole thing. So any kind of tinkering with software (like rooting or some form of modding) will not be possible.
unni_kmr said:
I need to replace my parents 7 year old Windows PC with a new one. I was thinking of getting a Android stick instead since their uses are limited to Skype, Hangouts, Facebook, occassional browsing and YouTube. Besides, at least my mom has become pretty familiar with her Android phone.
What I have in mind is this:
Buy a monitor with HDMI port or DVI. The monitor will have built in speakers as well. Connect the stick to it.
Attach a USB hub to the stick.
Attach webcam, keyboard and mouse to the hub. Alternatively, attach keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in the monitor (if available). I don't want to use bluetooth because they will find recharging the keyboard/mouse difficult.
My questions are:
How effective this setup will be for the above mentioned purposes? The reason I ask this is because most people seem to be using Android stick primarily as a media player.
I tried hooking up two tablets to my TV, neither of them gave full screen. Will I face such problems with the stick? Do I need to look for any specific monitor resolutions or aspect ratios?
If I attach keyboard and mouse to the monitor's USB port, will it work?
Are there any sticks which will support touch screen monitors out of the box?
Will it play the sound through monitor out of the box?
In case I have to use bluetooth, can I pair both keyboard and mouse at the same time?
Do I need to shutdown the stick just like a PC or will a simple mains switch off be enough? Or can I leave it running all the time without worrying about the power consumption?
Please recommend a good stick for this purpose.
Am I overlooking something? Will I need any extra components?
I will most likely be telling them over the phone on how to set up the whole thing. So any kind of tinkering with software (like rooting or some form of modding) will not be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list:
1. If you connect the mini pc (stick or otherwise) using HDMI cable to the monitor, you will have audio through the monitor.
2. If you buy a mini pc instead of a stick, you wouldn't need an additional usb hub (see X5 or X7)
3. You will need to use a logitech webcam (at least to use stock roms on Minix)
4. For browsing, Facebook, and Skype, the X7 will handle that easily, on a wired/wireless connection
5. Full screen works fine (either 1080p or 720p)
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
7. The X7will pair both a keyboard and mouse via bt at once, though I would recommend using the usb ports if you are setting it up at a desk
8. My X7 almost never gets shut off. Usually just shut off the monitor and let it stay on. The power consumption is minimal, especially when not being used.
Also, as far as a recommendation, I find the X7 to be pretty good. You'd probably be ok with an X5 if they aren't planning on using it as a media center and want to save some $$$. A lot of the cheap sticks are made by manufacturers who do not provide updates or product support, but since the end of July, Minix has come out with 3 firmware updates, and another one is almost ready. (They would have released update 005 except Rockchip released an update to their code and Minix want to integrate it prior to their next release, as it improves video playback).
On the negative side, the firmware does still have occasional glitches. Although my X7 has been up for days on end, every once in a while it just freezes up, and i have to pull the power cable, plug it back in, and turn it on. Also, the X7 had some early issues with SD cards, but if you don't plan on using an SD card, that shouldn't be an issue.
If you believe an android device will do everything your parents need in a PC, I think it's a great idea. Low power consumption (4W vs the 160-220W of my HTPC), low heat, no noise, low price, and decent reliability.
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Mike_77 said:
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list:
1. If you connect the mini pc (stick or otherwise) using HDMI cable to the monitor, you will have audio through the monitor.
2. If you buy a mini pc instead of a stick, you wouldn't need an additional usb hub (see X5 or X7)
3. You will need to use a logitech webcam (at least to use stock roms on Minix)
4. For browsing, Facebook, and Skype, the X7 will handle that easily, on a wired/wireless connection
5. Full screen works fine (either 1080p or 720p)
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
7. The X7will pair both a keyboard and mouse via bt at once, though I would recommend using the usb ports if you are setting it up at a desk
8. My X7 almost never gets shut off. Usually just shut off the monitor and let it stay on. The power consumption is minimal, especially when not being used.
Also, as far as a recommendation, I find the X7 to be pretty good. You'd probably be ok with an X5 if they aren't planning on using it as a media center and want to save some $$$. A lot of the cheap sticks are made by manufacturers who do not provide updates or product support, but since the end of July, Minix has come out with 3 firmware updates, and another one is almost ready. (They would have released update 005 except Rockchip released an update to their code and Minix want to integrate it prior to their next release, as it improves video playback).
On the negative side, the firmware does still have occasional glitches. Although my X7 has been up for days on end, every once in a while it just freezes up, and i have to pull the power cable, plug it back in, and turn it on. Also, the X7 had some early issues with SD cards, but if you don't plan on using an SD card, that shouldn't be an issue.
If you believe an android device will do everything your parents need in a PC, I think it's a great idea. Low power consumption (4W vs the 160-220W of my HTPC), low heat, no noise, low price, and decent reliability.
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a great wright up of x7 I love mine and agree 100 % with what you have said here. I've tried the uab sticks they don't work as well plus no heat on the x7 that thing is built well to last. I have set p.o.s. (point of sales) systems up in the past using the x5 cheap and fast browsing experience.
Good luck hope your parents are happy with what ever you end up doing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
I have MK808b (dual core with 1GB RAM), and using it as a media center, but also as a PC for browsing INTERNET. It is connected to pc monitor with HDMI, and works perfectly in full HD resolution.
I can't find any reason not to use it as a replacement for PC, especially if you use cloud storage services.
Mike_77 said:
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list...
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this detailed reply. Really appreciate you taking time to write all these.
I have dropped the idea of using touch screen, since they seem to be 3 times the cost of a regular monitor (in India).
Regarding the shipping, I am in US now and parents are in India. I am not exactly sure if customs will cause any problems. That's why I am thinking of ordering from eBay India itself. Only problem is eBay India seller is charging around $204, probably because this is a new device.
dincdoes.me said:
Good luck hope your parents are happy with what ever you end up doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this works as expected for the above purposes, I am the one who will be more happy. In the last 2 years, I have spent a lot of hours through LogMeIn remote desktop updating and maintaining the PC. Where my parents stay, there are scheduled powercuts for 1 hour per day for atleast half of the year, and power comes and goes every now and then even otherwise. This inconsistency in power was another reason that made me lean towards the mini PCs. Besides, my mom, who is the primary user of the PC, has become more familiar with Android (through her phone), and she likes playing the games a lot as well.
draskome said:
I have MK808b (dual core with 1GB RAM), and using it as a media center, but also as a PC for browsing INTERNET. It is connected to pc monitor with HDMI, and works perfectly in full HD resolution.
I can't find any reason not to use it as a replacement for PC, especially if you use cloud storage services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
I am thinking of getting the X7 or X5 mainly because of the software updates, since I won't need to purchase any hub and since I can use my existing Logitech C310 webcam.
I have few more questions regarding the X7:
1. How responsive is the keyboard and mouse? Can I expect a response similar to a normal Windows PC?
2. If I use a monitor that has a resolution between 720p and 1080p (something like 1360x768 for example), will the device handle it properly or will it look odd (like stretched)?
3. Will it get updated automatically? I saw one video in YouTube in which he was manually flashing it using some Windows utility. Is that the only way to update?
I have two devices.
First device is a 70 dollar single core tablet with a broken touch screen. It was to expensive to fix it so I turned it into a server.
1. it runs Servers ultimate pro running a WebDav server, PHP/MySQL server for RSS feeds and a home site for the family, ddns updater and an FTP server.
2. it is running a surveillance app that sends an email to me the moment anything moves in the camera shot.
3. runs a PocketMine-MP server
4. runs an app to auto stop and start apps dring certain times of the day.
All this is remotely accessible VIA webkey.
Second device is an iMito MX1
1. it has a 7 port hub attached.
2. a HD webcam for Skype.
3. two harddrives (a 1 TB driver for media storage and a 720GB for internal memory replacement)(more on that in a min)
4. plays netflix, red box, youtube, Vevo, crackle and XBMC... to name a few
5. has 32 games loaded up with a Logitech F710 wireless controller VIA an app for onscreen touch.
6. Logitech full sized KB and Mouse.
I use this thing for web browsing, shooting vids and pics over to it from my phone for family sharing(DLNA)
The 750gig harddrive is currently the SDCARD but the internal one(NAND). The internal NAND is no longer used and the harddrive is where the OS stores the app's file to SD and the apps extra downloads. This has allowed me to download 15 games that contain 1+gig of extra data each.
All this has replaced two PC's in my house running 24/7. My electric bill has dropped 100+ dollars a month and the house has become quieter.
Let me tell you that two PC's(one was a server and the other a media center) running at full speed just to watch a movie took 280 watts of power. My new setup only consumes 24 at peak! Plus less heat and fan noise! I changed over around a year ago and never looked back or miss my old setup.
If you plan on running one fore a PC replacement I recommend a quad core. Sometimes the browsers can get a bit poky and that is due to the slower CPU. Also Webkey a must for remote management. This one FREE app has saved me more times then I can could. It has tons of functions and features but it's best feature is the remote control. It is just like setting in front of the device but just a tad slower. It is not a perfect app but it is the only remote app that I have found to work time and time again.
unni_kmr said:
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My monitor is 24" 1080p, and it's perfectly suitable for the purpose
For the office documents, 512kbps is quite enough, but not for pics, videos....
unni_kmr said:
Thanks very much for this detailed reply. Really appreciate you taking time to write all these.
I have dropped the idea of using touch screen, since they seem to be 3 times the cost of a regular monitor (in India).
Regarding the shipping, I am in US now and parents are in India. I am not exactly sure if customs will cause any problems. That's why I am thinking of ordering from eBay India itself. Only problem is eBay India seller is charging around $204, probably because this is a new device.
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
I am thinking of getting the X7 or X5 mainly because of the software updates, since I won't need to purchase any hub and since I can use my existing Logitech C310 webcam.
I have few more questions regarding the X7:
1. How responsive is the keyboard and mouse? Can I expect a response similar to a normal Windows PC?
2. If I use a monitor that has a resolution between 720p and 1080p (something like 1360x768 for example), will the device handle it properly or will it look odd (like stretched)?
3. Will it get updated automatically? I saw one video in YouTube in which he was manually flashing it using some Windows utility. Is that the only way to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to share my experience. I was a bit hesitant to buy one originally, but have been more than happy with my purchase.
I bought mine from http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MINIX-NEO-X7-Android-TV-Box-RK3188-Quad-Core-Mini-PC-1-6GHz-2G-16G-WiFi/1086507000.html# shipped DHL for only $3 more, and had it delivered in 3 days to Hawaii from China.
Updates are kind of a pain until they implement OTA updates, which they say they're going to do. That's why I recommend shipping to you first, and then you can send to your parents. I understand the customs issue though.. tough decision on that one.
I use mine on a 55" 1080p tv, and the picture quality is outstanding. The picture does not looked stretched or odd any any way. I believe it will detect the correct display settings and you can set the resolution you desire in /settings/display/resolution (trying to remember exact menu it's under)
The keyboard and mouse is just as responsive as a windows pc. There are a couple of times there is a bit of lag, but that is just a function of how much stuff is running. Even when you experience lag, it isn't anything significant.
There is a working version of CWM that will allow you to flash updates like an Android phone, but you will have to use the pc utility to install CWM (available on freaktab.com) Once CWM is installed, you can package the update files into a zip that is premade other than your update files, and it'll update for you.
There is a lot more information on freaktab.com. I alternated between that and minixforums.com for a while when trying to decide which android mini pc to buy. After weeks of research, I decided the wait for the X7 was worth it, and haven't regretted my decision since.
Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry that I didn't reply for a long time. I tried ordering Minix Neo X7 from the AliExpress link. But they rejected my payment due to security concerns (I used an US credit card and gave India adress which probably raised some red flags). Then I ordered from eBay India. Waiting for it to be shipped.
I also came across another interesting product that could have satisfied all my requirements. Its the ViewSonic VSD220. Its a touch screen monitor with speakers, web cam, USB ports and is a Android mini PC. The only down side was that a YouTube review said its processor is not upto the mark.
unni_kmr said:
Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry that I didn't reply for a long time. I tried ordering Minix Neo X7 from the AliExpress link. But they rejected my payment due to security concerns (I used an US credit card and gave India adress which probably raised some red flags). Then I ordered from eBay India. Waiting for it to be shipped.
I also came across another interesting product that could have satisfied all my requirements. Its the ViewSonic VSD220. Its a touch screen monitor with speakers, web cam, USB ports and is a Android mini PC. The only down side was that a YouTube review said its processor is not upto the mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll get better performance out of the X7. Have you read all the info, etc on minixforums.com? Also, starting with FW006, they are supporting SDCard firmware updates (theoretically, though I haven't tried it)
reddragon72 said:
I have two devices.
First device is a 70 dollar single core tablet with a broken touch screen. It was to expensive to fix it so I turned it into a server.
1. it runs Servers ultimate pro running a WebDav server, PHP/MySQL server for RSS feeds and a home site for the family, ddns updater and an FTP server.
2. it is running a surveillance app that sends an email to me the moment anything moves in the camera shot.
3. runs a PocketMine-MP server
4. runs an app to auto stop and start apps dring certain times of the day.
All this is remotely accessible VIA webkey.
Second device is an iMito MX1
1. it has a 7 port hub attached.
2. a HD webcam for Skype.
3. two harddrives (a 1 TB driver for media storage and a 720GB for internal memory replacement)(more on that in a min)
4. plays netflix, red box, youtube, Vevo, crackle and XBMC... to name a few
5. has 32 games loaded up with a Logitech F710 wireless controller VIA an app for onscreen touch.
6. Logitech full sized KB and Mouse.
I use this thing for web browsing, shooting vids and pics over to it from my phone for family sharing(DLNA)
The 750gig harddrive is currently the SDCARD but the internal one(NAND). The internal NAND is no longer used and the harddrive is where the OS stores the app's file to SD and the apps extra downloads. This has allowed me to download 15 games that contain 1+gig of extra data each.
All this has replaced two PC's in my house running 24/7. My electric bill has dropped 100+ dollars a month and the house has become quieter.
Let me tell you that two PC's(one was a server and the other a media center) running at full speed just to watch a movie took 280 watts of power. My new setup only consumes 24 at peak! Plus less heat and fan noise! I changed over around a year ago and never looked back or miss my old setup.
If you plan on running one fore a PC replacement I recommend a quad core. Sometimes the browsers can get a bit poky and that is due to the slower CPU. Also Webkey a must for remote management. This one FREE app has saved me more times then I can could. It has tons of functions and features but it's best feature is the remote control. It is just like setting in front of the device but just a tad slower. It is not a perfect app but it is the only remote app that I have found to work time and time again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. What would you reccomend for luanchers or either installing a new system on the Tronsmart T428. I just can't stand using the android with my wifi keyboard w built-in mouse. The android pop-up keyboard takes up half of my projector screen when it pops up even with null keyboard installed. When selecting a link if a similar page ops up there is no scroll bars on the right letting you know to scroll down or if ytou are still on the smae page waiting for stuff to upload. i guess I'm looking for more of an Ubuntu 10x or windows experience. Traditional keyboard and mouse vs touch screen. NOw that I think about it I bet I have to get hulu plus to watch anything on this bc it acts like a tablet.
Just saw this and they have giveaway. Must be great just by seeing the specification.
here is the specification guys.
Product Overview
Model NO.1 D5
Product modeling Android Smartwatch
System Android 4.4
Cpu MTK6572
Resolution 360 * 360 , 16 Million color, 1.3 inch
RAM
512MB
ROM
4GB
Wifi Support
Google Play Support
Make calls Support
See text messages Support
Contacts Support
Heart Rate Support
Pedometer Support
Bluetooth BT2.1 + BLE4.0
Browser Support
Barometer Support
Voice Search Support
Alarm Support
Remote camera Support
Weather Support
Health Data Synchronization Support
Change Clock Face Support
Install App Support
Hardware
Speaker Support
Waterproof IP65
Battery capacity
450mAH
Vibration motor Support
Antenna Support
Side buttons Support
SIM card Support Micro SIM
Network
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz; WCDMA 850/2100
Chargers Support
USB Support
G-SENSOR Support
Sorry cant post link because im new here just look for it on facebook. "No.1 Phone"
GO HERE for all info etc: https://plus.google.com/communities/109827242607524552712
Before Asking Anything att all Watch / read / Learn This:
http://youtube.com/smartwatchticks
There is a lot of info on the channel.
Secondary: Before asking use the SEARCH function..
Almost all questions are asked here already...
-- Will put summary here of all info--
-- Contribution: Please send PM--
- Root:
Lokifish Marz said:
Flash TWRP and flash SuperSU Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Alternative ROM : here
- Original Firmware: here
- Launcher: here with picture !
- Changing watch face : here
- For GPS issue (0/0 satellite) : here
- Internet over Bluetooth tethering (Android): Enable Bluetooth on watch. Connect Phone to Watch. Goto Bluetooth setting in smartwatch and tick the settings icon on connected device. Enable Internet over Bluetooth there. (check on your phone, it should be ticked there too automatically after setting your watch)
- MAC address fix (dynamic Wifi MAC (requires root)): here
- USB dock issue :
- Open dock and check if all pins are nicely lined up. If not try to wiggle them or pull carefully out.. should work...
- Or see here
- Repair watch dock / spring return pins: Here
- Testing video : here
- Review of D5: here
- Different keyboards tested on D5: Here
- Uninstall apps that have admin previleges: Here
- Go to "Hidden" settings easy install Settings search: Here
- Apps for Smartwatches with Mt6572: Here
- Disconnecting battery after booting problems: Here with picture
- Threads of "the same" watches with different name but lot of usefull info and roms: Here
I'm deciding between this and Zeaplus K18 (K8 3G). I like the fact that D5 is IP65 certified. K8 has a lot of support, surely we'll be able to root and tweak D5 as well.
Link to the giveaway: https://www.facebook.com/001phones/posts/723539511113233
Guys i cannot post links but there is a good video on youtube from official page of no.1 .. It seems good , only thing it s the rom ( 1.5 gb)
No.1 D5 Video Reviews
by SmartWatch Ticks
subscribe to his channel here
by other users
Thanks for posting the link sensei.
No problem. Let me know, if you guys find any new info or videos and can't post them here, I'll do it for you.
Supposedly No.1 D5 will launch from December 20th at a price of 124 USD.
No.1 D5 smart watch available on GearBest: http://www.gearbest.com/smart-watches/pp_281720.html
MMWolverine said:
No.1 D5 smart watch available on GearBest: http://www.gearbest.com/smart-watches/pp_281720.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be aware that they actually are on back-order. They currently have no stock at all.
All the info and guides from the K8 round watch thread will also work for this watch once it becomes available. This is the K8 mini - same watch http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_273835.html
Thanks, it's also listed on Everbuying and Tinydeal, but I'll purchase it after the holidays anyway. I advise others to do the same.
About TWRP 2.7.1.0 by cyrux75. Are there any issues running it on a smaller display? Probably doesn't have to be ported to D5 firmware, maybe just dpi changes.
To be honest they are the same watch.
I opened a thread for this one ages ago http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma...i-k8-round-smart-watch-android-4-4-2-t3250601
This thread and the K8 round watch thread were opened by sales reps - either gearbest or everbuying or similar. They do it get attention for their products.
Ok, great. I actually followed the k8 tread to about 30 pages and need to catch up.
MMWolverine said:
Thanks, it's also listed on Everbuying and Tinydeal, but I'll purchase it after the holidays anyway. I advise others to do the same.
About TWRP 2.7.1.0 by cyrux75. Are there any issues running it on a smaller display? Probably doesn't have to be ported to D5 firmware, maybe just dpi changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My TWRP port was (laboriously ) adjusted for exact display resolution of the "big" K8 (400x400) so I suppose it needs to be modified for the "mini" resolution.
cyrux75 said:
My TWRP port was (laboriously ) adjusted for exact display resolution of the "big" K8 (400x400) so I suppose it needs to be modified for the "mini" resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might contact you for some pointers on how to tweak TWRP.
popano said:
Just saw this and they have giveaway. Must be great just by seeing the specification.
here is the specification guys.
Product Overview
Model NO.1 D5
Product modeling Android Smartwatch
System Android 4.4
Cpu MTK6572
Resolution 360 * 360 , 16 Million color, 1.3 inch
RAM
512MB
ROM
4GB
Wifi Support
Google Play Support
Make calls Support
See text messages Support
Contacts Support
Heart Rate Support
Pedometer Support
Bluetooth BT2.1 + BLE4.0
Browser Support
Barometer Support
Voice Search Support
Alarm Support
Remote camera Support
Weather Support
Health Data Synchronization Support
Change Clock Face Support
Install App Support
Hardware
Speaker Support
Waterproof IP65
Battery capacity
450mAH
Vibration motor Support
Antenna Support
Side buttons Support
SIM card Support Micro SIM
Network
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz; WCDMA 850/2100
Chargers Support
USB Support
G-SENSOR Support
Sorry cant post link because im new here just look for it on facebook. "No.1 Phone"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ordered the No. 1 D5 from Geekbuying.com for $115 USD, and I look forward to receiving it sometime in early February (usually 4-6 weeks regular, registered mail). I do have a question though, on the Geekbuying site there is no mention of cellular capabilities and in the videos I have seen there is no way to insert a SIM card, so what is the truth? Also, and I truly hope this is the case, can you change the gaudy leather strap for a nice metal one? I guess the truth will be known when I get my smartwatch.
probstc said:
I just ordered the No. 1 D5 from Geekbuying.com for $115 USD, and I look forward to receiving it sometime in early February (usually 4-6 weeks regular, registered mail). I do have a question though, on the Geekbuying site there is no mention of cellular capabilities and in the videos I have seen there is no way to insert a SIM card, so what is the truth? Also, and I truly hope this is the case, can you change the gaudy leather strap for a nice metal one? I guess the truth will be known when I get my smartwatch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actully it can insert sim card, but it is diffcult to open the back cover, so NO.1 official promote this function, but it can
probstc said:
I just ordered the No. 1 D5 from Geekbuying.com for $115 USD, and I look forward to receiving it sometime in early February (usually 4-6 weeks regular, registered mail). I do have a question though, on the Geekbuying site there is no mention of cellular capabilities and in the videos I have seen there is no way to insert a SIM card, so what is the truth? Also, and I truly hope this is the case, can you change the gaudy leather strap for a nice metal one? I guess the truth will be known when I get my smartwatch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you can t change the stape! You cannot because inside the strap there are the GPS and GSM antenna like in the k18
I'm really interested in this watch and I have ordered it on gearbest presale. I hope I will get it when it is finally available. I have noticed (and answered) the k8 mini thread but I think this one is a little different at least it will have a different firmware. The case and the screenshots may look the same but the no.1 d5 claims to have access to google playstore and in the video above there is a playstore icon in the menu.
the steve said:
I'm really interested in this watch and I have ordered it on gearbest presale. I hope I will get it when it is finally available. I have noticed (and answered) the k8 mini thread but I think this one is a little different at least it will have a different firmware. The case and the screenshots may look the same but the no.1 d5 claims to have access to google playstore and in the video above there is a playstore icon in the menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
played with it a bit (got it from Tinydeal) and it does have Google Play Store and Google Play Services.
the ui takes some getting used to but atleast it's way better than that MTK crap. have to spend some more time playing with it for full review
The software is the same as the K8 mini. And that also has the play store. They are the same watch, same MTK hardware, same strap.
---------- Post added at 11:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:04 AM ----------
I am interested to see how the battery lasts with this new TFT screen. The original, larger K8 has OLED screen but battery runs out quickly......
I've a galaxy tab 2 7.0 which is beyond repair and hard bricked, I was wondering if I could use it's display and touch as a secondary monitor for windows, with a reasonable response time, for productivity. It would be a tremendous help.
deleted
Dhgr8 said:
Try iDisplay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read the post before reply. Device is hard bricked. Software solution not applicable. Hardware solution required.
You probably already gave up on this, but I am answering this so other people get at least sortof an answer.
For the display alone you could try to use a display driver board (Just google for "make your own monitor, DIY LCD controller board" Sadly can't post links yet..)
Will be hard as soldering to the connectors of the display is annoying/nearly impossible.
Next would be touch, and there you would also need to find a driver board (designing this yourself is way out of the scope usually) and then calibrate the coordinates. (Probably okay under linux/unix, next to impossible under windows)
Overall cost would probably surpass what you would pay for a cheap, new device which could run a software solution. (which would be more portable and cleaner looking.)
If you are a linux user, you can tether the tablet to your pc, get a vnc server running on it and then stream the feed via ADB over the usb-cable to your tablet. (ADB can connect ports from your tablet to your labtop and vice versa). This means that you dont have to pay anything for an app, and also do custom stuff like just sharing certain parts of the screen to the tablet etc...
Hi all, hopefully I am posting in the right place for this query.
So I bought a T95Z Plus TV BOX Android 12 Allwinner H618 and I thought I was making a decent upgrade from my old R10 box which still works despite being Android 7.1!!! However upon arrival and setup of the T95Z Plus I came unstuck when I could not open PIA VPN app. When I attempt to open the app, it literally tries to open then stops and nothing happens. All this in the blink of an eye. No splash screen, nothing. Just double click the app, brief spin as though it were loading then nothing.
I obviously went into overdrive to find a fix and basically came up with very little to try believing it was PIA app. Initially I read it was some kind of problem with Android 12 and all VPNs however has since been patched. But from what I can see it seems to be the T95plus is the issue.
The advice I have read and tried so far is:
to uninstall the app, reinstall the app.
Try the apk install that can be obtained directly from the PIA website rather than googleplay store
Turn of battery saver mode
Clear Cache of the app
I also tried another VPN, this time a free VPN, however this app opens but just sits trying to connect for ever.
So I am wondering has anyone with the same experience as me, or the knowledge got something for m to try in order to rectify the problem? I would return the box however it took so long to arrive to the UK that I don't think I can return it as it's past 14 days. Stupidly did not anticipate such a problem
If anyone can help I would be very grateful, thank you in advance.
I am compelled to write this before I give a real answer. Allwinner chips are utter garbage and avoid them. The H616 boxes were total garbage and riddle with spyware. You would do well to run a PCAP and see if its calling home like the H616 was.
First off download the APK directly from PIA. Once you have it just click on it. If prompted about install from unknown sources click ok. This will install the app. Don't do anything yet. Go to Settings and just search VPN. It needs to be there because the PIA app requires it to run. It's standard in Android and it should be there. But if the firmware was modified it could disable the feature or remove it as it could prevent the box from calling home.
Here is PIA's own guide on how to do all this.
Basically if its hanging it's because the PIA App isn't seeing the VPN service. I speak from experience since I disabled it once when I didn't haven't clue what the hell I was doing. Since you said a free VPN was having the same issue my suspicion would be the box itself. You can install one of the hidden settings apps and see if you can get to the VPN Setting. If you cannot then you need to just return the box and get a Amlogic or a decent Rockchip. For TV Boxes Allwinner chips are dumpster fires.
I blew my first Amlogic box a few years back before I knew that destroying them is near impossible and I recovered it later. I bought a T95 because it looked great, price was great, and I was clueless. I had nothing but trouble with it for the week or so I fought with it. The nail in the coffin was watching network traffic flowing when none should have been. That's when I ran my own PCAP and saw it was talking to Chinese servers for services I knew weren't in use. This isn't an indictment on Chinese boxes as I have a plethora of them. It's an indictment on the crap quality any of these boxes have. You get what you pay for. I'm a firm believer in cheap and cheerful. Just with AllWinner their reputation is utter garbage in the TV Box market. Most go with Amlogic because you have the most flexibility with them since Amlogic tools are readily available and custom firmware is easily obtained. Rockchip is the next up but the tools are much more limited and there is less options for custom firmware.
My real suggestion is RMA the box if you can. If you can't, eat the loss and buy a Amlogic. You can always look at getting *Elec projects or Armbian or something for the H618 but don't hold your breath as AllWinner isn't wildly supported. Their lack of tools for their chips means no one is inclined to deal with the pain involved for developing for their chips. Plus their habit of gimping chips due to heat throttling means it's inferior in the long run because you will constantly be running throttled as AllWinner chips run hot.
TV Boxes aren't known for their quality cooling already. If you are heavy user you get creative in providing cooling. The easiest is a USB powered fan. Not the best solution since thermal dynamics clearly operate in a parallel dimension in the factories where cheap Android boxes are made. Heat does not rise in that dimension. It sinks. This is why the majority of boxes have holes for heat dissipation at the bottom of the box. So while a USB fan does help, if you want to get wild and crazy check out what some the kids at 4PDA come up with. The easiest option is pop the box, take the board out and go nuts with a drill and a whatever sized bit you feel comfy using. Which means, use common sense. If you want to use a hole saw bit I'm not going to say no. Live your truth and don't let anyone stop you.
Hope this helps you.
PS - I'm far from a new member. Just a serial lurker. I figured consumed enough that I might as well return some of the knowledge I have gathered here and a plethora of other sites. Plus I felt bad for you. I was you with an AllWinner TV Box. I know how frustrating it was.
Hi Spudzz. First off thanks for the reply. Just a little additional info regarding this, but basically last night before your reply I had upgraded the firmware to a more recent version, if not the most recent version and despite install PIA again I got a little further as in the app will open, but it will not allow me to sign into my account.
So yeah, there is definitely something up with these boxes. I tried a free one VPNfast or something and this also failed to connect to a server.
What amazes me with these T95Z plus boxes is they seem very popular. There is a whole other thread on here regarding them indeed that is where I learnt about the different firmware img's. One single post has a guy asking them same thing as me saying he can't open his vpn. But no one replied to him.
Unfortunately I cannot return this box, I don't think I can anyways because it has been past 2 weeks since I got it. I will however lookout now for Amlogic box as you recommend. Do you know if there are Android 12 versions of these kicking around or does it matter if I bought one that is Android 11?
I am coming from using an old S10 Android Tv box that still works to this day. It's Android 7.1 would you believe. The reason I want to switch if every so often I get an app that wont work properly regarding the progress bar. Videos will play but you can't rewind,fastforward, click on the timeline anywhere in the video. The latest app to go was youtube and since I use YouTube a lot I thought I was making a good choice getting a more up to date Android Box with Android 12 installed. So many good reviews on Amazon regarding this box as well. It's crazy. I didn't buy my box from Amazon but I just use that as an example of where some good reviews are.
***edit*** by the way the VPN settings on the T95 I could find, but there weren't many options and I didn't know what to do with those that were there.