Database Users

Tasker

I had high hopes (very high!) that I could get tasker to run on the ouya, unfortunately I have not had any luck as of yet.
Maps was installed, as was a few files that needed to be manually installed in /system, but unfortunately neither seemed to work.
Has anybody had any luck? Please let me know if you did, I had big plans for this little system and tasker was a key piece to it.
Thanks.

Well, apparently I'm batting 1000 tonight on threads.
A reboot allowed instillation of the tasker trial version.
It looks like everything works, or as much as you would expect for the ouya. I did two test tasks. First was just a screen popup, which obviously worked great. The other was a reboot to test root access, and this also worked perfect (say hello to automated weekly reboots!).
Now, to see if autoremote can be made to work, and then on to autovoice or utter! and the inherently difficult prospect that will be.

Snoman002 said:
Well, apparently I'm batting 1000 tonight on threads.
A reboot allowed instillation of the tasker trial version.
It looks like everything works, or as much as you would expect for the ouya. I did two test tasks. First was just a screen popup, which obviously worked great. The other was a reboot to test root access, and this also worked perfect (say hello to automated weekly reboots!).
Now, to see if autoremote can be made to work, and then on to autovoice or utter! and the inherently difficult prospect that will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please periodically update this thread with your progress? Curious to follow suit, though don't have the time to help in the investigations

A few issues with tasker itself, such as I can't download from Google play, it won't recognize my original order #, i can't find 'my' .apk, basically can't get my purchased version working and am stuck on the 7 day trial version. As for functionality it works great.
Current main task is to start XBMC if Autoremote received a certain message, as well as sending a message when xbmc is open and a different one when it closes.
On my tablet when I fire up the Yatse app, Tasker checks to see if XBMC is running, if not it displays a popup asking if I want to start xbmc. If I say yes it sends a command through autoremote which is what triggers tasker to start xbmc.

OK, a few things I have found.
Originally I could not download Tasker through the Play Store as the Ouya showed up as 'incompatible', however after a Play Store crash that removed it from my system, and subsequent reinstall, I can now download it from Google Play. I don't know why this was, but when I first did the play store mod I didn't have busybox installed, I did for the reinstall. I don't need the play version however as I was able to get the 'Trial' version validated, which is good as the direct download has added functionality (that I will never use). To validate the trial version you need to find the 15 digit order number (not the 16 digit Google provides in the email). This is best accomplished by using the 'Contact Crafty Apps' link in the email, and then finding Tasker, the 15 digit order number should then be visible. This only works if you bought Tasker before March 2013 though, otherwise you will need the Play store version (thanks Google :/)
To get Tasker to run you need to be Rooted and move two Google files to the proper location on the Ouya. Tasker will not run without the Google maps framework and oddly enough installing Google maps doesn't install the full framework. You can get these files by flashing the gapps package with CWM, or just install the two files themselves. To get the files unzip the gapps package, I think in the 'framework' folder. You need to move com.Google.android.maps.XML to /system/etc/permissions, and move com.Google.android.maps.jar to /system/framework. This WILL require you to remount /system as writeable. ES File Explorer worked for me (download an old version, 3.0.4 maybe, as the newest Play store version crashes), it was the only free root access file manager to work for me. Remount /system back to the way it was. BTW, I did all of this without adb, it was all done on the system itself with some help from dropbox (unzipped on my nexus, it was easier).
Tasker itself works great and I currently have it sending messages through autoremote to update variables on my other devices, this triggers a popup that asks if I want to start XBMC when I start my XBMC remote app (only if XBMC isn't running). If I select yes then it sends an Autoremote message that triggers a Tasker profile that starts XBMC. I also have Utter! setup to trigger the 'Start XBMC' Auto remote message on my Nexus
My next two tasks will be for an automatic nightly reboot, and a task that sends the Ouya into sleep mode when I start my alarm clock app on my nexus. I'm still trying to think of good ideas to implement. I hope to get a microphone working to use voice commands directly on the Ouya, and my dream is for an IR blaster to work so the Ouya could turn on my TV with voice commands (old TV)

Snoman002 said:
OK, a few things I have found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! I really commend you for your perseverance and willingness to share your experience and findings...people don't realize how much this helps others.

Scenes Working
Hey Snoman002,
I have my Ouya rooted and found a Tasker that can be used to mount and unmount NFS mounts. I have the two google maps files installed and have version 4.2 of Tasker installed. When i try to open the scene or even create a new one Tasker closes and goes back to the Make Menu. Have you seen a similar thing with the version you have been using ?
Thanks
Techhhead33

Techhead33 said:
Hey Snoman002,
I have my Ouya rooted and found a Tasker that can be used to mount and unmount NFS mounts. I have the two google maps files installed and have version 4.2 of Tasker installed. When i try to open the scene or even create a new one Tasker closes and goes back to the Make Menu. Have you seen a similar thing with the version you have been using ?
Thanks
Techhhead33
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, other than getting it running initially I have done nothing more with Tasked on my ouya.
Your trying to make a scene in tasked? Scenes are really only for overlays and custom menus (drastic oversimplification I know). I fail to see the need for the complication of a scene just for mounting and unmounting. Perhaps you could change the tasker task to a simple popup menu (which now that I think about it may be a scene...). Popups worked for me, but that's all I can say about it.
Sorry, I'm not here much anymore as my ouya just runs xbmc now. I will try and check in more often.

[Debate] Root on Google Nexus Player

I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.

TheGeeZus said:
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, i rooted mine because i really needed to have expandable storage. So i rooted for chainfires stickmount. So i could have all my movies on my external hard drive run through xbmc natively.

↑This!↑

I have not rooted mine but if i do it will be for the ex-storage as well.. i am at the point of not storing a lot of movies because they are almost all online for a fee or free if you go that way.. We watch a movie once or twice and that is the end of it.. So to add to your debate i don't at this point see why you would root this device.
Would like a reboot function..
Im sure someone will come up with some nice ways to use root.. give them a week or so lol..

The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing). My daughters now have immediate access to over twenty very large installed games so far thanks to folder mount. I also store all my kodi fanart, cover art, cd art, etc on the external as it takes up so much space internally for my large media collection that kodi accesses from my nas.
There will be future uses for root as well, of course (there always is), but these were my immediate needs.

Elrondolio said:
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?

kaess said:
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.

Elrondolio said:
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last thing you said is exactly why I am resisting the temptation.
I am being fair with the fact that this is the first face of Android Tv and there is yet more to see and I am faithful that most feature that needs root for now, Google might have something on their sleeves, but they are waiting to see how many Nexus Player gets sold, specially after the holidays.
My mom and my step-dad were impressed with the Nexus Player so great, that my step-dad sold me the Google Chromecast as he wanted to have an experience on his own and he really didn't find the Cast environment hard but he liked the more controlled environment of the Nexus Player, so we are buying a second one for me and I will let him take the first one after the second arrives.
I think that is another example that rooting (again, my exception is that a proven restart method gets developed) for now is not needed in base of a normal usage and still haven't got the problem of storage (yet, I know the day will come).

Shortcut to launch Google apps? (Play Music, Movies)

I've been trying for hours now to do the simplest thing. I need some way to make a shortcut to these apps that is its own standalone APK. Here's why:
The long version: I have a Logitech Harmony Hub. It won't launch apps on the Nexus Player directly, but I have a workaround that involves installing Multilanguage Keymap Redefiner on the Nexus Player, and sending a keyboard command that I've mapped to trigger a specific app. For example, sending F1 launches Netflix. This works flawlessly for just about every app, but the exceptions are Google's own apps (Google Play Music and Google Play Movies). When I map a key to launch one of these two apps, nothing happens.
The short version: My Harmony Hub won't launch them directly.
Here's what I've tried so far:
Attempt: Creating an app with Tasker on my phone that launches the app in question. Basically cloning the app.
Result: This works on my phone to launch it, but once I install the app on the Nexus Player, it does nothing. Perhaps the Android TV version of the app is different from the phone version in such a way that it won't allow this to work.
Attempt: Installing Tasker on the Nexus Player so I could attempt the same steps as above, but from the Nexus Player
Result: Can't install Tasker - no way to accept the disclaimer on Android TV because it's not visible (accessibility settings don't help)
Attempt: Backing up Tasker on my phone using Helium, then installing Helium to restore a backup of Tasker that has already accepted the disclaimer.
Result: Tasker won't back up with Helium. It just creates an empty .json file. Everything else seems to back up fine, of course...
Attempt: Installing TV App Repo, and creating a shortcut to the apps in question
Result: unable to create the shortcuts because the apps in question are not downloaded, but are rather preinstalled.
Attempt: used this website: http://atvlauncher.trekgonewild.de/ to try to create an APK from the respective packages.
Result: According to the "apps" section of the Nexus Player settings, the package name for Google Play Music should be com.google.android.music, however, this did not work. Neither did com.google.music, com.android.music, or come.google.android.music.tv. When I say "didn't work," what I mean is that in each case, it said the package was not found. I thought this was odd since I used the same package name as what was shown in the Nexus Player's settings on the first try. If anyone knows the correct package names for these two apps, that may be the solution to the problem.
"Shortcut" apps won't work, because Multilanguage Keymap Redefiner will let you map commands to launch apps, but not shortcuts. Needs to be a standalone app. If anyone knows any other method besides the one I've proposed that will launch the apps in question with a single key press, I'd love to hear it. I know this is an obscure request, but it seems so simple and I'm really frustrated at this point. Not the type to give up at something like this, there's got to be a way, but I can't find it. As a side not, my Nexus Player is not rooted, and I'd really prefer not to go that route if there is any other option. Thanks in advance.
:crying: :crying: :crying:

Help!! Adding TV shows and Movies to Channels

I was wondering if it was possible to add Movies and TV shows to the Nvidia shield home screen Channels? Or using a different launcher. Like Movies from Tvzion? Thanks

You can add TVzion to the home screen by using an app called "TV app repo". It will essentially make an icon shortcut that works.
If however you are wanting to add movies from within the Tvzion app in a similar way to how google music or video works and displays them on the home screen then it needs to be a supported app by google I think ( I may be wrong) Good luck with it being supported in future if it is some sort of stream......... /cough
You only have to look at how spotify was working in this way and now is not. And seems to be unofficially unsupported in this way now (due to a falling out by both parties about fairness/competition with music apps and their own service i think) You cannot have it on its own row on the homescreen by using the customize homescreen settings anymore it simply is not available just the icon to set it running.
You have to understand that TVzion displays the streams and not google, so getting it to then run TVzion from a button click on the home screen and then any individual stream that may or may not have possibly moved in the meantime also is virtually un-doable in my eyes, unless someone knows of some workaround that achieves a similar thing?

HawthorneDruid said:
You can add TVzion to the home screen by using an app called "TV app repo". It will essentially make an icon shortcut that works.
If however you are wanting to add movies from within the Tvzion app in a similar way to how google music or video works and displays them on the home screen then it needs to be a supported app by google I think ( I may be wrong) Good luck with it being supported in future if it is some sort of stream......... /cough
You only have to look at how spotify was working in this way and now is not. And seems to be unofficially unsupported in this way now (due to a falling out by both parties about fairness/competition with music apps and their own service i think) You cannot have it on its own row on the homescreen by using the customize homescreen settings anymore it simply is not available just the icon to set it running.
You have to understand that TVzion displays the streams and not google, so getting it to then run TVzion from a button click on the home screen and then any individual stream that may or may not have possibly moved in the meantime also is virtually un-doable in my eyes, unless someone knows of some workaround that achieves a similar thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. I actually messaged the DEV of the TV zion app. And he é stated that he will support adding movies to the home screen. He just hasn't updated the app to be compatible with 8.0 and 9.0 Android, as of yet.

Element E4STA5517 55" 4K Android TV [TU43GDX] upgrade os?

Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted messing with this unit - found nothing on Google/duckduckgo.
Had it 2ish years, been a glitchy little monster and apps like Hulu show incompatibility (though they are 'preloaded' and on the menu). So far as I can tell the system OS has never been updated and am curious what might be done to refresh it?

TheDrake2k said:
Hi all, wondering if anyone has attempted messing with this unit - found nothing on Google/duckduckgo.
Had it 2ish years, been a glitchy little monster and apps like Hulu show incompatibility (though they are 'preloaded' and on the menu). So far as I can tell the system OS has never been updated and am curious what might be done to refresh it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately most android TV's don't get updates because the manufacturer doesn't take the time or resources to make an update and push it to the TV's.
As for glitches and apps I would try expanding it's memory using a flash drive and moving apps to it and letting the device use it as internal storage. And I'd use a PC or laptop and download the free program called "adb app control" and use the debloat option and clean some stuff off it. I'd also suggest getting a lighter launcher than the default one. There's a few options here -> Link but I like one called dashboard from the playstore. Also install a launcher manager and/or button mapper (both are free). Hopefully some or all of this helps make your tv a little snappier. I have a fairly new Hisense android tv and I did all this and it feels a lot better than stock.