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Let me start by saying I have been nothing but excited for this product. I beelined to it at E3, pre-ordered it as soon as it was available and was waiting impatiently for it to arrive in the mail. However, the product when using the Google play store self lists itself as something akin to a Google TV. What this means is roughly 90% of the apps in the store are listed as not compatible. Including for example FX File Explorer Plus while FX File Explorer works the unlock app for pro mode does not.
I have a Minix Neo X5 which does not have a touch screen and works with the Google play store without any trouble right out of the box. I can only surmise that this means for an an App to function on this device it needs to specifically have listed itself as a Google TV compatible app not just as functional without a touch screen. A much smaller cross section of devices out there.
I can understand that the Minix is a Chinese product while the Mojo is American and as such might have had more stringent requirements when trying to get Google certification to have the Google apps. However the fact that Mad Catz did not make this situation more publicly known, reach out to developers beforehand about this issue so that some of them might be able to add the allowance in their apps, include an otg port for usb debugging or even have a built in option to root the device.
So for the time being I will have to continue using my much less powerful but immensly more useable Minix device until I can get a normal device access to the Play Store. Likely via something like market helper post root. Unless Mad Catz is able to solve this problem through an update.
I'll post more updates on my thoughts of the specifics of the device as I have them.
Yes, the reason for what you're seeing is that the Play Store assumes by default that an app requires a touchscreen, unless otherwise stipulated in the manifest for the app. Being a fully certified, officially Google-approved device we have to correctly declare the features that we have in the box - something many unofficial products don't do.
We are and have been reaching out to many developers, along with Google and Nvidia for this very reason and you will see more and more apps coming/being updated that work fine on a box like M.O.J.O..
Run the M.O.J.O. icon on your homescreen or visit mojo,madcatz.com and part of our setup directions on there detail sites where you can obtain free apps that otherwise don't appear/aren't compatible on M.O.J.O.'s Play Store.
Thank you for the prompt reply. I'll look further into the details inside of the MOJO app tonight. I'm still very excited about this product but seeing nearly every app I own be placed under incompatible took me by suprise.
I've been using the mojo for a couple of days and here are my thoughts so far:
My Setup:
• Vizio 50 inch tv
• Measy RC11 air mouse
• Powered USB Hub
• Audix Powered Speakers
• Ethernet Port for internet
Competitor I'm Comparing it to is The Minix Neo X5
• Minix has an unfair advantage of not having to worry about Google Cert but still exists as a product that can be bought
▐ and used in much the same way
• I did not buy a Minix Neo X7 specifically because I was waiting for the Mojo which is much much more powerful
General thoughts so far:
• Was worried that I'd have to continue using the much less powerful Minix Neo X5 as my media center setup for awhile.
▐ But after getting my apps installed and everything setup The Mojo is working great. Very happy with the hardware.
▐ There are a few kinks though that I describe further down.
Android Devices I own for experience comparison
• Xperia Play(CM 10.1)
• Nexus 7(2012)
• Nexus 4
• Nexus 5
• Minix Neo X5
Hardware:
■ The Box:
• The startup time on this thing is kind of amazing, much faster then any of my other android devices at around 15 seconds.
▐ The Minix Neo x5 can take up to around 1-2 minutes sometimes 3.
• Super powerful, OS is extremely responsive
• Runs pretty cool
■ The Controller:
• Media buttons work great and as expected
• The mode switching is awesome. The position of the switch is a bit awkward considering how much it needs to get used.
▐ A little worried about wear and tear harming it. It gets used a lot.
• Dpad is nice and clicky
• Dpad and analog triggers recognize in nearly everything I've used so far. Can't say the same for the
▐ Xbox 360 wired or wireless.
• Not using wireless xbox controller at all completely switched
System Software: Issues
■ The bottom screen menu button bar: ▬ Fix with either root app or system update
• Can't user hide it so that's kind of annoying. On the Minix Neo X5 you can hide the soft key bar at any time for a more tv like
▐ experience. Some apps do this automatically but it would be nice to be able to hide it anytime so there isn't this giant
▐ black bar with buttons taking up a chunk of the screen
• Needs a restart shut down option. Don't like having to unplug the device to turn it off.
■ General OS: ▬ Fix with System Update
• It can't currently access more then one USB HD/Stick at once and it has trouble with USB 3.0 HDs. It picks ups that a USB
▐ 3.0 HD is plugged in but it doesn't appear user accesable. Tested same HDs that worked with Minix Neo X5.
• Audio input and output option. I have a pair of wireless usb gaming headphones that plug in through USB that I have used
▐ extensively on the Minix Neo X5. The Mojo recognizes them however since I can't choose an audio output/input they
▐ don't work.
▐ Volume and buttons work as expected.
Apps I'm using That work great no problems whatsover
• Google play music
• GMail
• FX File explorer with Plus addon to access cloud services
• Holo Launcher Pro
• Wallpaper Changer ▬ Like having my wallpaper change every few minutes
• Youtube ▬ Normal version not TV pre-installed once
• Robert Broglia Apps
• Facebook
• Facebook Messenger
• Pocketcasts
• Crazy Taxi
• Virtua Tennis ▬ Crashed during a game but was working solid otherwise
• GReader Pro
■ Apps that have problems:
• Chrome: doesn't work. Crashes on startup. Built in browser works fine but its annoying.
• Hangouts: requires update to google services. Google services won't update. Talk works fine.
• MX Player: generally works perfect but a few videos I've tried that work on the Minix Neo X5 either play perfect with no audio or
▐ play for a second then freeze
• Jet Set Radio: crashes on start of gameplay. So sad, but it supposedly is very crashy in general. Runs fine on my Nexus 7 but it
▐ would be nice to play on the TV without having to startup my pc and steam.
So far ive been using aptoide its been easier than side loading apps. Even has updates for hangouts might need to add some stores.
Thanks for the info I'll check it out.
Mad Catz Rich said:
Yes, the reason for what you're seeing is that the Play Store assumes by default that an app requires a touchscreen, unless otherwise stipulated in the manifest for the app. Being a fully certified, officially Google-approved device we have to correctly declare the features that we have in the box - something many unofficial products don't do.
We are and have been reaching out to many developers, along with Google and Nvidia for this very reason and you will see more and more apps coming/being updated that work fine on a box like M.O.J.O..
Run the M.O.J.O. icon on your homescreen or visit mojo,madcatz.com and part of our setup directions on there detail sites where you can obtain free apps that otherwise don't appear/aren't compatible on M.O.J.O.'s Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I agree about that 'being certified and official' part, you could have added an option in the developers options to solve this 'limited play store' issue. It's very simple to do and has been done by other official/certified devices like the SFR Android TV set top box for instance:
see : (put h t t p : / / before ) images.frandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/box-tv-sfr-android-play-store-etendu-1000x664.jpg
it's in french because SFR is a french ISP . The option translates roughly to:
"Display more applications in the Google Play Store"
Also propose the applications that require a touchscreen
pretty simple and effective. It's in the 'by defaut hidden' developer options so it's fine for Google certification (the SFR STB is fully certified).
While you're at it, you could learn a few more tricks more this cheap STB. Google 'frandroid sfr box tv' to find the article, i can't post links here yet.
They developed the box in 6 months only with LG doing the hardware part.
While it's not a game console it packs some nice features the MOJO lacks and its software is way more polished:
- an HDMI input port to allow 'picture in picture' and live TV background (like other Google TV devices do and the XBox One does too).
- a touchpad/keyboard remote control with a push-to-talk microphone in it (Android has a lot of voice recognition features).
- an integrated DVB-T decoder for live TV
- its USB port is compatible with webcams (UVC) so it can do video chat with Google Hangouts and Skype.
and it only costs around $150, actually it's not for sale, only SFR subscribers can rent it (roughly $4 a month).
The only good thing about the MOJO is the Tegra 4 SoC, everything else is rushed and unfinished. That's what disappoints a lot of people.
While it's too late for hardware changes (except may be an optional remote controller with a mic) you really need to fix the software asap.
This device is sold at premium price and marketed as such but it just feel as 'yet another chinese Android HDMI stick/box' and behind the curtain, it seems to be the case: in the Play Store the MOJO is shown as "Foxconn International Holdings Limited Mad Catz M.O.J.O." ... it's funny, amateurish, explains a lot of things and really prove it was rushed.
kgersen said:
While I agree about that 'being certified and official' part, you could have added an option in the developers options to solve this 'limited play store' issue. It's very simple to do and has been done by other official/certified devices like the SFR Android TV set top box for instance:
see : (put h t t p : / / before ) images.frandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/box-tv-sfr-android-play-store-etendu-1000x664.jpg
it's in french because SFR is a french ISP . The option translates roughly to:
"Display more applications in the Google Play Store"
Also propose the applications that require a touchscreen
pretty simple and effective. It's in the 'by defaut hidden' developer options so it's fine for Google certification (the SFR STB is fully certified).
While you're at it, you could learn a few more tricks more this cheap STB. Google 'frandroid sfr box tv' to find the article, i can't post links here yet.
They developed the box in 6 months only with LG doing the hardware part.
While it's not a game console it packs some nice features the MOJO lacks and its software is way more polished:
- an HDMI input port to allow 'picture in picture' and live TV background (like other Google TV devices do and the XBox One does too).
- a touchpad/keyboard remote control with a push-to-talk microphone in it (Android has a lot of voice recognition features).
- an integrated DVB-T decoder for live TV
- its USB port is compatible with webcams (UVC) so it can do video chat with Google Hangouts and Skype.
and it only costs around $150, actually it's not for sale, only SFR subscribers can rent it (roughly $4 a month).
The only good thing about the MOJO is the Tegra 4 SoC, everything else is rushed and unfinished. That's what disappoints a lot of people.
While it's too late for hardware changes (except may be an optional remote controller with a mic) you really need to fix the software asap.
This device is sold at premium price and marketed as such but it just feel as 'yet another chinese Android HDMI stick/box' and behind the curtain, it seems to be the case: in the Play Store the MOJO is shown as "Foxconn International Holdings Limited Mad Catz M.O.J.O." ... it's funny, amateurish, explains a lot of things and really prove it was rushed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. I was hoping Mad Catz would step up and get it right, but no dice. This spot is just waiting for the taking.
QUOTE=kgersen;49143249]While I agree about that 'being certified and official' part, you could have added an option in the developers options to solve this 'limited play store' issue. It's very simple to do and has been done by other official/certified devices like the SFR Android TV set top box for instance:
see : (put h t t p : / / before ) images.frandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/box-tv-sfr-android-play-store-etendu-1000x664.jpg
it's in french because SFR is a french ISP . The option translates roughly to:
"Display more applications in the Google Play Store"
Also propose the applications that require a touchscreen
pretty simple and effective. It's in the 'by defaut hidden' developer options so it's fine for Google certification (the SFR STB is fully certified).
While you're at it, you could learn a few more tricks more this cheap STB. Google 'frandroid sfr box tv' to find the article, i can't post links here yet.
They developed the box in 6 months only with LG doing the hardware part.
While it's not a game console it packs some nice features the MOJO lacks and its software is way more polished:
- an HDMI input port to allow 'picture in picture' and live TV background (like other Google TV devices do and the XBox One does too).
- a touchpad/keyboard remote control with a push-to-talk microphone in it (Android has a lot of voice recognition features).
- an integrated DVB-T decoder for live TV
- its USB port is compatible with webcams (UVC) so it can do video chat with Google Hangouts and Skype.
and it only costs around $150, actually it's not for sale, only SFR subscribers can rent it (roughly $4 a month).
The only good thing about the MOJO is the Tegra 4 SoC, everything else is rushed and unfinished. That's what disappoints a lot of people.
While it's too late for hardware changes (except may be an optional remote controller with a mic) you really need to fix the software asap.
This device is sold at premium price and marketed as such but it just feel as 'yet another chinese Android HDMI stick/box' and behind the curtain, it seems to be the case: in the Play Store the MOJO is shown as "Foxconn International Holdings Limited Mad Catz M.O.J.O." ... it's funny, amateurish, explains a lot of things and really prove it was rushed.[/QUOTE]
Yes. Unfortunately, I will have to pass. The broken software makes makes this this a glorified media player and I cannot justify the cost for a glorified media player. The only thing it has going for it in my opinion is the controller.
I was willing to overlook the Tera GPU's lack of OpenGL ES3.0 because of the Tegra game optimizations and exclusive exclusive games. But since there is no guarantee that the software will get fixed (they are working on KitKat upgrade but other than the bluetooth support we have no idea if that will fix anything like hard drive format support, google play support, etc.)
If the upgrade comes out soon I might get it. Might. If it takes too long, well, the SoC's in the mobile space are improving too quickly to make it worth it unless it drops in price. Each generation performance basically doubles either in CPU, GPU, or both. This half of the year they expect the new Tegra with much improved GPU and a big CPU speed bump.
Yes, there is always something new around the corner but standards last for a while. H.264 has been around for many years (though it has improved in capabilities most of it has been more or less stable the last few years). The new processors from Qualcomm this year are said to have H.265 hardware decoding and the new Denver Tegra is supposed to be able to decode it too (a mix of CPU and GPU decoding, so who knows what res/profiles it will manage, but at least it should be more flexible). And like I said, the Tegra GPU is currently one standard behind since it only supports OpenGL ES2.0, the bare minimum for Android right now.
If I am going to wait six months for the MOJO to be functional software-wise, then I might as well wait to see what hardware comes around. For all I know, by the time the MOJO works for more than video playback and the occasional sideloaded game, there might be a MOGA with BT4.0 support and a set-top box with better hardware (and true Play store support).
I might check back in every once in a while to see if there has been any progress, but for now... I'm out. Good luck everybody, I hope the MOJO works for you like you need it to. :fingers-crossed:
Fire TV software update version 51.1.5.3_user_515040320 and Fire TV Stick software update version 54.1.1.3_user_110045520 are starting to roll out now. Let us know if you get them and if you notice any changes.
Interestingly, Amazon pulled all 3 versions of 51.1.5.0's source code form their source code page. They've never done that before.
Any word on if they will restore ALT+TAB functionality?
Is it still Android 4.2.2? I am hoping they give us at least Android 4.4 soon. The system is still great, but the compatability issues with apps is getting old. Android 4.4 seems to be the requirement for more and more apps. There have been several apps that I was able to use before that now require Android 4.4. It seems like Amazon is making Android 4.2 their base for the Fire TV, but I hope thats not the case.
FireTV Stick, first impressions:
- Took 3-4 minutes to download
- Took 4-5 minutes to install and reboot
- No obvious difference on the Home screen (were there already Editor's Picks and Recently Watched sections in Movies and in TV?)
- When in the Games section, saw a popup ad in the upper right corner of the screen, I don't remember that from before
- The Recent row still shows my sideloaded and synced Kodi, SPMC and Curnchyroll, but still does not show other sideloaded apps
- Remote Mouse on my iPhone still works
- Ookla Speedtest app showed 18Mbps download, which is in the right range for my inconsistent router (I've seen as low as 2Mbps and as high as 52Mbps before)
- Seems to respond a little faster to remote button presses, but that might be wishful thinking
No big, obvious changes that I can find.
My Fire TV took the update yesterday I cant really see any difference so far. I still have all my apps working off external storage. Kodi and other sideloaded app still on my recent tab.
Looks like this update is just bug fixes. For anyone (e.g., @rbox ) interested, I've captured and added the URL download links for both the new Fire TV and Fire tV Stick updates to AFTVnews.com/software
AFTVnews.com said:
Looks like this update is just bug fixes. For anyone (e.g., @rbox ) interested, I've captured and added the URL download links for both the new Fire TV and Fire tV Stick updates to AFTVnews.com/software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's obscure, but all three Five Nights At Freddy's games sideloaded stopped working on the last update as soon as you move the mouse. I'm wondering if this one fixes that problem.
For me at least, I can longer add Kodi and SPMC to Recent Menu after I uninstall and reinstall/buy app/deregister firetv/register.
Am I the only one? If so, that's enough for me to stay locked in to the old version.
notreally said:
For me at least, I can longer add Kodi and SPMC to Recent Menu after I uninstall and reinstall/buy app/deregister firetv/register.
Am I the only one? If so, that's enough for me to stay locked in to the old version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Infact I just added kodi to the recents yesterday and it worked. Here are a few tips that may be overlooked.
Delete the app and readd it. Also ensure you are using helix. not the isengard or the nightlies. I'm not sure but I couldn't get kodi to the recents with the isengards.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-rest...loaded-app-to-the-recent-list-on-the-fire-tv/
By the way the good change I saw was that now the project from windows 8.1 to the firetv works. I use the extend desktop resolution and lower the extended resolution. So far no issues.
navigates said:
Infact I just added kodi to the recents yesterday and it worked. Here are a few tips that may be overlooked.
Delete the app and readd it. Also ensure you are using helix. not the isengard or the nightlies. I'm not sure but I couldn't get kodi to the recents with the isengards.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-rest...loaded-app-to-the-recent-list-on-the-fire-tv/
By the way the good change I saw was that now the project from windows 8.1 to the firetv works. I use the extend desktop resolution and lower the extended resolution. So far no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate on how you get project to work on Fire TV. I have a Microsoft Surface with 8.1 and it won't even see the Fire TV. Even when I have the fire tv in Mirroring Mode in Display settings.
dk1keith said:
Can you elaborate on how you get project to work on Fire TV. I have a Microsoft Surface with 8.1 and it won't even see the Fire TV. Even when I have the fire tv in Mirroring Mode in Display settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Search for devices and add the amazon firetv to the devices list. It should successfully get added if you have windows 8.1
2. then slide into the charms bar, then click on devices and then project and select extend or duplicate
Let us know how it goes.
Im just mentioning this on the off chance someone hasnt already thought of it and it may not even be possible anyway. If a dev ported the shield tablet firmware to the shield tv then maybe we could have full access to the library of games the tablet offers with gamepad functionality already built in. If not is there a way we can trick the playstore into thinking the shield tv is a shield tablet and let you install the tablet modified games to check if they work without any mods. NOVA 3 anyone.....
Actually you can install applications on a Rooted Device. But the problem is the Shield Controller.
I tried installing apps but i was unable to control it. I believe it may require some configuration
I would like this as well. There are many touch only games. I use Droidmote and like it(love it) but in my family I am the only one that takes time to load the server and click start, load the client, set the gamepadtotouch/touchpad, load profile, connect the client to 127.0.0.1, set the keyboard to droidmoteime then play the game I picked. Then if I choose another game reload a profile, if I have it. Then play the game.
Most of the time I just say forget it and only play controller enabled games. Sometimes I just want to play a game and move on.
It would be nice if the process was more automated. I am not sure if the tablet OS makes the process easier but it would be nice to see if it would work.
I have researched loading the tablet firmware some but I am hesitant to try it since I have the 500GB STV and do not want to wait 2 hours between firmware loads to try it out. One day I may purchase the 16GB to play around with. Maybe I will find a good used one on CL and give it a whirl.
ive tried usuing market helper to spoof android to android shield tablet and download NOVA 3 but did not work, and i have tried the custom roms with full android not 'android tv' support and i can use sixaxis bluetooth wirless with my ps3 pad but the right analog stick wont move correctly even when configured yet every other control i am able to map successfully. i dont know what to try next....
I'm curious if anyone has gotten gamefly streaming to work on the shield box. Tried to sideload one method but it says it's incompatible with the device. I'm going to attempt it when I get some time, but wondering if anyone else can confirm that it's possible and working or not.
I'll take the plunge, and say no way in hell. nVIDIA in their finite wisdom have blessed the Shield with its own Streaming Service called GeForce NOW. I'm less sure exactly who, or what GameFly are. But, if a second Streaming Service were ever added behind GFN. I would hope it was Steam.
That doesn't mean all is Lost however, you could still get yourself a GTX650 (Or better!*), and stream the PC client side to the Shield using Game Stream.
Or barring the rest of it ask GameFly to add support for AndroidTV, as a hole.
*AMD/ATI Does NOT count as better
Thanks for the response, but that doesn't answer my question. I have GFN and already can stream most of my library from the PC and steam. GFN has a somewhat limited library available with it's subscription compared to Gamefly's, which is available on a simple firestick, fire TV box, smart TV, or emtec box. Obviously if it works on a firestick then just about any crapbox will do.
I get it. Nvidia shield is superior, that's why I got it. I would rather install an app on the shield to try out other available technologies that isn't proprietary to just nvidia instead of buying another box just to try it. Hence my question if anyone has successfully installed the app on the shield.
CRoNeC said:
Thanks for the response, but that doesn't answer my question. I have GFN and already can stream most of my library from the PC and steam. GFN has a somewhat limited library available with it's subscription compared to Gamefly's, which is available on a simple firestick, fire TV box, smart TV, or emtec box. Obviously if it works on a firestick then just about any crapbox will do.
I get it. Nvidia shield is superior, that's why I got it. I would rather install an app on the shield to try out other available technologies that isn't proprietary to just nvidia instead of buying another box just to try it. Hence my question if anyone has successfully installed the app on the shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then I take it that it's NOT in the AndroidTV NMPlayStore then. To wit my personal advice would be to sideload it. But outta personal interest is it in the Amazon App Store? If that were the case I might try sideloading the Amazon Underground App first then if you can install it there.
If not, then I would use something like ES File Explorer to copy the *.apk to a MicroSD, or USB Stick and then install it threw ES File Explorer again, on the Shield TV. Which should be simple enough, even if it was a PitA.
CRoNeC said:
Thanks for the response, but that doesn't answer my question. I have GFN and already can stream most of my library from the PC and steam. GFN has a somewhat limited library available with it's subscription compared to Gamefly's, which is available on a simple firestick, fire TV box, smart TV, or emtec box. Obviously if it works on a firestick then just about any crapbox will do.
I get it. Nvidia shield is superior, that's why I got it. I would rather install an app on the shield to try out other available technologies that isn't proprietary to just nvidia instead of buying another box just to try it. Hence my question if anyone has successfully installed the app on the shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Man, I have the same issue that you. Did you found any solution?
Thanks in advance
I was able to download it from mirror play store, and side load it. It runs, but with no navigation from the NV TV remote or game remote. But I could use a mouse and keyboard with it. I didn't get a subscription yet to see if it will work, and it probably will with keyboard and mouse, but my assumption is if the app doesn't recognize the NV game controller to navigate, then it won't work for games as well. Didn't try a PS4 or other Bluetooth controller with it yet. If you've tried this, at all. Let me know.
I hope that some of the brilliant minds on here may be able to help me with this:
I have the Nvidia Shield Pro 2017 version and it is updated to the latest software.
I also have the Pixel 2 XL running the most current update. (Though this issue has been presenting itself regardless of what my software version has been)
When I go into backdrop settings in the Google home app to try to set the backdrop for my Shield TV I am given the option for Google Arts and Culture, Featured Photos, Earth and Space, Custom Speed, and Weather (as well as a toggle switch for Curated News)
Everything I have read everywhere has said that Google Photos and Play Newsstand should also be options, but they are not present.
Am I doing something wrong? I desperately want to get my Play Newsstand to show up in Backdrop. This Curated News mess is not cutting it. (If I have to look at a grilled steak or a plate of quinoa one more time because Curated News thinks I care about that, I'm gonna throw something! LOL)
Am I incorrect In believing that Play Newsstand and Google Photos are supposed to be available sources for Backdrop? Do I need to do something special to activate those options?
All of my devices are signed into the same Google account, so I cannot figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Help please!