Has anyone successfully installed and rooted the new nougat image just released? i want to give it a go but not without Kodi. its my main streamer.
It has only been a week or so. I think we'll have to give it some more time.
What good is root on the NP? Kodi can be installed and updated from the play store or stand alone APK
undivide said:
What good is root on the NP? Kodi can be installed and updated from the play store or stand alone APK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off the top of my head I can think of these pro's:
1. Using the phone as remote. DroidMote is a superior alternative.
2. Give Kodi access to power states.
3. Get rid of the default launcher - forever.
4. Force sideloaded apps to open in landscape mode.
5. Making backup images of the whole device (TWRP+Tasker) and individual apps (Titanium Backup) on regular basis. The best reason to root IMO.
6. Block ads system wide.
7. Block certain undesired services (such as automatic updates).
8. Use unsupported remotes designed for consoles.
9. Unlock the full potential of Tasker.
10. Install Xposed (especially for xprivacy).
11. Expandable storage - writing to external storage.
12. Wifi/LAN adb access.
Root is liberty to do whatever you want to do with your device. Should always be an option for customers.
I am a fan off root access, just never knew there was any real use for it on the NP. thanks for the list, I'll have to check some of those out, especially droidmote for my linux server
root 7.1.2
use nexus root toolkit to temp boot into custom recovery goto supersu.c.o.m to download latest version of supersu 2.79 in zip format through usb flash from the custom recovery on to 7.1.2 nexus player
use busybox from appstore ,sideload launcher from appstore to complete root
also use stickmount and download the 2 files in app to get fat32 and more file system usable
disable automatic updates to stop nexus player from rebooting
Anyone have review comments on it?
Fast/Stable/memory usage/
Can you just install Nova launcher and use it as a desktop?
I'm waiting to try this so I can get rid of the bugs in the current 6.0 rom I'm on.
britoso said:
Anyone have review comments on it?
Fast/Stable/memory usage/
Can you just install Nova launcher and use it as a desktop?
I'm waiting to try this so I can get rid of the bugs in the current 6.0 rom I'm on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, unless anything has changed, in order to use Nova Launcher on the Nexus Player as if it was a tablet in landscape mode, you'll need to install one of the "full android" custom roms. The stock Android TV interface/launcher is pretty locked down in Nougat. Also, as far as I'm aware, the stock nougat Android TV leanback launcher can't be swapped out for a 3rd party launcher like you speak of, although it was possible in earlier android versions to run a different launcher other than the stock leanback... As to what I've used in the past on earlier ATV versions -- "HAL Launcher", a 3rd party Android TV leanback launcher on the Play Store, specifically comes to mind.
jsdecker10 said:
As far as I know, unless anything has changed, in order to use Nova Launcher on the Nexus Player as if it was a tablet in landscape mode, you'll need to install one of the "full android" custom roms. The stock Android TV interface/launcher is pretty locked down in Nougat. Also, as far as I'm aware, the stock nougat Android TV leanback launcher can't be swapped out for a 3rd party launcher like you speak of, although it was possible in earlier android versions to run a different launcher other than the stock leanback... As to what I've used in the past on earlier ATV versions -- "HAL Launcher", a 3rd party Android TV leanback launcher on the Play Store, specifically comes to mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's too bad.
Any ROM developers out there planning to release a full android ROM based on this?
The closest I've found is 7.1.1 by zulu99 http://www.videomap.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1609 I will try that soon.
britoso said:
That's too bad.
Any ROM developers out there planning to release a full android ROM based on this?
The closest I've found is 7.1.1 by zulu99 http://www.videomap.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1609 I will try that soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using that rom since today. Is fast, light and has inbuilt gapps ( and Its only 300 mb the size).
The few things i dont like is that
1)i cant use "Android tv remote" app. (i guess i will have to try "droid mote".
2) having clásic play store is nice (to avoid sideloading apps) but, because you alredy have a play store, you cant have "play store tv". (and apps designed for tv like Spotify tv and youtube tv cant be installed from clásic play store).
I like to check New apps made for Android tv and i cant now. So i have to sideload the apps i want.
3) when you see "recents" you cant delete apps by swypping to bottom, instead you have to use a mouse or a remote with air mouse).
3.1) there are a few moments like before when you realise this rom cant be moved at all with nexus remote's few buttons. So the "Android tv" experience is half broken. (i will see if with droid mote can be "replaced")
BraianV said:
Im using that rom since today. Is fast, light and has inbuilt gapps ( and Its only 300 mb the size).
The few things i dont like is that
1)i cant use "Android tv remote" app. (i guess i will have to try "droid mote".
2) having clásic play store is nice (to avoid sideloading apps) but, because you alredy have a play store, you cant have "play store tv". (and apps designed for tv like Spotify tv and youtube tv cant be installed from clásic play store).
I like to check New apps made for Android tv and i cant now. So i have to sideload the apps i want.
3) when you see "recents" you cant delete apps by swypping to bottom, instead you have to use a mouse or a remote with air mouse).
3.1) there are a few moments like before when you realise this rom cant be moved at all with nexus remote's few buttons. So the "Android tv" experience is half broken. (i will see if with droid mote can be "replaced")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best part is that you can use a regular keyboard and mouse, #1 and #3 of your dislikes will be taken care of if you do the same. I'm using his previous lollirock 6.0 ROM with a logitech K400 KB/mouse and it works great.
Only downsides with the 6.0 ROM I've seen are:
1. low device RAM and slowish CPU causes apps to stop responding.
2. apps that use popup dialogs (titanium backup, ttorrent etc) turn the whole screen black unless you turn off hardware overlays every time you reboot.
3. some apps rotate the screen and you need other apps to restore the orientation to landscape.
britoso said:
The closest I've found is 7.1.1 by zulu99 http://www.videomap.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1609 I will try that soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ROM works great, much better than 6.0.
Less ANRs and faster response. Only bug is app-specific where the screen rotates. No other issues so far.
Using Nova Launcher and ES file explorer.
Best part is that I installed it all on the TV with my K400 keyboard and TWRP
Steps:
1. Backup current ROM to ext media...Just in case. Also backup all your apps using a tool Ike Titanium backup to ext media.
2. Download latest TWRP, Google Fugu 7.1.2 ROM Zip, latest SuperSu, zulu 7.1.1 ROM to ext media. Extract the zulu ROM zip as the two IMG files need to be flashed individually
3.flash the latest TWRP. Reboot into the updated recovery using the device button. Skip this step if you already have a new recovery.
4. Install the Google ROM zip image first...Because zulu's instructions menton it.
5. Install the boot and system images from the custom ROM one by one.
6. Wipe data and cache. I unplugged my HDD for extra safety.
This will wipe internal media like /downloads
7. Root by flashing the superSU zip
8. Reboot. Done.
britoso said:
This ROM works great, much better than 6.0.
Less ANRs and faster response. Only bug is app-specific where the screen rotates. No other issues so far.
Using Nova Launcher and ES file explorer.
Best part is that I installed it all on the TV with my K400 keyboard and TWRP
Steps:
1. Backup current ROM to ext media...Just in case. Also backup all your apps using a tool Ike Titanium backup to ext media.
2. Download latest TWRP, Google Fugu 7.1.2 ROM Zip, latest SuperSu, zulu 7.1.1 ROM to ext media. Extract the zulu ROM zip as the two IMG files need to be flashed individually
3.flash the latest TWRP. Reboot into the updated recovery using the device button. Skip this step if you already have a new recovery.
4. Install the Google ROM zip image first...Because zulu's instructions menton it.
5. Install the boot and system images from the custom ROM one by one.
6. Wipe data and cache. I unplugged my HDD for extra safety.
This will wipe internal media like /downloads
7. Root by flashing the superSU zip
8. Reboot. Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use "set orientatiton" to force apps in landscape Mode.
BraianV said:
I use "set orientatiton" to force apps in landscape Mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried that and others too. When a heavy app is running these services seem to get killed, as we only have 1GB RAM.
Nova has that option too.
I've been searching for a couple of hours and there's no guides or even clarification about what is possible with regards to running non-tv apps on the shield / android TV.
I really need to install a custom internet browser, VoIP apps, syncthing, firewall, maybe libre office who knows etc.
So:
- How do you install Full Google PlayStore?
- Do you need to root? (guide 1)(guide 2)
- I heard you can alternatively sideload apps via ADB. So I guess you need TWRP, and root? And where do you get the apks from?
In general, are there any non-UX limitations of android TV that would cause apps to not run? Or does it have the same capabilities as plugging in a mouse & kb into my phone's OTG port and then casting its screen to a TV?
Well here's a few thoughts without going into too much detail as I'm at work:
Full google play will need a custom rom I believe and you'll need to give up the android tv version of play and leanback functionality (I think)
There may be another method (still losing androidtv but probably needing root)
You can sideload via ADB or via a sideloading app. Or using network shares, USB storage, USB transfer etc.
In the past I've used Titanium Backup (rooted naturally) installed a load of games to my phone then moved the backups to an SD/USB to restore on the SHIELD.
There are also dubious website and alternative stores you can install or visit on the SHIELD. Not a fan of those tbh.
You can get APK downloader addons for web browsers that allow you to download directly from Play Store website. Chrome android doesn't support these I am lead to believe... but installing Yandex broweser and installing the chrome addon to that apparently might work. So then load Play Store in Yandex browser and you can get your apps direct from google... just sadly not the paid ones.
I've been meaning to get on this again myself. I'm really quite pissed that most of my paid Rockstar android games won't install from AndroidTV Play store. These games run fine on SHIELD but are flagged as unsupported. Thus forcing you to download them from dubious sources to get running due to the DRM. The TV store is very disapointing, the layout is bad, there's no reviews and developers just don't seem interested in keeping their apps accessible on the platform when they otherwise should be. The Rockstar games in particular run fantastic on the SHIELD and if I were Google or Nvidia I'd actively be trying to encourage Rockstar to promote these games as SHIELD compatible or enhanced!
I don't know about any technical disadvantages to the platform that hold things back but I'm sure many people here will be far more knowledgable. I just assume an app has to be fully functional with just the remote or joypad to be ATV compliant. I'm not entirely sure on this last question but I will say this, every app I've sideloaded has worked as long as it doesn't require touch control in games. I use a 5way hub so I've always got mouse/keyboard and additional storage options etc. If it can be controlled with one finger you can use a mouse to facilitate that.
thanks for the input. Yeah it sucks for paid apps and games. First I'll see if I can get by with just root and these methods, because I couldn't find any good custom roms for the shield. There is one on another forum but I couldn't get it installed (got stuck at nvidia logo after a successful install)..
I'm a noob to android TV, what's "leanback functionality"?
Twodordan said:
thanks for the input. Yeah it sucks for paid apps and games. First I'll see if I can get by with just root and these methods, because I couldn't find any good custom roms for the shield. There is one on another forum but I couldn't get it installed (got stuck at nvidia logo after a successful install)..
I'm a noob to android TV, what's "leanback functionality"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sideload any apk to the shield if rooted but there are apk's made for android tv and just mobile apk's with mobile apl's you lose some functionality of android tv however a keyboard mouse combo or even nvidia shield tv app will help you navigate through those apk's that are not made for android tv
As far as I know, sideloading apps means finding an apk, placing it on the device, and then running it (and allowing installation from unknown sources).
So at what point in this process do I require root? Do I need the root if it's an apk not made for Android TV? What is that process exactly?
Twodordan said:
As far as I know, sideloading apps means finding an apk, placing it on the device, and then running it (and allowing installation from unknown sources).
So at what point in this process do I require root? Do I need the root if it's an apk not made for Android TV? What is that process exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I side load stuff to my non rooted shield all the time its true not all apps will work but a majority of them will for some apps that have only a vertical view you can use apps like set orientation to have it in landscape mode just allow install of unknown apps for the file browser you use on the shield.
https://apkpure.com/set-orientation/com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation
You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine.
Yeah I always keep my SHIELD rooted for this reason. I don't know what the situation is with TWRP recovery at the moment but I know it stopped working in one of the recent updates. By being rooted you can use Flashfire app to flash zips to the SHIELD if you need to flash let's say GLTools or something like that. I mainly use that to force antialiasing for certain games. One thing you will want is either Sideload Launcher (on Play Store) or TV App Repo. Sideload launcher just loads a launcher that includes your non TV apps (They don't all work with the leanback launcher) or you can use TV App Repo to make shortcuts to them on the leanback launcher. TV App Repo will also need root to work, so yeah that's a great reason to have root when sideloading.
I could adb install the sideload launcher apk (got it from apkpure) to my 16gb shield tv 2017, via a usb-to-usb cable, and it works just fine without root.
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
[Edit] Installed TV Launcher instead of sideload launcher. It can replace the default launcher and it is also so much nicer: https://apkpure.com/tvlauncher/com.awe.dev.pro.tv
[Edit] So a custom launcher like TV Launcher will insert itself as a suggestion whenever you press the home screen, and you can set it to Always use this launcher, however in many situations, like restarting your shield, it will default back to the stock launcher. You can read this but it's still fine to always have a prompt whenever you press home: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndr...hange_default_launcher_on_shield_2017_nougat/
I use Yalp store and set it up as different device (in my case Samsung Galaxy Tab S3). Works really fine for 95% of the time.
Question Please?
Can you please say which shield TV you have? I am thinking of buying one but am put off by the lack of full play store. Being able to install any apk from a USB stick may sway me (but still not sure). What I plan to do is install any apps I want on my phone, use an apk extractor to get the apk, put it on USB then use CX file explorer to click and install. Does that sound all possible on non-rooted latest full Shield?
Cheers.
Eric.
"You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine."
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:44 AM ----------
PS Since you can install apk's easily did you ever try to sideload the Google play store apk (along with Google Play Services apk to see if they will install?
That would be interesting.
Gaps download for HUAWEI Chinese phones would be easy to obtain.
DBCAB said:
I side load stuff to my non rooted shield all the time its true not all apps will work but a majority of them will for some apps that have only a vertical view you can use apps like set orientation to have it in landscape mode just allow install of unknown apps for the file browser you use on the shield.
https://apkpure.com/set-orientation/com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation
You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twodordan said:
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need the developer image to get root.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tv/development/kernel-overclock-kernel-2-22-ghz-t3943079
And if you don't flash twrp, getting updates will work fine, you will just have to root again.
Twodordan said:
I could adb install the sideload launcher apk (got it from apkpure) to my 16gb shield tv 2017, via a usb-to-usb cable, and it works just fine without root.
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
[Edit] Installed TV Launcher instead of sideload launcher. It can replace the default launcher and it is also so much nicer: https://apkpure.com/tvlauncher/com.awe.dev.pro.tv
[Edit] So a custom launcher like TV Launcher will insert itself as a suggestion whenever you press the home screen, and you can set it to Always use this launcher, however in many situations, like restarting your shield, it will default back to the stock launcher. You can read this but it's still fine to always have a prompt whenever you press home: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndr...hange_default_launcher_on_shield_2017_nougat/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is rooting a nightmare ? Once your bootloader is unlocked it literally takes 5 minutes to root..
Unlock bootloader
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
install magisk zip
Reboot , you're rooted..
I don't understand why people suggest any other file explorer besides "x-plore". By far the best file explorer out there, 100% crap free. You can install any APK from any location using x-plore.. Most of the time I leave the APK on my network , that network drive is mapped in the shield settings, I simply browse to it with x-plore , and install any APK. If it doesn't make a shortcut in the android tv menu , then simply use "sideload launcher" by chainfire to launch whichever app doesn'T show up on the main menu.
ericritou said:
Can you please say which shield TV you have? I am thinking of buying one but am put off by the lack of full play store. Being able to install any apk from a USB stick may sway me (but still not sure). What I plan to do is install any apps I want on my phone, use an apk extractor to get the apk, put it on USB then use CX file explorer to click and install. Does that sound all possible on non-rooted latest full Shield?
Cheers.
Eric.
"You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine."
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:44 AM ----------
PS Since you can install apk's easily did you ever try to sideload the Google play store apk (along with Google Play Services apk to see if they will install?
That would be interesting.
Gaps download for HUAWEI Chinese phones would be easy to obtain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Roamin64 said:
How is rooting a nightmare ? Once your bootloader is unlocked it literally takes 5 minutes to root..
Unlock bootloader
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
install magisk zip
Reboot , you're rooted..
I don't understand why people suggest any other file explorer besides "x-plore". By far the best file explorer out there, 100% crap free. You can install any APK from any location using x-plore.. Most of the time I leave the APK on my network , that network drive is mapped in the shield settings, I simply browse to it with x-plore , and install any APK. If it doesn't make a shortcut in the android tv menu , then simply use "sideload launcher" by chainfire to launch whichever app doesn'T show up on the main menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont understand y ppl think their preferred app is the same or should be everyones preference.. never really used xplore so cant comment on it but this is bcuz i use fx file explorer.. it has been good to me for years and still counting.. you can access network and more if u get an fx license which is cheap.. u can set up windows, ftp, ssh, webdav over network... set up cloud storage... bluetooth... web access.... fx connect and other means using it.. root installer.. text editor... binary viewer... deals with archives... themes... multiple root settings and other settings... diagnostic tools... has builtin busybox or u can use any other busybox you have installed and more
agreed though, roots easy if you dont have troubles.. not sure what ur runnin but nstv pro 2019 unless its been updated since i last checked cannot simply install magisk.. u need modified magisk.zip which is an older version then need to do some trickery in twrp to get it to flash right then still might need some trickery to get it to boot.. i have to use adb root to change bootstate to orange before itll load and if u dont got adb authorized yet then i use twrp to set a script tochange bootstate on boot.. tyen if u still have problems might need towipe and/or mess with vbmetaand/or dtb partitions.. and im an experienced person when it comes to root, exploits, twrp utilization and fastboot (not claiming to b pro or anything crazy, just know how to use them fairly well and general idea of how things work) so i can imagine some ppl that maybe arent as experienced or new to this particular device would have a difficult time indeed.
DBCAB said:
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks.
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------
DBCAB said:
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
have you tried the Aurora store? i find stuff there ibcant find in tv play store
elliwigy said:
have you tried the Aurora store? i find stuff there ibcant find in tv play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elliwigy suggested the best way to have full playstore, Aurora is a frontend for the real playstore, you are not downloading from an unknown source and also allow to install and validate the apps that you have purchased, also it's possible to spoof your shield as other devices making possible to install apps that in other ways aren't available for your device