Hi, I hope I am at the right place to ask about this device.
I found a good deal on this 7" board, and saw that it shipped with the "new" Android v 2.3
However, I can't access the Android Market with it (is that obvious???). I think that without access to the largest app marketplace, I could as well return the thing. (the "replacement" market on it features zero of the apps I want/need)
I could go with a more expensive Samsung tablet where everything probably works out of the box, but I bought this for my kids to play with, so I felt I had no need for all that 3G/GPS/advanced stuff
Could you please advise me on how to obtain market access on this device, if at all possible? Most of the info I've found is on other/related tablets, with older versions of Android.
Is it possible to:
- install a compatible custom ROM (something that works on a tablet like Advent Amico, but it has newer hardware?)
- root the device and then do some magic with it?
- download some app that magically installs market?
- grab the apk's directly from market and then install them (aka "sideloading"?)
I'd really appreciate help on this!
I did a little research on "point of view pro tab 2" thru Google and came up empty (except for deal offerings).
I, personally, would avoid this tablet. On google I didn't find a single forum/board about this tablet, so atm the developing community is nonexistant, so you're getting a slim chance to ROOT your tablet and get the "Google Experience" TM --> Market, GMail, GTalk, Maps,...
If you really want a decent 7" Tablet then get an Archos A70 or its clone Prestigio PMP7070.
Archos also has 10" Tablets A101 (Prestigio PMP7100C), but Advent Vega/ViewSonic 10S/POV mobii are all Tegra 2 based (dual-core with NVIDIA technology (think GeForce GPUs)).
There are alot of similar models and brands in the tablet world and some are ROOT-able and some are not and not a single of these "cheap" tablets has the Google Experience, because that costs extra money for the manufactuers.
I would strongly recommend to check if the device is ROOT-able before you purchase it, this basically applies to any device nowadays: Routers, Phones, media players, Consoles,...
Update about the apks from the Market:
I installed the Market apk on my tablet and it didn't show some apps/games in the market. So I've installed them thru my SGS (phone) and then made a backup (Titanium Backup, Astro Filemanager, there are lots of backup apps on the market) and then transfered the apks from my phone to my PC and then from my PC to my tablet and normally installed them thru a filemanager (like Astro).
You just need to enable "Unknown sources" under Settings --> Applications and you're all done!
yani2000, thanks so much for your help.
I was hoping that the tablet was common HW, just with a obscure branding!
Btw, here's some info on the board. I was looking at the Archos, but it had less RAM and not 2.3, so I thought the POV was a better out of the box (guess I was wrong...)
Operating system Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Processor Telechips 8803 Cortex A8 - 1.0 GHz
System memory 512 MB DDR2
Storage memory 4GB NAND Flash
Display LCD 7" 800 x 480
Touchscreen Capacitive 2-point multi touch
WiFi 802.11 b/g
Hi there.
The screen res on that screen is very low even for a seven inch tab, you should be looking at 1024x600 as a min. 800x480 is the same as my 4 inch phone. Also forget gingerbread, honeycomb is what you want for a tab. Try to find a POV Mobii 10 inch. Vegacomb will install on that and its only around 250 euros.
PEACE.
yani2000 said:
I did a little research on "point of view pro tab 2" thru Google and came up empty (except for deal offerings).
I, personally, would avoid this tablet. On google I didn't find a single forum/board about this tablet, so atm the developing community is nonexistant, so you're getting a slim chance to ROOT your tablet and get the "Google Experience" TM --> Market, GMail, GTalk, Maps,...
If you really want a decent 7" Tablet then get an Archos A70 or its clone Prestigio PMP7070.
Archos also has 10" Tablets A101 (Prestigio PMP7100C), but Advent Vega/ViewSonic 10S/POV mobii are all Tegra 2 based (dual-core with NVIDIA technology (think GeForce GPUs)).
There are alot of similar models and brands in the tablet world and some are ROOT-able and some are not and not a single of these "cheap" tablets has the Google Experience, because that costs extra money for the manufactuers.
I would strongly recommend to check if the device is ROOT-able before you purchase it, this basically applies to any device nowadays: Routers, Phones, media players, Consoles,...
Update about the apks from the Market:
I installed the Market apk on my tablet and it didn't show some apps/games in the market. So I've installed them thru my SGS (phone) and then made a backup (Titanium Backup, Astro Filemanager, there are lots of backup apps on the market) and then transfered the apks from my phone to my PC and then from my PC to my tablet and normally installed them thru a filemanager (like Astro).
You just need to enable "Unknown sources" under Settings --> Applications and you're all done!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi there!
i'm thinking of buying a presticio 7070c tablet, but i'm unsure if it's possible to root it, or to install any custom rom, or at least change the launcher app. that prestigio's launcher is terrible!
also i'm wondering if it's possible to install regular android market, and then, afterwards to download and install apps from it?
any help is appreciated!
neverone said:
hi there!
i'm thinking of buying a presticio 7070c tablet, but i'm unsure if it's possible to root it, or to install any custom rom, or at least change the launcher app. that prestigio's launcher is terrible!
also i'm wondering if it's possible to install regular android market, and then, afterwards to download and install apps from it?
any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
You're actually on wrong XDA forum.
To get all the nice treats visit this XDA's sub-forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875
Gen8 (Generation 8) are the forums for you!
Generation 9 is a good 8"/10" tablet forum with HoneyComb out-of-the-box.
To get more info about ROOT click here.
And here is a guide on how to ROOT.
If you have any questions feel free to ask in that forum.
And for the butt-ugly launcher (I would be ashamed to develop such a launcher), I think you can always install a custom laucher from the market like: GO Launcher EX, LauncherPro, ADW Launcher (I just pointed out few of the most commonly used launchers).
And for the apps+market thing... when you ROOT your tablet you can copy market, maps, contacts, gmail, talk, youtube,... and some other google framework and services related apks to your system/app folder with root explorer and after reboot you'll get the google experience.
Or you can install a custom ROM and let an experienced developer handle all the details.
Well tbh, from my research its based on the ly-f tablet. i'll post a thread when i figure out more.
Also, the tablet comes pre-rooted. just install superuser.apk and rock n roll.
[HowTo] Install Android Market on Point of View ProTab 2
I had the same problem with the Point of View Mobii 7" Tablet ProTab 2 (TAB-7C-4GW-1). After a couple of hours, I found a solution. Here is what I did:
1. Update the firmware/ROM to version 2. Download from Point of View homepage (I can't provide the URL due to forum limitations , but Google "TAB-7C-4GW-1 firmware" and it should be the first hit). NOTE that following the instructions will also perform a factory reset and remove all data. (The reset in the last step means putting a needle in the tiny hole on the back)
2. Configure Wi-Fi and connect.
3. Open the YouTube app and go to My channel. This will require you to log in, so select to add account and provide your Google credentials. (Adding the Google account in the device Settings didn't work for me, at least not under firmware 1)
4. Put LauncherPro and Home Switcher on an SD card, for example by backup up some other device with MyBackup (or maybe transfer to the tab via USB?). Open ES File Explorer and install LauncherPro. Then install Home Switcher, launch Home Switcher and select to launch LauncherPro. Now on the home screen of LauncherPro there will be a Market icon. Tap it, accept the terms - and your're in!
For me this worked on two separate devices with different Google accounts.
i picked up a POV mobii tegra 2 10.1 from my local computer shop for £132. it comes with froyo 2.2 and i installed youtube app and few games on it. im shocked how good the graphics are on games like shadowrun, riptide and jelly defence.
iv did try putting viewcomb 3.2 on the device but there were a lot of bugs, games like shadowrun did not work on it then either. vegacomb doesnt work, it just ends up at the vegacomb boot video animation and goes nowhere. so i went back to stock firmware. shame really since viewcomb had very good scrolling speed but it bricked itself with a usb boot loader message.
still trying to fina a way to get the proper market working with stock firmware.
slybunda said:
still trying to fina a way to get the proper market working with stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try any of the custom ROMs that are based on v2.2?
Like Corvus5, Modaco ROM or a Preformance Pack that goes on top of stock firmware.
no i not tired those, although with stock firmware 2.2 everything seems to work fine for me, i dont ge thte scroll speed that honeycomb offers but the 2.2 is more stable.
however i have an issue with motion sensor games where they dont register the tilting on 2.2 firmware but work fine on honeycomb.
odd.
Hi, i get the same tablet of u (Point of View Mobii 7" Tablet ProTab 2 (TAB-7C-4GW-1)) but i get some troubles for upgrading the firmware, i cant enter in FWDN mode dunno why, i follow all steeps and nothing happens...
i press (holding) back button + power button and start normally and in FWDN software dont get the tablet data, can u helpme plz?
BTW this firmware upgrade solve the problem on sleep/suspend mode (tablet freeze and need to make a hard reset (tiny btn in back of the tablet)?
thanks!!
AllGoodWereTaken said:
I had the same problem with the Point of View Mobii 7" Tablet ProTab 2 (TAB-7C-4GW-1). After a couple of hours, I found a solution. Here is what I did:
1. Update the firmware/ROM to version 2. Download from Point of View homepage (I can't provide the URL due to forum limitations , but Google "TAB-7C-4GW-1 firmware" and it should be the first hit). NOTE that following the instructions will also perform a factory reset and remove all data. (The reset in the last step means putting a needle in the tiny hole on the back)
2. Configure Wi-Fi and connect.
3. Open the YouTube app and go to My channel. This will require you to log in, so select to add account and provide your Google credentials. (Adding the Google account in the device Settings didn't work for me, at least not under firmware 1)
4. Put LauncherPro and Home Switcher on an SD card, for example by backup up some other device with MyBackup (or maybe transfer to the tab via USB?). Open ES File Explorer and install LauncherPro. Then install Home Switcher, launch Home Switcher and select to launch LauncherPro. Now on the home screen of LauncherPro there will be a Market icon. Tap it, accept the terms - and your're in!
For me this worked on two separate devices with different Google accounts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the performance pack is very old, its for v1.08 rom, im using stock 1.10 rom.
corvus5 and modaco rom dont have a nvflash installer so the install method seems complex so i didnt bother with those roms.
me hoping VegaICS improves and works out well, that i would like to be using on this tablet. or who know, windows 8 in the future?
Point Of View Playtab 2/Protab 2 7-4 GW-4
Hi Guys,
I Have a Problem with my Protab 2 7-4GW-4 when i make screen selections or type i have to use my nails instead of my fingers.I have seen
many reviews about this 2.3.3 gingerbread tablet but in the reviews the tablet touch is fine and good but why my is not sensitive i have tried
touch calibration why plz help me guys plz how the videos on youtube have a good touchscreen and sensitive.They are the same like my Protab2 7-4GW4 BUT why my is not perfect plz reply plz reply with a good news plz i really love that tablet
or even better in designated folders.. as far as I understand, this can be done after rooting right? but I'd rather not go down that route (at least atm) as I haven't a clue what I'm doing & the methods I've seen for the Shield TV are a little complicated for me (is there an automated method?)
Advice would be appreciated.
If you want to use the LeanBack (default) launcher you have to download SideLoad Launcher from the play store, otherwise you can flash Zulu99's ROM that gives you the default Android experience.
Agreed. I want to root my Android TV, but every thread I read is a little different, and since I don't have much experience doing it, I don't even know where to start. I'd rather wait until I've understood the process better before taking a chance at bricking my console.
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
Rolldog said:
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend trying it out with a cestom rom, as long as you are willing to unlock. I have since gone back to stock after trying both as I needed/wanted 2 features. The streaming button (there is a paid alternative) and the headphones on the controller. Keep in mind you also give up wireless controller, hence the headphones, by going to other roms. I use a monitor, and without a USB DAC I don't have sound if I give up wireless. I have simply settled for running 2 sidebar launchers, and it's working great for me. Also, Market Helper is good as it'll tell the play store (web version) that you are using a Nexus 7, ect, and can install most apps that way easily without having to sidelead everything. It'll also handle auto-updates ironicly ,ith stock play store app. Hopefully that'll help you decide. Please let us know what you did and why as we as a community like to know users needs. If you get stuck at any part of the process, please PM me or ask on the forums. We'd be glad to help with anything!
I don't have any problems with unlocking it, I, like you, just want to be sure I don't lose any features of the Shield. Losing game streaming and the wireless controller sound like a deal breaker. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone fixes these issues in a custom ROM. The wireless controller is configured using WiFi Direct. Even on Nvidia's website, they're all for people rooting their device and customizing it the way people want. One guy, who works for Nvidia was saying that they're definitely not against people rooting it because once someone buys it, they're willing to do whatever they want with it. So hopefully, we'll see Nvidia release more info to help people develop custom ROMs without losing any of the functionality of the device. Aren't there custom ROMs you can flash onto the Shield Tablet and still be able to use the wireless controller?
Is Market Helper an apk to install on the console? And what sidebar launchers are you using? There are times when I try using Shield Hub to connect to my local PC and it not work, and then I try with Moonlight, and it works everytime. I also like using the remote desktop feature. If you add the remote desktop app manually into the GeForce Experience software on your PC, then using the Shield, you can connect to your desktop using either Moonlight or Shield Hub and your TV mirrors your monitor.
kdb424 said:
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to forget Es file explores send by land feature which is great for sending apks from other devices to your shield
What launchers are available out there which offer more than the leanback launcher? I noticed I cannot change wallpaper, live or static, display non-TV apps or change many other settings with it. Do you have any suggestions for others to try?
Unfortunately all which I have tried seem underdeveloped atm. Before Android TV there were already a bunch of mediocre 10-foot launchers for older Android-based boxes. It would be really nice to see somebody develop an improved version of the Leanback Launcher with added customization (like Nova Launcher vs AOSP's launcher), but I heard somewhere that the Leanback launcher isn't open source. It would also be nice for such a launcher to be made compatible with all Android TV and normal Android devices so that you could have the Leanback interface on things like like MiniX devices, Fire TV devices or even an old Android smartphone strapped to the back of your TV. @dhacker29 ported CyanogenMod 12.1 and later AOSP 6.0.1 to the Nexus Player where he included the Leanback Launcher with modifications to the UI and an option to change the background image, though I doubt that you can just extract the app and run it on the Shield.
Ive tried HALauncher on my shield tv (not rooted / stock firmware), that's pretty good. It allows you to choose wallpaper, change font colours, and arrange your own quick launch items. Only problem is that it wont show the Nvidia Shield hub items (game stream etc) except the store place. Its free so worth looking at.
If you like the style of Leanback but would prefer more control and ability to customise, HALauncher is the best option. It also supports mouse control too, unlike the truly awful and crippled Leanback.
If you prefer something a bit different there are numerous launchers out there. You have SquareHome.Tablet launcher. It's very good and allows a metro-like setup and can create some fantastic looking home pages if you put the effort in. Another is Launcher Lab, which has some fantastic effects. Although the downside of this is that you can't use a direction pad, which means it's mouse only. Total Launcher is worth a look too.
See the Minix Forum thread below for examples of what you can do. They're all on Minix devices of course, but there is nothing stopping identical home pages being set up on the Shield.
http://www.minixforum.com/threads/lets-see-a-shot-of-your-launcher-customizations.441/
I'm hoping this thread can be for going into the smartwatches system/app/ folder and people can copy their stock launcher apk's and any other watch clock launchers here for watches with android os
Here's one for now
http://roundandroidwatches.proboards.com/thread/387/clockskin-universal-launcher-standalone-app
And I will load my stock one when I get home
here is the stock launcher from my watch i think its made for android funos
here is another one although I couldnt get it setup the way I would like to have....
run this and it will direct you to install lightning launcher from the playstore
i didnt realize there was a 2.0 version of the universal launcher i will include the app and a link to give the developer credit
http://roundandroidwatches.proboards.com/thread/758/universal-launcher-new-generation-2