[Q] Best Browser for FireTV? - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I've ran into a couple of instances where it would be nice to have a browser on my FireTVs. Just curious what browsers have already been tried and how they worked? I'm partial to Google Chrome but more than willing to try something else if it runs better on the Fire or has better navigation. Would also be nice to have some integration with XMBC but that is not a must since I can launch just about anything from Favorites. I have a keyboard and mouse but would be nice to be able to do a little bit with a remote if possible. I am rooted and have the Play Store installed.

martian21 said:
So I've ran into a couple of instances where it would be nice to have a browser on my FireTVs. Just curious what browsers have already been tried and how they worked? I'm partial to Google Chrome but more than willing to try something else if it runs better on the Fire or has better navigation. Would also be nice to have some integration with XMBC but that is not a must since I can launch just about anything from Favorites. I have a keyboard and mouse but would be nice to be able to do a little bit with a remote if possible. I am rooted and have the Play Store installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread states FireFox does... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51586184&highlight=autopilot#post51586184
Seems some browsers like Chrome might need a keyboard or mouse for control on FireTV... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53091252&postcount=380

martian21 said:
So I've ran into a couple of instances where it would be nice to have a browser on my FireTVs. Just curious what browsers have already been tried and how they worked? I'm partial to Google Chrome but more than willing to try something else if it runs better on the Fire or has better navigation. Would also be nice to have some integration with XMBC but that is not a must since I can launch just about anything from Favorites. I have a keyboard and mouse but would be nice to be able to do a little bit with a remote if possible. I am rooted and have the Play Store installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dolphin is the browser I use the most on my AFTV. Chrome blows, firefox blows.
.

I have tried several web browser E.g. firefox, chrome, javalin, and Naked. Most annoyed is FTV keyboard popped and I couldn't see background of browser. However Naked browser is awesome speedy no bloatware or junk and most respected privacy.
I might try install the null keyboard (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fevdev.nakedbrowser&hl=envoid) and test if it will allows me run null keyboard as primary input then it will rock!

When using naked, the keyboard pops up like on the cell? Any mods to hide it?

Related

Apps missing or not working on Galaxy Nexus (or ICS?)

I hope these are more likely to be problems with Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) that the Galaxy Nexus, but I have found quite a few apps which no longer work.
FLASH ("not compatible")
BBC iPlayer ("not compatible")
BBC News (official) ("not compatible")
Hancent SMS ( Not locking default 'messenger app')
Awesome Drop (not connecting)
Anyone found any more?
How about:
Google Voice?
Any of the console emulators?
Any of the EA games?
Any of the Markiet Gameloft Games (I am pretty sure none of these will work, don't know why I am bothering to ask, lol)
Any of the advanced video players (MX video, VPlayer)
Netflix?
Skype?
Any file managers, (ES, Astro, etc)?
Dolphin, Opera or other third party browsers?
Facebook works but has glitches and no way to go to the settings page within the app..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
IVONA Text-to-Speech doesn't work as it doesn't come up as an option under text-to-seech output so can't be selected.
IMDB is missing its widget.
USA Today News app is "incompatible".
SquareBare said:
How about:
Any of the console emulators?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N64oid and FPse both work fine. Most games play without any issues. Majoras Mask looks amazing!
SNESoid doesn't work yet. It launches, then when you try to load a rom, it stops working.
SquareBare said:
Any of the Markiet Gameloft Games (I am pretty sure none of these will work, don't know why I am bothering to ask, lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Or at least none of the games I own work.
SquareBare said:
Skype?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine
HBOGo and Hulu+ do not work. However, once the Nexus Galaxy comes out, with a similar resolution to the Note, I beilieve they will through an update.
Simple Calendar widget keeps force closing on mine
Opera & Skype are working fine
SquareBare said:
How about:
Google Voice?
Any of the console emulators?
Any of the EA games?
Any of the Markiet Gameloft Games (I am pretty sure none of these will work, don't know why I am bothering to ask, lol)
Any of the advanced video players (MX video, VPlayer)
Netflix?
Skype?
Any file managers, (ES, Astro, etc)?
Dolphin, Opera or other third party browsers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ES works fine ....... vplayer works fine for the types ive tried (avi, wmv, flv, mp4 )
This is an interesting thread. I wonder if these are the reasons the Nexus failed Verizon testing here state-side.
Dolphin Browser HD starts to work but then freezes. I have contacted their support team, await a reply.
DarthPiggie said:
This is an interesting thread. I wonder if these are the reasons the Nexus failed Verizon testing here state-side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think these app problems are due to Ice Cream Sandwich, not the Galaxy Nexus, and the developers of the apps just need to tweak them, mark them as ICS compatible and then send out the update.
The apps which are unavailable from the market, haven't been marked as compatible with ICS... so the market wont show you them.
I don't think that app availability/problems would cause delay of feature in Verizon testing.
The phone itself works a treat
Prey closes on me. That's something I'd really like working on such an expensive phone
Latest version of root explorer has a few issues (minimises to a small area on the bottom left of the screen) however an older version (2.16) works fine.
Beautiful widgets & pure calender widget work fine
Handcent seems ok (not loosing default actions for me)
Adfree installs and appears to work alright, however I've noticed some adds in a few games so not 100% sure whether it's fully working
Titanium backup is fine but app processing mode (under preferences) needs to be set to "interactive/classic"
Android agenda widget doesnt handle events correctly - puts them a month in future
Several other agenda type widgets FC
Sims3 game fails to install
Topcashback app FC
ES file manger is fine and root element works
Skype works for me
EBay gives me error code 5013 and crashes, amazon is hit and miss also.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Anyone know where we can report this to Facebook?
This annoying because I cant turn off notification, bad battery drain
Do they have official email pr support forum or such for Facebook for Android?
Thanks.
recklesslife85 said:
Facebook works but has glitches and no way to go to the settings page within the app..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found:
LauncherPro works but some of the LPwidgets crash the handset forcing a 'clear data'
Sandisk memory app doesn't work - presumably it's looking for a non-existent memory card
NoGravity - app crashes
Confirmed Apps that work:
NFS Hot pursuit
FlickGolf
RecklessGetawaySprinkle
Profanisaurus
Android Pro Widgets
BeautifulWidgets
Dropbox
DualFIleManager
GoogleSkyMap
IMDB
Poweramp
3dSkyOrb
Speedview
StudioClock
taptu
Vouchercloud
Couldn't use Navigon 4.0 , the wlan option to download the map failed and using the PC to transfer the map also failed.
Got a refund.

Applications List for working apk files on Fire TV

Hey All,
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
So the following apps work for me using a wireless keyboard and trackpad mouse.
TVCatchup
TVMC
BT Sport
4OD
ITV Player
Uno Telly
ChromeBeta
Please contribute to the list I will update this list when ive installed and tested more apps.
herohonda777 said:
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
wellersl said:
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a sweet list!
I got Dolphin Browser to work but the biggest one I got Working the PS4 Remote play app -
Side Loaded Dolphin Browser and then loaded up the PS4 remote app hooked up the PS4 Controller directin to the AFT and connected the remote play - No Lag issues at all playing FIFA 15 on my other screen in the house now!
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
herohonda777 said:
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd. Unless its butting heads with Dolphin?
This version of Firefox? http://www.mediafire.com/download/rq57ptp5dbj0gsr/Firefox_28.0.1.apk
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Jacksmyname said:
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
VivianC said:
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet, but I'll post back here if I do. I've been using it for several years on a 10" Samsung Galaxy Tab with no issues. Not even a single hiccup that I can recall.
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
goodhur said:
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
xm41907 said:
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes a long time to go through the update(scan). I was thinking it didn't work at first. It seems like it does nothing for like 5 minutes then the movies begin appearing. Under settings>identification & search enable the sub-folder search. This app works only on wifi for scanning UPNP (great for the stick), the box on ethernet won't find dlna (however I think if you just do wifi to do DLNA scanning the plug back ethernet it still works). Manual entry of SMB works on the box and stick.
Some of the unique APKs I have side loaded on my AFS
Vulkano Player 5.1.261-connects to my Hava Platinum cable box streamer
Viki 3.0 - the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
Dramafever 01.00.09- also the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
The Sony PS4 Remote Play port works (as does the Sony DS4 controller out the box without any rooting required):
RemotePlayPortV0.7.3.apk
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
herohonda777 said:
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like one of two things:
1. You're not using the latest version of the app
2. you've not paired the DS4 directly with the Amazon Fire TV BEFORE you've tried to launch the app
..

Web browser for AFTV

Probably should've asked this awhile ago...when I first started using aftv in June I tried a couple of web browsers but think I found they didn't work well. So I sort of stop pursuing it. Now I think it'd be useful. But I don't have a Bluetooth keyboard or harmony or melee f10 pro.
Ideally I'd want one that can either be controlled with the stock remote or my android phone or tablet.
Another option is to mirror my phone/tablet but we don't have great support there. I can mirror to apple TV with android but haven't found a way to do it with aftv. I'd be willing to purchase 3rd party software for it. To me that's preferable to shelling out money for a new remote. But yea, my first choice would be to install a web browser.
KLit75 said:
Probably should've asked this awhile ago...when I first started using aftv in June I tried a couple of web browsers but think I found they didn't work well. So I sort of stop pursuing it. Now I think it'd be useful. But I don't have a Bluetooth keyboard or harmony or melee f10 pro.
Ideally I'd want one that can either be controlled with the stock remote or my android phone or tablet.
Another option is to mirror my phone/tablet but we don't have great support there. I can mirror to apple TV with android but haven't found a way to do it with aftv. I'd be willing to purchase 3rd party software for it. To me that's preferable to shelling out money for a new remote. But yea, my first choice would be to install a web browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go with firefox and don't get the beta version. You can install flash as well so u'll have a proper working browser.
navigates said:
go with firefox and don't get the beta version. You can install flash as well so u'll have a proper working browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which flash are you using? Only ones I find are browsers. I assume you meant a plugin?
Maxthon Browser. Maxthon is far and away the best browser I have used on the Fire TV. To mirror your Android device all you have to do is install MirrorOP reciever on the fire TV, and install MirrorOP sender on the Android device.You can also install MirrorOP sender on your PC and mirror your PC on the Fire TV too. No root needed. BTW, a browser is super useful on the Fire TV. I hate using two devices so the browser comes in handy so that I do not have to send files from my PC or phone etc, I can just download files with the browser. Having to use two devices is the same reason I refuse to use Plex.
KLit75 said:
Which flash are you using? Only ones I find are browsers. I assume you meant a plugin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See attached apk for flash. Note, you will not be able to open the app itself. Once installed, you can integrate it with Firefox. You can permanently enable flash for Firefox so that you don't have to enable the flash plugin everytime. To do so, launch Firefox. Next, click on the context menu button on FTV remote. Scroll down to "Settings". Next go to "Display". Next go to "Plugins". Change the option to "Enabled".
Youtube.com is a good site to test your flash plugin.
dbdoshi said:
See attached apk for flash. Note, you will not be able to open the app itself. Once installed, you can integrate it with Firefox. You can permanently enable flash for Firefox so that you don't have to enable the flash plugin everytime. To do so, launch Firefox. Next, click on the context menu button on FTV remote. Scroll down to "Settings". Next go to "Display". Next go to "Plugins". Change the option to "Enabled".
Youtube.com is a good site to test your flash plugin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really appreciate this...thanks a lot!
porkenhimer said:
Maxthon Browser. Maxthon is far and away the best browser I have used on the Fire TV. To mirror your Android device all you have to do is install MirrorOP reciever on the fire TV, and install MirrorOP sender on the Android device.You can also install MirrorOP sender on your PC and mirror your PC on the Fire TV too. No root needed. BTW, a browser is super useful on the Fire TV. I hate using two devices so the browser comes in handy so that I do not have to send files from my PC or phone etc, I can just download files with the browser. Having to use two devices is the same reason I refuse to use Plex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! Mirroring is the one thing I've been lacking. Seems dumb I can mirror android to apple TV but not to aftv. Definetly give it a try but if it doesn't have remote support I'll need to hold off. Its inevitable I'll end up buying melee f10 pro or harmony but still havent.
And plex was a wasted 5 bucks for aftv. I use a an RPI as a server, low power, fast enough and very low price.
Opera Browser is a good choice for its lack of quirkyness compared to all other Android browsers on FireTV.
Especially since the version 27 update made it snappier!
It is a must-have in case you have trouble with another browser and get stuck.
KLit75 said:
Yes! Mirroring is the one thing I've been lacking. Seems dumb I can mirror android to apple TV but not to aftv. Definetly give it a try but if it doesn't have remote support I'll need to hold off. Its inevitable I'll end up buying melee f10 pro or harmony but still havent.
And plex was a wasted 5 bucks for aftv. I use a an RPI as a server, low power, fast enough and very low price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
i have firefox installed and it is ok i dont use it much. I installed AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO) and i can mirror my ipad to AFTV. You can download this free, first install black mart and then download AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO) from there for free normally this app is $5 but you will get it free.
just open firefox and go to http://www.blackmart.us/ and download the APK directly to your AFTV and install it or you download the apk to your computer and transfer the apa via adb.
thanks
ashsha7877 said:
Hi,
i have firefox installed and it is ok i dont use it much. I installed AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO) and i can mirror my ipad to AFTV. You can download this free, first install black mart and then download AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO) from there for free normally this app is $5 but you will get it free.
just open firefox and go to http://www.blackmart.us/ and download the APK directly to your AFTV and install it or you download the apk to your computer and transfer the apa via adb.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good info. Thanks. That's the one I wanted to try but didn't know if it was worth 5 bucks.
Tried Firefox and maxthon but both seem to require a 3rd party remote. Firefox seems to have more functionality with aftv remote but really awkward trying to navigate. I'm gonna do some research and pick a mini keyboard/airmouse. Thanks for all the feedback though.
KLit75 said:
Very good info. Thanks. That's the one I wanted to try but didn't know if it was worth 5 bucks.
Tried Firefox and maxthon but both seem to require a 3rd party remote. Firefox seems to have more functionality with aftv remote but really awkward trying to navigate. I'm gonna do some research and pick a mini keyboard/airmouse. Thanks for all the feedback though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get the logitech k400. its cheap and gets the job done. there is another backlight version which is more expensive
navigates said:
get the logitech k400. its cheap and gets the job done. there is another backlight version which is more expensive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just about to start a new thread for this! Fire TV remote doesn't cut it. Light up keyboard is VERY useful if not essential sometimes. I've also heard good things about mele f10. Wanna keep it around 30 bucks.
If anyone else has suggestions please let me know!
***checked out the k400 and it looks cool but how's it for basic navigation?--just the simple up, down select etc for fire home screen, Netflix and kodi? I see the keyboard has direction buttons but does the mouse pad work well for navigation? Does it click or is it just tap?
If I'm gonna use it I want it to replace aftv remote, not strictly use it for web browsing. Do you use it for everything?
I have the K400r,and I use it for everything.
Only issue is that some things like "7zipper 2.0" fail to back out on the 2nd press of escape,forcing you to either Alt+Tab out of it or grab your remote to hit the back button on it twice.

full screen browser

I have a web page slideshow I display on a 40" TV at my business, and am hoping to use my fire stick instead of my laptop to run it.
I've sideloaded a few browsers and they display the slideshow, but not full screen.
I've tried Dolphin & Firefox, but can't see if it's possible to go full screen and tried a couple of "Fullscreen Browser" apps XYZ-Apps version ran the slideshow poorly and has a welcome message bar I cant make go away. The Klurige version has no way to enter the URL.
Can anyone suggest a solution?
try the app "rotate screen orientation" and see if that helps. it sets all apps to landscape mode.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331514
I use opera browser on my fire tv it works real nice.
i like chrome browser.. not sure if itll b full screen or not when you run slideshow
DBCAB said:
I use opera browser on my fire tv it works real nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know which version of the Opera Web Browser are you currently using on your FireTV?
Are you using the latest Opera 35.0.2070.100283 (Full Version) or Opera Mini 15.0.2125.100342 (Beta)?
I am using the Opera Browser not mini my version atm is 34.0.0.2044.98679 so would be version before that I guess but its fast full screen and has good features. Funny cause I like using firefox on my kindles but opera seems a nice fit for the ftv.
DBCAB said:
I am using the Opera Browser not mini my version atm is 34.0.0.2044.98679 so would be version before that I guess but its fast full screen and has good features. Funny cause I like using firefox on my kindles but opera seems a nice fit for the ftv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your quick reply!

What will I lose if I put full Android OS on the Shield ?

I've been hunting for an android box for over two months now. I never considered the Nvidia Shield because it comes with Android TV instead of regular Android. But I couldn't help not being enamored by the performance it offers. What I want is an Android box I can connect to my TV that will allow me to (1) run kodi (2) stream from an IPTV app (3) run emulators. I was about to pull the trigger on Minix U9, but the Tegra processor just sh*ts on everything out there. Today, I learned that I could actually run Android OS (Nougat) on the Shield. Why would anyone buy a Minix U9 for $160 when a much more powerful Shield goes for mere $40 extra ? I felt it was too good to be true. So, I'm here asking those of you that are running full Android on the Shield, is the full Android firmware stable in the sense that it's not just rife with bugs, and do I lose the ability to stream Netflix in 4k ?
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable. Another reason for rooting and installing full Android is that I use TWRP for Recovery. I have both stock 5.0.2 and rooted 5.0.2 on backup for Recovery if 1.3 goes south.
cjeman said:
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried running console emulators ? Also, I'm thinking of getting the Minix A2 remote for having a keyboard and it's air mouse functionality. Have you tried any air mouse on the Shield ?
No. I use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard/mouse pad combo. I have read that air mice are not an issue.
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
JohnRossJennings said:
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with John here too. You can do all three of your requests on the stock shield TV without rooting and custom ROMs. In fact the .emu emulators from Robert work great and use the shield controller perfectly.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
abo_mara7 said:
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can side load and then use chainfires sideload launcher to open them. Works pretty good. The sideload launcher is on the Android TV play store. Also es file explorer is available to help sideload apks. You can also transfer apks over your network using a computer or download from apkmirror. All with the stock out of the box os.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
techjunky90 said:
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
abo_mara7 said:
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for those tips. And on the plus side when you stay stock, update will be a lot easier!
shenzhou said:
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
greevedogg said:
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point but the original recommendation stands. There is no reason to install a custom recovery and full Android os. The stock unrooted shield os works fine in most use cases.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
If you are a gamer and love it to play mobile games on TV, the most Games wouldn't run, because NVidia has not implemented the from Shield Tablet well-known gamepad mapper. If this little Tool would be available for Shield TV, you really don't need a full Android.
Gesendet von meinem E6653 mit Tapatalk
Are the mobile games you are referring to games like family feud live?
I have the nvidia shield tv and I would really like to be able to play these games on there but do not know how. I search for them but they don't come up. Only can get them on my galaxy phone. Is it possible to get these on the tv? If so, How? Thanks in advance.
search for your wanted games in google, type the game then apk. do this on a pc or phone. download them. plug a usb drive into your computer or phone via otg and then plug the usb with apk onto the shield then browse for them via es file explorer. enjoy
I have an old HP 22 android monitor in my kitchen and love the "ok google" capability, the apps (250+ card game and Spectrum cable app) that don't work on stock shield. I am worried about it OS at 4.4.4 and want to update but Android TV seems to lack a lot of functionality I would want that full android would have. I have a shield and would like to use it but not sure the touch would work anymore if I usb the monitor back into the shield (I can use mouse and keyboard as alternative). This is why I would want full android.

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