Related
So i purchased the RII Mini BLuetooth keyboard excited to have it work with the Webtop...and alas there is an issue with the drivers. I was super excited as it has both a keyboard and a wireless touch pad and thought it would be perfect but it just aint working.
Has anyone been able to get this working? Or considered trying it?
Edit...got it paired. not drivers needed. Unlike other devices where the pairing is coded on one end, the keyboard requires that once you've inputted the desired code on you Atrix, that you put the same code in on the keyboard and press the enter button. Voila. A great product - highly recommended especially for webtop users.
goog-ed, nice looking product. glad to have a confirmed all in one solution when i need one. Thanks
quick link to goog shopping results for n e 1 wanting to check it out http://goo.gl/FEb6M
I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this too... just FYI, there are two different models, one for 2.4 Ghz and one for bluetooth, and they are not well described on Amazon and the like; I'll post the appropriate links below:
http://www.amazon.com/ProMini-Wirel...EUBI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302464752&sr=8-2
http://www.riitek.com/product.asp
You need the Bluetooth one
if it says 2.4ghz, it's the wrong one.
I've been using one of these with my HTPC setup for a while and I love it!
Can't wait!
I just ordered one, since I was seriously looking for a portable bluetooth keyboard to take around with me and use for my phone and laptop. It should be coming in today, and once I have time, I'll probably make a video on using it, just like I did one when I had the original Droid.
I'm also waiting for mine to be delivered, along with a bluetooth mouse. Should make the webtop experience much more useful.
I don't know, now I'm thinking of going this route: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FOOI2/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
The question is, do I really use webtop that much???
For your dollar, well spent
I sent an email asking the quality, more importantly will it work with the atrix? And has anyone complained about it and the atrix combo.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Wireless-B...&otn=3&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=8444646627280274537
Thats well worth the 19$ if it works.
If they say yes I'll buy one, and let you guys know.
@swiftks
I use it quite a bit but couldnt justify over 100 bucks. Looks spify though^_^
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Swiftks said:
I don't know, now I'm thinking of going this route: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FOOI2/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
The question is, do I really use webtop that much???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered one of these and it went back to Amazon immediately. Quality was bad..two keys didn't work; one not at all and one only if you pushed really hard. Too expensive for that kind of thing. I wound up buying the Moto keyboard and paired a Verbatim bt mouse....
i was thinking about getting one of these for usage with webtop and when traveling. I actually ordered one, but had to cancel the order when i realized i got the non bt by accident and haven't reordered yet. There is also another version on amazon thats a keyboard only thats a bit cheaper but might actually be better designed for tapping out lonf messaves.
For fhose that have one, how comfortable is it to type a message/email with the Rii? Im still not a fan of these touch only keyboards which are much slower and less ac urate than say the slide out keyboard on my old tilt.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
can someone confirm that using a BT keybpard works with the Atrix and the Webtop hack. In other words, I have the webtop hack working. If I leave this by my TV can I use the BT keybaord to control the device?
has anyone tried this keyboard with the Atrix and will the mouse work?
http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Bluetooth-Wireless-Chicklet-Keyboard/dp/B0042W74SI/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
ekerbuddyeker said:
can someone confirm that using a BT keybpard works with the Atrix and the Webtop hack. In other words, I have the webtop hack working. If I leave this by my TV can I use the BT keybaord to control the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the webtop hack working with a bluetooth keyboard (Motorola) and mouse (Verbatim brand). It worked fine. Since I upgraded to .83 firmware I didn't reinstall the hack since I mainly use the lapdock now.
Off topic-anybody want to buy a Motorola Bluetooth keyboard (works fine)? Since I use the lapdock (see above) I don't use it. $50 shipped in Continental USA.
Works perfectly with RII bluetooth and webtop
Yep it works perfectly. Very good keyboard. Laser pointer is a nice benefit for cats
could also try the bt ps3 logitech keyboard. i have it right now and works great!
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/gaming/mice-keyboard-combos/devices/3616
ekerbuddyeker said:
has anyone tried this keyboard with the Atrix and will the mouse work?
http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Bluetooth-Wireless-Chicklet-Keyboard/dp/B0042W74SI/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well here I am tyoing in this keyboard while my atrix is connected to my 52 inch plasma using the webtop hack. Its a fantastic combination that cost me $40 imstead of the $179 Motorola wamts. As soon as it saw bluetooth, the atrix went into big clock mode, which in itself is nice. Keyboard is small but useable but does take some getting used to. It has a tracball for a mouse, which works but isn't so easy to navigate. Also pairing isn't well explained. When atrix asks Dor code put 1111 THEN 1111 enter on the bt keyboard!
Whole combination is amazing. Browsing the web on the tv is an exoerience.
This atrix really is unique.
I was also able to go into the entertainment center and can go forward or back through a movie. And keep it picture in picture.
And answer a call.
Astounding!
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Got mine working today, did passcode on phone then just pressed the same passcode on keyboard and enter. Worked well.
Thanks
Wow im glad I stumbled on this thread. I ordered mine last night from eBay.. Good to see it will work AFTER I make the purchase of course lol
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if someone has tried to make the Sony NSG-MR5U or NSG-MR7U (the same but with a microphone), originally made for the NSZ-GS7 and NSZ-GS8 Google TV boxes, on Android ?
I was looking for remote for my android tablet (Samsung Galaxy note 8) and Nexus 5 that I plug on my TV. I found tons of ****ty "made in china" bluetooth remotes on the amazon/ebay (like the iPazzPort™ ProMini Bluetooth Mini Wireless Keyboard).
I have bought this Sony remote, the quality and feel is really good, it can pair with my tablet, the keyboard and most buttons are working, but unfortunately the touchpad is not... This would be the ultimate remote for Android
I did not find anything on the web, except some people tried to make the NSG-MR5U on Linux (forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=153504&page=2 and mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg03251.html), but agin the trackpad is not working. I did not find anything on XDA about this remote.
Anyone has an idea how to make the touchpad of this remote work on Android ?
Let us know if you find the way to solve it. I am considering to buy Logitech K400r guys are agreeing to be the best choice. Thanx.
I want this remote to work on my windows HTPC. everything works except a few minor buttons and the trackpad. all this remote really needs is someone with experience to make a trackpad driver, and whatever would be necessary to allow the remote to wake a sleeping machine. The keyboard and most media keys work fine on their own. the rest of the keys that don't work can be customized using Eventghost. I have a serial cable for my Samsung tv to connect to my pc as well to operate the tv for basic functions. if I could just get this remote to work, id have a perfect setup for my needs.
Also, confirmed working on my Nexus 5. basically all functions OP mentioned work. no trackpad of course. I wonder if someone could pull the drivers from the Sony google TV this remote came from, since its an android device as well?
unvaluablespace said:
I want this remote to work on my windows HTPC. everything works except a few minor buttons and the trackpad. all this remote really needs is someone with experience to make a trackpad driver, and whatever would be necessary to allow the remote to wake a sleeping machine. The keyboard and most media keys work fine on their own. the rest of the keys that don't work can be customized using Eventghost. I have a serial cable for my Samsung tv to connect to my pc as well to operate the tv for basic functions. if I could just get this remote to work, id have a perfect setup for my needs.
Also, confirmed working on my Nexus 5. basically all functions OP mentioned work. no trackpad of course. I wonder if someone could pull the drivers from the Sony google TV this remote came from, since its an android device as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Up!
This remote already has a driver for Android (I think the Sony NSZ-GS8 Google TV box is running the Jelly Bean Google TV). Does anyone know how to extract a driver from Android in general? The closest answer I found to this is not very encouraging : android.stackexchange.com/questions/28379/where-are-android-drivers-located-in-the-system
[PS: the 10 post limitation for posting URLs and in Dev forums is really very annoying!]
fort21 said:
Let us know if you find the way to solve it. I am considering to buy Logitech K400r guys are agreeing to be the best choice. Thanx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How the Logitech K400r is supposed to work on Android? According to the specs, this keyboard is using the unifying receiver instead of the bluetooth standard.. But that said, I have this keyboard for a Windows 7 PC and it is working beautifully.
Some interesting resources for porting drivers:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2061766
http://lii-enac.fr/en/architecture/linux-input/multitouch-android-howto.html
nebu_06, Any luck with extracting the drivers ?
nebu_06 said:
Some interesting resources for porting drivers:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2061766
http://lii-enac.fr/en/architecture/linux-input/multitouch-android-howto.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so. Im bringing back this thread, or trying to. I've had this remote for some time, pretty much collecting dust. I was so sure i'd be able to get it working with my Minix X7 I ordered the second i saw a dso. Im bringing back this thread, or trying to. I've had this remote for some time, pretty much collecting dust. I was so sure i'd be able to get it working with my Minix X7 I ordered the second i saw a decent price. Well those hopes and dreams came and went. Now here we are today, i've got a brand new nVidia Shield console that i'm pretty sure has a BETTER chance than my Minix X7 at getting this to work. Why you ask? Well for one the Box this was designed to work with was a Sony made Google TV .. hoping someone somewhere has a copy of that firmware and we might be able to extract what we need to get this working fully! C'mon Who is with me?!?!?
killerskincanoe said:
so. Im bringing back this thread, or trying to. I've had this remote for some time, pretty much collecting dust. I was so sure i'd be able to get it working with my Minix X7 I ordered the second i saw a dso. Im bringing back this thread, or trying to. I've had this remote for some time, pretty much collecting dust. I was so sure i'd be able to get it working with my Minix X7 I ordered the second i saw a decent price. Well those hopes and dreams came and went. Now here we are today, i've got a brand new nVidia Shield console that i'm pretty sure has a BETTER chance than my Minix X7 at getting this to work. Why you ask? Well for one the Box this was designed to work with was a Sony made Google TV .. hoping someone somewhere has a copy of that firmware and we might be able to extract what we need to get this working fully! C'mon Who is with me?!?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just retired my Sony Nsz-gs8 for a Nvidia Shield TV but I miss the sony remote so hopefully someone can do their magic.
So I already have one FireTV that I bought pretty shortly after it came out. Because of that I was able to prevent it from updating and also was able to root it and unlock it. I've been very happy with this device but I'm looking to acquire a second device and that's my problem. With the state of the FireTV now it seems that it is unrootable and potentially brickable with the way Amazon is treating it. Also, I'm concerned that the future may hold a device that can't have apps sideloaded as well. My primary use for the device is Kodi/XBMC, Netflix, and Plex, though I do have prime and occasionally use prime instant video as well and I pretty much prioritize my use in that order. I suspect if I went with something such as an Amlogic M8 or some other android box that I'd have to give up the Amazon services.
So I guess my question is, how does the FireTV hardware compare to the others? Is it a lot better than something like the M8 box? I'm not really a dev, though I'm extremely comfortable with android flashing and such as well as linux, so I'm also wondering are the devs optimistic that they'll be able to hack around Amazon's attempts to block us? Or is it looking more like a lost cause? I noticed work being done on a CM12 port but if I buy a brand new fire tv that can't be rooted then it would seem I'll be limited in what I can do or flash with it.
I'm looking for opinions or feedback so all thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!
Of all the android devices, I'd say the FireTV is still the best bang for the buck. The next step up would be a Chromebox running OpenElec, but I haven't attempted it myself.
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im all for trying new boxes, but seems right now fire tv is the one to stick with. I say right now because there are new ones coming this year. Imo its not the time to buy.
This new update really improved aftv. I wouldnt worry about them taking away sideloading or kodi.
Yes. Im sure you can sideload prime on the Android tv box but not certain itll be great because those apps are made for tablets. If youre hooked on prime, i dont know of a better option than aftv right now.
Magnesus said:
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do like the fire TV remote, but there are better remotes you can buy for $15-20.. you can have a full remote on one side and full keyboard on the other, with air mouse capabilities.. its still cheaper to get a cs918 and a decent remote.. and still be able to root. have apps such as STB emulator work properly (without external players). play many games with the air mouse or by configuring buttons on the keyboard.
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix on those china boxes will be stuck at 480p resolution. You will never get HD with any of those china boxes.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Side-loading is not going to be blocked. Amazon wants you to be able to do that so every FireTV is a potential dev/test box, and they have instructions on their site showing how to do it.
IMHO, FireTV is currently the best option for what the OP describes. If Amazon Instant Video (Amazon Prime support) makes it to GATV boxes, one of those may be better. The nvidia shield console looks really good, and even the Razer Forge TV looks like an improvement over the Nexus Player. Both of those are expected soon.
If Amazon Prime Streaming is important a original Amazon hardware is still better than a regular Android device with installed app from the store. The point is at least for the german market there are restrictions for movies with a high maturity rating. For e.g. in germany FSK18 movies (I think can be compared to a "NC-17 (Adults Only)" rating in the U.S.) won´t play with the Android app and are blocked since PIN handling is not supported. On Fire TV tablets it is also possible to download many movies for offline use for 48h and this is not possible with the regular Android app.
Concerning the remote the aTV does use a Bluetooth RC and not an Infrared RC so it is possible to hide the aTV for e.g. behind the TV and it is still usable. This is difficult with an IR remote if there is not an external IR eye with a connection cable extension.
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Have a look on the serial. It may hint if a device can be rooted:
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aren't most android box's NOTORIOUSLY having over-heating issues.. the reason I went with "firetv" was that reputation.. is this one of e'm that's fine?
sure for people that overclock them... my CS918 feels as warm as my fire tv to the touch... I am sure, however that with a more inferior device, there is a higher chance to get a lemon, but you return it in that case..
My point is, if all your doing is buying a fire TV to sideload apps and do things it was never meant to do... why not just buy a device that is easily rootable, and easier to work with., for half the cost.
Most of those cheap Android boxes are based on Rockchip chipsets (similiar to those used in many low cost tablets) which are not really competitive. Of course they are less restricted than the aTV but it is still not good a replacement when you are using Prime streaming or apps which need more power or memory. For me the price was also not an argument since I bought my aTV for 49€. Those Rockchip boxes do cost more from around 59€ to 79€ with a hardware which is poor compared to the aTV. Most of them are sold for e.g. only as 1GB variant which is half of the memory of the aTV and are missing Bluetooth.
So it depends IMHO on the intended use of such a STB and also with the restricted FireOS environment the aTV is a really good Android STB.
I beg to differ, inexpensive doesnt mean not as good.
My CS918 works perfectly with Kodi. Its chipset has much more community support, STB emulator works perfectly with it without the need for an external player.. Addon devices such as air remotes work better as it uses default mapping, where the fire tv does not..
To each there own.. if your using amazon services heavily, of course the fire tv is better. but if they are secondary to Kodi, just buy the cheaper box, that has more support, and install the amazon plugin for kodi...
I have mine set to use Kodi as the launcher, added Genesis plugin (set on auto) and set up libraries correctly, added stalker plugin for live tv.. added icon to STB emulator as an alternative, and added an icon to bring up the app list... i never have a reason to leave kodi.. all the media i could ever need and still run any android app, much more smoothly than on a unrootable fire tv...
dupsatou said:
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
navigates said:
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
dupsatou said:
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
send them a question. I sure hope its new as mentioned. why would someone sell at retail after tampering. ? lets see what I get. Mine has not yet shipped out.
when you hear back. let us all know.
My $.02
I have a lot of different devices. FTV's, Rokus, Android minipc's, chromecast.. etc.. In my opinion - the FTV's are easily the best value. The hardware is very very snappy, and I think they did a pretty good job in design. I am even a little impressed with the capabilities of the scaled-down FTV Stick.
I have a plex server, and between the plex app on FTV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, my bases are essentially covered by the stock platform. I do have kodi which I use a lot personally.. I dont make use of all the available streaming tv channels etc in kodi, but Its fun to "tinker". The beautiful thing is, you can do both.. The stock platform is perfect for others in my household who arent into all the gadgetry, but just want to get to their programs and have them play, and I can run Kodi and do my own thing.
There are a few things that I think could be improved. - The remote is small, and all black, which is sleek, but it makes it a little more difficult to locate and manipulate in the dark. The layout isnt as intuitive to the touch as say the Rokus. It also has no loop to attach a lanyard. I would attach a small strap to the remote if I could to help me keep track of it. That thing seems very easy to lose These are small nits.. but if your complaints about a device are on this tiny scale, you must be pretty happy with the device overall.
I remember the XBOX 360 dongle works with the FireTV, but has anyone tried this new one for the XBOX One controllers?
Assuming you can root the FireTV... There's a Thread 'round here that describes how you can add the correct profiles to the /system partition, that'll allow you to use the XBone Controller out of the Box.
Otherwise I'm pondering on getting one of these to play games with. Seeing as I have a couple of x360 Pads that haven't seen the light of day in years.
Ichijoe said:
Assuming you can root the FireTV... There's a Thread 'round here that describes how you can add the correct profiles to the /system partition, that'll allow you to use the XBone Controller out of the Box.
Otherwise I'm pondering on getting one of these to play games with. Seeing as I have a couple of x360 Pads that haven't seen the light of day in years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the mod where you connect the controller through USB?
I was under the impression that it would just work wirelessly. But, I'll have to be straight with you. I made the mistake and read that as Xbox Controller, at first, and NOT as XBone Controller. Once that was made clearer I Stopper right there. But AFIAK both the PS4, and XBone Controllers should be fully Bluetooth kompatible. From the Way I read it the ~hack~ was Just to get the proper *.kl (Profilers) installed so the AFTV knew what to do with it.
lol Wouldn't ya know it yeah it seems to wired only... Ain't that a -itch!
And the 50€ Amazon piece 'o crap, like the Remote is also WiFi, and NOT Bluetooth! So probably useless outside of the FireTV. Leads me to think that I'll just pickup an old Asus Pad from an old Nexus Puck. Which should hopefully work, as well as be a bit cheaper too.
Anyone have any experience/info on these? Sounds like some pretty good deals going on:
https://shop.smartthings.com/smartthings-link
use promo “SHIELDLINK” to get the link for just $9.99
use “SHIELDBUNDLE” to get the bundle package, which incudes the link, two led bulbs and a motion detector for just $39.99
i have two shields in the house. just ordered 1 of the links for 9.99 and the kit for 49.99. all of that for $60 and free shipping.
More info: https://www.androidcentral.com/smar...ur-shield-tv-complete-home-automation-hub?amp
I ordered one as well, just the link for 9.99 (+4.5 shipping).
I have been running an open-source PC z-wave server for years (HomeGenie), which has no GoogleHome/Assistant compatibility.
Have been looking at SmartThings for a while, but so far wasn't worth $80 with HomeGenie working just fine.
Now for $10 it was a no brainer!!! Definitely a great deal!
Seems like a deal but how to benefit if you are from Europe, The Netherlands?
so how's this work then? has the shield got built in Z wave and Zigbee radios?
cable_guy said:
so how's this work then? has the shield got built in Z wave and Zigbee radios?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The shield doesn't, the dongle does.
I used it for about 6 months and retired it when Experience 7.0 came out.
If you plan on using it exclusively with Smartthings, if works great.
My story is that...soon after purchasing it, I discovered Home Assistant. Home Assistant is open source and the best piece of software around for home automation. With a little bit of work I was able to integrate Smartthing and Home Assistant and got all my devices in both software (the big advantage of Home Assistant - or HA - is that I can interface with everything around the house, such as Chromecasts, Kodi, ios location, smart TVs, receivers, Smartthings etc. It connects all different APIs within one platform).
But when Exp 7.0 came out, the ports used for this to happen were blocked, and ruined my setup. So I bought an actual SmartThings hub.
Again, if use is exclusively made in Smartthings, it works great.