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Hi there! I'm an old-fashioned windows 7 pc user with NO smart phone or android experience. I've never had a touch screen device besides a nintendo DS! However, now that I'm thinking of taking vacations & loving watching more tv and media, I'm in the market for a portable media-consumption device that can cooperate with my existing media library on my windows 7 desktop and external HDD's.
Now, the market is flooded, black friday is upon us, and I'm LOST in a sea of devices and options. Please help me figure out what I need to look for.
I have a budget of about $500 (+/-) and want a ~10in tablet with a full HD or greater display that is ideal for viewing HD media either indoors or out and fair battery life. Decent keyboard and gamepad peripheral options are also somewhat important.
The main problems I am facing are doubts about connectivity and compatibility. I have hundreds of GB of HD video (mpeg4/h264 in .mkv files) including many subtitled files, and mp3 music stored on my wireless-g networked home pc & external hard disk drives (one with its own power source and once toshiba canvio that just plugs in via USB) that I wish to have accessible for playback on my mobile device. When at home I would like to play videos that are already on my networked PC or its harddrives through the network, or at least the ability to play external files on drives via usb. When travelling, I would like to bring either an microsdhc (the highest capacity available, 128gb?) or my 1tb canvio portabl HDD.
I've done some research on video playback and windows network filesharing, but without any android experience feel very lost. What are my options (Both tablet models and apps/software/accessories that work well) for playback of media at home, when my tablet is connected to the same wifi as my PC? (e.g. watching tv in bed) Conversely, what are my options for portable entertainment and storage?
I'd prefer not to have to root, as this will be a heavy investment in my first portable device - but if I must, I will - but keep in mind I am an absolute novice.
secondary considerations to viewing my existing library of media files are gamepad and keyboard peripherals - ease of connectivity and availability/best models.
Finally, I have read a variety of reviews and narrowed my choices to the galaxy tab S 10.1, note 10.1, asus transformer pad line, or sony xperia latest gen. However, this was just a overview of existing 2013/2014 models and as I have never owned older tablets or android devices, really I am more concerned with how to achieve my aforementioned goals on any device, and then picking the best device for my needs.
Thank you!!
For videos the screen of the tab s makes a huge difference. But you'll need someone to help for debloating and some android tricks to get this device to its full potential. Video codecs or connectivity won't be an issue.
Also you might have some SD card problems because of kitkat. Root can fix that. The tab s can break really easy if dropped and is expensive to replace.
Hmm - can anyone please share specifics as to how I could access media on my windows pc (on the same wifi network) on a tablet? I saw info about an app called splashtop... would this be the way to go? If not, what is? AFAIK android doesn't have CIFS support...
I don't want to buy any tablet at all if I can't connect to view HD media that is already on my pc. connecting a harddrive via usb would be OK, but cumbersome for bed-viewing, etc. And, the Tab S only has the micro usb port. Halp?
As far as your concerns with playing media spend 5 bucks on the google play store and get Mx Player Pro it literally plays everything and plays it so beautifully on a tab s screen which is the absolute best screen on a tablet. Also I saw a thread something about staples you can get the tab s 10 inch for 300 bucks which is a steal since it's normally 500 bucks. Think it's in the general tab. Cheers.
Thanks CCieslin, I was already planning on getting mxplayer as I heard good things about it.
My real question is, how do I get it to play media that exists on my home pc, not my tablet's internal memory or SD card?
my 10.5 is arriving tomorrow. this will be my first tablet and first samsung device.
i am having a good read on things as I have absolutely no experience on a sammy device.
Emirena said:
Hmm - can anyone please share specifics as to how I could access media on my windows pc (on the same wifi network) on a tablet? I saw info about an app called splashtop... would this be the way to go? If not, what is? AFAIK android doesn't have CIFS support...
I don't want to buy any tablet at all if I can't connect to view HD media that is already on my pc. connecting a harddrive via usb would be OK, but cumbersome for bed-viewing, etc. And, the Tab S only has the micro usb port. Halp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Plex on the PC. Then you can use the client on the tablet. Plex is about the best for media servers. You can choose to sync the content to the tablet (that may still be a pay feature) or stream it. You can also set it up to stream outside your network.
nicholb said:
Install Plex on the PC. Then you can use the client on the tablet. Plex is about the best for media servers. You can choose to sync the content to the tablet (that may still be a pay feature) or stream it. You can also set it up to stream outside your network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I found a review of "top free DLNA media center apps" on a blog that led me in this direction!
I hate to say, Ccieslin, that staples was a bunch of a-holes and refused to give me the $299 price - it was either price match the online price (they lowered it to $399 too) or get $100 off the STORE price (which is still $499!! WTF!) and the argued with me and insisted that the staples.com website prices have NOTHING to do with in-store prices and the website and stores are "separate operations" despite having store info, in stock searches, and coupons for in-store use. They claim the coupon was mis-printed and that it was meant to say "$100 off tablets at normal price of $400+" not "normally priced $400+" what a disaster.
We ended up getting it, but elsewhere.
Now, people mention removing bloat - where to start? Rooting, obviously - something I've never done - and I assume installing some different UI or ROM? And, will an OTG cable alone enable external NTFS storage, or am I stuck with the microsd unless I hax?
Thanks for all the help.
Emirena said:
Thanks! I found a review of "top free DLNA media center apps" on a blog that led me in this direction!
I hate to say, Ccieslin, that staples was a bunch of a-holes and refused to give me the $299 price - it was either price match the online price (they lowered it to $399 too) or get $100 off the STORE price (which is still $499!! WTF!) and the argued with me and insisted that the staples.com website prices have NOTHING to do with in-store prices and the website and stores are "separate operations" despite having store info, in stock searches, and coupons for in-store use. They claim the coupon was mis-printed and that it was meant to say "$100 off tablets at normal price of $400+" not "normally priced $400+" what a disaster.
We ended up getting it, but elsewhere.
Now, people mention removing bloat - where to start? Rooting, obviously - something I've never done - and I assume installing some different UI or ROM? And, will an OTG cable alone enable external NTFS storage, or am I stuck with the microsd unless I hax?
Thanks for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For rooting there's a thread in the android development. Rooting just installs root and doesn't wipe everything. You can install a custom recovery to install a custom ROM like cm11. Idk about otg as I never owned one. To remove bloat just root and download an app called system app remover and pick the stuffmyou don't need. Hope this helps!
Emirena said:
Hmm - can anyone please share specifics as to how I could access media on my windows pc (on the same wifi network) on a tablet? I saw info about an app called splashtop... would this be the way to go? If not, what is? AFAIK android doesn't have CIFS support...
I don't want to buy any tablet at all if I can't connect to view HD media that is already on my pc. connecting a harddrive via usb would be OK, but cumbersome for bed-viewing, etc. And, the Tab S only has the micro usb port. Halp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can definitely play streaming media:
- from pc or device shared in pc
- from other device as note 3 or galaxy s4 s5
- from an hd connected on a router (if your router has that feature)
- from a pendrive or hd connected on note/s (ntfs will require paragon ntfs or other)
- from a cloud
to:
- your tab screen or
- smart tv on same network
you can even play through tab a video located on your note3 to your smart tv. works like a charm.
no need for root or any special sw. I just use es file manager free and a secondary free video player to handle some formats not supported by stock player as flv .
the native file manager can not stream movies over ftp an not handle lan setup. es file mgr can. shame on you samsung! ?
hope this helps you to clarify the possibilities.
use any cheap wifi router to put everybody at same lan and you'll succeed. works over wan too.
cheers
ss of network panel es file mgr set lans ftps clouds .....
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
aldrighi said:
You can definitely play streaming media:
- from pc or device shared in pc
- from other device as note 3 or galaxy s4 s5
- from an hd connected on a router (if your router has that feature)
- from a pendrive or hd connected on note/s (ntfs will require paragon ntfs or other)
- from a cloud
to:
- your tab screen or
- smart tv on same network
you can even play through tab a video located on your note3 to your smart tv. works like a charm.
no need for root or any special sw. I just use es file manager free and a secondary free video player to handle some formats not supported by stock player as flv .
the native file manager can not stream movies over ftp an not handle lan setup. es file mgr can. shame on you samsung! ?
hope this helps you to clarify the possibilities.
use any cheap wifi router to put everybody at same lan and you'll succeed. works over wan too.
cheers
ss of network panel es file mgr set lans ftps clouds .....
Sent from my SM-T805M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DUHAsianSKILLZ said:
For rooting there's a thread in the android development. Rooting just installs root and doesn't wipe everything. You can install a custom recovery to install a custom ROM like cm11. Idk about otg as I never owned one. To remove bloat just root and download an app called system app remover and pick the stuffmyou don't need. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! both of you helped a lot. @duhasianSKILLS:I found some info on the odin root program for the galaxy tab S 10.5 . I'll look into custom recovery and ROM's - any recommendations for a noob who doesn't know what a custom recovery even is? So, to clarify, the majority of the lag/bloat on the 10.5 is due to programs apps and features you can just disable once you've got a custom ROM installed? Seems simple enough to clean up, then.
@aldrighi: awesome - so esfilemanager is an alternative to DLNA media server programs like PLEX? I read into plex a bit and was surprised that it sounded like proper filenaming and tagging was required to stream files - I have a lot of obscure or custom videos and a huge library - I really don't want to have to go through and rename hundreds upon hundreds of files just to play them!
great advice. I'm currently purchasing a case (the samsung book cover is sold out on amazon atm - only alternative is keyboard case - might just grab the keyboard while I'm at it, seems useful!) , OTG cable, Ps4 controller, and microSDHC 128gb
Emirena said:
Thanks! both of you helped a lot. @duhasianSKILLS:I found some info on the odin root program for the galaxy tab S 10.5 . I'll look into custom recovery and ROM's - any recommendations for a noob who doesn't know what a custom recovery even is? So, to clarify, the majority of the lag/bloat on the 10.5 is due to programs apps and features you can just disable once you've got a custom ROM installed? Seems simple enough to clean up, then.
@aldrighi: awesome - so esfilemanager is an alternative to DLNA media server programs like PLEX? I read into plex a bit and was surprised that it sounded like proper filenaming and tagging was required to stream files - I have a lot of obscure or custom videos and a huge library - I really don't want to have to go through and rename hundreds upon hundreds of files just to play them!
great advice. I'm currently purchasing a case (the samsung book cover is sold out on amazon atm - only alternative is keyboard case - might just grab the keyboard while I'm at it, seems useful!) , OTG cable, Ps4 controller, and microSDHC 128gb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the lag will be gone if you install a custom rom. Right now I'm on stock rooted and run in gym a custom kernel. You won't really need a custom kernel since custom kernels are mostly for tweaking CPU, Gpu etc. If you root then you can disable apps like Knox, screen saver etc. So stock Rom with root is your best bet. That's how I started out. Custom recoveries is a recovery with a better UI and more features than stock. And it can also save you from bricking your tablet. They are easy to install (automated for you!) and just requires root.
Knox is an app/feature that's supposed to protect you from stuff. It's really useless and drains battery. As long you install apps from the play store and safe ones from the browser, there's no need for it. That's why custom roms don't have Knox. Google already has strengen security on kitkat and lollipop so there's no need for Knox.
As for custom roms they are developed for customization and better performance. Cm11 is a good one if you like skins and a better UI. Hope this helps!
BTW you get 8 hours of screen time if you leave it on constantly. Very great battery life!
Sent from SMT800 using Tapatalk.
-Helper around Tab S forums√
Active Everyday√
A Simple and Quick just get DLNA playing my net Videos
Emirena said:
Hi there! I'm an old-fashioned windows 7 pc user with NO smart phone or android experience. I've never had a touch screen device besides a nintendo DS! However, now that I'm thinking of taking vacations & loving watching more tv and media, I'm in the market for a portable media-consumption device that can cooperate with my existing media library on my windows 7 desktop and external HDD's.
...
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just picked up my 11th Android tablet (Tab S 8.4) since 2008 so figured I'd try to play the NOOB and just start with getting it to Play from my Lan's Mediaserver as easily as possible... I've used multiple 'Favorite' Players and DLNA Client/Servers over the years but will just note the 2 I would suggest to anyone wanting to unbox and be watching a movie in first 30 min... ( I did cheat and use Odin to root in 10min. first but these apps don't require it!)...
I loaded ''MX Player Pro" (well worth a donation) from the Play store as my 'Strongly' suggested player of choice... and also installed the ' BubbleUPnP' DLNA client/server from the Play store... configuration of the DLNA client is very intuitive, and then choose something to Play and when it asked what player to use select 'MX Player' and click Always.... ten minutes start to finish and watching my movie!
Be aware that if you root your tab it will void the warranty. Samsung will know that you rooted it because there's a trip wire they can check. Knox isn't there to protect YOU, it's to protect THEM!
jtbnet said:
I just picked up my 11th Android tablet (Tab S 8.4) since 2008 so figured I'd try to play the NOOB and just start with getting it to Play from my Lan's Mediaserver as easily as possible... I've used multiple 'Favorite' Players and DLNA Client/Servers over the years but will just note the 2 I would suggest to anyone wanting to unbox and be watching a movie in first 30 min... ( I did cheat and use Odin to root in 10min. first but these apps don't require it!)...
I loaded ''MX Player Pro" (well worth a donation) from the Play store as my 'Strongly' suggested player of choice... and also installed the ' BubbleUPnP' DLNA client/server from the Play store... configuration of the DLNA client is very intuitive, and then choose something to Play and when it asked what player to use select 'MX Player' and click Always.... ten minutes start to finish and watching my movie!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is super helpful, thank you a million!
BubbleUPnP, huh? I just looked at the link about the server app - does this handle all local media hosting/directory sharing? I don't have a "server" per se, just my personal computer with win 7, which supports DLNA through OS, right? I assume this eliminates the need for windows fileshares that android doesn't support, anyway.
It mentions foobar 2000 - have you used bubbleupnp in conjunction with foobar? Is it required? I use winamp to play my music on windows, due to the more minimal UI, but would be interested in sharing my music dir to my tablet as well. The reduced bandwidth bulletpoint is below the foobar heading, sounds useful! If you have any tips or shortcuts, feel free to shrea. :highfive:
I use YouTube adaway xposed mod on my phone & tablet and it works great. Its not working on AFTV. Anyone know why? Do I need to side load a different YouTube apk? I'd like it to work with the supported YouTube for amazon but will use the one in play store. Maybe its because amazon uses an older version?
Any help is welcomed. I hate these ads. They start before every video I watch now!
Install the YouTube mod from this very forum,it is older than the main YouTube app,but easier to block ads from,and it doesn't even require Google Play stuff.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529715
If you use WiFi,there is a useful ad blocker I use that works admittedly better (AND without even requiring root) since other ad blockers started failing on me.
https://app.usb0.net/wifiadblock_update.html
retroben said:
Install the YouTube mod from this very forum,it is older than the main YouTube app,but easier to block ads from,and it doesn't even require Google Play stuff.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529715
If you use WiFi,there is a useful ad blocker I use that works admittedly better (AND without even requiring root) since other ad blockers started failing on me.
https://app.usb0.net/wifiadblock_update.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't install the mod. Tried adb and just placing on sdcard. Are you using an older firmware? I'm on the latest. Not that that's the issue but I read the thread you linked and it seems simple.
I am still on the older firmware.
The normal YouTube app has to be uninstalled before you install the mod version.
Having a web browser,terminal emulator for ADB via localhost,and a file explorer for learning the directory and filename of APKs you want to install is really useful for non-rooted users.
retroben said:
I am still on the older firmware.
The normal YouTube app has to be uninstalled before you install the mod version.
Having a web browser,terminal emulator for ADB via localhost,and a file explorer for learning the directory and filename of APKs you want to install is really useful for non-rooted users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I uninstalled YouTube before attempting it. I'm not home now but used my phone to download it yesterday and I see the apk is 12.72 KB...that can't be right, is it? Maybe my issue was as simple as a bad or incomplete download. I'll try again later.
One thing I hate about various transfer protocols is that they can VERY often corrupt files upon transfer.
Things are much easier if you can directly download the file in a browser on the FireTV and use the really helpful terminal emulator method for installing/sideloading it.
The latest Opera Browser version has a desktop quality download UI,allowing you to pick the name of a file to be saved,and the directory to save it in.
Such a shame other things in Opera browser are a little broken,like the save password dialog causing a crash unless clicked away from.
retroben said:
One thing I hate about various transfer protocols is that they can VERY often corrupt files upon transfer.
Things are much easier if you can directly download the file in a browser on the FireTV and use the really helpful terminal emulator method for installing/sideloading it.
The latest Opera Browser version has a desktop quality download UI,allowing you to pick the name of a file to be saved,and the directory to save it in.
Such a shame other things in Opera browser are a little broken,like the save password dialog causing a crash unless clicked away from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do appreciate the followup but when you say transfer, are you talking about the actual download? Or pushing it to my AFTV sdcard? Because I don't see the difference between downloading it to my phone's browser, my Mac, PC or opening opera on AFTV.
I just wanted to clarify. I can certainly download it with AFTV but its weird that every link yields an incomplete apk. And, I believe this mod was made for phones and tablets so you'd think it'd work the same or better with my phone.
Try getting the inverted copy.
The download page says this one is 6.15MB ,so you should expect a size near that.
I do hope you can sort this out,and I wish you luck.
control youtube app with remote from fire tv stick?
hi is there a way to control the app with the fire tv stick remote?
i tried and searched for a clip, but then i wasn't able to select a search result.
Is there a remote optimized version for youtube other than the amazon with adds version?
You can filtering the YouTube ads via Xposed YouTube AdAway (http://repo.xposed.info/module/ma.wanam.youtubeadaway)
chrootz said:
You can filtering the YouTube ads via Xposed YouTube AdAway (http://repo.xposed.info/module/ma.wanam.youtubeadaway)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Coincidentally, I installed this today and can confirm. I also installed AdAway: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753
Sizzlechest said:
Yep. Coincidentally, I installed this today and can confirm. I also installed AdAway: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that doesnt seem to work with aftv youtube. Im going to sideload the play store version. It should work like it does on my phone. What I dont know is how a remote will work with it.
Update,-well that didnt take long. It wont launch. What version of youtube are people using for ad blocking?
The Google Play YouTube is completely useless on FireTV because of the forever re-updating Google Play Services beyond 7.0.99 whch breaks everything that relies on it,primarily Google Play itself and the YouTube app.
This is why I use the YouTube Mod since it doesn't rely on Google Play Services.
Someone should really upload a patched Google Play Services 7.0.99 copy so we can avoid the function breaking updates.
All it needs is a patch to either disable the updater within it or make it think it is version 9.9 or higher from the year 2029 to stop the updates.
retroben said:
The Google Play YouTube is completely useless on FireTV because of the forever re-updating Google Play Services beyond 7.0.99 whch breaks everything that relies on it,primarily Google Play itself and the YouTube app.
This is why I use the YouTube Mod since it doesn't rely on Google Play Services.
Someone should really upload a patched Google Play Services 7.0.99 copy so we can avoid the function breaking updates.
All it needs is a patch to either disable the updater within it or make it think it is version 9.9 or higher from the year 2029 to stop the updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, there is an XPosed module that eliminates the need for Google Play Services. http://repo.xposed.info/module/xeed.xposed.dngmod
my experience
same for me:
the adblock apk does not work with the fire tv app.
the youtube app from #1 works, but cant get controlled with the app
maybe someone ist able to modify the app the it can get controled by remote without touchscreen
Confirmed working on Shield TV 2.1 upgrade. Here is how to get the browser...
Edit: Mistake in thread title,you need the Kitkat Modded Flash Player plugin apk as well,sorry.
1. Copy the comname from playstore,which is... mobi.mgeek.TunnyBrowser
2. Go to Wandoujia (other places get apk files with parsing errrors) and search for any app and visit its page.
3. Replace that app's comname with the name in step 1 and visit the page.
4. Click or right click and "save as" on the apk word under the QR code,or if on a browser on Android,long press the word and save/download to get the apk file.
5. On your Shield TV,enable installing apps from unknown sources if not done already.
6. Transfer the file to your shield with any USB storage or Micro SD and install the apk from within ES File Explorer via longpress and hitting install.
7.Install it as you would any other directly sideloaded app when the prompt appears.
Notes: If you try to use the apk downloaders or a few other sites,the resulting apk will have a parsing error,Wandoujia is the one site where that does not occur with the apk.
If you have Opera browser sideloaded to Shield TV,it will be very easy to use for directly getting the apk from Wandoujia using the long press on the apk word under the QR code,as it has a far superior downloads engine where you can choose the name and location for the file being downloaded,just like a computer lets you do!
And don't worry,the installed app will not be in chinese for those of you with English and other languages.
First,the instructions... Go into the browser's settings and simply enable the "flash mode" feature and it works PERFECTLY.
If you download swf files,you can play them locally on Dolphin Browser using ES File Explorer and long pressing the swf file then "open as" other and selecting Dolphin Browser to play it.
Also,a Logitech K400r keyboard works flawlessly on Shield TV.
Enjoy!
Edit 2: A link to the Kitkat Flash Player mod.
http://downloadandroidfiles.org/download-kitkat-adobe-flash-player-11-1-apk/
Provided by androidrootz"DOT"com.
NEW! Edit: I got the latest update 11.5.4 as a download from apk20 and it actually installs!!!
It fixes Dolphin Jetpack rendering glitches for me and also improves flash player performance along with fixing parts of it.
http://www.apk20.com/apk/5234/
Wow, thanks for this =]
thenetvines said:
Wow, thanks for this =]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few details.
It only works when Jetpack is enabled,and also,the flash game mode fixes interactions with dragging stuff and fixes the doubled clicks bug,but it appears to be causing visual glitches on the browser itself.
I think Dolphin Browser needs a special optimized version for Shield TV.
It works but it's far from perfect, tried watching some video and crunchyroll and it was pretty bad, screen no video and almost impossible to navigate.
Yeah,I noticed some touch point issues when in a different zoom size,clicking on a link doesn't work right in other zoom sizes because it thinks I am clicking at a different spot than I am actually clicking at.
Jetpack is the problem,it is really buggy unfortunately.
If only flash could work without Jetpack enabled and on all other capable browsers like FireFox,lousy changes from Kitkat and Lollipop.
Flashplayer on android
Have you tried puffin browser from the playstore for flash support?
That one has crappy frame drops and I feel a bit skeptic about using it from the cloud based flash service.
Besides,the controls on a keyboard like K400r are idiotically broken in Puffin if you have tried playing Happy Wheels.
try opera for tablets, make sure user agent is set to desktop
didn't work for me I don''t know why ??
Updated with a link to a fixed build on apk20 installing successfully!
Enjoy!
Dolphin Video works great for playing swf files offline without tricks unlike their browser!
Besides needing a keyboard/mouse,the only issue I see is only that the UI favors Portrait mode annoyingly (mouse glitches around,but still usable and videos go to landscape),but using a forced screen orientation app can alleviate that annoyance,apart from bad thumbnail sizes of online videos.
At least it doesn't need a special copy from a certain site,simply using one of those apk downloaders is all you need to do.
All I did was type in "Dolphin Video" in one's search box and got it that way.
One thing to note,apk-dl is broken and endlessly redirects to itself instead of actually downloading it,so a place like apkpure is great for getting it easily.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dolphin.video.players
hi, today I received the console (used, android 6.0). I didn't have much info about this device. But today I understood that play store is limitied:/ and 3D games lag even on low settings(dead trigger 2, asphalt 8, real racing 3). I think that it happens because of 4k, am I wrong? also I couldn't play play mc5 after tutorial ended(use this account section). How can I download games(multiplayer,example modern combat 4) without rooting? seems like this device is only useful for streaming and GeForce now (I didn't try). is it possible to use play store fully (no limited apps)
Hi, seems you haven't research before writting here.
If there is an app that is not found on play store you can sideload it.... a.k.a search for the apk at apkmirror.com or similar and trustable page then download and use a file explorer app like X-plore (Do not use ES File Explorer, it's not trustable anymore, adware) to search for the apk and install it (you need to enable "unknown sources" in shield's settings to be able to install any 3th party app).
I use a browser to search and download apk and X-plore, you could also use your android phone, tablet or pc/laptop to download and then upload the apk's to google drive, dropbox or similars and then access them from your SATV with the respective app.
Now just in case you're not fan of Android TV limitations and would like to try other stuff, here's a forum where Droidmote dev have shared a full Android MM firmware (no Android TV, no limitations) and a Stock Restyle firmware with full play store among other projects.
http://www.videomap.it/forum/viewforum.php?f=25&sid=a0f4bea75084cd8d969a8aa2e4cda8d5
PS: look for Droidmote channel in youtube, then check Shield TV playlists and watch the videos)
Enviado desde mi Moto X via Tapatalk!
i did what yo said tried several apps such as nova legacy, critical ops, modern combat 4.. but this stupid controller doesnt work (i downloaded aptoide and es file explorer) ...seems like rotting is the only key
kammem said:
i did what yo said tried several apps such as nova legacy, critical ops, modern combat 4.. but this stupid controller doesnt work (i downloaded aptoide and es file explorer) ...seems like rotting is the only key
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your best bet for games and normal play store is full android nougat by zulu99, though not all games are available due to vendor, location and maybe other kind of restrictions, so you will have to edit your system build.prop to cheat google by making it think it is a top notch samsung device or any other high end device of the like that does not have vendor restrictions, to so so you need root (read below).
Google is starting to do new moves against users with unlocked, custom roms and rooted devices. The most recent one is Netflix, the handheld version is no longer available on play store for those users, let's see if Netflix complete the move and stop working on those devices.
For root i advise you to use magisk, read about it, it pass safetynet, it can hide root per app and it's modules structure open alot of possibilities and functionality. Everybody's going to start migrating to magisk after Google's new intentions.
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Hi,
I purchased a Philips 50PUS7303/12 a few days ago and although very happy with the screen quality I was very disappointed to find that the TV doesn't have the full Play Store or the ability to sideload apps and this was the main reason for going for this Android TV as it just fitted within my budget. Can anyone offer a way to get around this limitation (Philips are shooting themselves in the foot by making it this restrictive). I wanted to install ITV Hub, All 4 and My5, along with TV Catchup as freeview is bad in my area.
Another issue I have still related to the TV, is how to get proper 'Freesat' with EPG. Most of the channels have no name and they are in no proper order. Is there any way to address this.
Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.
Regards,
Robert.
I also plan on purchasing this TV (i.e the 65") and was interested in installing apks. From what I've read on reviews on Amazon UK, you should be able to do this by enabling "unknown sources" from the Google security settings, put any .apk files that you have on a USB and use a file explorer (e.g ES File explorer) to find the USB directory and install the .apk files from there. Should be a piece of cake.
Let me know it this works as this is one of the main reasons why I am interested in buying this smart TV.
Hi jpapadami,
I tried doing that and was able to install ITV Hub, All 4 and My5, but of these apps would show on screen. Going to setting and apps I was able to see each application but was unable to open any of them. ES file explorer installed OK and I was also able to install Modbro.
Regards,
Robert.
Hi, oldish thread but I just got the same TV on a black Friday deal. However its not worth keeping the tv if I cant get itvhub and other UK catch-up apps to work.
I can side load the apps made for non TV devices, but i really want the TV versions as they work better with the remote.
Closest I can find is an xda thread from 2016 where someone pulled the apps from a fire TV device then removed the Amazon requirements from them so they would work on any Android TV device, unfortunately those apks don't work anymore. But I think that looks like the best way?
I've also had a poke around on my Sony android TV, which has all the catch-up apps linked to youview, but I can't find any apks to pull and even if I could i suspect they will be locked to Sony
You can always use aptiode for the apps and use tv app repo to link them / create shortcuts on the main menu.
orhtun01 said:
You can always use aptiode for the apps and use tv app repo to link them / create shortcuts on the main menu.
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Hi, complete novice here, how is this done?
Do I install aptiode on the tv and then that will install my apps?
Thanks
Southy007 said:
Hi, complete novice here, how is this done?
Do I install aptiode on the tv and then that will install my apps?
Thanks
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You need to side load aptoide. Search Google and look for the app called TV APP Repo. It wi create the shortcuts on the leenback launcher.
orhtun01 said:
You need to side load aptoide. Search Google and look for the app called TV APP Repo. It wi create the shortcuts on the leenback launcher.
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Southy007 said:
Hi, complete novice here, how is this done?
Do I install aptiode on the tv and then that will install my apps?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
orhtun01 said:
You can always use aptiode for the apps and use tv app repo to link them / create shortcuts on the main menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi...
the Thread is a bit older but thats not important. To install any other Apps that are not to find in Android-Tv Play-Store is that simple as to dig in your nose xD
first go to Play-Store and install a file explorer like x-plore to your Tv.
Now you can download any App---apk with you Computer and put it on a USB-Stick or USB-HDD/SSD. Transfer the portable device with your own Hands from PC to Tv Connect the portable Device to USB on the Tv and open the file-explorer. OpenRoot of the portable Device where the apk from the App is in. Choose the apk file and install it to Tv. If you now have a custom Launcher on Tv like sideload-Launcher or ATV-Launcher. Lte your installed Apps shown in this Launcher cause in the stock-Launcher not all Apps would be listet and showing.
Thats all...that easy right.
solong
speedson