App that has an Android TV version will only open in Mobile Verson - Philips, Sony, TCL Android TV

Hi all. I'm brand new to XDA and to anything having to do with customizing apps, but very eager to learn. I have been testing a few TV boxes like MeCool M8s Pro L, ubox (HKG), A95X Max etc... One thing I have noticed is while all claim to be Android TV boxes, some play apps in the Leanback version (such as MeCool) while others seem to be glorified mobile phone replicas.
One app, in particular, would be the MyTunerFree radio app. On the MeCool it can be used with a Dpad remote and works perfect, however on the A95X, it only opens in the mobile mode, with no option for the android TVmode, and you need a mouse toggle app, or actual mouse to use it. I have been searching online for ways to force an app to play in its TV version only, but cannot find much. I have seen suggestions with using app cloner, but even then it doesn't force the TV mode, just allows you to add an on screen pointer, which does not allow scrolling (hope I am making sense)
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to force the app to its TV mode while using a box that seems to have a mobile operating system? Or is there a developer setting on the box I could change to force all apps into TV mode?
Sorry if this has been dealt with. I searched, but didn't see much. Keep in mind I'm a newbie. Cheers
M

You're right but not all apps some apps works with all versions of android in other hand some you need to download it and install by the tv box

You can try "Set Orientation App" to force this into landscape mode.

This is the exact problem Im having with Pendoo X10 MAX, one app I always use with android tv is mx player pro, but this crappy little PendooX10 always launches mx player pro like I'm using it on a mobile device, and the option to launch in tv mode is missing from the mxplayer settings menu.
Sucks that nobody else is having this problem, was hoping someone had a fix for this by now.

leodawson said:
This is the exact problem Im having with Pendoo X10 MAX, one app I always use with android tv is mx player pro, but this crappy little PendooX10 always launches mx player pro like I'm using it on a mobile device, and the option to launch in tv mode is missing from the mxplayer settings menu.
Sucks that nobody else is having this problem, was hoping someone had a fix for this by now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sideload a oriantation / rotation app and set it to landscape mode. Should work with MX player and other apps

Related

Android Apps vs Amazon Apps

Just a general question:
Do all android apps work on FireTV as long as I sideload them?
Can I assume that apps from the play store are the same as from the amazon store?
I bought the Plex App for android and I don't want to pay full price now for something that I already bought
A lot of apps work fine,but the 3.0.x Twitch does not work so you'd have to get the older 2.5.0 version.
The Amazon versions of Twitch and YouTube suck when compared to the real apps for anyone that has a K400r Keyboard to control the apps with.
Alternatively since the original YouTube app requires Play Services,you can get the YouTube HD MOD and install it on Fire TV without root.
It is on XDA itself.
All widgets do not work at all.
Only the Memory Booster rectangle and a few other things "widgety" will work.
Cirno5 said:
Just a general question:
Do all android apps work on FireTV as long as I sideload them?
Can I assume that apps from the play store are the same as from the amazon store?
I bought the Plex App for android and I don't want to pay full price now for something that I already bought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not all android apps work on the FireTV.
Some show up wrong because they are portrait mode. So show up fine, but doesn't seem to accept any types of input at all. Some just fail to load.
Guess I will have to try then
You can always get an app that forces the orientation to be landscape so you can run those portrait apps in landscape mode.
Screen Rotation Control from "jubo co" works well,but will need to be set again if you ctrl+alt+delete to reset your Fire TV or when anything else causes your Fire TV to go off like power outages.
Too bad this app don't have a "set on boot" option.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bong.android.androidlock
The latest Plex App works fine after sideloading
..

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
..

{TOOL}{APKtoTV} Convert any app apks and games apk to a tv app!

i have been browsing around trying to find out how to get any app to show up on the stock nvidia sheild tv.
i have came across this windows tool called {APKtoTV}. which you can convert any apk to make the apps show up on the homescreen as a tile.
i thought i would share my finding so everyone else can enjoy this tool.
so here is the link to this page where i found it at.
LINK - http://nvidiashieldzone.com/shield-android-tv/apk2tv/\
ENJOY!
HERE IS MY VIDEO PROOF OF THIS TOOL WORKING BY SHOWING YOU MY HOMESCREEN SO YOU CAN SEE THIS WORKS.
https://youtu.be/VO3sAdKdebE
This is a sweet little tool. I used it to get WatchESPN on my Shield TV with a better looking banner until ESPN finally releases an Android TV version. If they ever do...
Nice share reading it I see what it doesn't do
What it Does NOT Do
- Fix portrait apps to be landscape
- Add Shield Controller support or alter how Shield Controllers work with the app
- Fix, alter or otherwise remove the "touch only" requirements for apps
- Make an app work that doesn't work through regular sideloading
- Fix any bugs or glitches with the app running under Android TV (in fact, may introduce new ones)
What I use to force apps to be in landscape mode is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331514
Cheers
Nice Find :good:
Doesn't really work, gives unexpected errors
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Deeco7 said:
Doesn't really work, gives unexpected errors
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This app works for me- for the most part. I've converted some apps that were already installed on my shield but were not showing up in the main launcher. They converted fine however I lost mouse support for them so it wasn't really a benefit as I couldn't use the app properly. I'll keep fooling around with other apps but for now just forcing apps to go in landscape mode and launching from the sideload launcher is fine.
I'm on Windows 10, it complains about not finding java on startup (even though it's installed) and comes up with errors when saving..
I find a website have many apps for TV
www.apk4.tv
The app doesn't seem to be updated anymore... but seems some one has made an on-line tool doing pretty much the same: http://atvlauncher.trekgonewild.de/

how to tv.youtube.com app into shield ?

i just brought this thing just for youtube tv and i cant seem to find the app to watch tv ... any way get this to work before i return it ?
basically, i want it to work like it was a tablet so i can use the remote to switch over the channels
If the app is not available in the Play Store of Android TV then you can download it from:
http://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&s=youtube+tv
sideload it and install it. You must enable Unknown Sources.
There are many videos that shows you how to do that and install sideloaded apps.
However, once done it could or not work properly, the service and app are very new.
Sent from my Tapatalk beta Hub
If I helped hit the Thanks button. Follow Me! ~ Buy Me a Coffee ~ DroidMote user ~ Full Android for Shield TV and Nexus Player
Doesn't work right
The app runs in portrait mode, and only accepts the left/right directional keys. This means you can't actually watch any channels or recordings.

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.

Categories

Resources