Related
A little something for retro gamers (or just gamers) amongst us:
http://blog.clove.co.uk/2011/07/21/...phonejoy-refresh-dual-analog-sticks-are-a-go/
...and now N64oid updated to 2.4 for bluetooth multiplayer support!
http://www.androidnz.net/2011/09/n64oid-updates-to-24-multiple-bluetooth.html
Nice video.
I've already pre-ordered mine. Hopefully it will come soon enough.
Talking to Martin at Phonejoy it should be very soon!
i liked this concept, but it would have been a 'yes' from me, if only they incorporated a keyboard style controller, which we could attach to our s2 ;(
I got an email from the makers just a couple of minutes ago to say they are making one just like that (similar to the iControlPad, one that the phone sits within). Its presently in the design stages.
Wanna have one
NZtechfreak said:
I got an email from the makers just a couple of minutes ago to say they are making one just like that (similar to the iControlPad, one that the phone sits within). Its presently in the design stages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Hope 2 see it soon ;-)
I already thought of making my own construction.
Clove have a pre-order going on these now, they need 50 orders by the 15th of August to go ahead (no idea how many they currently have). If you are keen its worth looking into.
http://www.clove.co.uk/phonejoy-analog-android-game-controller
Disappointing. So the 'Analog' sticks aren't Analog after all, hence running everywhere in Mario and the sniper issues you mention. Pretty pointless upgrade from the original then no?
Or is it that the emulators are just not programmed to understand the analog instructions?
NZtechfreak said:
I got an email from the makers just a couple of minutes ago to say they are making one just like that (similar to the iControlPad, one that the phone sits within). Its presently in the design stages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been searching for one for so many days.... Definitely order one.
£47?
Other than not needing a custom rom, how is this any better than using a proper ps3 controller?
Sent from my Galaxy S II using XDA App
Err, is it possible to get ps3 controllers working with a custom rom then? excuse my ignorance..
r2001uk said:
£47?
Other than not needing a custom rom, how is this any better than using a proper ps3 controller?
Sent from my Galaxy S II using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work with any HID supporting device - which at the moment is a lot more devices that you'll find with PS3 support.
True PS3 support is starting to get out there though - if you're on CM7 or MIUI you should be able to use a PS3 remote right now, since there is a software out that can do it (forget the name, search for sixaxis in the Market brings it up).
deezle said:
Err, is it possible to get ps3 controllers working with a custom rom then? excuse my ignorance..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a custom ROM with a normal bluetooth stack, yes. There is a sixaxis app in the market for a couple of dollars IIRC, there's also a free app to make sure it'd work before you buy it.
NZtechfreak said:
It'll work with any HID supporting device - which at the moment is a lot more devices that you'll find with PS3 support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's a big plus for me at the moment I guess - I'm now rooted but I'm happy with stock (and don't fancy playing with buggy nightlies again).
It just struck me as a little pricey for something that sounded very cheapo (maybe it was just the recording). My Datel retro controller only cost £17ish - although that's as limited as a PS3 controller with regards to bluetooth, sadly.
Do we have MIUI for SGS2? I might look into that...
In hindsight, I think I'm gonna try and get one of these - there's a crappy dilemma with the PS3 controller:
- Put custom ROM on, allow PS3 controller to work with 'normal' BT stack, sacrifice TV-Out via MHL/HDMI
- Stay stock, retain TV-Out but obviously unable to use PS3 controller.
Seems Clove decided not to stock them though, that sucks.
Ive ordered one from the phonejoy website. I was using CM7 before to play with my ps3/wiimote controller, but I need my TV out too. So back to a rom which allow my TV out and buying that controller.
I was going to go with an Icontrolpad, but its at least X2 more expensive than this one... Gonne give a review when ill get it, it should take +-1-2 months... that suck haha
IIIPowerIII said:
Ive ordered one from the phonejoy website. I was using CM7 before to play with my ps3/wiimote controller, but I need my TV out too. So back to a rom which allow my TV out and buying that controller.
I was going to go with an Icontrolpad, but its at least X2 more expensive than this one... Gonne give a review when ill get it, it should take +-1-2 months... that suck haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the TV Out is an important aspect for me, and part of the reason I'll be sticking with the Phonejoy for now at least.
iControlPad is just plain worse for use with TV Out, while it is better for portability the price seems pretty unrealistic to me. Phonejoy have been developing a similar control pad to the iControlPad style, no ETA on availability etc, but its in the works.
Incidentally, the latest Jirioni Arcade update is compatible with the MAME4ALL ROM set, pretty good with this set up!
NZtechfreak said:
Yep, the TV Out is an important aspect for me, and part of the reason I'll be sticking with the Phonejoy for now at least.
iControlPad is just plain worse for use with TV Out, while it is better for portability the price seems pretty unrealistic to me. Phonejoy have been developing a similar control pad to the iControlPad style, no ETA on availability etc, but its in the works.
Incidentally, the latest Jirioni Arcade update is compatible with the MAME4ALL ROM set, pretty good with this set up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And why icontrolpad is worse for tv out? You dont need to have the cellphone right to it, so icontrolpad or phonejoy will do the same thing in the end. I know icontrolpad can have some claw to hold the cellphone, but theyre not needed to use it.
some Phonejoys are appearing on ebay UK now.. i got mine for like £41.00, cheaper that his website and shipped from the uk
I'm really quite impressed with it, love using the sticks in games like Syphon Filter. So good using TV out on a big screen, my phone is now basically a super portable multi-console. love it
Reason the iControlPad is worse is that its a worse controller configuration for emulating systems like the PSX/N64, if you're tethered to the TV then its mobility advantage is irrelevant.
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any aftermarket gamepads/keyboards that can attach to the Galaxy via bluetooth/micro usb.
This is due to my friend showing off his Xperia Play, which obviously isn't quite the phone that the SGS2 is. But bragging rights are always nice.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: I've had a look at Zeemote JS1, MSI Chainpus BGP100, Phonejoy and iControlPad. None are what I'm after, I was picturing something that transforms the phone into something similar to the Xperia Play, but it doesn't seem to exist
Phonejoy. There's a thread about it here and it can be bought here.
Thanks
I was thinking more along the lines of something smaller, that attaches to the device? I understand that there probably isn't anything out there. But it could be something to look forward to as the phone becomes more popular
Towards the end of the thread the icontrolpad is mentioned. I don't think there's much else that works yet though.
I'd like a phonejoy personally, but that's to hook up to my 50" plasma and MHL adaptor, not really a great portable system!
k1000716 said:
Towards the end of the thread the icontrolpad is mentioned. I don't think there's much else that works yet though.
I'd like a phonejoy personally, but that's to hook up to my 50" plasma and MHL adaptor, not really a great portable system!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be quite nice! It could also work well with my ASUS TF101. I guess we'll have to give it time, or give up
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it
I've always thought about getting a Gamepad then the HDMI cable. Basically playing Emulators on the big screen. That basically be making your phone a game system.
I'm running CyanogenMod, because I love it. But they haven't sorted the HDMI drivers, so I haven't got a cable yet. What would the display look like on a 32" LCD or 50" LCD? That's quite a resolution stretch!
DallasJones said:
I'm running CyanogenMod, because I love it. But they haven't sorted the HDMI drivers, so I haven't got a cable yet. What would the display look like on a 32" LCD or 50" LCD? That's quite a resolution stretch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty damned good actually. Have a look at NZtechfreak's mhl gaming review on the clove blog.
I've only used mine a couple of times so far and the hd videos I've had looked sensational.
That's brilliant! I'd best get on that
FirstNoobToBrickHisPhone said:
I've always thought about getting a Gamepad then the HDMI cable. Basically playing Emulators on the big screen. That basically be making your phone a game system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my thinking too. And with phones due out next year having such powerful processors they become the perfect multi-use device.
Nice username by the way.
DallasJones said:
That's brilliant! I'd best get on that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a read through some of NZtechfreak's other threads to see discussion about MHL, USB OTG, extended batteries, gamepads etc. He does user based tech reviews for Clove so is pretty knowledgeable and has access to some pretty good gear.
Edit:
Check out Phonejoy's website - they've now got MHL cables (adaptor with a 1.5m hdmi cable).
k1000716 said:
Have a read through some of NZtechfreak's other threads to see discussion about MHL, USB OTG, extended batteries, gamepads etc. He does user based tech reviews for Clove so is pretty knowledgeable and has access to some pretty good gear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do, I was thinking about getting an extended battery. (Samsung just released a 2000 MaH)
But I'd need a new skin for the back cover. I'm using this one right now with the Matte finish and I love it! http://www.istyles.com/milky-way-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-skin-p-70295.html
if we're talking about gamepads,
is it possible to connect the wiimote as a mouse/keyboard?
I found Wii Controller IME but it doesnt works for me.
eranyanay said:
if we're talking about gamepads,
is it possible to connect the wiimote as a mouse/keyboard?
I found Wii Controller IME but it doesnt works for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From memory it has been discussed before and the answer was no. At the moment the search function is down so I can't even find the thread for you...
Sorry, search is temporarily unavailable. Please note, search is down nightly from 12:30AM Eastern / 4:30AM UTC for approximately 20-30 minutes.
Edit:
It apparently works with CyanogenMOD and MIUI. It won't run on anything based on the stock firmware.
k1000716 said:
From memory it has been discussed before and the answer was no. At the moment the search function is down so I can't even find the thread for you...
Sorry, search is temporarily unavailable. Please note, search is down nightly from 12:30AM Eastern / 4:30AM UTC for approximately 20-30 minutes.
Edit:
It apparently works with CyanogenMOD and MIUI. It won't run on anything based on the stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now, the CyanogenMod and MUIU roms don't have fully functional bluetooth drivers, due to the sheer complexity in writing them. Team Hacksung is working on this though, as far as I'm aware the only part of bluetooth that is working is file transfer.
DallasJones said:
Right now, the CyanogenMod and MUIU roms don't have fully functional bluetooth drivers, due to the sheer complexity in writing them. Team Hacksung is working on this though, as far as I'm aware the only part of bluetooth that is working is file transfer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure (I guess you are though!)? After reading through some of the threads yesterday it seemed as if people already had them working. I guess I misread/misunderstood.
I need to get some cash together to get a phonejoy, have been wanting one for a while now (just hard to justify!!).
I'm not 100% sure. That was my interpretation. I've decided to get an MHL adapter, and a Phonejoy. They'll fix the drivers eventually if they're not working already
Wiimotes etc do work with MIUI and CM already, lots of user reports confirming this.
MHL doesn't work though, and considering TV Out in the original SGS was a problem for CM developers (still not working as far as I'm aware), it may be some time before they sort out that aspect for us with our SGSIIs.
Well I just bought both, I might go back to a Samsung rom. CyanogenMod has been less than impressive with updates lately
EDIT: Is this as impressive as it sounds?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1171523
NZtechfreak said:
Wiimotes etc do work with MIUI and CM already, lots of user reports confirming this.
MHL doesn't work though, and considering TV Out in the original SGS was a problem for CM developers (still not working as far as I'm aware), it may be some time before they sort out that aspect for us with our SGSIIs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet, a visit from the much quoted man himself. Now you can answer questions without me having to locate your old threads.
Having no MHL is a major for me. Why bother with a wiimote if you're playing on a 4.3" screen... Just my opinion of course. I'd much rather the Phonejoy/MHL combo.
His reviews sold me
It was a pleasure, gentlemen.
Hey guys,
I just heard about this little marvel..
http://www.asus.com/Tablet_Mobile_Accessories/ASUS_Miracast_Dongle/
Has anyone try this? I really want some sort of Airplay functionality for my tablet, its around 100$ but if it does what it says it does, i think its worth it.
So, anyone have one?!
Edit: got way to excited and noticed its not release yet... Lol. So who is getting one?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 on Rogers Wireless
kriEv said:
Hey guys,
I just heard about this little marvel..
http://www.asus.com/Tablet_Mobile_Accessories/ASUS_Miracast_Dongle/
Has anyone try this? I really want some sort of Airplay functionality for my tablet, its around 100$ but if it does what it says it does, i think its worth it.
So, anyone have one?!
Edit: got way to excited and noticed its not release yet... Lol. So who is getting one?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 on Rogers Wireless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue about this guy. I have a Netgear PTV3000 that works pretty well for screen mirroring. I use it for streaming media. For gaming I use the Analogix Slimport since wireless mirroring addsd latency.
Would like to hear people's reviews about the Asus product as well. I guess will have to wait till it's release and someone tries it out.
kriEv said:
Hey guys,
I just heard about this little marvel..
http://www.asus.com/Tablet_Mobile_Accessories/ASUS_Miracast_Dongle/
Has anyone try this? I really want some sort of Airplay functionality for my tablet, its around 100$ but if it does what it says it does, i think its worth it.
So, anyone have one?!
Edit: got way to excited and noticed its not release yet... Lol. So who is getting one?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 on Rogers Wireless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend downloading Allcast Beta
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/12/01/koushs-allcast-beta-enters-the-play-store/
Works for all kinds of devices Smart TV's, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku .... I'm pretty sure any DLNA device as well.
onilink67 said:
I'd recommend downloading Allcast Beta
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/12/01/koushs-allcast-beta-enters-the-play-store/
Works for all kinds of devices Smart TV's, Apple TV, Google TV, Roku .... I'm pretty sure any DLNA device as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AllCast is definitely a great video streaming option, especially for the cross platform (I have only tested it out on my Samsung TV). But, it is rather limited, at least at this time. Currently, it will only stream videos that are on your phone. It won't display pictures, stream other video services (Netflix, VUDU, etc), or even do mirroring. Hopefully, it will have these features in the future.
As for a mirroring device, I have high hopes for the ASUS Miracast Dongle. Hopefully, the dual bandwidth will cure the latency issues with the current wireless options. Unless I see reviews of it being a complete failure, I will be purchasing one of these.
Anyone seen when these will be released?
$100 for this is just crazy... and people complain about Apple's pricing?
android tv stick is a better choice
i recommend to buy an android tv stick like tronsmart mk908 or t908. it is a standalone pc stick and can even sstream everything via miracast.
it is much cheaper. chromecast or asus dongle are very limited of its functions.
cheers
they can't be serious with the name "Dongle"
here is another Dongle to keep an eye on
http://www.iviewus.com/miradongle.html
sando7 said:
here is another Dongle to keep an eye on
http://www.iviewus.com/miradongle.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sleazy warranty policy. Bet they ship it back to you via a buck or two's postage.
Solutions Etcetera said:
Pretty sleazy warranty policy. Bet they ship it back to you via a buck or two's postage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cannot expect to much for 35 bucks...gonna keep an eye out for some reviews.
bought a tablet from them a couple of yrs ago, never had any probs, they been around for awhile now...yet you never know until it happens......sure beats throwing 100 bucks out there without knowing.
you can get some very cheap miracast dongles.
I've got one of the measy a2w ones
http://www.futeko.com/products/AC076.php
that works with all my other android devices, presuming it'll work with my n7 when it turns up (won on the kitkat promotion)
some info on it on that sellers site
http://www.futeko.com/navpage/support.php#measya2w
sando7 said:
here is another Dongle to keep an eye on
http://www.iviewus.com/miradongle.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im curious to see if this one works as well as they say it does. Just not wanting to be the test rat for it atm... Done my fair share of testing new products.
there was a German poster over at the Asus T100 forums that said the Asus Dongle would not work for him.
i went ahead and bought the Actiontec Receiver from Wally World, works just fine so far, had to update the firmware...good to go.
sando7 said:
there was a German poster over at the Asus T100 forums that said the Asus Dongle would not work for him.
i went ahead and bought the Actiontec Receiver from Wally World, works just fine so far, had to update the firmware...good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work with your Acer A210?
nKiwan said:
Does it work with your Acer A210?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cannot find a setting for Wireless Display or Cast on my A210....i did read the info at wifi alliance about the A210 being supported.....maybe there is an app i need to download.....did not really check into it until now, i purchased my A210 about a year ago.
Actiontec Receiver works for: Asus T100, Asus MeMO Pad HD7, Nexus 7 (2013), no probs.
sando7 said:
cannot find a setting for Wireless Display or Cast on my A210....i did read the info at wifi alliance about the A210 being supported.....maybe there is an app i need to download.....did not really check into it until now, i purchased my A210 about a year ago.
Actiontec Receiver works for: Asus T100, Asus MeMO Pad HD7, Nexus 7 (2013), no probs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember Best Buy selling the Rocketfish Miracast Video Adapter for $19.99 a while back. This is the cheapest miracast adapter that works with either 2.4 & 5Ghz bands.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.