IR blaster / universal remote control - G4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Any decent IR blaster / universal rmote control app to make use of this feature in the G4?
I found only the TV Kill app on F-Droid, which works, but it can only turn TVs off.
There are lots of universal remote apps on Google Play / Aurora store, but they have unbelievable amounts of trackers and unnecessary permissions according to exodus https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/ for what should be a relatively simple and unobtrusive app.

Nobody?
So far the best I've found is IR Remote Control: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jw.ir.remote.control
It hasn't been updated since 2016, has limited device support, and has a somewhat cramped UI, but it actually works and isn't full of trackers and requires few permissions.
I hope there is something better out there, but for now I guess it's good enough.

I've been using this app for years. It works great and has good layout customization abilities.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotefairy4

htr5 said:
I've been using this app for years. It works great and has good layout customization abilities.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotefairy4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion.
There are a couple of issues:
The permissions required seem excessive: https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/9458/
It does not install for me on /e/ and microg saying there is no billing permission.

I actually, all remote control apps, I have used before was not as good as the standard universal remote controls. With their help, you can control TVs, consoles, DVD players, audio systems, and other devices. As I've read here https://themybuy.com/best-universal-remote-control/ such controls as Logitech Harmony Ultimate can work with nearly 200k entertainment and smart home devices. Speaking about apps, I have not found such applications yet that can work with so many devices. Also, they are hard in installment and configuration. But it is my opinion.

Hi All,
Need quick help from you all.....
I was working on making a universal Alexa-operated IR remote control with which one can control any device present at home.
Currently, I am able to control TVs (using RC5 protocol) and music systems (using NEX protocol).
But I am facing a lot of difficulties in decoding the AC remote control. (My observation is that AC remote is sending a lot of data as compared to a normal remote control)
can anyone help/guide me in with AC remotes?

howardssdunn said:
I actually, all remote control apps, I have used before was not as good as the standard universal remote controls. With their help, you can control TVs, consoles, DVD players, audio systems, and other devices. As I've read here https://themybuy.com/best-universal-remote-control/ such controls as Logitech Harmony Ultimate can work with nearly 200k entertainment and smart home devices. Speaking about apps, I have not found such applications yet that can work with so many devices. Also, they are hard in installment and configuration. But it is my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I my opinion If I was on your place I would go with Logitech harmony as it has amazing features and easy to control.

This thread is about an app for the IR blaster on phones, not dedicated remote controls.
There is a new app option on F-Droid, creatively named IR Remote:
IR Remote | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
IR TV Remote
f-droid.org
It's not perfect as there are currently some bugs and some buttons do not work correctly, but it is serviceable, and bug reports could make it better. Seems like the cleanest/safest option so far.

Related

Universal Remote Control with Hermes any success anyone?

Could anyone give me an info on how to use the hermes as a remote control. I was able to use my amazing phone before as such, wanna do the same with hermes but the universal remote via bluetooth can't work in my unit..
Hope someone could help. thanks
There's a commercial app that is supposed to be really good. It's called VITO Remote II or something like that. Google it, there's a trial version I think.
my personal experiences with vito are not good
search for novii remote deluxe! very easy to setup an customizable
use novi remot
hi, novi remote works a treat, you can set up macro's, learn from other remotes ie xbox dvd control, set up a custom "remote" all good.
The bad...well distance is not real great, and novi needs to make your screen turn upside down as the ir port is on the bottom.
hope it helps
google it and you will be ok. or pm me
cheers
fadge

[Q] TV Guide/IR Blaster

Hey all,
I've been using CM for a while, but I always have a lingering regret of going back to stock for the sole purpose of having the TV app. The greatest thing about it was it had a simple TV favourite interface with remote controls and access to other media systems.
Has anyone discovered any apps similar to this? Meaning to take advantage of the IR blaster for the one and have a nice interface with cable TV.
geeibara said:
Hey all,
I've been using CM for a while, but I always have a lingering regret of going back to stock for the sole purpose of having the TV app. The greatest thing about it was it had a simple TV favourite interface with remote controls and access to other media systems.
Has anyone discovered any apps similar to this? Meaning to take advantage of the IR blaster for the one and have a nice interface with cable TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the Highly Customizable remote (IR Blaster) called "smart remote" I'ts a little pricey but I believe its well worth it, you can set up anything and everything with it. I have my Denon receiver, BlueRay, Directv, Panasonic Viera TV, and my HD streaming box all connected to the app and if you set it up right you can usually turn all devices on with click of one button, including switching inputs on TV &/or receiver at the same time..here it is on the play market...https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotefairy~~~~~it's made for the HTC One, Hope this helps you!!!
geeibara said:
Has anyone discovered any apps similar to this? Meaning to take advantage of the IR blaster for the one and have a nice interface with cable TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Smart Remote. Also a little pricey but it controls everything I own and even things like HVAC units. Nice interface and easy to set up.
Sent from my HTCOneVZW using Tapatalk

[Q] Remote control of Fire TV from another device?

This is somewhat of a general question but in this case my interest is around the Fire TV.
Samsung released their Homesync device some time ago (it's been a failure unfortunately) and it had a remote control screen mirrioring capability they referred to as "Mouse Mirroring" where you could see the display of the device on your own and interact with it as if you were actually on the device, touchscreen and all.
Does anyone know if there are any apps that might provide this kind of remote control for a Fire TV or other device like a Google TV? My goal is to use my Note 3 (or some other future device/tablet) to display what the media player device is outputting and in that way remotely control it.
Thanks for any responses.
I looked into building an app to do this, but from what I've found, code would need to run on FireTV and have root access and compiled with the system key. But I would love to be proven wrong.
-Gregg
santiagodraco said:
This is somewhat of a general question but in this case my interest is around the Fire TV.
Samsung released their Homesync device some time ago (it's been a failure unfortunately) and it had a remote control screen mirrioring capability they referred to as "Mouse Mirroring" where you could see the display of the device on your own and interact with it as if you were actually on the device, touchscreen and all.
Does anyone know if there are any apps that might provide this kind of remote control for a Fire TV or other device like a Google TV? My goal is to use my Note 3 (or some other future device/tablet) to display what the media player device is outputting and in that way remotely control it.
Thanks for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a big lose on their side. Go with roku - they have a complete sdk that can allow you to control and directly launch any app via a simple ip command.

LG QRemote QuickRemote + Working ROM?

Hi please can someone tell me how to get LG QRemote (Or Quick Remote, as it's sometimes referred to) working on a UK LG G Pad 8.3? I got the tablet for free in a promotion when I bought an LG UHD TV and I thought after reading about QRemote (which is mentioned in all of the promotions for this device) that I could simply use the tablet mainly as a remote control for controlling all of the various AV components I have and of ditching the seven or so remote controls I currently have. I have tried some universal/learning remotes, but my success has varied in getting these to learn the codes for all of my devices.
However it turns out that the UK version didn't ship with QRemote preinstalled. The official word from LG was because in their view there was no demand for this feature in the UK. I of course have struggled to understand this point of view, but there seems to be little I can do about it. Also there doesn't seem to be a simple APK for this app that I can download.
My device does appear to have an IR blaster, but after trying a few IR Remote apps, none so far have been able to recognise that the IR blaster is there. I don't know if this has also been disabled in hardware, or if it's just a software limitation.
So my thoughts are that maybe either one of you guys can make an APK for this app for me and others like me and share it here, or maybe I could flash my G Pad with a custom American ROM, with QRemote included? If so is there any guide anywhere that would show me how to do this safely and how/where to obtain a custom ROM? I have already rooted the device, so hopefully that's half the battle.
Hi
Interesting thread
I was searching for my G Pad in order to find a way to inject another Quick Remote app (like that of G2) in it for having more options because G Pad per se only supports TVs, DVD players and Blue rays while a G2 for example includes also Data Projectors and Air Conditioners that are more practical for me at least.
Regarding to your case, I may upload my QR's APK and Odex for you but i am not sure whether it would work or not. Then if you wish so, let me know.
And about my case, if some one thinks it would be possible with no harm, i'd be glad to know.
I don't know if that would work either. Anyone? A custom Rom that includes it even?
jebus197 said:
I don't know if that would work either. Anyone? A custom Rom that includes it even?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the custom roms I have tried did not include the remote functionality. My G3 definitely has a better remote program. It is silly that the GPad remote program is gimped in the way that it is.
muiriddin said:
All of the custom roms I have tried did not include the remote functionality. My G3 definitely has a better remote program. It is silly that the GPad remote program is gimped in the way that it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IR blaster works and I got a version of QRemote from a pack of official LG apps supplied by one of the custom ROM developers for this device. But you are correct that it has been severely 'gimped' over what was originally advertised in the promotions for this device. It can currently only control some TV's some DVD players and some Blue-ray players. The learning features have been removed, as has the ability to control any AV components, or any other devices.
What exactly is the point of an IR blaster without this functionality? They gave me the G Pad with my TV. But currently the installed software can't even fully control my TV.
What alternatives are there, preferably with full learning functionality?
jebus197 said:
The IR blaster works and I got a version of QRemote from a pack of official LG apps supplied by one of the custom ROM developers for this device. But you are correct that it has been severely 'gimped' over what was originally advertised in the promotions for this device. It can currently only control some TV's some DVD players and some Blue-ray players. The learning features have been removed, as has the ability to control any AV components, or any other devices.
What exactly is the point of an IR blaster without this functionality? They gave me the G Pad with my TV. But currently the installed software can't even fully control my TV.
What alternatives are there, preferably with full learning functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the GPad itself, none that I am aware of. The device driver from what I have read for the IR functionality is locked down and no open source alternative works with the hardware. Until LG patches it, or releases the driver we have what we have but nothing more... (about all I can do with my Samsung TV that is useful for my setup is turn it on and change the input)
It was my understanding that the g pad only has a transmitter and no receiver which is why we can't get our tablet to learn from our remotes.
Sent from my VK410 using Tapatalk

[ROM] ROMs Comparison

The threads on custom ROMS are generating lots of posts.
Some questions are asked multiple times, some are never answered (because lost in the flow)... making it hard to take a clear decision about with custom ROM to flash, if any at all.
Thus, I'd like to use this thread to discuss about the "pros and cons" of each method, or rather the "possibilities and limitations" of them.
For the moment, this would include the three following ROM:
- The stock ROM (the one you get which your fresh Shield TV)
- The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
- The Full Android Marshmallow ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
The goal is not to encourage you to go in one or the other directions, but to provide objective arguments. This is why I wrote "possibilities and limitations" are preferred to "pros and cons"
Please comment in this thread, and I'll update the following posts regularly.
1) The stock ROM
Link to Nvidia Open Source Resources and Drivers here
No operation required, this is the standard ROM already installed on the Shield TV -> Just Plug and Play!
Shield TV game controller and remote fully working wireless (Wifi-Direct), including Voice search, and headset plug.
Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed.
Play store limited to Leanback-compatible apps (Shield TV runs Android TV)
- Thus, the number of compatible apps is limited (also due to the absence of touchscreen, obviously)
- Some apps cannot be installed at all, or cannot be run properly
Standard applications (not available as Leanback-compatible apps, e.g. web-browser...) can/need be sideloaded
- By defalt, sideloaded apps don't appear in the standard Home menu
- Sideloaded apps can be started using Sideload Launcher or Apk2tv
Standard applications can also be installed directly from Play store using Market Helper. NOTE: this requires root access.
Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
Unability to use a remote desktop
Apps related
No web brower installed, but Chrome (or others) can be sideloaded.
Skype for Leanback isn't working: calling buttons cannot be selected, no video call button.
Kodi can be installed. It allows you to stream content directly to your TV
To be checked:
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. (Works on the StockRestyle)
2) The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Full Play store available (access to more games. Yet, touchscreen-only games cannot be played with a game controller)
Aptoide TV filters apps that are compatible with Android TV. For example, for Skype, the standard Aptoide app provides the last version of Skype (6.26 for the moment, which is not working on this ROM), while Aptoide TV provides the version 6.15.
Shield TV game controller globally working
- Some issues reported with the new version of the game controller: Home and Back buttons not working well.
- Voice search button first starts Google search, a second press (not a double press) starts Voice search
The Nova interface is designed for touch and/or mouse and/or keyboard actions
- Most of the interface can be used using a remote or a game controller
- But, the configuration often requires a mouse (or at least, is faster to use with a mouse)
- A wireless all-in-one keyboard is a good device to use with, e.g. Logitech K400 Plus (others are good too, but this one is battery-friendly)
Web browser usable in full desktop mode, e.g. Chrome (without ads if you download adaway, root required)
Multitasking may look limited. Yet, you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (e.g. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. They won't appear in the list of connected devices, but they are working well, including microphone.
It may feel like a bit of a strange mix, not really remote-friendly, but not really full Android capable either. However, this is the only know solution to keep the proprietary tools from NVidia working while having a standard Android interface.
Apps related
Skype 6.14 and 6.15.x are fully working, i.e. audio and video calls, using UVC webcams (tried with Logitech C920 and C930)
Some easy fixes
Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation in the App-Drawer: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Foreign external keyboard can be remapped using one of the many apps available
- External Keyboard Helper Pro is working well in my case: Android interface in English (US), external keyboards in German (QWERTZ, Logitech K400 Plus and Logitech K830). You can try the demo version for free. PS: I'm not linked in anyway to the developers of this app.
3) The Full Android Marshmallow ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Smooth, fast, responsive ROM
Full Play store available, more standard applications should be compatible
Leanback only applications can also be launched using an tweak tool: QuickShortcutMaker (see video here)
Shield TV game controllers not working wireless (using Wifi-Direct) but working as normal a standard gamepad when connected via USB
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio. [Confirmed here]
Long-term update is questionable because it depends only on the person who is providing this ROM (even though this person is very active)
To be checked or confirmed by several users
Some slower performance (frame rates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1) [Mentioned here]
- This could indeed be a counterpart of all what is running in the background of full Android (see here). In others words, full Android is more general in the sense it offers more possibilities, but at the same time it cannot be expert in all those aspects. Thus Android purist would prefer to go for this ROM while Nvidia gamers may prefer to stay on the Stock or StockRestyle ROMs. In the end, YOU make the final choice.
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio.
- Working: here
- Not working well: here
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
IamSonoma said:
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
If I had more time, less family, less places to fish I would run 3 boxes and compare them all. I would always need to have one that is stock and family friendly for the wife and the kids.
When i bought mine a month ago I was hoping there was more community support but it may take more time to catch on. Luckily Zulu gives us two options to toy with. They work pretty good. Statistically speaking and I could be wrong, About 90% of the people making a purchase like this just want to plug and play and have no desire to tweak or tinker. I know this because out of the 6 in my family I am the only one that even thinks "can I root it?" when I am researching it. The rest of my family just want to plug and play. They want simple.
As for me I want it to over-clock, play games without CDs (Wii<family loved this but I have a tone of unwrapped games> and xBox with external HDDs), aging my self here play a game using two 5 1/4" floppy drives with all files working on 2 disks instead of 6 disks(AD&D SSI games), running android on my tilt 2 slide out keyboard sell phone, I could go on.
I really hope development picks up. I only wish I could help more. I do encourage Zulu and others to continue.
IamSonoma said:
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was also hoping for more feedback.
Indeed, the last few weeks I was struggling to find the best ROM that would suit my need. After reading the 200+ pages of post in the thread of the ROM proposed by @zulu99, I had hard time to extract the right information.
Thus, the idea of this post: I want to present objective points of comparison, I have no apps to sell.
The point is also to avoid the post like "Which ROM should I pick?". If the advantages and limitations are clearly listed, everyone should be able to make his/her own decision, all ROMs are good, it only depends on what you want to do with it.
PS: In my case, I wanted to 1) keep the Nvidia Shield TV game controllers (and my Fire TV 4K remote and game controllers), and 2) to have Skype working. Thus, my final choice for the StockRestyle ROM.
Mythamp's Review of the Roms
Stock Rom
Pros:
1. Ideal for basic 4K TV owners who want to stream all current channels of 4K content
2. Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed
3. Remote and Controller work great
4. Kodi allows you to stream content directly to your TV
Cons:
1. Small selection of Android TV Apps
2. Browsers and Non-Android TV apps need to be side-loaded
3. Cannot install most Non-Android TV apps
4. Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
5. Unable to remote desktop into the device incase you wish to send remote instructions to download content so that you can come home and enjoy.
Overall:
The Stock Rom is unable to take advantage of Android. It is a cumbersome process for people who like quick responses. I would say it is as limited as any other 4k TV's with Android built-in apart from a few Nvidia games. Trust me, this does not justify the $150 investment.
Stock-Restyle Rom
Pros:
1. All of the pros of Stock Rom including full controller and remote support plus
2. Install unlimited Android Apps taking full advantage of the Google Play Store
For Example:
• Use "Airdroid" app (root required) to remote mirror your device from work and have all the content ready when you get home.
• Play thousands of Android games on your 4k TV
• Use Chrome in full desktop mode (root required) without ads (download adaway) - almost as good as a desktop Chrome. Great for quick browsing.
3. Less cumbersome to move around by using a Keyboard with Trackpad (I personally use the "Logitech K400 Plus")
Cons:
1. Multitasking may look limited - yet you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
2. Many Android apps (mostly games) require touch, which can be done using android mobile device with Droidmote installed. Some games can be played using the Keyboard/Trackpad combo but its a hit & miss.
3. No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (Eg. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
4. It is technically not a Full/Clean Android as it has Nvidia's framework still builtin
5. Some easy fixes FYI
• Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
• Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Overall:
The Stock-Restyle Rom is in my opinion the best rom for the Nvidia Shield TV. It opens the device to all the Android & Google Play Store goodie-ness, while allowing you to use the fantastic shield controller and remote to play/stream all nvidia and some android games. I have also personally found that android games run smoother on this rom than on the Full Android Rom (Maybe its because the rom is based on the nvidia framework, I could be wrong.)
Bottomline - install this rom before trying the rest.
Full Android Marshmallow Rom
Pros:
1. Amazingly smooth, fast, responsive rom
2. You get the full Android experience
3. Includes all the pros of the above Roms
Cons:
1. No support for Nvidia controller wirelessly, you can use it by plugging in the cable and installing keyboard drivers
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Overall:
The Full Android Marshmallow Rom is a great solution for Android purists. You will miss-out on the seamless (wireless) experience of playing all the Nvidia/Android Games. If someone can get the wireless controllers to work here, I will be the first one to shift over from stock-restyle rom.
- This is just my opinion on the roms based on my usage, I am sure many users have their unique needs which might not match my feedback, so please take all this with an open mind -
mythamp said:
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it work, also audio.
*1
zulu99 said:
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
JulienPr said:
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
IamSonoma said:
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
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Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
JulienPr said:
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have version 2.
IamSonoma said:
I have version 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if there was a "version 1" of the remote, I cannot find any trace of it.
But, since they change the design of the Home button to be a circle only on the V2 of the game controller, and that it's the same as the V2 of the remote, it wouldn't be surprising if there was a V1 of the remote with similar symbol as the V1 of the game controller.
@zulu99, which remote do you have?
Love this thread guys as I've been considering another ROM but didn't know the clear pros and cons of Full Android and now this ReStyle one which I'm very interested in. I have a few questions for anyone. Perhaps the answers could gain momentum for many others as you guys are absolutely right that AndroidTV's app selection isn't just lacking, it feels like AndroidTV apps exist and the consumers want them, but the interface for getting them or allowing users to simply inform specific developers the demand to support it is insanely behind. On the desktop play store you can't even sort or filter Android TV apps other than seeing these two specific links unless an active user is seeking blogs or postings regarding them.
Apps for Android TV
Games for Android TV
Gotta vent a bit the already known... feel free to skip down...
On the stock play store, you can search for apps but not having even top charts or proper categories other than the useless 'featured' in addition to strong limitations is hurting as a whole. Some of the biggest brands out there have no or heavily limited apps for ATV, including even many tv channels like TNT or ESPN. I think Nvidia or Google for the time being should at least allow the detection of a mouse and keyboard to least show apps that 'might work' rather than none and give the user the option to control that. Hopefully Android N will improve things with the Picture in Picture and maybe even DVR abilities. Love this box but even though Android is a strength, it's also a weakness in the shade of a very sensitive cycle. More users --> More developers thus more apps --> More users --> More developers --> etc... I feel like the users are there, but while developers are increasingly aware, it should grow faster, and Google should help that awareness.
Anyways my questions were:
1) Does HDMI-CEC still work? Currently in stock it works in turning on the tv and with the tv on its Source Input, off with tv, and controlled by tv remote but not with volume (shield remote controlling tv volume).
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus phone.
3) Any loss of 4K support, including Youtube, Plex, VLC, MXPlayer, or hopefully introduction of HDR support (doesn't work natively on Shield perhaps because of the HDMI 2.0a not yet being implemented). I'm interested in keeping Full dynamic range and ability to toggle 4K 60 and 4K 24fps along with Plex (with Refresh Rate Switching for native 24fps support in 60 mode). So I guess along with this can AndroidTV specific apps still be installed or will the phone/tablet versions be installed instead? Example: Plex.
4) Is Adoptable storage still supported? I'm guessing when flashing the StockRestyle ROM we'll have to wipe the adoptable sdcard and essentially factory reset.
5) Can AptoideTV work just fine on stock? I'm going to probably try it tomorrow
While I personally don't play any of the Nvidia games, I'm looking to have the Stock Stability + current emulator/rom support (rooting for Wiimote support) + specific apps that are not supported on AndroidTV without having to constantly manually update them through sideloading. Apps I'm interested in include Google Apps including Google Photos + Logitech Webcam supported (Skype + Hangouts + FB Messenger) and possibly Amazon Prime Video but ideally if it can support at least 1080p or 4K. I also use Kodi but am still learning to use it.
I'm very familiar with modding on my Nexus 6P (TWRP, root, Xposed, with monthly updates) so was wondering if there was anything different I should know other than the obvious loss of a screen when adding custom recovery and rooting along with Nandroid backups. Has any one successfully backed up their stock ROM and restored it later? Also anyone root stock, then backup everything on Titanium Backup (sideloaded) and restore apps + data on StockRestyle ROM?
My set up is 16GB Shield Stock 3.0 not rooted yet + Samsung 128GB Pro+ microsdxc + Stock Controller + Remote, it's connected to a Samsung 4K SUHD UN65JS8500. Also using bluetooth Logitech keyboard + mouse, xbox 360 receiver, x360 controllers. Still waiting for possible DVB-S2 integration and maybe live tv solutions like silicondust.
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-> the shield remote is ok on full android.
I use it to watch movies with headset plug in ...but only the microphone function don't work
copticwalad said:
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about this too. I like the idea of the shield basically replacing my chromecast, but with Full Android it looks like you can't cast TO it, but you can cast IT'S display like any other phone or tablet. Is it possible in full android to cast another device TO the shield with full android?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA-Developers mobile app

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