Using the cloud to stream movies etc - How? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Since the Nexus doesn't come with an SD slot I was wondering what the best way is to use the cloud as a storage medium for movies and stuff like that. I know Google has things such as Google Music but those aren't available in my country.
I'm planning on getting an OTG cable and an app to mount an USB Flash Drive but if there's other ways I'd love to hear them.

The idea with the streaming movies is to buy them from the Play Store and stream them that way. I'm sure there are other websites, but the problem is with the flash player not being built in, you have to side load it which can be tricky sometimes.
If you want to use Google Music outside the US, there is a thread here about it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757991
I recommend using tunnelbear. I tried various proxys for an hour and couldn't get any to work. Tries tunnelbear and sorted it in a few mins. Already uploaded 3,000 songs to it

Jon565G said:
The idea with the streaming movies is to buy them from the Play Store and stream them that way. I'm sure there are other websites, but the problem is with the flash player not being built in, you have to side load it which can be tricky sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, well guess OTG it will be than. The day I start paying for a stream of bytes without actually getting to own that stream of bytes is the day hell freezes over. I have an extensive movie (DVD) collection and I'm not about to buy everything again.
If you want to use Google Music outside the US, there is a thread here about it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757991
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I tried that (using a SOCKS proxy to my hosting server in California), I could access music.google.com but apparently you need to install an application on your PC to use it, which might be a problem (linux user). Gonna look at it again later tonight.

Amon_Re said:
I see, well guess OTG it will be than. The day I start paying for a stream of bytes without actually getting to own that stream of bytes is the day hell freezes over. I have an extensive movie (DVD) collection and I'm not about to buy everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree totally. I've converted some of mine to AVI so that I can watch it on my PS3 external HDD without having to use the disc. So it's quite easy to just copy them to the N7 and use MX Player.
I do have another option for you if you own a Wifi direct phone. (Mainly android 4.0 +). It's called Wifi Shoot! : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.budius.WiFiShoot&hl=en. You can just pick the file you want off your phone and transfer it to the N7, like you would Bluetooth a file
If you can't do that, like me (Stupid Sony deleting that feature from ICS) you could use Airdroid. Get your phone to act as a Wifi Hotspot and connect to it with the N7. You can then transfer files as to your tablet the same way you would your PC if you use Airdroid. (It doesn't use any data and can transfer very fast). I used this when I was on Holiday and didn't have a laptop.

That app looks very cool, thx!

Related

streaming MP3's

I've used a few solutions that stream your MP3's to your phone. but none of them seem to have a feature im looking for. All i want to do is be able to randomly play the entire collection. I've tried subsonic, but it downloads everything to the actual phone which is annoying. mecanto can't play everything at once, even with a playlist and its missing a search function if i wanna play something specific. I used to use Orb with some play on my touch pro i forgot, that worked kinda well except it buffered like a mofo. Any other suggestions out there? I was thinking of setting up an ampache server but i'd need to learn how to setup a server first >.>
Try using Homepipe, download the app free from market then go to the website on your computer and you just add what folders you want to share. After doing that you can stream mp3s, and download videos or other files to your phone and vice versa. It takes like 5 minutes to setup

Subsonic on EVO 4G

Just thought I'd make a quick post as I haven't seen much dicussion on Subsonic. I have Subsonic installed on my server with about 100+ Gigs of music.
I installed Subsonic for android on my 4G today and connected it to my server. Setup was easy. Works great. 100Gigs of music in my pocket anywhere I get a cell connection! Connect to the aux in the car for 34 days of commercial free music.
What's not to like!!
I'm surprised more people aren't talking about this. Subsonic is simply amazing.
Install software on your desktop PC to set up web access to your music. You get a very nice web interface. And an Android app.
www.subsonic.org
I'm also using Subsonic and really enjoy it. I had a little trouble initially with the server side setup, but once I figured it out and got a connection to my EVO, it's worked great for the most part. I do have an occasional pause in the playback, but I think that's more related to signal strength than anything else, because it always starts back up where it paused.
We also had Subsonic set up to stream movies a while back. A soon as I get some time I'm gonna try and see if I can use it to stream video to the EVO.
GaryJ51 said:
Just thought I'd make a quick post as I haven't seen much dicussion on Subsonic. I have Subsonic installed on my server with about 100+ Gigs of music.
I installed Subsonic for android on my 4G today and connected it to my server. Setup was easy. Works great. 100Gigs of music in my pocket anywhere I get a cell connection! Connect to the aux in the car for 34 days of commercial free music.
What's not to like!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for this. I never heard of this... works perfectly!!! Much appreciated!
First time hearing of this. I am downloading now.
/edit
I downloaded it..but i don't get how to set it up? I have the desktop client downloaded..
sent from your stolen evo
Thank you this is what i have been looking for ever since I got my EVO.
I was a frustrated HP Media Smart Home Server user who finally gave up on the HP crapware, and went the DIY WHS route. That's what led me to Subsonic as a substitute for the HP software.
A way better choice. This program actually works without tying up the server doing indexes and hogging CPU cycles like the HP Twonky Media software did.
Access to your entire music library, and it doesn't even store anything on the SD card!
My next project will be to get it working with MP4's so I cantake movies with us on the road.
I'm setting up a server just to use this. How is the UI on the app? Is it usable as a primary music app?
It is really just designed for streaming from your server. There may be a way to use it as a music app but I haven't looked into that yet.
I just checked, you just select Offline for the server. Works fine.
GaryJ51 said:
It is really just designed for streaming from your server. There may be a way to use it as a music app but I haven't looked into that yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so how does that work...I'm going to check their website to see if I can reformulate this post with an actual question lol.
EDIT: OK, I think I phrased the initial question wrong. Would the experience of picking a song be similar to using any other music app as if music was stored locally? I'm not going to have anything on the phone, everything will be streamed.
EDIT2: Ignore what I said up there, here are some screen shots and video of the UI: http://www.subsonic.org/pages/screenshots.jsp
Does the app work in landscape mode?
Ok guys, you can download the Subsonic app from the Market and connect to their "test" server to see how the app works.
It works in the landscape mode. Has no widget, unfortunately. But song/file browsing, and playback is VERY functional.
If you need help installing this on the desktop side, read this: http://www.subsonic.org/pages/installation.jsp
You should note that while the desktop app is 100% free, the use of mobile apps is limited to 30 days at which point you have to "donate". The donation can be any amount, and you will be provided with the unlock key which you use inside the web interface of your server.
Well I installed the desktop client but can't seem to open the webpage no matter what.
Comrade P said:
Well I installed the desktop client but can't seem to open the webpage no matter what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you trying to open it from the desktop or the phone?
Am I the only one using subsonic for video too? The music/app are great, but having streaming flash access to my video library anywhere is the best. Has to be done through the browser for now though.
Instructions here:
http://www.hackourlives.com/cross-platform-music-and-video-streaming-with-subsonic/
I'm trying to work out a way to encode/stream my live TV signal through my tuner card kinda like a slingbox. I'll post if I have some success, but I don't have much time to work on it these days.
Thanks for the link!
We had video streaming set up to our laptops, but hadn't tried setting it up on the cell phones yet.
I turn over all the details to my 15 yr old who is much faster than I am at doing all the setup. We'll get started once he gets a break at school.
We did have it set up to open whatever Media Player we wanted to use. If my son remembers what he did I'll try to get him to post the instructions.
Should be no need to play it in an external player on the evo - just switch to landscape and it will go to full screen. If you really want play it in an external player, FLV player (from the market) might work. Or if you want to download the video before playing (so you don't get any skipping while you're on 3G), you can download the file from either the app or the web interface, and play it with FLV Player.
Subsonic wants you to make a donation of 10 Euros to continue using the subdomain they have you sign up for during setup. But if you like rolling your own, sign up for a free subdomain an use a DNS updater (built in to some routers or available for any platform) to make sure the reference to your IP stays up-to-date.
For DNS updaters and more free subdomains than you can shake an iPhone at:
http://freedns.afraid.org/
this is great ! thanks for suggesting it. I was looking for something similar, tired of having to carry around the ipod just to hook up in the car. I'm going to test it out for a few days, but I think I'm going to donate for sure!
hungry ghandi said:
Subsonic wants you to make a donation of 10 Euros to continue using the subdomain they have you sign up for during setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. The denominations under donation menu are merely suggestions. You are welcome to donate ANY amount you CAN ($2 worked for me) to get your license. Just manually send a payment through PayPal to his email (you can get the email from the forums somewhere, do a search for donation).

[Q] Best / easiest way to manage/sync music to N4?

What is the most seamless way to sync music files to my internal storage beyond the Play Music app? Ideally it would be an app / program that would let me do it over wifi.
For reference, I would prefer it to be compatible with a macbook.
JohnnyTA said:
What is the most seamless way to sync music files to my internal storage beyond the Play Music app? Ideally it would be an app / program that would let me do it over wifi.
For reference, I would prefer it to be compatible with a macbook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeing as you're a mac user, I'm assuming you use itunes. If so, try this out:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wxLDEwMiwiY29tLmpydHN0dWRpby5pU3luY3I0TWFjIl0.
I use media monkey to organize all my music files. Then I upload it to Google music and it just shows on my phone without taking any space. Its worth doing specially if you plan on flashing Roms and wiping your data often. Google music give it a try. You can manage it online too
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Another vote for iSyncr. Works great over wifi with my Mac and iTunes. I've used it through 2 or 3 phones at this point, and never had a problem with it. It will also backup pics/vids from your phone to your computer.
Ok, thanks for the input. I'll check out iSyncr - I'd used it a while ago on my Droid X but it looks like it's gotten a lot of new features since then.
And to clarify, I do use Google Music, I just really don't like the app, so I figured I can use another player for local files and then use the google music app if i want to listen to anything not store locally.

Nexus 4 Storage Limitation - What do you do?

I'm looking to hear what people have done to get around the 8 or 16GB storage limitation. How have you managed large MP3 libraries, ROM backups, pictures/videos, etc.?
I'd like to hear your creative ideas! ie The Cloud, Separate iPod/MP3 player, keep a laptop close by, etc.
CaptainStrange said:
I'm looking to hear what people have done to get around the 8 or 16GB storage limitation. How have you managed large MP3 libraries, ROM backups, pictures/videos, etc.?
I'd like to hear your creative ideas! ie The Cloud, Separate iPod/MP3 player, keep a laptop close by, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a Nexus 4 yet, but I can tell you how I do it with my 16GB Nexus S. We had the same discussion everyone is having now two years ago.
I would make use of the cloud, but unfortunately there aren't any unlimited data plans in the Netherlands, and if there are, they're freaking expensive. So I'm stuck with 1GB a month. Which is perfectly fine for me, but not if I want to make use of the cloud.
I do have a larger MP3 library than 16GB. Probably around 30GB. What I did is I sorted all my songs. On genre, in playlists, with ratings. This makes it really easy to just copy small parts of my library onto my Nexus S. I change my mobile library like once in two weeks. I don't listen to all of the 30GB anyway. I want to have as many different genres as possible on my device, so I mainly sort the songs on rating. With this system, I don't even make 8GB, which gives me plenty of space for other things. I'm happy with it and I doubt that even with unlimited data I would use that cloud. Copying a new library to my phone twice a month doesn't cost me a lot of time at all. I would definitely use a service like Spotify, even though I don't have unlimited data. Streaming wouldn't be possible (1GB data cap), but for the times I don't have wi-fi I can use the offline modus. But I think Spotify Premium is too expensive, and what I hate about it is that when you stop after two years of loyal service, you have nothing to show for.
The rest of my storage I let fill up automatically. With apps and the like. I store pictures on my google drive. I don't really use ROM backups (I'm not that attached to a certain setup, because I like the tweaking more than actually using my phone), but when I do, I just copy them on my computer.
Would I use 32GB if I had it? Of course. But I'm totally fine with 16GB. What I don't really understand is why there's no sd card slot. There isn't really a logical reason not to implement one. It can't cost THAT much, right? Anyway, only once a year I'm annoyed by the lack of storage: when I'm going on vacation. I watch a lot of TV series/movies on vacation. I would use USB OTG, but... I can live with it. I bring my computer anyway so I can always copy new episodes on my phone.
It really isn't such a big deal to empty your SD card every so often. That's just my two cents.
I bought the 16gb version specifically to have enough room to transfer the pictures of my previous phone to it, only to find out that transfering a large amount of files is erratic and good luck if you plan to have the files sorted by timestamp.
I think you are pretty much forced to use the cloud, if you are okay with it; I wasn't, so I simply gave up and transferred nothing to the phone.
My apps take up most of my space unfortunately. I have over 50 gb of music in my computer and I'm only left with approx ~3gb on my phone. Which kinda sucks:\ not that I plan in putting all my music, but extra space would be nice. I also download a lot of stuff too. My apps are mostly heavy games though(battle bears, gta3 & VC, NFS most wanted, etc...) So the games make up for lack of music.
)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I bought a 16 GB but its not enough for my full mp3 library, but nothing is as its over 80 GB anyways. Right now I have about 12 GB stored locally in 3 playlists, this is the music that I just absolutely can't live without. The rest is in the cloud on Google Music but I hate streaming it, playback quality sucks and I don't have the data plan to do it. Everything else, documents, pictures, files, etc are stored in dropbox and I can easily access them from anywhere and download what is needed. I also have a 50GB box account for storage so I never have a problem with access to files I need.
Just use a computer if you need more storage. People use the phone way to much if you need to use all that storage and internet data. How about exercising or going out on a date. Plus everything is going to the cloud.
yoyoz808 said:
Just use a computer if you need more storage. People use the phone way to much if you need to use all that storage and internet data. How about exercising or going out on a date. Plus everything is going to the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In all honesty my last phone had 2gb internal and 8gb card and I didn't come anywhere close to filling it. So I said Ill get the 8gb. Really theres only around 5 gb usable when you get it. I installed just apps and 1 large game (gta vice city) I have close to 2 gb usable. After a few videos and a bunch of images it goes quick. Really just makes it so you have to manage your file system more.
i put all my video/mp3/pics on my NAS at home which is linked by CIFS. unfortunately you need a custom kernel with cifs support.
from office i connect via wlan and vpn to my NAS.
i dont know if there is a custom kernel to use a USB stick via OTG host cable?
yoyoz808 said:
Plus everything is going to the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, and someday we'll all have unlimited fast data for $5/month. Until then, I want to be able to carry my music/videos around with me wherever I go. There are ways to do that (SD cards, portable hard drives, etc), but Google/LG decided to prevent us from using those methods with this device.
JimG520 said:
Sure, and someday we'll all have unlimited fast data for $5/month. Until then, I want to be able to carry my music/videos around with me wherever I go. There are ways to do that (SD cards, portable hard drives, etc), but Google/LG decided to prevent us from using those methods with this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you buy this phone? you knew this going in. why would you buy this phone if you needed those things? i guess maybe the USB OTG thing was a screw up on their part though.
to answer OP's question. I only have apps installed that i need. and honestly regular apps take up nearly no space. I usually only have one or two games installed that are really big. I clear my cache every night with a Titanium Backup schedule. I use Google Music or the million other music apps to stream music. I'm not away from a WiFi connection long enough to consume too much data on mobile so it's not an issue for me.
I use Play Music for my library, and Dropbox and Box. Simple enough for me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
efan3719 said:
did you buy this phone? you knew this going in. why would you buy this phone if you needed those things? i guess maybe the USB OTG thing was a screw up on their part though.
to answer OP's question. I only have apps installed that i need. and honestly regular apps take up nearly no space. I usually only have one or two games installed that are really big. I clear my cache every night with a Titanium Backup schedule. I use Google Music or the million other music apps to stream music. I'm not away from a WiFi connection long enough to consume too much data on mobile so it's not an issue for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to buy the Nexus 4, but that doesn't mean his complaints aren't valid. I can get by with 16GB, but I would use the extra storage if I had 32GB or a SD card slot, or even USB OTG support. It's weird that they left it all out. And unlimited data is virtually non-existent here in the Netherlands, unless you want to play like 100 euro per month.
Every phone has something you won't like. You have to weigh the pros and the cons. For me, the Nexus 4s pros easily win.
I bought the 8GB model and I did slightly underestimate how much space that I would need given the prepaid carrier I use. Straight Talk has an undefined data cap.
My biggest usage is music streaming. So, I try to plan out the music that I'm in the mood to listen to that day when I wake up in the morning. Most paid music streaming services will let you cache the music offline. I found that the cached music from Spotify/Sony Music Unlimited/Rdio/etc takes less space on my internal storage than my actual library from Google Play Music. Google Play Music also allows you to cache too.
That's my "creative" way lol.
Google play music works just fine as long as you have a decent data connection. In the settings of the app you can click on only stream high quality. As long as your mp3s are good and you're on a fast network, it'll do 320kbps. I've got about 60gb of music stored, most of which are 320 and they sound really good as long as you know how to eq using dsp or another mixer of choice. If you know you're going to be in a spotty area, pin a few playlists or albums to your phone via Wi-Fi before you leave your pad.
Oh.... and if your speakers/headphones suck, the music quality will too..
For other files use Google drive or Dropbox. If you have a g+, your photos can automatically upload to a private album. Or use one of the other photo services out there.
If you wanna pay a bucks, doubletwist can wirelessly sync to your computer over Wi-Fi... food for thought.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
yoyoz808 said:
Just use a computer if you need more storage. People use the phone way to much if you need to use all that storage and internet data. How about exercising or going out on a date. Plus everything is going to the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I happen to use my phone to assist me when I go long distance running and for getting dates . As a matter of fact, being able to track my running via GPS is an essential function. And also listening to music when I run and work out. If anything, my phone has enabled me to be more active.
joeygbiz said:
Google play music works just fine as long as you have a decent data connection. In the settings of the app you can click on only stream high quality. As long as your mp3s are good and you're on a fast network, it'll do 320kbps. I've got about 60gb of music stored, most of which are 320 and they sound really good as long as you know how to eq using dsp or another mixer of choice. If you know you're going to be in a spotty area, pin a few playlists or albums to your phone via Wi-Fi before you leave your pad.
Oh.... and if your speakers/headphones suck, the music quality will too..
For other files use Google drive or Dropbox. If you have a g+, your photos can automatically upload to a private album. Or use one of the other photo services out there.
If you wanna pay a bucks, doubletwist can wirelessly sync to your computer over Wi-Fi... food for thought.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use G+ for uploading pics. It would be nice if it could automatically delete pictures after a successful upload.
I used to use Subsonic for streaming music from my desktop. But, I felt that I was wasting energy by keeping my PC "on" every day. That's why I like Google Play Music, it technically saves me money.
i just bought a "PQI Air Drive" wireless flash storage device:
http://recombu.com/mobile/news/pqi-...-ios-and-android-devices-photos_M16479-1.html
.. not because i particularly anticipate running out of my 16GB, but as an incurable gadget freak i couldn't resist it.
It should enable me -- and the rest of the family simultaneously -- to stream movies/ music etc. to our various phones and tablets.
cool device.
I have now a Kingston Wi-drive SSD 128GB. No storage problems anymore, but 160 € and only power for 4 hours...
p-d said:
I have now a Kingston Wi-drive SSD 128GB. No storage problems anymore, but 160 € and only power for 4 hours...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now you need a portable battery pack
I have unlimited data so my situation may be different.
I abuse Google + for storing up to 20000 photos and auto sync them then delete from device. I use box.com for anything else I need to store and have dropbox and Google drive for more storage. I stream all my music from Google play as I uploaded my entire library off my PC. It uses a surprisingly small amount of data compared to watching the GSL with the twitch.TV app. So far I've got all my favorite apps, about 12 games, and have over 10gb free.
I'm also thinking about using airdroid for easier file transfer to PC while around house.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Here in Austria we don't get official Google Play service, so the device has to be bought from a third-party vendor. Also, there's no movies, books, or music... i.e. no official Google Music app streaming.
I use CloudAround for that though, uploaded around 25GB of music to dropbox, and stream from there directly, though it also works with many other cloud providers. You can also use ZumoCast http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276410, a great solution if you have a home server running windows.
However I have unlimited data with 8GB/month high speed (even LTE where available), with throttling to 64kbit/s when its reached -> enough for good quality AAC internet radio .
Only 16GB internal (~12GB effectively) is slightly low, 32 would be way better. Even my Samsung Omnia i900 in 2008 had 16GB internal, and I put in a 8gb card for a total of ~22GB effective...
@ the Dutch posters: Its a shame all the providers removed unlimited data. When I studied there in 2010, I got a contract from Hi with unlimited 3.6Mbit 3G. I was still grandfathered in until this year, but nobody wanted to buy it off me so I had to cancel it .

Amazon Content Location

Just got my HDX yesterday - my first Kindle-anything, although my wife and son both have KFHDs.
So, I'm tinkering with this thing, and downloading some Prime content, etc. ES File Explorer, nor windows explorer (when connected via USB) can seem to find any of the media I've downloaded. Is this in some hidden/secret folder location somewhere? Do I have to be rooted to see/access it that way???
mgm1979 said:
Just got my HDX yesterday - my first Kindle-anything, although my wife and son both have KFHDs.
So, I'm tinkering with this thing, and downloading some Prime content, etc. ES File Explorer, nor windows explorer (when connected via USB) can seem to find any of the media I've downloaded. Is this in some hidden/secret folder location somewhere? Do I have to be rooted to see/access it that way???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon offering Prime downloads is a pretty huge deal. As far as I know, no other competing streaming service allows this. In order to make this possible, the videos are in a hidden folder structure, not part of the accessible memory, and almost certainly encrypted. You would need root to even see the files, and you probably would not be able to move them off the device and still use them. As far as I know, root has not been achieved yet (thought I am just now catching up in this forum).
If Amazon thought you would be able to find and copy off movies and TV shows from the device, they would not have allowed downloads.
generosity21 said:
Amazon offering Prime downloads is a pretty huge deal. As far as I know, no other competing streaming service allows this. In order to make this possible, the videos are in a hidden folder structure, not part of the accessible memory, and almost certainly encrypted. You would need root to even see the files, and you probably would not be able to move them off the device and still use them. As far as I know, root has not been achieved yet (thought I am just now catching up in this forum).
If Amazon thought you would be able to find and copy off movies and TV shows from the device, they would not have allowed downloads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense, when you explain it that way - I wasn't thinking like that, I guess...I downloaded 6 movies last night, and chewed up 45gb, so 64gb is going to be a problem - they're going to need to put out 128gb one, I would think. Maybe at a $479 price point? (for the 7"), and $649 for the 8.9"???
mgm1979 said:
Makes sense, when you explain it that way - I wasn't thinking like that, I guess...I downloaded 6 movies last night, and chewed up 45gb, so 64gb is going to be a problem - they're going to need to put out 128gb one, I would think. Maybe at a $479 price point? (for the 7"), and $649 for the 8.9"???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Plex on my home machine and stream the movies to my kindle that way I dont have to chew up space.
But does that work with Amazon content? That is the question. I use PS3 Media Server on my PC to stream my Legally Ripped Bluray movies over the network to my dlna enabled PS3 Bluray player and my android devices via skifta.
cdub50 said:
I use Plex on my home machine and stream the movies to my kindle that way I dont have to chew up space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine if I have a Wi-Fi connection, but the whole purpose for downloading content is for those times when Wi-Fi is unavailable, or spotty.

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