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Hey Nexus 7 peeps!
Santa Claus brought my kids (7 & 8yrs old) N7 tablets for Christmas. I've been researching alternatives for locking them down, and haven't found anything (yet) that really meets the needs. For reference, I've setup the kids Windows 7 PC with Microsoft Family Safety & Security & about a thousand group policies. Given all that I have no worries right now leaving them with the PC with minimal supervision. They use chrome and I have it setup to use the Microsoft FSS site to do any websearches they do.
So.. I'd like to do something similar with their tablets. I have about 3 days before they come back from their grandparents house to get these things configured. I'm currently setup as the "owner" and my kids have their own users setup. For the moment, they are hooked up to my google account. I'm not adverse to changing that, but want to figure out what the options are first.
Heres my thoughts on what they should have:
Chrome, only if I can put some kind of filtering on. Not opposed to OpenDNS (router is setup with DD-WRT already). I'm not obsessed with allowing chrome (or web browser access) right now.
Play store hidden or disabled. I've required a pin for purchase & in-game purchase, which is fine for now but not ideal.
Google now/etc fine if some parental controls can be added.
Email available only to/from people on parent managed contact list, or disabled completely.
Prefer to have a launcher that has a subset of all available apps, and perhaps drawer restrictions/etc
I'm totally not opposed to rooting or whatever would help with this, or even installing CM10 or something if it would help.
I feel like I must be missing something. All of this seems so very basic to me, yet I've not yet found what I'm looking for. There must be other people who got N7s for kids, and want to have a little bit of parental control over whats going on here. I'm looking for recommendations on how to proceed.
Thanks in advance, appreciate any advice offered.
-Blu
http://www.wikihow.com/Block-Porn-on-Android
This is to get you started, I haven't done much other research.
check out this post of mine: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35197028&postcount=2
OP was asking whether create a separate account for her daughter or not.
And answers to your specific questions:
- Chrome doesn't support any plugins, there are system-wide apps that filter content (probably root required)
- disable it with link2sd or any app that handles apps, nova launcher (and many others) can hide apps from app drawer, its still there, just not in the drawer. (though with filtering, i dont know why you would disable play store, with no credit card its harmless)
- I don't really understand what you mean, but google search does have filtering.
- either remove gmail/email completely, or filter emails in gmail filter settings (sth like anything not from dad, mom, relatives, directly remove. Can be done with no problems, the same way you would handle labels in gmail)
- any aftermarket launcher pretty much. check nova, apex (those are built on stock ics/jb launchers) both enable to hide apps from drawer, but everything can be reset with some tinkering. Google for some kid launchers or sth, I'm sure there is stuff.
I think you're panicking too much to be honest. Its not a gsm device, it doesnt send txts, so you will not get a 100$ bill at the end of the month, apps in play store are safe with filtering (I'm pretty sure you can lock that too), and if they're not tech savvy they shouldn't find their way around your little tricks, but don't underestimate them, kids are very smart, and just may surpass you sooner then you know.
If you have to set so many restrictions on devices, you shouldn't have gotten them in the first place, rather get nintendo DS or PSP.
Awesome, thanks for the advice. I'm looking through your recommendations now. This is my first experience with "Real" jellybean.... I've been using a seriously hacked CM10 for my Droid X2. So this is the first time I've had the opportunity do deal with mutliple users. The cool thing I've found is that apps can be disabled per-user, which makes things a lot easier. Many of the apps that I dont really want them to have, I've just disabled and all seems to be well. I signed them both up with their own Gmail accounts, and I'll monitor that on my own.
My kids are definitely tech savvy, I'm an application developer & generally a white-hat hacker; some of that has rubbed off on them. I think everything is cool now, your point about the google store w/o credit card is totally valid, and I hadn't even considered that. Given that, I've setup restrictions on content from store, content in chrome, and content in youtube. I still want to do a little research on content control in Chrome (plus it will give me a valid excuse to root it, everydamnthing in my house needs to be hacked in some way :good
It may well be that I've panicked too much. Its just that the windows setup is so completely perfect, that I'd like it to be on par. I trust my kids, but only so far. My elder has a form of autism that complicates discussions about what to/not to do.
Appreciate your recommendations!
-Blu
Quite sure the play store got an update recently that requires the account password when attempting to buy any pay apps. It does on mine here anyway. just checked my sons stock tablet and it looks like Google have finally got their act together and are using server side authentication for purchases.
Oh and if you do get the tablets rooted this little program is a must
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fivehellions.android.muappshare
Allows you to share and control apps between user accounts on same tablet. I use it to let my son play my paid games whilst restricting him from using my account.
Cheers Danny
I know that go launcher allows you to hide apps, and you can use a password program to restrict access to the go launcher settings. Just my 2¢.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Thanks for the appshare. That is brilliant. Haven't used it yet, but I'm certain I will. Both are now rooted w/ CWM installed. For now I'm going to leave them with stock browser.... at 7 & 8 they're not yet actively searching for things they shouldnt be. I'll address that as it comes, but I'm way glad I rooted them now, as unlocking kills user data.
My wife is an Apple junkie (yes, yes, you can save the comments) but even she was impressed with the 4.2 ability to switch users, a feature starkly missing from iThings. I explained that it was a decision brought down by the Ghost Of Steve Jobs, and not an oversight.
End of the day... getting very close to having them configured properly, and none too soon. The kidlets return tomorrow afternoon from grandparents....
-Blu
toidimaet said:
Quite sure the play store got an update recently that requires the account password when attempting to buy any pay apps. It does on mine here anyway. just checked my sons stock tablet and it looks like Google have finally got their act together and are using server side authentication for purchases.
Oh and if you do get the tablets rooted this little program is a must
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fivehellions.android.muappshare
Allows you to share and control apps between user accounts on same tablet. I use it to let my son play my paid games whilst restricting him from using my account.
Cheers Danny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only does that when I try to use my play credit. If I use a credit card, it doesn't prompt me
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
XxSHaDoWxSLaYeRxX said:
It only does that when I try to use my play credit. If I use a credit card, it doesn't prompt me
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I am using a debit card in the UK. It could be a card type thing or even a country thing.
Sorry it took me so long to post and you have set up the tablet, but here's what i did for my daughter's N7:
I set her up with her own Gmail account. Rooted and unlocked the N7 and set it up as hers.
I added her account to my N7 so i can see activity etc. Case, screen protector and stylus.
APPS:
Adfree of course
Avast! In case it is ever lost, & some nice anti virus etc
Smart App Protector - password protect any app....so although I got her her own email address, she can't read, or send email without password...you can lock down the browser too, which I did, because she has games with links that will open a browser. THIS app is awesome.
Parent Dashboard, because it has some fun videos and apps -
I toyed with this being her desktop for a bit but too restrictive - I do like the ability to send her video messages (shared custody).
Skype so we can video chat (only for contacts, natch).
I don't have a credit card attached to her account, but if she wants to buy, I can do a couple things...add it on my N7, buy add to her wishlist them she can d/l on her. Our i can add cc and buy on hers and remove cc.
I think that's about everything and let her go to town.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I get why we've ended up with this issue of so many games and apps not being compatible, but is getting the manifests updated really the ONLY way to solve this?
There are plenty of other devices - android sticks in particular - which don't have touch screens either, and yet they have access to far more games and apps on Google Play. I assume they're claiming they do actually have a touchscreen.
Is there a simple way to tell if they are doing this? Is there really a good reason why we can't just have a software update for the MOJO so that it does then look to the Google Play store as if it has a touch screen? That would really solve this problem instantly.
woozle said:
I get why we've ended up with this issue of so many games and apps not being compatible, but is getting the manifests updated really the ONLY way to solve this?
There are plenty of other devices - android sticks in particular - which don't have touch screens either, and yet they have access to far more games and apps on Google Play. I assume they're claiming they do actually have a touchscreen.
Is there a simple way to tell if they are doing this? Is there really a good reason why we can't just have a software update for the MOJO so that it does then look to the Google Play store as if it has a touch screen? That would really solve this problem instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mad Catz have to work on it really fast or the mojo gonna go into a trash !!!!!
yes they are a lot a very lot of game that are not compatible and the only way to make it work is to use tincore keymapper but the app require root !!!
i love this device but i'm really disgusting of the mad catz work
Or they could just release a way to root the mojo, which will allow us to apply a 30 seconds fix and then install anything directly from the play store (and hide those damn navigation buttons)
I still have 3 days before my return period expires and I'm strongly tempted to do it.
paulatz said:
Or they could just release a way to root the mojo, which will allow us to apply a 30 seconds fix and then install anything directly from the play store (and hide those damn navigation buttons)
I still have 3 days before my return period expires and I'm strongly tempted to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes root is the solution for everything on this thing
Is a MCZ staff member who know how to root it ???
Dead-neM said:
Yes root is the solution for everything on this thing
Is a MCZ staff member who know how to root it ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be AN answer, but it's not the answer. I don't want to root my device, thanks, and I shouldn't have to.
If we get root, we can fix all the issues in minutes. Seriously, that's the only thing holding the MOJO back from being perfect for me. If I had root, I would fake my device, download all the apps I've spent hundreds on, use tincore, and just have fun playing....Like I thought I would be able to do out of the box.
However, if I wasn't knowledgeable about root or familiar with Android....I would have already returned the system as broken. I still have until Tuesday, next week, to make that decision.
Best course of action for MadCatz is to ship these pre-rooted and have a HUGE update and make HUGE announcements and do some HUGE advertising.....Otherwise, I'm really afraid the MOJO will flop in a HUGE way.
Lets just pretend we're all the BETA testers.....Real release to general public hasn't happened yet.
That sort of makes me feel good, but I still think everyone with a current firmware edition MOJO should get a Google Giftcard for all the stress and trouble we've had.....as BETA testers. HA!
ExtremeRyno said:
Best course of action for MadCatz is to ship these pre-rooted and have a HUGE update and make HUGE announcements and do some HUGE advertising.....Otherwise, I'm really afraid the MOJO will flop in a HUGE way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right... name a company that sells android products rooted? As in a 'proper' company.
There's a reason why they don't, and fixing this shouldn't take root. If you want root, fine, but that's a different point.
I'd still like someone to answer my question about why other similar devices DON'T have the touchscreen issue.
woozle said:
Right... name a company that sells android products rooted? As in a 'proper' company.
There's a reason why they don't, and fixing this shouldn't take root. If you want root, fine, but that's a different point.
I'd still like someone to answer my question about why other similar devices DON'T have the touchscreen issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact it's explain by Mad Catz that the most of app have a line code who look like that "device.have.touchscreen=True"
And inside mojo there is nothing tell the google play or app that the device have a screen so you can't see them
The other device (tv box, chinese thing) probably fake a hd screen into the system
woozle said:
Right... name a company that sells android products rooted? As in a 'proper' company.
There's a reason why they don't, and fixing this shouldn't take root. If you want root, fine, but that's a different point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I get what you're saying...The MOJO should just WORK the way it was advertised. Fixing it shouldn't take root, you are 110% correct.
However, I believe one of the selling points of the MOJO was that it is supposed to be (as implied by MadCatz on various occasions) unlocked, open, and hackable.
As for the touchscreen issue, MadCatz has stated something along the lines of releasing all their specs to Google so the MOJO is a Google Certified device, or some such, which I assume includes that the MOJO doesn't have a screen. Plus, what Dead-neM mentioned.
ExtremeRyno said:
No, I get what you're saying...The MOJO should just WORK the way it was advertised. Fixing it shouldn't take root, you are 110% correct.
However, I believe one of the selling points of the MOJO was that it is supposed to be (as implied by MadCatz on various occasions) unlocked, open, and hackable.
As for the touchscreen issue, MadCatz has stated something along the lines of releasing all their specs to Google so the MOJO is a Google Certified device, or some such, which I assume includes that the MOJO doesn't have a screen. Plus, what Dead-neM mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and I already said that in my original post. And my point was why can't Madcatz do that too? There are plenty of Google certified devices that don't have this problem, so I assume Madcatz haven't tried.
woozle said:
Yes, and I already said that in my original post. And my point was why can't Madcatz do that too? There are plenty of Google certified devices that don't have this problem, so I assume Madcatz haven't tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep it's look like they made a noob style console
I just noticed that not even the games in the tegra store, which are explicitly marked as "controller" are not installable. seriously, this is a scam pure and simple. you cannot commercialise something as having access to the entire play store, and then it only support 5 apps out of several millions. even my old Nokia has more games than that s supposed console.
release an official root NOW and it may be saved, still overpriced for an unfinished piece of cheap crap, but at least working. at th moment it's just a glorified dolphin browser set-top box
To do things officially and properly we have to run M.O.J.O. through Google's certification processes, which means we can't claim we have a touchscreen in order to get around the content filtering on the Play store - the CTS test procedure will include tests for every hardware feature you declare and include actual tests for each component. If we declare we have a touchscreen then it will attempt to display an image on said touchscreen and expect some human interaction to confirm it's working. Clearly that will fail at that point and things could go no further.
There are plenty of the controller enabled games in Tegrazone that work fine (and more besides - check the list of games on mojo.madcatz.com). Of those that aren't, both Nvidia and Google are working with developers to change things on top of the efforts that we've been making. Seriously, you will see more and more titles being updated to include support over the coming weeks and months, plus other updates from us that I can't reveal right now.
In the meantime, if you see an app that you think you want on M.O.J.O. then tell the developer and us - we have an email address for this very purpose and it's in the manual - gamesupportrequest[at]madcatz[dot]com.
This is a new category of Android product and support for it is only going to increase this year so keep watching and we'll make sure we keep you all updated with anything new that occurs.
Mad Catz Rich said:
To do things officially and properly we have to run M.O.J.O. through Google's certification processes, which means we can't claim we have a touchscreen in order to get around the content filtering on the Play store - the CTS test procedure will include tests for every hardware feature you declare and include actual tests for each component. If we declare we have a touchscreen then it will attempt to display an image on said touchscreen and expect some human interaction to confirm it's working. Clearly that will fail at that point and things could go no further.
There are plenty of the controller enabled games in Tegrazone that work fine (and more besides - check the list of games on mojo.madcatz.com). Of those that aren't, both Nvidia and Google are working with developers to change things on top of the efforts that we've been making. Seriously, you will see more and more titles being updated to include support over the coming weeks and months, plus other updates from us that I can't reveal right now.
In the meantime, if you see an app that you think you want on M.O.J.O. then tell the developer and us - we have an email address for this very purpose and it's in the manual - gamesupportrequest[at]madcatz[dot]com.
This is a new category of Android product and support for it is only going to increase this year so keep watching and we'll make sure we keep you all updated with anything new that occurs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok if you go into this way i think you will got into the wall !! I'm sorry to say that but nobody is happy by the mojo on this forum list of app that are compatible is ridiculus!; come on guys listen to us
Make a tool to root the mojo or a big update in the month and let the fan service do their job until you see your mistake !! dam
Mad Catz Rich said:
To do things officially and properly we have to run M.O.J.O. through Google's certification processes, which means we can't claim we have a touchscreen in order to get around the content filtering on the Play store - the CTS test procedure will include tests for every hardware feature you declare and include actual tests for each component. If we declare we have a touchscreen then it will attempt to display an image on said touchscreen and expect some human interaction to confirm it's working. Clearly that will fail at that point and things could go no further.
In the meantime, if you see an app that you think you want on M.O.J.O. then tell the developer and us - we have an email address for this very purpose and it's in the manual - gamesupportrequest[at]madcatz[dot]com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you couldn't respond to that test with mouse input or the controller then? isn't that the point? surely the other methods of input are meant to cover this. You say this yourself in all your marketing blurb - you specifically use the example of Angry Birds and say the controller achieves this.
As for what apps - ok, all of them then? seriously, as the other guys have said, that's not workable. I won't know what app I want until I've tried it. That's HOW this works. Some people not even have other devices - weird as that might sound - and if they can't use an app on MOJO they won't.
The product is OUT now. I just saw it on the shelf in Selfridges. People aren't going to expect to have to wait weeks or months to use apps that they can already use on all their other android devices. Seriously, I've held back so far but I AM hugely disappointed that this is in such a bad state. I've sideloaded some apps, but there are just so many - all the protected apps, and I've bought loads of them on my other devices - that I just can't do that with.
I've used AppMonster to rip a large number of protected apps to sideload to the MOJO. It's inconvenient, but it works. Most of them give me an initial "License Check Failed" the first time I load. I open Google Play, and that clears up.....most of the time. The apps I was unable to get to pass the license check, even after loading up the Play store, I was able to use by selecting the app from "My Apps" and using the "OPEN" button within the Play app. That's the only way I can get PPSSPP and FPSE to properly run.
ExtremeRyno said:
I've used AppMonster to rip a large number of protected apps to sideload to the MOJO. It's inconvenient, but it works. Most of them give me an initial "License Check Failed" the first time I load. I open Google Play, and that clears up.....most of the time. The apps I was unable to get to pass the license check, even after loading up the Play store, I was able to use by selecting the app from "My Apps" and using the "OPEN" button within the Play app. That's the only way I can get PPSSPP and FPSE to properly run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But FPSE is available on Google Play for the MOJO, and loads without issues, so I'm not sure what you mean...
With FPSE, I kept getting license errors (and yes, I downloaded directly from Play to the MOJO) but had to open through the Google Play store. Other apps, such as Horn and Paper Monsters which I sideloaded required opening the Play store before I was able to use the games.
ExtremeRyno said:
With FPSE, I kept getting license errors (and yes, I downloaded directly from Play to the MOJO) but had to open through the Google Play store. Other apps, such as Horn and Paper Monsters which I sideloaded required opening the Play store before I was able to use the games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, and there is actually some quirk with Google Play anyway - Riptide 2 refuses to do cloudsaving, insists it needs an update to Google Play Services. Indeed, the version of Google Play Services on there is far from the latest, but I don't know how to force it to update - a number of the Google Play components are older... none of which is likely to be helping.
woozle said:
Hm, and there is actually some quirk with Google Play anyway - Riptide 2 refuses to do cloudsaving, insists it needs an update to Google Play Services. Indeed, the version of Google Play Services on there is far from the latest, but I don't know how to force it to update - a number of the Google Play components are older... none of which is likely to be helping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi yes the reason is the google play services said is the latedt version but is not search on xda for the real latest
Hello guys
EDIT: I have to mention that for some reason it seems Amazon has managed to bypass whatever cleverness Genesis Addon uses to give access to all the movies you want to see... so for people wanting to use FireTV as an XBMC box to watch movies (illegally) you will have big challenges. They have locked it down... so you'd have to try use proxy servers, virtual networks etc to get around that... but it is nowhere near as easy to use as a good Android TV box like the Tronsmart s89.
Having used it for about two hours, I've concluded the device is great if all you want to do is to watch Amazon prime video or netflix... but to run most other android apps, it is simply an awful experience. , these are a few of my least favourite things:
1/ Apps you sideload are not visible on the home screen. It takes you 19 (NINETEEN!!!) clicks to get from HOME to the list of apps you can "manage". From there you click more to scroll down to your app of choice and click to select it then click to load it.
2/ you cannot use the remote for inputting text via voice within an app, so in XBMC if you want to enter "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", you cannot do a voice search, so all input is very clunky.
3/ if you use a usb wireless keyboard/trackpad like the Logitech k400r (superb on an android box) you are limited to what keyboard commands the amazon stranglehold will allow
4/ xbmc is not listed as a recent app. If you press HOME by mistake, it is approximately 35 (THIRTY FIVE) clicks to get back to xbmc (more if you have sideloaded more than 13 apps... which makes me hesitant to sideload any more!) Alt-TAB works on the wireless keyboard to get back to the last app, but XBMC is not listed there - as it is on generic android tv boxes.
5/ on spotify, you cannot use just the remote, pressing Down does not take you to the next song, left and right do not navigate menus etc... so you have to use another device... the Logitech k400r is great, but again, you cannot do everything with that even... down arrow does not move to next songs, there are no keyboard shortcuts to move to the next song etc.
6/ TennisTV android app does not work at all... works on all my android phones, devices, tablets. This seems to be a common theme, extremely poor app support.
7/ apps added to your apps on Amazon.co.uk online do not (mostly) show up on your device after you have "synced amazon content" . Looking for apps on the device in the amazon store is a mystery, voice search does not work... so is one expected to BROWSE the whole library with the remote to find apps you want? Wow.
7/ Go online to get apps for Fire TV and Amazon says: no TED no IMDB no Wikipedia no ES File explorer no Facebook no Ebay no Google apps of any kind, no Dolphin or Chrome, no Box, no Dropbox, no Evernote no BBC Sport, no TVCatchup... the list goes on and on... pretty dismal IMO.
There is probably a LOT more, but Amazon have successfully strangled and suffocated a very nice bit of hardware. The interface is good, the fluidity is excellent... and for xbmc it is great but also censored by Amazon... but if you are used to a generic android tv box like the tronsmart vega s89, the FireTV does not come close, because what you can do with it is extremely limited. The cheap chinese android tv boxes in my lounge and bedroom are going to stay put, I cannot live with this FireTV. Buy this unit if you want a very good Amazon Prime Video / netflix box for £80... but if you want more than that, stay away.
Mark.
fredphoesh said:
Hello guys
Having used it for about two hours, I've concluded the device is great as an XBMC-only box an/or if you watch Amazon prime video or netflix... but to run most other android apps, it is simply an awful experience. , these are a few of my least favourite things:
1/ Apps you sideload are not visible on the home screen. It takes you 19 (NINETEEN!!!) clicks to get from HOME to the list of apps you can "manage". From there you click more to scroll down to your app of choice and click to select it then click to load it.
2/ you cannot use the remote for inputting text via voice within an app, so in XBMC if you want to enter "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", you cannot do a voice search, so all input is very clunky.
3/ if you use a usb wireless keyboard/trackpad like the Logitech k400r (superb on an android box) you are limited to what keyboard commands the amazon stranglehold will allow
4/ xbmc is not listed as a recent app. If you press HOME by mistake, it is approximately 35 (THIRTY FIVE) clicks to get back to xbmc (more if you have sideloaded more than 13 apps... which makes me hesitant to sideload any more!) Alt-TAB works on the wireless keyboard to get back to the last app, but XBMC is not listed there - as it is on generic android tv boxes.
5/ on spotify, you cannot use just the remote, pressing Down does not take you to the next song, left and right do not navigate menus etc... so you have to use another device... the Logitech k400r is great, but again, you cannot do everything with that even... down arrow does not move to next songs, there are no keyboard shortcuts to move to the next song etc.
6/ TennisTV android app does not work at all... works on all my android phones, devices, tablets. This seems to be a common theme, extremely poor app support.
7/ apps added to your apps on Amazon.co.uk online do not (mostly) show up on your device after you have "synced amazon content" . Looking for apps on the device in the amazon store is a mystery, voice search does not work... so is one expected to BROWSE the whole library with the remote to find apps you want? Wow.
7/ Go online to get apps for Fire TV and Amazon says: no TED no IMDB no Wikipedia no ES File explorer no Facebook no Ebay no Google apps of any kind, no Dolphin or Chrome, no Box, no Dropbox, no Evernote no BBC Sport, no TVCatchup... the list goes on and on... pretty dismal IMO.
There is probably a LOT more, but Amazon have successfully strangled and suffocated a very nice bit of hardware. The interface is good, the fluidity is excellent... and for xbmc it is great... but if you are used to a generic android tv box like the tronsmart vega s89, this does not come close, because what you can do with it is extremely limited. The cheap chinese android tv boxes in my lounge and bedroom are going to stay put, I cannot live with this FireTV. Buy this unit if you want a very good xbmc box for £80... but if you want more than that, stay away.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i picked one up last night, my impressions:
the UI is horrendous. ever review i read complimented the UI, but, nothing i want to use (plex) is easy to get to from the homescreen. have to scroll down, then over, etc. finding new apps, movies and tv shows is also difficult. i wish amazon allowed us to alter the homescreen to customize it to how we want it.
plex on firetv, again, the ui is just... just... i don't know, i don't use on deck, or que, or whatever. i have to scroll over, then down to get to what i want. again, i wish plex gave us more opportunity to customize how our splash screen is setup.
otherwise, i like the prime video on demand. this is the first time we have subscribed to an on demand stream service, having the content there, my kids like that there's spongebob and other nick shows. otherwise, our last 3 years of cord cutting has been handled through a rather extensive HTPC that i built running XBMC, sickbeard, couch potato and plex. i picked up the firetv to replace this unit because i'm tired of maintaining it.
fredphoesh said:
Hello guys
Having used it for about two hours, I've concluded the device is great as an XBMC-only box an/or if you watch Amazon prime video or netflix... but to run most other android apps, it is simply an awful experience. , these are a few of my least favourite things:
1/ Apps you sideload are not visible on the home screen. It takes you 19 (NINETEEN!!!) clicks to get from HOME to the list of apps you can "manage". From there you click more to scroll down to your app of choice and click to select it then click to load it.
2/ you cannot use the remote for inputting text via voice within an app, so in XBMC if you want to enter "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", you cannot do a voice search, so all input is very clunky.
3/ if you use a usb wireless keyboard/trackpad like the Logitech k400r (superb on an android box) you are limited to what keyboard commands the amazon stranglehold will allow
4/ xbmc is not listed as a recent app. If you press HOME by mistake, it is approximately 35 (THIRTY FIVE) clicks to get back to xbmc (more if you have sideloaded more than 13 apps... which makes me hesitant to sideload any more!) Alt-TAB works on the wireless keyboard to get back to the last app, but XBMC is not listed there - as it is on generic android tv boxes.
5/ on spotify, you cannot use just the remote, pressing Down does not take you to the next song, left and right do not navigate menus etc... so you have to use another device... the Logitech k400r is great, but again, you cannot do everything with that even... down arrow does not move to next songs, there are no keyboard shortcuts to move to the next song etc.
6/ TennisTV android app does not work at all... works on all my android phones, devices, tablets. This seems to be a common theme, extremely poor app support.
7/ apps added to your apps on Amazon.co.uk online do not (mostly) show up on your device after you have "synced amazon content" . Looking for apps on the device in the amazon store is a mystery, voice search does not work... so is one expected to BROWSE the whole library with the remote to find apps you want? Wow.
7/ Go online to get apps for Fire TV and Amazon says: no TED no IMDB no Wikipedia no ES File explorer no Facebook no Ebay no Google apps of any kind, no Dolphin or Chrome, no Box, no Dropbox, no Evernote no BBC Sport, no TVCatchup... the list goes on and on... pretty dismal IMO.
There is probably a LOT more, but Amazon have successfully strangled and suffocated a very nice bit of hardware. The interface is good, the fluidity is excellent... and for xbmc it is great... but if you are used to a generic android tv box like the tronsmart vega s89, this does not come close, because what you can do with it is extremely limited. The cheap chinese android tv boxes in my lounge and bedroom are going to stay put, I cannot live with this FireTV. Buy this unit if you want a very good xbmc box for £80... but if you want more than that, stay away.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use something called llama to create a shortcut to the homescreen (so to speak) of all side loaded apps and this is well documented on these forums.
Got my FTV at work so will give it a go when I get home to see if the list of apps is as bad as you say and if so will just use an amazon USA account.
Has anyone tried sideloading the prime video app on one of the tron boxes? They're interesting looking boxes.
As far as the UI goes: if you're able to root your system, you can set it to use xbmc as the launcher and only drop into the Amazon side when you want to watch prime video.
I don't mind the UI too much, either in xbmc or from Amazon, as I have low expectations for what a UI for a TV should be.
It's nice to see that if this dies, there may be other fairly competitive boxes which I can get Netflix and Prime on as well as xbmc.
roustabout said:
Has anyone tried sideloading the prime video app on one of the tron boxes? They're interesting looking boxes..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Actually there was a recent change by Amazon, making the Prime Video app (supposedly) work with Android, but AFAIK it has not been achieved yet. When I tried last a couple of months ago, it would look like it was going to play, then crash. See the thread on Freaktab:
http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?17026-Amazon-Instant-Video
Mark.
fredphoesh said:
Hi
Actually there was a recent change by Amazon, making the Prime Video app (supposedly) work with Android, but AFAIK it has not been achieved yet. When I tried last a couple of months ago, it would look like it was going to play, then crash. See the thread on Freaktab:
http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?17026-Amazon-Instant-Video
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon video works on my phone and tablet pretty well. I did need to sideload the app from my phone to my tablet, but once I did so it was good.
I wonder if some of the issue being described in the thread above is like the one that some folks have with xbmc on the fire: XBMC won't 'let go' of the video hardware easily, so launching a video app from within the Android Apps menu of XBMC results in video not playing. I deal with it by killing XBMC once firetv launcher or netflix are running.
fredphoesh couldn*t summarize it any better. The hardware is great but the software does indeed cripple and limit the use beyong anything. This device is entirely made to only exist in the Amazon world and makes you buy Apps from their own App store and pay for instant video. Nothing else should and could be done with it flawless. See how hard the locked it. Unfortunately there are some more examples of locked down hardware in past time: Apple TV 3rd gen, Surface RT & 2 etc.
Thats why I put this useless brick on ebay as long as people go crazy for it - for whatever reason I don't know. For the same money you can get a very decent Android Box without and restrictions and full root access!
sebr said:
Thats why I put this useless brick on ebay as long as people go crazy for it - for whatever reason I don't know. For the same money you can get a very decent Android Box without and restrictions and full root access!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem that a decent Android box alternative, with the possible exception being the new Android TV, is they do not get Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu type apps to go along with XBMC. This is the very reason why people are going crazy for it. It is nice to have everything I need and that Amazon provides it all in one OTT box.
Might take a bit of effort but if you set it up right the fire TV can work very well. Mine is being used not only as an XBMC box but also as my download center and NAS. Couldn't be happier with it.
Nedle said:
Might take a bit of effort but if you set it up right the fire TV can work very well. Mine is being used not only as an XBMC box but also as my download center and NAS. Couldn't be happier with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am guessing rooted. The problems is that the folks doing the reviews now have never had the option to root. UK & GER shipped with rooting blocked.
Clearly out of the box the AFTV is not the most open/flexible experience. It is really easy to mod though. Root, install custom recovery, flash latest rooted rom, install Xposed (Fire TV Mods), alternate launcher, Google framework/play store and it's a completely different experience.
It is fine to complain, or give a bad review about a stock interface, but not here. XDA is a modding/tweaking community, I don't know why you are giving a review on a stock rom's nearly out of the box interface. A bit of work and most (if not all) of your complains are moot.
At least look around first to see if there are solutions to your complaints before just whining about them. :laugh:
Don't count this box out yet...now that someone has the ability to write custom kernels and we have a custom recovery I can only hope someone brings out an amazing AOSP build for the box or someone is quick to port over Android TV to it. Unfortunately I am not one of those capable of but would donate
goggles99 said:
Clearly out of the box the AFTV is not the most open/flexible experience. It is really easy to mod though. Root, install custom recovery, flash latest rooted rom, install Xposed (Fire TV Mods), alternate launcher, Google framework/play store and it's a completely different experience.
It is fine to complain, or give a bad review about a stock interface, but not here. XDA is a modding/tweaking community, I don't know why you are giving a review on a stock rom's nearly out of the box interface. A bit of work and most (if not all) of your complains are moot.
At least look around first to see if there are solutions to your complaints before just whining about them. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you have not read much of what's being said about the newest Firetv boxes... Unrootable and heavily censored blocking movie streaming sites on xbmc, and dismally poor app support too.
As it is now, it is useful for two things only, Amazon prime video and netflix... Neither of which I want or need.
fredphoesh said:
Perhaps you have not read much of what's being said about the newest Firetv boxes... Unrootable and heavily censored blocking movie streaming sites on xbmc, and dismally poor app support too.
As it is now, it is useful for two things only, Amazon prime video and netflix... Neither of which I want or need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was this confirmed outside of just one person's experience?
Also, devices get updates that prevent root all the time. Often, the devs figure out a way to root them. I'm waiting on my Fire TV I ordered from eBay, hoping it's rootable. But even if not XBMC and Netflix is all I really wanted it for anyway (and not to use the crappy streaming add-ons but my own collection)
If Android TV is somehow ported to the Fire, then this box will become a great device. Right now it's worth the 100 bux alone just to play around with imo.
fredphoesh said:
Perhaps you have not read much of what's being said about the newest Firetv boxes... Unrootable and heavily censored blocking movie streaming sites on xbmc, and dismally poor app support too.
As it is now, it is useful for two things only, Amazon prime video and netflix... Neither of which I want or need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think your having more of an "operator error" than anything.. amazon isnt messing with xbmc. The fireTV has been working fine for everyone else for like 6 months now. if you dont like it send it backm sucks theres no root for UK people yet.. but no need to whine about it on here..
From a new UK Fire TV user - I totally agree "DISMAL EXPERIANCE" :¬(
Spent a lot of money on Plex only to find it has to use fire tv sdk and so no 5.1 DD surround sound over HDMI - if you have MKV content :¬(
I can sideload xbmc which works! and is the reason why it cant be on the amazon store - But I cant find a skin that is nearly as nice as plex)
Blocking root is way annoying too
I sideload'ed chrome and firefox and they seem to have patched it so that the remote does not work - nice one fire tv peeps (the browser in ES file manager works better - grr)
Sometimes I think they try to PISS people off on purpose
guess it makes them chuckle all the way to bank
at least it only cost 49£ so im going to ritually destroy it and jump up and down on it till I get blisters
AND also bye bye amazon prime!
Did anybody do any research before pre-ordering & before & after the German launch (around 9/16/2014) to know what to expect. The majority if not all of this "issues" where known weeks or a month ago.... And some of this are not real issues at all. Like demanding not promise features. Or "operator error" issues... There is usually a FW update shortly after a launch to deal with true issues that arise from it. So be on the lookout for one.
fredphoesh said:
Perhaps you have not read much of what's being said about the newest Firetv boxes... Unrootable and heavily censored blocking movie streaming sites on xbmc, and dismally poor app support too.
As it is now, it is useful for two things only, Amazon prime video and netflix... Neither of which I want or need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I can see, you are the only one to have experienced this. Perhaps the dns servers for these sites are being recently blocked by your UK ISP (Your other devices may have the dns entries cached for a while). In any case, one person having this problem is not much proof of this, thus is hearsay.
Why go on a long tirade when your real complaint is that you cannot obtain root? Why post a non-modded devices shortcomings on a modding site that has solutions to all but one of your problems? join one of the other "rant because I can't root" threads.
goggles99 said:
Why go on a long tirade when your real complaint is that you cannot obtain root? Why post a non-modded devices shortcomings on a modding site that has solutions to all but one of your problems? join one of the other "rant because I can't root" threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually i dont care about root
i want to have the apps I can have on my android tv working on this box.
they dont
it is a giant fail largely due to facist isp's in the UK and control freakery by amazon.
fredphoesh said:
actually i dont care about root
i want to have the apps I can have on my android tv working on this box.
they dont.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do for me
fredphoesh said:
it is a giant fail largely due to facist isp's in the UK and control freakery by amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong forum/web site then. This is what I have been saying all along.
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
TheGeeZus said:
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, i rooted mine because i really needed to have expandable storage. So i rooted for chainfires stickmount. So i could have all my movies on my external hard drive run through xbmc natively.
↑This!↑
I have not rooted mine but if i do it will be for the ex-storage as well.. i am at the point of not storing a lot of movies because they are almost all online for a fee or free if you go that way.. We watch a movie once or twice and that is the end of it.. So to add to your debate i don't at this point see why you would root this device.
Would like a reboot function..
Im sure someone will come up with some nice ways to use root.. give them a week or so lol..
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing). My daughters now have immediate access to over twenty very large installed games so far thanks to folder mount. I also store all my kodi fanart, cover art, cd art, etc on the external as it takes up so much space internally for my large media collection that kodi accesses from my nas.
There will be future uses for root as well, of course (there always is), but these were my immediate needs.
Elrondolio said:
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
kaess said:
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Elrondolio said:
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last thing you said is exactly why I am resisting the temptation.
I am being fair with the fact that this is the first face of Android Tv and there is yet more to see and I am faithful that most feature that needs root for now, Google might have something on their sleeves, but they are waiting to see how many Nexus Player gets sold, specially after the holidays.
My mom and my step-dad were impressed with the Nexus Player so great, that my step-dad sold me the Google Chromecast as he wanted to have an experience on his own and he really didn't find the Cast environment hard but he liked the more controlled environment of the Nexus Player, so we are buying a second one for me and I will let him take the first one after the second arrives.
I think that is another example that rooting (again, my exception is that a proven restart method gets developed) for now is not needed in base of a normal usage and still haven't got the problem of storage (yet, I know the day will come).
or even better in designated folders.. as far as I understand, this can be done after rooting right? but I'd rather not go down that route (at least atm) as I haven't a clue what I'm doing & the methods I've seen for the Shield TV are a little complicated for me (is there an automated method?)
Advice would be appreciated.
If you want to use the LeanBack (default) launcher you have to download SideLoad Launcher from the play store, otherwise you can flash Zulu99's ROM that gives you the default Android experience.
Agreed. I want to root my Android TV, but every thread I read is a little different, and since I don't have much experience doing it, I don't even know where to start. I'd rather wait until I've understood the process better before taking a chance at bricking my console.
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
Rolldog said:
I'd like to flash Steele01's Cyanogenmod 12.1 and use the twrp multi-rom, but from what I've seen, he's still working out a lot of kinks with the console since it's different from the Shield tablet.
If it wasn't for ES Explorer, I'd really be limited. At least I've been able to install Amazon Prime Instant Video and some other apps using their apk files. As far as the launcher inside of a launcher, are you referring to the crappy Sideload Launcher that's available through Leanback Launcher's play store? I saw the full Android mod for the Android TV, and it looks awesome. It looks exactly like you would expect any Android product to look. This whole Leanback Launcher is very disappointing. I feel like someone enabled Kid's mode on their tablet or something. I guess I'm thinking too much into this, and I should just go ahead and do it. Like you said, I could always go back to stock recovery, which from what I understand will need to be done anyway to receive any further updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend trying it out with a cestom rom, as long as you are willing to unlock. I have since gone back to stock after trying both as I needed/wanted 2 features. The streaming button (there is a paid alternative) and the headphones on the controller. Keep in mind you also give up wireless controller, hence the headphones, by going to other roms. I use a monitor, and without a USB DAC I don't have sound if I give up wireless. I have simply settled for running 2 sidebar launchers, and it's working great for me. Also, Market Helper is good as it'll tell the play store (web version) that you are using a Nexus 7, ect, and can install most apps that way easily without having to sidelead everything. It'll also handle auto-updates ironicly ,ith stock play store app. Hopefully that'll help you decide. Please let us know what you did and why as we as a community like to know users needs. If you get stuck at any part of the process, please PM me or ask on the forums. We'd be glad to help with anything!
I don't have any problems with unlocking it, I, like you, just want to be sure I don't lose any features of the Shield. Losing game streaming and the wireless controller sound like a deal breaker. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone fixes these issues in a custom ROM. The wireless controller is configured using WiFi Direct. Even on Nvidia's website, they're all for people rooting their device and customizing it the way people want. One guy, who works for Nvidia was saying that they're definitely not against people rooting it because once someone buys it, they're willing to do whatever they want with it. So hopefully, we'll see Nvidia release more info to help people develop custom ROMs without losing any of the functionality of the device. Aren't there custom ROMs you can flash onto the Shield Tablet and still be able to use the wireless controller?
Is Market Helper an apk to install on the console? And what sidebar launchers are you using? There are times when I try using Shield Hub to connect to my local PC and it not work, and then I try with Moonlight, and it works everytime. I also like using the remote desktop feature. If you add the remote desktop app manually into the GeForce Experience software on your PC, then using the Shield, you can connect to your desktop using either Moonlight or Shield Hub and your TV mirrors your monitor.
kdb424 said:
Root is dead simple on this device. It's literally not requiring exploits and roots like a nexus device. You unlock the bootloader with very easy instructions, and can even leave the stock recovery if you are worried about things like that. I'm also pretty sure, though don't quote me, that unless you do something massively strange and unlikely, like changing partition sizes, that going back to stock, and relocking is always possible. At least it is on almost every single factory unlockable device on the market. No risk, I recommend it. That being said, you don't need root to sideload as stated abbove. Just get the launcher they recommended by chainfire, nistall it, then grab something like es file explorer, both in the play store, then install apk files from es file explorer, and launch from teh other launcher. The stock launcher launches the other one as the stock launcher can only display android TV supported apps, but the other launcher can display any android app, hence having a launcher inside a launcher.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to forget Es file explores send by land feature which is great for sending apks from other devices to your shield