So I was looking at the nexus player as i wanted to get my family something for christmas that was a nice little media center for netflix, etc. but My biggest problem with the player is its lack of storage and , i would like a larger amount so i figured I would make my own instead.
Now I have these parts picked out
Banana Pi board
32gb SD card
Remote+
What I want to know is, does the Nexus player run regular android just with a different skin/ui? Do i just build from the regular android source and set it up for Android TV or will i have to use the img from the player and make it work for my purpose? Thanks for any info :]
The leanback launcher is what really makes it "different" from phone/tablet android (now launcher). As far as I can see, this is not publicly available outside of the NP, and I don't know if it has dependencies. Google.com might have those answers for you, though. Someone else might be able to chime in with better info but that is probably a good place to start.
Also, a few of us are looking at finding ways of expanding the storage on the NP through USB. I'm looking to add 64gb to mine. It's not looking good for going beyond 128gb though at the moment. We might need a custom kernel to do that.
Thanks for the info c: I decided I'm going to use default Android with a themed XMBC on the Cubieboard3 to replicate the nexus player in my project. Even with that work you guys are doing the cubie has more connection and storage options like sata, microsd, USB, and the internal 8gb along side HDMI and VGA connection which broadens my potential screens usable.
I stream from a media server (Plex) so I don't need a huge amount of storage on the NP. It's mostly to store data and games. You might still run into some limitations if you plan to run Android 5 as it's likely the limitations I found are not limited to the NP.
Good luck in your build!
Related
2 questions I have been wondering about since they claim its fully open, hackable etc.
1: Ever since Android came out with the G1, we had the ability to run Debian. Now I would wonder if we could somehow get the Ouya to also run some sorta distro. I mean imagine if we gain Raspberry Pi + Android gaming console. Nice!
2: Do we have access to the Play Store still? I ask cause while Final Fantasy 3 is on Ouya, I already paid for it on my play store.. and wonder if we will have to pay for everything again or just not have a play store at all. Even tho the device is rooted, and I am sure that would mean someone could install it somehow. Just makes me wonder whats out of the box ability.
Well had one word on something, not sure how 100% it is. But seems... its not what we agreed on orig.
I heard this. We will have the Ouya system, powered by android mode. Its store, games, account, setup etc. (Think like you would Xbox live and its market) However if you choose to root it, you will lose access to that part of ouya, but gain of course custom apk ability, root. Then maybe can install play store. Since it "seems" that if you dont do that.. youd wind up repaying for apps you may have paid for already on the play store just to have it again for ouya. Seems crappy.
hm
odd that will stink since i fully planned on rooting it when i got it this coming weeks
papertown11 said:
odd that will stink since i fully planned on rooting it when i got it this coming weeks
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Click to collapse
Doesn't just seem crappy or stink. It appears we've been flat-out lied to.
No harm no foul if we are stuck with 6GB of storage. Seems Ouya team are twisting semantics when saying you can add storage via USB. They are apparently referring to non-app storage.
The positive is if you are mainly going to play emulaotrs and MAME or stream video, this is still a good deal. Just not much for games. The spin I have read is folks saying you can simply reinstall the games, but you lose your game data and if a slower connection, downloading the games that are over 1GB can get old real quick.
Would be real cool if Ouya team would clarify what the external storage will result in concurrent app storage that adds to the internal. The Nexus 7 and other devices share both app and media in the same storage, but it is one contained path. Seems problematic trying to link two seperate paths with Jelly Bean for internal app space.
It comes with 8GB of internal storage. I also believe you can use a USB device or SD card (not sure about SD.) Devices now have separate partitions that hold app data and SD data. This doesn't mean that games data files won't be allowed to download to an SD card, that's what big game files do now.
Ouya also runs ANDROID 4.1 which is JELLY BEAN. Not ICS. MANY people have been saying it runs 4.0, which it doesn't.
The Ouya also runs its own app market, meaning google play is not initially on the console. It probably doesn't run on APK just yet either. Since there are only 100 some games available out now, it's backup it doesn't come with Google Play. The developer tool can be found on their website for making apps:
http://www.ouya.tv/develop/
As always, CM or one of our favorite custom ROM providers will be rooting the console. There are currently SDC versions of CM which run of an external hardrive. Thus the root for Ouya will most likely allow boot from an external USB drive.
Lastly, it's always important to backup ALL DATA on your device. A LOT of people don't understand rooting themselves and end up deleting internal partitions on their device. So it is VERY important to make a backup of your current state. Do this before you start hacking into console and you'll be safe.
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.
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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).
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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).
First off, thanks for your time.
I am thinking about buying the nexus media player now that it is only $50. My other option was getting a rasberry pi.
My main goal is I want to use it for emulators to play old roms. There are plenty of good emulators in the play store and I can just sideload them. I would also like it to have plex which I know it does.
If I go with the Raspberry pi I can just load retropi on it but I'm not sure if I can then use plex.
Lastly is the controller- http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/general/remotes-controllers-t2973028
That convenient thread lists potential options.
I already have a wii u pro controller. I googled to see if it is compatible and did not find any clear answers. Do you guys have any experience with this or know If I can just buy a bluetooth dongle and usb adapter to get it to work? Will this dongle work on the raspberry pi?
If this doesnt work I can always get the 16 dollar Nyko Play Pad Pro that it supposed to work with this
Overall which option do you guys think is the cheapest/most convenient for me?
Is there another system out there that I am not thinking about that would be an even better option?
Thanks again
sorry.. mods please move to Q&A section if more appropriate location
I'm on android 6.01 and trying to add 2tb worth of videos as a video source on kodi but can't find the external HDD
can someone please tell me the easiest way to do this?
i'm setting up a nexus player for my niece with all kid friendly videos for christmas and sending it to them, so the easiest way to do it for non tech people is for me to set everything up and just tell them to plug the hard drive in. i've set kodi up tons of times but for some reason i can't find where the external drive shows up when adding a video source.
i'd like to avoid rooting if possible since they'll lose root if they do a system update in the future.
check for "storage" folder and you "should" see a folder with a stupid name made with number and letter...
knives of ice said:
I'm on android 6.01 and trying to add 2tb worth of videos as a video source on kodi but can't find the external HDD
can someone please tell me the easiest way to do this?
i'm setting up a nexus player for my niece with all kid friendly videos for christmas and sending it to them, so the easiest way to do it for non tech people is for me to set everything up and just tell them to plug the hard drive in. i've set kodi up tons of times but for some reason i can't find where the external drive shows up when adding a video source.
i'd like to avoid rooting if possible since they'll lose root if they do a system update in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you flash a custom rom you wont loose root to update as thats blocked. look at the pure nexus rom, i am really loving it. good luck bud.
So, I am at work and I showed off Linux on Dex to some other Developers and Engineers here.
Impressed they were, but it's time to really dig in.
Here is what I love about it on first look:
Great to have a fleshed Linux experience on my phone
Great dev tools come with the image (IntelliJ and also Visual Studio Code and more)
Has plenty of apps to get you started and it's pretty thoughtful
Looks great at 1920x1080 as well as 2560x1440 resolutions on a monitor
Switching between Dex and Ubuntu is pretty snappy
Things I didn't like:
Just a LITTLE bit laggy sometimes
Need to either use ARM compiled apps or compile them yourself
The Default 10GB partition size was too small, so I would suggest using 15GB at least, after updates/upgrades (Ubuntu OS updates that is), you'll still have about 35% free space with 15GB disk
You cannot "install" this on the SDCard, only internal memory, so keep that in mind if you have the 128GB model and tons of apps
Once installed, you cannot delete the 3GB+ zip file you downloaded, so there is that wasted space as well (ok, I have not tried REALLY hard to delete it yet, but Google Files won't delete it, nor do I know the repercussions of deleting this file too)
I'm still trying to work out how to access the files on the device (outside the Linux container), not sure if it is possible, but I have not had a lot of time with it as of now
BONUS!!
When you are not in Dex mode (normal handset mode), you can still launch Linux on Dex, but you cannot get the full desktop experience.
Click on the Terminal icon under the RUN button and you can drop into the Ubuntu Shell and still use commands (like SSH-ing to servers using your certs and stuff).
Of course, the down side, small screen. Hey, in a pinch, when I am on the road and needs to SSH into an AWS instance and run a couple commands, I won't complain!!
All in all, I think this will be great for Dev's to play with, not sure how useful it REALLY will be, but I know from a DevOps/Architect/Engineer, it's nice to have as a backup to be able to actually take care of things without having to drag out the whole laptop.
All this, with a $20 adapter.
Any other thoughts for those that have used it?
Hello friend, I have mine installed on my 128gb Sdcard.
How did you get it on your SD Card?
Thanks!
Talderon said:
How did you get it on your SD Card?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move the file from LoD folder to the SD card and reassign the file location in the Linux on Dex app, it worked for me but moved it back to internal storage to ensure best performance .
My impression? They will poorly maintain it and I suspect it will be discontinued without any real notice. Registration was broken for well over a week before signups ended. You cannot get in contact with anyone from the team. Care doesn't even know it exists.
I am yet to find a use case that improves upon remote access to an Ubuntu 18.04 VM running on a cloud or at home, but I'm not a developer.
Perhaps if you are stuck somewhere without an Internet connection and feel like coding somewhere in the mountains or in the jungle.. But then you would need a handy monitor, keyboard, mouse and a power source..?
I think I can sum this up in one simple sentence - "Because I can..."
It's like having linux on a PS3, because it could.
Haven't had a chance to use it yet but looks promising. That doesn't mean it will be supported very well, time will tell.
Hardware wise it should work very well, and there is ALWAYS a good reason to have a handy (mostly) self-contained PC with you in case you CAN'T access the net...
Would be great to get an idea of some real life use cases..
Would be very happy to see this project pick up some community developer attention, the platform is only as good as the tools developed for it.
In the absence of an official LoD forum for developers perhaps that community should be developed here.
p33l05 said:
In the absence of an official LoD forum for developers perhaps that community should be developed here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://developer.samsung.com/forum/board/thread/list.do?boardName=SDK&searchSubId=0000000051
I got this installed on my 8GB Note 9 today. I didn't get registered for the beta, but download the app and the Ubuntu image and got it all up and running today. My only complaint so far is it won't run full screen on Dex. That may be because I'm running the Pie Beta. Not sure how it operates on Oreo Dex.
I'll play around with it more later. I basically just plugged into my monitor and opened it up today.
Well, here is a real-life use case that saved me a TON of time and effort.
I set up the Linux on Dex with many tools and configs I need to be able to do my work (Sr. DevOps Architect/Engineer) on my AWS servers. I had an instance that was having some issues and was notified via the monitoring platform and was able to get my phone out, run the Ubuntu Shell and SSH/Fix the issue without ever having to pull out the laptop and tether it while on the train headed home.
There ARE some use cases where this will come in handy, but I do agree that these are real "edge" cases too. No "normal" user will ever really find this helpful.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
I got this installed on my 8GB Note 9 today. I didn't get registered for the beta, but download the app and the Ubuntu image and got it all up and running today. My only complaint so far is it won't run full screen on Dex. That may be because I'm running the Pie Beta. Not sure how it operates on Oreo Dex.
I'll play around with it more later. I basically just plugged into my monitor and opened it up today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Full screen on oreo.. Have you tried Dex max app?
planning to install LoD and curious if it can actually decompile and recompile apk's as a laptop would..?! mostly I'm interested in Themes for Samsung.. using few apk as templates to swap files, images and recompiling the apk, will it be able and will it properly sign it ?! and if so which way should I go?! do I need to install java, SDK, plugin I saw there ?!
any advice would be great.. thanx..
Can you use any Type c to HDMI or has to be an special cable?
darkriff said:
Can you use any Type c to HDMI or has to be an special cable?
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Click to collapse
I think you need powersupply as well in the adapter for it to work.