What to do with a spare Nexus 4 - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, I gave my wife my N5 and got a N6, so now I have her old N4 to play with. I have thought about using it as a HUD in my truck, but I thought I would ask for ideas of what to do with it. I've already got a PC connected to my projector for media, and a Chromecast, so media center is not what I need. Let's see what you guys and gals can suggest.

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What would make you get one?

Hi everyone
I haven't posted / lurked the firums here since back when I baught my original nexus one phone.
Shortly after that the iPhone 4 and eventually the 4s came out and I have found it hard to go back to android ( I liked the simplicity of iOS)
Lately i am getting over the struggle between Apple and the hackers that allow customers do do what they want with their device. ( I always have my iPhone hacked just so I can run the tweaks apple don't provide)
The apple tv pairs quite nicely with my iPhone and I have also hacked that to run plex so I can stream from my pc.
Development for plex on apple tv is slow and usually buggy due to apples restrictions and every update means developers need to wait for a jailbreak before they can continue development..
Which brings me to the point of this post. The nexus q just might be what I need to come back to android.
These are what would convince me to come back
1. Streaming from pc not just from google play ( I believe it's already being worked on / almost done )
2. Plex / other apps like airtight working ( I believe they should eventually)
3. This would be the icing on the cake. Being able to start a movie / tv show that is on my pc over 3G. Eg. Tge girlfriend is at home and wants to watch a movie but is not too tech savvy so I load plex or a similar app on my phone while I'm at work and select a movie from my library that is on my pc at home and it starts playing on the nexus q!
Should these become a reality I would buy a galaxy s3 and a nexus q right away.
What other things would MAKE you buy a nexus q?
Well only two reasons prevent me from buying one.
Nexus Q is not available in Europe
No Music/Movie/TV Shows in the german Play store
So without the ability to stream whatever I want without the Play Store, it is quite useless at the moment. As soon as stable Custom Roms allow me to stream over WiFi and/or run XBMC I'll import one.
I like the Design, the basic Idea and well, Android. I just don't get why Google kind of messed this up by leaving it up to the Community to make this Ball of any use.
I am hoping the awesome devs have this thing cracked wide open with opportunity soon.
As for the leaving it to the community i kind of like the idea. Its like Google saying we trust the community and don't want to influence them one way or another so they gave them pretty much an empty slate to work with.
You can do music. vpn into music.google then it activates.
I just wish this thing wasn't $299.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
sonikot said:
You can do music. vpn into music.google then it activates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have activated music, however I can't order anything since checkout does not let me buy stuff with my credit card. Besides that I'd have to use a proxy 24/7 which slows down everything. That is not the kind of "experience" google wants to deliver and I don't want to have it either.
It is time that Google goes global with those things, can't be that hard...
greyphil said:
I have activated music, however I can't order anything since checkout does not let me buy stuff with my credit card. Besides that I'd have to use a proxy 24/7 which slows down everything. That is not the kind of "experience" google wants to deliver and I don't want to have it either.
It is time that Google goes global with those things, can't be that hard...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is the problem lies with the content deals being restricted by geographic region. Blame the content owners.
---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------
I say a realistic price would spur my purchase. $99.
Frankly, with my PC connected to my TVs and audio receiver already, and my phone, tablets, etc already able to connect to my PC and/or TV, I just don't see an advantage to this device.
I'm sure the new nexus q will have some awesome features, I'm not sure about the ones you need but the wonderful thing about android is I'm sure one of our great developers will make that all possible. I have the q and I like it, I'm definitely going to need some more features to really love it but what I have now is great... Especially because it's free.
The new one will most likely be cheaper and have more features I think that it will be better than the Apple tv.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
sRDennyCrane said:
Frankly, with my PC connected to my TVs and audio receiver already, and my phone, tablets, etc already able to connect to my PC and/or TV, I just don't see an advantage to this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed
Sent from my Nexus One using xda premium
Samsung Phones
If you own Samsung devices, just get allshare.
I have a ps3 and I can stream content to it via Wi-Fi from my PC or my nexus 7.... really no reason for a Q. If I were to get it, it would be because it looks cool.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Logomotph said:
I have a ps3 and I can stream content to it via Wi-Fi from my PC or my nexus 7.... really no reason for a Q. If I were to get it, it would be because it looks cool.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I was pretty excited about the Q when I first saw it. I liked the design, the size of it etc but the reviews had me thinking I was better off with my PS3 set up.
hey
has anyone hacked one of these to do other things
Someone needs to buy/donate one of these for a capable dev for Christmas.
jrdoming said:
has anyone hacked one of these to do other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. The thing that I did immediately was get SqueezePlayer running on it. This allows the Q to play local music over the network in just about any format (e.g. mp3, 24-bit flac, etc.). Control is handled by an app on your phone/tablet like Orange Squeeze, Squeeze Commander, Logitech Squeezebox Controller, or by pointing your browser to the Logitech Media Server's web interface. Oh, by the way, this also works with Squeezebox apps (e.g. Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker, MOG, etc.). Checkout the list here: http://www.mysqueezebox.com/appgallery
The Q has a ton of potential right out of the box and is easily worth what it is going for on eBay these days - if the user is savvy enough to exploit its potential.
I think the Q was the perfect device for a place like a bedroom where you'd otherwise just have a simple shelf unit (or I do at least). It's more convenient and a bit cleaner than always connecting your phone to the aux input. Plus, it's nice to be able to control it remotely.
The only thing is that it's too expensive. It's priced as a high-end device, but in most of us already have a "high-end" solution for this sort of thing (ie: a PC or similar) which can do a lot more. A device like the Q needs to be [just a bit] cheaper so that it can compete with a shelf unit. Though I realize I'm not the first one to say this.

just got my new nexus 7!

Hello all.
Just wanted to share my experience with my new nexus 7 tablet. I picked it up at bestbuy Friday since it was tax free weekend here in Tennessee. I must say I am very impressed with this tablet. I had the original N7, and sold it 2 months ago to purchase a 32 gb nexus 10. I fell in love with the N10 immediately. It was by far the best tablet I had ever used. Well, this new N7 is just as good if not better. I will say, it is hard to compare the two because they are vastly different animals. I personally think the new N7 beats the N10, especially spec wise, but with the difference in screen size, these two tablets are really designed for completely different tasks.
One thing I have not been able to sort out yet is being able to use usb storage with my new N7. I am able to use my external hard drive with my N10 as well as my new Macbook air and even my Galaxy Note 2, but have not been able to use it with my N7 yet. Furthermore, I am also unable to get my Macbook air to recognize my N7 without booting the macbook into Win7. Sometime in the near future I will root the new N7 and install stickmount and see if it will recognize usb storage. I have not
researched a root method yet for the N7 but I'm sure there is one available, and if not there will be one soon. Most likely this will fix my usb storage on the N7. Still kind of stumped as to why my Macbook will only recognize it when booted in Win7.
If anyone has any questions about the new N7 feel free to post or shoot me an email at [email protected]. I don't mind answering any questions you may have because I know personally I like to do as much research as possible before I buy a new piece of electronic equipment.
Droid Nas app will make it easy to transfer files in between your Macbook and your Nexus 7. I haves used it on both models.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Tax free weekend in Tennessee? Is that a normal thing that happens? Curious!

Lost my patience with OUYA finally

Im currently going through one of my tickets still with OUYA about the new console.
Im a little pissed.
My GF bought it for me for xmas when I mentioned interest and I loved it. I was actually a kickstarter donator (only like 20$ but still).
Any way my games were UNPLAYABLE. The lag and issues I had with the controller were just abysmal to the point of near screaming.
I decided to open a ticket with OUYA and that was a PITA. I opened a ticket for a new controller. I got a response and no matter how many times I emailed for an ETA they gave me none. My friend the next state over opens a ticket the next week and gets an ETA a day later. Needless to say I was PISSED. Luckily he gave me permission to use his info as to why he got an ETA so fast and his controller was being shipped and mine was is limbo.
When I finally got mine they had the audacity to tell me I HAD TO PAY to ship the old one back. My buddy basically said screw them and kept his, but to me it was useless and I wanted to stay in good graces for future warranty issues and paid the 6$ cheapest shipping with tracking to get it back to them.
I had to move my console out of my tech area which was a neatly built and shelved doorless closet to my right where my ps3, 360, 2 media PC's and any other equipment I had (all hardwired no wifi) to under my TV on its side in front of me with all my wires now in a tangled mess line of site like it was a ball of string unraveling.
No more than a couple days after I get my controller this version is announced and it would seem the plastic case and enhanced wifi/new firmware is a fix to the horrid controller system they use. I emailed them because technically I was still within my 30 days with target to return the console and had someone mentioned this new version I would have returned it and just got this one.
Right now Im going through it with them again to see if I can exchange this one for the new one and pay the difference but they say I will then have to pay MYSELF AGAIN to mail the old system back to them.
Sorry I had high hopes for this but Ive lost all interest after this.
I feel so bad because now I HAVE to turn this hunk of crap on every few days and goof with it or my GF thinks it was a bad gift. There are really some neat games. I have bought quite a few already and have all the emulators loaded but the controls and lack of REAL MEDIA APPS (netflix, hulu, prime, etc) make this thing not worth the 100$.
U can sideload Netflix it works great with the controller my kids use it everyday...
Sent from my TegraNote-P1640 using XDA Premium HD app
I use mine as a NES,SNES, PSX emulator as well as watching movies using MX Player. I only payed $30 for mine. It works well.
XBMC
Make it your dedicated XBMC box. Thats why I bought mine.
You could have just mentioned the poor controller reception part. You didn't have to complain about the 2 cables coming out of the Ouya and into the TV making your shelf look messy. And they accepted your return, obviously admitting the problem of defect controllers and trying to help.
Some people have DOA and some people don't, it happens to everyone. If you want it to be everything you thought it would then either ship the controller back for a new one, or use something else, almost anything will do (xbox 360 wired, ps3 sixaxis, dualshock, Moga, madcatz) I've tried some of those myself and now consider this my perfect retro gaming device with tight controls, high compatibility, and updated graphics. As for home media either install some of the sideloaded streaming apks like netflix or hulu (there are guides on here) or connect a flashdrive/external to it with your purchased media to watch through vlc, mx player, or xbmc.
There really are a lot of options and this device is made to be tinkered with, it's android for one, the company was promoting developers to hack it, and all software is freeware/trial with sideload options. :good:

nexus player

There has to be more coming in development for the nexus player. I have the Chromecast. Does what I need. Just looking for more of a reason to keep a $150 investment with the Asus controller. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm looking for other users to help me find a reason to keep the nexus player and controller! Thanks in advance!
Showme1 said:
There has to be more coming in development for the nexus player. I have the Chromecast. Does what I need. Just looking for more of a reason to keep a $150 investment with the Asus controller. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm looking for other users to help me find a reason to keep the nexus player and controller! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you want to use it for?
More development is coming, but not as fast as we'd want to see. Sony,Sharp, and Philips seem to be putting ATV into their new 2015 TVs. Samsung, LG, and Panasonic are going with non-Android options. Since Samsung is the biggest TV seller, that hurts. It'll be up to Google and Android devs to push their options. It will take time for apps to be developed, too. We're only 2-3 months into commercially available Android TV.
You can easily sell that Chromecast dongle and recoup at least $20. You also should ditch the controller. I think you overpayed for it, especially since the Gamestop Samurai $12.99 controller is awesome.
Using mine as a retro gaming machine via emulators, and eventually will have a fully working 5.0 experience.
IBNobody said:
You can easily sell that Chromecast dongle and recoup at least $20. You also should ditch the controller. I think you overpayed for it, especially since the Gamestop Samurai $12.99 controller is awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I get more development will come.. I jump the gun on that. Can u personally verify that samurai controller works as well as I read from some people on here? I'm still in my window to return the Asus one. Thanks...
Showme1 said:
Yeah, I get more development will come.. I jump the gun on that. Can u personally verify that samurai controller works as well as I read from some people on here? I'm still in my window to return the Asus one. Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works great. I honestly can't believe I payed $13 bucks for it. It has just the right amount of button and d-pad tension for me.
Showme1 said:
There has to be more coming in development for the nexus player. I have the Chromecast. Does what I need. Just looking for more of a reason to keep a $150 investment with the Asus controller. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm looking for other users to help me find a reason to keep the nexus player and controller! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just recently started looking at the nexus player and currently have a chromecast and a WDTV so i figured the nexus player combined both? the WDTV is very slow but works well with streaming MKV's for what the chromecast does not do but am looking for more info on this too!
I am looking or thinking of purchasing the Nexus Player. Is it worth the $99? I didn't like the Roku. I am not saying that the Roku was a bad device, just not what i wanted, not for me. Is the Nexus Player any better? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Waynehead69 said:
I am looking or thinking of purchasing the Nexus Player. Is it worth the $99? I didn't like the Roku. I am not saying that the Roku was a bad device, just not what i wanted, not for me. Is the Nexus Player any better? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you I'd save my money, and possibly buy the Razer box when it comes out. In it's current state Android TV doesn't have much to offer over a chromecast, except bugs.
I own 2x ADT-1's, and a Nexus Player... and I've gone back to chromecasts in my bedroom. There's just too many issues right now for them to be everyday devices.
Thanks, I really appreciate your feedback as most of the reviews that I've read about the Nexus player have been somewhat mediocre.
Waynehead69 said:
Thanks, I really appreciate your feedback as most of the reviews that I've read about the Nexus player have been somewhat mediocre.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on what you didn't like about the Roku and what you are looking for.
For me this is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a chromecast with a dedicated remote and a user interface.
I used the ChromeCast on my small TV downstairs and the NP upstairs on the Big TV.
Exactly what I wanted then add in some games for fun and it is perfect for me.
The only issue that I have had is that I don't like the Plex layout. I just sideloaded the non pass version and I like it now
I'm trying to replace my 3 WDTV boxes and purchased a Android TV to test out. Kodi is light years ahead of WDTV in most areas.
No more network connectivity issues.
The UI is much much MUCH better than WDTV.
Kodi has terrific plugin support. WDTV has none.
Android TV is FASSST! No more spinning circle.
Where Android TV falls down is video playback. It still suffers from drops frames, which is a big deal.
I don't game so I can't speak about that.
Would I buy another? Right now, there is nothing better.
PS. I need a unit that does native streaming from a NAS and also supports DLNA (PLEX)
Just wondering if there is autoplay when casting from hulu/Netflix. Only reason why I returned my Chromecast a long time ago. It was a pain to have to go back and cast the next episode of something.

Nexus Player Still Worth It?

Hello,
I am interested in getting a Nexus Player. I love all of the customizations that can be done with it. I especially like the fact that you can install an internet browser and use a Logitech K400 with it. (with some mods and adapters I know) Only thing I am wondering is if this fall there will be a Gen 2 released along side the new Nexus 5 and 6? I would hate to buy one now and two months later, boom heres gen 2. Anyone have any input on this?
Also, I like the Forge TV but i don't believe it is nearly as customizable as the Nexus is it?
I haven't heard any rumors about a new Android TV device from Google. Even the Chromecast hasn't had a hardware update yet and that's been out for a lot longer than the Nexus Player. If there's a retailer near you that offers an extended return policy on a product like this, maybe that's something to consider if you're concerned about a new hardware announcement. I haven't used a Razer Forge TV but with the Nexus Player being so affordable and customizable, Google's current Android TV hardware is still a good choice and is worth buying.
Thank you for your response. I have looked all over for info on a Nexus Player Gen 2 and have found nothing myself. I just figured this was a good place to ask. I will go for the nexus player then. This helps making my new TV purchase a lot easier as well. No smart tv needed, just a tv with a Nice display panel.
I have both a Nexus Player and Forge TV. If you use Netflix, don't buy the Forge because after months it still doesn't have Netflix. Nexus Player works great. Hopefully one day the Forge TV will get Netflix because I would rather use it with its built in Ethernet port.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
If you can get it for about $50 its absolutely worth it.
i regret my purchase. my netflix app barely ever works, and not that many major apps support it, like hbo, sling tv or amazon instant. you would be much better off with fire tv IMO, especially now cause you can sideload kodi and im pretty sure its easily rootable and you can get google services and play store installed now. it has a better remote and more conectivity too
not to mention that the fire tv 2 is rumored to being released soon
OP, I think it will depend on what use you will give the device you end up getting.
I'm running mine with the latest M Preview build and it works great.
I was able to load Kodi straight from the Play Store (thru the web version to be specific), as well as other apps (e.g. ES File Explorer, few emulators, etc.).
I have an 3-way splitter OTG cable for my Rii K12 Ultra Slim keyboard/mousepad and a 32GB flash drive.
Again, it will depend on your use....
thecrunked said:
i regret my purchase. my netflix app barely ever works, and not that many major apps support it, like hbo, sling tv or amazon instant. you would be much better off with fire tv IMO, especially now cause you can sideload kodi and im pretty sure its easily rootable and you can get google services and play store installed now. it has a better remote and more conectivity too
not to mention that the fire tv 2 is rumored to being released soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To counter this, the Fire TV is NOT easily rootable; you have to either have a very old firmware from a US only model, or be willing to solder parts to it. Google Play Services don't work well on it, and its still on 4.2.2 so a lot of apps from outside the Amazon store don't work. The new developer software is 5.1, but that makes accessing Kodi difficult as sideloaded apps remain hidden in a submenu of settings.
I'm trying to replace mine now, as I'm sick of working around Amazon's arbitrary limitations.
Thank you all for your input. I ended up getting a Nvidia Shield Console. I love it! The main reason I went with the Shield is because I currently have/use a 42" 4K TV. So it just made the most sense to me to get. I know a lot of content isnt broadcasted in 4K yet but some is with more to come. I have already watched some Netflix stuff in 4K. Looks awesome!!! The free Grid games are a nice touch as well. I have 100mbps net so Grid games run great! (I use wired connection, not WiFi)
I know you went another route. I bought the Nexus Player because I wanted to stop renting a cable box. I bought an HD HOMERUN PRIME and only rent a cable card from the cable company now. I found out the hard way that I can only watch "unprotected/ non DRM channels" on my computer. After searching a lot, I found that the HD HOMERUN VIEW app on android allows me to watch these channels (which is most of the channels worth watching). The Nexus Player utilizes this app and now I can watch all my channels with this on my big screen. Just thought I'd throw this in for those considering buying a Nexus Player.
Rektifying said:
Hello,
I am interested in getting a Nexus Player. I love all of the customizations that can be done with it. I especially like the fact that you can install an internet browser and use a Logitech K400 with it. (with some mods and adapters I know) Only thing I am wondering is if this fall there will be a Gen 2 released along side the new Nexus 5 and 6? I would hate to buy one now and two months later, boom heres gen 2. Anyone have any input on this?
Also, I like the Forge TV but i don't believe it is nearly as customizable as the Nexus is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell no
I spent about 80$ on mine and it was completely worthless. The app ecosystem is almost dead, the user interface is limited, no okay google all the time, nothing special at all. The only thing you can do is stream limited media. Just get a chromecast.
Twitchyleftarm said:
I spent about 80$ on mine and it was completely worthless. The app ecosystem is almost dead, the user interface is limited, no okay google all the time, nothing special at all. The only thing you can do is stream limited media. Just get a chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you must not know what kodi is. do some googling.
I have a variety of streaming devices. But family acceptance is important. So Roku connected directly to the TV which is great for family. The Nexus Player rooted with custom ROM. Tvmb is the main application. It is connected to the home theater. For movies and live TV it is quite useful. But not as easy to use. So mostly I set it up.
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------
bradwatson said:
I have both a Nexus Player and Forge TV. If you use Netflix, don't buy the Forge because after months it still doesn't have Netflix. Nexus Player works great. Hopefully one day the Forge TV will get Netflix because I would rather use it with its built in Ethernet port.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way with a custom ROM to use the USB port as an Ethernet connection with the Nexus Player.
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Free mobile app
[Deal Alert] Get A Nexus Player For Under $50 On Groupon (Down From $99.99)
A good deal. Worth it .
So I ended up buying a Nexus player for my 32" 1080P TV in my bedroom. I still have my Shield on my 4K in the living room, loving that! Just waiting for the new nexus phones to release so I can replace my iPhone, then I will be done with Apple. (I had an Apple TV that I sold and I currently have an iPhone 6 which is going to be replaced with the New Nexus 5 upon release)
Anyways, I loved the Nexus Player at first! I think it is pretty awesome! One issue, it will NOT wake from sleep. I tried everything! Clearing cache, factory reset after update. Anyone running CM12.1 on their Nexus player? How is that and will it fix sleep issue? Thanks!
Google has the factory images on their website. On my phone right now or I'd posta link. It's pretty easy though does everything for you. If that doesn't fix it then you've got a bad device and should exchange it.
Rektifying said:
So I ended up buying a Nexus player for my 32" 1080P TV in my bedroom. I still have my Shield on my 4K in the living room, loving that! Just waiting for the new nexus phones to release so I can replace my iPhone, then I will be done with Apple. (I had an Apple TV that I sold and I currently have an iPhone 6 which is going to be replaced with the New Nexus 5 upon release)
Anyways, I loved the Nexus Player at first! I think it is pretty awesome! One issue, it will NOT wake from sleep. I tried everything! Clearing cache, factory reset after update. Anyone running CM12.1 on their Nexus player? How is that and will it fix sleep issue? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you're enjoying your NP. I'm not sure if it is the CM12.1 ROM or not, but on the Android M Preview build I get a delay wake from sleep. The device takes a tad longer than the original firmware. Try reverting back to stock or using the Android M Preview build.
These are seeing pretty good price drops in the States. Walmart cleared these out for $39.99. Best Buy and others have them for $49.99.
I have Roku 1, 2, 3, Fire Stick, Ouya, Chromecast, RaspPi 2, Android PC Sticks, etc. The Ouya is my main gaming unit. But I like to buy these for traveling and toying with. Having the wife and kid used to the Rokus, I can see them easily picking this up and working with it.
If you are seriously looking for a TV Streamer box, you may want to wait. The Roku 4 and the new Nexus TV is coming out soon (October). The Roku has always been my fav for home use. It is simple and doesn't bombard you with Amazon or Google ads. It just works. The Nexus TV is pretty good too, although I plan to use it for personal uses such as emulation and a traveling companion.
I think for $50, it is awesome. Plus it is getting Android Marshmallow once the new one hits, so they will effectively run the same. The new one will just have a longer life. So it might be worth spending $99 on the new one and having a few more years of life on it.
I ended up returning my Nexus Player. I paid $69.99 +tax at Best Buy. About a week later I seen it at Walmart for $39.99. I did not re-purchase it yet though! The price drop tells me that a new one is on the way. So I am going to wait for the Nexus event on Tuesday (9/29) before I do anything. If there is a new one announced, I would guess that it would only receive a performance boost and 4k Support. If that is the case, I will just re-purchase the one I had. I only need it for the bedroom, and I do not see myself buying a 4K for my bedroom for a very long time, if ever.
I did unroot, lock the bootloader, and factory reset before I returned though. I'm sure they just threw it back on the shelf as an open box item.

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