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Hi!
I am developing an application which connects a Wiimote to a bluetooth enabled android phone/device.
I did this by interfacing with the native bluez bluetooth library directly, rather than via the Android API. The reason for this is that Android API doesn't support HID devices, which a Wiimote is.
A problem now is that on some devices, mostly those sold by HTC, my app simply doesn't work. After calling the hci_get_route(NULL), this function should return an id of the first bluetooth device available (most likely 0), but instead returns ERNODEV (-1) as if no bluetooth device is available.
I suspect it has something to do with our beloved HTC grossly modifying something in the libbluetooth library to make this fail to work.
Has anyone ever done this kind of bluetooth interfacing?
How could I make this work?
Rooting the phone and replacing a library or two would be fine too.
For a list of working and non-working devices, check out the 2nd post of this thread.
HTC support
I just sent a customer service message to HTC about this issue. I hope they can get back to me with a "we'll work on it" message, or something. I really want this on my incredible. I'm new to coding like this, but could you disguise the Wiimote as another kind of device?
Just a response from someone equally interested in a solution. I'm trying to set up a bluetooth keyboard (Freedom Pro) with my gsm Hero running the 1.5 based MCR 3.2. Available drivers (Freedom's own, BlueInput & KeyPro) should work with 1.5, but HTC devices, especially the Hero, seem to be lacking something that is present in most 1.5 builds.
Investigating, I find the same issue of no route to device, because there is no known device. AIUI when bluetooth is turned on hciattach is used to establish a link to the hardware. At that point an hciconfig should list the hci0 device as present but down. However I find this list remains empty at all times.
I found this for keyboards.
Since I can't post the link, it's called "KeyPro for Android"
Google "keypro android" and click the first link.
Maybe that could help. It says it works with any android device above 1.5, however, I did read that some keyboards use a different type of bluetooth profile, SPP rather than HID.
I haven't heard back form HTC yet either.
EDIT: Upon reading your post again, you have tried this. Sorry, my bad.
Thanks for looking though The Freedom Pro is switchable between spp & hid profiles, so I figured I was safe, lol. Not with HTC's butchered 1.5 bt it seems.
Did you ever try to use the most likely id 0 on an HTC device? Even though the call to get the id fails?
Maybe you could use also the Android API to synchronize if a device is present and then use the id that Android API gives you?
Just some thoughts since I would love to see that App running on my Desire with Snesoid
Edit: Double post
tobren said:
Did you ever try to use the most likely id 0 on an HTC device? Even though the call to get the id fails?
Maybe you could use also the Android API to synchronize if a device is present and then use the id that Android API gives you?
Just some thoughts since I would love to see that App running on my Desire with Snesoid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe it or not, I actually tried this. Unfortunately, the next command (to bind the bluetooth adapter) also fails, and of course every command after that one because the adapter is not bound.
Thanks for the idea anyway.
usb
does the wii remote have usb connectivity? could it be possible to have the communication pass through that connection rather than bluetooth? one advantage of this would be increased battery life and probably better compatibility across models.
i'm sure some people would prefer bluetooth, but i figure i'll always be using it very close to my phone so i can see the screen, so the wired option is actually a bit more attractive (considering battery performance).
i know ps3 has usb connectivity as well, you just might need an adapter (mini to micro).
rubber soul said:
does the wii remote have usb connectivity? could it be possible to have the communication pass through that connection rather than bluetooth?
[snip]
i know ps3 has usb connectivity as well, you just might need an adapter (mini to micro).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the first answer is no - our wii is round at a friend's atm. However even if it was yes, you'd need more than an adapter. USB operates with one device as master & the other as slave. To allow you to connect slave devices to your phone it would need to be in host mode. Some mobile phone hardware implementations support this, however I don't know of any mainstream Android kernels which do. Even if you workaround that, you're left with the huge issue that slave devices can assume it's safe to draw power from the USB bus which could do nasty things (tm) to a lower power device like a mobile. This can be worked around via a powered hub, but it all gets very messy.
I looked into this a few months ago, hoping I'd be able to use a usb keyboard with my Hero. I ended up with a BT keyboard instead. Of course that doesn't work either but for completely different reasons, as hinted at by this thread. Hopefully a 2.1 ROM will solve that, but that's the subject of numerous other threads.
Uh, just throwing stuff out, what if you have a pc with two bluetooth adapters, it connects to the wii mote, and then broadcasts that in someway the android api can understand?
Also please actually try working on something with a rooted phone, the HTC EVO 4g is rootable, and I will make man love(no homo) if you get it working.
Either one works lol.
Using a PC as a proxy is kind of useless. If you have a wiimote connected to a PC, you might as well play games on the PC itself (there are nes/snes/sega/etc emulators for PCs too).
At this moment, rooting doesn't help with the problem either.
@1 True
@2 That sucks.
Do we think that this will/could be fixed in HTC's Froyo update for 2010 devices? Not looking for definite answers, just a ponderin'.
well if you send the null pairing code to the wiimote from the default bluetooth pairing screen.. it will fail to communicate with the wiimote too
waffles004 said:
Do we think that this will/could be fixed in HTC's Froyo update for 2010 devices? Not looking for definite answers, just a ponderin'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't it work in stock/vanilla Eclair? I thought the main problem was with Cupcake, though HTC seem to have done weird things to every stock firmware. I read that removing Sense from a 2.1 HTC ROM breaks bluetooth. Go figure. And there was I thinking Sense was a gui enhancement
I contacted HTC about their bluetooth issues and just received this response
My name is Courtney, and I would be glad to assist you today. I understand that you are unhappy with the Bluetooth connectivity on your HTC EVO. HTC is aware of the problems occurring with the EVO and Bluetooth. We are currently investigating this issue and are working on a solution. As soon as we have an update, we will inform our customers. Thank you for contacting HTC America Technical Support. If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us via email or at 1-866-449-8358. We are open 7 days a week from 6 a.m.-1 a.m. EST. You can also check out our Community and Support pages at htc.com/us and our pages on Facebook and Twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted HTC about this issue with my incredible and I basically got the same answer except the guy was more knowledgeable and said that other people were complaining about certain bluetooth issues. I think they know what they did and are waiting to fix it in Froyo to be easy for them. No worries though, should be comin' in a few weeks. I can't freakin' wait. I have soooooooooo much Pokemon and Mario to play.
does anyone know if this works on samsung galaxy s, i dont have my phone yet to test, but as soon as it arrives (sometime next week) i will test this.
All I can say is that my wii controller is working really well on cyanogen on my evolution now!
1. Being able to use the USB port to connect to the P.C. and being able to transfer information.
2. Gingerbread since Elocity is stating that Honeycomb is out for the A7 due to multitouch "This is a downer)
3. Better support from Elocity like a forum to talk about our issues to the support group since no one wants to respond to phone calls
4. This Tablet has great Hardware and the only one who is making a difference is Dexter who Elocity should owe great gratitude since he has spent numerous hours making it a better device.
5. Google to add tablet support to the market place
6. Nvidia to step up to the plate and help Google with getting updates out to the tablet users.
Please post anything else you would like to see with this tablet in the future updates so that Elocity will read it here since they won't respond to any calls.
Add to this wish list:
Cifs
USB 3g/4g support
Working WPA2 Enterprise
Hope some more people have more to say as this is being sent to Elocitynow.com
I would like to see them release the kernel source / patches. They're obligated to by the GPL, but they've flat out ignored all my questions about it.
Some people have reported that they were told that an nVidia contract prevents releasing it, but that can't be true. Maybe some specific nVidia drivers need to be kept closed but not the Linux Kernel.
Other than what has already been asked for I would like to see either the specs for the dock connection or some type of powered speakers that you could just drop our device into. I really think our device would make a really nice multimedia station.
Sent from my A7-040 using Tapatalk
rdjack21 said:
Other than what has already been asked for I would like to see either the specs for the dock connection or some type of powered speakers that you could just drop our device into. I really think our device would make a really nice multimedia station.
Sent from my A7-040 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do think we will see a dock down the line. I believe it will share the same dock that will eventually be available for their new A7.x line (assuming that comes to fruition).
As for speakers... I personally doubt you'll see something from eLocity. Maybe a jack built into the dock. You could always just plug you computer speakers into the A7's audio jack.
rdjack21 said:
Other than what has already been asked for I would like to see either the specs for the dock connection or some type of powered speakers that you could just drop our device into. I really think our device would make a really nice multimedia station.
Sent from my A7-040 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OHH i like that... maybe some kind of app that turns the screen into a radio/mp3/alarm clock function that would also charge it... that could be leading to something...
Tether function like Archos tabs. While they're at it, make sure it works with Blackberry.
Mouse
Unless I'm doing something wrong, I cannot get a mouse cursor to show up when I use a mouse. Because the tablet has hdmi capability I would love to see a mouse cursor to show up on the screen to use it to navigate via bluetooth on the big tv
Customer support that actually responds back!
swiggyswag said:
Unless I'm doing something wrong, I cannot get a mouse cursor to show up when I use a mouse. Because the tablet has hdmi capability I would love to see a mouse cursor to show up on the screen to use it to navigate via bluetooth on the big tv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The mouse cursor is not showing up. it works but it's like it wasn't designed actually have a little cursor running around the screen.
XBOX 360 PC Controller
There is a mod under the "Android Development" section that expands on Dexter's 1.1 mod. It allows for an XBOX 360 controller to be used. It works great on emulators. I am also able to move through icons, open programs, and open the search tab with the controller. If you had a wireless USB reciever for PC to use a 360 controller, then you could conceivably hook it up to the TV via HDMI and controll it from afar with a wireless 360 controller. Hope that helps!
We should focus on getting honeycomb working on the tablet ... I'm sure we can bypass that multitouch thing.
I agree, besides the Google Maps tilt function and Fruit Ninja, I didn't see anything in their demo today that screemed "hardware must have multi-touch"
No kernel source -> no roms -> no other things
5[Strogino] said:
No kernel source -> no roms -> no other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We should then ask eLocity to give us what we need ... will help their sells and then try to port Honeycomb ...
masterfred said:
We should then ask eLocity to give us what we need ... will help their sells and then try to port Honeycomb ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, their tech-support didn't answer any questions. I read some topics - a lot of people did not receive anything from them.
5[Strogino] said:
Unfortunately, their tech-support didn't answer any questions. I read some topics - a lot of people did not receive anything from them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty simple ... Dexter for exemple should ask with Mods permission, the right to access sources or eLocity shall remove XDA from their web site in the support page (http://www.elocitynow.com/support.shtml).
It's pretty stupid they rely on a community without providing the proper tools.
We should also ask for a buy back program so we can upgrade those 3-4 months tablet in a useless form for the new A7 that will run Honeycomb ...
The tablet was still a 300-350$ investment that led to ... nothing ...
I 100% agree, this has been like a $300 beta device, no matter how nice it is to have a Tegra powered tablet, if it can't run without major modding we've been hosed. I've managed to get regular Android Market(not new one) running on top of the 2nd official ROM by using Root Explorer to copy a ton of files to the /system/app folder...still not excited though.
Stream TV needs to setup an exchange program for the customers who purchased these headache tablets that forced us to become part-time programmers and get us at the least into the low-end new A7.x tablet. Maybe for difference in retail and with free shipping of new tablet and return shipping of old unreliable tablet(unless they're as tired of it as general public).
My GF recently got the new Del Inspiron 15z ultrabook with touch display. Gorgeous piece of engineering and it's pretty nice from what I've experienced with it so far.
I decided to mirror it's display to the TV (1080p) using HDMI, like I always have with my own laptop. So I simply plugged the HDMI cable into the TV's input, and then the other end of the HDMI cable into the 15z's HDMI output. Nothing happened! No video or audio. I did the exact same thing with my own laptop on the same TV, and it worked fine.
I proceeded to call Dell support, who said I needed additional software. The guy wanted to direct me to tech support, and then told me that tehre would be charges made for the tech support. This is a NEW laptop we just purchased 2 weeks ago... the guy on the phone basically gave me an unsatisfactory response.
What am I doing wrong? I googled the problem, and a VAST number of people had this problem. Couldn't pin point a solution, but I found something that says I need to press FN+F8 to activate the HDMI port... never heard of that before. The thing I read is here http://techtips.salon.com/use-hdmi-slot-dell-laptop-548.html
Somebody please shed some light on this! I don't want to send the laptop back and be out a laptop for 2 weeks when school just started again!
OK... it seems I've been griping about people turning Dev&Hacking/General into a tech-support forum a lot, lately, but come on... this isn't even Win8-specific! Aren't there Dell-specific forums you could be asking this on? Or support people you could call/email/chat with/whatever other than the one you talked to already? You could also try the Setup utility in the BIOS/EFI (sometimes this is only accessible from the booted PC, in which case you'll need software that can be downloaded off Dell's site). Beyond that, if plugging the HDMI connection in and pressing Win+P doesn't work, take the thing back as defective and buy something that isn't a consumer-grade Dell (their Latitude line is good, and Vostro is OK, but Inspiron has a well-earned reputation for poor quality, and even their Latitude line has had some serious problems in the past. They just cut too many corners on price.)
EDIT: WIN+P, not CTRL+P
As GDTD said, bit random mate!? Its also very common to have to push buttons to enable it, very often this is the case with dual display hybrid devices but I've seen it on lots of things, another tripping point is HDCP hand shake, sometimes you have to have devices turned on and plugged in, in a certain order, a common one is to ensure the tv is powered off before pluging in and turned on. Another one is your laptop drivers, have you used manufacture specific ones? Or did you update to genuine amd,NVIDIA, Intel etc ones ? Sometimes, as nice as it is to use up to date drivers, they may not work, laptops etc frequently use customized drivers
Sent from my Lumia 900 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Regarding the comment about the forum and tech support: this is the general section, where questions are frequently asked. Even if you go the general section of specific devices, people ask questions (arguably considered "tech" questions) there as well. And regarding if this is Windows 8 specific, how would I have known if it's WIndows 8 specific. This is the first W8 laptop I've handled, and all other W7 laptops I've used in the past do not exhibit this problem. From the average joe's perspective, the only thing that's changed is the OS for my situation.
dazza9075: I assume the specific driver is what the Dell customer support guy was referring to. I'm using this laptop straight out of the box with no software installed aside from what it came with.
GoodDayToDie: I'll give the CTRL + P thing a go. If I get no luck for the next week, I might have to return it. Thanks for the input.
WIN+P, not CTRL+P, not sure what I was thinking. It's the standard Windows shortcut to control external display modes.
I've been trying to get a BT mouse to work on my nexus 4.
i've now tried 2 different models, without success.
both are recognized, both pair and then both completely fail to work.
to add insult to injury, i tried one of those mice on a friend's samsung google nexus today -- also running jellybean -- and it worked perfectly.
could anybody running a BT mouse successfully SINCE THE LAST UPDATE (4.2.1) let me know what make/model they have?
EDIT: maybe they heard me ...
http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articl...jelly-bean-update-bluetooth-fix-exclusive.htm
i understand your frustration, but just one question.. why are you using a bluetooth mouse on a phone? tablet, understandable but phone?!
khanh1289 said:
i understand your frustration, but just one question.. why are you using a bluetooth mouse on a phone? tablet, understandable but phone?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take a nexus 4 + slimport adaptor + BT mouse + BT keyboard,
add an lcd TV with hdmi input (now common in hotels etc.),
and you have:
- a portable PC
- a decent home media centre (with armchair remote input)
- possibly a productivity tool for editing text/ photos etc. for which a touchscreen is too inprecise an input device.
understand now?
Instead of doing all that why wouldn't you just go wireless display and then use the phone as the remote at the sametime? Wouldn't that make more sense?
And AFAIK, bluetooth input devices weren't supported?
sorry, i typically use a laptop for those things. It would make a lot more sense btw. You can also use your phone as a bluetooth mouse/keyboard if you have a laptop that connects to a tv.
shotta35 said:
Instead of doing all that why wouldn't you just go wireless display and then use the phone as the remote at the sametime? Wouldn't that make more sense?
And AFAIK, bluetooth input devices weren't supported?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
???
a/ i haven't a clue what "go wireless display" means.
b/ "use the phone as a remote" ... for what exactly? and how does that help me?
c/ where has google stated that "bluetooth input devices weren't supported"? that's nonsense.
re-read my previous post and try to get your head around what i am trying to achieve.
theabsurdman said:
???
a/ i haven't a clue what "go wireless display" means.
b/ "use the phone as a remote" ... for what exactly? and how does that help me?
c/ where has google stated that "bluetooth input devices weren't supported"? that's nonsense.
re-read my previous post and try to get your head around what i am trying to achieve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, you are quite "the absurd man". If you're trying to find help in a forum, it's best if you be a bit nicer. We're both trying to give you better alternatives to what you're trying to accomplish. To answer your questions...
A/wireless display technology is built in with the n4 and jelly bean and it's not yet widely available to most tv's yet but achievable with adapters.
B/so you don't have to carry around a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. It helps you with 2 less things you carry (unless you're using a combo).
C/this one I can't back him cause I thought it is supported. Maybe it is broken, but I don't use it so I wouldn't know
Sent from my Blenzderz 9000
khanh1289 said:
sorry, i typically use a laptop for those things. It would make a lot more sense btw. You can also use your phone as a bluetooth mouse/keyboard if you have a laptop that connects to a tv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... perhaps more sense to you, not me.
i don't want to carry a laptop around when i already have a computer in my pocket.
and i'm not happy with touch input devices as they are too slow and lack the precision needed for heavy editing.
these are my (not i.m.o. unreasonable) requirements of the nexus 4.
khanh1289 said:
Wow, you are quite "the absurd man". If you're trying to find help in a forum, it's best if you be a bit nicer. We're both trying to give you better alternatives to what you're trying to accomplish. To answer your questions...
A/wireless display technology is built in with the n4 and jelly bean and it's not yet widely available to most tv's yet but achievable with adapters.
B/so you don't have to carry around a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. It helps you with 2 less things you carry (unless you're using a combo).
C/this one I can't back him cause I thought it is supported. Maybe it is broken, but I don't use it so I wouldn't know
Sent from my Blenzderz 9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
getting the display to the TV is no problem -- i already have a slimport adaptor! why would i want to max out my wifi for that? it's bananas!
and i've already said that i don't want to use touch input as it's too slow and inprecise for my purposes.
my portable (igo stowaway) keyboard and notebook BT mouse are tiny (and inexpensive).
sorry to seem abrasive but you are not getting what i'm trying to achieve here.
khanh1289 said:
why are you using a bluetooth mouse on a phone? tablet, understandable but phone?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've heard other people making the tablet/ phone distinction before and i'm not sure it's a valid one. the nexus 4 surely IS a tablet, albeit with a smaller physical (not resolution) screen. what else distinguishes a tablet? i use my N4 in exactly the same way i used my asus transformer and playbook.
theabsurdman said:
i've heard other people making the tablet/ phone distinction before and i'm not sure it's a valid one. the nexus 4 surely IS a tablet, albeit with a smaller physical (not resolution) screen. what else distinguishes a tablet? i use my N4 in exactly the same way i used my asus transformer and playbook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your first post you didn't clarify that you were going to hook it up to a tv, so I assume that you were planning to connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to your n4 and try to work from it's bit-smaller-than 5" display, which is highly unproductive.
N4 is technically a phone, not a tablet, by definition and specifications. I shouldn't have to explain the differences between a phone and a tablet (I'm sure there's a thread with detailed explanations)... just because it's running the same os doesn't mean it has the same hardware classification.
I understand that you want your N4 to replace your computer and the technology is very close, but not quite there yet... For simple tasks, it's good, but for anything editing, a laptop computer is highly more productive than a phone. Imagine you're doing something and you constantly receive phone calls and text messages.
Anyways, I will test this later when I get home and see if it's really broken. I know my Bluetooth moga game controller works just fine so I don't know why your mouse wouldn't.
Sent from my Blenzderz 9000
khanh1289 said:
Anyways, I will test this later when I get home and see if it's really broken. I know my Bluetooth moga game controller works just fine so I don't know why your mouse wouldn't.
Sent from my Blenzderz 9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'd appreciate that, thanks.
my BT keyboard works fine, but no mouse that i've tried.
Bluetooth is pretty much borked in all versions of Jellybean for all devices. Some things work and some things don't its pretty hit or miss. Version 4.2.1 added some drivers for game controllers but not much else so that's probably why those work and things like mice don't. There is supposed to be another fix coming in the next version but all that's known to be in there for sure is a fix for A2DP streaming.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/11/27/changelog-whats-new-in-android-4-2-1-jop40d/
http://www.droiddog.com/android-blo...ease-will-fix-bluetooth-a2dp-audio-streaming/
kzoodroid said:
Bluetooth is pretty much borked in all versions of Jellybean for all devices. Some things work and some things don't its pretty hit or miss. Version 4.2.1 added some drivers for game controllers but not much else so that's probably why those work and things like mice don't. There is supposed to be another fix coming in the next version but all that's known to be in there for sure is a fix for A2DP streaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
however, the (jellybean) samsung google nexus has no problem running a BT mouse, as i saw today.
i'd like to raise awareness of this problem with the N4 and get some more response from users, which has so far been sparse, probably because (as other posters in this thread have indicated) few see the need for a mouse.
for instance, somebody reported on another thread that they had been able to make a microsoft 5000 notebook mouse work. can anybody corroborate that?
i'm reluctant to shell out for yet another mouse considering that i'm currently holding 2 non-functioning ones.
not sure how much good it's going to do but i've opened an issue (#43918 Nexus 4 -- bluetooth mouse not working.) with the android development project:
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=43918&thanks=43918&ts=1359688071#makechanges
"bluetooth mouse not working on nexus 4 (jellybean 4.2.1)
i've tried 2 different models of bluetooth mouse. both are detected and pair, and are recognized in settings as input divices, but i get no on-screen cursor nor any mouse/ button input registed by the device. nothing.
the same mice work properly on a samsung google nexus."
i've had one response to my issue at google already.
could anybody else who is having this problem please add to that thread also?
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=43918&thanks=43918&ts=1359688071#makechanges
meanwhile i'm awaiting delivery of a microsoft notebook 5000 BT mouse which has been reported to work by another poster. i'll report back on that when it arrives
UPDATE:
at last i've found a mouse that works!
the microsoft bluetooth notebook 5000
I need to replace my parents 7 year old Windows PC with a new one. I was thinking of getting a Android stick instead since their uses are limited to Skype, Hangouts, Facebook, occassional browsing and YouTube. Besides, at least my mom has become pretty familiar with her Android phone.
What I have in mind is this:
Buy a monitor with HDMI port or DVI. The monitor will have built in speakers as well. Connect the stick to it.
Attach a USB hub to the stick.
Attach webcam, keyboard and mouse to the hub. Alternatively, attach keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in the monitor (if available). I don't want to use bluetooth because they will find recharging the keyboard/mouse difficult.
My questions are:
How effective this setup will be for the above mentioned purposes? The reason I ask this is because most people seem to be using Android stick primarily as a media player.
I tried hooking up two tablets to my TV, neither of them gave full screen. Will I face such problems with the stick? Do I need to look for any specific monitor resolutions or aspect ratios?
If I attach keyboard and mouse to the monitor's USB port, will it work?
Are there any sticks which will support touch screen monitors out of the box?
Will it play the sound through monitor out of the box?
In case I have to use bluetooth, can I pair both keyboard and mouse at the same time?
Do I need to shutdown the stick just like a PC or will a simple mains switch off be enough? Or can I leave it running all the time without worrying about the power consumption?
Please recommend a good stick for this purpose.
Am I overlooking something? Will I need any extra components?
I will most likely be telling them over the phone on how to set up the whole thing. So any kind of tinkering with software (like rooting or some form of modding) will not be possible.
unni_kmr said:
I need to replace my parents 7 year old Windows PC with a new one. I was thinking of getting a Android stick instead since their uses are limited to Skype, Hangouts, Facebook, occassional browsing and YouTube. Besides, at least my mom has become pretty familiar with her Android phone.
What I have in mind is this:
Buy a monitor with HDMI port or DVI. The monitor will have built in speakers as well. Connect the stick to it.
Attach a USB hub to the stick.
Attach webcam, keyboard and mouse to the hub. Alternatively, attach keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in the monitor (if available). I don't want to use bluetooth because they will find recharging the keyboard/mouse difficult.
My questions are:
How effective this setup will be for the above mentioned purposes? The reason I ask this is because most people seem to be using Android stick primarily as a media player.
I tried hooking up two tablets to my TV, neither of them gave full screen. Will I face such problems with the stick? Do I need to look for any specific monitor resolutions or aspect ratios?
If I attach keyboard and mouse to the monitor's USB port, will it work?
Are there any sticks which will support touch screen monitors out of the box?
Will it play the sound through monitor out of the box?
In case I have to use bluetooth, can I pair both keyboard and mouse at the same time?
Do I need to shutdown the stick just like a PC or will a simple mains switch off be enough? Or can I leave it running all the time without worrying about the power consumption?
Please recommend a good stick for this purpose.
Am I overlooking something? Will I need any extra components?
I will most likely be telling them over the phone on how to set up the whole thing. So any kind of tinkering with software (like rooting or some form of modding) will not be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list:
1. If you connect the mini pc (stick or otherwise) using HDMI cable to the monitor, you will have audio through the monitor.
2. If you buy a mini pc instead of a stick, you wouldn't need an additional usb hub (see X5 or X7)
3. You will need to use a logitech webcam (at least to use stock roms on Minix)
4. For browsing, Facebook, and Skype, the X7 will handle that easily, on a wired/wireless connection
5. Full screen works fine (either 1080p or 720p)
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
7. The X7will pair both a keyboard and mouse via bt at once, though I would recommend using the usb ports if you are setting it up at a desk
8. My X7 almost never gets shut off. Usually just shut off the monitor and let it stay on. The power consumption is minimal, especially when not being used.
Also, as far as a recommendation, I find the X7 to be pretty good. You'd probably be ok with an X5 if they aren't planning on using it as a media center and want to save some $$$. A lot of the cheap sticks are made by manufacturers who do not provide updates or product support, but since the end of July, Minix has come out with 3 firmware updates, and another one is almost ready. (They would have released update 005 except Rockchip released an update to their code and Minix want to integrate it prior to their next release, as it improves video playback).
On the negative side, the firmware does still have occasional glitches. Although my X7 has been up for days on end, every once in a while it just freezes up, and i have to pull the power cable, plug it back in, and turn it on. Also, the X7 had some early issues with SD cards, but if you don't plan on using an SD card, that shouldn't be an issue.
If you believe an android device will do everything your parents need in a PC, I think it's a great idea. Low power consumption (4W vs the 160-220W of my HTPC), low heat, no noise, low price, and decent reliability.
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Mike_77 said:
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list:
1. If you connect the mini pc (stick or otherwise) using HDMI cable to the monitor, you will have audio through the monitor.
2. If you buy a mini pc instead of a stick, you wouldn't need an additional usb hub (see X5 or X7)
3. You will need to use a logitech webcam (at least to use stock roms on Minix)
4. For browsing, Facebook, and Skype, the X7 will handle that easily, on a wired/wireless connection
5. Full screen works fine (either 1080p or 720p)
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
7. The X7will pair both a keyboard and mouse via bt at once, though I would recommend using the usb ports if you are setting it up at a desk
8. My X7 almost never gets shut off. Usually just shut off the monitor and let it stay on. The power consumption is minimal, especially when not being used.
Also, as far as a recommendation, I find the X7 to be pretty good. You'd probably be ok with an X5 if they aren't planning on using it as a media center and want to save some $$$. A lot of the cheap sticks are made by manufacturers who do not provide updates or product support, but since the end of July, Minix has come out with 3 firmware updates, and another one is almost ready. (They would have released update 005 except Rockchip released an update to their code and Minix want to integrate it prior to their next release, as it improves video playback).
On the negative side, the firmware does still have occasional glitches. Although my X7 has been up for days on end, every once in a while it just freezes up, and i have to pull the power cable, plug it back in, and turn it on. Also, the X7 had some early issues with SD cards, but if you don't plan on using an SD card, that shouldn't be an issue.
If you believe an android device will do everything your parents need in a PC, I think it's a great idea. Low power consumption (4W vs the 160-220W of my HTPC), low heat, no noise, low price, and decent reliability.
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a great wright up of x7 I love mine and agree 100 % with what you have said here. I've tried the uab sticks they don't work as well plus no heat on the x7 that thing is built well to last. I have set p.o.s. (point of sales) systems up in the past using the x5 cheap and fast browsing experience.
Good luck hope your parents are happy with what ever you end up doing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
I have MK808b (dual core with 1GB RAM), and using it as a media center, but also as a PC for browsing INTERNET. It is connected to pc monitor with HDMI, and works perfectly in full HD resolution.
I can't find any reason not to use it as a replacement for PC, especially if you use cloud storage services.
Mike_77 said:
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list...
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this detailed reply. Really appreciate you taking time to write all these.
I have dropped the idea of using touch screen, since they seem to be 3 times the cost of a regular monitor (in India).
Regarding the shipping, I am in US now and parents are in India. I am not exactly sure if customs will cause any problems. That's why I am thinking of ordering from eBay India itself. Only problem is eBay India seller is charging around $204, probably because this is a new device.
dincdoes.me said:
Good luck hope your parents are happy with what ever you end up doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this works as expected for the above purposes, I am the one who will be more happy. In the last 2 years, I have spent a lot of hours through LogMeIn remote desktop updating and maintaining the PC. Where my parents stay, there are scheduled powercuts for 1 hour per day for atleast half of the year, and power comes and goes every now and then even otherwise. This inconsistency in power was another reason that made me lean towards the mini PCs. Besides, my mom, who is the primary user of the PC, has become more familiar with Android (through her phone), and she likes playing the games a lot as well.
draskome said:
I have MK808b (dual core with 1GB RAM), and using it as a media center, but also as a PC for browsing INTERNET. It is connected to pc monitor with HDMI, and works perfectly in full HD resolution.
I can't find any reason not to use it as a replacement for PC, especially if you use cloud storage services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
I am thinking of getting the X7 or X5 mainly because of the software updates, since I won't need to purchase any hub and since I can use my existing Logitech C310 webcam.
I have few more questions regarding the X7:
1. How responsive is the keyboard and mouse? Can I expect a response similar to a normal Windows PC?
2. If I use a monitor that has a resolution between 720p and 1080p (something like 1360x768 for example), will the device handle it properly or will it look odd (like stretched)?
3. Will it get updated automatically? I saw one video in YouTube in which he was manually flashing it using some Windows utility. Is that the only way to update?
I have two devices.
First device is a 70 dollar single core tablet with a broken touch screen. It was to expensive to fix it so I turned it into a server.
1. it runs Servers ultimate pro running a WebDav server, PHP/MySQL server for RSS feeds and a home site for the family, ddns updater and an FTP server.
2. it is running a surveillance app that sends an email to me the moment anything moves in the camera shot.
3. runs a PocketMine-MP server
4. runs an app to auto stop and start apps dring certain times of the day.
All this is remotely accessible VIA webkey.
Second device is an iMito MX1
1. it has a 7 port hub attached.
2. a HD webcam for Skype.
3. two harddrives (a 1 TB driver for media storage and a 720GB for internal memory replacement)(more on that in a min)
4. plays netflix, red box, youtube, Vevo, crackle and XBMC... to name a few
5. has 32 games loaded up with a Logitech F710 wireless controller VIA an app for onscreen touch.
6. Logitech full sized KB and Mouse.
I use this thing for web browsing, shooting vids and pics over to it from my phone for family sharing(DLNA)
The 750gig harddrive is currently the SDCARD but the internal one(NAND). The internal NAND is no longer used and the harddrive is where the OS stores the app's file to SD and the apps extra downloads. This has allowed me to download 15 games that contain 1+gig of extra data each.
All this has replaced two PC's in my house running 24/7. My electric bill has dropped 100+ dollars a month and the house has become quieter.
Let me tell you that two PC's(one was a server and the other a media center) running at full speed just to watch a movie took 280 watts of power. My new setup only consumes 24 at peak! Plus less heat and fan noise! I changed over around a year ago and never looked back or miss my old setup.
If you plan on running one fore a PC replacement I recommend a quad core. Sometimes the browsers can get a bit poky and that is due to the slower CPU. Also Webkey a must for remote management. This one FREE app has saved me more times then I can could. It has tons of functions and features but it's best feature is the remote control. It is just like setting in front of the device but just a tad slower. It is not a perfect app but it is the only remote app that I have found to work time and time again.
unni_kmr said:
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My monitor is 24" 1080p, and it's perfectly suitable for the purpose
For the office documents, 512kbps is quite enough, but not for pics, videos....
unni_kmr said:
Thanks very much for this detailed reply. Really appreciate you taking time to write all these.
I have dropped the idea of using touch screen, since they seem to be 3 times the cost of a regular monitor (in India).
Regarding the shipping, I am in US now and parents are in India. I am not exactly sure if customs will cause any problems. That's why I am thinking of ordering from eBay India itself. Only problem is eBay India seller is charging around $204, probably because this is a new device.
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
I am thinking of getting the X7 or X5 mainly because of the software updates, since I won't need to purchase any hub and since I can use my existing Logitech C310 webcam.
I have few more questions regarding the X7:
1. How responsive is the keyboard and mouse? Can I expect a response similar to a normal Windows PC?
2. If I use a monitor that has a resolution between 720p and 1080p (something like 1360x768 for example), will the device handle it properly or will it look odd (like stretched)?
3. Will it get updated automatically? I saw one video in YouTube in which he was manually flashing it using some Windows utility. Is that the only way to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to share my experience. I was a bit hesitant to buy one originally, but have been more than happy with my purchase.
I bought mine from http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MINIX-NEO-X7-Android-TV-Box-RK3188-Quad-Core-Mini-PC-1-6GHz-2G-16G-WiFi/1086507000.html# shipped DHL for only $3 more, and had it delivered in 3 days to Hawaii from China.
Updates are kind of a pain until they implement OTA updates, which they say they're going to do. That's why I recommend shipping to you first, and then you can send to your parents. I understand the customs issue though.. tough decision on that one.
I use mine on a 55" 1080p tv, and the picture quality is outstanding. The picture does not looked stretched or odd any any way. I believe it will detect the correct display settings and you can set the resolution you desire in /settings/display/resolution (trying to remember exact menu it's under)
The keyboard and mouse is just as responsive as a windows pc. There are a couple of times there is a bit of lag, but that is just a function of how much stuff is running. Even when you experience lag, it isn't anything significant.
There is a working version of CWM that will allow you to flash updates like an Android phone, but you will have to use the pc utility to install CWM (available on freaktab.com) Once CWM is installed, you can package the update files into a zip that is premade other than your update files, and it'll update for you.
There is a lot more information on freaktab.com. I alternated between that and minixforums.com for a while when trying to decide which android mini pc to buy. After weeks of research, I decided the wait for the X7 was worth it, and haven't regretted my decision since.
Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry that I didn't reply for a long time. I tried ordering Minix Neo X7 from the AliExpress link. But they rejected my payment due to security concerns (I used an US credit card and gave India adress which probably raised some red flags). Then I ordered from eBay India. Waiting for it to be shipped.
I also came across another interesting product that could have satisfied all my requirements. Its the ViewSonic VSD220. Its a touch screen monitor with speakers, web cam, USB ports and is a Android mini PC. The only down side was that a YouTube review said its processor is not upto the mark.
unni_kmr said:
Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry that I didn't reply for a long time. I tried ordering Minix Neo X7 from the AliExpress link. But they rejected my payment due to security concerns (I used an US credit card and gave India adress which probably raised some red flags). Then I ordered from eBay India. Waiting for it to be shipped.
I also came across another interesting product that could have satisfied all my requirements. Its the ViewSonic VSD220. Its a touch screen monitor with speakers, web cam, USB ports and is a Android mini PC. The only down side was that a YouTube review said its processor is not upto the mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll get better performance out of the X7. Have you read all the info, etc on minixforums.com? Also, starting with FW006, they are supporting SDCard firmware updates (theoretically, though I haven't tried it)
reddragon72 said:
I have two devices.
First device is a 70 dollar single core tablet with a broken touch screen. It was to expensive to fix it so I turned it into a server.
1. it runs Servers ultimate pro running a WebDav server, PHP/MySQL server for RSS feeds and a home site for the family, ddns updater and an FTP server.
2. it is running a surveillance app that sends an email to me the moment anything moves in the camera shot.
3. runs a PocketMine-MP server
4. runs an app to auto stop and start apps dring certain times of the day.
All this is remotely accessible VIA webkey.
Second device is an iMito MX1
1. it has a 7 port hub attached.
2. a HD webcam for Skype.
3. two harddrives (a 1 TB driver for media storage and a 720GB for internal memory replacement)(more on that in a min)
4. plays netflix, red box, youtube, Vevo, crackle and XBMC... to name a few
5. has 32 games loaded up with a Logitech F710 wireless controller VIA an app for onscreen touch.
6. Logitech full sized KB and Mouse.
I use this thing for web browsing, shooting vids and pics over to it from my phone for family sharing(DLNA)
The 750gig harddrive is currently the SDCARD but the internal one(NAND). The internal NAND is no longer used and the harddrive is where the OS stores the app's file to SD and the apps extra downloads. This has allowed me to download 15 games that contain 1+gig of extra data each.
All this has replaced two PC's in my house running 24/7. My electric bill has dropped 100+ dollars a month and the house has become quieter.
Let me tell you that two PC's(one was a server and the other a media center) running at full speed just to watch a movie took 280 watts of power. My new setup only consumes 24 at peak! Plus less heat and fan noise! I changed over around a year ago and never looked back or miss my old setup.
If you plan on running one fore a PC replacement I recommend a quad core. Sometimes the browsers can get a bit poky and that is due to the slower CPU. Also Webkey a must for remote management. This one FREE app has saved me more times then I can could. It has tons of functions and features but it's best feature is the remote control. It is just like setting in front of the device but just a tad slower. It is not a perfect app but it is the only remote app that I have found to work time and time again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. What would you reccomend for luanchers or either installing a new system on the Tronsmart T428. I just can't stand using the android with my wifi keyboard w built-in mouse. The android pop-up keyboard takes up half of my projector screen when it pops up even with null keyboard installed. When selecting a link if a similar page ops up there is no scroll bars on the right letting you know to scroll down or if ytou are still on the smae page waiting for stuff to upload. i guess I'm looking for more of an Ubuntu 10x or windows experience. Traditional keyboard and mouse vs touch screen. NOw that I think about it I bet I have to get hulu plus to watch anything on this bc it acts like a tablet.