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So I've watched the ICS Motorola Webtop Beta 3.0 video and it may be me but it looks very similar to the Evo Desktop PC in concept and function. Considering that ICS wasn't even available this time last year this would have been the logical progression of the project. I'm not asking for Moto to send me a check but I'm waiting to see how the credits roll out. If the Sun here on Mars has baked my brain then feel free to say so.
Lokifish Marz said:
I'm not asking for Moto to send me a check but I'm waiting to see how the credits roll out.
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Wow
The check is in the mail.
CCallahan said:
The check is in the mail.
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Click to collapse
So are you going to send it on their behalf?
Actually I've been in contact with Moto since the videos surfaced and am getting the "hot potato" treatment. All I'm looking for is to have a civil dialog with them about it. All I'm getting is being told I need to contact Department A by Department B after just being directly referred to Department B by Department A. I have even gone so far as to include the direct referral and names in my communications. You probably have a good idea as to how well that's working.
The odd thing is that with 200+ views nobody has said I should have my head checked. Is everybody on XDA being nice?
Interesting question, locki. Definitely a fair one. If I understand correctly, from watching the video (I had the volume down - A cold and a headache coming down so I'm trying to minimize the noises). In any case, your version looks to me like phone mirroring with a keyboard and a mouse. Not sure how it's set up (you probably said it in the video). But I don't think the ICS demo is a complete demo. This looks like he just reviewed the phone mirroring version, but didn't do a complete webtop review. Also, webtop on the current system is also pretty limited. From that video, I don't see much difference between the ICS and what we have on our phone, except that this is a proof of concept. In any case, you could say the same thing about a comparable presentation from the webtop experience on the mopho if you only show the the phone window usage. could also say the same thing about your ubuntop if you only show a limited version of the capabilities. I guess my point is I don't think you have a fair comparison at this point. But my head is stuffy and I am on my way to an early bedtime, so maybe I'm missing something...
I replaced the video of webtop 3.0 with one that shows webtop3.0 in use. I also have a copy of the ICS RAZR leak and osh (or anything related to that partition) is nowhere to be found. Neflix is obviously Netflix for tablets. The desktop look of Chrome appears to be a ui switch for the mobile chrome browser. If the ICS leak is anywhere near what the official release is, then the tech/android reports are correct that the new webtop is nothing more than modified tablet mode mirroring.
I'm not saying it's not good work. Had HCL Launcher, Chrome mobile browser and Netflix for tablets been out when I released Evo Desktop you would be hard pressed to tell the difference.
My other concern is if the leak I have and the videos are correct this does not bode well for Webtop becoming a true desktop with ICS like many had hoped.
So If I am understanding things correctly, the new webtop is just tweaked phone mirroring, as opposed to now where there are 2 operating systems running side by side. I guess ubuntop won't work on that system then. very disappointing.
As nice as Evo Desktop was there were tons of drawbacks. So I can tell you from experience that this is going to be a serious step backwards for "Webtop". Open up a mobile browser and visit a page that has flash based chat embedded. You cannot leave that page (view another page in another tab) because as soon as you leave the chat page tab everything gets suspended. When you go back to the chat page tab you have to log back in and start over.
Document editing will also be an issue as you have to use cloud based editors like Google Docs because to my knowledge none of the current office apps have that tablet switch needed change how the ui is rendered. When you combine this with the browser tabs issue and that Google Docs puts a fairly heavy load on the browser, you can say goodbye to any real doc editing.
What it comes down to is that many app devs are going to have to add the needed ui switch and changes to keep the new webtop from being trash. This will not be easy. I fought for months to just get a browser with a "desktop ui" look with no success. Even with thousands of users on the Evo project nobody would touch it. I ended up having to modify an existing browser to give my users a desktop look. Multiply that by how many commonly used apps that would need a ui switch and Moto is just asking for failure.
My other concern is what happens to the, now wasted, 1.3GB osh partition? The leak has no mention of it in the install script. It looks like it will still present but only accessible via vnc which has it's own issues and drawbacks.
as most of you may have probably learned .. windowsandroid lets you use android (I.C.S) in windows without emulation ... so i have side-loaded 2 or 3 apps but when i press them in windowsandroid .. it opens the app then suddenly closes it .. does this happen to you also ?? and how can i increase its resolution to run it in "tablet mode" ???
Someone help plz !
Maybe this'll help...a little
If you're into disappointment, maybe, that is.
I was interested in the same thing (among other things), with this emu (which, basically it is).
I found this Reddit post on the topic; basically, it says you should merely ADD the following line to the 'build.prop' file in the WindowsAndroid root folder--that's right, just ADD it, no reason to plug it in anywhere specific, or use it to replace anything there:
ro.sf.lcd_density=120
It's important to note, however, this is a density setting rather than a resolution setting, and so caused my own installation to show up in tablet mode, but, as I'm using an older low-res LCD Projector as my monitor (and, er, Windows knows this quite too well, BTW), my copy kept showing up with the screen out of registration--in fact, it looks like you're in 'settings', choosing between active screens (see my screenshot).
Ooops--my writing compositional skills must be lapsing, because--how do I know this stuff about your monitor res having anything to do with anything in this app?
Glad you asked!
An answer posted to a well-worded question that ended up on this site:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...in-socketeqs-windowsandroid/14885130#14885130
Note I reverse-answered his question with the same stuff I posted here--I'm so cheap!
So, for people using regular ole hi-res monitors, and not lower (pretty much 1024x768 for me, the trade-off being it's HUGE!) monitors, this may be okay for you.
Lol thx ... Have you tried side loading apps .. If yes do they work ?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda app-developers app
Turned-off notifications...sorry
Yarp...if you count merely dumping them into the '[root]\system\app' folder (methinks)...tried that the first night, and got so many that didn't work (even pretty simple, 'non-graphicky' ones) that I gave up on this OS that very first night...'til later...maybe.
Too much janky behavior from that otherwise very cool idea. I got into some other things temporarily--I'll look back in (some things in mind) in a week or so.
That thing was locking up pretty consistently every time I ran an app on it other than the 'system apps' that came with it...I was interested in trying out my favorite old news & weather app--the 'geniewidget.apk' I loved from Froyo on (see here), post by username VJKotts with attachment--worked for me!
I may have time to list apps that worked, and didn't, later today, but many of them are specific to me (like, my over-use of the Ulysse speedometer while driving my last car, which didn't have a working speedo, so, that was priceless!).
Some various media player apps are of interest to me, since I build HTPCs, and am getting into using the Android OS for the same purpose (with portability offered by the new Android mini PC's!)
Some reviewers of that thing are reporting tons of happy success with using them as basic HTPCs, and lots of people love XBMC and Plex (not me necessarily--I've had limited success with each of these, and resort to much simpler playback of my own 'Windows-Recorded TV' files using Skifta, so I'm happy with that app.
sebas98619 said:
Lol thx ... Have you tried side loading apps .. If yes do they work ?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda app-developers app
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OK - I acknowledge there are quite a number of ways in which Google (and other corporations, for that matter) invades my privacy regularly.
That said, I just got back from a trip away, and Android on my phone (Nexus 5) has just pushed a photo album at me - purporting to depict my trip like a travel album.
Not only is this completely unwanted, it makes me feel sick. I know there's not a guy sitting at a computer in California looking through the photos in my Google+ account, but I really don't care. I just don't want this sort of stuff to happen.
So... I am looking at moving to an alternative OS and all alternative software. Does anyone have any thoughts on doing so? Ie - benefits / downsides... And what alternative OS should I move to?
Thanks all for your help!
fearofbirds said:
OK - I acknowledge there are quite a number of ways in which Google (and other corporations, for that matter) invades my privacy regularly.
That said, I just got back from a trip away, and Android on my phone (Nexus 5) has just pushed a photo album at me - purporting to depict my trip like a travel album.
Not only is this completely unwanted, it makes me feel sick. I know there's not a guy sitting at a computer in California looking through the photos in my Google+ account, but I really don't care. I just don't want this sort of stuff to happen.
So... I am looking at moving to an alternative OS and all alternative software. Does anyone have any thoughts on doing so? Ie - benefits / downsides... And what alternative OS should I move to?
Thanks all for your help!
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Click to collapse
go into google + and turn off sync photos if you don't want privacy invasion.(any place you store things online can be hacked or looked @ in the blink of an eye. (Locks only work for people who are honest)
Sure... Thanks. I've just disabled a bunch of Google apps and i'm sure it will make my phone go haywire.
I'm pretty curious about alternatives to Android though. Anyone? Seems they'll be limited as they won't have many apps and stuff, but i'd love to get out of the Google ecosystem altogether.
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
ShadowEO said:
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
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With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Ranomez said:
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
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I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
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AndyYan said:
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
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Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Ranomez said:
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
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Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
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AndyYan said:
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
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Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Does LMT contain the menu button by default? I could care less if it's a little oversized (as long as it's not to big for 150-175 DPI), but I'm about to reset my watch using the restore tools because I screwed up root while trying to get SoftKeyz (EDIT: I believe was the name of the softkey app I was trying to make work, can't remember and just finished resetting) to work correctly.
Ranomez said:
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
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Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
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AndyYan said:
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
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I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Ranomez said:
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
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Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
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AndyYan said:
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
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You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Ranomez said:
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
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Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
AndyYan said:
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
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Well the compatibility thing has changed as ingenic released a compatibility layer (something like libhoudini for intel CPU's) so as far as I can see from a friend's Z Watch it can run almost anything one would throw at it (ok, anything a bit rational, only apps that can actually be useful on a watch) but yes that CPU is not the fastest and the firmware is not really optimized enough so you would need a custom ROM and perhaps some RAM management script like L Speed to get it lag-free yet I can say my friend's z watch behaves pretty well on Dj Droid, it wasn't really lag-free the 2 weeks time we exchanged watches so I could test it but that's just cause I was using xposed and quite a few modules and also had about 100 apps installed, the lag wasn't really the problem for me, the annoying thing for me was the app load times, it would take me up to 1 minute to launch a 3d game.
This being said I would still recommend you to wait for something better, smartwatches right now are good but I see a lot more potential and I am sure in a few years we will see amazing ones, perhaps as good as our older phones in regards to app compatibility and flexibility, who knows, perhaps they'll even be as powerful as our current phones (as far as it goes phones in 1 year will probably be much powerful than our current phones so anything's possible).
EDIT: I also forgot to say that many apps have been adapted for MIPS since then so even without the compatibility layer there are enough apps working on the Z Watch.
Recently inherited a Nook Tablet 16GB with OS 1.4.3.
Did some searching and Phone Arena http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Barnes---Noble-NOOK-Tablet_id6548 lists it as Android (2.3).
Am not familiar with TI OMAP4 SoC.
Since Android is now at 6, I wonder what the latest OS can be used with it?
Appreciate comments and suggestions!
Thanks
Ken
Should add am wondering what is the latest Android OS I can use before the TI OMAP4 SoC becomes noticeably Slow.
Ken
KenithO said:
Should add am wondering what is the latest Android OS I can use before the TI OMAP4 SoC becomes noticeably Slow.
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slow compared to what? The original 2.3? That I can't speak to since I never did much with my original (ebay) tablet but turn it on and flash CM 10.2.1 (after having it repartitioned at my local B&N store). I ran CM 10.2.1 for a little over a year and was fairly happy with its performance but I have to add that it has been my only tablet experience (if you don't count my much-modified Nook Simple Touch!) and the rest of my experience is with desktop and laptop Windows machines.
I think if you intend to use the tablet for memory and graphics intensive gaming, you may be disappointed. Not sure since I'm not a gamer. I use mine for reading news, watching movies and/or streams, listening to audiobooks, doing crossword puzzles, email, some limited internet browsing, running Kodi, etc. I'm not sure I'd call the tablet response "sprightly", but I'm comfortable with the performance. I don't need to grab a cup of tea while something starts up
I'm not sure about CM 11 (that's roughly KitKat). I skipped over that one to investigate CM 12.1 (Lollipop) for just about a week now and have noticed some strain on the hardware resources and a change in response. But it's still settling in and things change a little from day to day so I'll give it a few more weeks before I decide whether to return to 10.2.1 or try 11.
So....it's largely what you'd expect. This is a piece of hardware that was designed as mainly a reader with a few bones thrown in to tantalize people into thinking they were getting a little something extra--which they were. But that was in the days of Android 2.3 and it really wasn't designed to be a super-duper multimedia tablet. That said, there are a lot of people who still use them and spend a lot of time developing CM for them.
As a 2.3 device it's pretty limited (except as a reader, if you like the backlight) so I'd say give at least CM 10 a try and see what you think. Just keep in mind its hardware origins.
Hi nmyshkin,
1st thanks for your comments! Will try to explain in more detail.
I would like to use my Nook Tablet as a audio/video player (No games) so like to install VLC media player or similar.
"Slow compared to what?" To my experience installing newer Windows OSes on same hardware. Have had best results using apps like nLite or with WinXP using Hiren's MiniXP to reduce all the Win Bloatware!
Since you are much more experienced concerning the Nook Tablet do you have a blog concerning your OS upgrade experience? Also what Audio/Video Player App(s) do you use?
Ken
KenithO said:
Hi nmyshkin,
1st thanks for your comments! Will try to explain in more detail.
I would like to use my Nook Tablet as a audio/video player (No games) so like to install VLC media player or similar.
"Slow compared to what?" To my experience installing newer Windows OSes on same hardware. Have had best results using apps like nLite or with WinXP using Hiren's MiniXP to reduce all the Win Bloatware!
Since you are much more experienced concerning the Nook Tablet do you have a blog concerning your OS upgrade experience? Also what Audio/Video Player App(s) do you use?
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're interested in mainly audio/video then the NT should serve you well. I hear you about trying to put newer (read: hungrier) operating systems on older machines. The CM people have done a great job but every piece of hardware has its limits. For your purposes I would think that CM 10 would be fine, but you could certainly try 11 or (maybe) 12. The advantage to choosing a more up-to-date operating system is that more apps are available to you. The catch is that the PlayStore will often say an app is not compatible since it sees the device as a Nook Tablet and has no idea that you have upgraded the OS. So you sometimes have to be creative in obtaining apps and sideloading them. As for bloatware, the principal source is the GoogleApps! When I did my CM 10 flashing there was just the typical package but there are now mini, micro, nano, etc., versions which narrow down the list of GApps to bare essentials. I used the nano set on my CM 12.1 and don't miss anything.
I've attached a screenshot of my current Home running CM 12.1. I have a second screen which is just a few utilities (file manager, print, wi-fi transfer, etc.) but you can get an idea of what kind of stuff runs well on the tablet with a newer OS. I've not used VLC player on the NT but I imagine it would be fine. MX Player works well for me and it also serves as my music player. Since I grew up in an era when the album was king, I don't keep separate songs and use minimal tags. If you're a more tag-driven music listener then you'd want something else. CM 10 comes with a tag-friendly music player but if that didn't suit your needs, there are plenty of apps to try in the PlayStore.
Anything that MX Player can't handle (haven't found it yet) Kodi would be able to deal with. I guess you could use Kodi exclusively as a media player but the screen interface is a little trying for a small screen.
I'm "experienced" only to the extent that I've had a lot of help with problems In my view you can't do better than the instructions given by user digixmax. His installation instructions for CM 10 are here. For CM 11 or 12 they are here. If you read through both threads you'll find plenty of panic-stricken posts by yours truly
nmyshkin said:
...
The catch is that the PlayStore will often say an app is not compatible since it sees the device as a Nook Tablet and has no idea that you have upgraded the OS. So you sometimes have to be creative in obtaining apps and sideloading them.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW I usually can download and install from an alternate source such as 1MobileMarket (http://market.1mobile.com) or Amazon appstore the very same app that Google Playstore deem incompatible with my Nook.
digixmax said:
FWIW I usually can download and install from an alternate source such as 1MobileMarket (http://market.1mobile.com) or Amazon appstore the very same app that Google Playstore deem incompatible with my Nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, or you can try here: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Most common apps can be downloaded to your PC from there and then side loaded. Supposedly they will also fetch less common ones if you ask.
nmyshkin,
Thanks again for your detailed comments!
Also while I am new to Nook Tablet have been using Android cell phones for a while. My 1st Android phone was a Kyocera Hydro http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Kyocera-Hydro_id7096
Wanted to root it but after reading "!!WARNING!! there is currently no working recovery, beware of the changes you make to your phone, modify at your own risk" (am a believer in Murphies Law
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy's_law) decided not to take the chance.
Recently I got an and hoped to root it but found "Alcatel A460G Rooting Trouble - a lost cause" http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/help/alcatel-a460g-rooting-trouble-pointers-t3261024
so am waiting for someone to do this first.
While I have never Rooted an Android Device did learn early to side load, usually using http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Have recently found mention of another Android app download site APKPure https://apkpure.com/ but do Not know how trustworthy it is?
The only thing I know about "CyanogenMod" is what I read at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
Since my Nook Tablet is still original will volunteer to use any test apps to determine its speed.
Also since it does not have a Camera do not understand the need to go above KitKat (4.4). If there is some other reason would be interested.
"When I did my CM 10 flashing there was just the typical package but there are now mini, micro, nano, etc., versions which narrow down the list of GApps to bare essentials. I used the nano set on my CM 12.1 and don't miss anything." Nano is for me! What about Pico? Also found Pico(Uni)?
Where do you normally download them? Is it http://www.androidrootz.com/2015/03/download-android-44x-kitkat-pa-gapps.html
Question: What do you gain by using CyanogenMod 12.1, based on Android 5.1?
Ken
Hi digixmax,
"I usually can download and install from an alternate source such as 1MobileMarket (http://market.1mobile.com) or Amazon appstore the very same app that Google Playstore deem incompatible with my Nook."
Thanks for the tip!
Do you know of any posts concerning the reliability of alternate sources?
Ken
KenithO said:
nmyshkin,
Thanks again for your detailed comments!
Also while I am new to Nook Tablet have been using Android cell phones for a while. My 1st Android phone was a Kyocera Hydro http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Kyocera-Hydro_id7096
Wanted to root it but after reading "!!WARNING!! there is currently no working recovery, beware of the changes you make to your phone, modify at your own risk" (am a believer in Murphies Law
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy's_law) decided not to take the chance.
Recently I got an and hoped to root it but found "Alcatel A460G Rooting Trouble - a lost cause" http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/help/alcatel-a460g-rooting-trouble-pointers-t3261024
so am waiting for someone to do this first.
While I have never Rooted an Android Device did learn early to side load, usually using http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Have recently found mention of another Android app download site APKPure https://apkpure.com/ but do Not know how trustworthy it is?
The only thing I know about "CyanogenMod" is what I read at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
Since my Nook Tablet is still original will volunteer to use any test apps to determine its speed.
Also since it does not have a Camera do not understand the need to go above KitKat (4.4). If there is some other reason would be interested.
"When I did my CM 10 flashing there was just the typical package but there are now mini, micro, nano, etc., versions which narrow down the list of GApps to bare essentials. I used the nano set on my CM 12.1 and don't miss anything." Nano is for me! What about Pico? Also found Pico(Uni)?
Where do you normally download them? Is it http://www.androidrootz.com/2015/03/download-android-44x-kitkat-pa-gapps.html
Question: What do you gain by using CyanogenMod 12.1, based on Android 5.1?
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's best to do some homework on a device before purchase if you plan to root it or install alternate ROMS.
Sources for the various GApps packages can be found in the instruction thread I referred you to earlier.
Even CM 10 includes camera and Bluetooth fluff on the NT-- not functional, of course. Theoretically running a more up-to-date OS extends the useful life of the device. App development eventually leaves older devices in the dust, although not completely. I still have a generous complement of apps on my NST and that runs Eclair!
Anyway, the chief advantage of an OS like CM is that it is fluid, with people working to improve and enhance. Also, it overcomes some of the limitations imposed by B&N when they designed their "front end".
KenithO said:
...
Nano is for me! What about Pico? Also found Pico(Uni)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Info on different package types:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/reborn-gapps-5-t3074660
Where do you normally download them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://opengapps.org/#
---------- Post added at 07:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 PM ----------
KenithO said:
Do you know of any posts concerning the reliability of alternate sources?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not off-hand.
digixmax,
Thanks for the links! Somehow I thought the various builds were CyanogenMod and searched for "CyanogenMod Pico" but found nothing.
Looked over "Info on different package types" http://forum.xda-developers.com/andr...pps-5-t3074660 and am interested in PICO MODULAR PACKAGE ANDROID 5.1 DOWNLOAD LINKS (~43MB).
Question: Is a Pico Modular package available for Android 4.4.4 KitKat? Am guessing No.
To restate I would like to use my Nook Tablet 16 Only as a Multimedia Player and for reading DOCs and PDFs.
Since I only side load apps is it possible to eliminate Google Play Store, Google Calendar Sync, and the following Play Store application and leave only the core Google system base?
[GAPPS][DAILY] Open GApps for Android 5.1,5.0,4.4; arm,arm64,x86,x86_64
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3098071
[GAPPS][DAILY] Open GApps for Android 5.1,5.0,4.4; arm,arm64,x86,x86_64
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using XDA Free mobile app
Am trying to do my homework so have been searching for early articles about the Nook Tablet.
Found "How To Sideload (Almost) Any Android App On The Nook Tablet" by K. T. Bradford http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/11/16/how-to-sideload-android-apps-nook-tablet/
Am wondering if this Nook originally had OS 1.4.0? Does anyone know how to find out? If yes is there an easy way to go back to it? That way I would get a baseline. If no I hope someone has found a workaround!
The 1st app I would like to install is a File Manager and would appreciate any recommendations.
Since OS 1.4.3 is listed as Android 2.3 checked Google Store for FMs that will run on this or older and found X-plore File Manager 3.78 (2.3), File Manager (File transfer) by Cheetah Mobile Tools (Varies with device?),
SD File Manager 1.0.9 by MobilDev (2.3), File Manager by 1.1 by IT STARS (2.3), File Manager 1.31 by xFrame Labs Tools (2.3)
Hi champ1919,
Thanks for the link! I have a lot of catching up to do concerning Open GApps!
Liked DL page http://opengapps.org/ for giving a quick overview of all the options!
Saw there is an X86 ver for 4.4 to 6.0 Nano. Am wondering if I can install these on a std 32bit PC?
Have been searching and found "Advanced Features and Options", "Removal of Stock applications", and "Universal Application Removals"
https://github.com/opengapps/opengapps/wiki/Advanced-Features-and-Options These give you a lot of options!
Any good tutorials?
OK guys, I'm updating a 16GB Nook tablet, it has 1.4.3.
From what I've pieced together, I need to create a bootable TWRP sdcard and flash the root file then flash the TWRP 3.0.0-0(the acclaim works for the old Nook?) Then flash CM12 or CM13?
I'm starting from scratch and these guides are rather old so I'm trying to make sure I use the most up to date recovery and ROM available but with everything spread through different guides its a little confusing to decide which steps and files I need and which ones I don't considering I'm trying to go from stock to TWRP and CM12/CM13 in as few steps as possible.
Droidriven said:
OK guys, I'm updating a 16GB Nook tablet, it has 1.4.3.
From what I've pieced together, I need to create a bootable TWRP sdcard and flash the root file then flash the TWRP 3.0.0-0(the acclaim works for the old Nook?) Then flash CM12 or CM13?
I'm starting from scratch and these guides are rather old so I'm trying to make sure I use the most up to date recovery and ROM available but with everything spread through different guides its a little confusing to decide which steps and files I need and which ones I don't considering I'm trying to go from stock to TWRP and CM12/CM13 in as few steps as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can look at this thread for combinations of files that worked. I'm in there later in the mix and that's how I ended up with CM 12.1.
Looking at the SD card I prepared I can see everything I used except for the TWRP version because it was renamed. At this point I would just use one of the versions mentioned in the thread I just referenced for someone who succeeded at 12.1 (or if you want 13.0, there is a separate thread for that). Just know that TWRP gives error messages during the preparation process (at least my version did--mentioned in the thread) and these can be ignored.
The rest of the files I used with success:
cm-12.1-20151117-SNAPSHOT-YOG7DAO1K6-acclaim.zip
flashable_CWM_6.0.4.8_chrmhoffmann.zip
open_gapps-arm-5.1-nano-20160109.zip
FWIW, the file size on the TWRP version I used shows as 7516 KB.
Hello Ken,
All CMs are somewhat slower that stock Android from BN. You will also loose the proper behavior of tablet when you connect cable to charger - stock OS wakes tablet from sleep when tablet gets connected to charger, CM does not, so you will have to wake it up first, otherwise tablet will not charge. Then, under every CM build RAM (under 'About Tablet') is stated 672 Mb, but under stock OS RAM is 1024Mb. Don't know is B&N trick us or not.
Next, if tablet left asleep for some prolonged period its time/date gets frozen, so when you wake it up it will show some wrong time/date and it does not auto-update on wake up, so you will have to manually update it by going to proper menu in Settings.
Tablet definitely lags compared to stock (in my opinion), especially when apps upgrade themselves and/or you turn on the WiFi - it's total hell. Also, apps like FB can take forever to install.
I tried CM12.1 but decided to get back to CM10.2.1. I also use alternative launcher, cause native one works in landscape mode and nothing made it to run in portrait.
Btw, in newer CMs you will loose access to some of the internal storage and to recover it - you will have to repartition your tablet.
Hope my info helps a bit.
PepeladZ said:
Hello Ken,
All CMs are somewhat slower that stock Android from BN. You will also loose the proper behavior of tablet when you connect cable to charger - stock OS wakes tablet from sleep when tablet gets connected to charger, CM does not, so you will have to wake it up first, otherwise tablet will not charge. Then, under every CM build RAM (under 'About Tablet') is stated 672 Mb, but under stock OS RAM is 1024Mb. Don't know is B&N trick us or not.
Next, if tablet left asleep for some prolonged period its time/date gets frozen, so when you wake it up it will show some wrong time/date and it does not auto-update on wake up, so you will have to manually update it by going to proper menu in Settings.
Tablet definitely lags compared to stock (in my opinion), especially when apps upgrade themselves and/or you turn on the WiFi - it's total hell. Also, apps like FB can take forever to install.
I tried CM12.1 but decided to get back to CM10.2.1. I also use alternative launcher, cause native one works in landscape mode and nothing made it to run in portrait.
Btw, in newer CMs you will loose access to some of the internal storage and to recover it - you will have to repartition your tablet.
Hope my info helps a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This further reinforces my feeling that the CM flashings are somewhat idiosyncratic (at least on the Nook Tablet). I've run both 10.2.1 and 12.1 (current) on my tablet and never saw the clock update issue described. In 12.1 the AM/PM indicator had update issues, but I solved that by disabling the cLock widget and installing Chronus from the PlayStore.
Sluggish is as sluggish does, I guess. Running CM 12.1 is no more sluggish than my cheap KitKat LG smartphone I use as an mp3 player. I have to agree that sometimes the tablet just has a bad time of things. This happened a lot after my initial 12.1 installation and there were many odd things that needed fixing. I just kept at it until it is finally running as well as 10.2.1---even better since it now boots reliably every time, whereas with 10.2.1 there were many times when I would boot to a black (backlit) screen. So now I shut it down every night and boot up the next morning without any problem.
The moral seems to be that you just need to try. Keep a backup of the stock system in case you have "buyer's remorse". Don't give up right away. Reflash if things are just a mess, but if only a few things are wonky, work with the tablet for a week or so. It seems to get better after each reboot. Decide for yourself whether the reported sluggishness of the tablet is something that you notice for the apps you are using. A lot of it is about expectations.
nmyshkin said:
I've run both 10.2.1 and 12.1 (current) on my tablet and never saw the clock update issue described. In 12.1 the AM/PM indicator had update issues, but I solved that by disabling the cLock widget and installing Chronus from the PlayStore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is that I tried one of the latest 12.1 with the same results. I don't think the clock problem comes from cLock widget but is related to deep sleep mode or something like that.
nmyshkin said:
This happened a lot after my initial 12.1 installation and there were many odd things that needed fixing. I just kept at it until it is finally running as well as 10.2.1---even better since it now boots reliably every time, whereas with 10.2.1 there were many times when I would boot to a black (backlit) screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I switched to CM since 10.x and followed along till 13.x came out. So I was on 12.1 for quite some time and tried fresh builds quite frequently, doing 'full reset' install. Btw, I've never had unreliable boots.
nmyshkin said:
So now I shut it down every night and boot up the next morning without any problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, turning it off is the only way to keep clock right.