Hey there guys, I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the best Android TV device is on the market. Only catch, it has to be rootable. I do not really care if it is a dongle or some other kind of unit. As long as it is rootable, and runts 4.2 + android.
Any suggestions or ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Anyone?
Best Android TV
Hi. The best on my opinion is the Razer Forge, if you plan to play games on top hardware developed for Android and enjoy 4k streaming(full HD). About rooting possibility, don't know yet but almost all devices like these allow it if not now, early will.
Forgetting my advise you won't fail buying a Minix X8 H Plus... Its 4k even.
Best regards!
nicaroxo said:
Hi. The best on my opinion is the Razer Forge, if you plan to play games on top hardware developed for Android and enjoy 4k streaming(full HD). About rooting possibility, don't know yet but almost all devices like these allow it if not now, early will.
Forgetting my advise you won't fail buying a Minix X8 H Plus... Its 4k even.
Best regards!
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Click to collapse
What about a gbox q?
G Box Q
Awesome specs, but not available in my country yet! Better price either. Some reviews gave outstanding performance on 4k. Why not?
nicaroxo said:
Awesome specs, but not available in my country yet! Better price either. Some reviews gave outstanding performance on 4k. Why not?
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Click to collapse
Thanks dude.... I appreciate it
I bought a Tronfy MX-IV, looking at some of the other boxes it has the same design as the Beelink. Quite satisfied with it. Runs 4.4.2 with Kodi 14.2, 4k support. But i do recommend buying an airmouse. Most of these boxes come with a simple IR remote.
kidjolly said:
What about a gbox q?
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Click to collapse
The G Box Q is an older MX2 Dual Core System.
Depending on what you need I'd go with the following in this order.
Google Nexus ADT-1 <- GET THIS
nVidia Shield TV <- Or that
If you want to Game! since these both have the nVida Tegra 4 GPU, and you can hack the ADT-1 to use the nVidia Service to play Half-Life 2 in it
On the Chinese side....
Minix Neo x8-H Plus <- Probably the BEST DEVICE you can get for ~150.00€ GigE, 802.11ac, Hardware decode of h.265 >2160p*
Beelink S82 Plus (Or any other Generic S82 Plus [2G/16G] Device you can find. Amlogic S812 SoC) <- Again these should be slightly cheaper though they are S812 SoCs they lack a number of features such as GigE 802.11ac and Hardware decode.
Slightly cheaper still are the current dead-end products such as the MXIII, S82 / S89 - S802 SoC Boxes. The "Trick" here is to miss the 1G/8G Units and, go straight on for the better 2G/8G, which have 802.11 a/b/g/n, and Bluetooth. These all have Arm Mali GPUs which are great, but not really in the same league with nVidia. If your just want a cheap efficient replacement for that HTPC then these are the right Boxes for you.
*NOTE You have to make sure your getting the *-H Plus version the lower Plus version with out the "H" only does Software decode >720p.
You'll note it in the slight price difference. In the end its about what you're willing to pay up font for!
If you're waiting for an Android TV Device, wait for the Nvidia Shield Android TV. It will be the most powerful device there, and it will also be able to output 4k and 7.1 surround sound. I have the Razer Forge TV, and while it's nice, I don't have Netflix Support.
Sgt.JimmyRustles said:
If you're waiting for an Android TV Device, wait for the Nvidia Shield Android TV. It will be the most powerful device there, and it will also be able to output 4k and 7.1 surround sound. I have the Razer Forge TV, and while it's nice, I don't have Netflix Support.
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specs look awesome for that, but you think it would be rootable? and run Kodi? (not a big fan of Plex)
snoozy said:
specs look awesome for that, but you think it would be rootable? and run Kodi? (not a big fan of Plex)
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Click to collapse
Forge can run Kodi, as well as the Nexus Player, so I'd assume the Shield TV can as well. Though I'm returning my Forge TV, as the No Netflix has really gotten to me.
Ichijoe said:
The G Box Q is an older MX2 Dual Core System.
Depending on what you need I'd go with the following in this order.
Google Nexus ADT-1 <- GET THIS
nVidia Shield TV <- Or that
If you want to Game! since these both have the nVida Tegra 4 GPU, and you can hack the ADT-1 to use the nVidia Service to play Half-Life 2 in it
On the Chinese side....
Minix Neo x8-H Plus <- Probably the BEST DEVICE you can get for ~150.00€ GigE, 802.11ac, Hardware decode of h.265 >2160p*
Beelink S82 Plus (Or any other Generic S82 Plus [2G/16G] Device you can find. Amlogic S812 SoC) <- Again these should be slightly cheaper though they are S812 SoCs they lack a number of features such as GigE 802.11ac and Hardware decode.
Slightly cheaper still are the current dead-end products such as the MXIII, S82 / S89 - S802 SoC Boxes. The "Trick" here is to miss the 1G/8G Units and, go straight on for the better 2G/8G, which have 802.11 a/b/g/n, and Bluetooth. These all have Arm Mali GPUs which are great, but not really in the same league with nVidia. If your just want a cheap efficient replacement for that HTPC then these are the right Boxes for you.
*NOTE You have to make sure your getting the *-H Plus version the lower Plus version with out the "H" only does Software decode >720p.
You'll note it in the slight price difference. In the end its about what you're willing to pay up font for!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guy is giving sound advice and seems to know what he is talking about.
I have bought several devices and have come to find that MINIX has the best boxes and makes the most progress with them. Plus it seems to have the biggest development community pumping out ROMS and early releases of firmware.
I currently have both and MINIX x8-h and a MINIX x8-h plus. I normally keep them rooted and on the latest FinlessBob ROM. They play everything I throw at them, from locally stored videos, to YouTube, to Amazon Prime or Netflix, or other less talked about streaming apps.
KjK89 said:
This guy is giving sound advice and seems to know what he is talking about.
I have bought several devices and have come to find that MINIX has the best boxes and makes the most progress with them. Plus it seems to have the biggest development community pumping out ROMS and early releases of firmware.
I currently have both and MINIX x8-h and a MINIX x8-h plus. I normally keep them rooted and on the latest FinlessBob ROM. They play everything I throw at them, from locally stored videos, to YouTube, to Amazon Prime or Netflix, or other less talked about streaming apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you play Netflix in HD on those Boxes? What about Google Play Movies?
I don't think I've ever seen a build.prop from a Minix Box yet. But, for the rest of those Amalogic Boxes... Including the newer k200 (S812 SoC's). The Line:
media.amplayer.widevineenable= has been set to false. The upshot here is that Google Play Movies WILL NOT WORK, until you flip that bit to true, and reboot.
As to Amazon Prime... I wasn't able to get it working on my MXIII... A case of to many inter-operating Apps.. Install this, to install that so that App A) can call upon App b) (The Player), to work... Oddly enough the Kodi add-on just WORKS! Even with HD stuff... As for Netflix though? I'm not a customer of theres just yet.
Ichijoe said:
Can you play Netflix in HD on those Boxes? What about Google Play Movies?
I don't think I've ever seen a build.prop from a Minix Box yet. But, for the rest of those Amalogic Boxes... Including the newer k200 (S812 SoC's). The Line:
media.amplayer.widevineenable= has been set to false. The upshot here is that Google Play Movies WILL NOT WORK, until you flip that bit to true, and reboot.
As to Amazon Prime... I wasn't able to get it working on my MXIII... A case of to many inter-operating Apps.. Install this, to install that so that App A) can call upon App b) (The Player), to work... Oddly enough the Kodi add-on just WORKS! Even with HD stuff... As for Netflix though? I'm not a customer of theres just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good questions, but my answers my not be the most fulfilling. When I first tried Netflix, I was using a friends account and did not specifically test HD playback. I do not use Netflix at the moment, so I'm not able to test again.
As for Amazon Prime i followed the app (a) to app (b) stuff and I think the way it works now is when I click on the app icon it actually takes me into the browser and allows me to select the movie I want to play and then it opens in MX Player.
KjK89 said:
Good questions, but my answers my not be the most fulfilling. When I first tried Netflix, I was using a friends account and did not specifically test HD playback. I do not use Netflix at the moment, so I'm not able to test again.
As for Amazon Prime i followed the app (a) to app (b) stuff and I think the way it works now is when I click on the app icon it actually takes me into the browser and allows me to select the movie I want to play and then it opens in MX Player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this to me seems wrong on soo many levels... I shouldn't have to jump though hoops just to watch something. It also doesn't do much to help when the stuff they have (Amazon Germany), is third-rate junk at best, and isn't even worth the One off payment of 50€ per annum at worst. Thankfully my two-week cooling off period is about to close soon ( I think tomorrow, or Thursday IIRC)... I shall definitely be making sure to cancel my 30 Day Trial ASAP!
Ichijoe said:
Yeah this to me seems wrong on soo many levels... I shouldn't have to jump though hoops just to watch something. It also doesn't do much to help when the stuff they have (Amazon Germany), is third-rate junk at best, and isn't even worth the One off payment of 50€ per annum at worst. Thankfully my two-week cooling off period is about to close soon ( I think tomorrow, or Thursday IIRC)... I shall definitely be making sure to cancel my 30 Day Trial ASAP!
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I hear you! I think its important to note, that this is a problem caused by Amazon tho, not the device manufacturer. Amazon does not have a very effective way of accessing prime videos on Android. I use prime because I do a lot of shopping on Amazon, so to me the movies are a bonus and now that I have it set up the right way, it really isn't too hard to use.
KjK89 said:
I hear you! I think its important to note, that this is a problem caused by Amazon tho, not the device manufacturer. Amazon does not have a very effective way of accessing prime videos on Android. I use prime because I do a lot of shopping on Amazon, so to me the movies are a bonus and now that I have it set up the right way, it really isn't too hard to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, it is Amazons problem... The world is moving the hell away from MicroSoft's Silverlight as fast, as it can... Perhaps you might have heard that Goggle finally started removing NPAPI from Chrome... The bit that made Silverlight work on it? And, we're talking about PC's here now, NOT Android!
Besides I have to ask myself... If I must use something as bad as the MX Player (As more in what it devolved into, then what it used to be!), to render Amazon Prime in the first place.... Why even bother with any DRM in the first place? And, IF I needed such a Renderer, to, get this working... (Something that truly escapes me!), This might explain to my why I'm otherwise unable to use it outside of XBMC/Kodi. Which does work.
But, I suspect the "Difference" between you, and I is that you're using Amazon.com (US) - With the best Content going... While I'm on Amazon.de (Germany), - Which only has utter CRAP on it! As to the other "freebees" I don't own a Kindle, and I don't need any Free Shipping from them either. I joined this "venture" from the other-side as a VOD Provider with other goodies tossed in. Perhaps that was my failing here...
I have two MXQ android tv boxes in the house and they're working great, I also have rooted firmware installed on them which also includes gamepad support but I haven't tested that as I brought the mxq solely for using kodi.
snoozy said:
I bought a Tronfy MX-IV, looking at some of the other boxes it has the same design as the Beelink. Quite satisfied with it. Runs 4.4.2 with Kodi 14.2, 4k support. But i do recommend buying an airmouse. Most of these boxes come with a simple IR remote.
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Click to collapse
Yes this device is not bad. Tronfy is also a tv box brand not that hot. Mind if i ask where did you offer it?
As i see a thread about Minix Neo X8-H. The tv box comes with an M1 air mouse. Many uses for the air mouse. Light and with great material.
So if MX-IV comes with one, that's perfect
The Tronfy MXIV doesn't come with an air mouse, but those are pretty cheap. Aside from that, it's a great box. Just waiting for Lollipop firmware and it will be perfect (as the Android TV Play Store and a lot of the apps are 5.x only).
Related
I've been lucky enough to snag a Viewpad 10e from Argos in the UK... Struggling to find any forums specifically for this pad though.
In a nutshell, its a great piece of hardware for £200 slightly let down by stuttery software. Very iPad like but with Android gingerbread.
Anyone else out there have any experience with this tab yet? Anyone know of any plans for it to get it's own forum/development community?
Cheers.
steviesteve78 said:
I've been lucky enough to snag a Viewpad 10e from Argos in the UK... Struggling to find any forums specifically for this pad though.
In a nutshell, its a great piece of hardware for £200 slightly let down by stuttery software. Very iPad like but with Android gingerbread.
Anyone else out there have any experience with this tab yet? Anyone know of any plans for it to get it's own forum/development community?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it a tegra 2 device? If so we all here would at least love a full working gingerbread rom.
No - sorry - its Cortex A8
Processor 1Ghz Cortex A8 Processor
OS Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
LCD Monitor 9.7” IPS LCD 1024 x 768 ; XGA
Brightness 400 cd/m2 Brightness
Memory DDR3 512 MB
Internal Memory 4GB
Band Wifi only
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth BlueTooth 3.0 and 2.1 + EDR compatibility
External Memory Micro SD card slot
I/O Interface Micro USB/ Mini-HDMI/ 3.5mm headset audio jack
Audio Stereo speakers/ microphone
Sensors G-sensor
Cameras Front: CMOS 1.3MP
Battery Li-Polymer 5400mAh
Charger 12V/ 2Amp
USB Micro USB
Dimensions 241.6 x 188.6 x 9.1 mm
Weight 620 grams
Accessories Power adaptor (with plugs), Quick Start Guide, 1Mobile Market QSG, Compliance information, Micro USB cable
Dude, return the tablet right now. Boycott viewsonic!
Its been over 24hrs with new toy now. Will be posting a review soon. I honestly like the look and feel so much that I'm selling my Galaxy Tab 10. I'll have some money left over as well cause the Viewpad is so cheaply priced. All that extra processor power is not needed for me, I basically use the tab for web browsing, a few notes, check the weather and the kids play angry birds! This pad is definitely suited to the job.
goodintentions said:
Dude, return the tablet right now. Boycott viewsonic!
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Click to collapse
Ditto. For that price, you are better to go with a much wider support device like the Kindle Fire or Nook Color. Don't expect your new toy to get any substantial update to improve it beyond what it is now. The gTablet community has already been bitten by Viewsonic false promises. Your device will most likely had the same fate.
PS: a no name brand tablet from China can do all you want at an even lower price. Did you choose Viewsonic for the peace of mind of a name brand? Viewsonic don't make their own tablet. They outsource the manufacturing, the software and the support. All they really interest in is take your money.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Honestly, I was really impressed by the response I had recently from their support dept. I really like the device and I have been through a few to say the least. Seems like it could be quite hackable and I may just use it to learn some new programming skills myself! (If I can drum up some support). In my experience, every forum/thread has loads of people frustrated by lack of support from the manufacturers/resllers but for me, the point of these forums is finding help... Ill keep my fingers crossed that the OEM is discovered soon and after that finding some hacks should get easier.
Third warning about Viewsonic, their products suffer longevity shortfalls. I am now the 3rd person telling you they have the consumer integrity of a wombat. Don't hold your breath waiting for anyone to pick it up and think it will be differently. So many people got burned via the g tablet and it's abhorrent lack of updates from the manufacturer (which when it comes to things like drivers etc for future OS upgrades becomes a critical part of the equation) not many people who have been around the android block are going to make another purchase from Viewsonic so you could very well be alone for the foreseeable future in this purchase. I don't even like having a Viewsonic monitor on my desk at work anymore. Again, take what you are hearing at face value, Viewsonic + android = meh. I enjoyed my g tablet when i purchased it and it does almost all that I need but I hoped for more and have gotten less. Keep it if you like, but 6 months from now when you are looking at another tablet you are going to be hard pressed to find anyone to buy your Viewsonic. The poor reputation flags are there already.
Keep in mind, Viewsonic is the same company that came to XDA saying they wanted feedback and input from this community about the g tablet. That was spring of this year and not a single thing has changed. They did that one firmware update in April and since then it has been nothing but pushed changes that then get pulled back.
Keep it if you are happy with it, I just wouldn't expect anything in terms of a large community ever coming of one of their devices.
It's been almost a year since they promised they'd release an update. Every time I've asked them about update, the only reply I've gotten is "we're working on it." I dare you to find any report of a different response than that.
Viewsonic needs to go back to producing nothing but display monitors and projectors. This company is not ready yet to play with the big boys in the computing market.
US vs UK - not exactly the same...
The G-Tablet was a US only product?!
The Viewpad 10e is only in the UK so far..... 9.7" IPS panel for £199, 9mm thick looks good value to me if your needs are not too demanding
Cant get my 10e to play videos from iplayer, any idea as to why not?
I decided to try one...
Works on live streaming for me from the app but not the others, think it could be to do with the Flash player version, read recently about other tablet users having issues with bandwidth / setting local storage to 0...
Which app did you use, couldn't find one in the 1mobile app store that came on the device
rustyfishhook said:
Which app did you use, couldn't find one in the 1mobile app store that came on the device
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BBC iPlayer 1.04 apk from the web. It still is only working for me with live TV, Flash version 10.3, Flash 11.0 wasn't working...
Will play around with the different versions in the office today
Ok so I now have the Viewpad 10e working with BBC iPlayer.
I used BBC iPlayer 1.0.4 & Flash 10.3.185.25
I put these into a zip file on 4shared, not sure if I am allowed to share the link or not..
Hello
I'm very keen on the Viewpad 10e myself. Has anyone tried out the multimedia side of it? it would be great t be able to play 1080p movies, etc. By the sounds of the 3D stuff that comes with it, it should be a decent GPU in it, would be nice to know how it does.
Custom ROM
Does anyone know how to install a custom ROM on the device?
Hi all
I'm thinking of getting one of these too. But I'm a bit concerened about the 'dated' SC A8 CPU and the dated OS?
Some of the things I will want to do on this is video calling using Skype (yes, I know there are other alternatives, but it has to be Skype) and playing DivX/Xvid movies and some .MKV movies. Could anyone tell me if it will be good enough? I am quite impressed by the dimensions and the screen, but if the specs can't keep up then I'm thinking of a cheap and chunky Tegra 2 tablet like the POV which is actually £10 cheaper and I'll put a custom ViewComb 3.2 ROM on it...
Any suggestions/opinions?
Does anyone know how to root the device?
Just got one for my daughter.
First impressions : well-made bit of kit with a great IPS screen. worth it for the hardware, I would say.
Moon reader pro is great on it, as is perfect viewer for comics and pdf's.
Can't get the video calling working for some reason. Anyone had any joy with this ?
Have tried Tango and Fring. In both cases, the FFC doesn't seem to switch on. You can see the the other person on it, but they can't see you.
Also, with Tango, the mic is switched off, and can't be switched back on.
Some sort of firmware shenanigans going on here. Had a quick chat with Viewsonic customer support just now, who will email me back.
Bit concerned by the negative comments on this thread !
Wanted the archos 101 as HMV were doing it for £129 , but just missed the boat, and then this came to my attention in Argos. Hope I haven't landed a dud !
Well, so far, have managed to get all her bits on it. Their version of market is a bit limited, but there is enough to get you started. Go launcher was a must, after having it on my Galaxy S2 phone, and it seems to cope ok. Formatted some of her films as mp4's and the shipped 'vortex player' handles them well.
Video calling would have been icing on the cake really.
Oh yeah, and whatsapp functionality, but there are ways around that I am looking into now.
Overall so far - promising.
Root and custom rom's would really maximise this thing's potential.
Oh yeah, and won't talk to my macbook pro over bluetooth- first device ever to do that.
this isn't a legit versus, i just need some advice on which tablet i may enjoy more.
I love to watch youtube, i love to surf the net and play flash games.. I love to read books.
my main uses i got out of my ipad 1 was utube and browsing, but i can't handle lag... will this device be faster then the ipad 1? in all aspects? Is the ipad 2 really that big of a leap from the first?
edit: i used the ipad mainly for these little things, but that doesn't mean i wouldn't love other things. I have no idea what this tablet can do, i only did those simple things before because i couldn't find any other uses out of my ipad.
For you use, either one is fine. In fact, you should save some money and pickup the original Transformer and that should be enough for your usage.
ajamils said:
For you use, either one is fine. In fact, you should save some money and pickup the original Transformer and that should be enough for your usage.
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Click to collapse
read my edit
Either device should be fine really.
In terms of Youtube, Browsing, and Flash Games, the Transformer has an advantage as you have the OPTION of Adobe Flash. Sure it slows browser speed and drains battery but at least you have the option and you can disable it to achieve "normal" speed.
For me, im getting the Transformer because I like the flexibility Android gives as well as the dock option. That way I could walk around with the Prime as a tablet with just the screen and dock it when im going to be sitting down and doing something.
You should also note that the Android Tablet market is far behind the Apple Tablet market. There are not too many apps for Android Tablets atm (which im sure will change eventually like it did for smartphone apps). You could look at your favourite IOS Apps and try to see if you can find them in the Android market.
xGary said:
Either device should be fine really.
In terms of Youtube, Browsing, and Flash Games, the Transformer has an advantage as you have the OPTION of Adobe Flash. Sure it slows browser speed and drains battery but at least you have the option and you can disable it to achieve "normal" speed.
For me, im getting the Transformer because I like the flexibility Android gives as well as the dock option. That way I could walk around with the Prime as a tablet with just the screen and dock it when im going to be sitting down and doing something.
You should also note that the Android Tablet market is far behind the Apple Tablet market. There are not too many apps for Android Tablets atm (which im sure will change eventually like it did for smartphone apps). You could look at your favourite IOS Apps and try to see if you can find them in the Android market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
truth be told i do like the little games, but there not a huge deal to me, every once and awhile i would go look at a top 10 and find a few games, spend an hour or so on them and be done. Games are fun, but im sure android will be enough for me.
Im concerned that with flash on the browser will be laggy? even with the quad core?
what other things have people found they like to do with there tablet?
blaziner18 said:
truth be told i do like the little games, but there not a huge deal to me, every once and awhile i would go look at a top 10 and find a few games, spend an hour or so on them and be done. Games are fun, but im sure android will be enough for me.
Im concerned that with flash on the browser will be laggy? even with the quad core?
what other things have people found they like to do with there tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a bunch of reviews on this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370912
Regarding flash, it will definitely be slower than HTML5 but it is definitely still usable. Generally flash should be kept off unless you are on a site that is not compatible with HTML5.
xGary said:
There are a bunch of reviews on this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370912
Regarding flash, it will definitely be slower than HTML5 but it is definitely still usable. Generally flash should be kept off unless you are on a site that is not compatible with HTML5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure what HTML.5 is... im pretty choked to hear that my browsing will be laggy with my flash on. I don't know nothing about nothing, but 4 cores can't handle flash? that sucks.
Why not go to best buy (or wherever) and play with the original transformer TF101? Browse to some flash websites and see how they feel.
Until any of us actually get or hands on one of these, all of these helpful comments are just based on speculation and "hearsay"
I wouldn't mind knowing what people liked to do with there old android tablet.
blaziner18 said:
not sure what HTML.5 is... im pretty choked to hear that my browsing will be laggy with my flash on. I don't know nothing about nothing, but 4 cores can't handle flash? that sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTML5 is a number of API's and technologies that add new functionality to the modern web. Modern web consists of PHP or other server side engine that generates pages of HTML for you, HTML itself that is sent to your browser and is rendered by your browser, CSS that styles how HTML looks and JavaScript that modifies what is displayed by your browser.
HTML5 is an incremental update to most of those technologies. It consists of new HTML elements that your browser knows how to display (like video and audio without flash), it consists of CSS3 which includes new rules that describe to your browser how to display certain HTML elements (like rounded and gradient buttons that so far have been only possible with pictures only) and new JavaScript API's that allow your browser to draw Flash-like animations, store data locally in new ways or use geolocation in your device.
As a regular user you won't notice a difference in the end, HTML5 is still not an official standard but after a while it will replace all existing Flash in the web. For example, many browser-supported games already work without Flash (including Angry Birds) and sites like YouTube have an option to already work entirely without Flash and display videos through HTML5 only.
In few years time Flash won't exist in any of the major services you are using today and most users won't even notice a difference while web will be faster and more standardized in the end.
Possible uses:
- manga reading: install one of manga reader apps (I recommend Manga Watcher, tried a number of them and this one is the best) and create your manga library... it downloads them from assorted web sites and stores on your tablet
- ebook reading: best app would be MoonReader (it's free, and there is MoonReader Pro, paid version)
- comics (cbr/cbz)
- movies: Original TF plays well up to SD (640x480) and widescreen (maybe up to 800ish x 400ish, 720p is hit and miss, usually too slow. With all software updates it plays well up to 720p but not 1080p. Try RockPlayer and MoboPlayer
- Netflix
- games: there is better stuff than flash games... look for THD-labelled games. Also stuff from Gameloft. Still, I would expect iPad 2 to be better in this regard.
- as a notebook if you have a keyboard... its Office app package is usable for taking notes etc, but it's definitely not in the same class as the regular MS Office which you can have on a Windows netbook.
- Skype? Not using it myself, but it should be a decent Skype device.
No Gameloft games work on the Transformer.
Well, at least gameloft doesn't allow Transformer users to buy their game for whatever dumb reason they have.
blaziner18 said:
I wouldn't mind knowing what people liked to do with there old android tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most common uses for me:
- handwriting for studies (also on PDF books),
- games
- reading PDF books (those that my Kindle can't handle) and comic books,
- reading news and www in general,
- youtube videos,
- e-learning (I study in a mode where half of the lessons is on the internet).
I'm an iPad 1 owner that is getting an Transformer Prime.
I bought my iPad because there were no good Android 10 inch tablets at the time. I tried upgrading to an original Transformer and Galaxy Tab 10.1, but Honeycomb really disappointed me. So I returned those and stuck with the iPad.
Flash used to be important to me. It's less important now. I still want it to play videos, because a lot of videos are still Flash only. I would not use it for Flash based web games though. Flash really kills browser performance. So it's a double edged sword. But still nice to have.
For me a big deal with an Android tablet over an iPad are things like having micro SD and HDMI ports. I can easily supplement my storage and pretty much have unlimited storage capacity by just buying more SD cards. And I can plug in my tablet easily to my TV (without the need of a big ass ugly adapter).
iPad certainly dominates when it comes to apps. But Android actually has a pretty decent selection of apps that work well. Unfortunately sometimes I find an Android version of an app to be inferior to an iPad version, such as TuneIn. But it's usually not to big an issue.
Not sure if the iPad 2 supports USB controllers. I know I can plug in a USB keyboard with it's adapter. I may end up playing 3D games on my Transformer Prime though because Android support game controllers (I'll need to buy a big ass ugly USB adapter like the iPad though).
I'm really torn on which screen ratio I like more. At first 16:10 was my obvious favorite. But after using an iPad for well over a year. I'm kinda found that 4:3 ratio has some pretty nice points as well. If I want to hold the tablet in one hand, I found it's more comfortable to do that in portrait mode. 16:10 tablets are way too narrow to read many websites in that position, while 4:3 still has more width for that.
iPad has a much smoother overall experience. Android 4.0 looks like it's improving, but they seem to still be behind trying to catch up. But on the other hand Android let me put my icons where I want, use widgets and customize my UI a lot more.
I really liked my iPad. And the iPad 2 looks great. But for me the Transformer Prime is an no brainer.
kokusho said:
No Gameloft games work on the Transformer.
Well, at least gameloft doesn't allow Transformer users to buy their game for whatever dumb reason they have.
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Is this really true? I hope not as I have a ton of great game loft games on my iPad that I hope will be on Android also once I get the Prime. Even of it doesn't let you download the game, can't you side load it or install the game from another android device if you put the APK on it? Why would game loft make such a dumb move. It's not like their apple only as I see some older game loft titles on other android devices. Asus prime with tegra3 would be perfect to showcase the great games they put out. I won't base decision on getting tablet based solely on video games. I don't have any home console systems anymore and haven't for a long time but my iPad 1 is now my only source for playing video games and served that purpose very well. Game loft needs to get with the program ASAP. Anyone know the reason why they won't work on Transformer? I have tegra2 Atrix phone and side loaded Order n chaos up there and it played perfectly. This was even before they officially real eased it to be compatible. Thanks to this great XDA forum . So if it could play perfectly on my Atrix phone, I'm sure the original transformer or the new prime shouldn't have any trouble pushing it.
As far as other uses for tablets, it's what you make the most of it. I do all these things other posters stated and more on my ipad1. Trust me, a lot more can be done with these Android and apple tablets than most people believe. It's not all about playing games and watching movies or you tube..lol. These are and can be great productivity devices and make things a lot easier and more efficient. Since I got my iPad almost 2 years ago or whatever, I've never used a regular computer since. Whether it be a desktop or laptop. Never had the need to. Everything I can do so much faster with my iPad. As I have it jail broken and modded out like crazy to allow me to do most things a regular pc can do. Everyones needs will be different. I'm still amazed with this tablet just like the first day I got it. Can't wait to get my hands on the Prime and fall in love all over again.
---------- Post added at 01:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 PM ----------
Ravynmagi said:
I'm an iPad 1 owner that is getting an Transformer Prime.
I bought my iPad because there were no good Android 10 inch tablets at the time. I tried upgrading to an original Transformer and Galaxy Tab 10.1, but Honeycomb really disappointed me. So I returned those and stuck with the iPad.
Flash used to be important to me. It's less important now. I still want it to play videos, because a lot of videos are still Flash only. I would not use it for Flash based web games though. Flash really kills browser performance. So it's a double edged sword. But still nice to have.
For me a big deal with an Android tablet over an iPad are things like having micro SD and HDMI ports. I can easily supplement my storage and pretty much have unlimited storage capacity by just buying more SD cards. And I can plug in my tablet easily to my TV (without the need of a big ass ugly adapter).
iPad certainly dominates when it comes to apps. But Android actually has a pretty decent selection of apps that work well. Unfortunately sometimes I find an Android version of an app to be inferior to an iPad version, such as TuneIn. But it's usually not to big an issue.
Not sure if the iPad 2 supports USB controllers. I know I can plug in a USB keyboard with it's adapter. I may end up playing 3D games on my Transformer Prime though because Android support game controllers (I'll need to buy a big ass ugly USB adapter like the iPad though).
I'm really torn on which screen ratio I like more. At first 16:10 was my obvious favorite. But after using an iPad for well over a year. I'm kinda found that 4:3 ratio has some pretty nice points as well. If I want to hold the tablet in one hand, I found it's more comfortable to do that in portrait mode. 16:10 tablets are way too narrow to read many websites in that position, while 4:3 still has more width for that.
iPad has a much smoother overall experience. Android 4.0 looks like it's improving, but they seem to still be behind trying to catch up. But on the other hand Android let me put my icons where I want, use widgets and customize my UI a lot more.
I really liked my iPad. And the iPad 2 looks great. But for me the Transformer Prime is an no brainer.
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Great points as I'm an ipad1 owner also. I use it for everything. Feel the same way as ipad1 and 2 is great BUT Transformer Prime will be my next device. As it seems more future proof. Plus you won't necessarily need adapter for game controller for Android, it's been stated and seen the bluettooth wireless gamepads are supported now on Android. Lots of reviews where people using new transformer prime with logitech wireless controller. Asus also states it will work with Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and most other wireless models also. So wireless controller gaming on original and transformer prime already been confirmed.
demandarin said:
Lots of reviews where people using new transformer prime with logitech wireless controller. Asus also states it will work with Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and most other wireless models also. So wireless controller gaming on original and transformer prime already been confirmed.
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At first when they mentioned wireless game controller support, I assumed I could use my Xbox 360 controller without having to plug in the receiver. But then I noticed in some reviews the guys had to plug in the wireless USB receiver with their Logitech controller ASUS gave them. So now I'm assuming the Xbox controller will be the same, need to plug in the wireless receiver to work. Which kinda makes "wireles support of game controllers" kinda silly marketing bull if true.
To me the worst part about the iPad is the screen, or more specifically, the screen resolution. I bought the original iPad when it came out, and the reading experience was just crappy - the fonts were just fuzzy and it tired my eyes too fast.
Ravynmagi said:
At first when they mentioned wireless game controller support, I assumed I could use my Xbox 360 controller without having to plug in the receiver. But then I noticed in some reviews the guys had to plug in the wireless USB receiver with their Logitech controller ASUS gave them. So now I'm assuming the Xbox controller will be the same, need to plug in the wireless receiver to work. Which kinda makes "wireles support of game controllers" kinda silly marketing bull if true.
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I noticed that also. I guess it depends on the type or wireless controller it is. Of it relies on just bluetooth, then I don't think you will need a receiver plugged into USB port. Some videos show no piece hooked up and the wireless controller working fine. I guess through Bluetooth.
As an owner of both an iPad 2, and 2 Android tablets, If you want Youtube, and flash games, android is the only way to go.
The Android Youtube app is much less restrictive. Most VEVO content, and music videos can be played, whereas most music videos are blocked on the iPad app.
Flash isn't even available on the iPad, but it kinda makes up for it since there are many more games on Apple's AppStore, but as much as I love paying money for games, free flash based games are better.
/2cents
I'm web developer for many years and if Flash is properly optimized it will take less power-processor usage then HTML5, also when people say HTML5 have in mind HTML5 on its own can't do much, it must work with CSS2/3 and JavaScript to be able to do some proper "stuff".
Flash will rock on games and video especially HD and that will be the future, HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript will take more websites. But Flash and Flex will remain as superb choice for creating advanced RIA's or Apps for Tablets and Smartphones.
Flash and Flex has unique very advanced GUI that no other solution on this planet can compete with and when they would be able to, Flash technology will have even more features than what they have.
So entertainment Flash is #1 choice for a long long time to come. Just keep yourself updated with latest versions and you'll be all good.
I like HTML5/CSS3/JS but you gotta make ton of manual coding, where in Flash you can simply do drag&drops and do this far more easily then in any other technology. Not to mention components for developers, it's just too easy comparing to anything else.
The design of this thing is awesome. Pair it with those monster 14 pound EACH speakers and man, that's drool worthy.
However, this device is kinda confusing to me. Is it a dumbed down receiver? Is it a dumbed down Google TV device? I can play vids from YouTube and and Google Play and music and that's it?
Where are the shots of what ever interface this will have? Where is Netflix? Huluu Plus? Amazon Prime? This seems to be the most limited - as far as what can be done with it from the get-go - device I have seen El Goog push out in a long while. Sad.
As good as it looks, it seems rushed to me. Why pay $299 for something that is simply novelty and available in many different flavors already?
Till they add a bit to it, or someone hacks it and makes it much better. Sorry Goog, I pass.
While they were doing the presentation, I understood it as it was just a receiver that connects to some speakers or a tv, so once you connect to it (I forget if it was WIFI or NFC) you can just play music or videos on the speakers or tv; and anybody that connects to it is able to play what they want on it.
It looks great and all but for $300 its definitely not worth the price tag.
This is on the network so I hope that it has easy access to Windows shares and that it will be able to play 1080p MKVs with lossless audio.
I haven't played around with playback on devices.
Even though it is pricey if it has this full feature set then I may pick this up. Would be a nice improvement over plugging in a laptop to the TV.
Shieze said:
This is on the network so I hope that it has easy access to Windows shares and that it will be able to play 1080p MKVs with lossless audio.
I haven't played around with playback on devices.
Even though it is pricey if it has this full feature set then I may pick this up. Would be a nice improvement over plugging in a laptop to the TV.
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From what I was told yesterday, it won't. The guys here at IO said it would only stream from them (movies and music stored in their cloud or Play Store).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
I'm hoping there is at least some logic within the box that allows you to play more sophisticated content.
Mi|enko said:
From what I was told yesterday, it won't. The guys here at IO said it would only stream from them (movies and music stored in their cloud or Play Store).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
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It's $300 because it's supposedly actually manufactured in America... so do with that what you will
I'm still very confused as to what it is/how it works. Doesn't seem worthwhile.
seems like the coolest looking piece of crap.
The engadget preview says much of the price is because of the built in amp, which, IMHO is totally unnecessary. I have a surround sound system.. why would I want stereo sound from that puny little thing?
Drop the amp and $100 off the pricetag and this thing will sell itself. Oh, and unlock the damn thing. Only plays stuff from the play store? Google is starting to sound like apple...
preusstang said:
Google is starting to sound like apple...
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Really? It has a USB port explicitly for the purpose of hacking it. I have no doubt the Nexus Q will be a cool device to own once there's enough dev support for it.
It seems like Google released the Nexus Q with the idea that the android community would figure out what to do with it.
Nexus q + dev support = sold. However I will wait for the support first instead of buying and hoping....
Its an interesting device, but I'm disappointed that they at least didn't add an "airplay" style connection for displaying your phone or tablet screen on the tv via wifi. That would at least make it more appealing for the price
I sat there during the keynote thinking what a killer feature this would have been for a google tv. Instead it's a more expensive and more limited device.
I came away from i/o feeling like the google tv is being de-prioritized and they want to push this device instead because it's locked down to google play content. There were zero mentions of google tv during either of the keynotes. There were sessions but after sitting through a few it seemed as if all the new and exciting things were happening in other product lines. I don't mean this as a dig at the google tv devs. I just think the company has made a cooporate decision to lock this down.
Maybe I'll feel a little different after unboxing it tonight and playing with it some but I just can't see myself getting on board this product line and I'm a google fanboy. It just feels like a limitations by design concept.
CASTRO2 said:
Really? It has a USB port explicitly for the purpose of hacking it. I have no doubt the Nexus Q will be a cool device to own once there's enough dev support for it.
It seems like Google released the Nexus Q with the idea that the android community would figure out what to do with it.
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That's cool. But inconsistent. Not everyone is tech savvy enough to even flash anything and I would be more apt to group those individuals with ones who would use the banana plugs on the back. It doesn't take an audiophile to desire more than 2 channels of sound.
I think its a brilliant device and ill probably get one once the price goes down. I just think it may increase sales to offer one without the amp - is it really that big of a selling point?
preusstang said:
That's cool. But inconsistent. Not everyone is tech savvy enough to even flash anything and I would be more apt to group those individuals with ones who would use the banana plugs on the back. It doesn't take an audiophile to desire more than 2 channels of sound.
I think its a brilliant device and ill probably get one once the price goes down. I just think it may increase sales to offer one without the amp - is it really that big of a selling point?
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Agreed. This isn't like our Android phones running custom ROMs. You buy an Android phone, ANY Android phone, and you can:
1. Make phone calls
2. Send text messages
3. Use email
4. Browse the web
5. Download, install, and use the full Play Store catalog of apps
All without any hacking at all. When you install a custom rom, you're basically getting a few added features, customization, optimization, maybe the ability to overclock or run a select few apps that need root. You know, little things that aren't necessary but are nice to have.
The Nexus Q is different because it's gimped right out of the box. You basically can't do anything with it, other than play music and videos from the Play Store only (and who even has a huge collection of that stuff?). Even the very first Apple TV was capable of streaming content through a local network, even if it was limited to stuff you added to your iTunes library.
I appreciate Google reaching out to the dev community, but they can't rely on them to do all their work for them. What the Nexus Q should have been was a tiny Android desktop computer, controllable directly with an Android phone using a specific app (something like Gmote) and able to run any and all Android apps. I'm excited when I see thumb-sized Android computers available for under $100. The NQ could have been a cooler, more premium version of that, but as it is, it's both overpriced AND has no features.
YouTube app
So not living in US forces me to use Music and the YouTube app. Now it's time to do some raging.
Playing youtube vids on my tv is awesome through the app and all that. But I want to be able to play several videos. I have several playlists but the only option on a playlist in the youtube app is to delete it. Opening the playlists gives you the possibility to play one (and only one) video in a row. It really sucks. I don't want to open the app every time a video has ended :/
Guys what are you complaining about? Your where given cool toy for free because you are developers. You are suppose to find better applications for it . Just do it. Few years ago you had T-Mobile android phone without anything useful on it , nobody completed
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
All you guys in here complaining are just not dev or inspiring to be one cause from what I seen you're able to load a launcher to it from adb and stream netflix in 1080 so you guys dont really understand android or google yet but you will.
Sadly, I will buy a multitude of these for a project if someone can get the damn thing rooted and unlocked...
Any suggestions? I bought a Fire TV stick a little while back because it was so cheap and after messing around with it.. side loading apps and such I think I'd like to get something more capable and open that can play 1080p content from more internet video sources, use Plex without having to rely on a decent modern PC to transcode a lot of 1080p HD video files, mount external storage so the box can be used without an internet connection at times when traveling and more without having to deal with Amazon's BS.
Closer to $50 would be ideal, but if it's really worth it I could go up to around $100. 4k and gaming are of no importance to me for this box. There seem to be a lot of options out there to investigate, I'm not really sure where to start. I've been looking at these Android TV boxes (and sticks) over the years on and off but coming to a purchase decision seems a bit difficult due to the wide array of choices out there currently. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
EDIT: Is this the right forum to be posting in? I'm not necessarily looking for a "stick" form factor, it could be a box or a stick - doesn't really matter.
No one?
salils said:
No one?
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Try ODROID - They have some interesting and powerful stuff.
Also have a active Community.
maybe these ones?
Ugoos UM2 ( 50 - 100 euro )
specs:
www ugoos net/ugoos-um2/
MK802IIIS ( 50 - 70 euro )
specs:
www rikomagic com/en/product/showpro_id_32_pid_19.html
PS: The wifi on the MK802IIIS is very bad, I can tell because i've got one myself.
but the operating system is very smooth.
to see the specs replace the space after WWW en before COM with a dot
Razor Forge TV is $99 Snapdragon 805 2GB RAM really for the price you can't beat it.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app
I bought a VidOn Box a few months back and all in all it is a pretty good device. It costs about 75USD and may be what you're looking for.
Odroid!
Hi all, first of all I hope this is the right section (forgive me mods and admins if not.) Secondly I'm looking to buy a tablet running Nvidia hardware for their optimized games and since I'm a Google fanboy the nexus 9 is at the top of my wishlist. I was just wondering as far as hardware goes, which is faster? I know they have the same processor and gpu but the nexus 9's is 64 bit which will make it the winner right? Also is the nexus 9's Kepler GPU on par with the Shield tablets Kepler GPU, and does the Nexus 9 have all the optimizations and benefits of the Nvidia Tablet?
How much do you have to spend? At this stage, if I didn't have a n9 already, I'd be looking into the Google Pixel C
Sadley I'm on a 300$ budget. I know what you mean, the Pixcel C looks like the tablet to have for a power user but I won't have the resources sadley.
I have both the N9 & the Shield tab. IMO the Shield is the better device. This doesn't mean that the N9 is a bad one. But for pure media consumtion like watching movies, videos and ofcourse playing games go for the Shield. In games the Shield performs better and you will never notice any heat. Its also near stock and latest 5.1.1 runs really great. As for flashing roms its not the best option, but you see N9 has also not alot.
But as always its your choice
cyraxx84 said:
I have both the N9 & the Shield tab. IMO the Shield is the better device. This doesn't mean that the N9 is a bad one. But for pure media consumtion like watching movies, videos and ofcourse playing games go for the Shield. In games the Shield performs better and you will never notice any heat. Its also near stock and latest 5.1.1 runs really great. As for flashing roms its not the best option, but you see N9 has also not alot.
But as always its your choice
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Can you even get the Shield Tablet anymore? I thought it was recalled due to fire concerns and has since been taken off market
HiddenSanctum said:
Can you even get the Shield Tablet anymore? I thought it was recalled due to fire concerns and has since been taken off market
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Ofcourse you can. Although mine was also an unit wich had those type of battery i never had any issues. But now i got a new one from N'vidia and have 2.
cyraxx84 said:
Ofcourse you can. Although mine was also an unit wich had those type of battery i never had any issues. But now i got a new one from N'vidia and have 2.
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I haven't seen any reputable stores sell it anymore. It's off Amazon, Newegg, and even Nvidia's site now.
Thanks for the reply! Will consider when buying! Can you explain why the Shield Tablet isn't the best for flashing? That's usually what I like in a device but I can reconsider because I'm looking at these at a gaming tablet standpoint.
Nexus 9 has a lot of problems. I have my 2nd tablet and its still messed up.