Accessing Android device that has no physical buttons and executes custom app. - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have recently purchased an IQ Panel 2 (Android 5.1.1) home/office/etc. Alarm system.
I assumed I would have access to the full Android OS, not root access, just basic access like all phones and tablets. (this is NOT the case)
The Tablet/device starts with the power button and from there goes directly to the custom alarm software app.
There are NO physical buttons (other than the power button) that I can see on the board inside the case.
There is a USB port but apparently it is only for charging.
The device supports Bluetooth but only via the app and not the actual 'Bluetooth Settings' screen on Android and therefore I am unable to pair a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse.
I have the desire to add Tasker and a custom launcher such as NOVA launcher so that I can have even greater control over my Z-wave and Bluetooth devices as well as additional custom notifications etc.
A port scanner shows port 8883 open but I believe that might be for z-wave communication?
The device has expansion slots on the board. 2 are in use and a 3rd is open for a secondary image sensor and a 4th is for future expansion.
Any suggestions on how to proceed would be of immense help.
I hate the idea of returning this device because of this limitation.
I have spoke with the manufacturer Qolsys and they informed me the end-user is blocked from these features for obvious reasons.
There is a youtube video detailing everything about the device: Qolsys: IQ Panel 2 Technical Webinar (Can't post links yet)
Thanks in advance for any help.

26 views but no responses?
anyone have any ideas?

IIIHomieIII said:
26 views but no responses?
anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contact me i have same device

Contact..

Wondering?
I just got a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. I feel the same way. Were you able to root the Panel? Using the full Andriod opens the door for a better IQ Panel.

melmel1989 said:
contact me i have same device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you also help me with this iq panel I recently got it and want full features

Update
No, unfortunately I was never able to get basic access or root access but I did accomplish the original features I wanted via an older Android phone on wifi only that I use in conjunction with the IQ Panel 2.
The secondary phone runs a few apps and sits in a separate room with the screen dimmed to near black/hardly visible screen brightness.
It performs the following functions:
Custom voice commands including disarming the IQ Panel on a weekday morning schedule at 7am and/or by talking to the Google Assistant via my personal phone or a family member's phone or a Google Assistant speaker of which we have several throughout the home.
Turning on the smart thermostat when the temperature in the home is above or below a certain temperature.
Opening the garage door via voice command and being alerted when it is open or left open as if it were a window or door sensor.
Setting voice profiles so when opening the garage door or disarming the IQ Panel only that person's voice works. My voice or my wife's but not guests or the kids voices control these functions.
Being able to have the alarm disarmed by my children's phone via Bluetooth but having the alarm disarmed notification go to email instead of text.
(Necessary because through the Alarm.com website limited settings.. my kids would be notified everytime we get home and since they don't live with us anymore that would be annoying to them daily to get texts but they still need to know the alarm had been disabled by the their Bluetooth phone proximity to the IQ Panel and email only when their phones are in proximity and disarm the alarm. Email solves this.
All of this could have been done with just the IQ Panel if we had basic access not even root but one older Android phone from the past that stays plugged in at all times solves the dilemma.
I do this by running the Autovoice app on the extra phone. Autovoice integrates with Google Assistant and between those two apps, Tasker app, the Alarm.com app, smart thermostat app, Auto-input app, and Autonotification app, Tasker send mail add-on plus a little time and setup it works flawlessly.
I believe this was less then $20 total for all apps.
Basically you can have the Autovoice app set predefined voice specific commands interact with the IQ Panel alarm.com app notifications and respond to those notifications with a predefined event.
My service is not monitored but to use the Bluetooth proximity alarm disarm feature built in to the IQ Panel 2 system you have to at least have basic service which I pay $14 a month to Geoarm.com. This also gives me the Alarm.com website service where I can set other rules that the alarm follows and the spare Android phone interacts with.
The Apps have widgets on the screen of the spare Android phone. If the IQ Panel 2 sends a notification via the app, the Autonotification app sees this and launches the Auto-input app which presses one of several widgets on the spare Android phone (as if I opened the Alarm.com app and pressed buttons/widgets myself)
It would have been nice to integrate this into just the IQ Panel 2 but about an hour of setup and configuration with an old phone on wifi only, the right apps and $40 ($20 for apps and $20 for a Google Assistant speaker) works too.
Hopefully this breakdown will help anyone with an IQ Panel 2.
Final thoughts:
I have 2 of these systems, one in my office and one at home. Since the office environment is not a family enviroment and a much more set schedule (closed at night etc.) None of this is necessary and the IQ Panel 2 works fine right out the box. With today's smart homes like mine with smart cameras, smart lighting, kids and pets with doors and windows opening at random times I think they should give us basic app installation rights on the IQ Panel 2 but..
I love this thing either way ?

I have tons of these alarm panels. I haven't tried to flash them, but assuredly it can be done.
My thoughts.
*The open port you have noticed is definitely not zwave, zwave doesn't use tcp/ip nor its ports of comm. That open port is likely a ssh or vpn to alarm.com or qolsys server for updates (tftp?)
*USB port. Have you tried using a OTG atapter? Doubt you will be able to put into debug mode for adb, but might see if you can connect with adb. Also think JTAG. But you could likely flash its firmwars the same way updates are pushed. Dust off your *nix box, run wireshark, may have to do a mitm to strip ssl, sniff out the server, intercept the update file, md5 checksums, spoof server on airgapped network, etc. But if they can update it, you can break into it.

I have been working on trying to figure out the Qolsis IQ panel. I found that it listens on two ports, 8883 and 12345.
8883 is MQTT however it requires a valid client certificate to connect which I'm trying to see if I can find.
12345 is a TCP websocket, you can connect to it with curl like curl -k https : / / 192.168.x.x:12345 and you will get a json stream of alarm events.
If you'd like, we have a thread on the Home Assistant forum where we are trying to figure this out too.
If you go to the home assistant community and search for qolsys you will find our post (I can't post links yet)

Related

[Q] Location-aware lock screen?

Is anyone aware of a location-aware app to enable and disable the lock screen? I'd actually prefer to trigger it based on WiFi availability, but I'd consider other location schemes.
Via e-mail, I have potentially sensitive business information on my phone.
However, I primarily work from a home office which makes the code-based lock screen a minor hassle. (I don't use the pattern, the finger marks on the screen make it too easy to guess.)
So obviously I'd love it if my lock would kick-in when I head to lunch or need to physically visit the "real" office or whatever -- but not when I'm at home.
Any ideas?
I've no suggestions but I've thought of the exact same thing. I'd love for it pattern lock when I'm anywhere but my home.
I would even pay for that app.
I would recommend looking into Tasker. I haven't personally used it, but I have heard many great things about it. On their website it lists some examples of what you can use it for, one of them is changing phone settings based on location. You can download a free 7 day trial from their website. It costs 3.49 GBP direct from their website or 3.99 GBP in the market.
tasker. dinglisch. net (I can't post links to outside websites, remove the spaces)
Forgot all about Tasker. Good idea.
I've used Setting Profiles to do the same.
When I'm at work the pattern gets set, but when I'm at home, it's not on.
I just downloaded Settings Profiles, but none of the security settings can be adjusted in a profile (at least, not in the Lite version). I'd prefer something more straightforward like that, but none of the profile apps I checked have that setting available.
It appears Tasker can do this with the aid of a plugin:
http://groups.google.com/group/tasker/browse_thread/thread/35f0c3d6dcf4a644/964318b8f77810fc
Haven't tried it yet, though.
Ah. Apparently this is never going to be possible as of 2.2 and higher.
Google blocked programmatic access to the Secure Settings provider as of Froyo.
<sigh>
First we lose GPS control. Now this. Hell, by the time Android 4.0 is out, we'll probably have to check with the Google front desk just to place a call.
(Yes I understand why... but it seems like they could provide some kind of authorization mechanism in case, you know, we pesky old users consciously decided to give access to those settings to a particular application...)
It wouldn't be difficult to add a way for a service or application to communicate
with the lock screen, like Settings can choose which lock screen to display.
the application would at least have to be installed to /system/app but may
have to be signed with the same key as the ROM, if that is the case then
files could be used instead of the system settings db.
this would only protect from a casual attack like some nosy person picking up the phone
and browsing through your stuff, Odin is the ultimate root kit, so a prepared attacker could
probably get what they want in 5-10 min.
Yeah, but vulnerability to ODIN is going to be the case no matter what. I'm a lot more worried about "Some Random Idiot in a Bar" than I am about the several hundred people across the country who can actually use ODIN well enough to go all Wargames on my phone.

SWApp Link: The Best Companion App for your SmartWatch

Available on Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.preiss.swapps.link
SWApp Link is intended for use with Smartwatches running Android OS.
Some compatible Smartwatches:
Samsung Gear 1 (with android ROM), Omate TS, AI Watch, Neptune Pine, Inwatch Z, AW-414, AW-420, Callisto 100.
Features:
Call Notifications:
 • Displays the caller’s photo.
 • Option to take the call, reject the call, or reply via SMS (composed on the watch and sent through the phone.)
 • During call: options to end the call, toggle mute, and toggle the loudspeaker.
SMS Notifications:
 • Displays the SMS text and contact photo.
 • Option to reply via SMS.
App Notifications:
 • Displays notifications, from the apps of your choice, on the watch.
 • Fully optimized notifications for specific apps (with more coming), including:
  • Email - Notifications now display the email’s content instead of just displaying “[number of] New Emails”.
  • Hangouts - Notifications now display the message content instead of just displaying “[number of] New Notification(s) from [name]”.
  • WhatsApp - Notifications now display the full message content, even within groups, including the message’s text and image.
 • Customizable notification layouts: choice of colors for the message text and the message background, option to automatically resize the message text based on its length, and more.
Full notification management:
 • Browse through all the previous notifications (SMS and app), with the option to display the most recent ones first or the oldest ones first, search through them by text, and more.
Powerful clock engine which can be set as the watch's lockscreen. Many exclusive features, including:
 • Both Analog and Digital watch faces.
 • Smooth seconds hand with dynamic shadow.
 • Unread notification indicator.
 • Battery, 3G, and Wi-Fi indicators for both the watch AND the phone (with options to display the indicators side by side, or toggle between them by tapping on them.)
 • On Screen Display (OSD) Modules including a stopwatch, timer, day timer, second time, date, next alarm info and more (the OSD is shown/hidden by tapping on the clock.)
 • Option to choose the Font Color with the color picker.
 • Choice of backgrounds.
 • Choice of date formats (Mon. 20 June / 20-06 / 06-20 ...).
 • Choice of hour formats (12H / 24H).
 • Complex animations.
Call Log Sync: Displays the phone’s call log with the option to place a call or send an SMS to anyone on it.
Remote Call: Remotely place a call to one of your contacts, favorites or recently used numbers, or dial a number to call remotely.
Remote SMS: Remotely send an SMS to one of your contacts, favorites or recently used numbers, or input a number to SMS remotely.
Remote App Launch: Remotely launch apps on the phone.
Remote Clipboard: Send content from the phone to the watch’s clipboard.
Remote Media Control: Remotely control the phone’s media player from the watch and see track info.
Find My Phone: Remotely set off the phone’s or watch’s ringer.
Remote Battery info: Displays the remote device’s battery level (with a low battery notification option.)
Remote Lock: Remotely lock the phone from the watch (in case of loss, for example.)
BT Virtual Leash: Automatically lock the phone and display a notification on the watch if the BT connection is lost.
Remote GPS Location: Display the phone’s GPS coordinates on the watch.
Megaphone: Establishes a phone call between both devices and puts the remote on speaker (establishes a communication with people near the remote device, sim watches only.)
Microphone: Establishes a phone call between both devices (enables you to hear what's happening around the remote device, sim watches only.)
Connection methods:
 Direct Bluetooth Connection
 Push Notification - Uses an Internet connection to communicate between the devices. (disabled)
 SMS - Sends and intercepts SMSs to communicate between the devices.
was very excited to try this app but it keeps stopping when trying to launch on my note 3 oh well maybe because its still in beta.
dragonfly1113 said:
was very excited to try this app but it keeps stopping when trying to launch on my note 3 oh well maybe because its still in beta.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm uploading a new version right now, i hope it will solve the problem
cyrilp said:
i'm uploading a new version right now, i hope it will solve the problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Play store takes very long time to make new version available !
here is a direct link to download new ver 0.91c
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w9nu9h/SWApp Link.apk
Is there anywhere the app indicates the devices have connectivity? And what type they are using currently?
I know you indicated it would be fairly easy to add communications methods to the app, have you considered direct IP? My phone and watch are often on the same wireless network. I just ask because push notifications are usually so slow for - say incoming phone calls.
Looks good!
jd
cyrilp said:
Play store takes very long time to make new version available !
here is a direct link to download new ver 0.91c
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w9nu9h/SWApp Link.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same error tried uninstalling the old one and installing the new one and rebooting still same thing.
I gather SWApp link can't work with iPhones?
Is there hope of getting a version of this app through the iPhone store or is Apple too controlling to let functions like this be included in an app they would approve? If not, is there any move afoot to enable true smart to cooperate with iPhones?
cyrilp said:
Play store takes very long time to make new version available !
here is a direct link to download new ver 0.91c
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w9nu9h/SWApp Link.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New Version: 0.9d:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w...App Link.apk
Tom19146 said:
Is there hope of getting a version of this app through the iPhone store or is Apple too controlling to let functions like this be included in an app they would approve? If not, is there any move afoot to enable true smart to cooperate with iPhones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless someone does an android emulator for the iphone i'm afraid not...
jdommer said:
Is there anywhere the app indicates the devices have connectivity? And what type they are using currently?
I know you indicated it would be fairly easy to add communications methods to the app, have you considered direct IP? My phone and watch are often on the same wireless network. I just ask because push notifications are usually so slow for - say incoming phone calls.
Looks good!
jd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea, i have put i on the to do list.
Push is slow only if you didn't receive any notification for a while. Once you get one, the following notifications are almost instantaneous. i will add an option to "ping" notification at intervals so that it stay faster. We'll see if it impact battery a lot
cyrilp said:
New Version: 0.9d:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w...App Link.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
says invalid link.
dragonfly1113 said:
says invalid link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w9nu9h/SWApp Link.apk
still issues on my note 3 appreciate all your help cyrilp not sure what the issue is with my note 3 it first will say its closing and than it shows me the manual thingy with all the screens i go through them all and it just closes out again and than wont load up again. works fine on my callisto 100 (watch) , just not on my note 3 yet. Running a custom rom hopefully that isnt the reason and on verizon.
dragonfly1113 said:
still issues on my note 3 appreciate all your help cyrilp not sure what the issue is with my note 3 it first will say its closing and than it shows me the manual thingy with all the screens i go through them all and it just closes out again and than wont load up again. works fine on my callisto 100 (watch) , just not on my note 3 yet. Running a custom rom hopefully that isnt the reason and on verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think i have found the problem, i will upload a new version tomorrow
cyrilp said:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t41queq69w9nu9h/SWApp Link.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would it be better to go the whole start a Community / become a beta tester / restricted beta app delivered by the play store routine? That has worked well for a bunch of apps I am testing that are in beta..
new version 0.92c is uploading. Fixing problem with samsung and some other phones. Should work fine now.
cyrilp said:
new version 0.92c is uploading. Fixing problem with samsung and some other phones. Should work fine now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pumped to try it
Sweet it works now if only I can figure out how to reply to a text from the watch that looks like it went from the phone ....hmmmmm
sent from my note 3 running beans.
0.92 still doesn't work on my Zopo ZP980. Crashes immediately....
porzerwolle said:
0.92 still doesn't work on my Zopo ZP980. Crashes immediately....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try 0.92c ?

[Q] Need advice on Lollipop native / apps please

Hi All.
I've taken the plunge and ordered my S6 Edge 128gb in Emerald Green.
I'm sure everything will be just fine, but I was hoping for some pointers from the Android users for certain apps and features I use on the BlackBerry.
I've been using BlackBerry for a few years now (Z30 and a Passport) but I'm wanting a change and LOVED the look of the Edge. Just wondering if you fab people could give some assistance in either clarifying what Lollipop does natively or suggesting apps I could use to achieve a similar effect.
1. One of the things I think I will miss quite a bit is the notification light on the BlackBerry. Hence why I ultimately went with the Edge. I know the edge can have notification lights for the top 5 contacts (thats enough for me) showing when placed face down.. however. just two questions connected to this:
* Does the notification light continue to flash if you miss the call / message? i.e. continue until you pick the phone up and look
* I'm sure the notification doesn't work with the phone facing upwards or stood on a stand, but do you think this is something that a rom flash could fix? or even, maybe an app..
2. BlackBerry Hub really is very good. You have all your communications in one location, save opening text apps, Social media, then mail apps etc. How does Lollipop 5 handle messaging? Does it have a similar type of hub?
3. I run an app called Hubb++ on my Passport. Here I can tell notifications to switch off and on during certain time periods. Ideal after a long hard day in the office, get home and my phone automatically goes into silent from 8.30pm until 7am. (except for contacts I've highlighted as important and to break the silence). Again, does Android lollipop have anything like this or is there an app that does similar?
4. Bluetooth connection to the car. I have to be honest and say the BlackBerry really does nothing special in the arena for me. It's a basic rSAP connection type which allows contacts etc to be sent to my car (Audi A7). How is Bluetooth within Android Lollipop? Last time I used Android, rSAP was not working and I had to root the phone and install all sorts to get it going. To be honest, my days of rooting and messing are over (I know, that's part of the fun of Android) I'm too busy these days to spend the time learning and testing etc. I just want the connection to work. Any input please.
That's basically it. Any input and recommendations would be received with thanks.
1. There's notification light blinking on the top left of the phone for miss call, message /SMS or social app/ voicemail, email etc... You can get a short vibration when you pick up your phone and you have miss call or SMS message as well /not sure for other notifications/
2. I'm sure there's some apps you can find for the most messaging services on Google play, buy better give it a try on few and see what's best for you
3. There's apps to switch your profiles according to time settings, but I thing S6 has option to do that as well with detecting your GPS location /home, work, etc.../
4. The bluetooth should be just fine. I have no problem with Audi A5
pacho_bs said:
1. There's notification light blinking on the top left of the phone for miss call, message /SMS or social app/ voicemail, email etc... You can get a short vibration when you pick up your phone and you have miss call or SMS message as well /not sure for other notifications/
2. I'm sure there's some apps you can find for the most messaging services on Google play, buy better give it a try on few and see what's best for you
3. There's apps to switch your profiles according to time settings, but I thing S6 has option to do that as well with detecting your GPS location /home, work, etc.../
4. The bluetooth should be just fine. I have no problem with Audi A5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to answer.
Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk

Big "lockdown" on an obscure TV box set

Copied and modified from my XDA Assist post
Around last June, my family has gotten a TV box set only providing Chinese content, but boy have I had a hard time with this device! Although there is an app store for that box, there aren't that many apps that I can download aside for a few games and other productivity apps. From whatever technical information I could get scattered across the software installed, here's what I got:
Android version: 4.4.2 KitKat
Model: S8G40
RAM: ? 1GB
Internal Storage: ? 8GB
Languages installed: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English
Connectivity: HDMI (the main output), microSD card slot, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio-video plug, Ethernet
Input: Remote control (the menu key is seldom used with the custom software), USB devices
CPU: possibly ARMv7
Power source: 12V DC, 1A
It appears as a black box with rounded corners, similar to the Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, but with "iTalkBB" engraved on top.
While trying to install the select apps, I did get the popup for local APK installation, which tells me that "allow unknown sources" is turned on. There is also neither the Play Store nor other Google programs installed onto that box by default. The built-in app store did tell me the following:
ADB: closed
Root: closed
Without the stock settings app, ADB can't be turned on from the device.
Some popup dialogs I got indicated the set box software is based on AOSP, but none of that was helpful to my goal of installing any foreign APKs. Although some parts got translated when the language was set to "English", not all of the software, especially the custom ones, were so. I still had some parts remain in Chinese.
Moreover, I tried some USB hardware with it, and they work. A USB mouse puts a cursor on a screen, but isn't useful with most of the custom software except the AOSP parts I occasionally saw. A USB keyboard with extra shortcuts worked, with the following buttons working:
Home -> home screen
Volume buttons, including mute
Suspend key -> puts the device to sleep; when powered on again, the full boot cycle is performed
Music -> opens the stock music app, displaying no files even with external storage connected, and the only non-custom app I successfully opened up.
Alt/Meta/Windows key + Tab -> Brings up the 2.x style task switcher. It is not possible for me to close apps with it.
Screenshot keys work; I get a screenshot taken, but it is then impossible to view or delete the screenshot afterwards as they could be stored on the non-accessible internal storage.
USB storage is mounted, and a custom file manager limited to photos, music, and video can be used to access one. This file manager proved useless to me in trying to get outside APKs installed.
USB hubs can attach more than one of these or the following at once to the set box.
I even took the set box apart once, and got to see its hardware (specific hardware can't be listed as there's no way to get an app on there to tell me that info. There seemed to be no hardware button for resetting the device nor a recovery mode. [if needed, I can send images of the hardware]
All in all, that set box IMO is really secure, with JTAG hardware possibly being the only way I can achieve customization and more outside of the intended activities (the set box could also be leased hardware, of which then my family won't own the set box, possibly turning modifications to the set box into forbidden activities). My situation is an obscure one; the company providing the set box is probably not well-known, and that hurts my chances of being able to obtain the ability to customize the device. If nobody can help, I'll simply stay away from such software-limited hardware next time.
Worldblender said:
Copied and modified from my XDA Assist post
Around last June, my family has gotten a TV box set only providing Chinese content, but boy have I had a hard time with this device! Although there is an app store for that box, there aren't that many apps that I can download aside for a few games and other productivity apps. From whatever technical information I could get scattered across the software installed, here's what I got:
Android version: 4.4.2 KitKat
Model: S8G40
RAM: ? 1GB
Internal Storage: ? 8GB
Languages installed: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English
Connectivity: HDMI (the main output), microSD card slot, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio-video plug, Ethernet
Input: Remote control (the menu key is seldom used with the custom software), USB devices
CPU: possibly ARMv7
Power source: 12V DC, 1A
It appears as a black box with rounded corners, similar to the Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, but with "iTalkBB" engraved on top.
While trying to install the select apps, I did get the popup for local APK installation, which tells me that "allow unknown sources" is turned on. There is also neither the Play Store nor other Google programs installed onto that box by default. The built-in app store did tell me the following:
ADB: closed
Root: closed
Without the stock settings app, ADB can't be turned on from the device.
Some popup dialogs I got indicated the set box software is based on AOSP, but none of that was helpful to my goal of installing any foreign APKs. Although some parts got translated when the language was set to "English", not all of the software, especially the custom ones, were so. I still had some parts remain in Chinese.
Moreover, I tried some USB hardware with it, and they work. A USB mouse puts a cursor on a screen, but isn't useful with most of the custom software except the AOSP parts I occasionally saw. A USB keyboard with extra shortcuts worked, with the following buttons working:
Home -> home screen
Volume buttons, including mute
Suspend key -> puts the device to sleep; when powered on again, the full boot cycle is performed
Music -> opens the stock music app, displaying no files even with external storage connected, and the only non-custom app I successfully opened up.
Alt/Meta/Windows key + Tab -> Brings up the 2.x style task switcher. It is not possible for me to close apps with it.
Screenshot keys work; I get a screenshot taken, but it is then impossible to view or delete the screenshot afterwards as they could be stored on the non-accessible internal storage.
USB storage is mounted, and a custom file manager limited to photos, music, and video can be used to access one. This file manager proved useless to me in trying to get outside APKs installed.
USB hubs can attach more than one of these or the following at once to the set box.
I even took the set box apart once, and got to see its hardware (specific hardware can't be listed as there's no way to get an app on there to tell me that info. There seemed to be no hardware button for resetting the device nor a recovery mode. [if needed, I can send images of the hardware]
All in all, that set box IMO is really secure, with JTAG hardware possibly being the only way I can achieve customization and more outside of the intended activities (the set box could also be leased hardware, of which then my family won't own the set box, possibly turning modifications to the set box into forbidden activities). My situation is an obscure one; the company providing the set box is probably not well-known, and that hurts my chances of being able to obtain the ability to customize the device. If nobody can help, I'll simply stay away from such software-limited hardware next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be very limited on what you can do with a China based deviced. Mostly because Google doesn't have any agreement with China for Google products like the play store. They also tend to use modified versions of Android that are set to lie about internals and other things. I would stay away from them. I can guess that the price is what got you to buy it but remember you get what you pay for.
This is one that is leased similar like AT&T UVerse tv boxes, in which I get to use it for the period that I pay service, so if my family ends service with ITalkBB, we may have to return the box to the company. It may not be like I get to own that box forever.
Worldblender said:
This is one that is leased similar like AT&T UVerse tv boxes, in which I get to use it for the period that I pay service, so if my family ends service with ITalkBB, we may have to return the box to the company. It may not be like I get to own that box forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is why I dont use any of these types of boxes. They are great gimmics for now but in the end useless for me.
If it is leased and you do end up modding it you will be charged for the full price and if they find out they can make you pay the rest of your period and cancel it on you.
Ill be honest Android based TV will fade away just like smart tvs are starting to.
Maybe next time, when I get an opportunity, I'll look for a TV box that won't be this limited; how come you say that Android TV is fading away?
Worldblender said:
Maybe next time, when I get an opportunity, I'll look for a TV box that won't be this limited; how come you say that Android TV is fading away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its really just a gimmic and 90% of people have no real use for a smart TV mainly when most have a gaming system hooked up to their TV that does all the same things. Not to mention that all it takes is them to decide to block rooted TV from even using their services which will happen due to the piracy level in android. Its like the 3d TVs. a cool idea but not really practical. its the same thing with Apple TV.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...-living-room-flop-for-google-do-you-have-one/

[APP] Standalone navigation app for Wear OS!

I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Gentatsu said:
I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
ruggs1234 said:
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Gentatsu said:
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Gentatsu said:
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
ruggs1234 said:
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the markings include the path/trail? I've used the black background one before, and the building outlines are (kinda) white. Yeah, I do have my watch affixed to my handlebars on my bicycle.
Great - Thanks! It's much appreciated! How come it was hard work, if you don't mind me asking? Ah, yep. That was one of the first things I forgot to change! I completely forgot about it! I've made it so that if you zoom/pan, it'll stick unless you press the "my location" button again.
Huawei watch 2 built-in GPS not working anymore
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
angelrc96 said:
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Angel,
The app still works ok on my watch, I tested it yesterday.
With my phone switched OFF I use my watches inbuilt sim to start the route (the app needs data to download the initial route, it can use the connected mobile but mine was switched off). I then switch off the sim in my watch and follow the route using only the gps in the watch. The app worked as it always has.
HOWEVER, my watch isn't running the latest version of Wear OS (it's running Wear OS 2.0, Home app 2.16). I never update anything Google if i'm not forced too, their updates often break more things than they fix. Everything I use on the watch works great and i'd like it to stay that way....
Hi,
well, I gave it a test (full paid version) - TicWatch 3 Pro 4g/LTE (all up to date). It doesn't work. All tested in standalone mode (no phone involved).
- app crashes when there is no GPS fix (GPS is on, but no fix yet)
- when I set an route to navigate (pin or search) it just endlessly shows progress circle and nothing else happens (GPS on with fix, LTE on and working)
So...
BR, Doman.
I installed the Demo version on my ticwatch 3 pro gps (updated everything to current versions and no modifications (yet))
App is starting, map is not showing, just the gps location button on the left and a white/grey screen. I can pin a location on the white screen and its actually getting a location next to me and tries to route there - but without any map showing.
Any app for Gear S3 ?

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