Database Info

[Q]Hardware/software questions about Xoom

Hey all,
I have a few questions about the Xoom since I'm thinking about getting one (and yes, I am comparing it to the iPad 2).
First off, we've all seen Anandtech's graphical benchmarks of the Xoom. I'm taking those with a grain of salt though because from what I've seen from the Xoom when I've tried it at Best Buy, the Xoom seems to perform perfectly fine.
That said, do you think the Xoom's bottleneck in terms of graphical performance is more on the software end? Or is it more because of the hardware? Right now, I see myself doubting the Tegra 2.
Next, how well does the HDMI video output work? Has anyone tried it directly from the tablet? Or do you actually need the dock (I've read this somewhere) to use the HDMI video output? I assume it's easy to do, right?
I know this has been discussed before, but while I'm here asking questions, I figured I might as well: how's the office productivity with the Xoom? I won't necessarily need apps to edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint documents (though it'd be nice), but to at least view them and perhaps display them via the HDMI out could be very useful for me at work.
Lastly, how have your experiences with the video chat been so far? With Fring (I would like to be able to do cross-platform video chat, specifically with iOS devices since I have friends/family who use them)? Google Chat?
That's all I've got for now. Thanks!

I have had the xoom for almost a month. I think the performance is great, but I have no I pad experience other then playing with them in the verizon store.
I like this long battery life, the cameras have been fun though the app support is still lacking. I still can't video skype etc. But I am biased towards android and will wait for the market to catch up.
I have purchased a micro hdmi cable to regular hdmi from microcenter and it works fine, I think it defaulted to 720p. But everything shows up on the screen except for the bottom menu bar. Like the bottom 10 pixels or something.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

This is an uneducated guess compared to some of the realllllllllllllly smart people on xda but i think that if you can play games like Samurai II: Vengance in full screen full res the hardware schould have no trouble playing back a video file at that resolution (it doesnt have all that GPU work to do!). So i personally think the issue is software.

norsairius said:
Hey all,
I have a few questions about the Xoom since I'm thinking about getting one (and yes, I am comparing it to the iPad 2).
First off, we've all seen Anandtech's graphical benchmarks of the Xoom. I'm taking those with a grain of salt though because from what I've seen from the Xoom when I've tried it at Best Buy, the Xoom seems to perform perfectly fine.
That said, do you think the Xoom's bottleneck in terms of graphical performance is more on the software end? Or is it more because of the hardware? Right now, I see myself doubting the Tegra 2.
Next, how well does the HDMI video output work? Has anyone tried it directly from the tablet? Or do you actually need the dock (I've read this somewhere) to use the HDMI video output? I assume it's easy to do, right?
I know this has been discussed before, but while I'm here asking questions, I figured I might as well: how's the office productivity with the Xoom? I won't necessarily need apps to edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint documents (though it'd be nice), but to at least view them and perhaps display them via the HDMI out could be very useful for me at work.
Lastly, how have your experiences with the video chat been so far? With Fring (I would like to be able to do cross-platform video chat, specifically with iOS devices since I have friends/family who use them)? Google Chat?
That's all I've got for now. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I'm not an expert in this area, but my time with the Xoom indicates that it's a software issue. There are several games available in the market that look absolutely great on the Xoom, and run very smooth without any hiccups. Emulation, which is all done in software, tends to be a good stress-test for hardware. You should see StarFox 64 on N64oid, it's smooth as butter. I have no doubt the software will catch up and in time show off this hardware platform - don't forget there are several tablets being released with very similar specs running Honeycomb.
2. HDMI output works great, it's a full mirror. Just the other day, I was waiting in a building lobby that had a huge Panasonic HDTV hanging on the wall, but there was some issue with the cable TV service. So I took out the Xoom, plugged in the HDMI cable, and fired up some episodes of The Office. Employees walking by were surprised and said "it's about time they got that thing fixed!", not knowing my Xoom was providing the content. Gotta admit, that felt pretty cool.
3. There are plenty of office productivity apps for Android, like Documents To Go. Some are free, and have a paid version that allows you to edit documents as well. As I said before, the Xoom allows for full mirroring via HDMI-out, so this should work for you. I don't to a whole lot of Office-document editing, mostly viewing of Excel, Word, or PDF attachments, which works just fine on the Xoom.
4. I don't use Fring anymore, ever since Skype blocked them, so I migrated to Tango on my EVO, and it works just as well on the Xoom. I've made video calls over 3G on the Xoom, and it works as expected. Really looking forward to a full Skype client. I haven't tried GChat yet.
Hope this helps. Just remember that the Apple vs Google mentality is in stark contrast: Google's stuff is always in development, so the software often needs time to catch up to the hardware, whereas Apple's stuff is ready to go right out of the box. Is Honeycomb incomplete? I'd say yes, but it's already off to a good start.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
Now, do you all think the Xoom may become a "developer device" similar to what the Nexus One/S are since the Xoom runs stock Honeycomb? Do you foresee any issues with installing any future updates that come straight from Google since the hardware runs the stock OS just fine?
Also, have any of you tried emulators like SNESoid on the Xoom yet?

norsairius said:
Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
Now, do you all think the Xoom may become a "developer device" similar to what the Nexus One/S are since the Xoom runs stock Honeycomb? Do you foresee any issues with installing any future updates that come straight from Google since the hardware runs the stock OS just fine?
Also, have any of you tried emulators like SNESoid on the Xoom yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It already is the developer device for honey comb, it's what Google used to show off honeycomb first and it's what Google gave devs early on and gave away at the game developers conferences a couple weeks ago for devs to make games on. it's what nvidia uses to show off demos and games.

Gotcha, well, that certainly increases the longevity of the device!
It would seem then that in my iPad2 vs. Xoom comparison going on in my head, the Xoom is edging ahead.
I'm not a particular fanboy of either Apple/iOS or Google/Android, so this comparison has been tough for me.
So what I've concluded so far then is that the iPad is certainly the more refined and mature product now, but the Xoom is easily more versatile. I have no doubts that the Xoom, with updates, will easily be as good, if not better than the iPad.
And especially given the fact that the Xoom will be able to use updates directly from Google when they come out, the device should have a relatively long and useful life (unless I'm misinterpreting what people are saying around here).

Nope, you hit the nail on the head. the Xoom will have a long and fruitful life from everything I can tell.
I remember when the Macintosh had very few software options, while PCs had EVERYTHING. I see it as the same kind of situation now when comparing the Xoom to the iPad 2. I'm also predicting the same level of success for Honeycomb tablets... just a matter of time!
XoomTech.net

[Q] HELP: Save me from going to the Apple side

Hey guys,
So here's the situation:
I've been excited about the Transformer for weeks. I'm getting one as my birthday/graduation present as soon as I can. But, thanks to the delayed US release, my mind has been wandering to other tablets, and, inevitably, the iPad popped into my mind. Right now, I still want to purchase the Transformer, but the thought that the iPad might be more worth it still lingers in my mind...
Here's what convinced me to even THINK about the iPad:
65,000+ apps for iPad vs <100 for Android Tabs
More responsiveness on the iPad's end vs the Transformer (seen only through videos)
Better camera on the iPad: the Transformer looks like it isn't showing the true color
Video playback on the Transformer seems choppy.
At the moment, the only PLUS for the Transformer in my mind is that you can purchase a dedicated dock for it which will make taking notes in college a lot easier + extend the battery.
PLEASE, can you guys convince me that the Transformer is the better choice so I don't feel like I should have purchased the iPad when I eventually do purchase a Transformer? Tell me why *you* would purchase a Transformer over an iPad.
(Perhaps I'm overlooking/misjudging some critical features of the Transformer that outperform the iPad; if so, please address them!)
EDIT: I suppose before recommending a device you guys should know how I plan to use the device:
Mostly as a productivity/entertainment device:
Taking notes in college classes
Standard internet use
Gaming
Movie and music use
Maayyyyybe as a GPS if it is capable of acting as one

Good luck taking notes on an iPad lol. But really, that's a huge reason why I'm going with the transformer, I'm also a college student who needs that keyboard dock.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

The two devices are so different. If price isn't an issue and you're not opposed to a more closed environment with fewer options and tweaking potential, then the iPad may just be the right tablet for you.

Transformer. Because it's not apple. Haha no but seriously I would go with the transformer. IMHO I think apple is to restrictive to do may of the things you can do with android.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

If you like a grid of squares, the iPad got you covered. And it is an AWESOME looking grid of squares.
Sent from my Atrix

PuerkitoBio said:
If you like a grid of squares, the iPad got you covered. And it is an AWESOME looking grid of squares.
Sent from my Atrix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

OP "thanks to the delayed US release"... As far as I've heard and read from these posts and other sites the US release is not delayed and on track for Tuesday Apr 26. There is a UK delay, but not US.

Dan76 said:
OP "thanks to the delayed US release"... As far as I've heard and read from these posts and other sites the US release is not delayed and on track for Tuesday Apr 26. There is a UK delay, but not US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said ^
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

gubiguy said:
65,000+ apps for iPad vs <100 for Android Tabs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Demonstrably untrue. Apple's iPad is limited to running non-iPad native apps as a tiny window in the center of the screen; Android has no such limitation. Hence iPad apps had to be recoded; most Android apps work just fine on tablets as-is.
This is just spin -- a fictional advantage created by Apple to hide their own disadvantage.
More responsiveness on the iPad's end vs the Transformer (seen only through videos)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably is true right now -- nobody except Google and their hardware partners know if they can catch up here.
Better camera on the iPad: the Transformer looks like it isn't showing the true color
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easily fixed if it's just color accuracy / white balance. The Transformer's camera currently has bigger issues in terms of stuttering and huge shutter lag. Hopefully those will be resolved. Ask yourself this though -- are you really going to use a large tablet for photos and videos, rather than a compact camera or cellphone?
Video playback on the Transformer seems choppy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video capture from the rear cam is. Video playback isn't. I've seen numerous examples online playing even Full HD (1080i) videos downsampled by the Transformer to fit its own screen, and the reviewers have said they played smoothly. I'm confident that at 720p, the Transformer is more than capable of smooth video.
At the moment, the only PLUS for the Transformer in my mind is that you can purchase a dedicated dock for it which will make taking notes in college a lot easier + extend the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which even without all of the above is a huge plus. Nobody can type on an on-screen keyboard as fast as a good touch-typer on a reasonable keyboard, and the reviews of this keyboard are pretty much all positive. Plus you get a touchpad, so you don't have to keep reaching over the keyboard to make selections like you do with bluetooth keyboards.
PLEASE, can you guys convince me that the Transformer is the better choice so I don't feel like I should have purchased the iPad when I eventually do purchase a Transformer? Tell me why *you* would purchase a Transformer over an iPad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beyond the above, companies that emphasise openness and listen to the end users, not a company that locks everything down, does its best to prevent any competition with its own software, and in the latest scandal, continues to record your entire GPS location history even when specifically told not to do so.
Maayyyyybe as a GPS if it is capable of acting as one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is. You'll just either need a device to tether to, or an offline mapping solution. Personally I'm waiting eagerly for Route 66 (http://www.66.com) to release; they're based on TomTom data, and I've been using a TomTom for years, so I know their data is great.

Honestly I think both of the tablets do what you want fairly well. Here's what you have to consider and decide if these things matter to you.
Do you care about flash content on the web and viewing it on your tablet?
Are you concerned with price?
Do you like to tinker and mess around with Android/OSs?
The iPad is a great all-around tablet. If you don't mind spending some extra money, or the lack of flash, it might be a better option for you. There are some good keyboard options for it. I dislike trying to get documents off of iOS products. I like being able to connect an Android device like a flash drive and drag and drop stuff off (which is super helpful for using computer labs that may not have itunes at school).
Why am I buying this tablet?
I'm invested in Android (own apps/heavy google app user)
$400 feels like a good entry point to try out tablets
I like the community and dealing with fixing my issues on my own and changing ROMs and kernels, tweaking the looks and performance.

gubiguy said:
65,000+ apps for iPad vs <100 for Android Tabs
More responsiveness on the iPad's end vs the Transformer (seen only through videos)
Better camera on the iPad: the Transformer looks like it isn't showing the true color
Video playback on the Transformer seems choppy.
At the moment, the only PLUS for the Transformer in my mind is that you can purchase a dedicated dock for it which will make taking notes in college a lot easier + extend the battery.
(Perhaps I'm overlooking/misjudging some critical features of the Transformer that outperform the iPad; if so, please address them!)
EDIT: I suppose before recommending a device you guys should know how I plan to use the device:
Mostly as a productivity/entertainment device:
Taking notes in college classes
Standard internet use
Gaming
Movie and music use
Maayyyyybe as a GPS if it is capable of acting as one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, first, the choppy video recording and poor camera quality has apparently been addressed in a recent firmware update that came out shortly after most reviewers received their units. Some reviews noted this.
Second, on a related note, comparing the iPad 2's camera to the Transformer's is kind of funny (once the firmware issues are resolved), since the TF has a 5MP camera vs. the <1MP camera on the iPad 2.
Third, sure, the iPad 2 is more "responsive," because iOS itself is a glorified app launcher. Honeycomb does more, and Android runs background apps, and so sure it might be a little less smooth. Particular in its current 3.01 (really 1.01 for Honeycomb) iteration. It will improve, but iOS will remain for the foreseeable future nothing but a glorified app launcher. For myself, I find Honeycomb itself vastly more useful--turn on the screen and BAM!, useful information.
Fourth, apps will come, and while there aren't so many Honeycomb-optimized apps (although more every day), many non-optimized apps run just fine. So far I've only run into a handful of apps that just don't work on a tablet, and by that I mean don't benefit from its advantages.
Fifth, the iPad 2 wifi-only version doesn't have GPS. So, if you want to use a tablet for GPS, then you'll need to get the 3G iPad 2.
Sixth, and finally, you'll need a keyboard for taking notes. Period. So either get an iPad 2, case, and a Bluetooth keyboard (and make sure you have the right workplace to support all three) or get the TF + keyboard dock and use it pretty much anywhere.

jurrsaix said:
Honestly I think both of the tablets do what you want fairly well. Here's what you have to consider and decide if these things matter to you.
Do you care about flash content on the web and viewing it on your tablet?
Are you concerned with price?
Do you like to tinker and mess around with Android/OSs?
The iPad is a great all-around tablet. If you don't mind spending some extra money, or the lack of flash, it might be a better option for you. There are some good keyboard options for it. I dislike trying to get documents off of iOS products. I like being able to connect an Android device like a flash drive and drag and drop stuff off (which is super helpful for using computer labs that may not have itunes at school).
Why am I buying this tablet?
I'm invested in Android (own apps/heavy google app user)
$400 feels like a good entry point to try out tablets
I like the community and dealing with fixing my issues on my own and changing ROMs and kernels, tweaking the looks and performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aside from everything else I have to +1 this post...first off the iPad camera is horrible, but that aside, there's a reason you're on xda developers, you want to do more with your device than what you're told you can do with it by the manufacturer...
I've been around the PC industry since the 80's (using linux since early 90's) and phone industry since the late 90's.. and I love the fact that I can tinker and hack something and play with it, something extremely difficult on apple products.
Google devices are fun to play with, and you aren't controlled like cattle to the slaughter ... unless you want to be a mindless apple drone, I would stick with an android tablet...
Just my $0.02

If the only plus to you is that it has a dock, then you're probably better off getting an iPad 2. The iPad 2 is a great tablet, and most people who own it love it. I know that's not the right thing to say here, but it's the truth. Personally, I would feel completely stifled with an iPad, but you might be perfectly content.
jurrsaix said:
I'm invested in Android (own apps/heavy google app user)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. It wouldn't make much sense for me to have to re-purchase all of my apps, while giving up the Google integration I've come to rely on, just to have access to the App Store (which is, to me, the only real plus the iPad has over the Transformer, assuming the camera glitches are fixed and Honeycomb is refined).

knoxploration said:
Demonstrably untrue. Apple's iPad is limited to running non-iPad native apps as a tiny window in the center of the screen; Android has no such limitation. Hence iPad apps had to be recoded; most Android apps work just fine on tablets as-is.
This is just spin -- a fictional advantage created by Apple to hide their own disadvantage.
Probably is true right now -- nobody except Google and their hardware partners know if they can catch up here.
Easily fixed if it's just color accuracy / white balance. The Transformer's camera currently has bigger issues in terms of stuttering and huge shutter lag. Hopefully those will be resolved. Ask yourself this though -- are you really going to use a large tablet for photos and videos, rather than a compact camera or cellphone?
Video capture from the rear cam is. Video playback isn't. I've seen numerous examples online playing even Full HD (1080i) videos downsampled by the Transformer to fit its own screen, and the reviewers have said they played smoothly. I'm confident that at 720p, the Transformer is more than capable of smooth video.
Which even without all of the above is a huge plus. Nobody can type on an on-screen keyboard as fast as a good touch-typer on a reasonable keyboard, and the reviews of this keyboard are pretty much all positive. Plus you get a touchpad, so you don't have to keep reaching over the keyboard to make selections like you do with bluetooth keyboards.
Beyond the above, companies that emphasise openness and listen to the end users, not a company that locks everything down, does its best to prevent any competition with its own software, and in the latest scandal, continues to record your entire GPS location history even when specifically told not to do so.
It is. You'll just either need a device to tether to, or an offline mapping solution. Personally I'm waiting eagerly for Route 66 (http://www.66.com) to release; they're based on TomTom data, and I've been using a TomTom for years, so I know their data is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for that thorough analysis! I really appreciate it
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App

The versatility of the Transformer is the only reason I'm considering it. As Anand said about the iPad, it couldn't replace the laptop, so he eventually stopped using it.
The Transformer can be a tablet or light-duty laptop. What other device (not just tablet) can do that???
As for apps, it's mostly Apple BS. Ever hear Mac users complain about the lack of apps or games vs. PCs? A lot of iPad "apps" are really just websites due to lack of proper web support.
And as others have said, at least Android apps tend to scale, and not just pixel-double like iPhone apps.
The freedom of choice... being locked-in to iTunes forever? No thanks. Heck, the only choice Apple gives is the "all-new" white iPhone. That's right, WHITE... be a rebel! LOL!

in my opinion all the plus of the ipad are negated by the fact that you have to use itunes to do anything on your device.
Example if you were going away for a few days and you owned an ipad you would have to take your laptop which defeats the purpose of owning a tablet, with an android device you can just take that and download all the files/movies/music etc right to the device.

Congrats for a least attempting to get the facts before you buy. Personally, there is no debate, the iPad is far inferior, and most "techie" types here on XDA are not just wanting to spend $$$ for a freaking apple on a limited use device...

I can't believe no one commented on the camera bit, the iPad 2's camera is only 0.92MP, how is it in any way better? Sure it can record video smoothly but that will also be possible on the transformer after a software up date.

Nastrodamous said:
in my opinion all the plus of the ipad are negated by the fact that you have to use itunes to do anything on your device.
Example if you were going away for a few days and you owned an ipad you would have to take your laptop which defeats the purpose of owning a tablet, with an android device you can just take that and download all the files/movies/music etc right to the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not correct. You can access iTunes on the iPad without a computer.After the initial sync when you buy the iPad, you do not need to be connected to a laptop unless you are updating software or transferring files, or backing up files

dufran3 said:
Congrats for a least attempting to get the facts before you buy. Personally, there is no debate, the iPad is far inferior, and most "techie" types here on XDA are not just wanting to spend $$$ for a freaking apple on a limited use
Not sure what you mean by inferior but that is your opinion.
Like people have said,it depends on what features are important to the OP. Simple easy interface with lots of tablet specific apps vs more "open" system much less apps(currently),ability to customize and tinker.
Ultimately, you should go into a store and try both to see what you can live with as there are compromises with going with either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Buy a Google Chromecast or not.

Hi! my first post so be gentle
I've been thinking of getting a Chromecast Since day one, but certain things have made me so confused so the last months i have been thinking ''Yes Or No''.
So my thoughts have been if i should buy this or a Nexus 7.
As i've been reading lately you can get american Netflix using tunnelbear which sounds really nice! (I'm From Sweden to be exact.)
But how is it doing with the Local Streaming function its still ''banned'' so to say?
¨
How is the streaming quality from Chromecast(Netflix) to the TV?
How is the streaming Quality from Chromecast(Youtube) to the Tv?
Do you think it will be almost the same apps like in Apple tv?
Is there any kind of Browser? such as regular Chrome so i can Read news for example on the tv without mirroring my Chrome tab?
As This is just a beta device, you think they will release a Chromecast 2 any soon or they will just stick to the regular one.
What are the benefits rooting these devices? i got a nexus 4, i have never rooted any android device even if i had about 7 android phones last 3 years. Been scared of the note saying this will void your warranty.
Yes Alot of questions but im really thankfull for all the help!
Best Regards eastlin.

If you really want to "wirelessly cast" your audio viduals, then get the Chromecast, but if you don't mind physically connecting your phone/tablet to your TV, you really only need a SlimPort Micro USB to HDMI Adapter. These cost around the US$20 range and let you connect a HDMI cable to your phone/tablet's micro USB port (you can also invest in the N7 with the savings ).
Hope this helps.

haha, im sitting here dividing... Tablet or CC Done it for about 3 months now cant still decide it sucks.
but CC is allways a nice Gadget, but i want to be able to use it for more than just the few apps there are atm...
Will there be more apps in the future or will they kill the product?

Eastliin said:
Will there be more apps in the future or will they kill the product?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can never be sure...

Ye i will look that Cable adapter up, sounds like something interesting to me atleast
But as you know, Wireless rules.

Android TV-Nexus Player

the first official android tv player has been announced. Interesting specs. Anyone thinking of getting one?
http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/15/6982375/google-nexus-player-android-tv-set-top-box-announced
http://www.google.com/nexus/player/
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Free mobile app

the concept is interesting, but the spec is not

99$? Insta-buy! Just waiting for the pre-order in Germany
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk 2

I have an ADT-1 and thoroughly love it. By far, the best XBMC experience you could ask for, but the device holistically is pretty damn cool too. Going to be ordering 2 of these as well.

what does this have to do with the Nexus 5 section? not wanting to be a forum-nazi, but it's pretty useless in this section.

There is no dedicated android TV forum
Edit found it now. Thread has been moved. Thanks moderator
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Really cool idea and I'd buy one if I didn't already have a Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Chromecast, a Slimport cable, and a PS3 controller. With all that, the possibilities are vast. If playing a game, I'll use my N5, hook it up to the TV via Slimport, and use my PS3 controller. If watching a show, I'll just cast my screen via Chromecast, with the option of using the Slimport cable.
So since the controller is Bluetooth Smart, I can sync it with my phone and tablet, right? Typical Bluetooth syncing process? A spare controller might be a nice little plus to convince me to buy a (another) little gadget device. Like I said, it's a neat idea but I definitely don't need it.

Quite interesting that it's using a Intel processor. Wonder how that will perform. Also any micro SD slot?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jumper62 said:
Quite interesting that it's using a Intel processor. Wonder how that will perform. Also any micro SD slot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there's a similar question i got:
does it have a usb host port?
As the specs don't mention one (like the sd-slot) i guess there won't be one, what makes sense if you think about their interest in people streaming stuff from google play...
Amazon blocks usb mass storage and google doesn't even add a port, what also makes usb gamecontrollers unusable...

I'll most likely buy one at some point to replace my Roku, but one of the important apps to me is the WWE Network app, and I highly doubt WWE will care enough about their app to update for compatibility with Android TV any time soon. So, I'll have to hold out until they support Android TV.

There is a mini usb port. External storage?

Sigh. Google, y u hate Ethernet?
Another stationary device that eats up wifi bandwidth to save on a 50 cent Gig-E port. Its just plain dumb.

Is there any official information about European availability?
Does it support HDMI-CEC?

I'll get one to replace the Chromecast in our living room. Will be really nice to have a remote to, for example, pause if I get a call. Try to do that on your phone while casting something..
If it hasn't got HDMI-CEC.. that would just be stupid. Hope it has.
Doesn't bother me that it hasn't got wired Ethernet. My WiFi is excellent and I can easily get +600Mbps real performance on my laptop and +250Mbps on my Nexus 5 so the AC-chip on this will do for all my streaming needs and then some.

Any information yet which formats are supported? Is it like chromecast limited to h264 and aac or can it play mkv files with dvd MPEG streams? (how I store my DVD library currently in plex)
Skickat från min GT-I9505 via Tapatalk

Konstigt said:
I'll get one to replace the Chromecast in our living room. Will be really nice to have a remote to, for example, pause if I get a call. Try to do that on your phone while casting something..
If it hasn't got HDMI-CEC.. that would just be stupid. Hope it has.
Doesn't bother me that it hasn't got wired Ethernet. My WiFi is excellent and I can easily get +600Mbps real performance on my laptop and +250Mbps on my Nexus 5 so the AC-chip on this will do for all my streaming needs and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My problem is that I don't live by myself, and we live in a relatively high density area (~3k to ~4k sq ft houses on 60 ft lots). We have three tablets, two ipod touches, two smartphones, occasionally a laptop or two. I have really good wifi coverage (using ubiquiti APs). But my next door neighbors media room is really close to our master bedroom suite and she uses wireless for everything (which is ridiculous...my old company wired her house...I know she has a lan drop in her media room, lol). So she constantly pegs 1 and 11 in 2.4 GHz. So I use 6 on that side of the house. But I can see at least 4 other APs from my neighbors on 6, and that's just those that broadcast. Our phones are are the only two AC devices we currently have.
It would probably be OK on AC. I have one AC AP and my family room cabinets where my equipment is in is only about 20 feet from the AP through wood cabinet doors. But add in a cheapo GigE port and there is nothing to worry about at all. Again, its a stationary device, no reason to use wifi. I think the issue is that these devices are developed by people who live in rented apartments or in parts of the world where adding a lan drop in a home is cost prohibitive (concrete walls, etc.). It never occurs to them that a huge portion of their target audience has a wired lan in their home.

mrw1215 said:
I'll most likely buy one at some point to replace my Roku, but one of the important apps to me is the WWE Network app, and I highly doubt WWE will care enough about their app to update for compatibility with Android TV any time soon. So, I'll have to hold out until they support Android TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not be supprised, WWE app has been on Fire TV for a while. It should not take much, if any, reconfiguring to add it to the play store for the player.

Just heard about this. Interesting indeed. I am in the UK and have got an Amazon Fire TV on preorder (released 23rd Oct) not sure whether to ditch that pre-order and go for this or keep the AFTV.

No ethernet is a bummer, but I'm still looking forward to it
need to find the perfect Plex box

I'm going to be pre-ordering one tomorrow as soon as they become available for pre-order... If I'm still awake by midnight, might do it then.
The lack of Ethernet port is truly a bummer, but I guess I will try to get another device off my Wi-Fi lol

I hate to say it but I like the Fire TV stick better

I bought a Fire TV Stick for $19 when they offered it to Prime members for $19 because, well, it was $19.
The Stick works a lot like the Nexus Player. It's very snappy and navigates menus quickly. The Fire TV stick plays movies and TV shows instantly. No hesitation, no buffering, no determining download speed. And it's hidef quality. Instantly.
When playing music on the Amazon music player it shows the words of the song while playing automatically.
But the compelling point is content price. I have a Prime account so a lot of content is included in the price. I was able to play Hunger Games: Catching Fire immediately and for free. On Nexus Player it would have cost $20. I was able to play an episode of the Good Wife for free. It would have been $2 on Nexus.
Yes, it doesn't have cast. But I have a Chromecast to take care of that.
I think my Nexus Player will become a gift for one of my kids.

TabGuy said:
I bought a Fire TV Stick for $19 when they offered it to Prime members for $19 because, well, it was $19.
The Stick works a lot like the Nexus Player. It's very snappy and navigates menus quickly. The Fire TV stick plays movies and TV shows instantly. No hesitation, no buffering, no determining download speed. And it's hidef quality. Instantly.
When playing music on the Amazon music player it shows the words of the song while playing automatically.
But the compelling point is content price. I have a Prime account so a lot of content is included in the price. I was able to play Hunger Games: Catching Fire immediately and for free. On Nexus Player it would have cost $20. I was able to play an episode of the Good Wife for free. It would have been $2 on Nexus.
Yes, it doesn't have cast. But I have a Chromecast to take care of that.
I think my Nexus Player will become a gift for one of my kids.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you hate to say it, then dont.

If you want the Amazon ecosystem then nexus player isn't the best bet yet. I got a stick as well, and it's remote seems better, but it feels lagging to me

I purchases a fire stick as well but I don't think it has 802.11ac support which is a must for me since it doesnt have an Ethernet port. I streams tons of 15GB content using xbmc. But I'm glad its working for you, how do you consume content if you don't mind me asking? Plex, xbmc with addons like genesis?

TabGuy said:
I bought a Fire TV Stick for $19 when they offered it to Prime members for $19 because, well, it was $19.
The Stick works a lot like the Nexus Player. It's very snappy and navigates menus quickly. The Fire TV stick plays movies and TV shows instantly. No hesitation, no buffering, no determining download speed. And it's hidef quality. Instantly.
When playing music on the Amazon music player it shows the words of the song while playing automatically.
But the compelling point is content price. I have a Prime account so a lot of content is included in the price. I was able to play Hunger Games: Catching Fire immediately and for free. On Nexus Player it would have cost $20. I was able to play an episode of the Good Wife for free. It would have been $2 on Nexus.
Yes, it doesn't have cast. But I have a Chromecast to take care of that.
I think my Nexus Player will become a gift for one of my kids.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has been on Netflix for a little while now. So, that's not a particularly good example.
Can the Fire TV Stick run XBMC/KODI and play high bitrate 1080p files with DTS smoothly?
I personally don't care about premium content beyond Netflix. I have Amazon Prime and never even watch it.

I actually do have kodi loaded on my stick, and have tested some files with no issues. It's nice. It's not as powerful as the nexus player and more locked down

Returning
I agree completely with the OP. I have a ouya, chromecast, fire tv stick and fire tv all running and I have put more time trying to get xbmc to run smoothly on the NP than any other device put together. I have tried every build possible with zero to no luck resolving constant force closes during streaming from sources like genesis, freezing, not being able to use it yet as a launcher, lack of apps and netflix on it is the worst. The only thing I have found to work good on it is google play content. Mines being returned and ill take the cash loss from the shipping just to get this thing gone since I have it on kijiji at cost price with zero response. Worst device of the year imho

I think that's a bit hard. Especially when you think that this device is out since merely two weeks..

ks2hot4u said:
I agree completely with the OP. I have a ouya, chromecast, fire tv stick and fire tv all running and I have put more time trying to get xbmc to run smoothly on the NP than any other device put together. I have tried every build possible with zero to no luck resolving constant force closes during streaming from sources like genesis, freezing, not being able to use it yet as a launcher, lack of apps and netflix on it is the worst. The only thing I have found to work good on it is google play content. Mines being returned and ill take the cash loss from the shipping just to get this thing gone since I have it on kijiji at cost price with zero response. Worst device of the year imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. I've been using WDTV Live boxes and you don't know the meaning of pain. Lots and lots of issues...
If I were you you, I'd RMA the unit back to Google. Google will send you a brand new one. Don't open it! You'll have a much better chance of selling it on Kijiji as new un-opened.

ks2hot4u said:
I agree completely with the OP. I have a ouya, chromecast, fire tv stick and fire tv all running and I have put more time trying to get xbmc to run smoothly on the NP than any other device put together. I have tried every build possible with zero to no luck resolving constant force closes during streaming from sources like genesis, freezing, not being able to use it yet as a launcher, lack of apps and netflix on it is the worst. The only thing I have found to work good on it is google play content. Mines being returned and ill take the cash loss from the shipping just to get this thing gone since I have it on kijiji at cost price with zero response. Worst device of the year imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its early days for android l and think you are jumping the gun. The np has just been rooted and expect to see good things develop in the near future. Performance wise it is faster than most of the devices you own. I installed xbmc 13.2 on it with advanced settings and it works ok, not rock solid but reasonable. I will admit Navi-X is rocky, but does work sometimes.

Worst device of the year is a bit far of a reach especially when you are looking at it for XBMC use. On that end it may be a simple thing of its too new of a product.
For the value the fire stick could be a better buy if you are in the US. In canada Prime instant video means nothing, you could probably tinker with your router and work through that but sometimes you just want to be go the simple non hacking route.
Personally i am enjoying the nexus player very much. but if you are looking for xmbc streaming or the amazon eco system then yeah go for the fire tv stick. grab a chrome cast as well for good measure.

ks2hot4u said:
I agree completely with the OP. I have a ouya, chromecast, fire tv stick and fire tv all running and I have put more time trying to get xbmc to run smoothly on the NP than any other device put together. I have tried every build possible with zero to no luck resolving constant force closes during streaming from sources like genesis, freezing, not being able to use it yet as a launcher, lack of apps and netflix on it is the worst. The only thing I have found to work good on it is google play content. Mines being returned and ill take the cash loss from the shipping just to get this thing gone since I have it on kijiji at cost price with zero response. Worst device of the year imho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? This is worrying, I have an ouya and xbmc works great on it, was going to buy a nexus player for downstairs though as fancy one and Wifi is bit flaky on ouya.
Does xbmc not run great on it?

A device with a locked bootloader, it will never be better than one with bootloader open. Because you will always be forced to do only what the manufacturer wants. If they want to remove XBMC they will do it in a second, like many other things. Thanks to Google Nexus Player is a true Nexus device with an open bootloader and the potential is a million times greater than the Fire TV. Specially with a new and modern OS like Android 5.
Sorry for the intervention and i suggest to vote with your wallet. Do not buy a device with a locked bootloader if you like Android.

Will get better
Not only is it new hardware, but it's new software also. I'm sure kodi will eventually run perfect on it and google will patch up android L...

zulu99 said:
A device with a locked bootloader, it will never be better than one with bootloader open. Because you will always be forced to do only what the manufacturer wants. If they want to remove XBMC they will do it in a second, like many other things. Thanks to Google Nexus Player is a true Nexus device with an open bootloader and the potential is a million times greater than the Fire TV. Specially with a new and modern OS like Android 5.
Sorry for the intervention and i suggest to vote with your wallet. Do not buy a device with a locked bootloader if you like Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. It's the community of developers, small and large that makes this OS so great. I don't see much progress in the Fire TV forum and its been out for months.

I think my point was missed. I ordered the NP first day. Love my nexus 5, have a nexus 7 flo installed in my dash which replaced the nexus 7 2012 that was there before it. I run xbmc on all my nexus products without a hitch. Received the NP last Wednesday, as soon as I plugged it in I sideloaded Chainfires tool, installed es explorer and used the official xbmc x86. Right off the get go it seems slow and laggy, it has a few hiccups using addons but no biggy. The biggest issue for me in xbmc is streaming content from 1channel, icefilms and genesis during a 22 minute episode xbmc crashed 4 times and returned me to the launcher. I tried spmc, tvmc, fired tv xbmc, Kodi alpha 1,2,3,4, and now 5 all with multiple configurations they all crash frequently. The remote is cheap and lacks a menu button, 1gb ??,no spdif, no ethernet, no full size usb (although I had no issues with OTG and a hub), Netflix broke so hard I had to do a factory reset, and the chromecast integration is laggy and bug ridden. Might have good potential in the future but as of right now I would much rather use the 25 dollar fire stick. Only tested one game asphalt 8 and the fire tv blew it out of the water. This isnt a debate of the potential of the device or what it might do in the future with roms its about out of box usage with current methods and mods. The ouya lacks in areas but out of the box ran 10x better and especially after with cyanogen. The reality is I received my firetv rooted it loaded xbmc and backups 20 minutes later up and has ran with no issues, received the fire tv stick a bit slower than the box but still set up and running in 20 minutes and no issues. To me thats enough, I have a rma and hate that I waited anxiously for over a month to have the thing ship and destroy any conceived expectations of a good working fire tv contender.

I'm running Kodi on mine streaming even 3D content at high bitrates no problem. I recommend the Helix Beta. Downloadable as an APK at: kodi.tv/download (choose the android beta x86 version).

I agree with ks2hot. I have issues with xbmc/kodi 14 beta 1,2, &4 on the NP. For whatever reason I am getting FCs. My firestick has had beta2 on it and is rock solid. I am sure they will figure out the issue and fix. The NP is a better box in most every other way though, but if I am playing a movie via xbmc I will choose the stick for now

volwrath said:
I agree with ks2hot. I have issues with xbmc/kodi 14 beta 1,2, &4 on the NP. For whatever reason I am getting FCs. My firestick has had beta2 on it and is rock solid. I am sure they will figure out the issue and fix. The NP is a better box in most every other way though, but if I am playing a movie via xbmc I will choose the stick for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have had issues with XBMC 13.2, kodi betas 1-5 and now the nightlies - but only if I enable addons. Straight kodi has had no problem streaming hours of a random sampling of my 600+ blu-ray rips, 100+ television shows and my music collection from my synology nas. Once I start adding addons, the thing gets unstable pretty quickly - I haven't narrowed down which addons to date.
The Nexus Player is the first production lollipop set top and devs haven't had much time updating for it. Google also has some clear bugs to deal with on the box. Even with those caveats, however, I love the NP. That its easily rooted, has simple support for a ton of peripherals (such as any of my bluetooth ps3 controllers), hard drives, extended storage for games, etc... the list goes on. The ability to sideload and use hundreds of thousands of apps with ease is also a huge bonus while we wait for devs to code leanback interfaces and games.
A relatively open system will *always* be preferable to a closes system in my mind. The Nexus Player is a keeper, even as it is right now for me.

Elrondolio said:
I too have had issues with XBMC 13.2, kodi betas 1-5 and now the nightlies - but only if I enable addons. Straight kodi has had no problem streaming hours of a random sampling of my 600+ blu-ray rips, 100+ television shows and my music collection from my synology nas. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks good to know..I will get rid of all my addons and see if that helps. Once we get the expanded storage thing figured out the NP is going to be a beast.. Its already a phenomenal device