GMusic device - Android General

I recently subscribed to GMusic all access, and I'm liking the service very much. I work out 4-5x week for 2h, and I need music. I've been using my Nexus 4 but it's too big and bulky and gets in the way. An armband helps, but I'd like to have a dedicated music playing device. It doesn't help that I've already smashed the screen on my N4 once while running with it (something I don't do anymore, and I don't run all that often, but it'd be nice to have something I can run with and won't fall/isn't worth $400). I found an old iPod Nano (6th gen I think) that would work great but there's no way to reverse sync it with GMusic (I manage my playlists, etc. on GMusic, not iTunes) and it won't get me any of my All Access content.
My conclusion is sell the iPod for whatever I can get (it's like new, so I don't think $60-80 is unreasonable) and get a cheap android phone to use as a dedicated GMusic streaming device. I'm thinking requirements are:
ICS+ (to be able to run current and future GMusic apps)
<4" screen. Shouldn't be too hard seeing as that keeping price low is a priority
WiFi (to stream)
Headphone out and half decent sound quality (i.e. not garbage sound, I'm no audiophile)
Custom ROMs would be nice, but not a requirement at all
I'm open to suggestions, including china phones and used phones (going off average market price)

Related

Music on WP7

I've been thinking about using WP7 again, for a longer peroid of time this time, but my gripe is the lack of a microsd card or larger storage sizes of the phones. I don't mind tearing it apart and manually installing a microsd card, but would prefer to not have to do anything extra, and risk killing a 32gb card in the process.
What would your guys best solution be for me, is there a really good streaming service that I can stream my 5000+ songs to it? I really like the lumina 800, i would prefer to stick to something smaller than the titan as well, probably smaller than the hd7 too.
davebu said:
I've been thinking about using WP7 again, for a longer peroid of time this time, but my gripe is the lack of a microsd card or larger storage sizes of the phones. I don't mind tearing it apart and manually installing a microsd card, but would prefer to not have to do anything extra, and risk killing a 32gb card in the process.
What would your guys best solution be for me, is there a really good streaming service that I can stream my 5000+ songs to it? I really like the lumina 800, i would prefer to stick to something smaller than the titan as well, probably smaller than the hd7 too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well theres skydrive ut that prob wont handle 5000+ songs.......honestly if you want that many songs you should prob go for an ipod or a zune.....a dedicated MP3 player...the wp7 has the capability to play music but its not an mp3 player its a phone.
best of luck!
I know you want to play your collection but is subscribing to Zune Pass out of the question? Since you are already streaming it seems like the way to go unless you don't want to spend the $10 a month.
There is zune pass which has a lot of songs and is directly integrated into the windows phone os. If that's not enough, there are many music streaming services that provide you with a wide variety of songs.
The only drawback is that they will cost you for their service.
5000 songs OMG
you can listen for a years ^^
My Zune pass and Last.FM app along with Google Music give me access to all the music I could ever want. Third party Pandora apps in marketplace too. Music is one of the top reasons I waited for WP7 to launch last year.

Android in your car's dash - Pioneer Appradio

Hello Everyone
I recently purchased and installed a Pioneer Appradio 2 in my car because the stock radio sucks, and I've always wanted to install a tablet in the dash of my car. So the App Radio II made a lot of sense to me because its cheap (compared to other head units), easy to install (as opposed to hacking your dashboard to fit a tablet in there), and after hooking up my phone to it, gives me way more features than the most expensive Head unit out there. There is a catch to it though; In order to see full Android on it, you have to root your phone, and buy an app called ARLiberator, which costs $35. But ARLiberator is worth every single penny, as it lets you do so much more compared to the stock app that pioneer provides, which only allows you to see a stupid menu with very few apps. With ARLiberator, I do everything my phone does on the Appradio's screen ie Navigation, youtube, music player, video player, even play a game (dont do that while driving lol). Anyways, its a great stereo, and its the best upgrade you can do to your car's interior if you like Android.
Quick video I made about the Appradio, showing how it works and how to connect it to your phone etc

How to View HTC ONE X files on TV?

I have already noticed a detailed discussion related to the toic but unable .to find out the solution to it. I have downloaded stuff for my kids but unable to play tht on my TV.
Can anyone have a quick and simple way to guide me.for that.
Their is an optional extra HDMI device for wirelessly sending video and such from your device to your TV.
This is a fairly costly device and not many use it.
The other way is to use dlna/upnp. In the youtube apps and media streamer etc you can select your tv as the display device.
I find this does not function correctly for video with my Samsung tv's.
I use the app imediashare, but there is many to chose from such as bubbleupnp, twonky, sempervidlinks etc.
It would be good to know what your tv is capable of and how you can connect to it.
Eg HDMI device or UPNP via network?
And what type of files are you trying to view?
Eg games, videos, pictures, music, docs etc?
twistedddx said:
Their is an optional extra HDMI device for wirelessly sending video and such from your device to your TV.
This is a fairly costly device and not many use it.
The other way is to use dlna/upnp. In the youtube apps and media streamer etc you can select your tv as the display device.
I find this does not function correctly for video with my Samsung tv's.
I use the app imediashare, but there is many to chose from such as bubbleupnp, twonky, sempervidlinks etc.
It would be good to know what your tv is capable of and how you can connect to it.
Eg HDMI device or UPNP via network?
And what type of files are you trying to view?
Eg games, videos, pictures, music, docs etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Building on what has already been said, I find that the general rule of identification for the living room is if a device has wifi capabilities, then the HOX can usually push media to it via dlna.
If you have a device that is network capable, usually dlna will work with it too.
If you have experience pulling media from the computers around the house and displaying them on your television, then you're absolutely on the right track.
Sometimes, SMART TVs and wired network media devices have a YouTube app that is capable with YouTube Leanback, a service that lets you view YouTube videos on the big screen and control it with your Android devices.
If you lack all of the hardware mentioned above, there are three options.
1) HTC Media Link HD
All it does is receive media sent by HTC devices, via HDMI to the television. Very, very basic. If you want to buy this, try to locate the 2012 (for One X and One S, it's variants, and the Butterfly) model, maybe 2011 (for Sensation and Amaze series). The reason for this is this accessory existed last year as the flagship connector to the television for our device. It might be cheaper to buy one made for last year's devices, which we own, for cheaper, than to buy one created for the HTC One, and the Butterfly S. If I recall correctly, it's pretty expensive for doing only a few tasks. Although, if you're running HTC Sense, you'd already have three finger gestures for it built into the OS.
2) New TV
Buy one with wifi, or if it's more convenient, one with network capabilities into the wall and connect to the home network. It wouldn't hurt to make sure to verify that it is dlna-capable before hauling home the massive display.
3) Any TV accessory with network capabilities
Like a TV, but not really. Sony Blu-Ray players with wifi run for about $79 here in Canada, and I use mine to send photos and music from the kitchen to entertain guests when they come over. You could probably google more dlna accessories that connect straight to the TV, but if you're ever in the need for a new Blu-Ray player, or a new home theatre set, keep dlna in mind.
Bonus)
It pains me a bit to say this, but Apple TV is an inexpensive option that is near perfect for these needs. After setting iTunes to identify all media libraries in the house, head down to the TV and have it pull your desired content. It's so simple, and surprisingly, only $99.
YOU COULD DO BETTER THOUGH
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Edit:
Today I learned that the HOX has HDMI out. Even better.
You can find super cheap cables or docks online, on ebay, from China, connect them to your phone, and go from there. Only downside is if you have your television two metres away from you, this might break your neck or knees.
Asovse1 said:
Building on what has already been said, I find that the general rule of identification for the living room is if a device has wifi capabilities, then the HOX can usually push media to it via dlna.
If you have a device that is network capable, usually dlna will work with it too.
If you have experience pulling media from the computers around the house and displaying them on your television, then you're absolutely on the right track.
Sometimes, SMART TVs and wired network media devices have a YouTube app that is capable with YouTube Leanback, a service that lets you view YouTube videos on the big screen and control it with your Android devices.
If you lack all of the hardware mentioned above, there are three options.
1) HTC Media Link HD
All it does is receive media sent by HTC devices, via HDMI to the television. Very, very basic. If you want to buy this, try to locate the 2012 (for One X and One S, it's variants, and the Butterfly) model, maybe 2011 (for Sensation and Amaze series). The reason for this is this accessory existed last year as the flagship connector to the television for our device. It might be cheaper to buy one made for last year's devices, which we own, for cheaper, than to buy one created for the HTC One, and the Butterfly S. If I recall correctly, it's pretty expensive for doing only a few tasks. Although, if you're running HTC Sense, you'd already have three finger gestures for it built into the OS.
2) New TV
Buy one with wifi, or if it's more convenient, one with network capabilities into the wall and connect to the home network. It wouldn't hurt to make sure to verify that it is dlna-capable before hauling home the massive display.
3) Any TV accessory with network capabilities
Like a TV, but not really. Sony Blu-Ray players with wifi run for about $79 here in Canada, and I use mine to send photos and music from the kitchen to entertain guests when they come over. You could probably google more dlna accessories that connect straight to the TV, but if you're ever in the need for a new Blu-Ray player, or a new home theatre set, keep dlna in mind.
Bonus)
It pains me a bit to say this, but Apple TV is an inexpensive option that is near perfect for these needs. After setting iTunes to identify all media libraries in the house, head down to the TV and have it pull your desired content. It's so simple, and surprisingly, only $99.
YOU COULD DO BETTER THOUGH
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Edit:
Today I learned that the HOX has HDMI out. Even better.
You can find super cheap cables or docks online, on ebay, from China, connect them to your phone, and go from there. Only downside is if you have your television two metres away from you, this might break your neck or knees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are less expensive Android Smart TV devices that work well too.
fns1979 said:
I have already noticed a detailed discussion related to the toic but unable .to find out the solution to it. I have downloaded stuff for my kids but unable to play tht on my TV.
Can anyone have a quick and simple way to guide me.for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see an app on my hox but not tested yet, i hear about work with smart share app in the tv i have LG smart TV i will test just for fun and commet here.

New to Sticks, need advice on my options please? Audio-centric questions

Hey folks,
TLDR at the end
I'm wondering if you can help me please, however I'm not sure if what I want is available. I'm new to this area of Android and I'm finding all the options a bit daunting as I'm not familiar with what is reputable and what is not. For example, I read the thread about the Gearbest MXiii, but when looking in the UK, I found the same box on Amazon, released under 2 different Manufacturer names... Much like if you try to buy a Media PC keyboard.
Anyway, here are the things I hope to do / run:
I want to replace my Windows Desktop that acts as my Media Centre. I use Kodi (Formerly XBMC) 14. I also use Chrome to play Netflix (would replace this with the android app), Spotify - and that's pretty much it. All my Storage is networked so I don't need anything there.
I am hoping to get a powerful machine (Quad core perhaps) with the ability to run lollipop (through AOSP if necessary) that will run Kodi, spotify and the Netflix app. BUT what I am also hoping to do, is run a 5.1 audio setup. I'm under no illusions that this support will be unlikely to be built-in (Although that would definitely be preferable) but will happily buy a USB DAC if we know of a stick that will support it and is not extortionately priced... What complicates things further, is I don't really want to run 5.1. I actually want to run 3.0 ( I don't imaging that makes much difference here, but again - it's not a familiar area to me). The reason being that on my Desktop, I run a centre speaker with the volume controlled separately, because whenever any of my media supports 5.1, when it mixes down to dual channel, I often end up with loud sound effects and low dialogue, which can be trouble when I have both an upstairs and downstairs neighbour....
So.... does anyone have any recommendations based on that?
TLDR;
I'm looking for a Powerful android stick that will support Lollipop through any means and 3.0 Audio as a minimum, even if through a USB Dac
danarama said:
Hey folks,
TLDR at the end
I'm wondering if you can help me please, however I'm not sure if what I want is available. I'm new to this area of Android and I'm finding all the options a bit daunting as I'm not familiar with what is reputable and what is not. For example, I read the thread about the Gearbest MXiii, but when looking in the UK, I found the same box on Amazon, released under 2 different Manufacturer names... Much like if you try to buy a Media PC keyboard.
Anyway, here are the things I hope to do / run:
I want to replace my Windows Desktop that acts as my Media Centre. I use Kodi (Formerly XBMC) 14. I also use Chrome to play Netflix (would replace this with the android app), Spotify - and that's pretty much it. All my Storage is networked so I don't need anything there.
I am hoping to get a powerful machine (Quad core perhaps) with the ability to run lollipop (through AOSP if necessary) that will run Kodi, spotify and the Netflix app. BUT what I am also hoping to do, is run a 5.1 audio setup. I'm under no illusions that this support will be unlikely to be built-in (Although that would definitely be preferable) but will happily buy a USB DAC if we know of a stick that will support it and is not extortionately priced... What complicates things further, is I don't really want to run 5.1. I actually want to run 3.0 ( I don't imaging that makes much difference here, but again - it's not a familiar area to me). The reason being that on my Desktop, I run a centre speaker with the volume controlled separately, because whenever any of my media supports 5.1, when it mixes down to dual channel, I often end up with loud sound effects and low dialogue, which can be trouble when I have both an upstairs and downstairs neighbour....
So.... does anyone have any recommendations based on that?
TLDR;
I'm looking for a Powerful android stick that will support Lollipop through any means and 3.0 Audio as a minimum, even if through a USB Dac
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what a crap question

Is there an Android Tablet/ROM/App strictly for Controlling/Cast Music?

Hey all,
I have an old (80's-style) full-length cabinet that sits on the floor. It's got a 8-track, FM/AM, and record player built-in, but the radio sucks and the record player is broken. I want to gut the whole thing, install some more modern speakers, install a new record player, and control it all from a tablet or touch screen computer. The big thing I'm looking for is a bit of "future-proofing" so that it can control both the built-in speakers and cast to other devices across the house or even the back patio. We have guests over pretty often, whether to cook out or just hang out in the house. I'd like to be able to pop open the lid of the cabinet and let anybody add/change the music playing, or be able to play the record player throughout the speakers in my house (my wife enjoys the records, while I prefer the convenience of Google Play Music).
I think the best way to do this is through Android, since it's much easier to cast to devices, and I can still change the music playing throughout the house via phones, tablet, and gHomes if I want.
Does anyone have a recommendation for building this solution? I think the most effective way to do this will be to set up the speakers in the cabinet and just plug them directly into a Chromecast Audio. I'll need either a ROM or a home launcher that's more conducive to selecting and limiting itself to a select few music apps & YouTube.
The big hurdles I see are setting up "zones" so that I can pick which Chromecasts the system plays to depending on where in the house we're going to be. I also need a way to feed the external audio (the record player) to the Tablet so it can forward that sound to other Chromecasts. I've looked for how to do this a bit, and it looks like Mozilla figured out a way to do it using a Raspberry Pi. I'm not opposed to this, but I want to be sure that I can use the tablet/computer I build into the cabinet to select which Chromecasts this streams to.
Thanks for the help / recommendations! If I get all of this figured out, I'll be sure to share the end result so people can see how well it all worked out!

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