Safe guarding 4.3(jellybean), stoping the shield from updating? - Shield Q&A

So when I noticed my Shield downloaded the 4.4 update, and went over the notes in it, I was like I better come to XDA and see if this is for me or not.
CLEARLY being an emulation junkie I need to stick with my beloved 4.3.
What I need to know is if there are any safeguards I can take to stop my shield from updating to 4.4 accidentally / automatically, seeing as the files are already on it waiting to be updated?

Edwii said:
So when I noticed my Shield downloaded the 4.4 update, and went over the notes in it, I was like I better come to XDA and see if this is for me or not.
CLEARLY being an emulation junkie I need to stick with my beloved 4.3.
What I need to know is if there are any safeguards I can take to stop my shield from updating to 4.4 accidentally / automatically, seeing as the files are already on it waiting to be updated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long press the OTA notification, select app info, Uncheck the box that says show notifications. (Or go into apps and find Google services Framework, and disable it that way)
The Shield will not Automatically update on it's own regardless, but now you won't ever see the notification.
If you ever want to update just go into settings, about, Update.
There are other ways but I'm not sure if they will work with the Shield/Have not tried them.
You can also install the Gamepad Mapper, and new Tegra Zone. just grab these APKs and install them normally. This way you have the improved gamepad mapper, and remote streaming when you want it. The new Tegrazone app doesn't replace the old one, so you can still use the HQ old Tegrazone app. The Nvidia button will also only open the old app, I used Gravity box to set up the Y button to open the new Tegrazone app with a long press, and that works perfect.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vQjRha2JXVFBKdE0/edit?usp=sharing - TegraZone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vakM2Z1M3bmQzQjg/edit?usp=sharing - Gamepad Mapper

The same thing happened to me. Since I use the Shield for emulators and some Android games (no interest with streaming PC games on a 5" display), I have no need for 4.4. Especially since emulators are reported to play slower and most of all, external writing for 3rd party apps has been killed by Goople (not spelling error).
The only catch here is the 464 MB update will still be taking up flash storage, since already downloaded. Added: Mine is still on 4.2, as was out of box when bought from Best Buy last week.

CDeviant said:
Long press the OTA notification, select app settings, disable notifications from the app that pops up. (Google services I think)
The Shield will not Automatically update on it's own regardless, but now you won't ever see the notification.
If you ever want to update just go into settings, about, Update.
There are other ways but I'm not sure if they will work with the Shield/Have not tried them.
You can also install the Gamepad Mapper, and new Tegra Zone. just grab these APKs and install them normally. This way you have the improved gamepad mapper, and remote streaming when you want it. The new Tegrazone app doesn't replace the old one, so you can still use the HQ old Tegrazone app. The Nvidia button will also only open the old app, I used Gravity box to set up the Y button to open the new Tegrazone app with a long press, and that works perfect.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vQjRha2JXVFBKdE0/edit?usp=sharing - TegraZone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2-JgUT2G-9vakM2Z1M3bmQzQjg/edit?usp=sharing - Gamepad Mapper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply, Some really handy information here for avoiding the update but getting the goods out of it.
I do have three follow up questions :
1. I want to really confirm what you are saying, that "the shield will not update on it's own" I've had my shield since July/13, I could swear that it's updated itself with out me pushing a button, like even the last update before kitkat, I really thought it updated on it's own. LIke if I shut the shield off, it wont force the update?
2. I have a 64gb sd card so it's not really a big deal that i lost 400megs of internal data doesn't seem like a big deal to me.
But I do wonder, there must be a way to delete those update files some how?
a. I've avoided rooting my shield mostly cause I'm lazy, never done it before, and it seems like it adds complications, should I?
3. About your work around suggestions;
a. What's the difference between the old tegrazone and new one?
b. Do I need to map a button for the new tegrazone or can I just open it like any other app?
c. What is the "remote streaming"? I mean I know about how I can stream from my PC to the shield at home, is this a feature that is new that lets me stream from like, wifi at a coffee shop or something?
4. This may be a better question for some where else, but as of right now the only real reason i'm avoiding the update is because of emulator performance. But from what I can tell there are a lot of negative things about this update.
What are the other pros and cons about the latest update? (I heard something about it effect the useability of my SD card among other things?)

I dont know if theyre in the same spot as other android devices but check the /data/fota folder for the new update files. If its there do me a huge favor please and copy the file and upload it. If you have a slow connect could u grab a couple files from it for me i need to check something.

Edwii said:
Thank you for the reply, Some really handy information here for avoiding the update but getting the goods out of it.
I do have three follow up questions :
1. I want to really confirm what you are saying, that "the shield will not update on it's own" I've had my shield since July/13, I could swear that it's updated itself with out me pushing a button, like even the last update before kitkat, I really thought it updated on it's own. LIke if I shut the shield off, it wont force the update?
2. I have a 64gb sd card so it's not really a big deal that i lost 400megs of internal data doesn't seem like a big deal to me.
But I do wonder, there must be a way to delete those update files some how?
a. I've avoided rooting my shield mostly cause I'm lazy, never done it before, and it seems like it adds complications, should I?
3. About your work around suggestions;
a. What's the difference between the old tegrazone and new one?
b. Do I need to map a button for the new tegrazone or can I just open it like any other app?
c. What is the "remote streaming"? I mean I know about how I can stream from my PC to the shield at home, is this a feature that is new that lets me stream from like, wifi at a coffee shop or something?
4. This may be a better question for some where else, but as of right now the only real reason i'm avoiding the update is because of emulator performance. But from what I can tell there are a lot of negative things about this update.
What are the other pros and cons about the latest update? (I heard something about it effect the useability of my SD card among other things?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I've rebooted/power off my Shield many times, no problems. I think I've had it on 4.3 since 4/16 it's never updated on it's own, but I do have CWM (custom recovery)
2. The only way around that is unlocking the bootloader and rooting. It's a simple process, getting the environment to use ADB and getting the drivers to all work properly is key, and the hardest part. the process goes: Unlock bootloader > Flash custom recovery (CWM) > Flash root package with CWM.
3. a. Better ui, and streaming options, but lower quality video, and sound lag when streaming. Remote streaming. - New TegraZone
b. No, you can open it like any other app.
c. Exactly, it lets you stream your games away from home, and it's not bad.
4. Really the only cons I see in 4.4 are the SD restrictions, and the worse performance/battery life, everything else is great! The overall polish of Kitkat is really nice, probably my biggest pro is the immersive status bar. Being able to pull the status bar down while streaming a game is really nice (or anywhere fullscreen really)
If you do end up rooting/unlocking your shield, I recommend eventually installing the Xposed Installer and getting Gravity box, there's a lot of useful tweaks in there. :good:

Seems if the main focus is Android and emulator games, stay away from 4.4, but if main focus is PC gaming, 4.4 is the way to go. The stutter that happens due to the random throttle issues with emulators and control input ruins the emulators for me. If I had not been used to them playing smooth on my other devices and the Shield as is, perhaps I would not be as bothered. The difference though is very noticeable to me. Even NES and PCE games stutter/lag. Not good cricket!
If there is an Nvidia update that fixes this issue, I will consider starting from scratch with unlocking and then rooting to remove external write restrictions. Right now, the performance issue does not warrant the effort or free time wasted starting over again.

hexitnow said:
I dont know if theyre in the same spot as other android devices but check the /data/fota folder for the new update files. If its there do me a huge favor please and copy the file and upload it. If you have a slow connect could u grab a couple files from it for me i need to check something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Need to be rooted to access. Of course. Drat.
I would like the 4.3 update. I guess I was a week too late buying this.

4.4 No lag for me in any emulators other than some rooms in reicast. Arcade is mint. I spend a lot of time with cps2 and neo geo games. If you're having speed issues in 4.4 try a better emulator. Haven't had any speed issues with retro arch.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk

Sess said:
4.4 No lag for me in any emulators other than some rooms in reicast. Arcade is mint. I spend a lot of time with cps2 and neo geo games. If you're having speed issues in 4.4 try a better emulator. Haven't had any speed issues with retro arch.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"A better emulator"
That just isn't really the problem though, these same emulators were perfect before.
If you have them both, please try Castlevania Aria of Sorrow on GBA.emu
It's unplayable on 4.4, but perfect on later android versions, even with 0 frameskip and hq2x rendering. Now on the other hand, the My Boy! emulator seems to work nearly as well on both android versions and I played through Tomba with FPse partly with 4.3, and finishing it on 4.4, I noticed very little difference. So not all emulators have taken a hit, but it's there even in the system.. and don't get me started on battery life.
Basically I'm kinda agreeing with you. But, there is some issue either with Android 4.4, or whatever Nvidia did.
A little more on Topic. Ever since I disabled the notification from Google Services, and deleted the update from the cache partition, It hasn't downloaded again! It's been 2 days since I did that, and It's had plenty of times to download an OTA. (reboots, sleep with wifi on, etc.) It might download if you go to the update settings, so watch out.

Well I'm glad that I checked out XDA before I purchased a shield. I was looking for emulators, some android gaming, and for sure PC streaming since I have a powerful rig. I'll wait until Nvidia gets this stuff sorted. I planned to root and unlock so I'm not too worried about the external storage issues.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CDeviant said:
"A better emulator"
That just isn't really the problem though, these same emulators were perfect before.
If you have them both, please try Castlevania Aria of Sorrow on GBA.emu
It's unplayable on 4.4, but perfect on later android versions, even with 0 frameskip and hq2x rendering. Now on the other hand, the My Boy! emulator seems to work nearly as well on both android versions and I played through Tomba with FPse partly with 4.3, and finishing it on 4.4, I noticed very little difference. So not all emulators have taken a hit, but it's there even in the system.. and don't get me started on battery life.
Basically I'm kinda agreeing with you. But, there is some issue either with Android 4.4, or whatever Nvidia did.
A little more on Topic. Ever since I disabled the notification from Google Services, and deleted the update from the cache partition, It hasn't downloaded again! It's been 2 days since I did that, and It's had plenty of times to download an OTA. (reboots, sleep with wifi on, etc.) It might download if you go to the update settings, so watch out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you are a gamer/emulator fan, you probably will not notice as much, but we do. Smooth with 4.2 to stuttery with 4.4 is not an option IMO, so 4.4 is not happening- unless there is an update to fix it
People refer to Retroarch, but compared to the other dedicated emulators, it does not have the same level of features (nor perform as good with some). Also, the lack of individual system defined directories for the different roms is a major pain. :silly:

Related

TNT 3588 Enhancement Pack: Gapps with nVidia Drivers

Hello,
I've had my GTab for quite awhile now and have tried quite a few custom ROMs. Some I liked a lot and some I didn't. Finally had to stick with TNT 3588 because on all the custom ROMs debugging was automatically enabled and every time I would connect via USB it would crash my laptop. It differs for everyone.
So I broke open a couple of ROMs, supplements and Gapps (google apps) I liked and cherry picked until I put together a stable enhancement package of the following:
Google Apps plus Google Market
Angry Birds
GMail
Google Services Framework
Live Wallpaper
Live Wallpaper picker
Maps
Street
Vending
Visualization Wallpaper
Voice Search
Youtube
System Framework
Google Android Maps
nvidia Display
nvidia graphics
The nvidia display/drivers were critical to getting rid of some of the bad viewing angles. My screen is incredible. This package allows you to still receive VS updates however you can access google market and connect usb as normal. Does not take away the original TNT stock - contacts, gallery, calendar, weather, etc. You can load AW launcher or Launcher Pro and all other apps with some improvements including Flash 10.2. Youtube runs best in browser for me. However, the newer "stand-alone" version will work too.
This is basically a 3588 "Enhancement Pack"
Run your updater to update to 3588 if you are not already running it and then...
Install clockwork mod 8 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1008245&highlight=clockwork+mod)
Hold in power button while pressing up volume key to you see loading recovery kernel, let go, rock volume down, up, until you get into clockwork mod.
It should say at the top of the screen ClockworkMod Recovery 0.8.
From clockwork mod 8, use volume up key to go down the list until you see
-mounts and storage
then hit your home key (the little house under the search symbol on the upper right-hand side of GTab)
-mount /system hit home key again to unmount
Then move down once more and press volume up key to go to
-mount /data, again hit home key to unmount
Next, go down to the last icon on GTab, the arrow key, to return to first menu to
Find (4th down from reboot option)
-install zip from sdcard, hit home key, hit volume up once more to
-choose zip from sdcard, hit home key again
Find the folder from the file listing you put the file in. (It helps if you create a folder beforehand for all your ROMs or xda files in one folder so you can easily pan down the list having all files in one place).
Go to in your folder, hit the home key, and let the file run.
TNT 3588 Gapps nVidia Drivers download here
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?my4ohg6afnl12p3
Afterwards return to the first menu in clockwork mod by pushing the arrow key, the last key on the upper right-hand side of GTab, until you see -reboot system now. Use volume up key, go down two lines to
-wipe data/factory reset hit home key again, let run until it goes back to the clockwork mod
Then
-reboot system now menu and hit home key to reboot.
Special Note: You will have to run the market fix. First sign into market using your info, completely finish that process. You should see some apps. Go to settings, applications, system applications, Google Services Framework-force stop, clear data. Market-force stop, clear data, exit and reboot. Sometimes you have to reboot twice, but, it worked on the first try for me.
Re-open and use. This isn't the newer version, but, it does give you access to all the apps, only difference is GUI. The other version was problematic in this enhancement pack.
This Enhancement Pack is for those who may want to ease into modifying their GTab or who may want to keep the Viewsonic Stock OS until VS issues another update. Plus, have access to Android Market and Nvidia display enhancement & drivers.
As with all ROMs, supplements, enhancements, firmware or modifications, use at your own risk, should not cause any problems unless you did something terribly wrong.
edirector said:
The nvidia display/drivers were critical to getting rid of some of the bad viewing angles. My screen is incredible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call me skeptical, but how can drivers of any kind improve the viewing angles? I was under the impression that the capacitive layer on the screen is what causes the viewing angle problem. Am I missing something?
lostpilot28 said:
Call me skeptical, but how can drivers of any kind improve the viewing angles? I was under the impression that the capacitive layer on the screen is what causes the viewing angle problem. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question but I stated display & nvidia drivers. The drivers are for the tegra 2 . And those improved the overall system.
Has anyone tried this?
Also, Where did you get the drivers from? Would you be so kind and provide us with a video showing off how the screen was improved?
I think this is going to be exactly what I'm looking for. Going to to try it out as soon as my tab gets in.
edirector said:
Good question but I stated display & nvidia drivers. The drivers are for the tetra 2 . And those improved the overall system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, technically, your post stated that the drivers improved the viewing angles. I'm just wondering how they do that since the viewing angle problem isn't bad because of the software...it's the screen itself.
lostpilot28 said:
Well, technically, your post stated that the drivers improved the viewing angles. I'm just wondering how they do that since the viewing angle problem isn't bad because of the software...it's the screen itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, the drivers came from the devs on this site. I've tried quite a few supplements, ROMs and enhancement packs TNT 2.4, 3.14, 4.23, 4.24, 4.25 and Gapps xtra. The last two 4.24 and 4.25 was extremely fluid. Inside the 4.24 was a system/framework folder and inside the framework folder were these two files: com.nvidia.display & com.nvidia.graphics.
I cannot use the other ROMs because of the auto debugging permanently left on which crashes my laptop which I've only had a about 2-3 months and it is painful to see it go down. So I noticed when I ran 4.24 marked overall improvement with G Tab. While everyone else is saying they see issues with the screen I'm saying I don't. I have to really have it at an odd angle I wouldn't normally view anything at to see distortion. My screen is popping, mostly eye candy. I have a 3D LED laptop display and use both simultaneous and notice very little difference between the two displays. Both have nvidia chips.
Some on this website (see the why is everyone complaining about viewing angle thread) say that it is possible those who got a later model of GTAB (2011 oppose to 2010) might have gotten one with a improved screen. I can not answer that you will have to ask Viewsonic.
Try the enhancement and tell me what you think. That's all I can say too you, and you can ask the devs why they put those two files in that ROM and what purpose they think they serve. Most times manufacturers (since they say nvidia) issue drivers, firmware and such for purpose of improvement.
Is it possible to install this update by using standard recovery?
I like the classic stock 3588 interface. I would like to get market and maps.
Could you let me know if these updates can be installed by using standard recovery.
Edirector,
I vaguely remember roebeet et al were talking about increasing framerate or something like that, and I'm pretty sure that tweak made it into some of the newer ROMs, so maybe that's why you're seeing improvement?
Jim
lostpilot28 said:
Call me skeptical, but how can drivers of any kind improve the viewing angles? I was under the impression that the capacitive layer on the screen is what causes the viewing angle problem. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add me to the list of skep...
I do not think the market will be complete without build.prop edit..
edirector said:
Some on this website (see the why is everyone complaining about viewing angle thread) say that it is possible those who got a later model of GTAB (2011 oppose to 2010) might have gotten one with a improved screen. I can not answer that you will have to ask Viewsonic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
def gonna think about this. Kind of a newbie and still very excited for my GTab from Woot. But this doesnt seem to bad. I hope there is some sort of screen update for the 2011 Gtabs. that would be great!
P00r said:
Add me to the list of skep...
I do not think the market will be complete without build.prop edit..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take it up with the developers of this site, no just joking. It works I'm using it. Also, I ran the package by Roebeet before I posted it. He stated it was an enhancement pack. All it is allowing you to do is keep the VS stock, plus, add market and the nvidia drivers, nothing more, or, nothing less. You can still get your updates from VS. Perhaps, it is not for you. That is Ok but there are a lot of upcoming new GTab owners who want to mod, but maybe not totally stray from the stock OS or ease into it.
quake101 said:
Has anyone tried this?
Also, Where did you get the drivers from? Would you be so kind and provide us with a video showing off how the screen was improved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it now and I can install apps from google market from the app or browser. I've bought a few, both ways. All the build props and such were there, they are from the site devs. I ran the package by Roebeet before posting.
Just trying to make it easy on the new GTab owners not more difficult. I went through serious trial and error so I know how that feels, also, I have basic computer skills A+ Certification. Mainly with computers the hardware and software need to work in concert. If you listen to this enhancement package you can hear the music playing sweetly. lol
P00r said:
Add me to the list of skep...
I do not think the market will be complete without build.prop edit..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't played around wth this pack yet, but you shouldn't require a build.prop change (I think). I make the following changes in the build.prop, Market related:
1- the mahimahi change (to add more apps)
2- the T-Mobile change (again, to add more apps)
3- The setupwizard Disable.
That last one is the only one I might have to test - if you do a data wipe, the SetupWizard will likely pop up. I'm not sure if it will actually work or get stuck at the first screen - honestly, I disabled it so long ago that I don't recall anymore. Too many tablets and mods.
OK, my GTAB is a dev unit so it's always getting flashed. So I looked it over.... kind of strange being a user for once!
It's exactly as stated - an "Enhancement Pack" for build 3588. It has the additional apps and drivers mentioned. I'm not sure where the Nvidia drivers originated, but they are not from build 3991.
Market works. Solid instructions there.
No standard recovery, as the updater-script is written in such a way that only clockworkmod can run it (I tried standard recovery first). My only concern there is my usual nervousness with having clockworkmod for future patching.
Nenamark scores are in the 28fps range
Quandrant is ~1800
(those match up with 3588 stock norms, tmk)
Angry Birds causes an FC (that's normal when you try to drop it in /system)
Not rooted (edirector never claimed that it was, but just be aware of that)
Overall, a good first try imo and thanks for doing this! Suggestions: Angry Birds should be removed since it can't live in /system, and although the Nivdia drivers were altered I don't personally see a difference anywhere. I know my screen angles like the back of my hand by now and they look the same to me, post-installation.
Thanks again! If anyone wants just the Market and Gmail / Maps / YouTube, this is a good firmware to use. And the lack of a build.prop is a good thing - it could conceivably run on older ROMs like 3389 (not tested of course, so stress the "could" part). Future ROMs we obviously don't know about, yet.
roebeet said:
EDIT: Data wipe was OK, it actually goes into the GTablet setup screen and not the Google setup screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you walk through the rest of the package and check it out? I really didn't alter from what you were offering just included the nvidia drivers with gapp. Some of those xtra programs in the gapp were causing conflicts so I took it down to bare bones.
I liked what you did with TNT 4.25 that was really smooth until I connected the usb cable from my laptop to GTab and crashed it. I gave away my old equipment. Might have to pick up a test dummy on the cheap off ebay for such purposes. I like using the different ROMs. But since I am planning on buying another tab with a different operating system no point in buying another GTab. Thanks, for checking it out!
edirector said:
So did you walk through the rest of the package and check it out? I really didn't alter from what you were offering just included the nvidia drivers with gapp. Some of those xtra programs in the gapp were causing conflicts so I took it down to bare bones.
I liked what you did with TNT 4.25 that was really smooth until I connected the usb cable from my laptop to GTab and crashed it. I gave away my old equipment. Might have to pick up a test dummy on the cheap off ebay for such purposes. I like using the different ROMs. But since I am planning on buying another tab with a different operating system no point in buying another GTab. Thanks, for checking it out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated my dup post, above yours.
I saw some of the early responses so I wanted to put in my two cents -- I hope I wasn't going over the line, I tried to review it as a any other user. It's surprisingly hard to do that, which is quite bizarre in itself.
roebeet said:
OK, my GTAB is a dev unit so it's always getting flashed. So I looked it over.... kind of strange being a user for once!
It's exactly as stated - an "Enhancement Pack" for build 3588. It has the additional apps and drivers mentioned. I'm not sure where the Nvidia drivers originated, but they are not from build 3991.
Market works. Solid instructions there.
No standard recovery, as the updater-script is written in such a way that only clockworkmod can run it (I tried standard recovery first). My only concern there is my usual nervousness with having clockworkmod for future patching.
Nenamark scores are in the 28fps range
Quandrant is ~1800
(those match up with 3588 stock norms, tmk)
Angry Birds causes an FC (that's normal when you try to drop it in /system)
Not rooted (edirector never claimed that it was, but just be aware of that)
Overall, a good first try imo and thanks for doing this! Suggestions: Angry Birds should be removed since it can't live in /system, and although the Nivdia drivers were altered I don't personally see a difference anywhere. I know my screen angles like the back of my hand by now and they look the same to me, post-installation.
Thanks again! If anyone wants just the Market and Gmail / Maps / YouTube, this is a good firmware to use. And the lack of a build.prop is a good thing - it could conceivably run on older ROMs like 3389 (not tested of course, so stress the "could" part). Future ROMs we obviously don't know about, yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you hit the google market through the app it will automatically recognize it and ask you to update it. You are correct about angry birds. So you don't have to remove it, if you don't want to, just go to the market app and let it do the work.
Thanks, for the encouragement. It's your work essentially, I just mixed a straight cocktail no tonic mix. Some of us are learning. Also, I didn't think to put cwm in there, because I usually side-load it on after flashing. A very good point and noted.
Edit/ answered my own question, nice write up!
How do I include the Google Calender with this pack? Already have the pack installed, then realized the Calender was missing. Thanks.

[Q] Compatibility of games

Hey I was just wondering, some of the really cool games like iron man 3 and real racing 3 isn't compatible with the tf700. Would these games work if I were to root it. Or is there any other way for these games to work. Thanks a lot
Iron man 3 works, playing it now.
Rooting it won't make a difference. It won't suddenly become compatible in the play store.
Iron Man 3 plays fine, can't speak for Real Racing, not my type of game.
You have two options:
- Sideload it. Buy it on another device and transfer it to your TF700.
- Alternatively, there are thousands of websites who offer the apk. That's all I can say about it as per the rules on the board, I'm afraid. I know it's not ideal, and I don't particularly like the solution myself, but the developer doesn't provide another option, it's their own fault. If you want to know more, let me know (send me a PM).
I saw the option for side loading on my recovery and wasn't sure how it works. Would the function be similar to backing up an application in say, titanium back up, transferring that file to another device, and then running titanium again to install it? Or does it run the apk from there? Either way, these options may not work for games that connect to a server and check the compatibility of your tablet. That would require build changes in your system. I think Gameloft does this type of check. I was unable to transfer one of their games from my phone to the tablet for this reason.
I downloaded from the play store onto my Acer A500 and then backed up the app with ES File Explorer. Then copied the backed up apk to my tf700, installed it, and it downloaded all the needed files. Runs fine.
fsured said:
I saw the option for side loading on my recovery and wasn't sure how it works. Would the function be similar to backing up an application in say, titanium back up, transferring that file to another device, and then running titanium again to install it? Or does it run the apk from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The former -- TB backups work fine for most cases.
Either way, these options may not work for games that connect to a server and check the compatibility of your tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct.
That would require build changes in your system. I think Gameloft does this type of check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct again. As far as Gameloft goes (I haven't played that many games on the 700) that would suck even harder because they a) make AAA-rated and popular games, and b) they are the main culprits in not properly identifying compatible devices (I believe most of their games run just fine when sideloaded, however).
I was unable to transfer one of their games from my phone to the tablet for this reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously, you mileage may vary.
Compatibility of games
I've come across this problem a few weeks ago when trying to purchase Machinarium, which also identifies as incompatible.
I'm thinking it would be in ASUS' interest to have developers correctly identify their apps/games' compatibility with the TF700. Could we perhaps start a list of incorrectly identified compatible games from the Play store, and then could someone forward it to an ASUS representative?
My contribution:
- Machinarium
I side loaded the Real Racing 3 .apk
And its HORRIBLY broken, textures all over the place and sub 20fps to almost stuttering at times.

Xtreamer Multi Console

just came across this one.
looks like the minix with custom rom for games.
was wondering if XBMC is indeed playing ok on an android based machine ?
http://xtreamer.net/MultiConsole/index/console-with-hand.jpg
http://www.xtreamer.net/MultiConsole/index.html
Anyone got this?
anyone?
to buy or not to buy?
i got this.
its working ok. i guess if you do not mess around with things (like i do) its working fine. i am looking for an alternative rom for some time, but did not have the guts to try something out.
xbmc is working fine there is a preinstalled version but i installed the one from the homepage, because it is the latetes version. sometimes its not working like i would like it to work, but i am not shure if it is my network router or nas or the xtreamer.
I bought it but disappointed and it has lots of problems which needs fix. I understand most of these devices would have problems out of box. But Xtreamer hasn't released any update since the product release in Feb.
The launcher is a bit interesting to look at but it has issues which messes up all apps running on it including XBMC. I'm not really fan of the air mouse and prefer IR remote.
I've bought it too.
I'm quite satisfied when I using it as media player, but I exeprience many lag especially during browser activity.
I wonder if it will be flash xtreamer multi console with nexus player firmware... I believe in google and I hope that it has create a good usability device..
kind regards,
luigi
No Xtreamer Multi-Console
I have this device (Xtreamer Multi-Console) and I just want to say - don't bay it!
Because:
1. Xtreamer Multi Console is very slow device
2. The original GUI is very ugly and uncomfortable [I've tried others launchers, but the console is still very slow]
3. The remote control is also very unusable (I had to buy additional keyboard for control [Logitech K400 2in1]
4. Too expensive
5. Xtreamer Multi-Console has a lot of bugs
New firmware
Hi all, with new firmware Xtreamer_MC_2.5_12.05.14 is best of
1) very fast
2) GUI is with new function, but I use Nova launcher or XBMC launcher.
3) Remote control have new function without cursor - best for XBMC
4) Multi Console is very very stable
Wauuuuuu
RoyalStandard said:
I have this device (Xtreamer Multi-Console) and I just want to say - don't bay it!
Because:
1. Xtreamer Multi Console is very slow device
2. The original GUI is very ugly and uncomfortable [I've tried others launchers, but the console is still very slow]
3. The remote control is also very unusable (I had to buy additional keyboard for control [Logitech K400 2in1]
4. Too expensive
5. Xtreamer Multi-Console has a lot of bugs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LuTi said:
Hi all, with new firmware Xtreamer_MC_2.5_12.05.14 is best of
1) very fast
2) GUI is with new function, but I use Nova launcher or XBMC launcher.
3) Remote control have new function without cursor - best for XBMC
4) Multi Console is very very stable
Wauuuuuu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't sure about it.
In addition, to make it easy for use you must spend a lot of your time.
So I advice to try Asus Nexus Player
This device still has issues even with the latest firmware Ver 4.10.18 which was released nearly after a year.
Slow, status bar cutting the subtitles in XBMC and it's unstable device for sure and not worth the high price.
Has anyone tried other ROM(s) on this device and know they work?
Thanks
I also bought this ... thing ... on June 2014...
DO NOT BUY IT !!!!
It's the Slowest, nerve braking, time consuming piece of ... well you know what i mean
I can't imagine why a company sells equipment that in their imagination works in the best posible way, while the truth is that it doesn't.
- You click on Gmail, and you just HAVE to wait. And i has nothing to do with Wi-Fi signal or internet speed.
- You try to open the new Kodi (ex XBMC) and you wait.... and wait... and ok ... wait some more... and ... nope..
it throuhs you back to the main android screen. And so you click it again... and it works... (party time after 10 minutes)
:good::fingers-crossed:
- It takes about 3 minutes until the booting of the device finishes. And its Android right? :crying:
My Samsung Galaxy SII is way much faster than the Xtreamer. The booting finishes in less than a minute.
- My Xtreamer is using the Latest version... And i don't know what they fixed, but guys come on... It's slow..
- Also it has a banch of crapware installed, that I took the liberty to remove.
- And the Launcher just takes... the rest of the cake... It's simply the worst launcher i've seen... and i've seen many.
So i also changed that as well.
- So now my Xtreamer finishes launching in around 2 minutes and 35 seconds to 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
This is also crazy because the time difference is way to big.
- And the Wi-Fi streagth is not good. My Wi-Fi Modem is just 3 meters away, with no obsticles in the way,
and it gets 2-3 bars of signal.
I guess i have to find a way to install another Rom in this that might work better.
Anyone knows if there is any other rom i could install.
Thanks for reading.
Have a nice day people.

Extremely slow and laggy

So I got my Nvidia Shield a while back. The first thing I did when getting it was installing all the updates. Eventually after the final update was installed, I did a full factory reset of the device.
I have hardly any apps installed besides the essential Google applications, but my Nvidia Shield still feels remarkably slow. Chrome is practically unusable, and switching between apps is not a pleasant experience at all. That said, benchmarks and games perform wonderfully, which has me a bit puzzled. There doesnt seem to be any problems with memory leaks as there is plenty of RAM available. I do tend to restart it quite often just to see if it makes a difference, but I doesnt really feel like it has much of an impact.
Does anyone here have similar issues at all? I have worked with Android quite a bit and never have I experienced a system run Android so much worse than you would expect given the hardware specifications. My Nexus 10 feels a lot more snappy in general use.
Thanks for any help
All I can say is that I have a similar experience to you, although I have quite a lot of applications installed. I don't have any solutions for you, only to wait and hope that nvidia optimises the software for the hardware in the next update (Android 5.1 hopefully)
It's up to you, but I will recommend you to try this:
1) Unlock bootloader and Root (If you haven't).
2) Use CWM in this thread as custom recovery, I know TWRP is fancier but has some issues while flashing and wiping stuff, tending to not cleanly install things.
3) Try @BitOBSessiOn custom CM12 ROM here.
4) As stated there, avoid CM gapps, we don't know why but they are culprit of making the system lag A LOT making it almost unusable as you posted, specially if you frequently use Facebook and Chrome. Instead use the minimal gapps posted there.
5) Really important step: Activate Developer Options and disable all animations, lollipop men leak resides on a function called when the system draws them, so the only temporal fix for this is disabling them, after that, reboot and kill any bloatware app on options > apps (G+, FB, Messenger, Vine, Chrome, etc)
6) Profit
I've had this problem too.
I just turned off battery saver. It got too low, automatically turned on and I didn't realize but when I turned it off, it got way faster.
albertorodast2007 said:
It's up to you, but I will recommend you to try this:
1) Unlock bootloader and Root (If you haven't).
2) Use CWM in this thread as custom recovery, I know TWRP is fancier but has some issues while flashing and wiping stuff, tending to not cleanly install things.
3) Try @BitOBSessiOn custom CM12 ROM here.
4) As stated there, avoid CM gapps, we don't know why but they are culprit of making the system lag A LOT making it almost unusable as you posted, specially if you frequently use Facebook and Chrome. Instead use the minimal gapps posted there.
5) Really important step: Activate Developer Options and disable all animations, lollipop men leak resides on a function called when the system draws them, so the only temporal fix for this is disabling them, after that, reboot and kill any bloatware app on options > apps (G+, FB, Messenger, Vine, Chrome, etc)
6) Profit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Lollipop memleak bug is pretty easy to detect though and that's not what's causing the performance issue on the Shield Tablet. At least not in my case. While I would normally be the first to unlock my bootloader and port CM to my new device, I would want to keep my tablet stock.
Im glad to know I'm not the only one experiencing issues so Im going to assume that there's nothing specifically wrong with my device in particular. I guess Ill give Nvidia one more chance to rectify performance issues with their next update, otherwise I'm selling the tablet and buying a Nexus 9 or something else.
I have the same experience. I have flashed the latest recovery image, unlocked and rooted. I have disabled apps I don't need and does not have a lot of apps installed. It is unbelievable slow. Like stated above Chrome is almost useless and switching apps is painful. I am using my Nexus 10 too, the Shield tablet will collect dust until there is a fix released.
If I have the time I will try flashing CM12 but I rather stay stock.
You should give it a shot...
Chrome lag totally solved. Most Nvidia apps work. Only deal breaker is the controller, but a ps3 controller can be paired via BT using sixaxis app.
albertorodast2007 said:
Chrome lag totally solved. Most Nvidia apps work. Only deal breaker is the controller, but a ps3 controller can be paired via BT using sixaxis app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has almost convinced me to switch to cm12.
If it just werent for the loss of Dabbler, some other Nvidia apps and the fact that I have a looooot of apps installed...
Not worried about gamepad, because I use an ipega 9023.
I may have found the holy grail of slow laggy freezy hell! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.apps.memory.manager under tasks go to 3 dot menu at top right choose minfree manager pick the top silder and max it out. Hit apply, let app stay in background and proceed with speedy happy days.
I don't know why but it won't keep the settings after boot no matter what I do but I can live with it now and don't fantasize about smashing it with a rock anymore.
I should mention short of non-stock Nvidia roms I tried EVERYTHING twice! This just works for 3 days now perfectly. I actually might even trust it in a week for actual work applications. My poor old Nexus 7 gen one was totally owning the Shield except for game until now.
I have a LTE USA model running rooted 4.4 Kit Kat. I would guess this will work with 5 as well.
Please remove. (Double post)
NaminatoR1254jaime.sier said:
This has almost convinced me to switch to cm12.
If it just werent for the loss of Dabbler, some other Nvidia apps and the fact that I have a looooot of apps installed...
Not worried about gamepad, because I use an ipega 9023.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root your tab. Do a nandroid backup, backup your apps with titanium backup, flash cm or team eos rom (gotta plug my stuff, restore your apps with titanium. If you don't like it, restore your nandroid and you're back like nothing ever happened.
danjull said:
Root your tab. Do a nandroid backup, backup your apps with titanium backup, flash cm or team eos rom (gotta plug my stuff, restore your apps with titanium. If you don't like it, restore your nandroid and you're back like nothing ever happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have it rooted, with xposed, and a lot of apps. I may try CM over the weekend.
NaminatoR1254jaime.sier said:
This has almost convinced me to switch to cm12.
If it just werent for the loss of Dabbler, some other Nvidia apps and the fact that I have a looooot of apps installed...
Not worried about gamepad, because I use an ipega 9023.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dabbler works fine on CM. It's on the Play Store.
kickassdave said:
Dabbler works fine on CM. It's on the Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And GRID also works fine. The only deal breakers (and the ones every dev is working hard to make em work on AOSP) are console mode and the controller wireless pairing.
---------- Post added 4th April 2015 at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was 3rd April 2015 at 11:36 PM ----------
jasonpctech said:
I may have found the holy grail of slow laggy freezy hell! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.apps.memory.manager under tasks go to 3 dot menu at top right choose minfree manager pick the top silder and max it out. Hit apply, let app stay in background and proceed with speedy happy days.
I don't know why but it won't keep the settings after boot no matter what I do but I can live with it now and don't fantasize about smashing it with a rock anymore.
I should mention short of non-stock Nvidia roms I tried EVERYTHING twice! This just works for 3 days now perfectly. I actually might even trust it in a week for actual work applications. My poor old Nexus 7 gen one was totally owning the Shield except for game until now.
I have a LTE USA model running rooted 4.4 Kit Kat. I would guess this will work with 5 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's contradictory. I have a really tiny LMK value for foreground apps (foreground= 8mb, Visible=16, secondary=32, hidden=64, content provider=96, empty=128 ) so apps in the foreground are killed only if system goes under 8mb of free ram, and have no lag, but I'm on CM12.1. So I really don't know how this is working but I'm glad for you. Although it may drain your battery faster BC android is killing apps as soon as they go to the foreground to keep that amount of free ram and is using more CPU cycles to load them back when you need them again, that's what I get. But anyone with more knowledge maybe could guide us why this is working???
Interesting, it's working but I didn't even try any other variables. I will try your settings and get back. Needless to say battery life is next after usability.
---------- Post added at 07:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:28 AM ----------
Ok tried your suggestion verbatim. It immediately was back in useless mode as I have been calling it. Without a reboot it took me at least 15min to get back to here. Still could not type so minmanged back to previous settings and its running. Weird.
My test would have been run Facebook, chrome & this app with poweramp music. Never got halfway before it got all James May on me. Are we running the same tablet? Any thoughts on why we could have opposed settings and get different successful results.
---------- Post added at 07:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 AM ----------
Also when it slows down it gets warmer the settings I'm using leave it pretty cool in comparison.
I'm on stock 5.0.1, 32gb SD + internal memory almost full. I experience some lag mainly with chrome and switching app. Yestetday I tried to set the power saver to "max performance" and the everything seems much smoother..
Make sure you SD cards are formatted with NTFS. exFAT is fine for 32gb, but if you have a 64GB or higher, the card needs to be formatted in a PC using NTFS...
Don't ever let your main ram storage memory get below 500meg.
If somehow you run out of memory,, let's say sub 10megs then all manner of weird things begin to happen including reboots and app crashing. You can jam that external sd1 card full however.
I reset mine several times and tried everything I saw in these threads about the lagginess and stuff.
In the end, I found the solution. I returned the NST and exchanged it for a new iPad Mini 2 32gb Retina Screen... No really.
I love Android on the phone, but it just seems that the tablet arena isn't anywhere near as far along and sorted out yet. Buggy, almost too many options, so you wonder how much love each model gets from the manufacturer, etc... I hate to have a new tablet for $300, and the only way to get it to run the way it was supposed to run out of the box, is to void the warranty, root and install a custom ROM on it, and give up some features in the process.
I like ROMs for things that they do above and beyond the stock experience. I don't feel that I should pay that much for a device and have a ROM be a requirement just to get it to run decently...
So, for my tablet needs, I had to go to the dark side. Good luck!
I will still rock my Note 4 and don't see myself going to Apple for my phone needs any time soon, but for a general purpose tablet for Netflix, email, browsing and basic games... I agonized for hours over this but in the end I just pulled the trigger and exchanged it.

NO MORE SLOW.

For the few who remain using these tablets (and the even fewer who bought a 2015 shield controller like me) I have the final nail in the coffin for performance. Without custom OS. Allowing you to use your very specific (criminally underused) 2015 Shield controller wirelessly. Welcome to the end of your woes (performance not guaranteed, this crap worked for me though). I still haven't checked if battery usage has improved, but it has certainly let me depend on this and use my controller again as opposed to using a CustomOS (previously used AEX 6.7, good performance, but bad video playback and lack of wifi controller support).
Required thingys:
TWRP
This awesome script (JournalingDisabler.zip) (thnx very much skynet28): https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...urnaling-in-internal-ext4-partitions.1252028/
Developer Options
Snacks? Drinks? This is gonna take some time, don't pass out halfway through lol
Boost 1: DISABLE JOURNALING.
Y'all. This is the good stuff. the nitro. This will make your tablet feel new (again, if everything goes right and I'm not some insane fluke). I only got the idea from an offhand comment from m0nt3s. I thought they were talking about one of the writing apps at first, but once I learned what it was, my brain imploded. Did a quick google search, and found skynet28's solution right away. It's a script designed to disable an ext4 logging service that eats up memory and processing power. I didn't think it would be compatible (but my chaotic neutral mind said why not), but it works:
1. Install TWRP using adb and prayer (that's what it feels like the first time around lol)
2. Download the zip (JournalingDisabler.zip) to your tablet.
3. Use the install button in TWRP, navigate to the zip, and install away.
It should show text saying journaling is disabled if all went well. The gains should be immediately noticeable on your next boot. I didn't notice any issues or side effects, but I also have the benefit of not having important/sensitive data on it, so just to play it safe, back up your data in case issues crop up later.
Boost 2: BACKGROUND PROCESSES
This one will be a touch more noticeable, especially if you multitask on this tablet, but it can definitely stop a lot of the hitching. This one will be in the bottom of the developer options. If you don't have dev options, go into the about tablet section and tap the build number until you become a dev. Setting it to 1 or 2 is decent, but setting it to none will have the biggest impact.
Boost 3: DON'T USE APP OPTIMIZATION
Seriously. Don't know who dropped the ball. But just turn it all off. It's not even a boost, it's just a negative having it on.
Boost 4: SYNCING
If anything is syncing, be it Gmail, your YouTube notifications, or a news feed, turn it off. Any time apps struggle and fight for WIFI, your experience sucks. If you aren't using it as a main (i'm using it in my car as a head unit)
Boost 5: Color Correction
Must have been the same peeps who dropped the ball on app optimization. With the gains you get above, you might not need to, but if you're trying to max it out this will do it.
That's it for me! This is what I've done to get my tablet feeling smooth again. Let me know how it goes?
I can attest that a lot of the above is what needs to be done to save the last days of this tablet. I did not now about the journal part- will have to try this. Related, I just flashed the original OTA's for the Wifi edition on my Shield LTE. By doing this I got a insane boost in battery life. The LTE (H+) does not work but I don't need it and there are other devices that have much better connectivity .
BLKMN said:
For the few who remain using these tablets (and the even fewer who bought a 2015 shield controller like me) I have the final nail in the coffin for performance. Without custom OS. Allowing you to use your very specific (criminally underused) 2015 Shield controller wirelessly. Welcome to the end of your woes (performance not guaranteed, this crap worked for me though). I still haven't checked if battery usage has improved, but it has certainly let me depend on this and use my controller again as opposed to using a CustomOS (previously used AEX 6.7, good performance, but bad video playback and lack of wifi controller support).
Required thingys:
TWRP
This awesome script (JournalingDisabler.zip) (thnx very much skynet28): https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...urnaling-in-internal-ext4-partitions.1252028/
Developer Options
Snacks? Drinks? This is gonna take some time, don't pass out halfway through lol
Boost 1: DISABLE JOURNALING.
Y'all. This is the good stuff. the nitro. This will make your tablet feel new (again, if everything goes right and I'm not some insane fluke). I only got the idea from an offhand comment from m0nt3s. I thought they were talking about one of the writing apps at first, but once I learned what it was, my brain imploded. Did a quick google search, and found skynet28's solution right away. It's a script designed to disable an ext4 logging service that eats up memory and processing power. I didn't think it would be compatible (but my chaotic neutral mind said why not), but it works:
1. Install TWRP using adb and prayer (that's what it feels like the first time around lol)
2. Download the zip (JournalingDisabler.zip) to your tablet.
3. Use the install button in TWRP, navigate to the zip, and install away.
It should show text saying journaling is disabled if all went well. The gains should be immediately noticeable on your next boot. I didn't notice any issues or side effects, but I also have the benefit of not having important/sensitive data on it, so just to play it safe, back up your data in case issues crop up later.
Boost 2: BACKGROUND PROCESSES
This one will be a touch more noticeable, especially if you multitask on this tablet, but it can definitely stop a lot of the hitching. This one will be in the bottom of the developer options. If you don't have dev options, go into the about tablet section and tap the build number until you become a dev. Setting it to 1 or 2 is decent, but setting it to none will have the biggest impact.
Boost 3: DON'T USE APP OPTIMIZATION
Seriously. Don't know who dropped the ball. But just turn it all off. It's not even a boost, it's just a negative having it on.
Boost 4: SYNCING
If anything is syncing, be it Gmail, your YouTube notifications, or a news feed, turn it off. Any time apps struggle and fight for WIFI, your experience sucks. If you aren't using it as a main (i'm using it in my car as a head unit)
Boost 5: Color Correction
Must have been the same peeps who dropped the ball on app optimization. With the gains you get above, you might not need to, but if you're trying to max it out this will do it.
That's it for me! This is what I've done to get my tablet feeling smooth again. Let me know how it goes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works! Every bit of OP is legit.
I used current TWRP as of today, twrp-3.6.1_9-0-shieldtablet.img, from https://twrp.me/nvidia/nvidiahshieldtablet.html using fastboot install method on a fully updated Android 7 Nvidia Shield Tablet model p1761w.
Thanks, much respect!
It is important that those who still do not install TWRP should know that to enter fastboot, they must use the official nvidia drivers "SHIELD_Family_WHQL_USB_driver_201801"
This method helped me to lighten but it becomes impossible to install applications, the google services together with those of nvidia cause the ram to collapse and the system cannot manage correctly.
I strongly recommend you to change to a custom rom, you will finally feel the fluidity of the system
At this moment I use lineage 15.1 (android 8.1) + google services minimum (pico)
No chrome app - no Gmail app + facebook and instagram full app. and the system remains light.
nunitofiman said:
It is important that those who still do not install TWRP should know that to enter fastboot, they must use the official nvidia drivers "SHIELD_Family_WHQL_USB_driver_201801"
This method helped me to lighten but it becomes impossible to install applications, the google services together with those of nvidia cause the ram to collapse and the system cannot manage correctly.
I strongly recommend you to change to a custom rom, you will finally feel the fluidity of the system
At this moment I use lineage 15.1 (android 8.1) + google services minimum (pico)
No chrome app - no Gmail app + facebook and instagram full app. and the system remains light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really wish a developer(s) would take one more look at this device. If there was way to bump up the android version but retain the NVIDIA features it would breath a few more years into these . These tablets are still pretty good for mid range emulation and now that everything has changed with cloud gaming, they are not as irrelevant as it would seem . I've been having pretty good performance on my LTE 32GB that I flashed the original "WiFi edition " stock ROM on. I get great battery life now and use the tablet almost daily for gaming and light use. The sound is also still pretty impressive and I like the stylus functionality as I can't really afford a Samsung device.
What is "journaling"? Is it the same as the logging by logcat? You can set the buffer size to 0K or 64K (setting it to 0 still logs at 64K).

Categories

Resources