I have a Pioneer AppRadio 3 installed in my car. It has a touchscreen and connects to my phone though a Miracast dongle and an app called AppRadio Unchained. This setup mirrors the phone screen but running it this way has some drawbacks. I was hoping to install a TV box or stick that would stay in the car permanently but there are several mobile apps and widgets I need to run such as TripLog and Google Maps, Poweramp, Simple APB, ect.
So I'm looking for a TV box that can be converted over to a stock Android ROM or at least a mobile-like interface with the bottom navigation bar, home screen, widgets, ect. Performance is not that important as long as it will run smoothly. I don't plan on watching video. The radio has GPS hardware and ARU handles GPS injection so the box itself doesn't need it. Bonus if it will do Miracast transmission to the dongle but it seems most boxes are set up as receivers.
Is there anything out there?
Hesster said:
I have a Pioneer AppRadio 3 installed in my car. It has a touchscreen and connects to my phone though a Miracast dongle and an app called AppRadio Unchained. This setup mirrors the phone screen but running it this way has some drawbacks. I was hoping to install a TV box or stick that would stay in the car permanently but there are several mobile apps and widgets I need to run such as TripLog and Google Maps, Poweramp, Simple APB, ect.
So I'm looking for a TV box that can be converted over to a stock Android ROM or at least a mobile-like interface with the bottom navigation bar, home screen, widgets, ect. Performance is not that important as long as it will run smoothly. I don't plan on watching video. The radio has GPS hardware and ARU handles GPS injection so the box itself doesn't need it. Bonus if it will do Miracast transmission to the dongle but it seems most boxes are set up as receivers.
Is there anything out there?
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Click to collapse
Get any amlogic based box (i reccomend s905x or better) with these boxes usally come running a stock version of android (Not TV) with a custom launcher (that you can change), if not they will accept most firmwares from other s905x based devices for example so if your not happy with how your device runs you can try another devices firmware on it, this can be a bit of trial and error but worth doing usally
Related
So I herd bad stories about these Android TV sticks, they are buggy, have performance issues and come with crappy control apps.
I am wanting to go for the following setup and it appears also more flexible, except I am not sure how good an experience I can expect.
Basically I want to do the following:
TV + PTV 3000 Miracast dongle
Nexus 7 2013 + Dock (Nexus will stand horizontally) plugged into charger.
This sounds good to me because I can get a Nexus 7 second hand for very little money, I know its a solid and supported Android device and it will double up as a tablet anytime I pull it out of the dock. I also don't need a webcam as the dock with tablet will stand on the coffee table.
However I have some questions:
- Can I install some sort of app/autorun or make a shortcut icon for the Nexus to attempt to connect automatically to the miracast dongle.
- I herd with miracast I can't switch off the Nexus 7 screen as it will kill the TV image as well. Is there an app/mode that would suppress that default ? Perhaps getting some DLNA dongle would be better ?
- I m wishing there's an app that can run whilst miracast mirroring is on, but this app is a controller app (Like keyboard and or trackpad) and the app itself does not get cloned onto the TV ! That would be awesome.
- In general will it suffice for watching HD movies without lag ? Not after gaming.
Hi,
I cannot get my device to 'discover' a microsoft miracast adaptor I have plugged in my tv. This device supports wi-fi direct, so it should theoretically work!
What I did :
I decided to upgrade my system as it was starting to lag badly, after 2 years of use.. I wanted to upgrade to kitkat at lesat, so I could stream movies to a tv. That feature was quite attractive to me.
I acquired CM11 unofficial from this post - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2637079
full tablet wipe, (Forgot to backup SMS, argh) and it installed CM11 with kitkat 4.4.4 just fine. No problems that I can see, installed slim Gapps package - just for the play store, nothing else. Gonna install Gmail later.
Then I bought a chromecast, it was quite fiddly - It wouldnt find it on cast screen either, I discovered I needed it to run through a wifi network with a permanent internet connection. After this, it showed up on cast screen. Also, the streaming quality was complete crap - so I returned it and got a microsoft miracast adaptor - which apparently has better quality and doesn't need a wifi router!
I can't figure out how to get it to show up. The cast screen tab cannot find any devices. The adaptor sits in the tv, and it shows '"ready to connect" on there.
Since the tab for cast screen exists on my tablet, the functionality is there, and waiting to be used?
Any help please?
Do I need to do something like this - http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...experimental-enable-mirroring-device-t2812193 ?
So, no one has provided any tips yet... I'm going to go return this miracast adaptor before I can't get a refund for it.
But before I do, is there another forum category, or another place on the internet where I may be suggested to try for some troubleshooting advice?
This doesn't make sense to me - as the functionality WORKS, it is supported by the hardware, and the chromecast adaptor actually showed up before
First off, I get it. Chromecast is awesome and Miracast kinda sucks. I know. However, I was searching for an AIO video solution for my minivan that I could control from the 1st row (refuse to use DVDs - 2014 T&C has 1 HDMI port behind the 2nd row). My Chromecast works awesome tethered to my phone's hotspot. Other than for the first time setup, you don't even need a second device. You can cast from the device hosting the hotspot which is slick. Perfect for in-car. But I wanted to be able to cast local content so network reliability does not become and issue when traveling (Netflix, Emby, etc). Enter BubbleUPNP. Bubble will transcode on the fly (on the phone) and cast anything you have to your Chromecast (Chromecast is super limited on codecs). This was perfect for when I was in the car. But I needed a solution for my wife. Unfortunately, due to me holding on to my unlimited data on good 'ole VZW, my wife does not have native tethering enabled (iPhone - not going to JB it either). My idea was to get a deactivated phone (in this case, a Galaxy S5), enable the native hotspot, and use the Chromecast connected to wifi, but offline. Guess what Chromecast can't do...even for local content. Yeah. It needs the internet. So...
So I bought a Microsoft Wireless Adapter for Miracast. It is not too shabby actually. Hate that it mirrors everything (prefer the "cast" then use your phone normally and even turn the screen off), but it is fast and reliable. The problem was, the GS5 wouldn't connect to it (something like "failed to connect to screen mirroring"). Tried on Lollipop and Marshmallow with the same result. I found a build.prop edit that disables HDCP. This allowed it to connect with a minor exception. Netflix would not display its video (from my research, Hulu and others might be affected too). I figured this was due to the device being rooted, so I unrooted the device and re-enabled HDCP, but left everything else the same (unlocked dev bootloader, custom recovery, near-stock rom). Failed to connect. Well crap.
I finally rolled back to completely stock 5.0 (PB1) and tried again. Everything worked (including Netflix). Side-loaded the 6.0.1 update. It still worked. I'm not sure what breaks HDCP compliance, but something in the modification process does it. The good news is that since I don't need the native hotspot or any apps other than media players, I don't need root at all. I disabled all the crapware and done!
Popped in a 128GB microSD and loaded it up. Installed the newest Kodi nightly (to get the new estouchy skin for touchscreen use) and it works amazingly. Everything was named nicely already because of Emby, so once I added the TV shows and movies to libraries, Kodi pulled in all the art and metadata automatically. The only thing I don't like so far is that Kodi won't dim/shut off the phone's display like VLC does when you are mirroring (it's not really off, it just turns black). That's not a dealbreaker though, and it might be a feature that I just haven't found yet, or can add via an add-on.
Anyhow, I have no idea if this will help anyone, but I figured if I could save someone some time and a few headaches, it would be worth a quick write-up.
Note: I do have an MHL 2.0 to HDMI adapter. Mirroring a VZW GS5 with 6.0.1 works perfectly with this setup. I wanted to find a wireless solution to avoid cable clutter and potential damage to the phone's USB port.
Looking for the best way to connect my g7 power to a Panasonic Viera non smart tv.
I pay for BT sport which works on my phone but trying to get it working on the larger screen, tried various apps and firestick mirroring but non seem to work.
Does anyone know if a cable is available that would work or is it not possible with my set up.
As far as I can find Motorola doesn't include support for video out over USB-C. USB to HDMI cables won't work.
Casting is the only option.
ST Dog said:
As far as I can find Motorola doesn't include support for video out over USB-C. USB to HDMI cables won't work.
Casting is the only option.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for replying
Do you think Chromecast would work
I've tried mirroring to the Firestick and although the g7 finds the the Firestick signal it asks for a password, that I've never set up and it's not the wifi password and I can't seem to find much info on it.
bill1000 said:
Do you think Chromecast would work
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Click to collapse
Should. Casting per app works better.
Not sure on the Amazon gear, never used one. I'd expect something in it's setup to set/show password. Maybe a few searches for help?
You can purchase a USB 3.0 laptop dock with DisplayLink technology to mirror your device directly to any HDMI enabled device.
I own one, and have been using it extensively for months now.
It is important to keep in mind, you do NOT want a USB C DOCK. A previous poster explained this device doesn't have all the extra circuitry, so you cannot pass a 'protected' stream through the dock. In other words, many apps won't display the video playback on the dock.
BUT!!!! Most, if not all, video services that have a website appear to play just fine mirrored (use the website, not the app!)
Dead_Dude said:
You can purchase a USB 3.0 laptop dock with DisplayLink technology to mirror your device directly to any HDMI enabled device.
I own one, and have been using it extensively for months now.
It is important to keep in mind, you do NOT want a USB C DOCK. A previous poster explained this device doesn't have all the extra circuitry, so you cannot pass a 'protected' stream through the dock. In other words, many apps won't display the video playback on the dock.
BUT!!!! Most, if not all, video services that have a website appear to play just fine mirrored (use the website, not the app!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what model is your device?
The one this thread is about.
Or are you asking about my video out solution? Wavlink cube looking one.
G7 Power does not support Miracast, apparently. Only chromecast.
darkglobe87 said:
G7 Power does not support Miracast, apparently. Only chromecast.
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Click to collapse
Google dropped Miracast from Android 6. So an OE has to add it back. Motorola is running nearly stock Android and isn't going to add such.
And as time goes on I expect only Samsung and LG to continue it since they sell TVs. But they may be forced to stop by Google's certification rules.
I think Lineage still includes support so if 3rd party ROM ever show up there may be options.
There are other casting apps that work (most need an app on the display too), but not as smoothly as built in Miracast. I tried a few in my Roku, but they really weren't worth the effort.
ST Dog said:
Google dropped Miracast from Android 6. So an OE has to add it back. Motorola is running nearly stock Android and isn't going to add such.
And as time goes on I expect only Samsung and LG to continue it since they sell TVs. But they may be forced to stop by Google's certification rules.
I think Lineage still includes support so if 3rd party ROM ever show up there may be options.
There are other casting apps that work (most need an app on the display too), but not as smoothly as built in Miracast. I tried a few in my Roku, but they really weren't worth the effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried all of these "apps" most are basically a shortcut to the wireless display screen, My Razer 2 was still mirroring perfectly on Pie, but this moto? I've been able to enable the wireless display check box but every time I try to connect to either Fire Sticks/Fire TV, or a brand new NEX series head unit the phone crashes and reboots. I think after enabling the wireless display again its just a problem of screen resolution differences and rotation, looking into it. There are also a couple modules in Magisk to enable it. It crashed and bootlooped my phone and it was a pain getting it back. I do not recommend them with the G7 Power.
I remember back in 2011 when I was working at Toshiba in Cyprus that they had a 10 inch Android laptop (no touchscreen), those type of devices seem to have been discontinued. On the same note, I wanted to convert my 2016 Sony Xperia Z5 compact smartphone into a desktop instead of throwing it away after it got dead zone on the touchscreen that keeps on getting worse and makes the device almost useless (The lighter piezo solution did not work for my device).
The 1st method is from videos that are available on Youtube that are not tested by me. The 2nd method is my own way that I tested on two devices. One is Running Android Lollipop 5 and one running Oreo 8. Each one has a different solution because the floating of any app option only works on Android Nougat 7 or above.
Method 1:
The below videos explain about benefit of using the dock. It requires purchasing a Dock and might only work with USB-C devices. There are many more videos available for this subject. The dock will also charge the device while in use. Tips from the 2nd method may improve some features for this method. I did not fully research this method as it can easily be researched by anyone because it is a readymade solution. You can research it further if it interests you to find out if your device will work well with this solution.
Videos on the dock solution
Method 2:
Not tested for gaming
The two devices that I tested this solution on are Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone 2014 model running Android Lollipop and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact smartphone 2016 running Android Oreo Custom ROM. Both devices have been rooted for maximum features. Both devices use micro USB connection so it might work differently with charging for USB-C devices. Results may differ with different devices and different versions of Android but I believe that it will work very similarly to mine.
Flagship devices should work well and should be able to support all the below requirements for this method.
Holder
To have the camera for video chatting or close to the face then you will need a phone / tablet holder like in one of the below links.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gritin-Phone-Stand-Adjustable-Holder/dp/B07C3MQYQV
or
https://www.amazon.com/Phone-Holder-Gooseneck-Stand-Recording/dp/B07JM5435F
External Screen
To display the Android device onto an external screen then you will either need a screen that supports screen mirroring or a Miracast device. Miracast include Chrome cast and any other screen mirroring dongles. I tested the method with Anycast version 1 and a Chromecast knock off one, it worked well on both of them. If you get the Error HDCP then it can be solved with an internet search and a rooted device. These devices come with two modes and only one of them will work with your Android device. Mircast uses HDMI and will send the image and the sound to the connected external screen wirelessly. (Compatible with any screen that supports HDMI connection, make sure that your device has screen casting support before purchasing).
If your device does not support screen mirroring, then you will need to purchase an original Chromecast device and connect it to the screen and install Google Home on your device and configure Google Home to detect the Chromecast device to use it. Chromecast will need to be configured in network mode and both devices need to be connected to the same LAN network. (It is possible that not all Android O/S systems can support this function).
Example on connecting VIA Google Home to Chromecast video:
Google Home might also be able to cast to other supported devices. Check the internet for more information on that if needed.
Keyboard and Mouse
For this you will need an OTG cable (OTG cable converts USB to micro USB or to USB-C connection) with a standard USB hub as well as the keyboard and mouse. Or you can also get the OTG hub that is a combo between the OTG cable and the USB hub. USB Wired or wireless keyboard and mouse should work normally.
On some devices the USB mouse and key board need to be connected before the device is turned on. USB mouse and keyboard can also work in TWRP recovery.
It should also be possible to just get the OTG cable with only the wireless keyboard and mouse that need only one USB receiver connection.
If there are issues for the device to detect the Mouse & keyboard then connect them before turning on the device.
On most devices the on screen keyboard will automatically stop appearing while the USB keyboard is attached. This can be controlled from the phone settings options.
If there are issues using the external keyboard then of the apps from the below links should resolve your issue as they are made for the external keyboard.
Null Input Method - Apps on Google Play
Get rid of the soft keyboard when using your bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Pro - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Demo - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
USB Storage
I tested this with USB flash drive and external USB drive and worked well with both. It is possible that not all the USB flash drives will work with the Android device. Sandisk did not work well on my devices but other models worked normally.
For USB flash drive. Connecting USB devices one by one might not work well enough. It sometimes will not work unless I connect all the devices to the USB hub and then connect it to the Android device while the device is on.
Connecting the USB external drive might need extra power. So plug the 2nd connection that comes with the external drive into either a USB device charger or a power bank. I recommend using this in all situations to avoid causing damage to the Android device. Connect the drive after the device has already loaded the O/S (The reason is explained under charging section below).
The apps in the below link are the best free app for browsing External USB devices. The app in the 1st link did not detect USB on Lollipop but it worked well on the newer Android O/S and the one in the 2nd link did not open on Oreo. So test both until satisfied. If you get the message that the drive is empty and needs formatting just ignore it and try the below apps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobisystems.fileman&hl=en
http://www.estrongs.com/
Charging: It is not possible to charge and use the USB devices at the same time even if all are still connected (might not apply to USB-C Android devices, I don’t have one to test that on.) Connect the External USB drive that is using external power after the device is already on because it might start charging the device when the power is connected and if that happens then it will ignore the connected USB devices. It is an either or situation. Some devices have a 2nd way to charge the device, like a 2nd USB port or Qi charging (wireless charging). I was able to keep the Z1 compact charged with the 2nd option that it has.
Alternative all wireless connections
Android devices can handle 2-5 Bluetooth Devices simultaneously.
So it it possible to connect Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Bluetooth or Wireless storage device. This will allow to keep the phone charged while it is using all the external devices.
Printing
To be able to print from your phone then you will need to use the below option
The below video will show how to print from specific printers:
Print photos from Google photos App:
Google Photos - Apps on Google Play
The home for your memories. Relive, share, and organize your photos.
play.google.com
Create and print Documents from WPS App:
WPS Office-PDF,Word,Excel,PPT - Apps on Google Play
PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Form & Notes, powerful as Microsoft Office.
play.google.com
Apps for desktop mode
There are many available in the play store but I found the below to be the best amongst them.
SecondScreen - better screen mirroring for Android
SecondScreen App from the below link needs either a rooted device or an ADB command. The ADB command will appear after installing the app and loading the profile. Multiple profiles can be created with this app. This app has several features. Some of the features include changing the resolution and density of the screen as well as reducing screen backlight. The lower the density the higher resolution will be which is to fit more things on the screen. The device might do a soft reboot when loading and unloading the profile.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.secondscreen.free&hl=en
Taskbar
The below app is only useful on Android Nougat 7 and above because it has a feature that is called freeform that allows to float any app when it is launched from this app for multitasking. It is made by the same developers that created Secondscreen and has a feature in the Secondscreen app to auto launch when the profile is loaded.
Set this app as default launcher. It does not have an option to minimize the apps to taskbar. To restore apps to freeform after being maximized then go to recent apps and click on the 1st icon on the left.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.taskbar&hl=en
For Lollipop 5 & Marshmallow 6 devices. Use the app in the below link It works on newer Android devices as well. It will creates a landscape desktop with a taskbar and launcher. It comes with its own set of apps and more apps can be added from the 2nd link which contain the additional apps. Only the apps that are provided with this program can float and to open multiple apps on the desktop at the same time.
This app will lock the screen in Landscape mode. To get out of this mode you will have to turn off the features that are turned on during the setup process. You might also need to force stop the app. That can be done from settings or by installing a specific app for that like the one in the below link.
KillApps : Close all apps running
KillApps - Close all apps - Apps on Google Play
Close all apps running in background
play.google.com
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromium.os
Sentio Apps (Lollipop, Marshmallow)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.apps
The below link is from the same developer and made for newer Android devices to float any app for Nougat 7 or above but it did not work for me so you can try it if you want to.
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.desktop
Hanna Baggili (John)
Hey. I've been working on the same goals for years now. I see you used Sentio desktop app for the desktop experience. However, Sentio seems to have gone under. Their app store entry is gone, and their website doesn't function.
What would be your best alternatives for a desktop environment setup, SW & HW? If I want a large display, I prefer to Miracast to a compatible device.
It's 2022. What would be your setup now. FWIW, I use and *older* LG V20 running Android 8, which is almost perfect for me (albeit not 'waterproof'). I have desire to upgrade to newer phones, with much more invasive versions of Android, tracking everyone and everything. Plus, screen casting (Miracast) isn't crippled as it now is in newer versions of Android.
Your choices?
I did not use all the apps for my setup that are in the guide. The provided solution is a general solution that I tested and works well.
Any app that is no longer in the Google play store can still be found online, in other non-official app store.
I did not test the solution for the later versions of Android.
From my own experience I found that the best Android version for the Android Desktop PC is Android 7.
What version of Android did you try your solutions on?
You can always check if there is a docking station for the phone that you want to use as a desktop. Take a look at YouTube videos in regards to that and consider it for your setup.
I did the conversion because I am an IT guy and lost the use of my phone. So I then converted it to a desktop and for the fun of it. I tested it on the older model that I have.