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Hi all, i'd like to buy a chinese android based tablet (price should be around 100€), i'd like to ask you which one do you suggest to buy.
I've seen one from my friend and i liked it, i didn't remember the model but i tought that the android market was not the official one, can it be? If so, there's any way i can install it? Or i can install other apps without the market?
Another question, are these upgradable? I thought that the Android inside the tablet was pretty old (1.6 maybe), this was not a problem in everyday use, but i'm a maniac and i like to have everything up to date, if i can.
Please let me know
Just bought the TechPad Android Tablet
I guess we'll see what can be done with these. I don't need an ereader so I am looking for this to be an extension of my android phone, GPS - browser - etc. I should receive it by the 9-25-10
It has OS 1.6 Android 7 Inch Tablet with a 800MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, 1Gb ROM, WiFi, and the Google Android Marketplace.
superchaos said:
I guess we'll see what can be done with these. I don't need an ereader so I am looking for this to be an extension of my android phone, GPS - browser - etc. I should receive it by the 9-25-10
It has OS 1.6 Android 7 Inch Tablet with a 800MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, 1Gb ROM, WiFi, and the Google Android Marketplace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this: http://www.slatedroid.com/
There are many store where you can buy that table you can do your own research on the web so you can select the right store that will meet your budget.
@superchaos
so did you get the 7 inch techpad unit yet? if so how is it?
I did.
It is not replacing my phone, I seem to be able to see a lot of the apps in the market but I am unable to download them. It just gets stuck at the starting download screen. Wifi connects really well and has a great connection.
Some apps just won't install like google earth, Google sky map, Swype doesn't recognize the device, etc.
The touch screen is kind of weak and you really have to press to get it to get the typing to work. The system files are accessible and there is a "su" folder. I am not real good at getting into anything. It looks to me like it is rooted but I have not figured out how to get into a recovery mode.
I have tried to connect it to the SDK from google and it does not recognize the device. If anyone has any ideas, I am open to suggestions.
Market issue is likely just Google servers. Happens all the time.
You need to test root by running an app like titanium backup which needs root, and see if it works.
For recovery, you would only get a stock one, and I doubt you will get a custom one online if the device is not common.
Is USB debugging enabled for adb, and have you looked for it in device manager to see its hardware id and check if the id is listed in the adb driver list?
@superchaos
judging from the price the screen probably is not capacitive type but resistive. how's the battery holding? how long does it last before you have to recharge? does it look like it's upgradable to android 2.2?
thanks.
pulser_g2 said:
Market issue is likely just Google servers. Happens all the time.
You need to test root by running an app like titanium backup which needs root, and see if it works.
For recovery, you would only get a stock one, and I doubt you will get a custom one online if the device is not common.
Is USB debugging enabled for adb, and have you looked for it in device manager to see its hardware id and check if the id is listed in the adb driver list?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't seem to be rooted. To get the adb shell to recognize the device and to get Dalvik Debug Monitor to see the device, I followed the instructions here rbgrn.net/content/399-how-to-get-archos-5-internet-tablet-adb-working-on-x64-windows
I used HiDROID instead of Archos5 and the device id is USB\VID_18D1&PID_0002&MI_01
I run winXP not win7 and this worked. Screen capture works too. The programs I installed that require root just force close.
tlusg said:
judging from the price the screen probably is not capacitive type but resistive. how's the battery holding? how long does it last before you have to recharge? does it look like it's upgradable to android 2.2?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen could be a lot better. It is like there is a film on top of the screen for touch capabilities. The battery holds really well unless you are watching videos. 4-5 hours of constant use. You can leave it plugged in too. I am hoping it is upgradeable. The OS is built for a phone.
How do I get a list of hardware devices in the phone? Not just the specs on the pamphlet but actual hardware names/mfg's?
Hey
The first (Android) smartphone with camera that can really compete with the digital cameras and no section for it?
Modding it would be great
Altek A14 Leo
Altek Leo Section
regarding the serious problems the Altek Leo has, as no google apps, not even market, no rooting published, no adobe flash, firefox will not install and so on,
a section would be useful for the distessed owners of this camera phone which
is more a fumble phone than a smart phone. Its advantages are a very good lens, an outstanding CCD chip, a xenon flash and professional camera software.
True, is buggy
I bought one actually and despite it being pretty buggy, I just absolutely love the camera.
Definitely needs some software love though:
1) Interface is pretty sluggish and 2.1 isn't helping, the latest android performance improvements would be nice.
2) Touch-screen is strangely inaccurate. Swype was a must for me.
3) Battery life is pretty bad (not certain how much a newer Android would help, but any amount of powersaving fixes would help).
4) Buttons/widgets to lock the screen (e.g. Extended Controls) don't work.
5) The camera button doesn't open the camera when the phone is locked (debatable I guess, but imo, the camera button should just open the camera, period).
6) Default alarm clock doesn't ring randomly.
7) Not to mention apps randomly crashing, strange animation bugs in the Album viewer, no google apps, terrible GPS, etc.
But despite those, I've managed to work my way round them and am in love with it.
Alex
I have one of these and I do like the quirkyness .
I would love to improve the experience by modding.
Quirkyness fits well
To continue the list (more than enough for a forum)
- Backups by Titanium, AVG or Nandroid do not work because i have no idea
how to root the Altek Leo.
- WLAN range is still very short and does not always an automatic reconnect.
- I could not manage to make any browser play flash files, but the moboplayer
plays flv files well.
- Apps like soundhound say the microphone is blocked.
About half of the apps i need are not available because they will not install
or they are exclusively available over google market and getting them from
file hosters seems a bit risky to me. Most of this problems seem to be caused
by the small software space of 120 MB for files and 83 MB for running
applications.
But i will keep the Altek Leo and use it because the camera prooved itself
as outstanding among mobile phones.
- I use the application stores Applanet, Amazone Appstore, Handango,
SlideMe SAM and the tools Memory Booster Lite, Android Tweak.
Does anyone discovered any other useful helpers for this half of an
ANDROID device ?
"We do not need any adobe flash, we have got a real xenon flash."
Where To Buy
Does anyone know where to pick up/order one of these units?
Here To Buy
Search at Ebay, you will need a Paypal account.
I bought mine from Wifigadget.
Eason of Yupitek provides International Customer Service,
have a look at the facebook pinwall.
Thanks for the tips! Really like Memory Booster and Swype.
If you're on a mac, the "missing sync" from markspace is well worth the buy - particularly given that there does not seem to be a way to add a Google account under accounts and sync - it's missing on my altek leo! Anyone elses too?
Also recommend "Lookout" if you're worried about virus from no easy way to get apks other than file sharing sites.
Despite the quirks, very happy with this all-in-one device - music player + phone + camera - 3 down to 1! Fantastic!
Vignette
Sidenote, 'Vignette' is the perfect app for this device.
It doesn't fix any of the quirkiness, but it's a photo manipulation tool which complements the fantastic camera perfectly.
You can take your pics and then touch them up making the phone a studio for all things photography.
You can purchase it from the AndAppStore.
By poor battery life, how many days do you get out of it?
root and market
Has anyone tried the Gingerbreak exploit? I heard it might work on older devices. Also, if you don't trust file sharing sites and want stuff from the market. You could try running an emulator and installing the Market on that, then sideloading the APKs. I haven't tried it myself yet, but it seems there are a lot of people doing this. Here's one HOWTO which is specific to Mac but I think it's prety much the same or at least you should be able to use the same system image. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1387830/how-to-install-android-market-app-on-the-emulator there are lots of other links if you google "android market emulator" I don't have the Leo yet because they're sold out in Taiwan, but I've got mine on order. I'm most interested whether the google apps work at all if they're sideloaded. I've just sort of bricked my older Cyanogen device. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Oh, here's a Windows specific link - http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/10004/accessing-android-market-from-android-sdk/
and be careful with Gingerbreak!
There's also UniversalAndRoot to try http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=747598
and SuperOneClick http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
Poor battery-life
@rocky7st
It depends on usage. Light usage is ok. Any sort of medium/heavy usage won't get you through the day.
I bought it from an ebay seller which sent me 2 batteries which was helpful:
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230614421067
It's is useful since it allows me to occasionally geek out with the camera, playing with apps or using the GPS (i.e. 2 hours straight) and and it'll completely run out of juice by late afternoon.
I usually wait till I get home to recharge it on those occasions, but it's been very useful to be able to switch to the backup battery if I'm out and about and I really need to use the phone.
@everyone_else
On the topic of side-loading apps, my gf has an Android phone with a market on it, so I use the "Astro" file manager which allows you to "Backup" the apks, and then I transfer them to my phone via email.
I've been unable to get my device to show up with adb, so not far enough to try SuperOneClick.
UniversalAndRoot says something like "unable to root"
Z4Root says "running root exploit" and does not progress..
That's bad news but good to know at the same time. Hopefully there will be a method soon. Still waiting on mine but I unbricked my older one. Seems to be an almost total lack of hands-on reviews (outside of a trade show) so I thought someone might be interested in this one. Also, I emailed the author to see whether and how he installed the Market app.
http://120x160.com/old-entries/216-hardware-review-altek-leo-a14-camera-phone
Cheers for the reply jackflap. Do you guys know anything about the Android 2.2 upgrade, I've heard Altek is meant to be releasing it next month.
Okay, I got SuperOneClick working so I have root. ADB worked in windows after installing the Altek software.
ADB in linux still cannot find the phone..
So I tried installing various vending.apk files but keep getting MISSING SHARED LIBRARY or out of date SDK.
@daktak I've been trying to develop for the Leo but have not been able to get ADB to work in windows. Where did you obtain the Altek software?
Hi All,
I am a complete noob here and non technical.
Recently bought an altek leo with the sole purpose of loading an app called Passport Photo Plus and using the device to create passport photopgraphs and to send by Bluetooth to a compatible printer.
We have been doing this on other android smartphones but wanted to use the altek due to its camera features.
It appears that our desired app is ony avaiable on Market.
Being non -technical we have tried and failed to find a way to install this app on our leo.
I'm sure there may be other apps available but we specifically want this one due to it's features.
Does anybody know if this can be done, and if so how? Can anybody point me in the right direction (in easy to understand non tech terms please!)
Would happily pay a small fee for succesful step by step instructions (not sure if I can post that here, if not please ignore / mods pls delete).
Many thanks in advance.
Hello,
I have a TC55 from Motorola Solutions (i.e. the enterprise division that does not belong to Google). It is a rugged phone with a big battery (4400 mAh), but certainly not the sleekest design. Not sure if there is much interest in this kind of device, and I am certainly no developer - but in case anyone is investigating the TC55, here are two things I found so far:
It does not come with any Google apps: no Maps, no Gmail, no Play store and so on.
It is easily rooted with Framaroot using the Gandalf exploit.
(I cannot post this info into the Framaroot thread due to my low post count).
Anyway, maybe this helps someone. I will be happy to try to answer any questions about the TC55, but keep in mind I am no pro and I am not keen in messing around in its internals much more than I have done already.
Elanguescence said:
Hello,
I have a TC55 from Motorola Solutions (i.e. the enterprise division that does not belong to Google). It is a rugged phone with a big battery (4400 mAh), but certainly not the sleekest design. Not sure if there is much interest in this kind of device, and I am certainly no developer - but in case anyone is investigating the TC55, here are two things I found so far:
It does not come with any Google apps: no Maps, no Gmail, no Play store and so on.
It is easily rooted with Framaroot using the Gandalf exploit.
(I cannot post this info into the Framaroot thread due to my low post count).
Anyway, maybe this helps someone. I will be happy to try to answer any questions about the TC55, but keep in mind I am no pro and I am not keen in messing around in its internals much more than I have done already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard my company is planning to go with these soon for entry level supervisors such as myself. I'm trying to figure out exactly what it is. All the specs and brochures from Motorola keep calling it a mobile computer in a smartphone "form factor" but never actually call it a phone. I didn't see anything in any of the specs to lead me to believe for sure that it was a phone or if it was just an Android computer in a smartphone form factor.
Anyway, I just wanted to confirm, that, you're certain this is a phone, correct?
Thanks.
- Byron
bfollowell said:
Anyway, I just wanted to confirm, that, you're certain this is a phone, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, definitely. You can call and get called, and you can send and receive SMS. It also supports wired headsets, and it is supposed to work with Bluetooth headsets, though I do not have any to test.
Elanguescence said:
Yes, definitely. You can call and get called, and you can send and receive SMS. It also supports wired headsets, and it is supposed to work with Bluetooth headsets, though I do not have any to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info but it looks like mine is going to be crippled.
Sort of a let-down really. Yes, it "can" be a phone. Or without a sim card it can be a really powerful Android based mobile computer. That's what it is going to be for most of us. Only a few supervisors with area management approval are going to get units with the phone features working. Still cool. Just not as cool as I'd thought it was going to be.
- Byron
bfollowell said:
Thanks for the info but it looks like mine is going to be crippled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, sorry to hear that. It sounds weird to me to do that, but then again I have no clue about this type of work.
Maybe the crippling could be worked around or undone by people with good Android knowledge - but I suppose it might not be the best idea to go against company policy.
Elanguescence said:
I see, sorry to hear that. It sounds weird to me to do that, but then again I have no clue about this type of work.
Maybe the crippling could be worked around or undone by people with good Android knowledge - but I suppose it might not be the best idea to go against company policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they're doing anything all that special to cripple it. They just won't all have sim cards or a cell plan. Pretty much as simple as that.
I won't be doing anything to circumvent that though or rooting it or anything like that. It's not like it's a gift and it belongs to me or anything. After almost 22 years, I've kind of grown to like my job and getting a paycheck every two weeks.I'd kind of like to keep it for another 15 or 20 years. Who knows, maybe my manager will decide that I need cell service with mine.
I work for a large automaker in the U.S. We have over 2.8 million square feet under roof. Personally, I can be anywhere on in the plant, on the roof, in pits & sub-basements underneath or anywhere on or near the 50 acre plant site at any given time. A lot of what I need to do on a daily basis is through our intranet portal. They're putting in something like 500 new wi-fi repeaters/extenders all around the plant as well. They're purchasing these for over 300 first line supervisors at my site alone. I'm pretty sure they're doing this corporate-wide so I hate to think what they're spending on these things as a corporation. I'm sure it would bankrupt many small nations! In addition to giving us portal access away from the desk, these are meant to replace our aging industrial radio system. As expensive as these are, they're still much cheaper than $1.5 to $2k per person for a radio that has no other built-in functionality and these do seem pretty ruggedized.
Still a shame about the phone functionality though.
- Byron
Can you see what browser it comes with? Can you install (untrusted) APKs directly without rooting it?
FYI, in case anyone's wondering, there is a version with Google apps on the way (if it isn't already orderable).
Sent from my Moto X
tfnico said:
Can you see what browser it comes with? Can you install (untrusted) APKs directly without rooting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Browser is a standard one, which comes with other devices. Name is Browser.apk and version is 1.0.9
It's possible to install unsigned APK's without rooting.
google account
Hi,
I got stucked with trying to get google calendars from my google account to TC55.
I found one solution to setup google account as a corporate one, but it's not available anymore due to change in google policy.
I can setup google mail via email account, but that doesn't bring me my calendars to the device.
I tried to install gapps but without success.
Is there any other way?
Thanks.
Motorola work on google apps for TC55.There is in beta.
Elanguescence said:
... here are two things I found so far:
It does not come with any Google apps: no Maps, no Gmail, no Play store and so on.
It is easily rooted with Framaroot using the Gandalf exploit.
(I cannot post this info into the Framaroot thread due to my low post count).
Anyway, maybe this helps someone. I will be happy to try to answer any questions about the TC55, but keep in mind I am no pro and I am not keen in messing around in its internals much more than I have done already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously u rooted, can u install gapps in it?
RjCode said:
Obviously u rooted, can u install gapps in it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea, I haven't tried. As far as I understand gapps are usually installed via flashing a zip from recovery, and the stock recovery of the TC55 does not have that option, it only allows reflashing a whole image, if I understand it correctly. Either way, I have come to appreciate the open source alternatives and do not want to get Google on my phone, so I will not try, sorry.
However, going by this thread over at the Motorola support forum, it seems it won't take long until there is official gapps support:
https://developer.motorolasolutions.com/thread/4989
Motorola has now released a TC55-firmware with Google apps. Here are the release notes:
https://atgsupportcentral.motorolasolutions.com/content/emb/docs/ReleaseNotes/Release%20Notes%20-%20%20TC55_RevAPlus_GMS_01%2074G_v10.htm
According to the support email they sent me, to get the actual release you need to perform the following arcane ritual:
Resolution Type is : Software Download
Resolution Id is : 95562
Resolution Title is : TC55 Update Image v1.74 with GMS (Google Mobile Service) Release Note & Factory Reset & Enterprise Enabler package
restrictedSW :
T55N0JGMVRUEN17400.zip 321 MB TC55 OS Recovery Update package
T55N0JGMVAUEN17400.apf 321 MB TC55 OS update package file for deployment using MSP
If you require access to OS files for TC55 1.74 GMS then call the local Support Desk and provide following information:
a. Site ID
b. Serial #(s)
c. Phone #
d. Customer name (First and Last)
e. E-mail address
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't ask me what the local support desk number is, or the site ID, or why they have to make this so complicated.
Hi Elanguescence,
I think I screwed up my tc55 by enabling the multiuser function without first creating the white list. Now all the users (with admin rights) does not have access to all the programs, including Applock Administrator and Multiuser administrator.
To cut things short, do you know of a way to reset the device? I don't mind setting it to factory default and start over. I've googled it and some said to launch Rapid Deployment and scan a barcode from there... but my Rapid Deployment just says "Service Not Ready, Please Wait" and get stuck there.
Any help appreciated. Thank you.
Any TC55 users here? Should be getting my unit w/ GMS soon... How do you guys like it?
Is the bootloader locked?
Sent from my Moto X
Hey!
I want to Buy one TC55 for me. Normally i hate Android and the Google stuff on the Phone but some Motorola Salesman told me there is a version with out.
Now i use an Sybian Device. That mean i am "offline" the hole time and when i need Internet the Phone connect the the Internet.
So how about that phone can i work "offline" to?
I will also use an VPN Tunnel to block on my backend all Connnection i dont want. Does all Data trough this VPN Tunnel ?
How about the Barcode Scanning does it work good?
I know for 2D i need to use the Cam but how works it when i am in some other Application?
Nobody?
Ok. I just bought a TC55 from a Friend and I was wondering if someone would post the update to get GSM and the Factory Reset packages. I went to the page and it requires all the information posted above before. Mine is rooted, but i am trying to install GAPS but the recovery is the basic and cannot. I manually installed Google Play and the Google Play Services but Google Play services keep crashing and the Play Store will not connect, any ideas ?
the are 2 versions one with google s... service and the other without.
So i belive you have the first?
(Can i ask you some question about that phone?)
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:
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).