Going to be setting up a HTPC pretty soon and was looking for remote control options. Considering I just want it to mainly be a HTPC remote, it would just need Wifi, a big screen, and Android, the NC does seem a strong contender at first glance.
XBMC with it's Android wifi-based remote app seems like a very nice solution, as well as some others, (as long as the apps work fine on the larger screen).
Anyone have any thoughts or experience with this, or alternate suggestions?
The Nook is a fantastic media remote. I've not tried the XBMC apps specifically yet, though they should work fine.
I've built a home theater & home automation setup around a Windows program called Girder, from Promixis. Girder offers a full web server with javascript hooks so you can create html pages and use any browser to control things.
I started with this, using Nokia 800 tablets as the controller. It worked great, but I wanted more responsiveness and features than browsers would easily let me achieve. Thankfully Girder has a nice web service interface, against which I've been writing a native Android app that acts sort of like a Philips Pronto universal remote, except with all the Android goodies like voice recognition, gestures, etc.
Regardless of the implementation details, the Nook is a solid media remote control when paired with a decent back-end. The battery life is fine if you don't mind keeping a plug nearby (I get just under a week with moderate remote usage and occasional browsing), the form-factor isn't too big, and the bundled capabilities of an armchair browsing/<insert Android app here> device are hard to beat.
My only wants that the Nook doesn't have would be a few more physical buttons (I already map the volume buttons to TV volume controls but would like channel and FF/Rewind/Play or D-Pad controls), vibrate feedback for button presses, and a less finicky plug, ideally a drop-and-charge dock of some kind.
HTH!
I'm an avid XBMC fan. Been running it for a good while now. I ordered a NookColor for the same reason you did OP. The XBMC app is great on my Android phone, and I've been talking with the dev who works on it, trying to come up with some improvements for when it's run on tablets. I'd definitely recommend using it if you've got XBMC running off a machine at your place.
Thanks for the responses. Think I'll end up getting one later on, once I get the rest of the setup going (who knows, they might be back in stock by then ).
I've had XBMC running on my home server as a test for a little while, with the app on my HD2 running Android. App hasn't been 100% stable, force closing here & there, but hard to tell if it's the app, or just some of the quirks found in running Android on HD2. I did notice battery life suffered quite a bit, but that was with heavy remote testing today. I'll have to see how that goes with more testing.
The Girder stuff looked interesting, except for it's price tag. I'm on a bit of a budget & still have to get HTPC specific hardware, and slightly redo the backend. XBMC on Ubuntu is free and quite acceptable, so that's what I'll stick with for now. I did like that the stock phone volume controls worked through XBMC to control it's playback volume.
I use my Nook for a remote on my Ubuntu HTPC box.. Using Boxee instead of XBMC though. The Boxee app works great.
I tried both the apps for xbmc in the market - they both work well.
My problem is I have freeze-ups with xbmx on win 64 computer; don't know if it is related to nook as controller yet.
XBMC is the way to go, no doubt.
The app works fine now, but since the screen is so much larger, there is room for scaling improvements throughout the app. Nothing is a deal breaker, though.
I love that you can send links to stream to XBMC
Another XMBC user here using the Nook as a remote. Also on my Ubuntu box I'm running Subsonic (/w the Android app) - makes a much better streaming music server.
The boxee app is what I use on my HTPC. Then I use the Cloud Boxee remote app on my nook. It works great!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I have tried a few of the remote apps on the Market and I havent found anything yet that really fits.
Can anyone point to a tutorial on how to set up the XBMC/NC remote to work with a Win7 HTPC?
Still very new to the rooted NC world.
Many thanks!
sorry, found it shortly after I'd posted this
I installed both "the official" xbmc remote, and the other one that is rated well, but neither one is working. The official one asks that I set up Hosts in Settings, but the settings page it offers is blank. So there is no way to do what it is asking
The other one, keeps telling me to make sure XBMC is allowing control via HTTP in Network settings (which it is) My Nook is connected to my wlan, so it should be connecting
Unified Remote Control offers the most remotes I have seen in 1 program.
Really simple and handy.
RASTAVIPER said:
Unified Remote Control offers the most remotes I have seen in 1 program.
Really simple and handy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if it successfully works in XBMC?
Related
Are there any apps that I can use as a remote control for Windows 7 media center? Preferably one that shows album art for the currently playing song etc.
I haven't seen any. I would love to be able to control my media center with my phone. A while back I made my own remote for my winmobile phone. It was functional but not very good looking or polished. If I had the time I might attempt to make one for android... but I will probably never have the time, especially if I want it to look good.
GMote works wonders for me.
Not sure if that will work for you, but I can choose to play video on my htpc, or stream the video from my htpc to my phone....requires a daemon to be running on your htpc plus the app.
I really dig it.
Yep, seconded, Gmote is awesome, not only integrated with media centre controls and streaming from the media centre to the phone as well but you can also use the touch screen as a mouse track pad and the g1 keyboard as the pc's keyboard, both absolutely awesome features. The server app running in the windows taksbar takes virtually no cpu or memory, auto starts and is found very quickly by the phone.
Wraith_17 said:
Yep, seconded, Gmote is awesome, not only integrated with media centre controls and streaming from the media centre to the phone as well but you can also use the touch screen as a mouse track pad and the g1 keyboard as the pc's keyboard, both absolutely awesome features. The server app running in the windows taksbar takes virtually no cpu or memory, auto starts and is found very quickly by the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been trying to run the gmote program with my Windows Media Center (Windows 7) setup for about a week. It seems that the server on the computer crashes fairly regularly. Has anyone else been having this issue? I especially see this if my phone goes to sleep (black screen) and then I wake the phone back up.
I'm using an HTC Hero (CDMA/Sprint).
I would recommend switching to XBMC, I've been helping out testing this app which should be coming to the market soon and it's absolutely amazing works wonders for my xbox running xbmc.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55346
seaweeduk said:
I would recommend switching to XBMC, I've been helping out testing this app which should be coming to the market soon and it's absolutely amazing works wonders for my xbox running xbmc.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55346
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks nice for sure. Just wish XBMC had DVR and live tv functionality like Windows Media Center.
seaweeduk said:
I would recommend switching to XBMC, I've been helping out testing this app which should be coming to the market soon and it's absolutely amazing works wonders for my xbox running xbmc.
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55346
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, this program requires XBMC. I have my entire system setup to use Windows Media Center.
Windows Media Centre remote
Gmote is crashy and annoys me, i use Windows Media centre remote (on my android). But if the computer is busy, sometimes it reacts slowly. But it does not crash a lot.
As an update: The newest Gmote (2.0) works much better than the previous version I was using; maybe due to Windows 7, maybe due to the updated application. (Probably both). Anyway, it works much more reliably now. Unfortunately, there really isn't access to your playlist
Another option I am using now is MyRemote from the Market. Seems to be fast, stable, and provide more Windows Media Center type button access.
Sent from my HTC Hero CDMA using XDA App
Media Center Control is a good choice. Search it with google or in the Android Market. It's a remote control with many features and works very well.
skola28 said:
Another option I am using now is MyRemote from the Market. Seems to be fast, stable, and provide more Windows Media Center type button access.
Sent from my HTC Hero CDMA using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey sir.
I am in Chinese.
my windows 7 already install MyRemote server. But my phone can not get MyRemote.apk file. Could you please give me Myremote 1.1 or MyRemote 1.09 apk file? my Email is:[email protected]
Thank you so much.
lopez1_de said:
Media Center Control is a good choice. Search it with google or in the Android Market. It's a remote control with many features and works very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has there been any development on this? WMC Windows 7 controls?
Another suggestion if that's ok?
I had remembered that with the IOS vers. of the SNES emulator, that you could use you're iPod touch or iPhone as the controller.
Anyone know of any way to do that with an android phone? ie: use my android phone as a bluetooth gamepad to play emulators with.
I have searched google the past few days and have only seen the Wiimote apk. While that does work, it just seems more convenient to have a phone that is already with you able to do it, that and it only has a limited number of buttons.
Anyone else share the interest? Thanks! =)
+1 to this
I would definitely be interested in this as well, using your phone as the remote would be killer and extremely convenient!
That would be pretty cool. I hope someone develops something.
Yeah it would.
one up for this!
does a project like this exist (even under development) ? i just googled for an hour but i could not find anything useful.
Something that maps wifi signals from my phone to key press on my pc would be great to use with emulators
//edit
hehe... just after posting i found something
http://code.google.com/p/agamepad/
sadly its not under active development
oh and could somebody please move this thread to a more general android section? i just found it via google and then realized its in the xoom forums (where it does not belong imo)
This would be really cool.
Neat idea to contribute: Make it skinnable. So, you could maybe lay it out like the controller of whatever you're playing. (When using Nesoid, you could use an NES controller skin, when using Snesoid, you could use an SNES controller skin, etc.)
I'm more interested in using my phone as a bluetooth keyboard, but I suppose that could be part of it.
I have been looking for an app that will make my android phone into a remote control. I want to have my Xoom connected to my tv and use my phone to control the various media players that I use..
about android phone into gamepad/ keyboard
Hi, do have any news about this apps now? THANKS
try this
i use unified remote<full version> on a daily basis. it is my portable blue-tooth keyboard, media remote, mouse, etc... i even use it on my laptop. it comes with alot of preloaded remotes for various setups.i have never done it, but it does have a custom settings menu to make your own remote setup.. idk if this can control games, but as far as everything else, hellz yeah.
This is a great idea, skinnable would definitely be hot. Of course I got my PS3 controller working on my Xoom already....
I don't wanna root my device just to use my PS3 controller and I also dont have a OTG cable Im getting one in Nov though
well, i was looking for something like that as well. for weeks, but i found something great here at xda-developers its called "blueputdroid" https://market.android.com/details?id=berserker.android.apps.blueputdroid and its doing a great job even if the gamepad does not work this good .. but 4 example the psx4droid emulator made it possible to control via this app. its just need to be configured correctly.
oh thanks`, But "blueputdroid" is not suppot for my darky v10.2 Rom _ _!! and i also find some as similar as it " droidmote client" but it's support through WIFI only...
you can use DroidMote Server / Client in the android market.
look this video and search for other:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NZWPAs3dxU
I'm not a great player and I am very tired after having developed a lot but this is a small example of the new features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31SUPqaY00w
Hitorii said:
Another suggestion if that's ok?
I had remembered that with the IOS vers. of the SNES emulator, that you could use you're iPod touch or iPhone as the controller.
Anyone know of any way to do that with an android phone? ie: use my android phone as a bluetooth gamepad to play emulators with.
I have searched google the past few days and have only seen the Wiimote apk. While that does work, it just seems more convenient to have a phone that is already with you able to do it, that and it only has a limited number of buttons.
Anyone else share the interest? Thanks! =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate ...
Bt Controller does the job beautifully ... free in the market
'https://market.android.com/details?id=droidbean.btcontroller'
There seem to be a few decent options for android phones to be used as keyboards/touch pads for a computer but they're mostly wifi or bluetooth based and simply aren't optimized for tablets.
I'd like to see something with an option for USB connectivity as well, but I'd be happy to find an app that is a bit more optimal for a tablet or at least looks decent on one. If anyone knows of something worth looking at, I'd appreciate the help!
i like this idea, it sounds very neat. What about using a android tablet like a wacom tablet? You know for art programs and such.
flukeSG2 said:
i like this idea, it sounds very neat. What about using a android tablet like a wacom tablet? You know for art programs and such.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Capacitive touch panels aren't precise enough to match the needed level of preciseness from what I've seen. Besides HTC's Flyer.
Sent from my Fascinate with MIUI Gingerbread
I use Gmote. The initial screen you are taken to displays in portrait only and it controls media functions like play, pause and rewind. If you hit the menu key there is an option for touchpad. Touchpad uses all of the tablets screen as a mouse touchpad and there is an option to pull up the keyboard. This screen will work in landscape mode and works really well on my HTPC.
BTW the app is free in the market and will require you to install a free application on the computer. Works with Windows/Mac/Linux.
Donate if you like the app.
I realize this is a dumb question but I haven't been able to find the answer. If I install Android on a Raspberry Pi attached to my TV, how do I control it? Is there a way to use a regular remote control?
There is always the wireless Keyboard and Mouse option.
I believe you can also use multi-touch touchpads such as Wacom Bamboo.
LiFE1688 said:
There is always the wireless Keyboard and Mouse option.
I believe you can also use multi-touch touchpads such as Wacom Bamboo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.I was hoping to use a media center remote or something similar, but I assume none of the drivers will work.
If you want to control your RPi using a remote I wouldn't install Android (The current builds aren't that stable and are buggy at best). I would recommend taking a look at Raspbmc, it's Xbmc for the RPi and should be compatible with a variety of media remote controls.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
You can Use a Normal Mouse (And Keyboard)
Xbmc isn't really what I'm looking for. If a keyboard and mouse work, maybe someone will figure out how to use a remote.
When android is more polished I think you will have options
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
lithium630 said:
Xbmc isn't really what I'm looking for. If a keyboard and mouse work, maybe someone will figure out how to use a remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you looking for then? Since you want to drive it using an IR remote (I'm guessing), that typically indicates some sort of media center.
METDeath said:
What are you looking for then? Since you want to drive it using an IR remote (I'm guessing), that typically indicates some sort of media center.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run Windows Media Center on all my tv's with the Ceton Companion app to control it. Currently the app does not support streaming live tv but it is supposed to be in the works. When it finally supports streaming to android, I could build a small raspberry pi box and use it as an extender when I'm out of town. If nothing else I would finally have an excuse to buy one.
lithium630 said:
I run Windows Media Center on all my tv's with the Ceton Companion app to control it. Currently the app does not support streaming live tv but it is supposed to be in the works. When it finally supports streaming to android, I could build a small raspberry pi box and use it as an extender when I'm out of town. If nothing else I would finally have an excuse to buy one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is something like what I want, too. I would ultimately like to have an HTPC running android that supports video streaming, local media playback, live tv and streaming of everything above to all my connected devices.....like xbmc, but also with an option to use it as an android device when necessary. I don't want to have to use a mouse and keyboard for it either since my tv is too far away from the couch for that to be a reasonable option.....but mouse and kb support are still necessary for some things. IMHO, the best possible option would be a logitech remote that also has an on-screen pointer and motion controls like a wii remote has.
......come to think of it, an app supporting a wii remote to control android functions wouldn't exactly be a bad solution!!
you can use raspbmc instead of android if you are willing to use it as media center. it also has broader possibilities for choosing a remote.
http://www.raspbmc.com/wiki/user/configuring-remotes/
but i prefer this one most
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.xbmc.android.remote
enjoy !
I use a regular remote from my tv when i use raspmbc since it supports cec. The xbmc remote most people use through their Android device is specific for xbmc, so it wouldnt do much good with anything else. Droidmote isnt the prettiest but its functions well. Theres a lot of apps for remotes, that even take advantage of voice and nfc. So when Android is running stable enough, you will be able to take your pic. If your not interested in embedded hardware or other similar usages for the pi, you could always get a g box midnight or minix neo g4 or 5. There all dual core and come rooted with firmware updates that will give you JB and xbmc. There is a quad core one that is out or coming out and will come with JB and full hardware acceleration.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
In raspbmc u can use u tv pilot to control xbmc.
Nizda1 said:
IDroidmote isnt the prettiest but its functions well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also use Tablet Remote
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tournesol.tabletremote
or LANmote
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=lanmote
Yatse is a damn good remote for xbmc, it syncs your library list to your device, so you can scroll on device, links to imdb for movies,you can change audio tracks,dl subtitles, and all sorts of cool stuff. And it's free
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium
You can already stream to your ras pi from windows or wherever, I like prefer my tablet or phone. Download the app bubbleupnp from the playstore and it will populate a library of videos, music whatever you have on the device by selecting it as the local renderer and it will see the raspi then press play. Also some android apps like youtube for ex.you can just share it to the app and it will play on your tv connected to the pi. If I want a remote I use the official xmbc remote or if im using a win box to get the media ill use unified remote app. Which then gets cool cause you can use voice and all kinds of stuff.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Hi all, I've been on a quest as of late to make the most of my Gear VR (with Note 4) and Plex Media Server as it has my entire media library on it. I found the thread below and discovered Pigasus (which I'm sure more than a few of you already know about, but if you don't...it's awesome!)
https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/comments/5epg3r/increasing_plex_quality/
It's basically a DLNA streamer that can pick up on your Plex servers seamlessly. Additionally, i feel like it has the nicest looking void theater setup of the few apps I've tried (Basically just Samsung VR) and is the easiest to control, and seems to be of the highest quality. Additionally, it has features like the ability to sticky the screen so that it follows wherever you look, which is nice and less annoying that having to recalibrate using the back button like in other apps. Unfortunately, at the moment, it's not directly available through the Gear VR Store without first receiving an Oculus key from the developer but you can get that from here: http://hanginghatstudios.com/pigasus and the lite version is free!
Anyway...as good as that is right now, I've furthered my quest, as the people in the reddit post above claim to be able to access their home DLNA remotely using VPN. Now I don't know jack about networking so of course with a little googling I found this:
https://www.macstories.net/tutorials/how-to-set-up-a-vpn-server-on-your-mac-and-access-everything-remotely-with-an-iphone/
Thus far, I've been able to connect my note 4 to my home VPN but unable to access any of my local servers. Does anyone here have the networking knowledge to confirm whether using PPTP is a viable way to remote access my home servers via an app like Pigasus?
I know it seems like a tall order but hoping someone out there can help. Thanks in advance and hopefully some of you that didn't know about Pigasus enjoy it!
Hello.
I was able to launch it but I want to see how good is it with 3D movies. Since Light version does not support 3d I am afraid I can't test it to compare it with MilkVR for example which is freeware. Maybe there is an option for 7 days any free trial of Full version? If not... I stay with MilkVR.
pigasus doesnt seem to like android 7, or rather vr gear forces oculus to run in wqhd, which screws with pigasus... very dissapointing