Whats the point?

Dannyboi90

New member
Hey everyone,

Id love to say I'm the proud owner of the Neo T5, but alas I cannot fathom a reason as to why?

Could anybody enlighten me as to the point of owning an "Offical" Android TV box? Everything about the device is woefully inadequate.
Living in the UK, most of the official apps are not available, you're left having to Chromecast everything. Sideloading apps is of no point when it comes to the UKTV catchup/streaming services as the only ones that will work are the tablet versions. This adds more annoyance to the mix as an external or software vary mouse needs to be utilised.
The box is also severely locked down and non-customisable, and the remote included with the device is sub-par at best.
Considering they are advertising the voice assistant function, you would have thought they would have included a voice remote. (I tried using the Firestick remote, and while it worked *better* then the included remote, the voice recording functionality is locked to only Neo devices)

I've even compiled a custom os for the chipset included on the Neo T5, but of course, the bootloader is "currently" unaccessible.

I'm rather surprised Minix have chosen to release this box in its current format, having used their products before, I was expecting this to be better (or at least on par) with their older devices.


So, to summaries - Could anybody give me a glimmer of hope before this is another device committed to the already overflowing WEEE bin?
 
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Considering they are advertising the voice assistant function, you would have thought they would have included a voice remote.
Not sure where you purchased it but was it advertised as being bundled with a voice remote ?

Many of the things that you are unhappy with are what comes with ATV. Sadly, Google controls probably more than you think as to how things look, feel and work for the end user.

Many people will say these are some of the reason why they are not big fans of ATV.... they would rather Pure Android!

I wouldn't give up just yet on the T5. This is my first go with ATV and it's actually an impressive little device, work arounds and Leanback are available for many Apps.

We have some very Keen ATV members here that are better versed than I that will be able to assist you!
 
Still with an open mind, and I thought it was me!

I agree with Dannyboi90

I was hoping for a somewhat customizable device from the Minix brand but I find it seemingly locked down at every turn and am beginning to realise why. I have only had my T5 for few hours and intend to find out what if anything it can offer me and my business, so now some Youtube searching to see what others have been able to achieve with the T5, and still with an open mind!

On a positive note I think I know now that this product does not suit my requirements. Other positives I have derived from owning the T5 are reinforcing just how good the U9, U1, X8H are and have been, I will now focus on getting the U22-XJ, but will endeavor to find out how best to use the T5 whilst it seems at first encounter it's primary purpose is to provide Smart TV functions to those who don't own a Smart TV.... I don't! .
 
Living in Thailand and a native English speaker with desires to have access to content that is commensurate to my needs yet denied by Playstore is the issue. I tried to access ABC (Australia) and no response other than an offering of Asian content apps the likes of Korean, Indonesian, line TV and the like. YES Youtube works, and it can follow my activity, YET .. a request for a specific app to monitor my home security was not allowed nor available, I have it on my phone, U9H and J50C-4 computer it is not an obscure app...
It's not the equipment, it's the availability lockdown that seems imposed by the only avenue to install content ME the OWNER requires.

And in reply to JJ-KwiK: I do my research and am willing to invest my money in what I assume might be appropriate to my needs but nowhere did I read how clunky and awkward it would be out of the box with just the standard basic handset, that overcome I do have NEO A3 but that did not come with the box as was shown in a review. The control issues can be overcome but no one suggested or mentioned the restriction on app availability. I remember John (Minix) basically outlining the usages of the new Minix products and it was something like ... the T5 is for watching TV and Movies whilst the U9H and U22-XJ were full android experience and I agree ... BUT ... I did not expect the exclusions to content and applications in what seems based on my location and unavailability to install from an unknown source. All this information has been gained from my willingness to purchase the T5, and 24 hours in maybe it will be the last T5 I buy ...
BUT .. I am still open minded to resolving at least some of the issues via casting from my Android phone that does have all the apps that I require.

I really do like the Minix products and have owned almost all of them with regard the Media players going back about 5 years or more and own all the mini computers that have been released. I perhaps just don't understand the need for the T5 .. but willing to learn. The review claims T5 capable of much more than is readily achievable.
https://androidpctv.com/review-minix-neo-t5-opinion/
 

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So far So good: T5
I have managed to setup BBC iPlayer BBC Sounds, ABC iView, Kodi, alongside several entertainment apps, Sky News, and VPN services that I subscribe to. I have encountered some issues with apps I would like to use, the issues being distorted sound on a Movies app after 10 minutes of playing, stop movie reload and the sound is good for the 10 minute interval, and an app for viewing security cameras requires control over orientation and cannot get that function to work, but I guess the box was not designed for that purpose so look forward to the U22-XJ. But right now can’t beat the NEO U9-H for the special requirements.

Playing from stored media drives is faultless and the channels that are promoted from the Google Service work well. I have used the T5 on my Sony Bravia, and my 2 Samsung TV’s. The picture quality is very good on all three displays. I have issues with an LG sound bar using Bluetooth connection; my Samsung sound bar that uses optical input is excellent.

I am still fumbling around with controlling the menus on the mixture of apps that I am using but I will get that sorted in time, it’s a case of knowing what to use on what and when.

I think if Google were to invest in the design layout of their system and move away from the square launcher which is poor to say the least they may find it attractive to whole lot more people. I am not a fan of bland, I much prefer something with a little flair and customizable.

Thank you for the assistance, support and suggestions offered, the game maker for me was a file explorer that allowed me to install apps that kept opening doors to making it work as I wanted.
 
So far So good: T5
I have managed to setup BBC iPlayer BBC Sounds, ABC iView, Kodi, alongside several entertainment apps, Sky News, and VPN services that I subscribe to. I have encountered some issues with apps I would like to use, the issues being distorted sound on a Movies app after 10 minutes of playing, stop movie reload and the sound is good for the 10 minute interval, and an app for viewing security cameras requires control over orientation and cannot get that function to work, but I guess the box was not designed for that purpose so look forward to the U22-XJ. But right now can’t beat the NEO U9-H for the special requirements.

Playing from stored media drives is faultless and the channels that are promoted from the Google Service work well. I have used the T5 on my Sony Bravia, and my 2 Samsung TV’s. The picture quality is very good on all three displays. I have issues with an LG sound bar using Bluetooth connection; my Samsung sound bar that uses optical input is excellent.

I am still fumbling around with controlling the menus on the mixture of apps that I am using but I will get that sorted in time, it’s a case of knowing what to use on what and when.

I think if Google were to invest in the design layout of their system and move away from the square launcher which is poor to say the least they may find it attractive to whole lot more people. I am not a fan of bland, I much prefer something with a little flair and customizable.

Thank you for the assistance, support and suggestions offered, the game maker for me was a file explorer that allowed me to install apps that kept opening doors to making it work as I wanted.

ATV is intentionally "bland" by design as its main intent is to function with a basic/TV style remote alone. Ergo, the simpler the better & the user doesn't get bogged down in menus, additional features, etc. ;). Start messing around with it too much & it loses that simplicity. (Yes, we have access to our fly remotes but most that purchase a T5 will just be using the one included.)

Some great advice above from the guys (as always) & glad you're now getting a little extra out of your T5 than you were initially mate :).

Personally, I find the T5 a little restrictive for my intended use at times too but that's 100% subjective & it's still a great little device otherwise :). MINIX offer an expanding range of devices with differing purposes, so if one device doesn't quite suit another probably will.

However, my niece has a T5 too, for example, & she absolutely loves it, it's perfect for her requirements. A couple of my friends now have them too to give them some additional options with their older dumb TV's. They're also very happy & both have side loaded some additional apps they wanted as well.

Enjoy :).
 
Hi.

I am now Looking for help or answers to the following:

Will there be a firmware update to the T5? .. Can the T5 run a version of Netflix? .. Is there a solution to the rotation issues within the current software/firmware? ..

I thought I had made progress with my ability to load some of the apps I want to use only to find them unplayable from a variety of reason I will set out alongside the App name.

Required rotation issues: Sky News (UK) .. ITV Hub (UK) .. ABC iView .. APK Pure .. Whats VPN .. YCC365 .

Pixilated or low resolution: BBC iPLayer (UK) .. LOOX TV (Thai) ..

Apps that won’t play: Sounds (BBC) .. NETFLIX .. TVTAP ..

Apps that work well: Popcorn Flix: .. OLD Movies .. WSS ..

App starting but failing as it runs: Movies HD (Sound and vision slow down)
Thank you.
 
Hi.

I am now Looking for help or answers to the following:

1-Will there be a firmware update to the T5?
2-Can the T5 run a version of Netflix?
3-Is there a solution to the rotation issues within the current software/firmware?
1-Yes
2-Sorry i don´t use netflix (you have these):

https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/how-to-install-netflix-on-any-devices.1906/

https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/netflix-recommended-version-netflix-v5-3-1.90/

3- I don´t use rotation
 

I have tried the Netflix versions mentioned plus several more and the bottom line is it will not work, with regard Rotation its about the landing of the app and viewed on standard TV screen format the apps I mention land in portrait BUT .. on its side .. so short of turning my TV on its side they are difficult to maneuver to say the least.

But thank you so much for your input, I lookforward to a firmware update... :)
 
I have tried the Netflix versions mentioned plus several more and the bottom line is it will not work
Netflix does indeed work but it must be side-loaded!

Try this...... one of our " Trusted Helpers " helped me to get it working!

"Unfortunately, yes. Since Minix isn't Netflix certified, the mobile variant will need to be sidoaded. Since the mobile variant doesn't have leanback intent in its manifest, it will not show up in the leanback launcher.

You will have 3 options:
- Launch it from settinga/apps/Netflix
- Use sideload launcher to access it
- Create a forwarding app using the tool I linked above. It creates a dedicated app with leanback intent that launches the mobile app when selected.
I.E. Install mobile Netflix (it won't show up in the leanback launcher), then use the tool to create a forwarding channel that has leanback intent that, when selected, launches the mobile Netflix. It's basically a tool that allows mobile apps to show up in the launcher. "
 
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