How well does Android support external HDMI+USB touchscreens? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all,
I'm looking to purchase and install a relatively capable second hand Android phone (Samsung S5 for example) running a custom ROM such as LineageOS along with an external HDMI+USB touchscreen in a car for use as an in-car gauge display.
However I haven't been able to find much information on how well Android supports third party external touch screen devices other than forum posts from early years such as 2012 and unsolved threads with little information that are a little more recent.
I know a lot of these devices are simply plug and play with Windows without the need to source specific drivers from the manufacturer, but I'm unsure if they're as simple when it comes to Android, a few of them seem to claim they're compatible but I haven't been able to find much proof.
Any and all information would be appreciated.
PS I'm aware there are Android head units available, however I'm looking for something that still has the features of a phone such as GPS and mobile data and third party ROM support.

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[Q] Rooting 101 with Android X.X

Ok, so I am a software developer and I have a new client who wants to do some stuff with Android which probably requires a root (such as basically locking a tablet down to run a single app).
They are picking out their hardware and are looking into which version of Android to use and also whether or not to use a knockoff Chinese tablet to save money.
From my research I don't believe there is a reliable root of 4.0 yet. I assume this is because there are no big name tablets running it...although, strangely, a lot of the off-brand tablets are.
My other research seems to suggest that most roots are device specific. Is that generally true? If so does that mean that we will have a tough time rooting these offbrand tablets?
They would like to use Honeycomb because of its inherent scalability which would allow them to, theoretically, use either a 7inch or 10 inch tablet. Is this a valid assumption?
Since the app would be really all that the user would see it seems to me that it may, in the end, be better to go with an earlier and therefore more hackable version of Android such as 2.3 even though it wasn't really made for tablets.
Just want to thank you all in advance for your expertise. I look forward to your answers and thoughts.
fp
Anyone have some thoughts to give?

[Q] Releasing custom Android Built TV Box? Is it possible?

Hey there, i hope i`m right in here and you pros can answer me some questions.
We are currently building a new software which will be released soon, i won`t go into details in here, because we not ready to release some infos about it yet. Anyway, thats not the problem....
Here is my question: Our Software could expand to TVs and now we are searching on how to get our solution onto TV Screens. We cam across all those Android based TV Boxes, we ordered some and tested them, unfortunatly they didn`t offer everything we needed.
Sooo, is it possible to release a custom Android Installation on such a Box?
What if we get the blank hardware boxes, can we get an Android Installation up and running? (With the paid help of some XDA-Developers..)
We would really need a stripped down Version only with our APP and some other stuff running.
Also another question, if it is possible to release a custom box, is it legal to Google`s Terms?
We are brand new in this field, so please be so kind and help us out. If it is possible and we can implement this thing we are definitly will be going over xda-developers, because we just don`t have any clue about Android Systems.
Are you meaning something like this?
http://www.pcworld.com/article/244278/meet_cotton_candy_the_dualcore_android_usb_device.html
We all know that Android is flexible enough to be put on phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs. FXI, a technology lab based in Norway, decided to add USB drives to Android’s host of platforms.
FXI’s Cotton Candy USB device might look like any other flash drive, but it packs smartphone parts like a dual-core 1.2GHz Samsung Exynos processor and its own ARM GPU for 1080p video playback. It also has lots of connectivity, including Wi-Fi, HDMI, Bluetooth, and a MicroSD card slot to expand its 1GB of storage.
This Raspberry Pi-eqsue miniature PC comes with Android 2.3 (also known as Gingerbread). When you plug it into a PC or Mac, it automatically bring up a separate pop up for the Gingerbread OS. This functionality could be used to bring Android apps or games to any computer. Alternatively, if your HDTV has HDMI ports, you could potentially turn it into a smart, Internet-connected monitor.
Angry Birds might be a little hard to play on your TV. [Photo: FXI]
The only down side of the device is that it is not supported by Google, so you won’t be browsing the marketplace anytime soon. Instead, FXI is working to get a third-party app store together. For now, though, you'll have to side-load any apps you want to run on it.
FXI is in talks with other companies to bring Cotton Candy to market by the second half of 2012 and predict that the device will cost "well under $200" according to The Verge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MoPhoACTV Initiative
Yes, thats also this kind of thing we might need. But currently we are more looking into these kind of Boxes: cect-shop.com/Android-TV-Box_c55_x1.htm
And we would need a custom Android installation on one of these boxes? As asked above, is this possible and legal?
Why android?
i don't know the exact details about, but I think getting regular linux to run on a set op box is easier and cheaper to customize with exactly the software you want it.
It doesn`t have to be Android. Andorid was just a possible solution we found and the other reason is that i`m capable of programming apps for Android so it was the closest possibility.
You say Linux...hmm... also a possible solution.
Lets tell you at least some details. The Box should run only with our application, and should be able to be connected to a TV where the application is started then and does their thing. It`s a specialized kind of Software Application for targeted companys.
What it should be able to do:
At least an output resolution of 1280 * 720
Connectable with HDMI, DVI etc. to Televisions
As you say Linux, are you capable of doing such a thing? We might need you...
Or do you have some resources where we can find some developer who can achieve this?
surekin said:
It doesn`t have to be Android. Andorid was just a possible solution we found and the other reason is that i`m capable of programming apps for Android so it was the closest possibility.
You say Linux...hmm... also a possible solution.
Lets tell you at least some details. The Box should run only with our application, and should be able to be connected to a TV where the application is started then and does their thing. It`s a specialized kind of Software Application for targeted companys.
What it should be able to do:
At least an output resolution of 1280 * 720
Connectable with HDMI, DVI etc. to Televisions
As you say Linux, are you capable of doing such a thing? We might need you...
Or do you have some resources where we can find some developer who can achieve this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think any experienced linux dev is capable of doing such a thing, not that difficult. Get a good supported distro, remove all the bells and whistles and let it just boot to your application. I think that is the most elegant solution. Android is much more difficult to customize in such a way. I might have the technical skills to pull it off, but I'm not interested, sorry.
It all depends on your needs and resources. Try googling for embedded linux. linuxfordevices.com is a good place to start i think.
Why the choice for a setopbox and not a regular application? In call centers and other businesses normal programs are used to display information on a large screen, while running on a regular OS. The cost of having to develop and deliver support on not only the software, but also on the setopbox and its embedded OS is quite large. You have to take that into account. Given that you post this question on this forum, I suspect that your resources are rather limited. If I were you, I would reconsider the choice for a setop box.
First, thx for your time...and second, i understand what you mean in your post, but our software already runs on Mac OS, Windows and iOs, so we already have an application running. The settopbox would just be an addition, because some of our customers might need such a thing. Thats the reason why i`m doggling around searching for some ideas.
Our resources are limited sure, but not too limited, the reason why i posted here, is because i`m searching for answers here too, and xda is always a good place to ask in my opinion. We are going other ways too, let me make that clear!
So, i understand what you meant by Linux, i am now contacting some Linux devs who might want to achieve this.
Thx!

[Q] S2 as a Basic Home Audio Controller

Hi All,
First post here, hope i'm posting in the right area. If not, MODS feel free to point me in the appropriate direction and delete/move as appropriate. I've also tried searching without luck and not really sure what other terms i can use to describe what i'm doing.
Basically, i have two old s2's (GT-i9100) that i intend to use in the audio systems around my house. One will sit in the loungeroom and be able to stream to one of several Airplay receivers around the place (Yamaha RX-V573 Receiver or my other S2 plugged into the receiver in the shed running Airbubble) using Airtunes. I'm using Airplay, because it seems to work incredibly smoothly and easily, its built into my receiver, plus my Zombie iOS friends can play their music easily as well. Maybe i'm over complicating, maybe theres an easier way of doing this, i'm open to suggestions.
I want anybody to be able to pick up the s2 that will live on the coffee table and play music via pandora/mog/or my DLNA server to any of the receivers. I want it to be secure and restricted to that i'm the only one that can modify/configure the settings. And there will be no facebook/google account etc running on the device as a security precaution. Does this make sense?
So basically i'm after a Basic Simple ROM with no unneeded apps that can handle these basic functions with reliability and stability, and can be locked down.
For reference, my daily is an s4, plus i have a work supplied iPAD2, which i have just replaced with my own 2014 Note 10.1. My PC is a Series 9 Samsung 15" Laptop. I have installed several ROMS before on my S2 and my Xoom.
Any tips/advice/help/suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks :fingers-crossed:

[Question] Atrix as Mediastation with Media-Dock?

Hi Guys,
as I'm thinking of getting a new phone sooner or later, I was thinking how to use my Atrix and my Multimedia-Dock later on.
I never used the Lapdock mode or HDMI mirroring, but I bought the multimedia dock because it was really cheap and I can use my Atrix as a digital clock also.
So please forgive me if I'm asking questions that only work with the lapdock mode
My idea is:
I want to use the Atrix as a media-station for music (on storage and streaming).
As the multimedia dock as a 3,5mm line-out, I thought this might work. I'm on MIUI V5 with JB right now and just plugging in something in the 3,5mm line-out won't let me listen to any music, as I guess this line-out only works in lapdock-mode, because it will get the audio signal from HDMI (?).
I want to know if this might work with any rom that supports lapdock, because for the functions I want, I don't need the newest Android with the latest features.
Another function that would be awesome is to pair the Atrix via Bluetooth with other devices so the Atrix can play music via BT from other devices. Is this possible, too?
Like: Music on new phone --> BT --> Atrix connected to speakers plays music.
If there are any threats like this already, I'm really sorry, but a quick search didn't give me any results
Thanks!
P.s.: Can I put USB-storage on the multimedia dock when the Atrix is in lapdock mdoe?
Indeed, you need to go back to gb or atrics to fully use the hd dock.
You can connect any pendrive to those usb, phone will mount them.
Not sure about bt. Guess is possible
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
andresrivas said:
Indeed, you need to go back to gb or atrics to fully use the hd dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply! Going back to gb won't be the problem
Snap
I recently received back an Atrix that I purchased on behalf of a friend sometime ago. I also figured it could perhaps be of use at the mother-in-laws when my son is there. I have another account with xda though it has been so long since I used the forum to post that I could not remember my username! So I just clicked to log in via G+. Its been great seeing that such an old (at least in terms of android developement) device has still got some very good support and excellent contributers. Before my Nexus4 I had a Galaxy S and that got flashed regular from the great work that goes on here.
It didn't take much reading to work out that Atrics looked as if it would suit my needs best for some simple internet use and perhaps media viewing on the Bravia the phone will be hooked to. I am hoping I may also find an XBMC build that will be stable enough to enhance the system! So today I found the time to get the basic Atrics 2.0 up and running, One or two little bugs too work out but am sure they will have been covered already. Installed FlashFox browser to make sure flash works without any hassles and just completed a rom backup and upgrade of the kernel to 14-02-05. The difference is noticeable straight away Krystian, good work.
I'll try to keep up with my project and how it goes. How is your project working out muhski?
Thanks again to just about everyone within this forum who has posted, I narrowed initial problems down quickly due to the very useful guides and information
setup restrictions
So I set up everything up nicely using the atrics ROM. Due to the TV and setup at the mother in laws, using the stereo out on the dock was not viable. This forced me to roll back to Nottatrix4g for a quick fix of using the HDMI to pass sound as well as audio. As a result I have a nice portable setup which will reside at the mother in laws for my son to use and perhaps his grandad too. I kept the ROM install as slim as possible without removing any functionality that may be required if we take the system on holiday for example. I installed several addons in xbmc and went through each to check the ones that wouldn't work easily for example asking for an external player, (the ones that did work easily all diverted to mxplayer). I added both Firefox and dolphin for flash based browsing, a couple of the games he plays on my Nexus 4 and an emulator to play the games I still have from the NES. The emulator is tied into wiimote for an easier experience for him although I would have preferred a more manageable pad but since that's as good as free.
So the the real test will start tomorrow, my main concern would be the system recovering from any crashes but up to now with the exception of xbmc occasionally closing, I have only had one issue with Bluetooth and the mouse showing paired but not. I deleted the db and that resolved the issue which I was unable to replicate.
So my experience would be to tell you if a similar project was looked at, check your hardware and see how the audio can connect best. If you can only do audio with HDMI stay on 2.x.x ROM, if you can stereo from the dock into the TV by RCA's or an amplifier you can use atrics ROM or a 2.x.x based ROM. Other than this you shouldn't need to spend too long finding a good use to a redundant Atrix.
The xbmc version came from xbmcandroid as the official xbmc does no longer support tegra² chips. If your reading this regarding a newer phone then the official version may suit you better.
Thanks to everyone who has made this possible I will try and name everyone and their apps in a review of the system in the hands of the young and the old in a week or two!
G_or_Gazz said:
So I set up everything up nicely using the atrics ROM. Due to the TV and setup at the mother in laws, using the stereo out on the dock was not viable. This forced me to roll back to Nottatrix4g for a quick fix of using the HDMI to pass sound as well as audio. As a result I have a nice portable setup which will reside at the mother in laws for my son to use and perhaps his grandad too. I kept the ROM install as slim as possible without removing any functionality that may be required if we take the system on holiday for example. I installed several addons in xbmc and went through each to check the ones that wouldn't work easily for example asking for an external player, (the ones that did work easily all diverted to mxplayer). I added both Firefox and dolphin for flash based browsing, a couple of the games he plays on my Nexus 4 and an emulator to play the games I still have from the NES. The emulator is tied into wiimote for an easier experience for him although I would have preferred a more manageable pad but since that's as good as free.
So the the real test will start tomorrow, my main concern would be the system recovering from any crashes but up to now with the exception of xbmc occasionally closing, I have only had one issue with Bluetooth and the mouse showing paired but not. I deleted the db and that resolved the issue which I was unable to replicate.
So my experience would be to tell you if a similar project was looked at, check your hardware and see how the audio can connect best. If you can only do audio with HDMI stay on 2.x.x ROM, if you can stereo from the dock into the TV by RCA's or an amplifier you can use atrics ROM or a 2.x.x based ROM. Other than this you shouldn't need to spend too long finding a good use to a redundant Atrix.
The xbmc version came from xbmcandroid as the official xbmc does no longer support tegra² chips. If your reading this regarding a newer phone then the official version may suit you better.
Thanks to everyone who has made this possible I will try and name everyone and their apps in a review of the system in the hands of the young and the old in a week or two!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get around to making the list of applications used in your media center build?
Also, does the remote control work with it?

Turning an old phone into a crypto currency mining project

Hello everyone.
Berfore I write anything, I am aware that ARM processors are not nearly powerfull enought for this to pay off, but I have some spare time on my hands and an old android phone (samsung galaxy S) that has no other use whatsoever.
So, here is what I was thinking:
Is there a way to completely strip the phone of android, so it runs an os (preferrably a flavour of linux) that is as easy on resources as possible and is capable of running wireless drivers and mining software. My knowledge on this part is full of holes, so there are several questions I would like an answer to:
1. Can an android phone (running an ARM processor) run ONLY a distro of linux. I do not mind loosing the phone's capabilities (camera, GSM, touchscreen...). It needs to support a usb mouse and keyboard, a wireless connection and basically run as low on power as possible.
2. Where would I start when reading up on such a thing?
3. Is there already such a thing out there and I'm just incapable of finding it?
Again, I just want this to be a fun project, I bet a lot of you guys have useless old hardware laying around, let's put them to work
JasonXtreme said:
Hello everyone.
Berfore I write anything, I am aware that ARM processors are not nearly powerfull enought for this to pay off, but I have some spare time on my hands and an old android phone (samsung galaxy S) that has no other use whatsoever.
So, here is what I was thinking:
Is there a way to completely strip the phone of android, so it runs an os (preferrably a flavour of linux) that is as easy on resources as possible and is capable of running wireless drivers and mining software. My knowledge on this part is full of holes, so there are several questions I would like an answer to:
1. Can an android phone (running an ARM processor) run ONLY a distro of linux. I do not mind loosing the phone's capabilities (camera, GSM, touchscreen...). It needs to support a usb mouse and keyboard, a wireless connection and basically run as low on power as possible.
2. Where would I start when reading up on such a thing?
3. Is there already such a thing out there and I'm just incapable of finding it?
Again, I just want this to be a fun project, I bet a lot of you guys have useless old hardware laying around, let's put them to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first of all using a Galaxy S as a mining rig would be very inefficient. It has a too small and old GPU, even on a Nexus 6 it would take forever to make even a LiteCoin or DogeCoin. So no, that's not really what you should do with it. The best way is to turn it into a mediacenter. You heard of XBMC?
Here is a really great guide on how to do that: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-cracked-screen-beast-life-tv-xbmc-t2907921
I guess this is the best what you can do with your old phone. :good:
Besides, I sometimes use mine to experiment things in terms of Android. Like building an experimental ROM and flash on it, because a brick is not so terrible on such a old device.
Hope I could help you!
Thank you for your input
As I've stated, I am aware that I am barking completely up the wrong tree, but nontheless - I am interested in rewiring the SGS into a linux-only machine, meaning I want to eliminate android completely. The mining is just a bonus here, even if it does produce mHashes
you can mine with the app called miner gate . I mine on my s3 korean and get an hashrate of 8 mb s easily available on play store

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