(2016-06-23, 08:42)ironlung Wrote: I've only ran openelec, but I am seriously considering an android box due to the need of certain apps but it would be for the living room, meaning my wife and kids are going to use it.
My main question is: how do apps work with a regular remote control using the d-pad?
My 6 year old and wife do use openelec which works fine but I would like if it would be possible to use d-pad for navigating the android apps as well instead of using air mouse to compensate for the lack of touch ability.
I tried looking at youtube for examples but i couldnt find anything that showed me a concise example of this. the wetek due to the gui seems to be my first choice if scrapping my NUCs.
I suppose I have to answer this even though I don't want too and have to repeat a bunch of stuff again......
First read Post #38 and understand the differences between Android TV and regular Android Lollipop OS Apps. One is far more user friendly than the other for D-Pad remote control use. Remote control usability on a big screen TV is the exact reason Android TV was implemented by Google in the very first place to replace all this Air Mouse Android nonsense.
Apple had the right idea all along many years ago with big friendly icons designed to be used with their Tiny D-Pad remote control in their long line of Apple TV's.
Yes you can use some regular Android Apps with the D-Pad only but you will not be able to a use bunch of functions without actually activating the Air Mouse. Then there are a bunch of other Apps that are Air Mouse only driven, such as the previous one mentioned - Stan.
In terms of complexity and difficulty (hardest at the top for the Wife and kids to use):
1) slow IR Air Mouse remote control with D-Pad....
2) trackpad to mirror Air Mouse / touch screen functionality, possible a trackball could be used..or an Android App such as WeControl.App...
3) trackpad with an integrated keyboard....
4) an ergonomic, accurate, responsive RF Wireless Air mouse implementation ...
5) an ergonomic, accurate, responsive RF Wireless Air mouse implementation with a mini Keyboard on the flip side...possibly with BT Headphone jack
6) a Wireless D-Pad remote using Android TV (leanback) Apps on a certified Google Android TV device with a BT Headphone jack...
The thing to bear in mind as well is that aftermarket Remote Control / Air Mice / Keyboards will usually still not give you 100% functionality VS one from the manufacturer that is included with an Android Media Player device in the first place. You really have to pick known, usable, aftermarket remotes.