Google Nexus Player



Nexus Player is an x86-64 (64-bit Intel Atom CPU) based Android digital media player co-developed by Google and Asus. Running the Android 5.0 "Lollipop" operating system, this Nexus Player was the first device to employ Google's Android TV platform.

Overview
Nexus Player "Moorefield" chipset is powered by a 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom "Anniedale" processor alongside the Imagination PowerVR Series 6 Graphics (2D/3D) Engine and 1GB of RAM supporting 1080p video streaming, and Intel claims that this chipset is capable of console-like graphics. The Nexus Player was unveiled on October 15, 2014 at Google I/O 2014 keynote, and made available for pre-order two days later for US$99.

Built by Asus in partnership with Google, the Nexus Player is Google's first Android TV device and is accompanied by a gamepad controller that will be sold separately for $39 and has been engineered for fine-tuned control of Android games. Nexus Player also comes with a voice-activated remote control by default. Both the default remote control and the optional official gamepad uses Bluetooth low energy, also known as Bluetooth LE, (marketed as "Bluetooth Smart" and first introduced in the Bluetooth Core Specification version 4.0 standard back in 2010).

With the Google Cast or Chromecast feature built-in, Nexus Player can also replace the functions of Chromecast dongle. Google for the Nexus Player's content has tied up with many partners such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Bloomberg TV, Food Network, Vevo, tune in, Travel Channel, TED, and Plex among others, all optimizing their apps for big screen televisions to be used on the Android TV platform.

With the price point of the Google Nexus Player and its default features and content partnerships it pegs in direct competition to the Amazon Fire TV, which is also marketed as a media-streaming set-top box with gaming capabilities.

This page is a collection of links, information, tips, and guides related to installing and running on the Google Nexus Player.

History
Google Nexus is a line of consumer electronic devices that run the Android operating system. Google manages the design, development, marketing, and support of these devices, but some development and all manufacturing are carried out by partnering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The product family consists mostly of mobile devices—six smartphones and four tablet computers have been released to date. As of October 2014, the devices currently available in the line are the Nexus 5 smartphone (made with partner LG Electronics), Nexus 6 smartphone (made with Motorola Mobility), Nexus 9 tablet (made with HTC), and Nexus Player set-top box (made with Asus).

Devices in the Nexus line are considered Google's flagship Android products. They do not have manufacturer or wireless carrier modifications to Android (such as custom graphical user interfaces) and feature an unlockable bootloader to allow further development and end-user modification. Nexus devices are the first Android devices to receive updates to the operating system. The Galaxy Nexus is one of the few smartphones recommended by the Android Open Source Project for Android software development.

Installing Kodi
The Google Nexus Player uses the "x86" version of Kodi for Android.

Install Sideload Launcher (optional)
Because Google will currently not display side-loaded apps in its default "Leanback Launcher" you can use this "Sideload Launcher" app by Chainfire to more easily launch apps that have not been approved by Google or does otherwise not meet the declaration requirements needed for showing up on the default "Leanback Launcher" (on the Android TV homescreen) for Android TV.
 * 1. Install "Sideload Launcher" app by Chainfire from Google Play store http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.tv.sideloadlauncher
 * 2. Reboot your Nexus Player by unplugging (as it does not have a software reboot) or by entering  from command line / terminal.
 * 3. Start the "Sideload Launcher" app and use it to launch or other third-party apps that you have side-load installed.

Random notes
Feel free to place various notes, tips, and links here. As this section of the wiki gets more organized, those notes will be properly sorted. Consider this like a dumping ground for when you're not sure where to put something.
 * Not a issue for, but keep in mind that unlike almost all Android media players out there, the Nexus Player features a x86-64 (64-bit Intel Atom CPU) chipset instead of a ARM based SoC/CPU, and this means that some other Android apps and games that work on other Android media players may not work on the Nexus Player because of this reason.
 * CEC support not confirmed but assumed as it is suppose to be prerequisite for Android TV?
 * HDMI 1.4b video/audio output with HDCP 1.4. Resolution: 720p and 1080p up to 60fps?
 * Weight 235 gram
 * As noted in Install section, v5.0 build LRX21M and LRX21V don't seem to have ADB debugging options (i.e. for connecting to device over a network). Also, Sideload Launcher may not be needed as sideloaded Kodi (v14 beta 3) shows up under Apps on Nexus Player's main screen.
 * The hardware remote for the Nexus Player is rather limited in functionality. While it will work for the majority of navigation needs, it is recommended to install a full feature software remote app for your phone or tablet such as KORE - Kodi Remote or Yatse, the Kodi Remote found at the Google Play Store for Android. These software remotes will give access to the menus of Kodi, otherwise not available through the Nexus Player hardware remote.

Links

 * Kodi forum thread about the Google Nexus Player: http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=206515
 * Kodi forum thread about Google ADT-1 (Android TV Development Kit): http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=198998
 * ADT-1 Development Kit documentation and FAQ
 * Official website for Nexus Player
 * Official Google store for Nexus Player
 * Wikipedia article on Nexus Player: Nexus Player
 * Wikipedia article on Android TV: Android TV
 * Sideload Launcher (by Chainfire) for Android TV application thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-sideload-launcher-android-tv-t2914962
 * Android Developers Blog: http://android-developers.blogspot.se
 * XDA Developers Forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com