Archive:Razer Forge TV

These pages are maintained by the community and should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation. Device pages are made when there's a bunch of useful information for a particular device, and someone takes the time to make that page. Keep in mind, some devices simply don't need a page of specific information, but are still excellent devices. *

Razer Forge TV
Manufacturer	Razer
Released	2015-04-29 (US)
OS	Android TV (based on Android 5.0 "Lollipop")
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 ARM Quad-Core Krait 450 CPU @ 2.5GHz per core
Storage	16 GB internal (eMMC)
RAM	2 GB RAM
Display	1080p
Graphics	Adreno 420 GPU
Connectivity	HDMI 1.4 output, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 4.1 + HS, Micro-USB, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11ac 2x2 (MIMO), DC-power (18 Watt)
Dimensions	105mm X 105mm X 17mm

Razer Forge TV is an ARM-processor based Android digital media player running the Android 5.0 "Lollipop" operating system using Google's Android TV platform.

Overview

The general consensus is to avoid the Razer Forge. While it is an official Android TV product, it lacks support from Razer and companies like Netflix have blocked installing on them (no one knows why, but it's most likely a decision from Netflix and not Razer). The hardware itself is not bad, but there is little to make it stand out from alternatives such as the Nexus Player, Shield TV, and even the Amazon Fire TV.

Installing Kodi

Main page: HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Android

Razer Forge TV uses the "ARM" version of Kodi for Android.

Sideloading Kodi (development builds, etc)

INCOMPLETE: This page or section is incomplete. Please add information or correct uncertain data which is marked with a ?

Assumed?: You first need to enable developer options to activate Android Debug Bridge (adb) debugging and allow unknown sources before you can side-load latest beta or nightly version of Kodi for x86 (not ARM).

Enable developer options and activate ADB debugging

Enable developer options

• 1. Scroll down and click on Settings.
• 2. Scroll down and click on About.
• 3. Scroll down a last time to Build Number. Tap on build number repeatedly (should be about 7 times) until a bubble appears saying you’ve unlocked the developer options.

Enable ADB debugging

• 1. Return to the Settings menu using the steps above.
• 2. Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see the Developer options.
• 3. Open Developer options and ADB debugging should be the third option. Enable it.

Enable USB debugging (if ADB debugging not available)

In case ADB debugging is not listed under developer options (as has been seen with v5.0 build LRX21M), try connecting via USB using the following:

• 1. Return to the Settings menu using the steps above.
• 2. Under the Preferences section, scroll to the right to find the Developer options.
• 3. Open Developer options and then Debugging, and USB debugging should be the first option. Enable it.
• 4. Connect a computer with ADB installed using a USB cable.

Allow unknown sources

• 1. Return to the Settings menu using the steps above.
• 2. Scroll down and click on Security.
• 3. Enable "Unknown sources" to allow installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play store, this will allow side-loading of apps like Kodi.

Install Kodi

1. Download your preferred version of Kodi listed in Development builds.
2. Connect to Razer Forge with ADB:
   • If using USB, run adb usb from command line / terminal.
   • If using ADB over network, run adb start-server; adb connect <ip address of Razer Forge> from command line / terminal.
3. Check that the device is attached correctly. Run adb devices If you see the device as "unauthorized" confirmation from the Razer Forge to trust the attached computer is needed.
4. Finally, to install, run adb install <path to apk file> (use adb --help to see additional install options like -r that keeps app data on a reinstall).

Install Sideload Launcher (optional)

INCOMPLETE: This page or section is incomplete. Please add information or correct uncertain data which is marked with a ?

Assumed?: 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 Razer Forge by unplugging (as it does not have a software reboot) or by entering adb reboot from command line / terminal.
• 3. Start the "Sideload Launcher" app and use it to launch Kodi or other third-party apps that you have side-load installed.

Video guides

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Known issues

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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.

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Links

• Kodi forum thread about the Razer Forge TV http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=225153