New Zealand apps not working on Android 6.0 MIibox

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joineskale

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#208543 16-Feb-2017 12:20

Has anyone had any similar issues? I can't seem to download or find TVNZ, Skygo, Fan pass etc in the Mi Box Google Play Store, and when I went to the online play store, it says that this is incompatible on the Mi Box?

I've heard of other users having it on there though?

Any thoughts?

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#1721238 16-Feb-2017 13:24

Same, it's because the apps don't have a generally available version for Android TV, even though they may have a specific version available for TV manufacturers Android based operating systems.

You can try side loading, if you can get hold of an APK file ...

My experience with this was unfavourable. One phone app I tried displayed on its side, another required a mouse and keyboard.

Mike

Amosnz

567 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1721241 16-Feb-2017 13:26

I had to sideload skygo onto my Sony android tv as it said it was incompatible from the play store. If the mi box uses android tv that could be the reason.

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MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#1721294 16-Feb-2017 14:45

Amosnz:

If the mi box uses android tv

It does, version 6.0

Mike

joineskale

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1721318 16-Feb-2017 14:49

Ok so side loading is my only option? Seems weird as I can see them on the playstore, but when I try to assign to my device it says it's incompatible.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#1721331 16-Feb-2017 14:55

joineskale:

Ok so side loading is my only option? Seems weird as I can see them on the playstore, but when I try to assign to my device it says it's incompatible.

Sounds like you are accessing the play store in a web browser?

If you use the play app on the Mi Box you will only see compatible apps

Mike

joineskale

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1721333 16-Feb-2017 14:58

MikeAqua:

joineskale:

Ok so side loading is my only option? Seems weird as I can see them on the playstore, but when I try to assign to my device it says it's incompatible.

Sounds like you are accessing the play store in a web browser?

If you use the play app on the Mi Box you will only see compatible apps

Yes - didn't see them on Mibox so logged in online.

manaia

272 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1721337 16-Feb-2017 15:07

I did this a couple of years ago on the MiBox Mini. As already said, you'd have to sideload the apps - I got mine using APK extractor on my phone. The problem is that they're touch-based apps made for phones, not D-pad compatible. I used a bluetooth mouse and keyboard but it's not a good experience. As MikeAqua says, you may also have to install a screen orientation app (I use 'Set Orientation') to force them into landscape.

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browned

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1721341 16-Feb-2017 15:11

If you can't see them on the Android TV play store then there is no compatible version for Android TV. It is up to the app developer to make the app compatible and available in the Play store.

In saying that appcloner has an option that will modify the APK from a tablet/Phone to have a Android TV launcher icon on Android TV. It and can also force landscape orientation. However it will not fix controller/remote control issues and a mouse and keyboard will likely be required.

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Jaxson

8041 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797719 10-Jun-2017 14:38

Looking at the same situation for a Sony Android TV.

Hardware is mostly capable, but assume it's failing compatibility due to lack of touchscreen hardware. I have a wireless keyboard/trackpad device, so that's not really an issue.

Where does one source an apk for the likes of sky go / neon etc? Appreciate any advice on this.

kingjj

1728 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#1797801 10-Jun-2017 19:12

Have had to sideload a few apps to the Mi Box including SkyGo. If you just google SkyGo apk you'll find several hits, a few of them are well known sites. Using a bluetooth keyboard/mouse is not an option for the 'ease-of-use' wife requirement so I bought and installed "Mouse Toggle for Android TV" ($3.19) from the Play store. Its a fantastic wee app that supports Mi Box. It creates a virtual mouse which you control with your remote, once you get the hang of it its quick and easy to use. Not the best SkyGo experience but certainly better than paying them for a decoder.