Hi,I have a TV streaming app for Android (part of my Internet + TV subscription) for a phone called PODA.tv, but it't for mobile (and tablet) only, my neighbor who is a foreigner has Mi Box with Android TV, I downloaded the APK using Downloader for Android TV and installed the APK manually as it does not show in Google Play store; however, after installation, I can open the app, it works quite well (navigation sucks but whatever), however once I exit the app, it's nowhere to be found in Application menu on the Mi Box, so I was wondering if there may be some clever trick how to make this app show app in the application menu, instead of reinstalling the app every now and then I want to launch the app?
I, like most of you I think, am generally not satisfied with the default remote for the Shield. Though honestly just having physical buttons for volume would solve most of my issues, I just never liked the whole package. It was frequently lost, felt like a toy, it seems it would wake the TV just by picking it up (super annoying with kids). Also managing the battery life never felt reliable. In theory the coin battery should last while but I frequently swapped it out because it would seemingly just not work and I'd have to use the garbage Android app or worse, the clunky physical TV remote that sort of worked.
But I digress...
Before I picked up the Logitech I tried the WeChip G20 (v2) and the Rii Fly Mouse.
WeChip G20
Initial impressions were great. It felt solid and overall I liked the larger size and button array. I didn't need anything too fancy so price point was perfect. First major issue was lack of CEC volume controls. I thought that maybe maxing out the TV volume and sticking with the software volume would be fine but unfortunately there are just two few steps in Android's volume for that to be acceptable. Plus my TV has a "on" noise that was earth shattering at full volume. The other nitpick is for the life of me, across 4 tv/remotes, I could not get the remote to learn the power for my TV. So while I could turn the shield on and off which could also take care of my TV's power, the one CEC feature of the remote was not working. Ultimately it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and I sent it back.
Rii Fly
Same thing as the WeChip. First impressions were awesome. I thought the keyboard would be a nuisance or novelty but it ended up being really helpful in apps like YouTube. It also added such a satisfying amount of weight to the remote. All the buttons in red are CEC enabled. However it was the same story as the WeChip. Most of the directions are poorly translated or for a slightly different model. Forums and Google weren't much help either. I couldn't get it to learn any IR functions across any tv/remote combinations.
Logitech Harmony
I picked up this on sale for $40. So please take that amount into consideration when reading this.
First impressions blew me away. The remote felt perfect. It has a soft rubberized bottom that allows it to stay put on an angled couch cushion. It sounds stupid but this means when you put it next to you it isn't going to slide its way into the abyss (like the Shield remote does). The setup process was quick and painless and the app is significantly nicer than Nvidia's or Android's generic remote app.
Values adds (for me)
I have SmartThings with several devices across the house and by the end of next year I hope to have all light switches converted to smart ones. With this consideration being able to setup an "activity" that will turn on the TV and dim surrounding lights is amazing. If you have a soundbar, or more complex receiver setup, the Logitech remote has a ton of compatibility to make sure everything comes on and is switched to the proper mode.
Conclusion
If you just want a better remote and have a newer TV (less than probably 5 years old) then I would highly recommend the Rii Fly Mouse first. Its a big upgrade if you get the CEC controls to work for such a small amount of money. If you have anything more than just a TV or will in the near future, the $40 (current price) premium is well worth it.
I'm happy to answer any questions about it. I couldn't find a post like this when I was looking for remotes so hopefully this can help other people out.