Help Android Phone as video viewer.

[Leo Nicholson]

We have an autistic grandson who is dependent upon ipods. As these things are prone to breakage, is there any way to set up an Android Phone (unactivated) as a simple (and less expensive) MP4 viewer?

 

[lvt]

With free apps like VLC or MX Player installed, any Android phone can substitute iPods.

Maybe battery capacity and screen size are the most important criteria.

 

[svim]

Kids being kids you might find some of the posts referring to kiosk mode in previous threads like these to be helpful.

http://androidforums.com/threads/ta...pany-introduction-videos.935083/#post-7048496

http://androidforums.com/threads/strip-android-back-to-just-web-browser.975849/#post-7158039

 

[Leo Nicholson]

Thanks. Very helpful.

 

[dontpanicbobby]

A dual Layer Protective case would probably be in order as well. These things work great against drops. Here's an example from Amazon.

 

[Leo Nicholson]

Thanks, all.

I purchased a ZTE Warp Sync N9515 - 8GB and installed VLC. Works great unactivated with a 64GB SD. This should be good, as the SD could be transferred to another phone when necessary.

I also need to strip the unnecessary apps from the phone, leaving only VLC and a couple more. How is the best way to do this?

Are there other inexpensive 5 inch or larger screen phones that would work well for this purpose? (In any event, it is cheaper than Ipods. )

 

[bcrichster]

Thanks, all.

I purchased a ZTE Warp Sync N9515 - 8GB and installed VLC. Works great unactivated with a 64GB SD. This should be good, as the SD could be transferred to another phone when necessary.

I also need to strip the unnecessary apps from the phone, leaving only VLC and a couple more. How is the best way to do this?

Are there other inexpensive 5 inch or larger screen phones that would work well for this purpose? (In any event, it is cheaper than Ipods. )

Root the device, install TWRP, and flash the deodexed/debloated B05 ROM.
Links/guides are here:
http://androidforums.com/index.php?posts/7162233

 

[Leo Nicholson]

Root the device, install TWRP, and flash the deodexed/debloated B05 ROM.
Links/guides are here:
http://androidforums.com/index.php?posts/7162233

Thanks. Just ordered a 2nd used phone to experiment with. Just want VLC, Firefox and store apps.

 

[bcrichster]

Don't erase too many apps, it'll cause a ridiculous amount of Force closes or a softbrick that can only be fixed by reflashing a new ROM

 

[Leo Nicholson]

Don't erase too many apps, it'll cause a ridiculous amount of Force closes or a softbrick that can only be fixed by reflashing a new ROM

I'm trying to get almost everything off the desktop.

 

[bcrichster]

I'm trying to get almost everything off the desktop.

Certain launchers and apps can "hide" other apps from being seen or used, need a pass code to access. I'd recommend that 1st before deleting them from system

 

[Leo Nicholson]

Certain launchers and apps can "hide" other apps from being seen or used, need a pass code to access. I'd recommend that 1st before deleting them from system

That's exactly what I needed. Sorry about my ignorance with Android.

 

[bcrichster]

That's exactly what I needed. Sorry about my ignorance with Android.

Anytime! Glad to help. Just hit thanks when ppl and posts help you in the forums. [emoji41]

 

[EdwardSmith36]

With free apps like VLC or MX Player installed, any Android phone can substitute iPods.

Maybe battery capacity and screen size are the most important criteria.

I agree with you mate, even i would suggest the same thing. just install some apps like VLC & MX Player with some good HD movies. That's it, your handset will turn into Mp4 viewers.

 

[Leo Nicholson]

VLC is working well with mp4 files and has no option for online ordering (needed in my case).
I am hiding apps with the built in option.
What is the simplest way to end up with the initial screen having only VLC and internet?

 

[bcrichster]

Erase the other desktop screen pages. Then drag & drop apps from app drawer onto Homescreen. Touch and hold app drawer icon to delete it. There, you'll only have what you left on homescreen to access

 

[EdwardSmith36]

Just disable all the other apps that are visible on screen, ones they are disabled then they can't be seen on screen.

 

[Leo Nicholson]

Everything worked out very well with VLC and 1280x720 mp4 files. I've hidden everything not needed and managed everything but disabling the activation nag screens.

Thanks for all the help, Guys!