This would be a really good device for playing visual novels on desk while having my other devices free for productivity, this video sold me on this pretty fast lol
The potential use cases for something like this is pretty massive. I love reading about the different ways everyone is using them. For me, it's a vertical shmup machine. 😅
I've been using mine as a digital photo frame like you mentioned. Haven't even gotten around to putting games on it yet, but I will eventually. It was cheap enough that I'm also sitting on an unopened extra one.
@@KleyDeJong What I did probably isn't repeatable for most people. I built a custom slide show app from scratch to use with our photos. I imagine there are some off the shelf slideshow apps that you could point at a folder of images though.
The second ThinkSmart View I ordered from eBay arrived yesterday. I hope 6 months from now you'll make a follow-up video showcasing all the latest hard and soft mods for this device!
@@retrotechdad Well, I like to have the weather up all the time and tinkering is a blast. Maybe tie it into my NAS and Plex server for some automation. I've got an IFTTT Pro account, so there's additional automations I can set up. I'd also like to see how far I can take it, and I'm hoping to see a fully CFW come soon. Great question :)
@@Robosan4000 I'm rather fond of YoWindow, which has lovely animated scenes that change with the real weather. They're also interactive and have sounds. Very customizable.
can it be connected to a network file share? would be cool to use as a media player for that since it wouldn't have to be physically on the hardware@@retrotechdad
I have a ThinkPad T470 at home and an X1 provided to me at the office. I like the Think line very much, so I went ahead and got one of these devices on eBay for $35. I hope the developers working on it find a way to expand storage!
Thanks for the tip! After some research ended up going with the HA rom (For now) mostly cause instructions were linux friendly, but wouldn't have ever thought about this without your video!!!
Also if anyone is curious I followed these steps...One word of advice is the EDL application seems to bomb when using paths, so the quick "fix" is to just copy all of the files in "bin" and "flash" to the directory where EDL binary is (And then use "./edl qfil rawprogram.xml patch0.xml ./ --loader=prog_emmc_firehose_8953_ddr.mbn" to flash)...You'll see some missing files errors, but I think that's expected.
This thing is bigger than I expected. Also it's pretty hefty, I wouldn't worry about it moving around my desk. sorry for comment spamming lol. I should try Emby next to see how it does with a movie viewing experience
$30-$40 for a little Tate mode device you can keep on your desk (and use as a basic music streaming box in the meantime) is an amazing deal. EDIT: I had to go ahead and order one. I've got a soft spot for fire sale tech devices that got repurposed by the community (and have bought my fair share over the years), and I'm sure I can find a use for it.
Hi this this device doesn't have a 'Back' button but if you map a bluetooth controller then you get one, just try one of the face buttons, 'Back' should be mapped to one of them. On an 8BitDo M30 controller it's 'B' coincidentally in the OS and in RetroArch
Excellent tip, this should work with any compatible bluetooth controller! BTW, the navbar APK I included in my zip file adds a navigation bar to the interface so you can move around if you don't have a controller. 🙏
@@retrotechdad correct, but in some views the back button doesn't appear in the upper left, i have to power cycle in order to get to the main screen, that is before i realized a bluetooth controller provides a physical back button! I bought a second one but this one's staying sealed. great video, great advice! thanks man. quality device
Anyone run into an issue where it just hangs forever on the Lenovo boot screen when you try to enter the bootloader to issue fastboot commands? Everything else worked perfectly up to that point.
This thing rocks for a basic desk-side companion device. Using it as a RUclips, Retroarch (vertical arcade) gaming, Live weather info, etc. The only thing I wish I could do is perform occasional soft-reboots (not power cycling with the plug). Anyone know if this is possible with the Simple Ink launcher here?
Nice, I"m really glad you're finding it useful as a companion device! I pretty much feel the same way. 🙏 I don't think I've seen the ability to do a reboot within Simple Ink launcher. 😭
Really hope some genius will come up with something similar as the homeassistant mini and just reuse the "smart" displays of google which are a chromecast in the end
@@retrotechdad nest hub, thats what it was called lol thanks. Absolutely agreed. Nowadays i have to replug this thing once a week due to "network issues" .multiple devices, same issue. Loved the idea, hate the outcome, but still hopeful, google will revive this thing when gemini advanced drops, but i doubt it.
stuck on sahara... Windows 11 using the package linked in the description. I tried a different cable, and rebooting. no joy. I get the same output the video shows until the download. stuck with 2 of these devices... :(
You might need to enable test signing for Windows. You can do that by opening a command prompt as an Administrator. Run the following code: bcdedit /set testsigning on Reboot your computer. It should say it's in Test Mode in the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop.
Question, so you need a USB-C to regular USB cable to connect the "ThinkSmart View" to your PC ? Also, does this cable's USB-C side need to be thunderbolt 4 ? Got lost at the part where you connect the "ThinkSmart View" after removing the rubber cover. Thanks in advance !
I only got 5 icons on mine including Gallery, Settings, Simple Ink launcher, files and S9 navigaion bar. I can't see other things which shown in your video. I want to see my google calendar in this display and use it on my work desk. Is it possible?
You can sideload APK files via USB from your computer. Not all APKs will work since this is a limited Android setup but there's been a lot of development more recently for this. I would definitely recommend checking out the forums I linked to in the description or hopping on Discord!
Can anyone help me? I keep getting a Sahara fail whenever i try to flash the device. I even try to hit download as soon as it connects to the computer but still get the error
Does your computer see the View (shows up in the port selection)? For the programmer, are you using the provided Firehose file? I'd also try a different USB C cable.
@@brandonjstjean You might need to enable test signing for Windows. You can do that by opening a command prompt as an Administrator. Run the following code: bcdedit /set testsigning on Reboot your computer. It should say it's in Test Mode in the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop. Then try to flash again. 🙏🙏
Thanks for posting this. Waiting on my device to arrive today. Can you tell me if this has playstore installed? If not, do you have a guide on how to do this easily?
There's the Legion Y700 that's about 9" and it's one of the best for gaming/emulation. There's the cheaper model with the Snapdragon 870 or the newer version with the SD 8+ Gen 1. What's your budget like?
I'm getting a "Sahara Fail:QSaharaServer Fail" error every time I try to flash in QFIL. No spaces in my file name and I'm hitting download as soon as the port shows up. Anyone have any ideas?
This is the easiest flashing method I have seen, Might get one of these for Home-assistant Do you know if it can also be powered trough USB-C? or is it only the Barrel-plug in the EU its currently priced at 75-80 euro [inc vat] Maybe if its below 50 euro I will get one. but now I would be better off getting a Lenovo Tab m8 [its 25 euro more, and would be a better deal than the view]
No, unfortunately it cannot be powered by USB C. Definitely keep an eye on prices! I know it's not the same as what we're fortunate enough to have in the US. 😭
@@retrotechdad Sometimes you using any clips from Popular Movies and TV Shows in Some of Your Videos are completely out of nowhere, It doesn't kinda fit for a gaming device review genre for me
That's a tough find, especially one that is brand new with a Snapdragon in it. 🙏 The panel on this is also pretty solid, definitely a lot better than the stuff you see in the off-brand tablets.
how to get past this error - 2024-02-12 00:15:43.495 00:15:43: ERROR: function: port_connect:99 Failed to open com port handle 2024-02-12 00:15:43.496 2024-02-12 00:15:43.497 00:15:43: ERROR: function: main:314 Could not connect to \\.\COM5 2024-02-12 00:15:43.497 Download Fail:Sahara Fail:QSaharaServer Fail:Process fail 2024-02-12 00:15:43.498 Finish Download
You might need to enable test signing for Windows. You can do that by opening a command prompt as an Administrator. Run the following code: bcdedit /set testsigning on Reboot your computer. It should say it's in Test Mode in the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop. Then try to flash again. 🙏🙏
I am having the same issue and the "bcdedit /set testsigning on" code is giving me this error. "the value is protected by secure boot policy and cannot be modified or deleted"
@@retrotechdad couldn’t reply early, but I did was able to get that past the issue and unlocked the device. Got the same solution from xda and it worked. We really need a better ROM for better utilization of this device though. Let’s hope we get something better soon!!
What do you think? Does the View have value now?
Interesting to be honest. Especially as a portable Arcade and Media consumption display.
@Pridetoons long time no see! How are you doing man?
@@retrotechdad I've been extra busy lately unfortunately. 😥
No worries man, it happens to all of us. Just glad to see you around! 🙏
Looks cool, but what tool did you use at 10:00
To remove the rubber USB-C cover ?
Yes! This is the sort of content I want to see more of!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm always looking out for interesting things like this and love when the community reaches out to me as well. 🙏
This would be a really good device for playing visual novels on desk while having my other devices free for productivity, this video sold me on this pretty fast lol
The potential use cases for something like this is pretty massive. I love reading about the different ways everyone is using them. For me, it's a vertical shmup machine. 😅
Visual novels like what? On Android?
As a shmup fan this is a real gem for 30 dollars
It's my personal favorite use case. Just so cool to have it sitting at your desk ready for some shmup goodness!
Whoa I love this type of video! Really fascinating.
Yea, this device really intrigued me. Crazy stuff!
It's a budget mini arcade device with a premium quality. Interesting product! 🤔
And more! It's got a lot of interesting use cases, even as simple as a digital photo frame. 🙏
I've been using mine as a digital photo frame like you mentioned. Haven't even gotten around to putting games on it yet, but I will eventually. It was cheap enough that I'm also sitting on an unopened extra one.
This is awesome! I'm tempted to get another just to keep as a dedicated digital photo frame.
What steps did you take after getting to the end of the setup guide in the video to make it a digital photo frame?
@@KleyDeJong What I did probably isn't repeatable for most people. I built a custom slide show app from scratch to use with our photos. I imagine there are some off the shelf slideshow apps that you could point at a folder of images though.
The second ThinkSmart View I ordered from eBay arrived yesterday. I hope 6 months from now you'll make a follow-up video showcasing all the latest hard and soft mods for this device!
👀 development is on going atm
Ordered a new one from eBay for a total of $37.99 with free shipping. Already on the way. Thanks!
Have fun with it! What are you planning to use it for or just for tinkering?
@@retrotechdad Well, I like to have the weather up all the time and tinkering is a blast. Maybe tie it into my NAS and Plex server for some automation. I've got an IFTTT Pro account, so there's additional automations I can set up. I'd also like to see how far I can take it, and I'm hoping to see a fully CFW come soon. Great question :)
@@pdahandyman I like the idea of a weather app all the time. Curious what app you would use?
@@Robosan4000 I'm rather fond of YoWindow, which has lovely animated scenes that change with the real weather. They're also interactive and have sounds. Very customizable.
can it be connected to a network file share? would be cool to use as a media player for that since it wouldn't have to be physically on the hardware@@retrotechdad
I love stuff like this, giving new life to underwhelming products. The vertical orientation in particular is neat
Yes, I live for stuff like this! 🤗
I have a ThinkPad T470 at home and an X1 provided to me at the office. I like the Think line very much, so I went ahead and got one of these devices on eBay for $35. I hope the developers working on it find a way to expand storage!
Great video, very interesting! ✌🏼🤓🎮
I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
Great video! I just bought one! Retro gamer/tinkerer's dream right here!
Thanks for the tip! After some research ended up going with the HA rom (For now) mostly cause instructions were linux friendly, but wouldn't have ever thought about this without your video!!!
Also if anyone is curious I followed these steps...One word of advice is the EDL application seems to bomb when using paths, so the quick "fix" is to just copy all of the files in "bin" and "flash" to the directory where EDL binary is (And then use "./edl qfil rawprogram.xml patch0.xml ./ --loader=prog_emmc_firehose_8953_ddr.mbn" to flash)...You'll see some missing files errors, but I think that's expected.
@@leewiscovitchgood thing the device is pretty much unbrickable
So true, I've done all sorts of crazy experiments with it! 🤣😅
we need a part two , what else have you tried.
bought one. now need a day off to play with it
Sick ! Thanks bro...gonna pick 1 up for 28 bucks new. Great video earned my like n sub.
This thing is bigger than I expected. Also it's pretty hefty, I wouldn't worry about it moving around my desk. sorry for comment spamming lol. I should try Emby next to see how it does with a movie viewing experience
Haha, not at all. I always love reading the comments. I agree, it's quite hefty and not going anywhere! 💪
Cant wait until we get more development going, it’s happening at lightning speed already
I can't believe the progress that's been made since I got my unit about 3 weeks ago!
$30-$40 for a little Tate mode device you can keep on your desk (and use as a basic music streaming box in the meantime) is an amazing deal.
EDIT: I had to go ahead and order one. I've got a soft spot for fire sale tech devices that got repurposed by the community (and have bought my fair share over the years), and I'm sure I can find a use for it.
A value monster 🎉😮
Hi this this device doesn't have a 'Back' button but if you map a bluetooth controller then you get one, just try one of the face buttons, 'Back' should be mapped to one of them. On an 8BitDo M30 controller it's 'B' coincidentally in the OS and in RetroArch
Excellent tip, this should work with any compatible bluetooth controller!
BTW, the navbar APK I included in my zip file adds a navigation bar to the interface so you can move around if you don't have a controller. 🙏
@@retrotechdad correct, but in some views the back button doesn't appear in the upper left, i have to power cycle in order to get to the main screen, that is before i realized a bluetooth controller provides a physical back button! I bought a second one but this one's staying sealed. great video, great advice! thanks man. quality device
I'm loving the vertical arcade games on mine. Screen looks great. With some newer android flashed to this it may open up more possibilities.
It's my favorite use case for it. Android 11 is cooking so we might be getting close!
@@retrotechdad Android 11 would be great, seems like it can handle it. lets wait together LOL!
another great video thanks man
Damn doesn't seem to ship to Canada from either eBay or Amazon..
I am going to use mine as a interface for Moode audio.
Very cool, I'm glad it's useful to you. 🙏
do you a guide on how to install any apps like the emulators?
Anyone run into an issue where it just hangs forever on the Lenovo boot screen when you try to enter the bootloader to issue fastboot commands? Everything else worked perfectly up to that point.
How do I fix the "Sahara Server fail" on QFIL X(
Did you find a fix for this? Im getting the same error
By Lenovo no way 😮😮
Mini Legion Go 😅🤣
@@retrotechdad beats the price of a (surface) go and Joycons lol
This thing rocks for a basic desk-side companion device. Using it as a RUclips, Retroarch (vertical arcade) gaming, Live weather info, etc. The only thing I wish I could do is perform occasional soft-reboots (not power cycling with the plug). Anyone know if this is possible with the Simple Ink launcher here?
Nice, I"m really glad you're finding it useful as a companion device! I pretty much feel the same way. 🙏 I don't think I've seen the ability to do a reboot within Simple Ink launcher. 😭
is there a video on what to do next to install the app store? im so confused on how to install the emulators
@@triggerhappy52786 I used adb to sideload F-Droid appstore. From here, you can download pretty much anything you need.
For me I could use it for audiobooks it be really nice for that tbh
The display and sound is crispy 🤝🏽 awesome use case
Unleashed 🎉
The moment has finally come! 🔥🔥
@@retrotechdad they're not ready.. the eBay sellers that is 🤣
Cool video
Thank you, I appreciate it! 🤗
Duude for $30 that's awesome haha!
It's pretty wild! All credit goes to Ghosty, he found a real gem here.
Really hope some genius will come up with something similar as the homeassistant mini and just reuse the "smart" displays of google which are a chromecast in the end
Especially since my Google Nest Hub has gotten worse over the years thanks to Google constantly changing/updating things. 😭
@@retrotechdad nest hub, thats what it was called lol thanks. Absolutely agreed. Nowadays i have to replug this thing once a week due to "network issues" .multiple devices, same issue. Loved the idea, hate the outcome, but still hopeful, google will revive this thing when gemini advanced drops, but i doubt it.
Damnit RTD, why did you have to go and show us that thing in a vertical orientation.
& Now I'm browsing for one
😅😅It's my favorite use case for this thing!
On the cmd it’s says no device/emulators found. After copy the two files?
You are a legend, thanks for the video Dad! Can't wait to play with my View! ❤❤❤ stuzbzbz
I want one of these. I have no earthly idea why. I feel like the time I saw a Chumby at Bookman's.
It does have nostalgia to it the packing actually has the legendary thinkpad red dot from the laptop nubs 🤠
Huh never heard of this but pretty cool 35 bucks is a great price even to just use as an alternative to an echo show
Yea, it's pretty interesting at the price!
stuck on sahara... Windows 11 using the package linked in the description. I tried a different cable, and rebooting. no joy. I get the same output the video shows until the download. stuck with 2 of these devices... :(
You might need to enable test signing for Windows. You can do that by opening a command prompt as an Administrator.
Run the following code: bcdedit /set testsigning on
Reboot your computer. It should say it's in Test Mode in the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop.
@@retrotechdadworked like a pro
Question, so you need a USB-C to regular USB cable to connect the "ThinkSmart View" to your PC ?
Also, does this cable's USB-C side need to be thunderbolt 4 ?
Got lost at the part where you connect the "ThinkSmart View" after removing the rubber cover.
Thanks in advance !
Nope, just a standard USB C to USB-A cable will work. 🙏
@@retrotechdad Awesome, and thanks for clearing that up !
Will try and give this a shot now.
Doesnt seem like there is any way to get one of these in Canada besides for over double the price?
That's a bummer, none of the sellers will ship to Canada?
@@retrotechdad Taking a look around and there are some sellers on marketplace (Toronto), and eBay, but everything starts around $70+
Can get one shipped to the border and scoop pretty sure that's what OkEST is doing he's cad
I only got 5 icons on mine including Gallery, Settings, Simple Ink launcher, files and S9 navigaion bar. I can't see other things which shown in your video. I want to see my google calendar in this display and use it on my work desk. Is it possible?
You can sideload APK files via USB from your computer. Not all APKs will work since this is a limited Android setup but there's been a lot of development more recently for this. I would definitely recommend checking out the forums I linked to in the description or hopping on Discord!
thank you for this
You're very welcome! 🙏🙏
OMFG I LOVE EINHANDER and never see anyone play test it. I'm sure it sounds AMAZING too lol.
what should I do if download fail for QFIL, on the status it says Download Fail Sahara Fail QSaharaServer Fail Process Fail
just ordered one from ebay, the lowest price I found including taxes is 50 euros. I will use if for Home Assistant
Can anyone help me? I keep getting a Sahara fail whenever i try to flash the device. I even try to hit download as soon as it connects to the computer but still get the error
Does your computer see the View (shows up in the port selection)? For the programmer, are you using the provided Firehose file? I'd also try a different USB C cable.
Yes I tried all of these. Still no success
@@brandonjstjean You might need to enable test signing for Windows. You can do that by opening a command prompt as an Administrator.
Run the following code: bcdedit /set testsigning on
Reboot your computer. It should say it's in Test Mode in the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop.
Then try to flash again. 🙏🙏
I'm having these same issues, and the test mode, nor cable switch, are fixing it. Will keep looking. :(
I can access via adb.. in device manager shows an error not drivers android.. Is that an error?
Repurposing stuff like this is awesome
hi, for thinksmart hub 500 is there something similar?
Can't get through the Bluetooth settings, I connected 6 devices and it won't let me continue HELP !!!
How do you get those games?
Looks pretty nice. Definitely a cop at $30 not $40 tho
The seller just raised the price 😅 Might try to put in an offer and see if it gets accepted.
@@retrotechdad haha he noticed the traffic
@@JohnnyNewport he took a off of $35 for me
you can't even buy a screen for that much a snapdragon of any kind in that thing is bananas
My thoughts exactly! 😅
How do you get all the other apps on it once you reimage it? i have one and dont know what to do next.
How's the battery life on this thing? Have you done stress testing? I'm probably gonna have this thing on my desk running arcade in attract mode
It's an always plugged in device so you wouldn't have to worry about that
Netflix version in description?
Thanks for posting this. Waiting on my device to arrive today.
Can you tell me if this has playstore installed? If not, do you have a guide on how to do this easily?
Anyone know how many controllers you can hook up? Bluetooth? Wired? And any problems with ps4, ps5, xbox 360 controllerd or new ones?
im so confused on fastboot and how i put stuff on it.
What issues are you having?
@retrotechdad a good value 10" tablet for emulation?
What's your budget like?
There's the Legion Y700 that's about 9" and it's one of the best for gaming/emulation. There's the cheaper model with the Snapdragon 870 or the newer version with the SD 8+ Gen 1. What's your budget like?
@@retrotechdad I'll check that
where and how do I put emulators on it though?
Hey Rob, do I buy this or the Odin 2?
Neither, you should get the KTR1 🤥🤥🤥
I connected a Bluetooth headset and it won't let me move forward
me too
Spotify monsta🎉
The speaker is pretty decent!
you forgot to say active S9 navigation bar and turn it on
I'm getting a "Sahara Fail:QSaharaServer Fail" error every time I try to flash in QFIL. No spaces in my file name and I'm hitting download as soon as the port shows up. Anyone have any ideas?
just the screen protector cost 30 bucks.
😅😅🤣🤣
A cheaper way for Tate mode arcade gaming.
My favorite way to use it! 🙏
This is the easiest flashing method I have seen, Might get one of these for Home-assistant
Do you know if it can also be powered trough USB-C? or is it only the Barrel-plug
in the EU its currently priced at 75-80 euro [inc vat]
Maybe if its below 50 euro I will get one.
but now I would be better off getting a Lenovo Tab m8 [its 25 euro more, and would be a better deal than the view]
No, unfortunately it cannot be powered by USB C.
Definitely keep an eye on prices! I know it's not the same as what we're fortunate enough to have in the US. 😭
Put lineage on it. Its soo much better
This would be perfect if it also had HDMI out and supported the Plex app.
Plex does work! 🙏🔥
Please help me with this problem: Download Fail:Sahara Fail:QSaharaServer Fail:Process fail
your usb cable
Is the download link Broken? :/
Since I watch all of you videos, Can you tell me reason why you had to include The SpongeBob Time Cards in The Intro, Was it some sort of Filter?
No, just having fun - it was related to what I said about "a few years later" right before it. Spongebob came to mind
@@retrotechdad Sometimes you using any clips from Popular Movies and TV Shows in Some of Your Videos are completely out of nowhere, It doesn't kinda fit for a gaming device review genre for me
Hmmm... could I make my wife a countertop audiobook player?
Absolutely. My wife already has one on her desk with homeassistant, RUclips, and Spotify
costs 200+ in EU ....
But there are Android tablets for the same specs/price?
That's a tough find, especially one that is brand new with a Snapdragon in it. 🙏 The panel on this is also pretty solid, definitely a lot better than the stuff you see in the off-brand tablets.
I love to play games on "tate" mode, but there's no battery and storage is very limited, but its very cheap
I'm baffled at the naming... 'Thinksmart' for 350 when you can do almost nothing on it by design...?
The whole thing is kind of baffling. 🤣
???
To bad I don't need another device, enough for this kind of device release every week.
For sure, just having some fun and showing what can be done with cheap hardware.🙏🙏
@retrotechdad i am getting - download fail sahara fail qsaharaserver fail process fail. Any suggestions?
how to get past this error -
2024-02-12 00:15:43.495 00:15:43: ERROR: function: port_connect:99 Failed to open com port handle
2024-02-12 00:15:43.496
2024-02-12 00:15:43.497 00:15:43: ERROR: function: main:314 Could not connect to \\.\COM5
2024-02-12 00:15:43.497 Download Fail:Sahara Fail:QSaharaServer Fail:Process fail
2024-02-12 00:15:43.498 Finish Download
You might need to enable test signing for Windows. You can do that by opening a command prompt as an Administrator.
Run the following code: bcdedit /set testsigning on
Reboot your computer. It should say it's in Test Mode in the bottom right corner of your Windows desktop.
Then try to flash again. 🙏🙏
I am having the same issue and the "bcdedit /set testsigning on" code is giving me this error. "the value is protected by secure boot policy and cannot be modified or deleted"
@@thyphanhmaha same
@@retrotechdad couldn’t reply early, but I did was able to get that past the issue and unlocked the device. Got the same solution from xda and it worked. We really need a better ROM for better utilization of this device though. Let’s hope we get something better soon!!
@@thyphanhmaha open CMD as admin!
Dude could i contact you , seems Im doing something wrong