Got an OUYA......what now ? Must have apps, etc ?

[knave]

Well, the reason I never bought an ouya was they kept selling the thing for $60 plus extras and I missed the sale.  Knowing Amazon, this Fire TV will experience all kinds of crazy sales.

If it works with USB encoders and other game pads, I'm sold.

The best OUYA sale was a few days ago. $69 with $25 game credit...pretty cheap for what you get. I use mine everyday to watch shows I otherwise wouldn't have access to. Some of the games are creative and fun. but its no PS4 or Xbone.

I will pick up a fire TV for sure if it goes on sale...if only to play around with it.
It was reported that it will support other gamepads...Who knows...if it is similar to a kindle you can load your own apps...so might be able to still get xbmc and hbogo on it...I will keep an eye on it for sure.

[twistedsymphony]

I was a kick starter backer for Ouya (even bought the limited edition with 4 official controllers) ... I tried REALLY REALLY hard to like it but ultimately it's ended up kind of useless.

I don't know if it's because I have a really early console or really early controllers, or I'm just really unlucky or what but I have a MASSIVE amount of controller lag that makes almost everything on the console unplayable.

It's bad enough that sitting less than 10ft from the console if I put my legs up on the foot rest in front of my chair such that my knees are blocking the line of sight to the controller it looses communication and the console acts as if I'm still holding down whatever buttons or analog directions that I was holding when communication was lost.

Even when they do connect it's very laggy, the last game I tried was Soul Fjord, I didn't realize how bad the lag was until I played that and during calibration was seeing 200ms+ offsets. even after repeated calibration attempts.

It does this with all 4 controllers I bought, even Sony brand PS3 controllers, I'm on the latest firmware, I've tried the whole tipping the console on it's side and pointing it in different directions. etc.

-----------

For a long while I put XBMC on there and was using it for media, and it worked decently for that, but it was annoying not being able to use an IR remote to control XMBC and it seemed like it never shut down properly either.... Then a little while ago ago it updated and Audio no longer worked. I checked online and found that due to some licensing issue they removed AC3 and DTS support from the official build... I side-loaded an older build but it got me looking at other options.

I had a Raspberry Pi and heard lots of good things about XBMC on that. so I loaded it up and not only does it work well, but it also supports IR via HDMI-CEC so now I can control XBMC from my TV remote. RPi is a little slower in the menus but over all it seems to function more reliably and has more features/support than the XBMC build.

-----------

I'd love to use my OUYA for emulation or android games etc. but the input lag just makes it unusable and having spent over $200 between the limited edition console and 3 extra controllers I don't really feel like it's worth throwing any more money at this thing.


I know others don't seem to have any controller lag issues... I'm open to suggestions as to what I might be able to do with my Ouya to either fix it or re-purpose it given my situation. I'm not trying to hijack the thread, it was a "what can you do with an Ouya" thread so I figured I'd ask, essentially: "what I can I do with my Ouya?"

[knave]

[quote author=twistedsymphony link=topic=137940.msg1432686#msg1432686 date=1397073537
I'd love to use my OUYA for emulation or android games etc. but the input lag just makes it unusable and having spent over $200 between the limited edition console and 3 extra controllers I don't really feel like it's worth throwing any more money at this thing.

I know others don't seem to have any controller lag issues... I'm open to suggestions as to what I might be able to do with my Ouya to either fix it or re-purpose it given my situation. I'm not trying to hijack the thread, it was a "what can you do with an Ouya" thread so I figured I'd ask, essentially: "what I can I do with my Ouya?"
[/quote]

Controller lag totally sucks...I was one of the lucky ones and never saw any lag until my batteries were low. I'm assuming since you are asking that you are willing to try a few things...
Best option: Send in your controllers to get the 0x0104 "controller firmware" I know it's a pain, but I sent in two to get updated and it only cost $6 postage and the turn around was less than a week.
You said you had the latest firmware...but the controllers have firmware too. I can only speak from my own experience and what I've read but I am really pleased with the performance of my controllers after they've been flashed.

You've touched on XBMC...and their are at least two other versions available that are optimized for the OUYA that still have the audio codecs. I am very happy with SPMC and the generic "wizard" batch of plug ins. I don't have an answer for you about the remote...A remote that used a USB receiver might work... On my 2nd OUYA I use a mini keyboard to control XBMC...That works pretty well too...plus it is nice to type if I need to...I rarely use the controller on that one.
The games: Great thing about the OUYA is that a lot of little guys are making games for it. Heck! I might make a game for it someday...I've been gathering the software. Some of these new titles really breath some fresh air into gameplay even though they are graphically simple. There are new games constantly. And updates to old games.

I've been called a fanboy...but really I just have been open about my enjoyment.  I agree with all the criticisms...If the controllers don't work I might have thrown it in a box and forgotten about it too.

If you want it to look like a Rpi then pop it out of its case (eliminating any interference from the aluminum)...and even mod the antenna if you want. 

Anyway I hope that helps...feel free to PM me if you are looking for more resources...

knave

[northerngames]

from what I understand is all the original luanch controllers have a issue and was corrected more recent.

they even had a exchange for them at one point I thought.

[twistedsymphony]

Interesting I wasn't aware of any exchange program... I had emailed support WAY back  about the lag issue and they sent me some form letter response about making sure my TV was in game mode    of course it was... after that I made a video showing the TV's configuration and the lag experienced (using a pinball game since it was very clear how much lag there was from when I pushed the button until when the flipper responded on screen)... they never even responded to that email.

After that I gave up on gaming on the device aside from a few random "checks" after console firmware updates to see if anything had improved. (it never did)

Partly was aggravated because I was one of the first 1000 kickstarter backers and very vocal about encouraging people to check out the platform and I didn't receive my console until SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER it had launched in retails stores.

-------------

Can anyone point me to more info on sending in the controllers for upgraded firmware... or even how I might upgrade the firmware myself?

[knave]

As far as I know we can't upgrade the controller firmware ourselves. Ouya support won't exchange the controllers but they will update them. To do so you open a ticket on the ouya.tv website under support. You will get an email asking you to check the firmware version... And then they will send you the address and a RMA number. For me it was pretty quick.

That sucks that you didn't get your ouya until after the retail release. While I was lucky...I hear many were not. Did you get your $13 game credit? They issued an apology and a credit for all the shipping delays.

[twistedsymphony]

As far as I know we can't upgrade the controller firmware ourselves. Ouya support won't exchange the controllers but they will update them. To do so you open a ticket on the ouya.tv website under support. You will get an email asking you to check the firmware version... And then they will send you the address and a RMA number. For me it was pretty quick.

That sucks that you didn't get your ouya until after the retail release. While I was lucky...I hear many were not. Did you get your $13 game credit? They issued an apology and a credit for all the shipping delays.

yes, I did get my $13.37 apology credit, though I never spent it on anything because I couldn't play anything due to the controller issue.

[knave]

Well, I encourage you to get the controllers sent in...They just released an update which fixes some of the XBMC issues...plus they've been having a bunch of game sales steam-like...and I've gotten a few good deals. You could try out a few and use that credit. Remember you can always use a PS3 controller. (or PC, or xbox 360 )

Here's what one guy did with an OUYA...put it in his truck! I think its cool.

[Anpanman]

Koying released an updated version of SPMC (v12.4.2).  That has been the best version for my OUYA and Fire TV so far. 

http://filez.semperpax.com/5r4ln85l

[Alistair Keith]

I got the Ouya, installed some emulators. Never really played it. The controller died on me recently and couldn't find a way to make it recognise an Xbox 360 controller.

Pretty much only used it to watch Netflix and Youtube (I installed the Google TV versions of those apps).

Kinda wishing I had just bought the Chromecast thing. The Ouya keeps giving me static shocks.

[yotsuya]

Kinda wishing I had just bought the Chromecast thing. The Ouya keeps giving me static shocks.

 

[knave]

I got the Ouya, installed some emulators. Never really played it. The controller died on me recently and couldn't find a way to make it recognise an Xbox 360 controller.

Pretty much only used it to watch Netflix and Youtube (I installed the Google TV versions of those apps).

Kinda wishing I had just bought the Chromecast thing. The Ouya keeps giving me static shocks.

Just send in your controller, or use a wireless keyboard, or PS3 controller. For Xbox 360 controllers you either have to use a "wired" one or have the wireless receiver.

...any of these will work to play your media...but you would be better off with something else if you don't use it for XBMC as well.

[SNAAKE]

If it works with USB encoders and other game pads, I'm sold.

can someone verify if usb encoders work with ouya ??

[twistedsymphony]

I just read the recent announcement officially stating that HDMI-CEC will not ever be available for "older" Ouya units which really bugs me becaue eventual support for that was something they promised pre-launch 

I switched back to Oyua for my XBMC needs since my Pi setup just all of a sudden refuses to boot. but I really hate having to use a game controller to navigate instead of my harmony remote.

Does anyone know of an IR adapter that will work with Ouya XBMC? Preferably something that doesn't look like crap.

[s_busby_uk]

Is an Ouya worth getting purely for emulation? I've been thinking of leaving just MAME on my cabinet and just having a small android device next to my TV to emulate old console stuff...

[knave]

Is an Ouya worth getting purely for emulation? I've been thinking of leaving just MAME on my cabinet and just having a small android device next to my TV to emulate old console stuff...

That depends on what's "worth it" for you. I put MAME, NES, Genesis, SNES, NeoGeo, and Playstation 1 on mine. Apparently the Dreamcast Emulator is working pretty well too...but I haven't tried it myself yet.

...For me that is all "totally" worth $99.

I still play more OUYA games on it. Loving the new retro games;  Galaxoid, Retro Racing , Twin Tiger Shark, and Gaurodan.

But the emulation is fun too...cough SF Alpha 3,...cough...addicted...cough cough.

I can't confirm the encoders...but the OUYA recognizes most usb gamepads and keyboards...so I don't see why it wouldn't work. Or you could just use a Xbox controller ?
The only encoder I have is a minipac from many years ago. or I would try it out. Someone has already built a cab out of an OUYA. I think he used an X-arcade, just in his own CP.

The choice is yours my friend.

[s_busby_uk]

That depends on what's "worth it" for you. I put MAME, NES, Genesis, SNES, NeoGeo, and Playstation 1 on mine. Apparently the Dreamcast Emulator is working pretty well too...but I haven't tried it myself yet.

...For me that is all "totally" worth $99.

Yeah that's pretty much the bulk of what I'm after - 16 bit stuff and the odd Playstation or N64 game thrown in for kicks.

But I guess what I also want is a nice GUI (can you still do al that emulation stuff through the OUYA frontend?); and do I even need an OUYA for that stuff or is there something cheaper and as capable? (And ideally not a JXD product from China?)

[nitrogen_widget]

I have an OUYA, SNES & Genesis emulations seems good to me.
Havn't seen an issue yet.

N64 works well also.
Even with the hi-def textures you can download.
Smash brothers & mario 3d look really nice for instance.

There is a great emulator frontend called nostalgia for OUYA.
well worth the $1 i paid for it.

[knave]

But I guess what I also want is a nice GUI (can you still do al that emulation stuff through the OUYA frontend?); and do I even need an OUYA for that stuff or is there something cheaper and as capable? (And ideally not a JXD product from China?)

I have not heard of anything cheaper that will emulate Playstation and N64. For the rest you can try something Linux based with a custom Frontend. Can the R-Pi do nes/genesis?
 

I don't use nostalgia, but it gets pretty good reviews. The stock OUYA UI isn't bad as a frontend...in fact it gets better each update.

The OUYA is not perfect but it sounds like you would get your moneys worth...

[ark_ader]

MK808B will perform similar to the OUYA on PSX and N64 emulators.  And it is cheaper too.

You might want to check if DroidMote will side load into the OUYA.  If you have a tablet with DroidMote, you can link the external gamepads with the DroidMote target device (the OUYA or MK808) from the the DroidMote host.  It is a work around but a cheaper option if you just HAVE TO play games on the OUYA.

[brdtt12]

If it works with USB encoders and other game pads, I'm sold.

can someone verify if usb encoders work with ouya ??

My brother and I have successfully gotten OUYAs to work with xin-mo and arduino mega 2560 boards. It took quite a bit of tinkering with KeyLayout files in order to get everything working correctly but we now have a fully functional arcade machine ran by the OUYA. Here are a couple links with a little more info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2734586
http://ouyaforum.com/showthread.php?1667-Ouya-Arcade-Cabinet/page7

[pbj]

Fire TV was like $80 over the weekend.  Move along.   

[twistedsymphony]

MK808B will perform similar to the OUYA on PSX and N64 emulators.  And it is cheaper too.

I played around with the MK808B at my work and was pretty impressed... it actually ends up being cheaper than a Raspberry Pi once you figure in the cost of a small SD card, and cheapo case.

I've been debating buying one to use in lieu of the Ouya but I needs something with either an IR receiver or something that supports HDMI-CEC... So far no one can give me a straight answer if the MK808B does.

[Alistair Keith]

Is an Ouya worth getting purely for emulation? I've been thinking of leaving just MAME on my cabinet and just having a small android device next to my TV to emulate old console stuff...

The Ouya is great, although it is limited due to Android. It is already rooted so you can customise the software it comes with. See XDA to see what customisations you can make. You can also hook up an external drive. The bonus for me using the Ouya is the portability. Although is is a annoying that I need to add a new WiFi every time I move around (and to do that I need to forget the current one).

You won't be able to customise it as much as a PC running MAME.

[ark_ader]

MK808B will perform similar to the OUYA on PSX and N64 emulators.  And it is cheaper too.

I played around with the MK808B at my work and was pretty impressed... it actually ends up being cheaper than a Raspberry Pi once you figure in the cost of a small SD card, and cheapo case.

I've been debating buying one to use in lieu of the Ouya but I needs something with either an IR receiver or something that supports HDMI-CEC... So far no one can give me a straight answer if the MK808B does.

This looks like your huckleberry.

[mike boss]

Too many projects and not enough time!
Going back to the earlier part of this thread I was going to test 3 USB Wireless PS3 controlers. I picked up a Powered USB hub and I was good to go.
HOWEVER............. I'm yet to do the testing and yet to bring the OUYA down to the man cave (basement).

I will still I still like the OUYA for emulation and streaming. But for gaming I will say the stock game pad really does suck. I cant even toss a fire ball in Street Fighter II on the SNES.

Trying to prioritize things and get one thing done before moving onto another.
This is still on the list, just not that important. Mind you it is a waste of money if I dont get these tested and in use.

[twistedsymphony]

This looks like your huckleberry.

Thanks for the link but that doesn't help me. I need something that will let me use my Logitech Harmony remote. that means I need an IR receiver, or HDMI-CEC which will let me use the IR Receiver in my TV.... RF and Blue-Tooth devices wont work.

[s_busby_uk]

For what its worth, I sent my OUYA back. Felt a bit clunky and slow, and if you're not that adept at sideloading custom ROMS and the like then you're left with their main GUI, which is ultimately a shop of sorts. It wasn't awful by any means, but as I only wanted to use mine for emulation, it didn't provide the smooth experience I was after.

Frustratingly, I can't find any way of deleting my OUYA account, which is preposterous.

[clok]

Fire TV was like $80 over the weekend.  Move along.   

no XBMC on this if i am correct? then its not worth it. Just an Opinion. XBMC, when set up correctly can eliminate pretty much any service from being needed, if the gray area's don't bother you.  I Loved my Roku it was pretty much FIRE TV (with little int eh way fo games) and it rocked.. it just worked. but if you set up XMBC you can never go back to standard services again.  Every  (major) sports program live, as a UFC nut this is awesome. Seeing my non Local favorite NFL team play every week is a huge deal too to me.

[mike boss]

I've barley used my OUYA to be honest.
But I do think it is in part due to its location in the house, the quest room/office.
Today I picked up a couple of 16GB Jump Drives so I can move my remaining ROM sets over.
I HOPE this will inspire me to start messing around a lil more with the OUYA.
I have a powered USB hub and still need to test 3 PS3 USB Wireless controllers so that I can do 4 player gaming.
Despite the little (to no use really) I still will not rag on the OUYA. For the $70 I paid I think it does what it does
pretty well. In fact typing this up has inspired me to fire it up and see if any new cool Apps are available.

[knave]

I use my OUYAs more often than I use any of my other devices. Much like my other game systems I tend to watch more media than play games. It's fun to have all of XBMC and Youtube on the big TVs. Plus its real easy to switch to a quick game of retro-something...and then back to watching. Wife uses the Wii for Netflix, 10-year-old the Xbox...PS3 gathers dust.

The real sweet spot is when I'm holding my infant daughter...Youtube on the big TV is nice because I don't want to get into a longer show when going to have to get up at any moment. Any device could do this but the OUYA performs well. I never have minded controlling media with a wireless controller. I guess I'm used to it from Classic Xbox and XBMC to Xbox 360's Netflix exclusive period...

[Alistair Keith]

I just sideloaded XBMC as per this guide : http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=HOW-TO:Install_XBMC_on_OUYA

Now I need to get the best add-on's !

Does that allow me to stream movies off my Mac/PC to the Ouya? I remember having something called ps3mediaserver back in the day for my PS3 but I can't seem to find one like that for my Mac to Ouya.

[knave]

I just sideloaded XBMC as per this guide : http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=HOW-TO:Install_XBMC_on_OUYA

Now I need to get the best add-on's !

Does that allow me to stream movies off my Mac/PC to the Ouya? I remember having something called ps3mediaserver back in the day for my PS3 but I can't seem to find one like that for my Mac to Ouya.

Sure can. Share a folder with your media on it and point XBMC to it...and press play.

[mike boss]

Not really using the OUYA much, but kinda in the mood to fire it up.
Anything new and exciting that I should add to the OUYA ?

[knave]

I've been enjoying Shadow Blade, and there is always Twin Tiger Shark, it is one of my Favorite,s try it if you like shooters. XBMC.

I picked up Pinball Arcade: Season One Pro Pack when it was on sale...

Fire it up and check out Featured and new releases.  Its up to 963 games in the store.

"So Many Me" looks interesting but I haven't tried it yet.

[SNAAKE]

how do I go about using an usb encoder to joysticks/buttons and a usb hard drive for storage too??

is the micro usb port compatible with "OTG" cables and acts as an extra usb port?

maybe USB hubs??

[pbj]

https://www.ouya.tv/game/Genius-Greedy-Mouse/

[Generic Eric]

how do I go about using an usb encoder to joysticks/buttons and a usb hard drive for storage too??

is the micro usb port compatible with "OTG" cables and acts as an extra usb port?

maybe USB hubs??

You need a hub. 
The micro usb port is intended as a power source. 

[knave]

how do I go about using an usb encoder to joysticks/buttons and a usb hard drive for storage too??

is the micro usb port compatible with "OTG" cables and acts as an extra usb port?

maybe USB hubs??

For low draw devices you can use a non-powered hub if you like. I use one with a flash drive, Wireless keyboard, and extra controller with no problems. If your devices draw a lot of power you'll want to use a powered hub. For an encoder and a hard drive big enough to hold all your ROMs I'd recommend powered. They are not much more expensive.

And Eric, I'm pretty sure the micro-USB is to hook up to your PC for ADB and other developer/software tasks.
There may be ways to use the micro usb with breakout cables...but a hub is easier and more of a sure thing.

[Generic Eric]

how do I go about using an usb encoder to joysticks/buttons and a usb hard drive for storage too??

is the micro usb port compatible with "OTG" cables and acts as an extra usb port?

maybe USB hubs??

For low draw devices you can use a non-powered hub if you like. I use one with a flash drive, Wireless keyboard, and extra controller with no problems. If your devices draw a lot of power you'll want to use a powered hub. For an encoder and a hard drive big enough to hold all your ROMs I'd recommend powered. They are not much more expensive.

And Eric, I'm pretty sure the micro-USB is to hook up to your PC for ADB and other developer/software tasks.
There may be ways to use the micro usb with breakout cables...but a hub is easier and more of a sure thing.

My words, ate:

Here’s a list of the Dev Console package contents if you can’t watch the video right now:

Jet-black OUYA Devs package — “Thanks for believing”
Official Developer Welcome Letter (Frameable!)
One frosted translucent OUYA Dev Console
Surprise! We included a Micro-USB port, for your computer-hooking-up pleasure.
Two frosted translucent OUYA Dev Controllers
Batteries included!
HDMI cable
Micro-USB cable
Power adapter
There you have it. The OUYA Dev Console

Maybe I was thinking of the raspberry pi? ^maybe