Unimpressed by the Q’s limited functionality or want to do more? Want to run your favorite Android app on the big screen? This is a guide that will help you do whatever you like with the Q. You don’t need to be a hardcore techie but some relatively basic knowledge is assumed. If you can open a terminal window (like cmd.exe on Windows) and navigate around (“cd”, “dir” or “ls”, etc) you should be fine.
Here are some examples of the what you can do:
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6rb4iQDBom0)
The goal here is twofold: To put tips and knowledge I have gained as I have hacked the Q, and to make it so easy that anyone with a basic knowledge of the command prompt can follow it. If you’re a hardcore Android hacker then you can skip chunks of this guide, but I hope you will still find many things useful.
Disclaimer: Rooting a device, sideloading apps, etc, is risky. You will probably void your warranty and you may “brick” your device (render it useless). The chance is slim but it is real.If you choose to follow these instructions and something bad happens, it’s nobody's fault but your own.
OK with that out of the way, let’s dive in!
(This wiki is constantly being updated so if a bullet point below is inactive please check back later. Please post contributions from your own Nexus Q hacking.)
Here are the things you’ll want to do first:
- Prerequisites
- Root your device using Windows or Linux, and optionally install Google Apps and other useful programs
- Install a Launcher or Cyanogenmod9 (a la this early video)
- Make the Launcher launch itself at bootup time rather than the default music visualizer
- How to sideload and launch apps by adb (This is optional. Instructions to get Google Play show you more apps are below, and that is an easier method for most app installs.)
- Get adb running over wifi
- Control the Q via mouse, keyboard, computer, or remote app:
- Connect a mouse and keyboard via USB
- Connect a mouse and keyboard wirelessly (i.e. without taking up the USB port.)
- Control the Q with your computer
- Control the Q with your phone using one of the working Remote control apps
- How to make Google Play show you more apps
- Install a File Manager
Here are some useful (and not-so-useful) apps:
Some more random information:
- If you’ve got the Nexus Q stuck in some weird state: Troubleshooting
- The official Nexus Q guidebook (external link)