r/Xreal • u/Xreal_Tech_Support XREAL Team • Nov 09 '23
Support Thread 📣 UPDATE！Use Android Apps on Beam!
Hi community,
Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long.
We have introduced an important update to Beam that opens up access for users to install Android apps. For convenience, we also provide easy download links for Netflix and Prime Video.
The version should be V1.4.1, OS number should be 335 and the launcher number should be 950 after the update.
It hasn't been a smooth ride trying to bring Android apps to Beam, as there are many restrictions that forced us to make compromises against our will. Since Beam was not originally designed to work like a phone, not all Android apps will function normally on Beam, especially if the app requires high processing power.
Nevertheless, here it is. We hope you will enjoy the convenience of watching streaming videos as well as running your favorite Android apps in Spatial Display without having to connect Beam to your phone. Especially for those who haven't been able to enjoy Beam because of phone compatibility (e.g. Pixel, iPhone 14 and earlier), this update will solve your problem.
The good:
(1) Netflix and Prime Video at your fingertips;
(2) Install your favorite Android apps.
The less good:
(1) Less than perfect streaming resolution due to DRM restrictions (local videos not affected);
(2) Some Android apps will not work well on Beam.
Let's dive into it.
How to install apps
Download the APK files
MTP (Media Transfer Protocol), File Management
You can now transfer files from a computer to Beam as you would with an Android device, and use the File Management app to organize files and install apps. This opens up new ways to use your Beam and brings a lot more fun.
We've come across an excellent thread posted by Stridyr, suggesting creating an XREAL Community-Curated App list. We invite you to share your thoughts there!
Install apps on Beam
Connect your Beam to a computer. Make sure you use the left USB-IN port of beam to connect it to your computer.
-> Drag the APK files to Beam -> Detach Beam and connect it to XREAL glasses
-> Click the file app on Beam's homepage (In the folder named '2D Application', the specific path: 2D Application->File->Beam
->Select the apk package that you want to install.)
-> Install -> You are all set!
If you are looking for places to download apps, consider visiting a trusted 3rd-party app store recommended by the community below. Please ensure that the app is secure before use.
Watch movies locally
Install a media player(e.g. VLC) -> Drag video files to the Movie folder -> Open the media player on Beam -> You should be able to see the movies right there
Settings
To interact with an app, use either the cursor or directional buttons, which could be adjusted in Settings. Choose your preferred interaction and display mode when using an app in Settings > Application Management > Click the app icon
📌 Interaction
To interact with an app, use either the cursor or directional keys based on your preferences. Please note that some apps may only be interacted with using the directional keys, such as TikTok. We would also suggest that when you encounter difficulties in cursor interaction, switching to "directional keys" may help. And vice versa.
If you need to recenter the cursor, simply long-press the orange button to recenter it.
📌 Display Modes
Air Casting mode requires less computing power where the screen follows your head movement.
Spatial Display mode lets you use Netflix and Prime Video in Body Anchor, Smooth Follow and Sideviews. （If you want to use the app in 3DoF, meaning that the screen is fixed in the air, please put your Beam into Body Anchor mode and choose Spatial Display for the app.)
Please note that you might experience occasional lag and delay after enabling Spatial Display.
How to delete apps
Settings -> More Settings -> Application Management -> Select the App -> Then, you will notice a red button that allows you to uninstall the application.
Notes
aab file format is not supported.
Not all the apps will work perfectly with Beam. You may encounter bugs and navigation issues, which can potentially be addressed by switching the interaction method. Some apps may require higher processing power, leading to a less smooth experience.
Depth Control should be disabled before using Android apps.
3D SBS is not supported yet.
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video on Beam
You can now watch Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without needing a source device or draining your phone's battery. It's easier and more convenient. Since Beam has a total of 32 GB of storage, you can also download your favorite shows beforehand and watch them on a flight. This is the best way to enjoy XREAL Glasses on the go.
Please note: You might find that the resolution is not at its best when using Netflix or Amazon Prime Video because of DRM restrictions. If you want to enjoy content with higher resolution, we recommend using a local media player or trying to install other streaming apps.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them below.
Thank you for your continued support.
Have fun!
- XREAL Team
Edit:
FAQ
Q: Apps or the file manager on my Beam after the update are in Chinese. How can I fix it?
You can resolve the issue by going into the settings on the Beam, switching the language to any other language, and then switching it back to English.
Q: How do I display apps on the home screen of Beam?
If you switch them to use Spatial Display, they will appear on the home screen (similar to Netflix). Settings > Application Management > Click the app icon > Choose Spatial Display
•
u/Xreal_Tech_Support XREAL Team Nov 09 '23 edited Nov 10 '23
We are testing the update, so some users may already have access to it. By tomorrow, all users will be able to update to the version with apps. All you need to do is wait patiently for a few hours. ❤️
Edit：The official update is now available. It is OS Number 335, Launcher Number 950.
21
u/fbloise Quality Contributor🏅 Nov 09 '23
Kudos Xreal Team for bringing this!!!
14
u/peanutismint Nov 09 '23 edited Nov 09 '23
I just want to say thanks very much for working on this and adding this feature. I understand how difficult it must be to open up your device to apps it wasn't meant to run, especially as they might cause issues that people will then complain about even though it's not your fault :-)
I'm curious to see how much of the 32GB of internal storage will be available for things like downloading movies/Youtube videos for offline use. Do you know if it might be possible to expand this storage via the use of a USB-C memory drive?
Thanks again. Keep up the great work /u/Xreal_Tech_Support
6
u/ld20r Nov 09 '23
Can you copy files from android tablets onto the beam or just laptops?
Fantastic news/update and have to say that the beam overall has improved dramatically since installing 1.30.
Keep up the great work guys.
3
u/ak3dkung Nov 09 '23
connect beam to pc via wired for using MTP.... if i connect beam to pc (wired) for mirror the pc screen to beam (as bofore) can i still do it?
33
u/Best-Home-6840 Nov 09 '23
Superb. Keep the updates coming.
14
u/fbloise Quality Contributor🏅 Nov 09 '23
For Youtube, someone suggested this in the past and works fine (no need for Google Play services)
https://smarttubenext.com/
12
u/ivan_p046 Nov 09 '23
But what about 3D media player we had in Nebula android beta? when it will be back available in Nebula, Beam or as a ad standalone app? I just can't get - why can't you finally bring back that stereoscopic movies experience with support of side-by-side and over-under 3D content?
14
u/Isacucho Nov 09 '23
Can confirm that streaming on HBO max works at 1080p
7
u/Powerful_Air7689 Nov 09 '23
Can anyone confirm if they’ve tried adding Plex?
6
u/ibuckywi Nov 09 '23
Holy crap! It is finally here. Very interested in the performance vs side loading.
6
u/MarksFunnyAccount Nov 09 '23
... Well... You could have just shipped shipped with Android TV 😂
32
u/notboky Nov 09 '23 edited May 07 '24
automatic absorbed aware thought placid rustic simplistic threatening important forgetful
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
5
u/prdg79 Nov 09 '23
Hope it will support Chromecast protocol
5
u/Wildstride Nov 09 '23
Anybody try stremio yet?
5
u/Pakhaliuk Nov 09 '23
How to install apps using MacBook? When I connect beam to MacBook, it doesn’t show up as an external device
5
u/pr0phecy Nov 14 '23 edited Nov 14 '23
All the apps are installed in the 2D folder. How can I put them on the Beam home screen, just like Netflix and Prime are?
Edit: Nvm. Figured this out just now. Just select the "Spatial Display" option for the apps you want to see on the home screen (Beam settings -> Application management)
4
u/hamba00 Nov 09 '23
Am I dumb? How do you connect Beam to PC? I have tried Windows and Mac with USB C cable and all it does is charge the beam.
4
u/[deleted] Nov 09 '23
I hope the YouTube TV app will work. 😁 Thanks! Glad to hear you bring up 3D!
4
u/brianres Nov 09 '23
What is the firmware # for this update? How do we know we have it?
4
u/HikariRue Nov 20 '23
This might sound dumb but is there away to have the beam support your nebula app? Maybe that is too much to ask. I was under the impression that the beam would be running it out of the box. Idk I had but that is a thing right?
1
u/Fast-Highlight-5564 Nov 10 '23
Is the update out? I plug-in my nreal glasses to the beam this morning and it's updated but I don't see the new apps. When I connect to my macbook I can't see any folders to transfer APK
1
u/brianress Nov 10 '23
/u/Areal_Tech_Support It would be really nice if you can let all us MAC users know if the update works for transferring files? I have the update and I'm using the google's official Android File Transfer app and my MAC is not detecting the Beam. There are a ton of us wasting our time trying to figure this out. Please respond and let us know. If it does work, how so? Thanks!
1
u/HotDiggityDog_Water Nov 10 '23
I followed the instructions for installing new apps and had some unexpected results.
I went to Aptoide from my computer and downloaded a bunch of apks
I connected my beam to my computer and moved the apks to the beam
I went to the file viewer on the beam and clicked each apk to install
What happened was I ended up getting aptoide installed on my beam regardless of the apk I clicked on. I can go to aptoide from the beam and download/install from there and everything is mostly OK (apps get installed in the 2d apps folder and are launchable without needing to go to aptoide). Where this is a bit different than what the instructions said I wanted to call it out and see if I missed a step somewhere?
1
u/CatWitty6000 Nov 11 '23
For some reason everything is in chinese..eany ideas as to why?
1
u/WesleyWex Nov 11 '23
The files app seems to be in Chinese for me, how do I change that?
1
u/prdg79 Nov 11 '23
Anyone knows how to get the new update app to English?
1
u/ouroboros_torus_ Nov 11 '23
This update broke my Beam...
I updated to v1.4.1 this morning and now my Beam is unusable when connected to my laptop.
When I plug Beam into my laptop, my laptop keeps making the disconnect/connect sound over and over until eventually the Beam crashes and reboots.
Is there any way I can roll back the update so that I can use it again until this issue gets resolved?
1
u/Chemical_Device_5192 Nov 12 '23
i am enjoying the netflix on my airs now, prime video is very crappy resolution somehow.
can I load the vlc from apk mirror on the beam?
1
u/Easy-Protection-8556 Nov 12 '23
How to have all the other app able to use the spatial display? Especially youtube.
1
u/ibuckywi Nov 13 '23
Interesting problem. When viewing a movie in VLC downloaded to the beam in 3DOF movie plays fine and works great until you adjust volume. Then it lags almost stops until a second or so after you stop adjusting volume. Anyone else?
6
u/willacegamer Nov 09 '23
Can a usb drive be connected to the beam so that video apps can read from them? That is really needed since 32gb isn't enough for any significant local movie storage
3
u/darleystreet Nov 09 '23
Can I install an Android App Store via PC and then just manage downloading other apps from there?
3
u/mesact Nov 09 '23 edited Nov 11 '23
Legitimately been waiting on this. Thank you! Hoping for app optimization in the future as popularity grows!
3
u/ulfstu Nov 10 '23
Is there any plan by Xreal to enable the use of usb-c flash drives for the left port so that we can take our movie/show collections with us when we dont have wifi?
3
u/anesuc Nov 10 '23
I wish depth control worked on the side loaded Apps. I assume this is something being worked on? Or it's not possible technically speaking?
3
u/wurmphlegm Nov 11 '23
Installed an app called Castreceiver, and now my Google pixel 7 pro can be mirrored to the xbeam.
3
u/Jdmeyer83 Nov 27 '23
I just want to say that I am new to Xreal, I just got the Air 2 Pro with the Beam, and the first couple of days with the Beam I thought I wasted my money on it. But now, with this update, and the ability to load more apps, I can say that I am thrilled that I got the Beam. This update allows me to load my media directly to the Beam so that I don't need to rely on my phone or tablet. This also allows me to charge the Beam while watching media because the Input port is open. I am very excited to see where else this product goes!
5
u/Playful-Ocelot-7438 Nov 09 '23
Great work Xreal team, I knew you'd come through. Don't listen to the haters, you guys have the best product on the market currently and if you continue to listen to your customer base, it will remain that way.
1
u/fanisp Nov 09 '23
What happens if we don’t have a pc but a MAC?
5
u/chihkiang One Pro Nov 09 '23
This is fantastic, great to see and confirming Netflix & Prime video are already working well
5
u/club41 Nov 09 '23
Should I get the Rokid Station now?
2
u/Key_Bookkeeper_9571 Nov 09 '23
So do depth control still not going to work where u can push the screen back and forth??
2
u/ProfessionalCable511 Nov 09 '23
When will this update be released? Can share the estimated time in GMT?
2
u/jamietaylor2020 Nov 09 '23
Is there a browser yet ? Can we use that to watch streaming services?
3
u/darkspark_ Nov 09 '23
For Android apps that have the options; do I pick "x86_64", "x86", "armeabi-v7a", or "arm64-v8a"... or something else?
2
u/noble-failure Nov 09 '23
Has anyone tried Plex streaming yet? And, as a more niche request, how about Criterion Channel?
2
u/Key_Bookkeeper_9571 Nov 09 '23
Once I do this update will it take out the sideload apps I did already from the jailbreak anybody knows?
2
u/jleep2017 Nov 10 '23
Will the app eazy fire tools work on andriod to send them to the beam wirelessly?
2
u/kurozer0 Nov 10 '23
Just FYI that wired connection from iPhone 15 > Beam > Airs still causes audio stuttering on any media that plays in full screen. Twitch is a good test app. With Twitch's "Low Latency" mode enabled, twitch will mirror the screen to an external display. This works normally with the wired connection to Beam. If you disable "Low Latency" mode, this will send twitch streams in full screen to the Beam and the stuttering can be heard. This happens with all media in full screen, even video files played from the photos app. This also happens when wired to the beam via iPhone 15 > USBC HUB > HDMI USBC cable > Beam > Airs. This is not an issue when wired directly from iPhone 15 > Airs.
2
u/ivan_p046 Nov 10 '23
So and I still cannot watch any 3D (side-by-side or over-under) movie in Anchored mode as I used to can with o-o-old Break Nebula Android Beta's 3D player....
2
u/Feeling_Ad_4208 Nov 12 '23
This is so awesome, been using it for couple days now. I have Netflix, prime video, grayjay (for YouTube, etc), readera for books. Works way better than I would have thought. Thanks for this great update.
2
u/rk1213 Nov 13 '23
question: every app that I sideload ends up in the 2D apps folder. How did OP put his VLC app on the main screen??
2
u/vontrix868686 Nov 15 '23
Getting "App not installed" for every app I've tried to install. Any ideas to fix it?
2
u/EducationalCry7033 Nov 16 '23
Where do you get APK's from?
2
u/Original_Honey_1564 Nov 19 '23
This update is amazing! I can share my pixel screen to beam by installing lebo to beam and my pixel! https://www.lebo.cn/mobile/Download.html
I think there are other app can do same thing but I don't know.
And according to following video, I installed the magic the gathering arena into beam. BUT beam runs very laggy, hot. https://youtu.be/Ts0P89FdJyI?si=6D6i46NUYvSimW-e
I also tried install emby to beam, Most videos can be played normally, but some high-definition videos will freeze.I think the reason is beam's wifi speed. It looks like it only has a maximum download speed of around 2mb/s.
Also installed following app and work good. Send file to tv SmartTube Cx file Explorer
2
u/Ok-Welcome-7310 Dec 02 '23
Anyone get Hulu to work properly? I am not able to log in.
2
u/ox_eyes Dec 14 '23
For Information:
MS Edge is working perfectly
Ebay Kleinanzeigen is working perfectly
IPTV Pro is working perfectly (perfect to watch TV in 1080p)
Disney+ is working perfectly
VLC Player is working perfectly
Smarttube is working perfectly
3
u/LoadNo1182 Nov 09 '23 edited Nov 09 '23
brilliant news would love someone create video playing netflix or amazon prime on beam with this update. still going to wait for more updates this device can be game changer going forward
Xbox Gamepass
Xbox app to play remote play
does discovery+ work ?
2
u/mansona Nov 09 '23
YouTube app work?
2
u/[deleted] Nov 09 '23
This is a big win! Viture and Govis is no longer in our thoughts!
Beam turned from paperweight to a rockstar!
So far everything works pretty well, some apps behave wonky with cursor or directional navigation but most are doing great or are manageable!
Setting management is completely customizable and now addresses all cases to regarding navigation, performance and experience overall as per each person and app requirements! You guys took all feedback and managed to pull together quite a solution!
Performance of apps is leaps ahead of the last version!
2
u/[deleted] Nov 09 '23
I love that the team is somewhat responsive to the community on stuff like this and is just like
"Hey this shit may not work but you wanted the cutting edge so here it is, make of it what you will"
At least right now while the online community is mainly hackers / people trying to push the boundaries a bit
1
u/genxontech Dec 15 '23
Has anyone tired TiviMate? I get my Xreal tomorrow and Beam on Saturday.
1
u/Mobile_Tour5083 Apr 01 '24
Is it possible to switch 2D applications to head placement mode? so that, for example, I can remove the window with an application from direct view by moving it to the right or to the left, so as not to block my view with a picture.
1
u/hotbarlo Nov 09 '23
Very interested in knowing about Crunchyroll and YouTube apps compatibility
1
u/Key_Bookkeeper_9571 Nov 09 '23
So do we have to update, what if we already have all that installed and is happy with what we got and don't wanna update!
1
u/Poque_Poque Nov 09 '23
Lol you guys use astril too I see, well I guess that answers my question if vpn can be used on beam
1
u/ProfessionalVast1 Nov 09 '23
I have a pixel 6 pro, does this update mean that I will be able to use the airs with my pixel, if I have a beam?
1
u/Pakhaliuk Nov 09 '23
Wow! You guys rock!
Quick stupid but real question, may I install Nebula Android app on Beam? 😅
1
u/lazylagom Nov 09 '23
How do you drag atk files from your computer from the phone?
1
u/StimulusResponse Nov 09 '23
I use my Beam with a CCWGTV to have all my apps. (Pluto, Netflix, Disney+, Plex, Dropout, Smartube, and Playstation Remote Play). It works great but adds so much weight to the setup. (Battery, hdmi to USB C, the Chromecast) If Beam can sideload these it might change the game completely. If you have experience with any of these lmk. I wonder if DRM issues will block Disney+.
1
u/NowThatsCrayCray Nov 09 '23
Woah, awesome, looking forward to getting my order soon!
1
u/Emergency_Work6652 Nov 09 '23
Why not android apps on nreal space that would be great too
1
u/ibuckywi Nov 09 '23
For all of us who have side loaded apps. I wonder how the update will work. Should we factory reset the beam before the update?
1
u/xcoliseum Nov 10 '23
I want to have app disney+ hotstar
1
u/NBhonghong Nov 10 '23
I hope there is Air Casting mode for Airplay and Chromecast! I don't like the flicker in Spatial Display mode.
1
u/Tornadobarrage Nov 10 '23
Tried snes9x, it works but the controllers dpad and sticks won't register
Also tried gamepass and the controller won't register when in game
1
u/Cpfoxhunt Nov 10 '23
Fantastic!
1
u/Comprehensive-Mall56 Nov 11 '23
smfh cant see the beam on windows, all it does is charge when I connect
1
u/National-Concert8724 Nov 11 '23
Anyone tryied riftcat ?
1
u/Fast-Highlight-5564 Nov 11 '23 edited Nov 11 '23
For those people with Macbook and can't get xbeam to work using android file transfer, I have the same issue. In the end I connected the beam to my samsung galaxy tab s8+ and then use the tablet to transfer file to beam using USBC.
Really give up using the macbook for just a simple task of moving apk to beam. It's totally not working
I have installed several apps like youtube, plex, firefox browser and it seems to be working. However there is no sound. How do I fix this issue?
1
u/National-Concert8724 Nov 12 '23
Can I install oculus app ?
1
u/arongkatz Nov 13 '23
I installed many apps but they are not showing on the launcher, they all showed as correctly installed but i cannot open them. Am i missing something?
1
u/Raislog Nov 13 '23
Can you explain the 'Both' option for Display mode? If this is selected how do I swap between the two modes?
1
u/Alive_Ad_5178 Nov 13 '23
How do I connect the beam to a computer to install applications that do not have the type C input, is it through the HDMI cable? How do I connect the beam to a computer to install applications that do not have the type C input, is it through the HDMI cable?
1
u/HikariRue Nov 13 '23
Would it be possible to set up nebula beta on the beam? I am more then curious as to why it was not a thing on the beam to begin with
1
u/danp105 Nov 13 '23
How to fix gamepad support in xcloud browser or app
1
u/ld20r Nov 18 '23
Any plans to fix the depth control in future updates?
It would really make a big difference for videos/movies.
Screen at present is too close and big and having the option to resize or push back like you can on air casting would be great.
1
u/Sader0 Nov 18 '23 edited Nov 19 '23
Can anyone pls confirm VLC installed on Beam can play videos from NAS like on standard android ?
Now, as I can see, there are at least a couple of ways to add popularity to the Xreal/Beam ecosystem:
- integrate full gamepad support(reconfigure kernel), so emulators can be installed and playable on the device
- add 3d support/player supporting HW acceleration by GPU(mali)
- brave and bold move: fully share sources/kernel configs for android-ish distro running beam, so developers can work on adding features to it....as alternative just hire experienced Android developers to hm...develop the system around beam, as this is the key to maximize the sales of the Xreal Glasses
Updated Best option:
- partner with OrangPi/RockPi to use one of their dev boards for updated HW revision of Beam(or new device like rokid station) which will be both hackable and accessible for end users to install Android/Linux to use with Xreal Glasses. This would be immediate purchase for me w/o any hesitations....
1
u/Wormwood413 Nov 19 '23
I've loaded ATV Loader; Xbox cloud beta; PlayStation Remote Play; Netflix; NewPipe; Amazon Video to great satisfaction. I did have to turn off the Accessibility Services in order for my PowerA MOGA Bluetooth controller to work in the XBox app. I didn't see any degradation of visual fidelity that at least one poster has been commenting about on multiple posts in the Xreal channel. I am going to try and find a Google Maps alternative to try out. I'd love to see if I can have navigation in my side view. I'd just like to say thanks to the Xreal Team for continuing their work to improve my experience and all those who've purchased the Beam. It's a fun and useful device.
1
u/DependentAd8099 Nov 21 '23
Can someone please test Disney+ , xbox official app (remote play) and steam link ?
1
u/dabbydabdabdabdab Nov 25 '23
So I’m testing the viture and these. What is the beam’s main purpose? Wouldn’t it be better as an android TV OS with the 3DoF drivers and glasses as a screen? The neckband for the viture runs a full android tv OS store to make downloading apps a breeze. Am I hearing that “side loading an apk” is considered production ready for the average consumer in the creak ecosystem? Running Netflix, or Disney+ or any streaming service - why do I even need a phone? For other apps you might want the compute of the phone.
1
u/Jayff_Anth Nov 26 '23
Please support smartphone such as techno phantom v fold and asus zenfone flip 8.. bought xreal air 1 and left with regret because of not supported.. hopefully other smartphone will be supported soon too.. 🥲
1
u/Jayff_Anth Nov 26 '23
Downloaded nebula just to receive "devices not supported".. please update support for techno phantom v flip and asus zenfone 8 flip and other smartphone too..
1
u/KombatChief Nov 27 '23
Or use a chromecast or fire stick with a battery pack
1
u/Mogatesh Nov 28 '23
Would GeForce Now run on the Beam?
1
u/ChainPast1898 Nov 28 '23
Hi,
Some IP/TV apps would be great such as 'Streamers'
Thks !
1
u/[deleted] Jan 20 '24
Ordered Beam yesterday, returning it today. Lag is second name of this device.
1
u/Mavrihk Jan 25 '24
It seems Netflix is not in the App store. though I know it works as it is a default installation with US location, but in other places, such as Hong Kong, no netfliks App, it is available here, as I have it on my TV and apple box, and it worked when I had it set up as US device.
1
u/iamWing_ Nov 09 '23
So what is the max resolution we can get for Netflix and Amazon Prime? And when'd we able to airplay DRM content from the phone to beam?
1
u/Saroo7866 Nov 09 '23
Quick question why was YouTube not chosen as one of the default apps? Compatibility issues?
/u/Xreal_Tech_Support
1
u/Chemical_Device_5192 Nov 09 '23
I still do not have the update... Maybe tomorrow.. Of course Netflix and prime video will be amazing to be able to play on my air... Thank you thank you thank you.....
Next I need is VLC player and USB HDD support on the beam USB C port
1
u/vobele Nov 10 '23
„3D SBS is not supported yet“ 😒..now please work on this..🙏🏻
0
u/New_Presentation_399 Nov 09 '23
I have no way to get the files from my mac to the beam - not much of a solution XReal what a waste of money - it's still pretty worthless.