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Even though a new version (which includes the android market) is coming out for the Google TV this summer, I'm a little impatient and slightly curious.

There are a few apps that I'd like to try out on the google TV that I don't think would necessarily break anything (i.e. apps that come to mind don't use sensors, camera, etc) so I'm wondering if there is a way to sideload apps into the current generation of the Google TV?

There is no support for opening APK files natively, but I wonder if I hook my computer up to the STB via USB, if I could run some adb blackmagic and inject apps into it.

Any thoughts or opinions?

And yes, I am aware the current apps out there aren't optimized for a google TV, but I'm looking to add some basic functionality to hold me over until the next version comes out.

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Unfortunately the ADBD (adb daemon) is not enabled on any current Google TV hardware, so adb connectivity is not possible via USB, Ethernet, or any other means.

However, a few crafty tinkerers from GTVhacker site managed to hack the Logitech Revue unit to enable this functionality. Keep in mind that this is a hardware hack and includes physically opening up the Revue box and soldering connections on the motherboard. You can read more on this mod here. Needless to say, this hack is not for everyone, and carries even more risk of bricking the STB as a plain software hack.

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  • Of course things can never be easy, eh? I got my Revue unit for free by being a web developer and entering their giveaway, so it wouldn't be a financial loss if I bricked it. But I have incredibly bad luck when it comes to hardware, so I think I might be just forced to wait until official support is added. Sigh.
    – WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot
    Commented May 19, 2011 at 15:24
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    @Foxtrot: I hear ya. I intentionally don't own a soldering iron, specifically to deter myself from ruining (expensive) hardware :)
    – Chahk
    Commented May 19, 2011 at 15:26
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    Haha +1. Same here. Additionally to deter myself from burning down my apartment. Like I said, I have really bad luck.
    – WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot
    Commented May 19, 2011 at 15:28

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