Useful software for Epson Moverio BT-300 (Android 5.1.1)? What apps work, what makeshift solutions are possible?

[Tobias Claren]

Hello.

An Epson Moverio BT-300 only has Android 5.1.1.
If there is no custom ROM for it (probably not), I am looking for the best ways to use all important apps, social media services, communication apps (Whatsapp as device shortcut, Line etc..), and a working ("Magnifying Glass + Flashlight" claims that the camera is already used by another app) magnifying glass app (and other useful apps for low-vision) etc..
Important to know, this device only has 32Bit.

YouTube cannot be installed.
Vance may not be operable. It does not seem possible to get out of a video. The arrow at the top left has no effect. And the lack of a main page with recommendations takes some getting used to. I couldn't find another YouTube app.
An alternative for such pages would be the browser display.
But then it would be good if you could create a link for each site (YouTube, but also important media libraries in your own country, e.g. public TV channels).
If there is a browser that allows this and works under Android 5.1.1.
The "Fast" app from Netflix only shows the website.

 

[B. Diddy]

I'm afraid you won't be able to do much with such an outdated device. Many major apps won't work, and you'll probably also face issues with websites, due to outdated security protocols. It's probably best to recycle that device (or keep it as a museum piece) and use a more current device. Sorry!

 

[Windroid 2483]

I'm afraid you won't be able to do much with such an outdated device. Many major apps won't work, and you'll probably also face issues with websites, due to outdated security protocols. It's probably best to recycle that device (or keep it as a museum piece) and use a more current device. Sorry!

You might be going too far there. Last time I checked: Firefox still works on Android 5. There are major limitations on the software which can be used on such an old Android, but it's not useless.

On the other hand: The Epson Moverio BT-300 are smartglasses, not a smartphone or tablet. I've never used smartglasses before, and I don't know if Firefox (and other generic Android apps not specifically meant for smartglasses) would work so well on it.

OP: I don't know what to tell you. I don't know if it's worth the time and effort to try to get some use out of your old smartglasses, but I suspect that it's not.

 

[B. Diddy]

You might be going too far there. Last time I checked: Firefox still works on Android 5. There are major limitations on the software which can be used on such an old Android, but it's not useless.

I agree that a Lollipop phone isn't completely useless, but it's going to be a hassle at some point when the user tries to install an app or access a website that it can no longer support. In addition to that, it will also be a significant security risk, unless it's intended for completely offline use.

 

[Windroid 2483]

{I]t will also be a significant security risk, unless it's intended for completely offline use.

I always feel better with security updates! It makes me uneasy when a computer (desktop, smartphone, or otherwise) can't get them.

With my old MacBook: Once it stopped getting MacOS security updates, I installed Linix onto it. That MacBook (one I repair it, it's broken) will be a useful computer, running a modern OS, for a good long while! Unfortunately, the world of smartphones and tablets is not like that.

[I}t's going to be a hassle at some point when the user tries to [...] access a website that [the smartglasses] can no longer support

When I said that Firefox still works on Android 5, I was referring to the latest version of Firefox.

 

[B. Diddy]

@Windroid 2483 Derp, I'm a total numbnuts. I kept thinking we were talking about a phone, and when you pointed out the Epson are smartglasses, I had it in my mind that the OP was still trying to connect a Lollipop phone to the smartglasses. Sorry for the misunderstanding!

@Tobias Claren , see if Windroid's Firefox suggestion works for you!