[Google Home] willbilec:
I haven't looked at this thread for a while; never thought it would get this much interest. Making some updates. Here is a new guide from ThomasPrioron GitHub, which makes a lot more sense than mine does.

ThomasPrior/LenovoSmartClock2: Root and configure a Lenovo Smart Clock 2 for use as a smart home display (github.com)

1. Set up the device using the Google Home app until the clock face is displayed on the device.

2. Open the Google Home app and navigate to the Devices tab at the bottom.

3. Select your smart clock from the list of available devices.

4. Tap the settings icon in the top right-hand corner.

5. Access the Accessibility menu and enable Screen Reader.

Use the calendar to download the launcher. This general process is well-demonstrated in a video by Cameron Gray (

). Another video is available here:

. My slightly differing process is outlined below:

Prepare a special calendar entry:

1. Using the account you are using to set up the device, open Google Calendar.

2. Create a new event in the future with a title consisting only of https://blakadder.com/assets/files/ultra-small-launcher.apk.

3. Instruct the clock to display upcoming events.

4. With the event on the screen, swipe sideways until the clock reads out the title of the event (https://blakadder.com/assets/files/ultra-small-launcher.apk).

5. Draw an "L" shape on the screen to open the TalkBack menu.

6. Swipe sideways until "Copy the last utterance to the clipboard" is selected, then double-tap to choose it.

7. Draw an "L" shape on the screen again to open the TalkBack menu.

8. Swipe to the right on the screen until "Open TalkBack settings" is selected, then double-tap to choose it.

9. You can now disable Screen Reader via the Google Home app on your phone; we won't need it again for a while.

10. Scroll to the bottom of the list. Near the end, you'll find "Privacy Policy." Tap it.

11. In the browser window that opens, grant the necessary permission prompts. We need storage access to download files using this browser.

12. Tap the address bar to select the URL. Tap again in the address bar and press the X button to clear it.

13. Long-press the address bar and paste the URL.

14. Long-press the URL again and press "Open."

15. The launcher will begin downloading, and you'll be directed to the Downloads folder.

16. Click the downloaded file to install the APK.

17. Follow the prompts to grant the browser permission to install the APK.

18. When prompted, set the newly installed launcher as the default.

Notes: There are two methods to reset the device:

1. Press and hold both volume keys until a reset window pops up.

2. While plugging in the clock, hold the volume-upbutton to enter fastboot. Use the volume upbutton to navigate the menu and volume down to select options.

An app called Key Mapperenables you to use the volume buttons as well as tap the device to perform actions like going back or returning home.

Key Mapper | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

Original guide.

Hello, in this guide I am going to describe how to side load android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.

Requirements.

A device to use the google home app.

A List of apps you want to install, make sure you have a keyboard and home screen launcher in mind.

Not a requirement but basic understanding of the talk back screen reader will be helpful.

Next some things to be aware of.

While ADB is in developer settings I haven’t found a way to connect the clock to a pc using the dock I tried a usb C to A cable but that did not work.

The draw over other apps permission is unavailable.

Here are the specks that we are working with.

Processor

MediaTek™ MT8167S Processor (1.50 GHz)

Operating System

Android 10

Display Type

4.0" LCD IPS Touchscreen

Memory

1 GB

Hard Drive

8 GB Flash We have about 3.3 GB free.

Finally, I am visually impaired so the way I describe things may not make sense for some. If you have trouble understanding please let me know.

Note You are doing all this at your own risk. However, everything is easy to undo with a factory reset.

Instructions for factory resetting.

Flip the mute switch to muted.

Press both volume buttons for ten seconds.

A window should now come up asking if you want to reset. If nothing is pressed the device will auto reset in a minute.

OK, let’s start.

Find a website where the apk is that you want to install.

Now find a way where that website will come up in a google search.

Note do to how google displays the search button may not be available, so we will have to rely on Google’s auto complete feature.

Examples:

If you were looking for nova launcher, you would be using nova launcher.ap we will want google to finish adding the K.

Add this word to your calendar. For example,nova launcher.ap

Make sure this is the same calendar that the clock is signed in to.

Next open the google home app. Find your device click on settings then accessibility.

Next click the switch next to screenreader.

Your clock should now start talking or making sounds.

If so, ask google “what’s on my calendar?” Swipe right until the event you added is spoken or highlighted.

Next swipe down and right in a single motion an L shape.

Swipe right until copy last utterance is selected double tap, if successful the menu should disappear.

It may take a few tries to get it.

Next open the same menu, (swipe down and right.)

Swipe until talkback settings is selected. Double tap again.

A new screen should appear.

Now swipe, swipe a lot until privacy policy is selected.

Double tap, a browser should now open.

Swipe and double tap to allow all the permissions.

Next swipe until google apps is selected. Double tap then find search and double tap to activate.

Find the search box, double tap to get into it.

Now swipe up and right in a single motion

If successful a new menu should come up. Find edit then activate paste.

If the text gets pasted in the search box, you can now turn off talkback.

Back on your phone flip the switch next to screenreader.

Now here is where things get difficult, the text should be in the box, But I was not able to see the search button with talkback. If you see the button, try turning off

talkback and pressing it

If the search button does not show up here is where you will have to rely on Google auto complete suggestions.

You should have a pretty good idea of what to do from here.

Note that when you download something a window will come up with all downloaded files. The first time you install an apk you will have to click allow from this source when that window comes up.

Notes.

I recommend you install something like nova launcher, for a replacement home screen.

When you install a replacement home screen you will have to click always on the new window that will pop up.

If you want to get back to the regular clock interface, launch the home app.

Any questions feal free to ask.

Remember doing a factory reset will clear all changes made.