The OpenNOW Android app, an unofficial open-source GeForce NOW client, is now available through Google Play. It works on Android phones, and AYN Odin 2 Portal testing has gone well with the handheld’s built-in controls. That handheld support is what I wanted to see from this release because OpenNOW can now move beyond the desktop without requiring a separate controller.
The app is written specifically for Android using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose rather than wrapping a desktop or browser version. Android WebRTC carries the GeForce NOW stream, and MediaCodec uses the device’s hardware to decode the video. You can also manage connected game-store accounts and GeForce NOW’s paid persistent storage option, which keeps installed Install-to-Play game data available between plays.
When we first covered OpenNOW in April, it was focused on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck. We spoke with OpenNOW’s developer about the native Android release, including its handheld testing, Android TV progress, and Google Play data disclosures.
Android TV is included as well. However, the developer is still working on the controller support to smooth out moving through the menus.
OpenNOW Arrives On Android Through Google Play
The Android source code is public through OpenNOW’s Android native GitHub branch. Once you sign in, you can browse your GeForce NOW library, start a stream, select a region, and save screenshots or recordings on the device.
Zero telemetry was one of the desktop client’s main privacy claims when OpenNOW launched. The Google Play listing gives a more detailed picture for Android, saying the app may collect activity, app information, and performance data. It also says app activity may be shared with third parties.
OpenNOW’s developer explained that the store’s “Contains ads” label refers to advertisements shown by GeForce NOW while some users wait in a queue. These are not ads added by OpenNOW itself. They said crash logs are used to identify recurring problems, can be switched off, and aren’t sold to third parties.
A planned update will add a consent prompt before crash information is sent. Google Play lists the app as updated on July 12. And, it mentions greater transparency around data collection, but its public notes don’t confirm whether that prompt is already active.
Built-In Controls Work On AYN Odin 2 Portal
OpenNOW’s developer and testers report that the built-in controls work well on AYN Odin 2 Portal devices. This is exactly what I wanted to see from the Android app.
Testers described the Android streamer as responsive, although no benchmark data has been published. Another Android gaming handheld from Retroid has reportedly been tested, but the exact model wasn’t confirmed.
Store Accounts And Install-To-Play Storage Come To Android
OpenNOW now lets you access GeForce NOW’s connected account settings from the Android app. You can link, unlink, or resync supported game stores without opening another GeForce NOW client.
Persistent storage is a separate GeForce NOW feature available through OpenNOW. It is a paid option that keeps Install-to-Play games data available between plays. The games aren’t downloaded to the handheld. OpenNOW lets you manage that GeForce NOW storage from the Android app.
Android TV Navigation Still Needs Work
OpenNOW can be installed directly from Google Play on compatible Android TVs. On devices where it doesn’t appear in the store, sideloading is still an option. Some people already have it running on Android TV, but moving through the menus with a controller can still be hit or miss. OpenNOW’s developer hasn’t completed their own Android TV testing yet. Testing OpenNOW on a Fire TV Stick is currently in progress.
For now, the AYN Odin 2 Portal has received the most testing, with testers reporting good results from the built-in controls. Android TV is usable on some devices, but the controller support still needs more work.
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