diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 78f7d91..685d702 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,32 +1,37 @@
# Android Cast (POC)
-**Roadmap & alpha scope:** [docs/ROADMAP.md](docs/ROADMAP.md) · USB-C/HDMI: [docs/USB_HDMI_CAST.md](docs/USB_HDMI_CAST.md) · Commercial (dev-gated): [docs/COMMERCIAL.md](docs/COMMERCIAL.md)
+**Roadmap & alpha:** [docs/ROADMAP.md](docs/ROADMAP.md) · **Alpha QA & feature freeze:** [docs/ALPHA.md](docs/ALPHA.md) · USB-C/HDMI: [docs/USB_HDMI_CAST.md](docs/USB_HDMI_CAST.md) · Commercial (dev-gated): [docs/COMMERCIAL.md](docs/COMMERCIAL.md)
Minimal LAN screen-casting proof of concept in **Java**. Captures screen + playback audio, encodes **H.264 + AAC**, streams over **TCP or UDP** to a receiver that decodes and plays back.
## Features
- UDP broadcast discovery on the local network
-- TCP or UDP stream transport (selectable; must match on both devices)
+- **UDP (default)** or TCP stream transport (selectable; must match on both devices)
- PIN auth (SHA-256 hash, default `1234`)
- Screen capture → H.264 (AVC) with quality presets and scaled capture resolution
- Playback audio capture (API 29+) → AAC-LC
+- Camera capture modes (API 29+, rear/front) — best-effort
- Runtime notification permission (Android 13+)
-## Quick start
+## Quick start (alpha)
1. Install the same APK on two devices on the **same Wi‑Fi**.
-2. **Receiver** (TV): **Receive** → match transport (TCP/UDP) & options → tap **Start listening** (notification appears; service keeps running).
-3. **Sender** (tablet): **Send** → **same transport** → pick receiver → PIN → approve screen capture.
-4. Watch the **notification** on both devices for connection status (not only the toast).
-5. Stop from the notification **Stop** action.
+2. **Receiver:** **Receive** → transport **UDP** → stream protection **None** → **Start listening** (notification *Listening* / *Ready*).
+3. **Sender:** **Send** → **UDP** → protection **None** → discover receiver → PIN → approve screen capture.
+4. Watch **notifications** on both devices for status.
+5. Stop from either notification **Stop** action.
+
+Full sign-off checklist: [docs/ALPHA.md](docs/ALPHA.md).
### If video never appears
-- Transport must match on both sides (e.g. both TCP).
-- Receiver must show *Listening* or *Ready* in the notification before you cast.
-- Sender notification should reach *Casting via TCP · WxH* — if it shows *Screen capture data missing*, reinstall and try again (Android 13+ intent fix).
-- Keep the receiver UI open once so the video `Surface` attaches (or return to it after rotation).
+- Transport must match on both sides (e.g. both UDP).
+- Stream protection **None** on both sides for alpha.
+- Receiver must show *Listening* or *Ready* before you cast.
+- Sender notification should reach *Casting* with resolution — if it shows *Screen capture data missing*, reinstall (Android 13+ intent fix).
+- Open receiver playback once so the video `Surface` attaches (or return after rotation).
+- On rotation-sensitive senders, try **system rotation lock** during cast.
## Build
@@ -39,22 +44,29 @@ cd "/home/foxx/repos/My Projects/android cast"
adb install -r app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk
```
-## Stream options
+## Stream options (defaults)
-| Option | Effect |
-|--------|--------|
-| **Transport TCP** | Reliable delivery; default |
-| **Transport UDP** | Lower latency, may drop frames (POC) |
-| **Quality Low/Med/High** | Video bitrate 0.8 / 2 / 4 Mbps and FPS 20 / 24 / 30 |
-| **Resolution** | Scales VirtualDisplay before encode (full, 75%, 50%, or max 720p height) |
-| **Audio** | `AudioPlaybackCapture` + AAC (Android 10+) |
+| Option | Default / alpha note |
+|--------|----------------------|
+| **Transport** | **UDP** (`CastConfig.DEFAULT_TRANSPORT`) |
+| **Stream protection** | **None** |
+| **Quality** | Medium — 5 Mbps, 30 fps |
+| **Resolution** | Adaptive (sender) |
+| **Multi-receiver** | **Off** while `CastConfig.ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE` |
+| **Audio** | On when API 29+ (`AudioPlaybackCapture` + AAC) |
+
+| Quality | Video bitrate | FPS |
+|---------|---------------|-----|
+| Low | 1.5 Mbps | 24 |
+| Medium | 5 Mbps | 30 |
+| High | 10 Mbps | 30 |
## Protocol
| Step | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Discovery | UDP `41234`, JSON with `magic`, `name`, `port`, `transport` |
-| Connect | TCP or UDP port `41235` |
+| Connect | TCP or UDP port `41235` (QUIC `41236` when enabled post-alpha) |
| Auth | `HELLO` → `AUTH` → `AUTH_OK` → `CAST_SETTINGS` |
| Stream | `STREAM_CONFIG`, `VIDEO_FRAME`, `AUDIO_CONFIG`, `AUDIO_FRAME` |
@@ -62,12 +74,7 @@ UDP frames use `ACUD` header and fragmentation for payloads > ~1.2 KB.
## Bluetooth / BLE
-**Not viable for this video stream.** Practical throughput:
-
-- **BLE**: ~100–300 kb/s — fine for control/metadata only
-- **Bluetooth Classic (SPP)**: often ~1–3 Mb/s theoretical — still far below 720p H.264 (~2–8 Mb/s), with high latency
-
-A phone cannot “passthrough” a live encoded screen stream over BLE to another device for playback without a custom high-bandwidth profile (which consumer Android does not expose for arbitrary apps). Use **Wi‑Fi** for media; BT could be added later only for discovery/pairing if needed.
+**Not viable for this video stream.** Use **Wi‑Fi** for media; BLE could be added later only for discovery/pairing.
## Persistent services (AIDL)
@@ -78,18 +85,16 @@ Casting runs in **foreground services** with tray notifications:
| `ScreenCastService` | Sender — capture, encode, stream |
| `ReceiverCastService` | Receiver — listen, decode, play |
-Activities bind via AIDL (`ICastSenderService` / `ICastReceiverService`) for status updates and (on the receiver) attaching the video `Surface`. Rotating the screen or leaving the app does **not** stop the receiver listener; the sender keeps casting until you tap **Stop** in the notification.
+Activities bind via AIDL for status and (on the receiver) attaching the video `Surface`. Leaving the app does **not** stop the receiver listener; the sender keeps casting until **Stop** in the notification.
## Limitations
- No TLS encryption (LAN cleartext POC)
-- UDP mode may glitch under load
-- Audio captures **playback** routed through the system (not microphone); some apps may be silent by policy
-- Single sender → single receiver
+- UDP mode may glitch under load (try TCP)
+- Audio captures **playback** routed through the system (not microphone)
+- Single receiver per session during alpha freeze
+- No live sender preview while casting (stability)
## Development (git flow)
-We use a **green `master`** plus integration branch **`next`**: features merge to `next` first; releases merge `next` → `master` and are tagged there; production hotfixes branch from `master` and sync back into `next`.
-
-- Narrative: [docs/GIT_FLOW.md](docs/GIT_FLOW.md)
-- PDF: [docs/GIT_FLOW.pdf](docs/GIT_FLOW.pdf) — `pip install -r docs/_pdf_build/requirements-pdf.txt`, then `python3 docs/_pdf_build/build_git_flow_pdf.py`
+Green **`master`** plus integration branch **`next`**. See [docs/GIT_FLOW.md](docs/GIT_FLOW.md).
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/AppPreferences.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/AppPreferences.java
index 2142e21..ceed0bf 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/AppPreferences.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/AppPreferences.java
@@ -264,6 +264,7 @@ public final class AppPreferences {
if (s.getNetworkAdoption() == CastSettings.NetworkAdoption.AUTO) {
s.setNetworkAdoption(CastSettings.NetworkAdoption.ESTIMATED);
}
+ clampAlphaTransport(s);
return s;
}
@@ -401,6 +402,7 @@ public final class AppPreferences {
if (s.getNetworkAdoption() == CastSettings.NetworkAdoption.AUTO) {
s.setNetworkAdoption(CastSettings.NetworkAdoption.ESTIMATED);
}
+ clampAlphaTransport(s);
return s;
}
@@ -472,6 +474,15 @@ public final class AppPreferences {
return fallback;
}
+ private static void clampAlphaTransport(CastSettings settings) {
+ if (settings == null || !CastConfig.ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE) {
+ return;
+ }
+ if (!CastConfig.isReleaseTransport(settings.getTransport())) {
+ settings.setTransport(CastConfig.DEFAULT_TRANSPORT);
+ }
+ }
+
private static SharedPreferences prefs(Context context) {
if (context == null) {
throw new IllegalStateException("context is null");
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastConfig.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastConfig.java
index 7f34fda..ca83715 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastConfig.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastConfig.java
@@ -29,8 +29,19 @@ public final class CastConfig {
public static final int CAST_PORT = 41235;
public static final String DISCOVERY_MAGIC = "ACAST1";
+ /**
+ * Alpha / feature-freeze gate: limits transports in settings and disables 1:N cast until post-alpha soak.
+ * Set to {@code false} on a release branch when re-enabling QUIC and multi-receiver experiments.
+ */
+ public static final boolean ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE = true;
+
/** When true, sender list allows selecting multiple receivers (1:N cast). */
- public static final boolean MULTI_RECEIVER_ENABLED = true;
+ public static final boolean MULTI_RECEIVER_ENABLED = !ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE;
+
+ /** Transports exposed in cast settings while {@link #ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE} is on. */
+ public static boolean isReleaseTransport(String transport) {
+ return TRANSPORT_UDP.equals(transport) || TRANSPORT_TCP.equals(transport);
+ }
public static final int MAX_RECEIVERS = 5;
public static final String DEFAULT_PIN = "1234";
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastSettingsBinder.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastSettingsBinder.java
index 1d473ab..dcb8473 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastSettingsBinder.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/CastSettingsBinder.java
@@ -161,8 +161,10 @@ public final class CastSettingsBinder {
valueList.add(CastConfig.TRANSPORT_UDP);
labelList.add(activity.getString(R.string.transport_tcp));
valueList.add(CastConfig.TRANSPORT_TCP);
- labelList.add(activity.getString(R.string.transport_quic));
- valueList.add(CastConfig.TRANSPORT_QUIC);
+ if (!CastConfig.ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE) {
+ labelList.add(activity.getString(R.string.transport_quic));
+ valueList.add(CastConfig.TRANSPORT_QUIC);
+ }
if (AppPreferences.isDevUsbTetherTransportEnabled(activity)) {
labelList.add(activity.getString(R.string.transport_usb_tether));
valueList.add(CastConfig.TRANSPORT_USB_TETHER);
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/receiver/ReceiverCastService.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/receiver/ReceiverCastService.java
index fd1ea3d..abee8ea 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/receiver/ReceiverCastService.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/receiver/ReceiverCastService.java
@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ public class ReceiverCastService extends Service {
private boolean streamIdle;
private volatile boolean castEnded;
private long lastVideoFrameMs;
+ private long lastStreamConfigMs;
private final TransportLossStats transportLoss = new TransportLossStats();
private SessionStatsRecorder sessionStatsRecorder;
@@ -300,6 +301,8 @@ public class ReceiverCastService extends Service {
@Override
public void onVideoFrame(long ptsUs, boolean keyFrame, byte[] data) {
+ final long nowMs = System.currentTimeMillis();
+ mainHandler.post(() -> lastVideoFrameMs = nowMs);
if (awaitingKeyframe && !keyFrame) {
synchronized (transportLoss) {
transportLoss.recvVideoSkippedAwaitingKey++;
@@ -313,7 +316,6 @@ public class ReceiverCastService extends Service {
final int frameBytes = data != null ? data.length : 0;
final byte[] frameData = data;
mainHandler.post(() -> {
- lastVideoFrameMs = System.currentTimeMillis();
if (streamIdle) {
onStreamResumedAfterIdle();
}
@@ -484,11 +486,16 @@ public class ReceiverCastService extends Service {
}
private void checkStreamIdle() {
- if (phase != Phase.STREAMING || streamIdle || lastVideoFrameMs <= 0
- || awaitingKeyframe || reconfiguring) {
+ if (phase != Phase.STREAMING || streamIdle || lastVideoFrameMs <= 0) {
return;
}
- long idleMs = System.currentTimeMillis() - lastVideoFrameMs;
+ long nowMs = System.currentTimeMillis();
+ if (reconfiguring || awaitingKeyframe) {
+ if (lastStreamConfigMs > 0 && nowMs - lastStreamConfigMs < 20_000L) {
+ return;
+ }
+ }
+ long idleMs = nowMs - lastVideoFrameMs;
if (idleMs >= CastConfig.STREAM_IDLE_TIMEOUT_MS) {
Log.i(TAG, "Stream idle " + idleMs + "ms — awaiting");
if (sessionStatsRecorder != null) {
@@ -594,6 +601,8 @@ public class ReceiverCastService extends Service {
return;
}
boolean firstConfig = !hasPendingConfig;
+ boolean wasIdle = streamIdle;
+ boolean decoderWasActive = decoderActive;
phase = Phase.STREAMING;
streamIdle = false;
if (firstConfig) {
@@ -602,7 +611,10 @@ public class ReceiverCastService extends Service {
reconfiguring = true;
enterAwaitingKeyframe();
lastVideoFrameMs = System.currentTimeMillis();
- openPlaybackAwaiting(R.string.playback_awaiting_stream);
+ lastStreamConfigMs = lastVideoFrameMs;
+ if (firstConfig || wasIdle || !decoderWasActive) {
+ openPlaybackAwaiting(R.string.playback_awaiting_stream);
+ }
pendingWidth = size.width;
pendingHeight = size.height;
displayWidth = size.width;
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/ScreenCastService.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/ScreenCastService.java
index 2500186..e699304 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/ScreenCastService.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/ScreenCastService.java
@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ public class ScreenCastService extends Service implements
private static final String TAG = "ScreenCastService";
private static final int CONNECT_RETRIES = 20;
private static final long CONNECT_RETRY_MS = 1000;
+ private static final long CAPTURE_SIZE_UPDATE_DEBOUNCE_MS = 2_000L;
public static final String EXTRA_RESULT_CODE = "result_code";
public static final String EXTRA_RESULT_DATA = "result_data";
@@ -126,6 +127,9 @@ public class ScreenCastService extends Service implements
private int captureDensity;
private DisplayManager displayManager;
private DisplayManager.DisplayListener displayListener;
+ private Runnable pendingCaptureSizeUpdate;
+ private CastResolution.Size pendingCaptureSize;
+ private final AtomicBoolean captureReconfigureInFlight = new AtomicBoolean(false);
private com.foxx.androidcast.sender.calibration.CalibrationCastDriver calibrationDriver;
private volatile boolean calibrationMode;
private volatile boolean cameraMode;
@@ -188,6 +192,7 @@ public class ScreenCastService extends Service implements
return START_STICKY;
}
CastSettings startSettings = IntentExtras.getCastSettings(intent);
+ CastActiveState.setSenderCasting(true);
startSenderForeground(getString(R.string.connecting),
startSettings != null && startSettings.isAudioEnabled());
ioThread = new Thread(() -> runCast(intent), "ScreenCastIO");
@@ -609,17 +614,74 @@ public class ScreenCastService extends Service implements
WindowManager wm = (WindowManager) getSystemService(WINDOW_SERVICE);
wm.getDefaultDisplay().getRealMetrics(metrics);
CastResolution.Size size = CastResolution.compute(metrics, activeSettings, getPeerStats());
+ scheduleCaptureSizeUpdate(size, "rotation");
+ }
+
+ private boolean captureSizeChangeSignificant(CastResolution.Size size) {
if (size.width == captureWidth && size.height == captureHeight) {
+ return false;
+ }
+ int dw = Math.abs(size.width - captureWidth);
+ int dh = Math.abs(size.height - captureHeight);
+ return dw >= Math.max(32, captureWidth / 10) || dh >= Math.max(32, captureHeight / 10);
+ }
+
+ private void scheduleCaptureSizeUpdate(CastResolution.Size size, String reason) {
+ if (calibrationMode || cameraMode || !casting.get() || projection == null
+ || activeSettings == null || stopping.get()) {
+ return;
+ }
+ if (!captureSizeChangeSignificant(size)) {
+ return;
+ }
+ pendingCaptureSize = size;
+ Handler handler = projectionHandler != null ? projectionHandler : mainHandler;
+ if (pendingCaptureSizeUpdate != null) {
+ handler.removeCallbacks(pendingCaptureSizeUpdate);
+ }
+ pendingCaptureSizeUpdate = () -> applyCaptureSizeUpdate(reason);
+ handler.postDelayed(pendingCaptureSizeUpdate, CAPTURE_SIZE_UPDATE_DEBOUNCE_MS);
+ }
+
+ private void applyCaptureSizeUpdate(String reason) {
+ pendingCaptureSizeUpdate = null;
+ if (calibrationMode || cameraMode || !casting.get() || projection == null
+ || activeSettings == null || stopping.get() || pendingCaptureSize == null) {
+ return;
+ }
+ CastResolution.Size size = pendingCaptureSize;
+ pendingCaptureSize = null;
+ if (!captureSizeChangeSignificant(size)) {
+ return;
+ }
+ if (!captureReconfigureInFlight.compareAndSet(false, true)) {
+ Log.d(TAG, "Capture size update skipped (" + reason + "): reconfigure in flight");
+ scheduleCaptureSizeUpdate(size, reason);
return;
}
try {
setupVideoPipeline(size, activeSettings, false);
- updateStatus(getString(R.string.casting_rotated, captureWidth, captureHeight));
+ if ("rotation".equals(reason)) {
+ updateStatus(getString(R.string.casting_rotated, captureWidth, captureHeight));
+ }
+ Log.i(TAG, "Capture reconfigured (" + reason + ") " + captureWidth + "x" + captureHeight);
} catch (IOException e) {
- Log.e(TAG, "Rotation reconfigure failed", e);
+ Log.e(TAG, "Capture reconfigure failed (" + reason + ")", e);
+ } finally {
+ captureReconfigureInFlight.set(false);
}
}
+ private void cancelPendingCaptureSizeUpdate() {
+ pendingCaptureSize = null;
+ if (pendingCaptureSizeUpdate == null) {
+ return;
+ }
+ Handler handler = projectionHandler != null ? projectionHandler : mainHandler;
+ handler.removeCallbacks(pendingCaptureSizeUpdate);
+ pendingCaptureSizeUpdate = null;
+ }
+
private NetworkStatsSnapshot getPeerStats() {
if (networkFeedback != null && networkFeedback.getPlane() instanceof PassThroughNetworkControlPlane) {
return ((PassThroughNetworkControlPlane) networkFeedback.getPlane()).getLastPeerStats();
@@ -709,19 +771,7 @@ public class ScreenCastService extends Service implements
WindowManager wm = (WindowManager) getSystemService(WINDOW_SERVICE);
wm.getDefaultDisplay().getRealMetrics(metrics);
CastResolution.Size size = CastResolution.compute(metrics, activeSettings, peer);
- int dw = Math.abs(size.width - captureWidth);
- int dh = Math.abs(size.height - captureHeight);
- if (dw < Math.max(32, captureWidth / 10) && dh < Math.max(32, captureHeight / 10)) {
- return;
- }
- runOnProjectionThread(() -> {
- try {
- setupVideoPipeline(size, activeSettings, false);
- Log.i(TAG, "Adaptive capture " + captureWidth + "x" + captureHeight);
- } catch (IOException e) {
- Log.w(TAG, "Adaptive resize failed", e);
- }
- });
+ scheduleCaptureSizeUpdate(size, "adaptive");
}
private void runOnProjectionThread(Runnable action) {
@@ -1131,6 +1181,8 @@ public class ScreenCastService extends Service implements
}
private void releaseProjectionCapture() {
+ cancelPendingCaptureSizeUpdate();
+ captureReconfigureInFlight.set(false);
unregisterDisplayListener();
if (virtualDisplay != null) {
virtualDisplay.release();
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderActivity.java
index 50a11f6..c41d554 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderActivity.java
@@ -462,7 +462,7 @@ public class SenderActivity extends DrawerHostActivity {
if (grantResults.length > 0 && grantResults[0] == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) {
launchCastService(null, Activity.RESULT_OK);
} else {
- Toast.makeText(this, R.string.capture_camera_not_implemented, Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show();
+ Toast.makeText(this, R.string.capture_camera_permission_denied, Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show();
}
}
}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderCapturePreview.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderCapturePreview.java
index 75fb7bb..0b53fe1 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderCapturePreview.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderCapturePreview.java
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ public final class SenderCapturePreview {
Context ctx = textureView.getContext();
if (ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, Manifest.permission.CAMERA)
!= PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) {
- showLabel(R.string.capture_camera_not_implemented);
+ showLabel(R.string.capture_camera_permission_denied);
return;
}
labelView.setVisibility(android.view.View.GONE);
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderScreenPreview.java b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderScreenPreview.java
index 7fabe08..50f33f4 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderScreenPreview.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/foxx/androidcast/sender/SenderScreenPreview.java
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ public final class SenderScreenPreview {
}
public void attach(TextureView textureView, CastSettings.CaptureMode mode) {
- if (!needsProjection(mode) || !hasConsent()) {
+ if (CastActiveState.isSenderCasting() || !needsProjection(mode) || !hasConsent()) {
return;
}
boundTexture = textureView;
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ public final class SenderScreenPreview {
}
private void ensureVirtualDisplay(TextureView textureView, CastSettings.CaptureMode mode) {
- if (!needsProjection(mode) || !hasConsent()) {
+ if (CastActiveState.isSenderCasting() || !needsProjection(mode) || !hasConsent()) {
return;
}
try {
@@ -212,6 +212,14 @@ public final class SenderScreenPreview {
boundTexture = null;
boundMode = null;
pausePreview();
+ if (projection != null) {
+ try {
+ projection.stop();
+ } catch (Exception ignored) {
+ }
+ projection = null;
+ }
+ SenderPreviewService.stop(appContext);
}
/** Release consent and active capture (leaving sender screen). */
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values-ru/strings.xml b/app/src/main/res/values-ru/strings.xml
index 211d304..042d0b2 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values-ru/strings.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values-ru/strings.xml
@@ -33,7 +33,8 @@
Тест сигнала
Камера (лицевая)
Источник для камеры (Android 10+)
- Захват с камеры в стадии разработки. Выберите другой метод.
+ Камера недоступна на этом устройстве. Выберите экран или калибровку.
+ Нет доступа к камере. Разрешите в настройках системы.
Передача калибрации %1$dx%2$d
Трансляция с камеры %1$dx%2$d
Низкий (~1.5 Mbps, 24 fps)
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
index 8fb8613..33a889c 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
@@ -33,7 +33,8 @@
Calibration test pattern
Camera (rear Camera2)
Camera source (requires Android 10+)
- Camera capture is not implemented yet. Use screen or calibration test.
+ Camera unavailable on this device. Use screen or calibration test.
+ Camera permission denied. Enable it in system settings to use camera cast.
Calibration cast %1$dx%2$d
Camera cast %1$dx%2$d
Low (~1.5 Mbps, 24 fps)
diff --git a/docs/ALPHA.md b/docs/ALPHA.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9cd2d11
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/ALPHA.md
@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+# Android Cast — alpha release & QA
+
+Last updated: 2026-05-23. Use this document for **feature freeze**, **alpha builds**, and **sign-off** before widening testing.
+
+**Related:** [ROADMAP.md](ROADMAP.md) · [README.md](../README.md)
+
+---
+
+## Alpha scope (what we ship)
+
+| In scope | Out of scope (frozen) |
+|----------|------------------------|
+| LAN discover → PIN → cast → stop | Internet relay, TLS on stream |
+| **UDP** or **TCP** transport (must match on both devices) | QUIC, WebRTC, USB-tether transport in UI |
+| H.264 + AAC (Android 10+ audio) | Passthrough video, Opus/Speex as default |
+| **Single receiver** per cast session | 1:N multi-receiver (disabled in `CastConfig`) |
+| Stream protection **None** (default) | FEC/NACK soak required for alpha sign-off |
+| Screen capture (full / user-choice on API 34+) | Secondary-display capture, Miracast in-app |
+| Camera cast (API 29+, best-effort) | Live sender mirror while casting |
+| Receiver playback + notification stop | Play Store / AdMob production |
+
+Code gate: `CastConfig.ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE = true` hides experimental transports and turns off multi-receiver selection.
+
+---
+
+## Recommended defaults (both devices)
+
+Set in **Settings** (or use fresh install defaults):
+
+| Setting | Sender | Receiver |
+|---------|--------|----------|
+| Transport | **UDP** | **UDP** |
+| Stream protection | **None** | **None** |
+| Quality | Medium | Medium |
+| Resolution | Adaptive (or HD 720p if rotation is shaky) | — |
+| Video codec | Auto | Auto |
+| Audio | On (if API 29+) | Play incoming audio: On |
+| Capture mode | Full screen (or User choice on Android 14+) | — |
+| PIN | Same on both (default `1234`) | Same |
+
+**Rotation soak:** On Mediatek / Freeme senders (e.g. BL6000), prefer **system rotation lock ON** during first alpha pass; then repeat with lock **OFF** to validate debounced reconfigure.
+
+---
+
+## Feature freeze checklist (engineering)
+
+| Item | Status |
+|------|--------|
+| `ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE` — UDP/TCP only in settings | Done |
+| Multi-receiver disabled for alpha | Done |
+| Stored QUIC/WebRTC transport clamped to UDP on load | Done |
+| Camera strings (permission vs unavailable) | Done |
+| README matches `CastConfig` / `CastSettings` defaults | Done |
+| Receiver: keyframe idle grace + debounced sender resize | Done (verify on soak) |
+| Preview paused during cast (single MediaProjection) | Done |
+| Developer-only: FEC, QUIC, USB-tether, immersive presets | Gated (dev settings) |
+
+---
+
+## Alpha app sign-off (manual QA)
+
+Run on **two physical devices**, same Wi‑Fi subnet. Record build: About / `versionName` from APK, git commit, date.
+
+### A. Smoke (required — all must pass)
+
+| # | Step | Pass |
+|---|------|------|
+| A1 | Install same debug/release APK on sender + receiver | ☐ |
+| A2 | Receiver: **Receive** → Start listening → notification *Listening* / *Ready* | ☐ |
+| A3 | Sender: **Send** → discover receiver → correct PIN → approve capture | ☐ |
+| A4 | Video appears on receiver within **15 s** of auth | ☐ |
+| A5 | Audio audible (if enabled and API 29+) within **20 s** | ☐ |
+| A6 | Sender notification shows *Casting* with resolution | ☐ |
+| A7 | **Stop** from sender notification → stream ends, receiver returns to idle | ☐ |
+| A8 | **Stop** from receiver notification → sender stops cleanly | ☐ |
+| A9 | Second cast without reinstall (A2→A7 again) | ☐ |
+
+### B. Resilience (required)
+
+| # | Step | Pass |
+|---|------|------|
+| B1 | Sender home → cast 5 min, no reboot / ANR | ☐ |
+| B2 | Receiver app to background 2 min → return → video recovers or clean idle | ☐ |
+| B3 | Receiver rotate once → video continues or recovers within 10 s | ☐ |
+| B4 | Sender rotate **with rotation lock ON** → 5 min stable | ☐ |
+| B5 | Sender rotate **with lock OFF** (optional / device-specific) → no permanent freeze; note if reboot | ☐ |
+
+### C. Settings matrix (pick one row for official alpha demo)
+
+| Profile | Transport | Protection | Use |
+|---------|-----------|------------|-----|
+| **Alpha default** | UDP | None | Primary sign-off |
+| Fallback | TCP | None | If UDP glitches on your AP |
+
+| # | Step | Pass |
+|---|------|------|
+| C1 | UDP + None: 10 min soak | ☐ |
+| C2 | (Optional) TCP + None: 10 min soak | ☐ |
+
+### D. Regression guards (quick)
+
+| # | Step | Pass |
+|---|------|------|
+| D1 | Wrong PIN → clear error, no crash | ☐ |
+| D2 | Mismatched transport (sender TCP / receiver UDP) → fails fast with message | ☐ |
+| D3 | Camera mode (if used): permission grant → cast 2 min | ☐ |
+| D4 | Calibration test mode → pattern on receiver | ☐ |
+
+### E. Known limitations (not alpha blockers)
+
+- No TLS; LAN cleartext.
+- UDP may drop frames under congestion.
+- No live preview on sender while casting.
+- Some apps silent under playback capture policy.
+- Heavy rotation on some OEMs may still stress system WFD/WM (watchdog) — document device + lock state.
+
+**Alpha approved when:** all **A**, **B1–B4**, and **C1** pass on your reference sender + receiver pair.
+
+---
+
+## Log capture (when something fails)
+
+From repo root:
+
+```bash
+./scripts/alpha-qa-logcat.sh SENDER_SERIAL RECEIVER_SERIAL
+```
+
+Or manually:
+
+```bash
+adb -s SENDER logcat -s ScreenCastService:* ReceiverCastService:* AndroidCast:* SenderScreenPreview:*
+adb -s RECEIVER logcat -s ReceiverCastService:* AndroidCast:*
+```
+
+---
+
+## Alpha backend (optional for LAN-only alpha)
+
+LAN demo does **not** require OTA/crash backend. For **full alpha** with updates and crash upload:
+
+| Item | Notes |
+|------|--------|
+| Host `examples/ota/v0/` | See [OTA.md](OTA.md) |
+| Deploy crash reporter | See [CRASH_REPORTER.md](CRASH_REPORTER.md) |
+| Configure URLs | Developer settings or `local.properties` |
+
+---
+
+## Ending feature freeze
+
+1. Complete sign-off table above; note devices + APK build id in git tag message.
+2. Tag release on `master` per [GIT_FLOW.md](GIT_FLOW.md).
+3. To re-enable experiments on a dev branch: set `CastConfig.ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE = false` and restore `MULTI_RECEIVER_ENABLED` as needed.
+
+Post-alpha priorities: rotation-stable encode path, encoder thumbnail on sender, secondary-display capture (roadmap D).
diff --git a/docs/ROADMAP.md b/docs/ROADMAP.md
index c12a216..67116a8 100644
--- a/docs/ROADMAP.md
+++ b/docs/ROADMAP.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
# Android Cast — implementation roadmap
-Last updated: 2026-05-21. Living document — refine as alpha and commercial tracks progress.
+Last updated: 2026-05-23. Living document — refine as alpha and commercial tracks progress.
---
@@ -15,11 +15,17 @@ Last updated: 2026-05-21. Living document — refine as alpha and commercial tra
### Alpha app checklist
-- [ ] Happy path: UDP + H.264/AAC + single receiver, stream protection **None**
-- [ ] README matches `CastSettings` / `CastConfig` defaults
-- [ ] Fix misleading strings (e.g. camera “not implemented”)
-- [ ] Two-device QA script (rotate, background, notification stop)
-- [ ] Optional: cap multi-receiver at 1 for show, or soak 1:N
+**Runbook:** [ALPHA.md](ALPHA.md) (feature freeze, defaults, sign-off tables, log script).
+
+| Checkpoint | Engineering | Manual sign-off |
+|------------|---------------|-----------------|
+| Happy path: UDP + H.264/AAC + single receiver, protection **None** | Defaults + freeze in code | ☐ [ALPHA.md](ALPHA.md) § A, C1 |
+| README matches `CastSettings` / `CastConfig` | Done | — |
+| Fix misleading strings (camera permission vs unavailable) | Done | — |
+| Two-device QA (rotate, background, notification stop) | Script in `scripts/alpha-qa-logcat.sh` | ☐ [ALPHA.md](ALPHA.md) § B |
+| Cap multi-receiver at 1 for alpha | `MULTI_RECEIVER_ENABLED` off while freeze on | — |
+| Hide QUIC/WebRTC/USB in settings for alpha | `ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE` | — |
+| Receiver stuck on rotation / STREAM_CONFIG storm | Debounce + idle grace in code | ☐ B4–B5 |
### Alpha backend checklist
@@ -133,7 +139,7 @@ See [ndk/README.md](../ndk/README.md).
|------|--------|
| `ReceiverPlaybackActivity` (primary receiver UI) | Done |
| Settings drawer + themes + RU locale | Done |
-| Multi-receiver 1:N | Done (soak or gate for alpha) |
+| Multi-receiver 1:N | Done (gated off while `ALPHA_FEATURE_FREEZE`) |
| Legacy `ReceiverActivity` in manifest | Orphan — remove or wire |
| Immersive A/V presets (dev) | Experimental |
| Sender resolution UI modes (dev: Separated / Legacy / Combined) | Done (test) |
@@ -156,6 +162,7 @@ See [ndk/README.md](../ndk/README.md).
- [GIT_FLOW.md](GIT_FLOW.md) — green `master` / `next` development cycle ([PDF](GIT_FLOW.pdf))
- [README.md](../README.md) — quick start
+- [ALPHA.md](ALPHA.md) — alpha freeze & QA sign-off
- [USB_HDMI_CAST.md](USB_HDMI_CAST.md) — D & E
- [COMMERCIAL.md](COMMERCIAL.md) — ads / IAP / Play
- [PRO_AAR.md](PRO_AAR.md) — cast-core / cast-pro entitlements
diff --git a/scripts/alpha-qa-logcat.sh b/scripts/alpha-qa-logcat.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..ca86cbf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/alpha-qa-logcat.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# Capture paired sender/receiver logcat for alpha QA (run from repo root).
+set -euo pipefail
+
+SENDER="${1:-}"
+RECEIVER="${2:-}"
+STAMP="$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S)"
+OUT_DIR="$(dirname "$0")/../alpha-logs-${STAMP}"
+mkdir -p "$OUT_DIR"
+
+TAGS='ScreenCastService:* ReceiverCastService:* AndroidCast:* SenderScreenPreview:* CastProtocol:*'
+
+adb_cmd() {
+ local serial="$1"
+ shift
+ if [[ -n "$serial" ]]; then
+ adb -s "$serial" "$@"
+ else
+ adb "$@"
+ fi
+}
+
+echo "Writing logs to $OUT_DIR"
+echo "Press Ctrl+C to stop."
+
+if [[ -n "$SENDER" ]]; then
+ adb_cmd "$SENDER" logcat -c
+fi
+if [[ -n "$RECEIVER" && "$RECEIVER" != "$SENDER" ]]; then
+ adb_cmd "$RECEIVER" logcat -c
+fi
+
+trap 'echo; echo "Stopped."' INT
+
+if [[ -n "$SENDER" ]]; then
+ adb_cmd "$SENDER" logcat $TAGS | tee "$OUT_DIR/sender.log" &
+ PID_S=$!
+fi
+if [[ -n "$RECEIVER" && "$RECEIVER" != "$SENDER" ]]; then
+ adb_cmd "$RECEIVER" logcat $TAGS | tee "$OUT_DIR/receiver.log" &
+ PID_R=$!
+elif [[ -z "$SENDER" ]]; then
+ adb logcat $TAGS | tee "$OUT_DIR/combined.log"
+ exit 0
+fi
+
+wait ${PID_S:-} ${PID_R:-}