Develop Bugs

"Please build this app for amazon/kindle" error

I got a couple of Kindle Fires for my kids, and Installed the Play store. Most apps that I had paid for in the Play store work just fine, but on a few I get this error when launching them. Obviously I'm hoping to avoid having to re-buy apps on the Amazon Market. I'm just wondering if there are some build.prop edits or something that may fix this issue. I realize I could flash a CM10 rom, but I was going to try to keep the kf OS to take advantage of prime, and some exclusive kids apps on the kf. Seems like there are a lot of developers of kids games that are only publishing apps for the kf devices. I'm guessing because kindle fires are a little more kid friendly especially with the new FreeTime feature on the newer versions.

I don't know if there is a work around on the stock os, but what you could do is backup all the kindle apps that you have, and flash cm10 or 10.1. You would need to install Amazon's appstore to use them, but you don't need the kindle-specific version; just the one you can download. There is a thread on here that talks about getting Prime videos working, but I don't know if that would work. There are a ton of apps that will backup apps, but a popular one is titanium backup.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD

jma9454 said:
I don't know if there is a work around on the stock os, but what you could do is backup all the kindle apps that you have, and flash cm10 or 10.1. You would need to install Amazon's appstore to use them, but you don't need the kindle-specific version; just the one you can download. There is a thread on here that talks about getting Prime videos working, but I don't know if that would work. There are a ton of apps that will backup apps, but a popular one is titanium backup.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose I can give that a try. I just assume that some of the Kindle fire specific apps like the Dora ABC volume 1 won't work without the Kindle fire OS.

They still work. I can speak from experience. I backed up quite a few kindle-specific apps and they worked.
I guess I can't guarantee their workability, because some might not work, but for the most part, they should work.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD

jma9454 said:
They still work. I can speak from experience. I backed up quite a few kindle-specific apps and they worked.
I guess I can't guarantee their workability, because some might not work, but for the most part, they should work.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried with a couple apps and restored them on my phone. First tried Toca Hair Salon (exclusive kf app), and surprisingly it did work. The other I tried was the Dora ABC volume 1, and that didn't work. It didn't even have the correct icon. The Dora app does use whisper sync game circle, though. So it may be because it depends on those stock apps being present. Do you know if you've tried with any of these kind of apps? I still need to try restoring it on an actual kf running 4.2 and not my phone, but I just tried for a quick test.

I can't tell you about an app like that, but if you up the apk, I will try.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD

jma9454 said:
I can't tell you about an app like that, but if you up the apk, I will try.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed cm10 on my 2nd kf, restored the Dora app, and it did work. I also tried on my nexus 7 and it worked too. So, the app is not compatible with my phone I guess.
However, I tried a few of the apps that were giving the error message in the title of this thread, and they still give the same error in cm10. So, it seems the error is within the app, but strange multiple apps from different developers have the same message.

timtlm said:
However, I tried a few of the apps that were giving the error message in the title of this thread, and they still give the same error in cm10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What apps specifically?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD

jma9454 said:
What apps specifically?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some free ones you can try:
Space Jigsaw Puzzle or any other free app from Wombi. The space jigsaw puzzle is available for free from the Amazon store as well, which that one works on the kf.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wombi.spacepuzzle
Sight Words Games Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.cfc.androidgp.sightwordslite
Snow white interactive book
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=TheLusca.com.SnowWhite2
The paid Super Why game from the play store also produces this error, but other PBS Kids apps like Daniel Tiger and Fresh Pick do not.

timtlm said:
Some free ones you can try:
Space Jigsaw Puzzle or any other free app from Wombi. The space jigsaw puzzle is available for free from the Amazon store as well, which that one works on the kf.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wombi.spacepuzzle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this one. It didn't work at first, but then I changed the manufacturer from Amazon to Google and the model or whatever it is from Amazon Kindle Fire to Nexus 7 all manually. I rebooted, and launched the app and it worked just fine. So there's a work around that I would guess works for all/most apps like this.
-edit-
I just reset the manufacturer to Amazon and it still worked with a "nexus 7" device. But I went back to kindle fire as the device and it didn't work again. I didn't even notice till now, but it changed my signature to nexus 7 while I had that modded.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

jma9454 said:
I tried this one. It didn't work at first, but then I changed the manufacturer from Amazon to Google and the model or whatever it is from Amazon Kindle Fire to Nexus 7 all manually. I rebooted, and launched the app and it worked just fine. So there's a work around that I would guess works for all/most apps like this.
-edit-
I just reset the manufacturer to Amazon and it still worked with a "nexus 7" device. But I went back to kindle fire as the device and it didn't work again. I didn't even notice till now, but it changed my signature to nexus 7 while I had that modded.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big thanks! That does work. I didn't think it would be that simple. For Super Why I had to change both the model and the manufacturer. Now I think all my apps are working. Thanks a lot.
When I was searching out this error, I saw developers discussing this message on a cross-platform development software called Carona. It must be something that it adds automatically depending on the build options. This would explain why different apps have the same error message. I'm guessing all these apps were developed using this software.

[Q] Rooted Kindle Apps do not show up in home>apps

Hi,
Last month I rooted my Kindle. I decided to give it to my girlfriend to use but (for obvious reasons deregistered it from my Amazon account). Now after it has been deregistered she is unable to get the apps that i had on there (she has registered her own amazon account). The apps are still on there after a little exploring i did on ES explorer. They will not show up under home>apps where all the other apps are. Root access was not removed from this Kindle but the Superuser icon and Google Play Store icons were (along with the rest of the apps i downloaded from Google Play Store). I can still use the apps if I go into ES Explorer under Tools> App Manager and click on the app it will give me an option to open and it works just fine. I just opened up Google Play Store and downloaded the "Craigslist" app and it shows up under the apps page. It is just very inconvenient to do it this way and I want to know if anyone has any idea what is going on. I am completely lost!
Thank you!

Have u tried using an alternate launcher like go launcher HD? For the record, you can not just simply install alternate launchers from the play store and have them work out of the box, minus the exception of using other ROMs like kinology or cm. You would have to copy installed apk from
/data/app to /system/app and fix its permissions to avoid boot loop. I advise using something like kindle fire first aid or a app called kindle free for it though. Also thought I'd mention if you choose this route and are on amazon is x.4.1 or higher, you won't be able to set the background, I made a fix for that. If you decide to try using an alternate launcher, I'll send u a link to it, word to the wise though, if you choose to use an alternate launcher it is advised to run my wallpaper fix first or your system partition may run out of disk space and be unable to complete the fix. I really need to put my wallpaper fix in my signature... Anyways post back if you would like to try this.
Also thought I'd mention the apps are probably not showing up because of ownership issues, just a guess though, because I tried to run a free app from my mom's kindle 1st gen on mine and it refused to even open saying I didn't own it... Free app... Irony... Anyways that's just a guess, I'd love to test this theory using my moms account on this kindle but I currently have cm 10.1 installed so I can't without reflashing.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app

stunts513 said:
Have u tried using an alternate launcher like go launcher HD? For the record, you can not just simply install alternate launchers from the play store and have them work out of the box, minus the exception of using other ROMs like kinology or cm. You would have to copy installed apk from
/data/app to /system/app and fix its permissions to avoid boot loop. I advise using something like kindle fire first aid or a app called kindle free for it though. Also thought I'd mention if you choose this route and are on amazon is x.4.1 or higher, you won't be able to set the background, I made a fix for that. If you decide to try using an alternate launcher, I'll send u a link to it, word to the wise though, if you choose to use an alternate launcher it is advised to run my wallpaper fix first or your system partition may run out of disk space and be unable to complete the fix. I really need to put my wallpaper fix in my signature... Anyways post back if you would like to try this.
Also thought I'd mention the apps are probably not showing up because of ownership issues, just a guess though, because I tried to run a free app from my mom's kindle 1st gen on mine and it refused to even open saying I didn't own it... Free app... Irony... Anyways that's just a guess, I'd love to test this theory using my moms account on this kindle but I currently have cm 10.1 installed so I can't without reflashing.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thank you for the response! My Kindle is running 8.4.3. I am thinking of just doing a factory reset and re rooting it because i have the program all set up on my computer, just need to re run the program. Then i will have a clean slate to work with. If my logic is correct i should be able to just start from scratch again which is relatively easy compared to finding a new solution. Let me know what you think.
Thank you

I'm confused, wouldn't you still need to login to your account to re download stuff from the cloud causing the problem all over again?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app

stunts513 said:
I'm confused, wouldn't you still need to login to your account to re download stuff from the cloud causing the problem all over again?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon cloud works great. My girlfriend has her own account and can download any of the apps she wants off of there. The problem is that the icons dont show up for Superuser or Google Play Store. I can still use Superuser but i cannot touch the app icon to go into it but i know its still running because Titanium Backup was asking for its permission. Also when i go into Google Play Store i am able to download apps and have them appear on my kindle apps page but the original Google Play Store is not there so i have to go into ES Explorer to access Google Play (im trying to make it easier for her by having the Icon for Google Play Store on the home app page). I am having issues with Google Play and Superuser (which isnt a big deal that i cant touch the app to open it) but Google Play Store i would like to show up on the main page.
-Erik

Oh OK I get what your saying now, that is strange, I'm starting to wonder if I misunderstood you from the beginning. Yea if doing a restore still for some weird reason doesn't fix it just use an alternate ui, I kinda don't like the carousel anymore myself after flashing a normal android os on mine, but restoring the os should work.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app

can amazon remove side load app functionality?

Is there a possibility that Amazon might remove the ability to side load apps with future firmware auto update, if you are not rooted?
Thank you

Sure there is. There's a possibility they could do all sorts of bone-headed things to it.

wellersl said:
Sure there is. There's a possibility they could do all sorts of bone-headed things to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But of course they never would. Because then people wouldn't be able to test their apps on it. No people testing apps == no one releasing apps.

the probably couldn;t remove the Install from Unknown Sources since it;s part of the OS. But they could try to hide it. They could try to hide file managers like ES File manager from their app store as well. It;s more truble than it;s worth. But as long as you can use ADB to push and install apps to your device we will be fine.
I think the biggest thing we need is to unlock the bootloader because that will allow you to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM if you want full command and control of the unit.

rbox said:
But of course they never would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But of course!
In your esteemed opinion, did they deliberately cause the eFuse/locked bootloader fiasco? IOW - Was that a conscious move on Amazon's part?
---------- Post added at 10:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 AM ----------
tekweezle said:
They could try to hide file managers like ES File manager from their app store as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't need to hide it. They've determined that it's not compatible.
Strange to me how the Amazon app store is so void of apps that *are* compatible with my Fire TV. :silly:

tekweezle said:
the probably couldn;t remove the Install from Unknown Sources since it;s part of the OS. But they could try to hide it. They could try to hide file managers like ES File manager from their app store as well. It;s more truble than it;s worth. But as long as you can use ADB to push and install apps to your device we will be fine.
I think the biggest thing we need is to unlock the bootloader because that will allow you to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM if you want full command and control of the unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can do whatever they want. They have all of the source code.
wellersl said:
But of course!
In your esteemed opinion, did they deliberately cause the eFuse/locked bootloader fiasco? IOW - Was that a conscious move on Amazon's part?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very much so. They went out of their way to write a program that blew the fuse.

rbox said:
Very much so. They went out of their way to write a program that blew the fuse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now see, IMO, if I fell victim to that, I'd have them in small claims court in a heartbeat. That's just plain bone-headed consumer product management. That is... if I could prove it.
Note to Amazon: How about a *special* Fire TV with *Special Offers"?

wellersl said:
Now see, IMO, if I fell victim to that, I'd have them in small claims court in a heartbeat. That's just plain bone-headed consumer product management. That is... if I could prove it.
Note to Amazon: How about a *special* Fire TV with *Special Offers"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's common practice. All the manufacturers do it. What would you sue them for? Protecting their product? They are patching vulnerabilities.

rbox said:
It's common practice. All the manufacturers do it. What would you sue them for? Protecting their product? They are patching vulnerabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... it just occurred to me. They aren't actually disabling the device, are they? I keep seeing the term "brick." If, in fact, they're bricking these devices, wrong. There's absolutely nothing that came with or on my Fire TV that says I can't root it.
Else, in terms of vulnerability, I could see them locking me out of AVOD. But they should have any say over my access to Netflix.

wellersl said:
Well... it just occurred to me. They aren't actually disabling the device, are they? I keep seeing the term "brick." If, in fact, they're bricking these devices, wrong. There's absolutely nothing that came with or on my Fire TV that says I can't root it.
Else, in terms of vulnerability, I could see them locking me out of AVOD. But they should have any say over my access to Netflix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the efuse does is prevent you from booting an old bootloader. As long as you aren't doing the things we are doing, it's harmless. But if you try to go out of your way to screw around with the software and use an old bootloader, then it will be bricked because the old bootloader will not work with the fuse blown, and it doesn't boot. It has nothing to do with rooting, nor anything to do with avod or netflix...

rbox said:
... use an old bootloader, then it will be bricked because the old bootloader will not work with the fuse blown, and it doesn't boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still trying to grasp this...
If you aren't trying to root, why else would you use an old bootloader?
rbox said:
They are patching vulnerabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was only using Netflix as an example. I don't see Amazon bricking their devices to patch a competitor's vulnerabilities. Though that is a strange relationship...

wellersl said:
Still trying to grasp this...
If you aren't trying to root, why else would you use an old bootloader?
I was only using Netflix as an example. I don't see Amazon bricking their devices to patch a competitor's vulnerabilities. Though that is a strange relationship...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You use the old bootloader so you can take advantage of the bug in the bootloader and load unsigned code. Custom kernels, custom roms, recovery, etc.
That makes no sense... they patched a vulnerability in the bootloader and then prevent you from using said vulnerable bootloader... It has nothing to do with apps.

rbox said:
You use the old bootloader so you can take advantage of the bug in the bootloader and load unsigned code. Custom kernels, custom roms, recovery, etc.
That makes no sense... they patched a vulnerability in the bootloader and then prevent you from using said vulnerable bootloader... It has nothing to do with apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the first point (I think).
On the second point, Amazon can obviously patch what they perceive as vulnerabilities -unrestricted-. But as soon as they've patched me out of an otherwise legitimate use of the box, they've gone too far. IMHO.
Some years back, I filed a claim against UPS and won. I'm sure they got the paperwork and had no clue what to do with it.
More recently, I filed a claim with the BBB against Roku for the crappy firmware they pushed out on the 2XS. Roku sent me a new 2XS and a new Roku 3. Just to shut me up.

wellersl said:
Got the first point (I think).
On the second point, Amazon can obviously patch what they perceive as vulnerabilities -unrestricted-. But as soon as they've patched me out of an otherwise legitimate use of the box, they've gone too far. IMHO.
Some years back, I filed a claim against UPS and won. I'm sure they got the paperwork and had no clue what to do with it.
More recently, I filed a claim with the BBB against Roku for the crappy firmware they pushed out on the 2XS. Roku sent me a new 2XS and a new Roku 3. Just to shut me up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bypassing their secure bootchain is not a legitimate use. Exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel to gain root is also not a legitimate use.

rbox said:
Bypassing their secure bootchain is not a legitimate use. Exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel to gain root is also not a legitimate use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously, I'm not getting my point across. But that's ok.
Peace.

rbox said:
But of course they never would. Because then people wouldn't be able to test their apps on it. No people testing apps == no one releasing apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Rbox,
This make sense thank you for responding but can the developer just be released the app in amazon app store as free and then user would just download from amazon app, unless of course it is really painful process to get an app approved by amazon for a developer than i can understand or why go thru the process again with amazon if the app is already on google play store.
It seems there are quite a few folks out there who chose not to root there device as long as they can side load any apps they want, which is fine but if Amazon goal is to lock down user on there echosystem than allowing folks to side load any apps user wants this would seriously undermine there goal (Amazon app store, AFTV device, the whole amazon echosystem), this is Just my opinion.
Thank you

ashsha7877 said:
Hi Rbox,
This make sense thank you for responding but can the developer just be released the app in amazon app store as free and then user would just download from amazon app, unless of course it is really painful process to get an app approved by amazon for a developer than i can understand or why go thru the process again with amazon if the app is already on google play store.
It seems there are quite a few folks out there who chose not to root there device as long as they can side load any apps they want, which is fine but if Amazon goal is to lock down user on there echosystem than allowing folks to side load any apps user wants this would seriously undermine there goal (Amazon app store, AFTV device, the whole amazon echosystem), this is Just my opinion.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with releasing apps. If I make an app for the Fire TV. I'm going to test it on the Fire TV. And the way I do that is using adb install. They can't block that, or else no one would be able to test their apps.

rbox said:
It has nothing to do with releasing apps. If I make an app for the Fire TV. I'm going to test it on the Fire TV. And the way I do that is using adb install. They can't block that, or else no one would be able to test their apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, since you put it that way it make more sense. Thank you Sir!

Also it would be a pretty stupid move for Amazon to add "Install from unknown sources" in their latest firmware's if they did not wan't people to install 3'rd party android app's on it. As you do not have to "sideload" with adb anymore, you can just install a webbrowser and browse to a web site (kodi.tv for example) click on a installer .apk and it will immediately install. You can also copy the apk to the sdcard and click on it in a filebrowser and it will install.
Amazon put that option in 1 version ago. So beginning to remove sideloading via. adb and hiding apps seems pretty silly to me.
But ofcause in theory they still have the source and the rights to do what they like..

On the one hand, Amazon doesn't have to provide support for side loaded apps, which saves them money. On the other hand, some side loaded apps allow users to access premium content for free, so Amazon might claim they lose revenue, but those users probably would never have purchased premium content from Amazon in the first place and at least they made some money off the hardware. So I would say that they won't revoke side loading functionality.

How did this happen? Can't Search, Click and apps look different

Hi all.
I've gone through the regular build of my firetv. I usually let aptoide update all the apps automatically, however After the update (im not sure) the firetv is behaving with the following issues.
1. I cannot click on any of the apps from the recent or home screen.
2. I have to select the apps on the manage installed apps page.
3. The apps location looks different and has kodi in it. that shouldn't be the case as kodi is not an amazon sanctioned app.
Is there a utility that got installed?
really really appreciate your help. please see the screen shot

navigates said:
Hi all.
I've gone through the regular build of my firetv. I usually let aptoide update all the apps automatically, however After the update (im not sure) the firetv is behaving with the following issues.
1. I cannot click on any of the apps from the recent or home screen.
2. I have to select the apps on the manage installed apps page.
3. The apps location looks different and has kodi in it. that shouldn't be the case as kodi is not an amazon sanctioned app.
Is there a utility that got installed?
really really appreciate your help. please see the screen shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for rbox's recovery, I recovered by cleaning all data and back from scratch with keeping my root. I still am curious. how did this anomy happy. I believe aptoid updated some foundation libraries and my firetv was set to install from unknown sources.

It looks to me like the stock amazon app store was installed. Just a guess

collindv said:
It looks to me like the stock amazon app store was installed. Just a guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Don't know what is a stock amazon app store. I did the recovery and got back to where it should be. Had to redo all apps again but that is a smaller task. The only change I had done was to let aptoide update all updates which I usually don't let aptoide take over. it also updated supersu etc.

navigates said:
Really? Don't know what is a stock amazon app store. I did the recovery and got back to where it should be. Had to redo all apps again but that is a smaller task. The only change I had done was to let aptoide update all updates which I usually don't let aptoide take over. it also updated supersu etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app store was installed. Do not update all appps with any third party app store. Aptoide always has an update for the amazon app store and if you update it, it installs the actual app store. Pay attention to what apps you are updating and what the version number is, cause sometimes the apps are actually downgraded with third party app stores. I update all apps one at a time with third party app stores, and I check to make sure that the app is the right version by checking it in the google play store first. There are also a lot of fake apps on third party app stores. Lets say you have version 1.2 installed and the updated version is actually 1.3, third party app stores may say the version is 1.4 or 1.5, and that always means the app is fake. So basically, never batch update/auto update with third party app stores, and always check the version number and you will be fine. If the version number does not match, do not update, and if you do not want your apps displayed like an app drawer on the fire TV then never update the amazon app store. BTW, if you accidentally install the amazon app store again, simply uninstall and reboot and it will go back to normal.

porkenhimer said:
The app store was installed. Do not update all appps with any third party app store. Aptoide always has an update for the amazon app store and if you update it, it installs the actual app store. Pay attention to what apps you are updating and what the version number is, cause sometimes the apps are actually downgraded with third party app stores. I update all apps one at a time with third party app stores, and I check to make sure that the app is the right version by checking it in the google play store first. There are also a lot of fake apps on third party app stores. Lets say you have version 1.2 installed and the updated version is actually 1.3, third party app stores may say the version is 1.4 or 1.5, and that always means the app is fake. So basically, never batch update/auto update with third party app stores, and always check the version number and you will be fine. If the version number does not match, do not update, and if you do not want your apps displayed like an app drawer on the fire TV then never update the amazon app store. BTW, if you accidentally install the amazon app store again, simply uninstall and reboot and it will go back to normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I knew this earlier would have saved me loads of time redoing the box again, but that too is no biggie as most of my build is automated through batch files. I didn’t know there is an app store. I’ll be careful. I too typically don’t update all but do it one at a time. The good tip is to check the version number before updating which I will. I’m contemplating getting another rooted one for my self as a backup as those are getting hard to find and my local best buy has a few on hand.

​
navigates said:
I wish I knew this earlier would have saved me loads of time redoing the box again, but that too is no biggie as most of my build is automated through batch files. I didn’t know there is an app store. I’ll be careful. I too typically don’t update all but do it one at a time. The good tip is to check the version number before updating which I will. I’m contemplating getting another rooted one for my self as a backup as those are getting hard to find and my local best buy has a few on hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if they are not rootable, they are still worth the money. The only advantages I really see in rooting is having the play store, default lanchers and external drive support. I could care less about a launcher on the fire TV, cause none of them function correctly anyway, and not having the play store is even less of a care for me, cause I have all the apps I need or want without it. External drive support would be nice, but I am pretty sure it will come in a future update from amazon so no big deal. I guess I can say my only gripe about the Fire TV is that it does not support a lot of apps that are sideloaded, but that is not amazons fault and every device doesn't support all apps.

porkenhimer said:
​Even if they are not rootable, they are still worth the money. The only advantages I really see in rooting is having the play store, default lanchers and external drive support. I could care less about a launcher on the fire TV, cause none of them function correctly anyway, and not having the play store is even less of a care for me, cause I have all the apps I need or want without it. External drive support would be nice, but I am pretty sure it will come in a future update from amazon so no big deal. I guess I can say my only gripe about the Fire TV is that it does not support a lot of apps that are sideloaded, but that is not amazons fault and every device doesn't support all apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. At the moment, the benefits of rooting is not outweighed at the moment, however, the custom rom is around the horizon. I specifically like the suspend feature on kodi. Another rooted feature I like is quicksupport/teamviewer, so I can help my family incase they need help. I may drive down to bestbuy on my way in and pick up one of the rootable units and keep it on the side for future need or family need.
Or should I get the nexus player.

navigates said:
Agreed. At the moment, the benefits of rooting is not outweighed at the moment, however, the custom rom is around the horizon. I specifically like the suspend feature on kodi. Another rooted feature I like is quicksupport/teamviewer, so I can help my family incase they need help. I may drive down to bestbuy on my way in and pick up one of the rootable units and keep it on the side for future need or family need.
Or should I get the nexus player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get the device you like. If you already know the Fire TV is good for you then why not get another? If you wanna different experience get the Nexus Player or another device of your choosing. Its all subjective, and no one can really answer that for you. Just my opinion, you will be hard pressed to find another android box that can compete with the Fire TV. There are a lot of devices that have great specs that do not compare to the Fire TV, even without root. There is a reason why there are thousands off videos comparing the Fire TV to the Roku and Apple TV, cause its is the top Android box, period.

porkenhimer said:
You should get the device you like. If you already know the Fire TV is good for you then why not get another? If you wanna different experience get the Nexus Player or another device of your choosing. Its all subjective, and no one can really answer that for you. Just my opinion, you will be hard pressed to find another android box that can compete with the Fire TV. There are a lot of devices that have great specs that do not compare to the Fire TV, even without root. There is a reason why there are thousands off videos comparing the Fire TV to the Roku and Apple TV, cause its is the top Android box, period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I've gotten myself another box as the serial number was in the series 3 and I would like to keep it rooted. I'm confident a custom rom is around the corner. So far I've given the firetv to my parents, inlaws, brother in law, 3 cousins and loads of friends. They all are super excited about it. the downside is that I'm getting tired of building one for friends as when people ask, they don't realize the effort that is put into building one, specially for rooting. I feel if building one, give the full honesty and build a good one/rooted as you never know what new is around the horizon.

Yes its stock amazon app store, i made the same mistake when apiode updated the amazon store for me. All you have to do is uninstall it.
go to settings apps click on amazon app store and clear data and cash uninstall then reboot.

Fire Sale Fire Phones - Quick Start

So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.

While I welcome enthusiasm and sharing of knowledge, I can't help feel if your going all out Google there are better phones for the money or at least phones that will prove less problematic for you in the long run. I'm using this as my second phone because as a prime member I get free books etc.

Hi, can't agree more. I fully accept that getting the Play services on here is something of a fudge and something which no doubt could break at any time.
I probably like you bought this as a back-up device and something which failing all else I could use as a sort of media player for Amazon's services. I have managed to accumulate a lot of games for free through the regular free games/credits, so that helps.
Not in any way trying to knock Amazon, however the app store situation is pretty poor. As it is, without the Play store, I don't think I could really recommend this phone, but I do think it is a great bargain, nothing else for me comes close to the specs or build quality for similar money to what we paid.
As I say, just wanted to help anyone out who might have been in a similar situation and picked one of these up "on a punt".

Hi dampchimp,
I planning to order a fire phone but I can't use the O² network. Was the unlocking process so simple. I read earlier that many have problems with both amazon and O² to unlock their phones.
I can't see a 64GB but only 32 on amazon.co.uk
Thank you!

You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.

ratbags said:
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, for me anyway, I just done a web chat and got one in 2 minutes, obviously no guarantee, but seems like they just don't care any more.

Strangely, I put the code in and got a message along the lines of "unlock failed" but it worked anyway.

Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone
dampchimp said:
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...

I'm looking at the deal on this phone today in the US also - $159 for the phone with a year of Amazon Prime so $60 for this phone a backup if anything happens to my current Xperia Z1.
I think for $60 it's a great deal but not also not sure of the functionality of it with Google apps. That'd be key for me.
Suggestions?

Absolutely no problems with Google play etc and I've been using for a month or so. Follow the various guides on this forum like I did and you'll be ok. Phone isn't any slower since I deployed gapps.

And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.

sergio687 said:
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but don't you need older firmware? I ordered one tonight that I expect to be running a unrootable firmware. I'm hoping to root before updating by blocking domains then registering and rooting quick. Of course if its running the latest that doesn't matter. Or can I root this?

No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^

Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Kingroot it (just to have it rooted and flash ROMs), flash CM11 and enjoy a phone with great specs and a great price, and a year of Amazon Prime. Heck, you can even download the Amazon Appstore after you have de-Amazon'ed it and continue to enjoy the free app of the day and all that stuff.

Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I didn't wait for this is fear that Amazon would patch the exploit via an update.
Sent from my Fire Phone using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?

JetFan said:
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my Fire Phone using the XDA premium app.

Thanks

arunhtc said:
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked US version on Black Friday, sideloaded Google apps and activated on Net10 early December. Google Play Store tells you if an app is incompatible, I have sideloaded most of those from 1Mobile. That only works for free apps, so far I only have one paid app that I can't use (local commuter train).
Can't compare speed, didn't use it before sideloading Google but it seems pretty zippy to me.
Main problem will probably be Lollipop-only apps. I've run across a few incompatible apps, but nothing crucial yet. Looks like I have 123 apps in my grid, most from either Amazon or Google.
I'm using this as my main phone.

Okay thanks for info ...
Sent from my SD4930UR using Tapatalk