Related
I'm expecting delivery of the Desire soon, having had a range of WM5, WM6 and WM6.1 handsets so far. Now one of the big problems I experienced with WM was the inability of the OS to protect itself from deep-level rogue code -one app from the Windows Marketplace screwed the last phone considerably, leading to a series of crashes, black screens with ominous warnings about not powering off correctly and so on. Thankfully I had Sprite Backup to haul back a working fileset. On the whole it felt as wobbly as a Win98 install with the wrong version of several core files.
How does the Android OS protect itself from rogue stuff? (especially the newest 2.1 release in the Desire, if it's any different from earlier versions). Does it sandbox the apps and do some heavy brokering of any multitasking? There are thousands of apps to try and I'd rather not knacker things up if one turns out to be a bit flaky...
I've used Linux for years (have mostly had Kubuntu for the past 2yrs, though used to run Suse, Slackware and ZipSlack) and have busted a Linux install just by adding the nVidia kernel drivers - I think that was within a minute of first boot in that case. I know that root access is needed for these sorts of mods - what's the score there on Android handsets?
BTW - couldn't find anything about this on the Search, and am dropping it here because I'm getting the Desire - apologies to Mods if it belongs somewhere else!
- in the market you will see bad ratings and comments if an app is really malicious (obviously the developers can't edit/delete comments from the market)
- apps don't have root access so they can't alter data on the system partition.
- apps need to have permission declared in order to have access to some functions, for example if an app is sending text messages, or modifying contact data you will see this when you install the app
Thanks. I always treat the user ratings with a pinch of salt - the one that messed my Raphael up was a 4*-rated app! I think the thing there was that WM doesn't protect the OS in any special way, and I'm glad that Android is using partitions. Sounds just like a standard Linux distro in that respect, most of which will create 3 partitions unless told otherwise.
Yeah I guess if the app has no root access, then no serious harm can be done to the phone.
Also, try to create a habbit of checking what permissions the app has before installing it. That shows just before installing, or press Menu and then Security. For example, a Game will not need access to contacts, or make calls... etc.
Before I install something I heard nothing about, I always scroll users comments and look for low ratings and see what they have to say about it. But remember that old comments (good or bad) sometimes don't count as apps get updated.
The Market should show when the application was last updated by the developer. I think Apple store already shows that.
Cheers! I'll check it out just as soon as the new phone gets here! Normally I'm dead paranoid about stuff, and don't let anything out to play unless I'm sure - maybe I'm letting one bad installation colour things a bit too much...
[UPDATED] Android Market Apps I bought for my Hero: Are they "paid for" on my Desire?
Updated April 18, 2010
Now I get it. See Post #6 below. Google's dragging their ass on "fingerprint" approval. They need to be SHAMED virally across the web for sheer incompetence -- or intentional malice toward purchasers of a phone that competes with their Nexus One. "Do No Evil" my ass.
========== My Original Posting =========
I bought maybe 6-7 apps for my hero -- 2 different keyboards, "Executive Assistant", some kind of alarm clock... When on my Hero, even after factory reset and resetting up my phone, when I went to MARKET and "My Downloads", those paid for apps showed up as available to install again on my Hero.
I have been using my Desire -- but thus far only for Wifi as I set it up and get acquainted with the phone. Perhaps stupidly (!) I am still using the Hero as my "phone" til I have all my apps and widgets and layouts replicated on my Desire.
Though I do not have my carrier's SIM card installed in my Desire, 90% of the device works fine, especially all wifi usages, Market downloads, email, web, etc... I did set up my Gmail account as well.
It's one's Gmail account which is your linkage to PAID FOR apps, via Google Checkout. So, I am surprised that when I select "My downloads" i don't see any indication of paid for apps.
Is this tied to a SIM card? (if so seems ridiculous)
RELATED: I can't even find BETTER KEYBOARD app in the Market now, nor "SMART KEYBOARD" ... Does the market auto-filter out apps that do not run on Android 2.1 ?
thank you
the paid apps are tied with your google account.
(no longer relevant)
From what I read, some paid and free apps should appear as soon as google finishes some signature thing related to that! so it's a matter of time.
By the way, do you see paid apps in general? For me, I always had to use Market Enabaler on the Hero to open Market to paid apps.
A temporary solution, you can use your Hero to extract the paid applications (apk files) using Root Explorer, copy them to the Desire SD card and install them using any file manager. The only limitation here is that you have to keep checking for updates on the Hero.
Re: Android Market > Apps I bought for my Hero: Are they "paid for" on my Desire?
as far as I know, and experts correct me if wrong, the ability to get access are directly connected to the sim from which you connect.
which is why market enabler used to spoof the apn's from which paid apps were available.
with no sim card you should only be able to get free apps or nothing at all.
I live in Sweden, no paid apps.
was at friends last night who has an old UK sim card, popped that in and I got access to some paid apps. but still with the limitations as previously discussed in this forum. (waiting for Google to get it straightened out)
so, yes & no, the apps are tied to your sim, cuz it tells the phone which apn/ network your phone is connecting from...
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
I just read a few other threads, with links to the official Android Market forums. First off, I have to ask some basic vocabulary:
What are "protected apps" ?
I have no idea what this means.
Second: salahag, thanks for your reply. I didn't respond initially because I didn't understand it at all. Paid apps showed up in my Hero from day 1 and that was for me October 2009. I was baffled because I had no context for even thinking "is everything that's available showing here?" because by default my brain had no reason to pose that question. I just assumed the Market worked one way, and I was seeing everything the way everyone else sees it.
I'm suddenly quite baffled by this emerging mystery now that I can't find a bunch of apps for my DESIRE. But now the mystery of "where are my paid apps that I bought on my Hero?" is solved, replaced by "why are hundreds of apps that were available on my Hero not available on my Desire?"
XDA-devs to the rescue, via another thread here about "Missing apps in the Market" linking to this posting in Android Market forums:
by nprussell - 4/8/10 (LINK to this posting at Android Market forums)
Hi all,
I'm an Android developer from the XDA forum & VillainROM.co.uk. I've primarily worked on the Hero, but I received my Desire yesterday.
I can confirm that I too am missing several apps from the market. I also have an answer to your question.
First things first, it's protected apps that are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market.
(1) When a new ROM/Phone is released, the manufacturer, in this case HTC, sends the build to Google, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in the build.prop file. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & system write access, this fingerprint can easily be changed... but we don't have that luxury right now.
Once Google approve the build, the fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view protected apps on the market.
(2) The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds (such as twidroid, layar, barcode scanner etc) is that these apps require permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
So again... to answer your question... we'll see the protected apps as soon as either:
a) HTC chase up Google
b) Google get around to activating the fingerprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Un-frikkin-believable.
It's like the equivalence of a dumb low-IQ bureaucrat holding up a long line for Drivers' License renewals at the "Department of Motor Vehicles". No reason at all for the stupid delay other than some asshole letting some work order sit on his desktop til he feels like getting to it.
No wonder the author (gogol) of that other related thread recommends consumer activism or we just stand in line each time and just wait to get ****'d in the ass by beaurocratic process that sounds WAY more like Microsoft than "the smartest guys in the room" at Google -- who pride themselves on only hiring Ivy-league grads and equivalents, like from Stanford. They ought to be ridiculed out of town with this.
gogol writes: I really cannot believe Google screws this great Android platform like this. Think about the next firmware update, from Google or HTC ... We will AGAIN get this issue ... Then wait again very long. I am really mad and hate this.
If one of you guys is capable of writing a good professional article or blog regarding this issue, we could spread the voice all over the internet / twitter / facebook / blogs / news so Google could "end" or "fix" this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm game to SHAME GOOGLE into getting their f-ing act together or be ridiculed for incompetence -- everywhere we can post that message on the web. And they have the nerve to criticize APPLE for their ridiculous App Store totalitarianism?
.
xrrkrrkx said:
I live in Sweden, no paid apps. Was at friends last night who has an old UK sim card, popped that in and I got access to some paid apps. but still with the limitations as previously discussed in this forum. (waiting for Google to get it straightened out)
so, yes & no, the apps are tied to your sim, cuz it tells the phone which apn/ network your phone is connecting from...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you clarify this further. Thank you for information related to SIM card needing to be in use in order to access paid apps -- god only knows why -- it's retarded to me.
But is it correct that I have read other places that there are LOCALIZATION ISSUES? where some apps are only available to certain regions? (Like YouTube does) -- Or can you shoot that one down as rumor. I don't get this. Open source OS. Google's entire revenue model based on ads. More phones = more ad impressions = more money to Google. What possible motivation is there to block access to apps in a marketplace that I am willing to pay for -- where Google gets % of all sales, as well as transactional revenue thru Google Checkout? -- Something doesn't make sense. And usually when that's the case, SOMEONE IS BEING PROTECTED in some corporate deal.
What's the story. Is this another CARRIER-TAINTED example of holding customers hostage? If so, I can't wait til the day we can blow up that Carrier-driven model that strangles the free marketplace. They should make it or break it based on direct delivery of services at competitive pricing. I am so tired of Boardroom Protectionist Policies agreed to by major competitors, to ensure a baseline profit well above anything deserved if there was open competition. ... But I could be off on my little side rant and it has nothing to do with this issue, in which case, .... ooops. sorry
salahag said:
From what I read, some paid and free apps should appear as soon as google finishes some signature thing related to that! so it's a matter of time.
By the way, do you see paid apps in general? For me, I always had to use Market Enabaler on the Hero to open Market to paid apps.
A temporary solution, you can use your Hero to extract the paid applications (apk files) using Root Explorer, copy them to the Desire SD card and install them using any file manager. The only limitation here is that you have to keep checking for updates on the Hero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks - I never even thought to do this. Rooted my Hero, copied the apks (they're in /data/app-private) to the Desire and installed. I now have National Rail and Locale Lockscreen back again
Ta.
you can use your Hero to extract the paid applications (apk files) using Root Explorer, copy them to the Desire SD card and install them using any file manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant to ask: Is Root Explorer an app from the Market (I'll check of course), and does it only work on rooted Heroes? Mine is unrooted. But I have used Astro app many times for moving stuff from my computer to Hero, and now my Desire. So, it would just be a matter of my knowing which folder/directory to look in on my Hero to access the .apk files.
(EDIT: I see now from daern above: they're in /data/app-private ... well Astro Explorer shows me root folder and data folder but both say "directory is empty", so I am guessing unless I root my Hero i can't access this stuff... right?)
So, thanks from ME also!
Easy. Install "InstantRook.apk" on the Hero (Google for it, download directly to the device and run from Astro).
Once installed, it will announce "your device is rooted". Now fire up Root Explorer and note that you can see the /data folder. Copy the private apk files to /sdcard and away you go.
It really is as easy as that. It may stuff your Hero (it didn't affect mine in the slightest) but as I'm assuming that you're replacing it anyway, the worst it would require would be a hard-boot anyway.
Took < 5 mins
These are the 3 important things on my list about Windows Phone 7. I know initially these wont be available but i remember reading a while back that the emulator or something got hacked by someone here and revealed a file explorer in windows phone 7
is that any indication that there will be a means of exploring the contents of the device like we currently have on winmo?
also how feasible would it be for them to allow multitasking for apps? is that something impossible for this platform or could they actually do this with a update?
and whats the word on using the device as a usb drive like most phones out there can currently do?
deadwrong03 said:
These are the 3 important things on my list about Windows Phone 7. I know initially these wont be available but i remember reading a while back that the emulator or something got hacked by someone here and revealed a file explorer in windows phone 7
is that any indication that there will be a means of exploring the contents of the device like we currently have on winmo?
also how feasible would it be for them to allow multitasking for apps? is that something impossible for this platform or could they actually do this with a update?
and whats the word on using the device as a usb drive like most phones out there can currently do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you probably didn't follow the WP7 news....
Anyway at launch NONE of the above are available.
deadwrong03 said:
the emulator or something got hacked by someone here and revealed a file explorer in windows phone 7
is that any indication that there will be a means of exploring the contents of the device like we currently have on winmo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file explorer in the emulator didn't really work, but was present. It won't be available in the retail version and there will be no file system access for users.
deadwrong03 said:
also how feasible would it be for them to allow multitasking for apps? is that something impossible for this platform or could they actually do this with a update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Multitasking will likely be added in a future update, although I would bet that this will be some iPhone-style limited multitasking where programs won't actually run in background but rather use OS services to do what needs to be done while they're not in focus. That multitasking is needed was confirmed by MS. How it will be implemented is not known, I'm guessing here.
deadwrong03 said:
and whats the word on using the device as a usb drive like most phones out there can currently do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't be available. After all, it's not really useful without file system access.
So in these areas WP7 is very similar to the iPhone. To get this features, WP7 devices will need to be jailbroken (or whatever the process will be called).
Like stated above. Many if not all the things you are looking for may be missing on launch. But future updates may change this. Also don't doubt the good people at XDA-Devs not to find some sort of way around getting USB Mass Storage access as well as a File Explorer. Never Say "Never" around this place.
what about downloading through the web browser? like downloading pictures or like i do with my tp2 download music and albums will any downloading be possible at all thru the browser? since theres no file explorer now im guessing not
IM0001 said:
Also don't doubt the good people at XDA-Devs not to find some sort of way around getting USB Mass Storage access as well as a File Explorer. Never Say "Never" around this place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure we will get a USB Mass Storage mod, I just hope it isn't a long process like on the iphone.
deadwrong03 said:
what about downloading through the web browser? like downloading pictures or like i do with my tp2 download music and albums will any downloading be possible at all thru the browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is possible for file types supported by the OS - images, office documents. All other file types will be downloadable via webbrowser controls within third-party applications to their isolated storage areas.
vangrieg said:
Multitasking will likely be added in a future update, although I would bet that this will be some iPhone-style limited multitasking where programs won't actually run in background but rather use OS services to do what needs to be done while they're not in focus. That multitasking is needed was confirmed by MS. How it will be implemented is not known, I'm guessing here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think some kinds of multitasking are available. Read this post: bolingconsulting[dot]com/blog/?p=46
Azatey said:
I think some kinds of multitasking are available. Read this post: bolingconsulting[dot]com/blog/?p=46
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is first party multitasking for some apps e.g. Zune. No third party multitasking e.g. no Pandora.
-R
sketchy9 said:
There is first party multitasking for some apps e.g. Zune. No third party multitasking e.g. no Pandora.
-R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but there is a iPhone esque multi-tasking. They call it tombstoning. The app gets put into a saved state when you switch apps, and when you hit the back button it gets brought back up as if you never left, but it is not running in the background, just saved. But if you go to the home/star menu and start the same app it gets started as if you never had it in the tombstone state.
the toombstoning sounds awefull for anything that uses bluetooth or gps....
Tombstoning is NOT multitasking and it is NOT an alternative.
crow26 said:
Tombstoning is NOT multitasking and it is NOT an alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in most cases it is the same as multi tasking with the exception of music other than zune or gps / bluetooth however i do not see a need for a gps app to be running when its not in the foreground. but any other will act the same as it would on a phone with multi tasking. i would be intrested in you posting your example that you think wp7 cant do (with the exception of what is listed above).
It's not at all the same, never. Completely different thing that has nothing to do with multitasking.
crow26 said:
It's not at all the same, never. Completely different thing that has nothing to do with multitasking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you keep making the claim but have yet to give an example... wp7 current way of "multi task" vs andriod "multi task"
WP7:
1. App is running in the forderground
2. App is frozen in the RAM and only some threads are still running
3. App is frozen in the Flash memory and only some threads are still running
4. App is not running
Andriod
1. App is running in the foreground
2. App is frozen in the RAM and only some threads are still running
3. Just a portion of an app is running in the background as a service, the main app is deflated and residing in memory, or has been killed, leaving only the service.
4. App is not running, but is still in Memory in a deflated state until RAM runs out.
5. App is killed and not residing in memory. It may leave call to the OS to revive it periodically when conditions are met.
and here are a few examples people have explained how they use "multi task"
listen to my music
surf on the Internet,
check some addresses with Google Maps.
Also I use the camera.- wp7 possable
listening to music
open my twitter program
open a link from one of the twits
pause twitting to write a SMS - wp7 possable
The fact is there are very few areas where we do need "real multitasking", they are music+whatever and navigation+receiving a call/email. And of these, it is only navigation that seem not to be working as we all expect in first release of WP7 at least. Music, mail, phone are 1. party apps, and those will run in background when needed.
What people often think about when they say; "But I need multitasking"...they often just think about that they want to work in one app, then jump to another app, and then back to the first and continue where they left off...and that is something that is handeled by saving and loading of state. For us users...it will be as it was running in the background.
And then there are multitasking-scenario where you want for example to get notified when there is a new Twitter that mentions you, or when you airplane is delayed, and so forth...and that is also possible in WP7, if the developers use PushNotifications.
for now this is what most people really use as far as "multi task" goes...
Honestly, WM 6/6.5 style multitasking would be instant death for WP7. People who are computer-retarded (the majority of people) wouldn't be able to use it properly. When the memory fills up, the phone simply "stops working" for them and it's time to get an iPhone.
This new system makes much more sense... yes, it's not the same, but it will work just fine in the long run.
Perfect example I use my phone for navigation. I'm driving and my friend wants to surf the net while I drive. My friend takes my phone and starts browsing the net. Navigation is still running in the background giving me voice guided directions. Can WP7 do this?
What about surf the net while on a skype call?
What about Pandora while playing a game?
vetvito said:
Perfect example I use my phone for navigation. I'm driving and my friend wants to surf the net while I drive. My friend takes my phone and starts browsing the net. Navigation is still running in the background giving me voice guided directions. Can WP7 do this?
What about surf the net while on a skype call?
What about Pandora while playing a game?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as mentioned above in many post "with the exception of navigation" and not all people use pandora zune will do for current. and yes you are what most consider to be a more "advance user" however this is not the norm as most people use one app at a time.. so although its not giving you all that you are looking for at the current it will fufill 95% of the users and they way they use apps. and the most important thing is it will run alot smoother and better than android, wm 6.5, 6.1, rim... i will take this over a few things not being able to run in the background anyday!!!
"Tombstoning" is nothing. Every OS can do that.
Multitasking means running applications in the background. On WP7, nothing is running at all = NO MULTITASKING.
= no navigation in the background
= no internet radio in the background
= no downloads in the background
= no skype in the backround
= no server in the background
= ...
Is that so hard to understand?! Are you somehow retarded or what's wrong with you?
Crow26, why do you have to be rude? Politeness never hurt anyone.
After I read the review on WM7 on GSMArena, I finally made up my mind: I will never downgrade to WM7, because it's what it actually is: a downgrade.
I use navigation a lot and, obviously, I receive calls while I drive. Is my HD2 the last phone with which I can do that? Is this the end of the line?
WM7 feels like another one of those OS for people who know nothing about computers (the majority). It is such a downgrade from WM6.5 in that sense...
hi, sorry if this isn't the right place, but wasn't sure where to post.
if i were - for example - a malicious android rom maker - i could add routines, backdoors etc etc into the rom i push out for evil intent. for example i see so many apps in the market wanting fine location (gps) permissions, and reading of phone data contacts when it shouldn't need it. the worst part is, i wouldn't know as any backdoors would be ingrained into the system.
so how do i know that roms out don't do this at all?
bump for an aswer?
MarkusPO said:
hi, sorry if this isn't the right place, but wasn't sure where to post.
if i were - for example - a malicious android rom maker - i could add routines, backdoors etc etc into the rom i push out for evil intent. for example i see so many apps in the market wanting fine location (gps) permissions, and reading of phone data contacts when it shouldn't need it. the worst part is, i wouldn't know as any backdoors would be ingrained into the system.
so how do i know that roms out don't do this at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A tl;dr version : You don't know, and can't tell easily.
The full version: If you go for a ROM from a trusted and reliable person, you should be OK. It's fairly hard to check everything, but it is possible. You just need to be careful...
Droidwall is potentially of use if you want to block internet access, though obviously it would only be of use if you could whitelist the apps you WANT to ALLOW, as a malicious app wouldn't necessarily get blacklisted by you.
This isn't fool-proof though, as someone could (in theory) put something in a system app. But there is the issue of the fact that someone with skills to do that wouldn't be doing such a thing, as they have better things to do with their time, and they wouldn't dream of doing it.
For ultimate safety, compile yourself from AOSP sources
So basically, you can't tell, but just stay away from ROMs from new users with no history, or people who may have "shady pasts", and it should be OK.
What exactly does root do for a firestick? I root all my phones so I know what it is but just got a firestick and wondering what root will do
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Is there a way to manually upgrade to 5.2.1.0? Mine is older and don't want to get 5.2.2 as it isn't rootable
You might want to take a look at this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/prerooted-stock-images-t2882337
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
(edit: I'm adding a little art installation called "Why product bloggers s*ck - to this thread at this point, mostly as an elated comic relief, but also to make a point.
http://i.imgur.com/gxma9a7.png )
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
harlekinwashere said:
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the information. I'm new to a firestick my grandpa had a bunch of them with the kodi app installed just now about to plug it in and see what it's about. Not even sure if it is rooted but about to find out
Well just found out my firestick is on current update so can't root it
James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an actual way to install a fully (Or all Hell), even a partially working PlayStote? On a FireTV / Stick 2? Having a FireTV2, and I can tell you that Rooting it WILL NOT net you either a partially working, much less a working PlayStore, with a working Play Services behind it.
You don't need google play services (unless you do).
Most Apps that depend on them only do so for single sign on or cloud features and work without play services regardless. With some apps you can patch the google play services dependency out of them (which is what apparently blackberry users have done for years).
For mostly Google Apps you'll need it, though.
The other issue is, that the play store on the Fire TV will convert to its Android TV state and layout - which only offers you a fraction of the Playstore Apps in store, available for direct install - because google seemingly only allows vetted apps in at this point.
Now - there are newer Play Store versions out there, than the one that presumably most of us have installed, when the old tutorials made their rounds, that are supposed to work - so you could update and see if something has changed - at the risk of bricking functionality and having to start over.
What IS possible though is, to update apps you already have installed on your Fire TV through the google play store - regardless of if the apps show up in the Android TV store or not. Once installed, Google Play Store will offer you updates.
That - and the ability to use Googles Play Store liceses (paid apps) on most apps with your Fire TV, should be sufficient for most people.
You just use app2fire and apkpure (dont blame me if the site turns around and starts distributing rootkits.. ) for the rest.
For Games - and because the FIre TV has so little storage available - I normally install them on my phone first, then copy over the /android/obb/ folders using smb (Samba on the Phone, Total Commander with the LAN plugin on the FIre TV) - then install the apk, and it works as well.
Its easy enough to do those things that I'm not willing to experiment with configurations that would allow "even better" play store integration.
Its good enough as is. Imho.
James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any directions out there for changing the launcher. It seems not possible the newer roms. Im on pre-root 5.2.1.1_R1 and not sure how to do it.
Flash xposed and necessary apks. Guide is on here somewhere. Install Rbox's xposed fire tv mods module. Enable in xposed and reboot. Sideload or download from Playstore (if installed) alt launcher. I like tvlauncher it's super clean and has Amazon home page in app format. Plus use can easily customize or create icons for clean look.
Do I need root for openvpn? (I am asking because I've ordered a Stick on Friday and it'll be here tomorrow)
harlekinwashere said:
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
(edit: I'm adding a little art installation called "Why product bloggers s*ck - to this thread at this point, mostly as an elated comic relief, but also to make a point.
http://i.imgur.com/gxma9a7.png )
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow.. I managed to order another firetv device, wait on it being delivered from the states, root, brick and unbrick my device by the time i even begun to understand what this rant was about?
Peoples base needs I would say vary from person to person. One might be interested in learning about their system and tweaking, another may want root simply to debloat their device whereas another may not have a clue what root is.
I still don't understand this post when all someone asked who was clearly a novice, why root? Obviously they didn't know what the benefits were but suddenly became engulfed in this rewriting of the bible.