I got some questions I hope you can help with. My mom has a Kindle Fire that she just got to use because she didn't have the proper internet (that's a long story).
Questions:
1. If she roots this and changes roms will she lose 'Kindle' functionality? Is there a workaround to get it back?
2. Does dual boot allow her to keep the original Kindle rom and have a custom rom?
3. She is out of town so I can't get to her Kindle right away. Does Amazon have some kind of OTA updates? Is there a way to disable them until she gets the opportunity to root? I don't want Amazon closing any security holes before the device gets modified.
Thanks!
bird333 said:
I got some questions I hope you can help with. My mom has a Kindle Fire that she just got to use because she didn't have the proper internet (that's a long story).
Questions:
1. If she roots this and changes roms will she lose 'Kindle' functionality? Is there a workaround to get it back?
2. Does dual boot allow her to keep the original Kindle rom and have a custom rom?
3. She is out of town so I can't get to her Kindle right away. Does Amazon have some kind of OTA updates? Is there a way to disable them until she gets the opportunity to root? I don't want Amazon closing any security holes before the device gets modified.
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
1) Certain priveleges, like Video On Demand and Lending Library, are disabled on rooted devices. OTA Rootkeeper and other similar apps can temporarily unroot the device to access these features. I've never done it so I couldn't say how effective it is.
2) Yes
3) MoDaCo ROM, is a customized version of the stock ROM with OTA disabled and various other improvements. Like any custom ROM it is rooted, so certain priveleges will be inaccessible until it is unrooted as mentioned before. Having said that, the likeliness of getting another OTA update for this device any time soon is pretty low.
soupmagnet said:
1) Certain priveleges, like Video On Demand and Lending Library, are disabled on rooted devices. OTA Rootkeeper and other similar apps can temporarily unroot the device to access these features. I've never done it so I couldn't say how effective it is.
2) Yes
3) MoDaCo ROM, is a customized version of the stock ROM with OTA disabled and various other improvements. Like any custom ROM it is rooted, so certain priveleges will be inaccessible until it is unrooted as mentioned before. Having said that, the likeliness of getting another OTA update for this device any time soon is pretty low.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. So you can't disable OTA on the stock rom? Does it give you the opportunity to decline the update? Like I said she just started using it so she probably doesn't have any updates on it yet.
bird333 said:
Thanks for the reply. So you can't disable OTA on the stock rom? Does it give you the opportunity to decline the update? Like I said she just started using it so she probably doesn't have any updates on it yet.
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Click to collapse
You can disable OTA on a rooted device by renaming a certain file. Otherwise, if an OTA does come around, it can't be declined. Furthermore, OTA updates have been known to soft brick devices to a point where a factory cable is needed to fix them.
With that being said, rooted Kindle Fires, and Kindle Fires running custom ROMs, require a certain level of knowledge/maintenance to make sure everything stays running smoothly. Anyone not invested/prepared is open to certain problems resulting from it.
Simply put, having a rooted/modified device is probably not the best choice for the technically challenged.
[Edit:] Also, and this is very important, if the Kindle Fire in question is brand new or purchased since Nov. 2012, you may have a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, in which case disregard everything that has been said here because you could permanently brick the device by using any of the methods found in the these (KF1) forums.
soupmagnet said:
You can disable OTA on a rooted device by renaming a certain file. Otherwise, if an OTA does come around, it can't be declined. Furthermore, OTA updates have been known to soft brick devices to a point where a factory cable is needed to fix them.
With that being said, rooted Kindle Fires, and Kindle Fires running custom ROMs, require a certain level of knowledge/maintenance to make sure everything stays running smoothly. Anyone not invested/prepared is open to certain problems resulting from it.
Simply put, having a rooted/modified device is probably not the best choice for the technically challenged.
[Edit:] Also, and this is very important, if the Kindle Fire in question is brand new or purchased since Nov. 2012, you may have a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, in which case disregard everything that has been said here because you could permanently brick the device by using any of the methods found in the these (KF1) forums.
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I'm pretty sure it's version 1. She has had it over a year and hadn't been able to use it until now. I'll have her check the software version to be sure. Thanks for the help.
Related
I just unblocked my rooted AFTV to check for the remote control update but it's not showing any. I also checked for a system update but none are showing there either. I rebooted the unit to see if that would trigger anything but nothing. I am currently on version 51.1.0.2....and my remote version is 349 (I believe the update is 351?) Any idea how to get the updates?
Thanks!!
Something tells me that is Amazon's scheme since we now have root access for the old and current update,and they are leaving it unaccessible until they patch root in the next update.
Now we have to risk bricking our Fire TVs when installing the update manually using root access.
retroben said:
Something tells me that is Amazon's scheme since we now have root access for the old and current update,and they are leaving it unaccessible until they patch root in the next update.
Now we have to risk bricking our Fire TVs when installing the update manually using root access.
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Click to collapse
But it's weird that others are getting the updates...there must me something to entice the update to start? PLus I'd be willing to unroot since I'm not really using it much anyway...I only sideloaded a few apps with Terminal....but I believe that can be done anyway...
mikespe said:
But it's weird that others are getting the updates...there must me something to entice the update to start? PLus I'd be willing to unroot since I'm not really using it much anyway...I only sideloaded a few apps with Terminal....but I believe that can be done anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to Amazon support, if you can get one who is even aware of the update, the update is being rolled out incrementally but he didn;t know if it was XXXX amount a night or a week.
retroben said:
Something tells me that is Amazon's scheme since we now have root access for the old and current update,and they are leaving it unaccessible until they patch root in the next update.
Now we have to risk bricking our Fire TVs when installing the update manually using root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Humm.. couldn't you just do a "factory reset" I just assumed that option would restore your FTV back to "NEW" condition... hence wiping everything you've added, but I don't see how that would put you in risk of "Bricking"
I'm saying this, as I thought about this myself, because it seems so easy to add XBMC root, and sideload the few apps I use.
Of course my system is very simple and basic. the only options I've added is to launch XBMC using the 'Classic TV' llama app, swap ... and swapped out the preview graphic.
I could probably redue my whole system from scratch (including a restore from XBMC) in 15-20 mins.
Even without root, not everybody has the update yet.
I bought a Fire from PC World yesterday, after several frustrating hours discovering that there's not much hope of it being rooted I had a look on Ebay, I've seen several rooted ones that seem to be quite good value, but they are in the states.
I have absolutely no intention of using my Amazon account on them, I only really want it for XBMC and all the rooted goodness and I'm sure there'll be a killer app that makes a rooted fire a very hot property indeed.
Question is, will a US fire TV work OK over here ?
Anyone know.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, it will work fine out of the box, apart from needing a US to UK plug adapter. Only things to be aware - you'll need to block updates so the box does not update to a firmware that removes root (which it will eventually try to do). And, if you want to update to a newer firmware manually and keep root, then you will need to use a custom recovery and a pre-rooted firmware update file. Manual updates is probably not vital though if you are only using it for XBMC.
Some useful guides over at aftvnews.com. First one may not be relevant if you're buying pre-rooted.
How to determine Fire TV Software Version and Rootability on First Setup Screen
How to block OTA update for Amazon Fire TV and keep Root Access
How to update a Rooted Amazon Fire TV to the Latest Version Without Losing Root
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
jonandi said:
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Click to collapse
You should definitely should root aftv. This gives you more freedom to do what you want with fire tv, example use usb as external hard drive, install Google play store, ect. If you update youre fire tv with amazon latest updates You will not be able to root.
Follow this guide root your firetv http://www.aftvnews.com/start/, read first before you start and follow steps carefully. The end process will guide you hoe to upgrade to prerooted firmware if you wish too.
FYI when you push update Firmware to aftv over Wi fi with adb it takes a long time, mine took over 40 min. The guide does not mention this so be patient. Double check each step and adb commands some folks have bricked there fire tv by not following steps in order.
Thanks
jonandi said:
I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
wellersl said:
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
jonandi said:
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
wellersl said:
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
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Click to collapse
Root the device! Plus they may never give user the option to use USB but instead come out with Amazon Fire TV 2 with 16gb, 32gb or future updates might block you from side loading apps, who know what future updates will bring.
thank you
Gonna buy one due to the fact my fire stick is defective.. What steps should I take before opening it up and I would like to root it.. But is it worth it or did the latest updates make the device little better.. And will I be able to root?
By now, it might be best to run a serial number check before buying if root access is required. http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
Axecaster said:
By now, it might be best to run a serial number check before buying if root access is required. http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
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Click to collapse
Just ran serial says not root able
ROADKING17 said:
Just ran serial says not root able
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I'd assume even a non-rooted box would still be much more responsive than the stick. I own a few sticks and a few rooted boxes. I enjoy using the box more than the stick, fwiw. The stick is more portable, though.
Axecaster said:
I'd assume even a non-rooted box would still be much more responsive than the stick. I own a few sticks and a few rooted boxes. I enjoy using the box more than the stick, fwiw. The stick is more portable, though.
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What are the major factors between rooted and non rooted. With the new updates did it make it more of a better device?
ROADKING17 said:
What are the major factors between rooted and non rooted. With the new updates did it make it more of a better device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooted allows manual custom updates instead of automatic Amazon updates. Custom recovery. Google Play Store can be added. Typical root stuff like ad blockers, VPNs, root-based utility apps. The rootable units had unlockable bootloaders, which readied them for any future custom ROM builds.
Some of the root features that stock updates added included external storage recognition, and a restart feature. Others might better know the differences, as I'm still back on a rooted ROM from the end of October.
Axecaster said:
Rooted allows manual custom updates instead of automatic Amazon updates. Custom recovery. Google Play Store can be added. Typical root stuff like ad blockers, VPNs, root-based utility apps. The rootable units had unlockable bootloaders, which readied them for any future custom ROM builds.
Some of the root features that stock updates added included external storage recognition, and a restart feature. Others might better know the differences, as I'm still back on a rooted ROM from the end of October.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok cool so should I block any future updates or just leave as is as mine is brand new stock
An urootable android device stays stock.
So I rooted my 1st Gen FireTV as soon as I got it, and I think I'm on the very first Firmware. I had blocked OTA updates and as far as I know have never updated. that being said, I don't think I've ever done much that actually used the Root functionality. The only thing I really do is use Kodi 15.1 annnnndddd thats it.
I do own an Amazon Echo, and saw that Alexa is now part of the new FTV update. Not sure if I can link them together and just boss my FTV around via the Echo or not, but I like the idea of more / updated functionality from my FireTV
Soooo thoughts? Am I missing anything great by updating and giving up Root? I have seen that I could update with pre-rooted firmware but then I would have to install CRM / Recovery, then do incrimental upgrades after installing a Bootmenu, etc. That seems like a lot of stuff I need in place and a lot of points of failure or bricking for something I'm not sure I even need =/
If so, what would you suggest is the easiest way to re-enable OTA updates? I was going to ADB and use pm enable com.amazon.dcp Thanks for any advice, by the way, I'm pretty new at this.
Well OK then =/
Well, like many things, the answer is up to you.
If you have no need for root then you have no need to for root.
I like, many others, prefer the option of having root, recovery and unlocked bootloaders.
If you don't use anything Amazon and only use it for Kodi then root will give you the ability to freeze the FireTV Launcher have Kodi set as Home.
Installing recovery and a updated pre-rooted ROM isn't too difficult and you've done the 'hard' part by having root already.
Update wise, unless you want to be running the latest versions then yes you'll have to on top of it otherwise you can just update to the current version and be done with it.
You can check back every now and then to see what the additional updates from Amazon fix or what features it adds and decide then if you want to update.