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Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?
seymour71 said:
Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bugger. That's what I was afraid of.
Thanks for your reply mate.
Which firmware did your UK AFTV come installed with? Here's a list
http://www.aftvnews.com/software/
helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers
eskay993 said:
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!
helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?
seymour71 said:
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.
helicon9 said:
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.
helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
seymour71 said:
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.
eskay993 said:
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm, yes, i thought I'd read that. All the media is on a usb drive, so i'll check. Thanks.
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?
fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen. There's a guide below (look at the "Semi Bypass" Section). Been using it for a while and works fine, as long as you don't mind clicking a random icon to launch kodi.
http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV#Llama_.28automation.29_Events
I'm using mine with a NAS. I think attaching USB hard drives does require root.
I use SPMC (non launcher version) and it shows up in recently used apps at the top of Fire TV main menu, so no having to dig through the settings sub menus.
This may be because it's also in Amazon App Store (though shows as not compatible with Fire TV).
fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launcher, then when I click on xbmc to launch it looks like it's about to boot but then just comes straight back to the fire launcher.
Ive also installed plex with side load and that works ok?
Do you have any suggestions? thanks.
eskay993 said:
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, thanks... alas too late, I have boxed my FireTV and put it on Ebay... too few apps that I like & want will work properly on this box, so I'm going to wait for a proper Lollipop Android TV !
chowynatt said:
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launche
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had that with the first two versions I tried. I also tried to clean the data/cache on the app, see if that works?
seymour71 said:
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I didn't try it and now my FireTV is in a box ready to be sold on ebay... I don't believe it will though, but don't know.
Mark
Hi ive just ordered a Fire TV here in the uk. I will be using mainly for XBMC
Is there any thing i should do install anything, upgrade, downgrade or root before i go online with it
Thxs
bornnslippy said:
Hi ive just ordered a Fire TV here in the uk. I will be using mainly for XBMC
Is there any thing i should do install anything, upgrade, downgrade or root before i go online with it
Thxs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odds are pretty much zero that you will be able to root. Without root, you can't downgrade. All you can do is sideload. You can still use this guide to determine if you can root: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-dete...ersion-and-rootability-on-first-setup-screen/
If you can't root, you can block updates to keep yourself on the oldest version possible to improve your chances of being compatible with a future root method. Update blocking guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/
what to do first? imo Return it or cancel your order then get one imported from the US (pre-rooted)
Works out roughly same price.
Unless of course you don't need root, but there is so much potential with this thing rooted.
AFTVnews.com said:
Odds are pretty much zero that you will be able to root. Without root, you can't downgrade. All you can do is sideload. You can still use this guide to determine if you can root: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-dete...ersion-and-rootability-on-first-setup-screen/
If you can't root, you can block updates to keep yourself on the oldest version possible to improve your chances of being compatible with a future root method. Update blocking guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got mine in the mail today. It upgraded itself to the latest and "greatest" software. Shouldn't I be able to downgrade though?
The only real reason I want to root is expandable storage... and possibly being able to launch XBMC immediately.
Deusdies said:
I just got mine in the mail today. It upgraded itself to the latest and "greatest" software. Shouldn't I be able to downgrade though?
The only real reason I want to root is expandable storage... and possibly being able to launch XBMC immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need root for the storage side. But I think the XBMC launching immediately side you can just use the SPMC flavor of Kodi which comes with a launcher. And I think there are some other options for that too...
Sections 4 & 5 will be your best source... http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV#Bypassing_Amazon_Home
Thanks, but I got the XBMC/Kodi part installed. My question was about being able to downgrade the new and newly-udpated device.
Deusdies said:
Thanks, but I got the XBMC/Kodi part installed. My question was about being able to downgrade the new and newly-udpated device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I think I got two posts mixed up.. Need this info... Where did you buy the FTV from & did you try to block the IP's before it updated ??
Either way... US/UK/GER. If your FTV has upgraded to latest & greatest FW. You are all in the same boat. There is no downgrade or any other method to root at this time. But you should still be able to launch XBCM at the start of your FTV.
So here are my 2 cents as a "casual" user of the Fire TV. By casual I mean non-rooted.
I use my Fire TV every day. I use it to watch Netflix and I use it to watch streams on Twitch.TV via SPMC App.
If I ever want to watch a movie that I downloaded, I watch it via SMB. I have a folder on my computer where I put the movie files and stream it from there.
I don't feel like I'm missing much that I don't have root...
androidyeah said:
So here are my 2 cents as a "casual" user of the Fire TV. By casual I mean non-rooted.
I use my Fire TV every day. I use it to watch Netflix and I use it to watch streams on Twitch.TV via SPMC App.
If I ever want to watch a movie that I downloaded, I watch it via SMB. I have a folder on my computer where I put the movie files and stream it from there.
I don't feel like I'm missing much that I don't have root...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I don't really miss anything. Well booting directly into Kodi would be nice but I can live with starting it manually from FiredTV.
Hi,
One Question...
I have a new AFT with the Software Version: 51.1.4.0 user 514006420
is there any way to Root or Downgrade this Version?
I need the USB Funktion for Some Video or Musik Files... it sucks bad. -.-
And i miss Youtube too! I have installed latest YT APK by Sideload... it needs Google Play Services to (Have it Installed too) but it dont work... damn...
Sorry for the lil bad English...
Thanks for Help.
Greetings from Germany
Biosman87 said:
Hi,
One Question...
I have a new AFT with the Software Version: 51.1.4.0 user 514006420
is there any way to Root or Downgrade this Version?
I need the USB Funktion for Some Video or Musik Files... it sucks bad. -.-
And i miss Youtube too! I have installed latest YT APK by Sideload... it needs Google Play Services to (Have it Installed too) but it dont work... damn...
Sorry for the lil bad English...
Thanks for Help.
Greetings from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to downgrade or root that version of firmware currently, you could try network sharing your music and videos from a PC via SMB to xbmc, that works perfect.
Y314K said:
Sorry I think I got two posts mixed up.. Need this info... Where did you buy the FTV from & did you try to block the IP's before it updated ??
Either way... US/UK/GER. If your FTV has upgraded to latest & greatest FW. You are all in the same boat. There is no downgrade or any other method to root at this time. But you should still be able to launch XBCM at the start of your FTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Biosman87 said:
Hi,
One Question...
I have a new AFT with the Software Version: 51.1.4.0 user 514006420
is there any way to Root or Downgrade this Version?
I need the USB Funktion for Some Video or Musik Files... it sucks bad. -.-
And i miss Youtube too! I have installed latest YT APK by Sideload... it needs Google Play Services to (Have it Installed too) but it dont work... damn...
Sorry for the lil bad English...
Thanks for Help.
Greetings from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
51.1.4.0 user 514006420 = latest & greatest FW.
There is a 1080P HD YouTube MOD on xda which works very well on Fire TV especially when you have a keyboard like Logitech K400r.
No rooting required for either one.
OK thanks.
Now... i have block the Amazon Update service on my Router.
BTW: Youtube MOD on XDA?
Can i use the YT Version with Android app from my smartphone too share the Video on AFTV? Keyboard on my bedroom is lil bit Fail i think.
I doubt the extra features work properly on Fire TV,but the 1080P part worked fine since the last time I had it before rooting.
You may very likely have subscription and login issues.
If you just use the app to view videos,it will work out just fine.
Thanks for the replies guys
How much do u think i could get one imported from the us to the uk for?
Thxs
Link to the 1080p YT mod,?
Biosman87 said:
OK thanks.
Now... i have block the Amazon Update service on my Router.
BTW: Youtube MOD on XDA?
Can i use the YT Version with Android app from my smartphone too share the Video on AFTV? Keyboard on my bedroom is lil bit Fail i think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using this youtube app, it's pretty good.
http://www.amazon.de/youtube-com-Yo...e=UTF8&qid=1415794343&sr=8-2&keywords=youtube
I'd say that this keyboard works pretty well as a "bedroom keyboard". Its small, cheap and easy to use. It also has a trackpad.
http://www.amazon.de/Logitech-Wireless-Tastatur-deutsches-Tastaturlayout/dp/B005G16098/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415794424&sr=8-2&keywords=bluetooth+tastatur
People in reviews state that this keyboard is working really well with the Fire TV.
*sigh*
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529715
I found it by searching "youtube mod" in the main forum page for all forums.
Has anyone been able to get the Xfinity app to work? I sideloaded it and it brings me to the login screen but I am not able to type on a username/password using the fireTV app on my phone. It just doesn't do anything. Any info would be greatly appreciated
You need a keybord with a track pad.
Sleepytime28 said:
You need a keybord with a track pad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing the WKRemote apk might work as well but I haven't tried it yet. It has a keyboard & touchpad (though you have to jump between those two screens)
jeffputts said:
Has anyone been able to get the Xfinity app to work? I sideloaded it and it brings me to the login screen but I am not able to type on a username/password using the fireTV app on my phone. It just doesn't do anything. Any info would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sleepytime28 said:
You need a keybord with a track pad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EL TEJANO said:
I'm guessing the WKRemote apk might work as well but I haven't tried it yet. It has a keyboard & touchpad (though you have to jump between those two screens)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XFinity app works fine with a mouse & the FVT remote. I mostly need the mouse to able to go thru live or shows & pick one. The FTV remote is needed to go back. The app should work too. Plan to test a K400 keyboard next.. The one thing I found odd is if you unplug the FTV's power you will loose your sign-in info. Not sure why it's not saved like on other apps..
Like stated before use WRRemote apk from the Play Store
Sent from my SPH-L600 using XDA Free mobile app
Hi, can you post a link to that wrrmote apk from the playstore ? Seems that I'm not able to find it.
Gotcha007 said:
Hi, can you post a link to that wrrmote apk from the playstore ? Seems that I'm not able to find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one is an option... Might even be the one he is referring too..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wukongtv.wkremote.client.en
My favorite IR remote app, AnyMote, seems to have trouble with the G4. Are there any apps that support it?
TheBiles said:
My favorite IR remote app, AnyMote, seems to have trouble with the G4. Are there any apps that support it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The built in remote app actually works really well,give it a try!
The G4 comes with an IR app called quick remote. Working pretty good for me, and as far as I know, more comprehensive and easy to use than anything on the Play Store.
If you don't have it, get it from the settings, about phone, update center app updates
Smart remote works nicely and has a big big library of remotes. Not the cheapest (or at least it used to be quite pricey) but I bit the bullet and its the best one I have tried.
nadram said:
The G4 comes with an IR app called quick remote. Working pretty good for me, and as far as I know, more comprehensive and easy to use than anything on the Play Store.
If you don't have it, get it from the settings, about phone, update center app updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, didn't even see that in the app drawer. It's always a pain to sort through the bloat.
Pyrres said:
Smart remote works nicely and has a big big library of remotes. Not the cheapest (or at least it used to be quite pricey) but I bit the bullet and its the best one I have tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Smart Remote? That's the app I've always used in the past, but it wouldn't work with my Samsung TV when I tested it out yesterday.
TheBiles said:
Ah, didn't even see that in the app drawer. It's always a pain to sort through the bloat.
This Smart Remote? That's the app I've always used in the past, but it wouldn't work with my Samsung TV when I tested it out yesterday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one. Very weird. Maybe contact the developer and ask to add the remote.
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
Pyrres said:
That one. Very weird. Maybe contact the developer and ask to add the remote.
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I have been using that app for a while and never had trouble. Using it now on my G4 with remotes backed up from an S6.
willjohnson said:
I agree. I have been using that app for a while and never had trouble. Using it now on my G4 with remotes backed up from an S6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, maybe it's my TV. This is the first time using it with that specific model, but the LG app worked. I'll have to give it another look. Thanks!
I use Smart Remote and havent any issues with about 10 products
The build in apps works for every single device in my home
Yes the stock app is good but it cannot be easily connected to tasker for some automation task like "AnyMote" which has a plugin for tasker
The best remote app I have found is RCoid. It's got a lot of remotes available to download but not as much as some other remotes. I like the interface which allows easily swiping up to switch devices.
Amazon's parental control Freetime app does not appear to be very useful. It seems to allow me to select only those apps downloaded from the Amazon app store, and not choose from all installed on the tablet (including the ones from Google Play).
has anyone found an alternative? I'd hate to have to go through a paying service (although, Remote Screen Time seems to work best, but still costs $5/month).
thanks!
jco23 said:
Amazon's parental control Freetime app does not appear to be very useful. It seems to allow me to select only those apps downloaded from the Amazon app store, and not choose from all installed on the tablet (including the ones from Google Play).
has anyone found an alternative? I'd hate to have to go through a paying service (although, Remote Screen Time seems to work best, but still costs $5/month).
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one is free and works VERY well!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiddoware.kidsplace&hl=en
Suggestions
Have you tried the "Screen Time Parental Control" app? I use it.
Kids Place would be great, but the home button can't be locked by the kids place app, because the fire launcher always starts if pressing the home button. So it is not a parental controled app...
Has anyone any idea how to make the lock possible ? Are there root rights necessary ?
Thanks,
Klaus
klsystem1 said:
Kids Place would be great, but the home button can't be locked by the kids place app, because the fire launcher always starts if pressing the home button. So it is not a parental controled app...
Has anyone any idea how to make the lock possible ? Are there root rights necessary ?
Thanks,
Klaus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I deleted ghee fire launcher and am using another launcher and so the home button works fine on kids place for my son. Yes you need root to delete the fire launcher.
How habe you deleted? Which launcher do you use ? Do you habe the fire 5.1.1 ?
klsystem1 said:
How habe you deleted? Which launcher do you use ? Do you habe the fire 5.1.1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Smart Launcher. My device is rooted and it's running 5.0.1. It was a birthday gift for my 4 year old. I rooted it and disabled updates and deleted the fire launcher after I installed Smart Launcher. So I don't do anything with it now myself unless it's installing some new game for my 4 year old. Is 5.1.1 not able to be rooted? I'm not keeping up with the scene on this tablet because I don't use it myself, only when I set it up for my son, and it was on 5.0.1 after whatever initial update it got when I first turned it on.
Anyone a kids Place or secured APP running on a 5.1.1 fire?
klsystem1 said:
Anyone a kids Place or secured APP running on a 5.1.1 fire?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet.
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Free mobile app
ok, with supertool (see link at the bottom), just install google playstore and novalauncher. Permanent root is not necessary ! It worked perfectly for me and kids place doing well !
Please notice that a factory reset and a 5.1.1 version is needed before using the super tool from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64358332#post64358332
I tried AppLock from Qizmodo, has been perfect, but isn't working with 5.1.1 anymore. Really sad. So maybe Mobile Fence will work, website says it is compatible with 5.1.1.
I don't wanna just lock apps, but set a time limit for e.g. games so that my daughter is able to use the musci player all day, but will not play games for several hours. If someone has an idea how to get AppLock running again, would be great. I contacted the company itself, but doesn't seem they are working on the app anymore.
Have you tried supertool to get novalauncher ? Maybe that can cope with applocker.
klsystem1 said:
Have you tried supertool to get novalauncher ? Maybe that can cope with applocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the benefit of novalauncher. I can hide unused apps, ok. But I want to use some apps with a predefined time limit. So I installed some nice games, want to define the group "games" and set a time limit for their usage, let's say 1h daily. I find no way to do that with novalauncher...
Try Nester, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.mindquake.nester&hl=en
I used the free version of dinner time, but the pay version(3.99) adds a couple non essential stuff.
petermg said:
I deleted ghee fire launcher and am using another launcher and so the home button works fine on kids place for my son. Yes you need root to delete the fire launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. But it's still possible for the kids to use "parent apps", when they let list the recently used apps (right symbol after swiping up from the bottom).
chaosp said:
Same here. But it's still possible for the kids to use "parent apps", when they let list the recently used apps (right symbol after swiping up from the bottom).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can simply disable that via the Kids Place - Parental Control app!!!
I found a good one: lollipop launcher by mobint. It allows you to lock apps on home screen and hide others on app drawer. It's free too. I recommend it.
petermg said:
You can simply disable that via the Kids Place - Parental Control app!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find this option in the settings of Kids Place (disabling switching between the recently run apps). Where is it?
i use this launcher with my rooted kindle fire for my children
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hootapps.slauncher