Develop Bugs

Watch Any NFL Game Being Broadcast Via Chromecast

Hey everyone,
I just set this up today and it worked great. I am a Steelers fan, but I live in Bengals country. That means I don't get to see many Steelers games, because they aren't broadcasts locally on TV.
So I used a GPS spoofing app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.incorporateapps.fakegps.fre
And a Chromecast dongle hooked to my TV:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app
And the NFL Mobile app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gotv.nflgamecenter.us.lite
Enable "Mock Locations" in Developer Options.
Open Fake GPS app and enable a location where you know your game is broadcasting.
Open NFL mobile app and voila!! You now have access to the local games being broadcast on FOX and CBS for wherever you set your fake GPS location to.
You also need to enable "Screen Cast" in the Chromecast app, so you can mirror your phone screen to the TV. Set your screen timeout as high as you can.
I'm sure someone has already done this, but this was my first time, and it worked like a charm.
You may have to kill the NFL app to get it to switch locations as you change your fake GPS location. I always set my location first, then make sure my NFL mobile app is completely killed. Then just restart the NFL app. The new games should populate in the watch now section.
Hope this comes in handy to someone!
Sent From The Darkside Sucka's!

Nice I'm going 2 try this this weekend
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

The GPS spoofing should still work, but you can no longer screencast NFL mobile. It's blocked on the TV as of last night.
We need an app or something that will cloak the screen mirroring...

venomclay said:
The GPS spoofing should still work, but you can no longer screencast NFL mobile. It's blocked on the TV as of last night.
We need an app or something that will cloak the screen mirroring...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course they would do that! I hope they didn't see my post LOL.
Sent From The Darkside Sucka's!

Use AllCast to stream anything to Chrome cast.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I thought you had to purchase an added service to get this to work...?

RE:
The NFL mobile app developers must have read your post because now Chromecast mirroring does not work and neither does allowing mock locations using an gps spoofer. :crying:
They have a DRM protection in there. It checks to see if your phone is running mock locations and/or has developer options turned on. It also does not work with SideSync. It seems to be recognizing the dual streaming over a wifi connection.

nelsot5 said:
The NFL mobile app developers must have read your post because now Chromecast mirroring does not work and neither does allowing mock locations using an gps spoofer. :crying:
They have a DRM protection in there. It checks to see if your phone is running mock locations and/or has developer options turned on. It also does not work with SideSync. It seems to be recognizing the dual streaming over a wifi connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The location spoofing seems to still be working fine for me. Did you get a recent update or something?

toddnbrown said:
The location spoofing seems to still be working fine for me. Did you get a recent update or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No recent update since the Oct date that has been mentioned. Fake GPS app that the first poster noted did not work with nfl mobile. Samsung Galaxy S4 being used. Perhaps you have a different device.

nelsot5 said:
No recent update since the Oct date that has been mentioned. Fake GPS app that the first poster noted did not work with nfl mobile. Samsung Galaxy S4 being used. Perhaps you have a different device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried gps spoofing and it's still working. But NFL app seems to have blocked this now. Someone needs to "fix" the NFL app Lol.
Sent From The Darkside Sucka's!

I know this might be off topic but does showbox movies work with chromecast also

waco2hot33 said:
I know this might be off topic but does showbox movies work with chromecast also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I use it all the time .

mjh68 said:
Yes, I use it all the time .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh wow you just sold me I'm going to amazon to order it right now ..thanks

waco2hot33 said:
Ooh wow you just sold me I'm going to amazon to order it right now ..thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, no problem [emoji2]

Chromecast part not working anymore just an fyi they blocked it

Got a work around!
I just got an Amazon Fire Stick and messing around with it. I installed koush's beta mirror apk on my note 3 and all cast on the stick. Connect it and then open up nfl mobile apk. The t would of course start saying it can't be mirrored etc. That's when you open up Multiwindow with something like chrome in the other window. Click back and fourth between the two and viola should be able to stream. It might take a couple tries and I had a couple of times where sound wouldn't catch up just shut beta mirror and reopen and try again. I cancelled cable due to never watching it but needed my fix. Of course it's a little laggy and not perfect but it's a work around that's watchable! I don't have a chromecast but seeing as this was two apks I downloaded and installed off the store it shouldn't matter. Hope this helps someone I k of its the end of the season but you should still be able to get probowl/superbowl/nfl now/nfl network etc to work and probably other programs that block mirroring I haven't tried but hey can't hurt. Who'd thunk touch wiz would actually be a benefit for a change!

What apks did you download?
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda premium

Or you could just use dragon vlc. Free everything. Even hbo

DevilDog512 said:
Or you could just use dragon vlc. Free everything. Even hbo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this an app or website.

App

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just got the Fire TV, have some questions

A few questions i just got the Fire TV, i want to be able to run a speed test i tried sideloading the official Speed Test app and it installed but didnt seem to work on the fire, any other apps i can use to do this?
What is the benefits of rooting this? i use to root awhile ago with my phones but since have stopped, whats the benefits for this one?
Can anyone tell me a bluetooth mouse that is compatible with the device? basic and cheap
i might add more questions but this is it for now

On the netflix app is there anyway for me to get streaming quality info, like on the ps3 app i can hit info and it shows me what the video quality is

aftvnews.com is a great resource for info about rooting or compatible hardware like mice. I don't personally have any advice on those matters. When you say the speedtest app didn't work, what happens exactly? Just asking because a lot of people new to it don't realize that side loaded apps don't show up on the menu like other apps. You have to dig deep in the settings to run it.
Not sure about the Netflix app.

bobbintb said:
aftvnews.com is a great resource for info about rooting or compatible hardware like mice. I don't personally have any advice on those matters. When you say the speedtest app didn't work, what happens exactly? Just asking because a lot of people new to it don't realize that side loaded apps don't show up on the menu like other apps. You have to dig deep in the settings to run it.
Not sure about the Netflix app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I launched the speed test app from the applications area in settings and i cant seem to hit begin test i can only select the bottom row of options in the app

OS 4.6.1 vs 3.6.8(unlocked GSM 32gig)

Fire OS 4.6.1 on unlocked GSM 32gig Fire Phone
Notable changes,
Finally we have native wallpaper support
Different slightly improved lock screen notifications
Smart dialer
Ability to switch default SMS/MMS and Keyboard apps
New Dev. Options
Ability to force quit and(or) Disable bloatware apps
Widgets seem to be working well
More detailed settings for Low Motion/Dynamic perspective(specifically for lockscreen, homescreen, and maps)
Google maps is now seemingly 100% functional
Ability to toggle switch cellular data(2g,3g,LTE)
Google Play and GAPPs still working well
Also we now have a bluetooth keyboard config. in our settings
New Emoticons
Status bar is semi-transparent and looks really nice despite lack of persistent icon notifications
Addition of print services pack(HP, Canon, Epson)
Updated Sounds and Notifications settings(
Things that sadly remained the same
No status bar notifications
Cannot individually clear calls or messages from carousel
Still not native android
Notifications seem hit and miss as usual
No Graphical updates or graphical setting in stock message or dialer apps
Camera seems to be the same and I'm still having having better luck with the google camera
App drawer functions the same(new options in app info though)
Overall function of the O.S. seems to improve a lot. Smooth scrolling through the carousel, less if not no lag at all on sleep/wake, and just all in all more pleasing to look at.
I updated manually by downloading the .bin and moving it to the home folder and searching for update with wifi/data off, and because of that I am unsure if the new att bloatware apps were part of the update due to my carrier or if they were packaged inside the update bin which was a shocking 1.3gb. Even though I am fairly certain that those apps are my fault in the first place I feel the need to warn that the U.S. att .bin file could have that affect and unlocked users may want to wait for the OTA just to play it safe. There is however a great guide on here explaining the process and linking quite a few files(for those who can't wait).
**This did work for me however if it does not work for you I am not at fault, sideload at your own risk**
Feel free to add what you find I know I missed a few things but since there is no apparent changelog from amazon I figured I'd try to compile a small unofficial changelog of sorts.
Tried Towelroot Its been hung at the towelroot screen with a highlighted "make it rain" button for about ten mins... I'm going to leave it running for a while and see if anything happens but I'm assuming its still a no go.
I've seen issues regarding call audio, google services and a few other things but I personally haven't been able to recreate them and fortunately haven't had them in the first place.

Camera seems faster in taking photos for me. Also there is an auto HDR setting, before it was either on or off.

buhloon said:
Camera seems faster in taking photos for me. Also there is an auto HDR setting, before it was either on or off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt notice that but in my opinion so far the google cam seems to just take better pictures in general
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

matsnackson said:
I didnt notice that but in my opinion so far the google cam seems to just take better pictures in general
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, matsnackson do you think that is better to install (sideload) the Google-Camera APP, and used it instead of the default Amazon Camera APP?
Could you please, let us know what differences or improvements do you have noticed, if you use the Google Camara APP instead of the Amazon one?

Notable changes
- Chooseable colors for mail accounts and calendars, but there aren't too much colors to choose to.
Things that sadly remained the same
- Shared Google calendars won't show up in the/any calendar app, that's very very annoying

Still can't connect to my LG g Watch

Android Wear or Google now not working
hungrymr2 said:
Still can't connect to my LG g Watch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second your opinion as I have not been able to conect my LG G watch to Fire phone with 4.6.1.
Also sideloding Google play services and play store worked fine for few minutes after which the play services auto updates when I install google search and now from Playstore.
After this any sideloaded google apps start hanging with white screen and circle clock running. Uninstall and install after factory resets also did not help.

ulises.rodriguez said:
So, matsnackson do you think that is better to install (sideload) the Google-Camera APP, and used it instead of the default Amazon Camera APP?
Could you please, let us know what differences or improvements do you have noticed, if you use the Google Camara APP instead of the Amazon one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s.raghuveer said:
I second your opinion as I have not been able to conect my LG G watch to Fire phone with 4.6.1.
Also sideloding Google play services and play store worked fine for few minutes after which the play services auto updates when I install google search and now from Playstore.
After this any sideloaded google apps start hanging with white screen and circle clock running. Uninstall and install after factory resets also did not help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using the stock camera app for a few days and it seems to be better than I first thought but I still prefer the google camera app, but at this point it seems to be my personal preference... I really just feel more comfortable with the google camera app.(long time nexus user)
I have seen quite a few people with the google play issues and I tried removing then reloading google services and google play but i havent had any issues the only advice i can give is to remove and try again making sure to pay close attention to the order you install the packages(there is a specific order, and a few great guides on here)

The LG watch seems to be common issue as well but I don’t have one to test with, I'll look into buying one and see what I can do. Until then the only advice I have is to unpair the watch and your phone and reboot before attemting to repair the two. Good luck and sorry.

s.raghuveer said:
I second your opinion as I have not been able to conect my LG G watch to Fire phone with 4.6.1.
Also sideloding Google play services and play store worked fine for few minutes after which the play services auto updates when I install google search and now from Playstore.
After this any sideloaded google apps start hanging with white screen and circle clock running. Uninstall and install after factory resets also did not help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll third this. I feel like Amazon is intentionally crippling Google services, and I've already ordered a replacement phone.
These are services that run fine on what, 99% of Android phones?

tzenrick said:
I'll third this. I feel like Amazon is intentionally crippling Google services, and I've already ordered a replacement phone.
These are services that run fine on what, 99% of Android phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I don't think this is intentionally being done by either side, we run an outdated version of android so naturally were going to see at least a few compatibility issues, have you tried a factory reset and full reload of play services in order? Also be patient with 4.6.1 from everything I've read its not technically official on the unlocked phones yet.
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Download Notification
Download in Notification bar now shows Pause/Resume & Cancel options.

TansDeva said:
Download in Notification bar now shows Pause/Resume & Cancel options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't download too much on here so I hadn't even noticed thanks for adding in though
I did want to add in as well that my battery life seems much better than before I actually forgot to charge this for two days and still had 30%( I disabled low motion setting and don't use auto brightness, but none the less that's a great battery life)
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I'm looking forward to the update. I feel changing your keyboard is a few months late, but I'd be happy to finally have swiftkey back. I'm running an unlocked Fire Phone with 3.6.8. Amazon doesn't even acknowledge a new update on their Fire Phone update page. Perhaps it's in some sort of beta as they harvest data before making it official?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201531560

LilLowEK said:
I'm looking forward to the update. I feel changing your keyboard is a few months late, but I'd be happy to finally have swiftkey back. I'm running an unlocked Fire Phone with 3.6.8. Amazon doesn't even acknowledge a new update on their Fire Phone update page. Perhaps it's in some sort of beta as they harvest data before making it official?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201531560
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was cleared up in the OTA thread this is unofficial at this point those who have it either got lucky or manually installed it, I personally used the at&t bin file even though I have the unlocked 32gig.
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Working Widgets?
matsnackson said:
Fire OS 4.6.1 on unlocked GSM 32gig Fire Phone
Notable changes,
...
Widgets seem to be working well
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which launcher did you use? I tried it on Nova Launcher and Aviate and it still gives me the same error message as before

Smart Dialer? I don't see it.
matsnackson said:
Fire OS 4.6.1 on unlocked GSM 32gig Fire Phone
Notable changes,
Finally we have native wallpaper support
Different slightly improved lock screen notifications
Smart dialer
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see smart dialer. I had one in my MOTO-X.

downloaded the us version of 4.6 and guess what? Andriod wear is back. Now I can finally put my lg watch to use.

Guys,
I got my Fire Phone unlocked updated to new 4.6.1 but after the update I am unable to see the Maps icon. I am currently in Australia but the phone is an unlocked US version. Do I reset or is it something Amazon has done?

Fire Sale Fire Phones - Quick Start

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks

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

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