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
Related
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.
Hi guys
I have ordered a fire TV stick which should be here today for the upstairs TV and wondered what version of kodi runs best and what everyone else running? I use an Intel nuc as my main kodi device with version 15 beta 1 and that works really well. I did previously have an Amazon fire TV a few months ago and ran spmc. Is spmc still the one to go for?
Cheers
rob77 said:
Hi guys
I have ordered a fire TV stick which should be here today for the upstairs TV and wondered what version of kodi runs best and what everyone else running? I use an Intel nuc as my main kodi device with version 15 beta 1 and that works really well. I did previously have an Amazon fire TV a few months ago and ran smpc. Is smpc still the one to go for?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some swear by spmc (latest) and some will say there's really no reason anymore to use spmc on android devices. You'll get different answers. I don't use my ftvs that much but tried both and honestly they both worked fine for me.
You know you can install both, right? So maybe setup helix and spmc (haven't tried isengard but I'd wait on that) then judge for yourself.
Btw--mine is running helix 14.2 and I'm not experiencing issues but your results could be different.
Thanks KLit75
I installed spmc in the end. It works well just cannot get it to show up in recent apps using the guide on here. Weirdly it showed up okay on my fire TV just won't on the stick.
Mine shows up on both my sticks, did you sync your account?
Sent from my LG-D852 using XDA Free mobile app
Yeah I tried syncing and unsyncing lots of times but it just would not show up. I also tried deleting spmc from my amazon account and then buying it again. Could it be that I have spmc 14.2 installed and the version on the Amazon app store is a different version?
rob77 said:
Yeah I tried syncing and unsyncing lots of times but it just would not show up. I also tried deleting spmc from my amazon account and then buying it again. Could it be that I have spmc 14.2 installed and the version on the Amazon app store is a different version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they different? If so that might be the reason. I use llama through adbfire. It accomplishes the same thing and its easy.
The one on the app store is version 13.4.0. Or so it says on the Amazon page.
Yes I am using llama as well now. I have it set to load instead of ikonoTV and have replaced the icon with spmc. Works really well
Dont use Kodi, use SPMC. Its the same exact app however i hae never experienced an ounce of buffering or any other bugs using it. Its in the play store and ull have to sideload it obviously but if u want a bug free xbmc experience thats the way to go
I'll have to try SPMC. I've been having loads of trouble with Helix 14.2
truckmann said:
I'll have to try SPMC. I've been having loads of trouble with Helix 14.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u do try SPMC when u open it for the first time ull get a message saying that u r missing the .obb file and it will close. I have uploaded the .obb file to my cloud storage and u can download it here.....
https://mega.co.nz/#F!NMY3XAQA!osUKjZn0jZ9OBE8ecrTIAw
once its downloaded ull need to paste it in /sdcard0/android/obb/com.sempax.spmc Once u do that SPMC will open and ull be good to go
NinjaPerv said:
If u do try SPMC when u open it for the first time ull get a message saying that u r missing the .obb file and it will close. I have uploaded the .obb file to my cloud storage and u can download it here.....
https://mega.co.nz/#F!NMY3XAQA!osUKjZn0jZ9OBE8ecrTIAw
once its downloaded ull need to paste it in /sdcard0/android/obb/com.sempax.spmc Once u do that SPMC will open and ull be good to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I saw that and copied your files just in case, but I didn't end up needing them. I loaded the latest SPMC on and it opened just fine. I even got it to sync with Amazon and show up on my recent apps section without any issues. Unfortunately I also found that my Fire TV Stick is a piece of crap and won't stay connected to my network so I couldn't really test out how it plays.
I suspect most of the issues I've been having with Kodi stem from the Stick's inability to stay connected to my router. Last night it was so bad it wasn't even usable. It couldn't even get into the settings without it fighting me since they are locked with a pin that needs to verified via Amazon and it couldn't stay connected to get the verification. I contacted Amazon support and they are sending me a replacement due to arrive tomorrow. Hopefully it will work properly.
truckmann said:
I'll have to try SPMC. I've been having loads of trouble with Helix 14.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 5 days I've been running isengard. Made the switch because it's compatible with fire TV skin
http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=207475
For an alpha skin, it sure hasn't been acting like it. I've had no serious problems. Occasionally it will crash on launch. I fix this by clearing cache just once. (For some reason I find if I try to hit clear cache more than one time it won't launch. But that's really common.
You also might want to rethink your setup. I install addon installer and only get the addons I use.
I'm running isengard on all my aftvs and I see no difference between that and helix/spmc which is a good thing because I wasn't experiencing many problems with either.
i havnt had any connection issues at all with my fire stick. r u sure its not ur router or router configuration?
NinjaPerv said:
i havnt had any connection issues at all with my fire stick. r u sure its not ur router or router configuration?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, but the old Fire TV stick continually got worse until it was unusable and it was the only device having issues. I have a replacement now and so far it's been working better.
---------- Post added at 02:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 PM ----------
KLit75 said:
For 5 days I've been running isengard. Made the switch because it's compatible with fire TV skin
http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=207475
For an alpha skin, it sure hasn't been acting like it. I've had no serious problems. Occasionally it will crash on launch. I fix this by clearing cache just once. (For some reason I find if I try to hit clear cache more than one time it won't launch. But that's really common.
You also might want to rethink your setup. I install addon installer and only get the addons I use.
I'm running isengard on all my aftvs and I see no difference between that and helix/spmc which is a good thing because I wasn't experiencing many problems with either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. I think I'll go ahead and try Isengard.
I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.
It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate
deanr1977 said:
It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.
ks-man said:
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a wired console or pc controller around the house you could install an emulator or 2 & play some old console games? Look in the Q&A section of this Fire TV thread & your see my compatible sideloaded apps & accessories thread if you need it & it will save you some time trying out different apps or accessories to see if they work or not?
Have fun & press that thanks button If this helped you
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
ks-man said:
I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv
mejdam said:
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
deanr1977 said:
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.
Dude360 said:
I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)
ks-man said:
This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this was the mod I was talking about (launcher intent). This is what the Xposed module will allow but without using a modded apk.
Nothing wrong with using elmerohueso builds but be aware you wont be able to use Firestarter to update Kodi as the modded apk has been signed differently. To update you'll have to use adb to sideload the new apk everytime theres an update.
Theres several ways to achieve Kodi as a launcher but like most things on the AFTV, for every upside theres also several downsides...
rp201 said:
I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not heard of that one but Ill take a looksy, especially if it works on unrooted!
Issue started this week after HBO updated (Mar 8, 2017) the app.
It plays the 8 second HBO ad/ratings clip but it does not play the main video. I just get 3 blue dots at the bottom of screen rotating
HBOGO does work on 3 different Fire TV 1 units (rooted) and PCs
Here is what I've tried in order they were tried
Soft and hard reboot of the unit
Cleared data & cache
uninstalled and reinstalled HBOgo
Factory Reset using TWRP
Reflashed 5.2.4.0 Rom
Tried "Hide My Root" (https://goo.gl/brVjro)
having the same problem
krawhitham said:
Issue started this week after HBO updated (Mar 8, 2017) the app.
It plays the 8 second HBO ad/ratings clip but it does not play the main video. I just get 3 blue dots at the bottom of screen rotating
HBOGO does work on 3 different Fire TV 1 units (rooted) and PCs
Here is what I've tried in order they were tried
Soft and hard reboot of the unit
Cleared data & cache
uninstalled and reinstalled HBOgo
Factory Reset using TWRP
Reflashed 5.2.4.0 Rom
Tried "Hide My Root" (https://goo.gl/brVjro)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
theistus said:
having the same problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are your guys blocking some addresses thru OpenDNS or router ?
Some are reporting that they can not update/install some Apps with list blocking. You can try to see if that is the case after using both Method 5 & Method 1 on the update blocking guide.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-software-updates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
Or it could be that HBO updated their app or their servers to check for root in a different way that the old Hide my Root can't bypass. I know the ATT Uverse app was already doing that.
Not blocking anything on my end. Running the pre-rooted 5.2.4 image.
---------- Post added at 01:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 AM ----------
HBO GO works fine on my rooted phone, btw, no need to hide anything. One thing I noticed is that if i got into HBO's settings on the firetv, it seems to think I am on 5.1.1.
I think i am going to try sideloading the regular google apk and/or the older version of it that worked fine prior to this "update"
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:28 AM ----------
well neither of the current (9.2.0.4) apks (leanback or regular) I downloaded worked.
But, the 9.1.0.11 leanback apk is working like a charm.
Honestly this is the kind of **** that really pisses me off. I have legal access to a crapton of content. I have a cable sub with a couple of premium channels, hulu, netflix, and a Prime account.
But I end up using Kodi most of the time because I like having it all in ONE EASY TO NAVIGATE yet feature rich app that actually keeps track of all the shows across all the services. Plus it's far easier for the wife to use than ping ponging around across disparate applications. I swear to god, if content providers could ever get their **** together to unify and simplify services they would stop piracy. Is it even piracy if you have legal access to it, are paying for it, but you just despise the way they want to make you watch it on their broken ****?
/endrant
Same Issue
Did anyone figure out a workaround outside of installing the leanback edition?
I'm having the same issue, but the newest version of the app just crashes and gives a service error. Updating to the latest Fire TV firmware did not change anything. The info section of the app still reads 5.1.1 when it comes to firmware, which is strange.
I guess a better question is: does the app work for anyone who is rooted? If so it must be something those of us who are having problems did, in which case a factory reset might be in order.
this is interesting. I haven't used the hbogo app since game of thrones concluded. I'll check my rooted ftv2 when i get home later tonight to see.
Seph25 said:
Did anyone figure out a workaround outside of installing the leanback edition?
I'm having the same issue, but the newest version of the app just crashes and gives a service error. Updating to the latest Fire TV firmware did not change anything. The info section of the app still reads 5.1.1 when it comes to firmware, which is strange.
I guess a better question is: does the app work for anyone who is rooted? If so it must be something those of us who are having problems did, in which case a factory reset might be in order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, I did figure out why it says 5.1.1. It's because that's the version of Android that the current firetv os is based on.
That's right, still on goddam lollipop. This might be the problem right here.
In any case, the new april update changed nothing, and neither did the new rbox 5.2.4.1 image.
I still don't think it's root, because hbogo works just fine on my rooted nexus 7 and on my rooted vs985.
hbo go app on amazon store has a ton of people saying it broke after the march update, so it's not just us.
If I'm feeling motivated I may try to grab a logcat and see if i can work it out, but as it's working with the pre-march leanback apk I'm not in a rush.
It's been a minute since this thread was active, but thought I'd post a logcat I finally got around to grabbing.
the meat of the thing is toward the end, but i included the whole logcat in case I missed something
I'm not terribly good with logcats, but it looks like a drminfo error, starting with :
W/mediaErrorLogger( 202): MediaError:MMSW_Metrics5.2.4.2:com.HBO.DRM_CANNOT_HANDLE=-2006 from DECRYPT
E/MediaCodec(16612): queueCSDInputBuffer failed w/ error -2006
E/ExoPlayerImplInternal(16612): Internal runtime error.
E/ExoPlayerImplInternal(16612): android.media.MediaCodec$CryptoException: Unknown Error
Thought I'd post it here in case anyone wants to poke at it
I use HBO NOW which stopped working a few weeks ago. Did a lot of clearing, uninstalling, etc. The problem was that the newer versions of NOW no longer worked. My fix, thanks to one of the nice people here was:
1. Block Updates in Application > Settings
2. Download the FTV Apps in Themes section at the bottom of the forum.
3. Unzip it.
4. Sideload the HBO app you need. For me NOW. For you GO.
Anyway, that worked for me. My thinking is that HBO doesn't like my Root, Xposed, or something else.
Maybe time to move on to some sort of generic streamer that lets me live free.
Unfortunately that didn't work for me on HBO GO. I downloaded HBO_GO_v9.2.0.4.apk from the pack and although it doesn't give an error message, it simply doesn't play.
In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm keeping root anyways (other than the "fun" of rooting something).
LakersFan_73 said:
Unfortunately that didn't work for me on HBO GO. I downloaded HBO_GO_v9.2.0.4.apk from the pack and although it doesn't give an error message, it simply doesn't play.
In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm keeping root anyways (other than the "fun" of rooting something).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too was having this problem and FINALLY found out the problem as actually my prerooted image from rbox.
He has since released a fixed prerooted image, hopefully this is also the same issue you're having?
Link to the post with updated prerooted firmware from rbox
rbox said:
July 27, 2017 - 5.2.4.2_r2 (md5sum: a96e73478cdbe8659f6758a5d27b4738
This includes updated firmware to fix Hulu and HBO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it fixed it. Sorry I should have updated my post.
HBO GO account
Never mind
xmxmxm said:
anybody know how to access the data on fire tv? I want to retrieve my old hbo go log-in information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't post in multiple places
I already answered you
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fi...re-tv-copy-t3810493/post76947862#post76947862
Hello.
I recently purchased a firetv stick gen 2 from a market.
I couldn't register the device and amazon have informed me the device is blacklisted.
Is there any way to bypass this? Amazon will not help
I bought a lot of 17 of the firesticks from ebay and thought I was getting an awesome deal! Turns out I ran into the same issue on all 17. What I learned on from the fine forums here made it all worth it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/firetv-firestick-stuck-update-screen-t3594843
Adrian806 said:
I bought a lot of 17 of the firesticks from ebay and thought I was getting an awesome deal! Turns out I ran into the same issue on all 17. What I learned on from the fine forums here made it all worth it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/firetv-firestick-stuck-update-screen-t3594843
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you learn?
jezzymods said:
What did you learn?
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Click to collapse
I learned to use the fire tv remote app which gives you a settings gear button in top left corner. When connected to your network using the remote app an pressing settings button it allows you to bypass update screen. Then after going to enable usb debugging and unkown sources I was able to sideload with apps2fire the hyjack launcher, app starter, confireator, boot2appstarter. This allowed my blacklisted firestick to boot straight to appstarter launcher instead of getting hung up at update screen. I was able to sideload any third party apps that I wanted as well like mobdro, terrarium, kodi etc. I hope this helps and all the info I just stated is available in the link in my previous post with links to all necessary apks.
Has anyone found a workaround for new firmware? On the 2nd generation firesticks I can get to the settings but developer options are not there. On the 4k firestick I get past update to register but says my username and password dont exist. Any ideas would be much appreciated!
So Amazon bricks Fire TVs? How does that happen? Thanks.
Iwas told by amazon that my device thst I purchased off ebay was reported lost or stolen....
Adrian806 Did you ever find a fix for the newer 4k FireTV Stick?
jezzymods said:
What did you learn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He learnt that he wasted his money buying 17 amazon fire tv sticks that are useless
Adrian806 said:
Has anyone found a workaround for new firmware? On the 2nd generation firesticks I can get to the settings but developer options are not there. On the 4k firestick I get past update to register but says my username and password dont exist. Any ideas would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you find an answer? having the same issue
nicholetuvk said:
Did you find an answer? having the same issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just some thoughts,
If you unlock it and install TWRP-
You can install a custom rom (firestick2 has a working rom, firestick4k has one with work in progress)
You can possible restore a back up from another one, but likely most things wont work.
There is post #3 here that claims to skip registration -
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/trying-to-skip-boot-update-brand-fire-t3752076
You will have to sideload apps or install a 3rd party appstore like F-Droid if you havent figured this out...
Good luck!
I did not see adb debugging options under the developer settings. Are those the same images you saw?
jezzymods said:
What did you learn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you put that url which section
Adrian806 said:
I bought a lot of 17 of the firesticks from ebay and thought I was getting an awesome deal! Turns out I ran into the same issue on all 17. What I learned on from the fine forums here made it all worth it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/firetv-firestick-stuck-update-screen-t3594843
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you type the https:// forum. Xda on my laptop or fire stick
Michajin said:
Just some thoughts,
If you unlock it and install TWRP-
You can install a custom rom (firestick2 has a working rom, firestick4k has one with work in progress)
You can possible restore a back up from another one, but likely most things wont work.
There is post #3 here that claims to skip registration -
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/trying-to-skip-boot-update-brand-fire-t3752076
You will have to sideload apps or install a 3rd party appstore like F-Droid if you havent figured this out...
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have TWRP why not just disable the setup package from there?