I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
martyxng said:
I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend against removing root as that would be sacrilegious to the Fire TV. Follow the How to install a Custom ROM Image on the Amazon Fire TV guide as it gives detailed instructions on how to receive the latest Pre-Rooted Stock Software. The newest update does include the new Netflix app and Miracast support. And trust me, rooting is the best thing to ever happen to the Fire TV.
I'm sure that someone that has a non rootable fire tv will be willing to trade with you
martyxng said:
I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to be rooted to use XBMC.
martyxng said:
I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most crucial thing you'll lose is the ability to use external USB drives.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using XDA Free mobile app
superkoal said:
The most crucial thing you'll lose is the ability to use external USB drives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd argue that the most crucial thing would be to lose the ability to have XBMC/KODI/SPMC as the default launcher on the Fire TV. Priceless!
mjbxx said:
I'd argue that the most crucial thing would be to lose the ability to have XBMC/KODI/SPMC as the default launcher on the Fire TV. Priceless!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is indeed, the best thing root brought me.
I don't have XBMC as the default launcher, but that would be nice, if I still had a way to use the official Netflix app - maybe some day!
You can still use XBMC from the main GUI even if you aren't root. I have a rooted FTV and an unrooted one. I am in the process of unrooting the rooted one as I never use sub storage and the unrooted FTV seems to have been more stable. For example I have never had to reboot it to get it to play a video from Plex whereas I have had to do this with the rooted one. Mind you there could be many reasons why that is the case. Seems odd that rooting would lead to a less stable system. More likely it's what I have done as root which has caused that.
The one thing which would be nice is if you could streamline the GUI and have certain apps in a fixed place. I don't really like them moving all over the place. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to do that.
Sent from my Fire HDX.
Netflix works fine on the newest rooted firmware.. Why not just upgrade?
pmcdunnough said:
You can still use XBMC from the main GUI even if you aren't root. I have a rooted FTV and an unrooted one. I am in the process of unrooting the rooted one as I never use sub storage and the unrooted FTV seems to have been more stable. For example I have never had to reboot it to get it to play a video from Plex whereas I have had to do this with the rooted one. Mind you there could be many reasons why that is the case. Seems odd that rooting would lead to a less stable system. More likely it's what I have done as root which has caused that.
The one thing which would be nice is if you could streamline the GUI and have certain apps in a fixed place. I don't really like them moving all over the place. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to do that.
Sent from my Fire HDX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather than unrooting it,sell it in its rooted state and buy a new unrooted unit. I cant speak for plex,but i have a rooted fireTV which is working just fine with hulu netflix xbmc. Just use the adbfire tool to upgrade to the latest version of the rooted firmware. Really easy,and if its still unstable for plex,sell it off. Might even make some money lol.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Related
like the title says, i have a KF and want to put either ICS or JB on it, but wondering what Amazon stuff i will loose or wont be able to access
i know i will loose the kindle lending library function but dont really use it anyway, but my daughter watches movies and we have prime. i tried pulling up a movie through the web browser but it says the Fire can't play HD movies and when you select to watch the SD version it wants to open the Fire movie app. is that available as an apk to push after i flash a rom to it? or do i just need flash to play it online?
anything else i will loose
From what I understand you will definitely loose access to Prime.
You will also lose your e-books but you can reload those with the kindle app once you have the new rom installed.
I hated stock on the kindle fire, I recently rooted and am now running AlienDroid version 2.0 and I cannot put the thing down.
If losing Prime access is a deal breaker than dont do it.
dodgefan67 said:
like the title says, i have a KF and want to put either ICS or JB on it, but wondering what Amazon stuff i will loose or wont be able to access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of my Amazon apps work since I rooted my KF.
I lost access to the Amazon App Store, and all of the apps that I got through it refuse to launch. I tried to install the android version of AAS and it would not install. I also could not install the Kindle for Android app.
yeah i think those are deal breakers for me. prime is nice with the free videos and free shipping, i use that all the time. guess i'll just keep it as is
thanks
Use modaco with voodoo root keeper and anytime you want to use your Amazon stuff just hit temp unroot
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
jamminjon82 said:
Use modaco with voodoo root keeper and anytime you want to use your Amazon stuff just hit temp unroot
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well we got an external keyboard as well and those only work with an OTG cable on custom roms, not stock fire, so it was more than just rooting it
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.
I have always rooted my phones, like the flexibility.
But the FireTV needs to be wife friendly, what are some of the benefits of rooting this device?
What are the reasons for rooting any device? Same here
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
ekeefe41 said:
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, since the last update i feel like im using less root features but im definetly not one to advocate factory resetting (unrooting) You just dont know if there will be something you need in the future & imo you forfeit control to amazon if you unroot or choose not to root when you can.
I might want to flash a custom rom. Thats probably the best reason i can think of to keep root. As far as "wife friendliness" from my personal experience youre looking at apple tv 3, but skills vary from person to person. Theres really nothing about my rooted aftv that differs from stock as far as basic user experiences.
ekeefe41 said:
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- A true Kodi launcher is probably the best feature that also provides access to Amazon content. Never have to see that wretched Fire TV home screen unless wanting to access Amazon content.
2- The ability to have usage of USB external storage above and beyond what Amazon is now offering.
3- The ability to add the Google Play Store to the Fire TV.
I'm sure there are even more reasons for rooting a Fire TV. With root this device is no longer Amazon centric and I prefer it to be just this way.
A few of the obvious ones:
- Mount NTFS usb drives with StickMount
- Full control of the FireTV (edit hosts file, run custom scripts etc...)
- Custom Recovery menu
- Custom bootmenu
- Custom Roms (CyanogenMod, possibly CentOS etc... in the future)
- Ability to downgrade to older firmware versions
- Ability to re-add any features amazon remove in future
You basically have absolute control of the device and can do with it what you like. It's not a requirement for the FireTV to be a great device, but I think it rooted AFTV is worth 10x a non rooted device, but that's just me
ekeefe41 said:
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one fire tv rooted and one non rooted. On the rooted fire tv I have a 128 gig ssd connected to my fire tv, so I can install pretty much as many games as I would like. Although the new firmware allows the use of usb drives it is still limited. An example is Asphalt 8 will only put the basic app on the usb drive not the 1.4 gig data. I can backup my entire fire tv not just apps. So once I have everything the way I like I can protect that setup with a backup. I am using Squarehome tablet and it is very customizable if you have root. It works without but some important features like themes don't work as well without root. I can customize Squarehome and make my home screen look like whatever I want. I can have some of my favorite apps or all my apps on the home screen, and I can have them with tabs such as Games, Entertainment, System, Video or whatever. I don't have to worry about SPMC or Kodi running out of space, or creating an xml file to move thumbnails etc. I can connect my PS3 controller using sixaxis which I believe requires root. I don't have to buy amazon's controller for $40. With root I can use wallpapers and themes on whatever launcher I'm using. No one has to root their fire tv but once you do you'll see many benefits. It becomes your device and not Amazon's where all you can do is buy their movies games and apps.
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
roligov said:
A few of the obvious ones:
- Mount NTFS usb drives with StickMount
- Full control of the FireTV (edit hosts file, run custom scripts etc...)
- Custom Recovery menu
- Custom bootmenu
- Custom Roms (CyanogenMod, possibly CentOS etc... in the future)
- Ability to downgrade to older firmware versions
- Ability to re-add any features amazon remove in future
You basically have absolute control of the device and can do with it what you like. It's not a requirement for the FireTV to be a great device, but I think it rooted AFTV is worth 10x a non rooted device, but that's just me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NTFS is apparently the ONLY file system that the FTV/latest pre-rooted firmware does not mess with. (This was driving me crazy.) If you are running OSX you can follow this excellent video on how to enable read/write NTFS on your Mac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-2NCRcylK0
I've been using Stick Mount Pro from day 1 of root. Had a few issues mounting every now and then, but it's been working flawlessly the last few releases.
mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
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How did you do this?
cpugeeker said:
How did you do this?
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This thread explains it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
Adblock and Custom launcher *without using llama or whatever* are the only reasons you should need to want to root your firetv.
HeXDeMoN said:
Adblock and Custom launcher *without using llama or whatever* are the only reasons you should need to want to root your firetv.
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Click to collapse
I use root mainly for quicksupport to help my family and friends. You cannot do that without rooting and google play is needed to buy emulators that work very well on the firetv. Expanding basic storage it around the horizon for me as my space is getting very limited.
mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do that on a non-rooted FireTV with Llama.
dk1keith said:
I have one fire tv rooted and one non rooted. On the rooted fire tv I have a 128 gig ssd connected to my fire tv, so I can install pretty much as many games as I would like. Although the new firmware allows the use of usb drives it is still limited. An example is Asphalt 8 will only put the basic app on the usb drive not the 1.4 gig data. I can backup my entire fire tv not just apps. So once I have everything the way I like I can protect that setup with a backup. I am using Squarehome tablet and it is very customizable if you have root. It works without but some important features like themes don't work as well without root. I can customize Squarehome and make my home screen look like whatever I want. I can have some of my favorite apps or all my apps on the home screen, and I can have them with tabs such as Games, Entertainment, System, Video or whatever. I don't have to worry about SPMC or Kodi running out of space, or creating an xml file to move thumbnails etc. I can connect my PS3 controller using sixaxis which I believe requires root. I don't have to buy amazon's controller for $40. With root I can use wallpapers and themes on whatever launcher I'm using. No one has to root their fire tv but once you do you'll see many benefits. It becomes your device and not Amazon's where all you can do is buy their movies games and apps.
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If I may resurrect this old thread, I have a few questions about how specifically some of these feats are accomplished:
1. How specifically does root allow one to work around the problem of games like Asphalt 8 insisting on keeping its large amount of data on internal storage?
2. What tool do you use for doing a full Fire TV backup?
3. This might be related to number 1, but how specifically do you keep Kodi/SPMC from burning up all the local storage without resorting to the custom xml to move thumbnails, etc. route? (I never could get that technique to work anyway).
mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to boot directly into Kodi?
Thanks,
-Nigel
Where's the guide!!!???
Help
mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’m not by any means a technology wiz but I just purchased this from amazon and heard from a friend he jailboke this and prompted me to look online on how to do this was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction ?
Aftvnews.com
But current software revisions aren't rootable.
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
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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Click to collapse
Not heard of that one but Ill take a looksy, especially if it works on unrooted!