I got a fire tv stick . I am not happy with the user interface, I was lead to believe it would be different after a conversation with Amazon Customer Service.
I want to stick to open with a selection of user profiles. I want one that is for my kids and one for adults. I want the kids one to have restrictions on what they can access., i.e. parental controls. I would like these to extend into the apps like netflix.
Can I do this?
I found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
that allows me to sideload apps to my fire tv stick. apps like XBMC.
But can I set the stick up to 1) boot to xbmc, 2) require a password on one account 3) establish parental controls on that account that extend to the various apps?
finally, do I need to root the stick to get it to boot to XBMC?
bc320 said:
I got a fire tv stick . I am not happy with the user interface, I was lead to believe it would be different after a conversation with Amazon Customer Service.
I want to stick to open with a selection of user profiles. I want one that is for my kids and one for adults. I want the kids one to have restrictions on what they can access., i.e. parental controls. I would like these to extend into the apps like netflix.
Can I do this?
I found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
that allows me to sideload apps to my fire tv stick. apps like XBMC.
But can I set the stick up to 1) boot to xbmc, 2) require a password on one account 3) establish parental controls on that account that extend to the various apps?
finally, do I need to root the stick to get it to boot to XBMC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it to boot to XBMC via Llama. Just have llama auto go to xbmc when the home app is open. I would recommend against this and just use llama to run ikonotv or classictv to just do basically the same. However, to each his own, and you can do as you please.
I personally keep the home launcher so that i can run the other stuff too, such as games or netflix. And the youtube app is better than xbmc's youtube app.
A better alternative (in my opinion) would be to use an alternate home launcher instead.
None of this requires root, but root (not on stick yet) can make it simpler, and speedier as it wouldn't load the default home app. I believe some of the launchers can intercept the home button and go there instead of amazon's home if you wish. XBMC is not built for firetv but rather android in general. It could have a lot of these powerful features if they programmed them in. Lot's of work by people who probably don't see the advantage to work gain ratio being worth it.
Related
So I just purchased 2 of the FTV's and set them up for our kids. I installed XBMC and used Llama to run the program through classic TV as most have been doing. We setup the FTV's to run FreeTime which is easy for kids to navigate and provides the parental controls we are looking for. Problem is Llama won't run XBMC through classic TV when in FreeTime. Any suggestions?
furiousyellow09 said:
So I just purchased 2 of the FTV's and set them up for our kids. I installed XBMC and used Llama to run the program through classic TV as most have been doing. We setup the FTV's to run FreeTime which is easy for kids to navigate and provides the parental controls we are looking for. Problem is Llama won't run XBMC through classic TV when in FreeTime. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, let's get this correct.
You are autoloading XBMC correct? And thru XBMC you are running programs, like Amazon's Freetime? And then when in Freetime, LLama won't run XBMC?
Here is my guess. Since XBMC is already running and you are using it to run another program (Freetime), it can't load it self back up, nor can it switch to doing anything else, as it's already running Freetime, or it just doesn't have any more memory to give up.
I don't auto load XBMC up, nor do I run programs thru XBMC. My suggestion to fix this is: Don't use the XBMC launcher, get FireDtv launcher. Set your llama (not sure what this app is good for on the AFTV, seems great for a phone though). Move your XBMC icon so it's in the top left corner for easy access, and the Freetime icon will be right by it. I'm guess you won't have any trouble getting into XBMC from Freetime if you don't autoload XBMC up first.
If that isn't an option for ya, maybe someone who is more experienced in using XBMC autoloading and running other programs will have some ideas.
I actually got to see his setup. What he did was sideload Llama and set a trigger that when ClassicTV is active to load XBMC. It works fine in parent mode but when in Freetime mode it fails to work at all. This is repeatable.
He is going to try FireDtv but he isn't using XBMC to launch Freetime.
So bare with me here....
I ordered one and it should be getting here Thursday.
Just want to get the apps ready to sideload.
Not sure what apps to get other than the basics.
Also want to make sure they work on the fire tv stick.
I have: Dramafever,VIKI,XMBC(KODI) ready to be sent via Fire TV utility.
Don't own an android phone, so not too sure what I need to side-load and what is easily available.
The main reason for buying it is: 1. cancelling cable 2. no dramafever app on my windows phone.
So, please post whatever apps you deem useful below.(to use on fire tv/stick)
side note: Is xmbc hard to use? Heard I need to jump through hoops for some addons/channels to install.
jms_209 said:
So bare with me here....
I ordered one and it should be getting here Thursday.
Just want to get the apps ready to sideload.
Not sure what apps to get other than the basics.
Also want to make sure they work on the fire tv stick.
I have: Dramafever,VIKI,XMBC(KODI) ready to be sent via Fire TV utility.
Don't own an android phone, so not too sure what I need to side-load and what is easily available.
The main reason for buying it is: 1. cancelling cable 2. no dramafever app on my windows phone.
So, please post whatever apps you deem useful below.(to use on fire tv/stick)
side note: Is xmbc hard to use? Heard I need to jump through hoops for some addons/channels to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no jumping through hoops with XBMC/Kodi. Everything installs perfectly, and all addons and repos install the same way. You can either manually install through zip files or by looking through the addon list from repos, but everything installs, and there is not one addon that installs a different way than the next addon. Its the same process for everything. The difficulty level of using XBMC/Kodi is extremely low. Unless you were cancelling your cable to begin with, XBMC is not a replacement for cable or sat service. Do not believe all the people selling android systems that say its like having cable, cause its not. Xbmc is more like bootleg cable service. You can watch just about anything, but do not expect to watch all your favorite live channels, cause its not gonna happen. In the past few years I have actually started watching mostly russian channels with english audio, cause they are much easier to find and way more stable then american channels are using XBMC. Basically ilive is the best thing going for american live tv and they are trying to force everyone to pay, so using XBMC for ilive is basically useless now since they started blocking IPs. So waching everything is possible, but usually only if you do not plan on catching it live, usless its a sporting event then you can always watch them live with XBMC. Essentail apps are really what you want. Viki and Dramafever do work with the Fire TV.
KOdi with Genesis plugin (add shows to library and turn on auto mode)
AEON Nox skin for xbmc. - looks soo much nicer than confluence (defualt)
Retroboxtv - Multi game system emulator with on demand ~640 game rom library built in.
Popcorntime - they assured me the next release should have remote support
playboxhd -just like popcorntime but using streams instead of torrents. - also waiting on proper remote support. most works now but need mouse to enable fullscreen.
STB emulator - Mag250 IPTV emulator with nfps server (think FTA Satellite without the dish)
FiredTV- Alternate app launcher for sideloaded apps.
AFTlauncherhelper - remaps the home button to whatever app you want.
Llama - used to hijack icons in the AFTV menu to run sideloaded apps.
blapktmarket - alternate app store (with paid apps for free)
adbfire - app for your pc/mac to aid in sideloading and performing multiple other tweaks
If getting a game controller, go for the nyko playpad pro. it can switch between gamepad and mouse mode.. and can be found for as little as 16 bux on amazon
Thanks for the input!
Which emulators are working on fire TV stick. GBA is what I'll likely play.
I will mostly be watching WWE and sports(NBA,NFL).
Might get the $20 a month Sling TV. Which has TNT and ESPN for games.
Just need a reliable way to watch at-least wwe programming.
I don't need it live, since I usually record it, then watch it.
Any channels/addons that are specific for wrestling shows?
I found this guide online. It's a step by step guide on how to install Kodi with addons pre-installed. It comes with all the important addons. Takes around 25 minutes to install. Hope it helps. It's compiled in a 400mb rar folder. Feel free to share. Apparently it was on sale somewhere but Kodi is free and no one should pay for this as a service.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z6o6yxdmlb0tpzg/Amazon Fire TV Kodi Setup.rar?dl=0
Also CartoonHd, Showbox and PopcornTime. I personally hate kodi but people seem to love it. I use these apps for my content, plus amazon prime, Netflix, hulu and xfinity.
Sent from my SPH-L600 using XDA Free mobile app
porkenhimer said:
There is no jumping through hoops with XBMC/Kodi. Everything installs perfectly, and all addons and repos install the same way. You can either manually install through zip files or by looking through the addon list from repos, but everything installs, and there is not one addon that installs a different way than the next addon. Its the same process for everything. The difficulty level of using XBMC/Kodi is extremely low. Unless you were cancelling your cable to begin with, XBMC is not a replacement for cable or sat service. Do not believe all the people selling android systems that say its like having cable, cause its not. Xbmc is more like bootleg cable service. You can watch just about anything, but do not expect to watch all your favorite live channels, cause its not gonna happen. In the past few years I have actually started watching mostly russian channels with english audio, cause they are much easier to find and way more stable then american channels are using XBMC. Basically ilive is the best thing going for american live tv and they are trying to force everyone to pay, so using XBMC for ilive is basically useless now since they started blocking IPs. So waching everything is possible, but usually only if you do not plan on catching it live, usless its a sporting event then you can always watch them live with XBMC. Essentail apps are really what you want. Viki and Dramafever do work with the Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just like cable to me since i got xfinity log in which I get live channels on...
But your right it isnt like cable, its BETTER then cable!
---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 PM ----------
psycon said:
KOdi with Genesis plugin (add shows to library and turn on auto mode)
AEON Nox skin for xbmc. - looks soo much nicer than confluence (defualt)
Retroboxtv - Multi game system emulator with on demand ~640 game rom library built in.
Popcorntime - they assured me the next release should have remote support
playboxhd -just like popcorntime but using streams instead of torrents. - also waiting on proper remote support. most works now but need mouse to enable fullscreen.
STB emulator - Mag250 IPTV emulator with nfps server (think FTA Satellite without the dish)
FiredTV- Alternate app launcher for sideloaded apps.
AFTlauncherhelper - remaps the home button to whatever app you want.
Llama - used to hijack icons in the AFTV menu to run sideloaded apps.
blapktmarket - alternate app store (with paid apps for free)
adbfire - app for your pc/mac to aid in sideloading and performing multiple other tweaks
If getting a game controller, go for the nyko playpad pro. it can switch between gamepad and mouse mode.. and can be found for as little as 16 bux on amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you enable full screen within playboxhd.. I have it installed but its sideways
psycon said:
KOdi with Genesis plugin (add shows to library and turn on auto mode)
AEON Nox skin for xbmc. - looks soo much nicer than confluence (defualt)
Retroboxtv - Multi game system emulator with on demand ~640 game rom library built in.
Popcorntime - they assured me the next release should have remote support
playboxhd -just like popcorntime but using streams instead of torrents. - also waiting on proper remote support. most works now but need mouse to enable fullscreen.
STB emulator - Mag250 IPTV emulator with nfps server (think FTA Satellite without the dish)
FiredTV- Alternate app launcher for sideloaded apps.
AFTlauncherhelper - remaps the home button to whatever app you want.
Llama - used to hijack icons in the AFTV menu to run sideloaded apps.
blapktmarket - alternate app store (with paid apps for free)
adbfire - app for your pc/mac to aid in sideloading and performing multiple other tweaks
If getting a game controller, go for the nyko playpad pro. it can switch between gamepad and mouse mode.. and can be found for as little as 16 bux on amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any more info in the STB emulator? How do i set this up?
sandstorm77 said:
Any more info in the STB emulator? How do i set this up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/configure-iptv-fire-tv-watch-live-tv-t3025765
cpugeeker said:
Its just like cable to me since i got xfinity log in which I get live channels on...
But your right it isnt like cable, its BETTER then cable!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app/addon are you using to access Xfinity?
xm41907 said:
What app/addon are you using to access Xfinity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sideloaded android Xfinity app. You got to have a subscription to xfinity or know somebody that has it
Hi all
What is auto mode on genesis? I've got to manually update genesis folders for new tv episodes to show. How can I change this?
Thanks
i still seem to have to manually update my library as well.. auto mode is in genesis >tools > General i think (im at work)... it does not auto-update the library , what it does it remove the source selection screen and instead plays you whichever stream works.... when youdo this and map the genesis library to your xbmc library, this makes all your streams appear to work as if they were local content...
in genesis >tools. look which folders genesis is using for TV and movies. and write them down.. then in XBMC go to video >add folder.. and type those folders in word for word. one for movies, one for tv. and set up your scrapers accordingly.
Ah ok thanks for that.
Does anyone know how we can get the genesis folders to update automatically
cpugeeker said:
Sideloaded android Xfinity app. You got to have a subscription to xfinity or know somebody that has it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The official Xfinity TV Go app?
xm41907 said:
The official Xfinity TV Go app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
Is there any way to replace the home launcher entirely? Like say if i want to use HAL Launcher or something? I would like to be able to fully customize the home screen.
Google apps possible at all? (Google play store for apps for example)
Dualshock 4 support via bluetooth? (like will it pair and work lag free without root?)
How integrated is the voice search? anything more than jsut the home screen and default amazon apps that can take advantage of the voice remote?
Obviously the device isnt officially out yet, but is anyone currently working on or planning on working on root for the new fire tv? would any of my questions be solved via root?
If rooted, is it easy to block fire tv updates?
Finally, what are the chances of custom ROMs? Would I be able to load stock android tv on the fire tv?
I know alot of the questions are nearly impossible to tell at this point, but if you cant answer for the new fire tv, what are the chances of any of them on the current old fire tv? thanks.
unvaluablespace said:
Is there any way to replace the home launcher entirely? Like say if i want to use HAL Launcher or something? I would like to be able to fully customize the home screen.
Google apps possible at all? (Google play store for apps for example)
Dualshock 4 support via bluetooth? (like will it pair and work lag free without root?)
How integrated is the voice search? anything more than jsut the home screen and default amazon apps that can take advantage of the voice remote?
Obviously the device isnt officially out yet, but is anyone currently working on or planning on working on root for the new fire tv? would any of my questions be solved via root?
If rooted, is it easy to block fire tv updates?
Finally, what are the chances of custom ROMs? Would I be able to load stock android tv on the fire tv?
I know alot of the questions are nearly impossible to tell at this point, but if you cant answer for the new fire tv, what are the chances of any of them on the current old fire tv? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say to forget about rooting and custom ROMs. It might happen (again) but unlikely. Go check out the sub thread.
The Voice search is pretty much useless for anything other than Amazon services. I never use it. Others might. Do you want to ask your TV what the weather is like outside and get a generic report? If so, go for it.
You can replace the home screen with the FireStarter launcher which makes it easier to get to sideloaded apps, or just bind the Home Button to two other actions (double and single click). Launching Kodi is the obvious choice.
Firestarter currently has problems with OS 5, but these are likely to be resolved within a few weeks. It works fine now, but you have to toggle a setting switch (ADB) every time you cold boot. It's no big deal if you're savvy, but not the sort of issue you'd want to lump on your folks.
I was wondering if you can answer a question for me, I have a rooted fire TV with custom recovery installed, but I would like to disable the default Amazon interface so it doesn't boot up, instead I only want kodi to boot.
I want to do this because I only use kodi on the fire TV, so by disabling the default interface I imagine it would speed up boot time and performance, as it's using less resources.
I know it's possible using firestarter app, but again I don't want this installed, But that app doesn't fill all of my requirements, as it doesn't disabled the default interface from boot, also wouldn't want firestarter starting on boot either just kodi
How would this be possible, any wisdom on this would be much appreciated thank you.
Kodi as Launcher
Antieco said:
Kodi as Launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I already saw this post and unfortunately it only works for fire TV first-generation, not second-generation 4k.
so Unfortunately this won't work as I'm after the second generation modification.
Ideally I wouldn't want to do it through an app, I don't mind editing core files if that's required
you can use firestarter.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/themes-apps/app-root-home-launcher-replacement-app-t3118135
idk if it will completely disable firelauncher but it allows you to use kodi as the launcher
The best alternative launcher I've found is the SPMC Launcher which is maintained by a Kodi developer. SPMC supports Android devices including the Fire TV.
And what is about this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher
You can load it with and sidelaoded then.
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Greetings by Idijt
I had a some issues with Kodi being set as Home on both my stick and gen1. Might just be me but it didn't like it.
I still think the best way is to use Firestarter as the main launcher and have Kodi set to launch on boot and single click, with Firestarter as double click.
If Kodi crashes or gets frozen, you still have the oppurtunity to back out and force stop it from Firestarter, if its set as Home then you can't.
You can also edit the keymap.xml to have the back button perform something else while on Kodis home screen, this stops the accidental back-outs to Firestarter as well.
I can't remember where but I'm sure I read a post over on the Kodi forums as to why they don't cook this in from source but the reasons are sound.
I had read on XDA that you could bypass logging into an Amazon account on a Fire TV Stick by using the remote app and pressing the gear icon on your phone, which would kick the stick directly into the settings menu; the Stick would essentially be just an Android set-top box at that point, which is my goal. But it seems like a recent firmware patched this, as trying to press the gear in the app just makes the TV screen flicker for a minute, then continue to prompt you to log in. Is there a way around this on newer firmwares that anyone has found? I'm just trying to use the Stick locally to do things like stream my Steam games over the same network, and if the Stick is anything like the Fire HD tablets, not associating an Amazon account with it would make it run a ton better. I also just like using things without having to rely on accounts whenever I can, and the Stick seems way more convenient than other Android boxes, so it would be great to be able to do that here. Thanks in advance for any insight!
Future-Proof said:
Thanks in advance for any insight!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skipping the login/setup wouldn't make the stick to an android tv. As you have a FireTV you get FireOS, without playstore/services and other common androidtv things.
If you have the second gen stick named 'tank' you can root the device and get the possibility to install playstore/services, other androidtv launchers, debloating stock apps...
Edit: since yesterday, there is also a lineage rom for tank, link