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So I've been looking for an OnDemand type streaming service for my phone to so I can connect it via HDMI to my TV and skip the cable companies all together. I found this TmobileTV app which looks promising, but that has a monthly fee. I'm not looking for live television, just something with a program guide that can access streams from Comedy Central, ABC, Food Network, etc. These networks broadcast their own content for free on their webpage, or even have apps, but of course you have to navigate to them and install a bunch of apps if you want to use it this way. I've used a Roku before with PlayOn and it somehow aggregates all of the popular web-shows and puts them in a nice channel guide for you so you can pick and play what you want.
Does anyone know of anything like this for android? Remember, I dont care about LIVE tv, I just want a nice convenient way to watch online of streams from various broadcasters.
UPDATE: Looks like Hulu+ is the only answer.
netflix? or that doesn't have tv shows? been awhile since i used netflix
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Maric said:
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to start a new thread because I was trying to test something that I figure is happening on Netflix. The Netflix streams look like garbage, and then I can stream Amazon Instant and it looks beautiful. So somewhere there is a bottleneck on Netflix and I think if I run it through my VPN it will improve the quality.
My VPN is through private internet access and they have a simple android app that you just click connect and it works. But you can change the location of where it is connecting and that would probably help with your MLB issue because without GPS I think that's the only way they can tell where you are streaming. I used to spoof on MLB and set a fake GPS point in Mexico to get access to all of the games. But I think the VPN would work for that as well.
Long story short I side-loaded the app and it didn't work. So I'm going to see if anyone else can help.
Some ISP's throttle Netflix. It's the whole net neutrality thing goin on.
Maric said:
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for something simliar.
Use xposed and XPrivacy . Works for my cellphone (Huge battery drain though because leaves GPS constantly running) but i havent attempted that on the fire yet. What mlb version are you using? the google play or amazon fire tv version?
mejdam said:
I'm looking for something simliar.
Use xposed and XPrivacy . Works for my cellphone (Huge battery drain though because leaves GPS constantly running) but i havent attempted that on the fire yet. What mlb version are you using? the google play or amazon fire tv version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the Amazon Fire TV.
Maric said:
how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely, MLB is picking up your location from your IP address.
You might be able to test this by using your cell phone to temporarily provide bandwidth the FTV - my cell phone, at least, winds up looking to websites as if it's about 60 miles away from the house, two counties south.
Using a VPN to connect from an IP in a different state should work if that's how the location is being determined. If the app comes from the Amazon appstore there's a low risk that the app is using an address Amazon has on file for its location determination.
Try sideload EasyOvpn and OpenVPN Connect.
Search in EasyOvpn different contry and open the configuration with openvpn. I try to by pass other service in my tablet and work.
edgardo_0691 said:
Try sideload EasyOvpn and OpenVPN Connect.
Search in EasyOvpn different contry and open the configuration with openvpn. I try to by pass other service in my tablet and work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OpenVPN is what Private Internet Access uses to connect on Android and I can say that it did not connect for me. I have a thread open in the help section also but the only way it can tell on Amazon where you are is your IP. That's why people in other countries use a US VPN to stream stuff. We just need a VPN to work on the fire to get around location and throttling.
bam099 said:
OpenVPN is what Private Internet Access uses to connect on Android and I can say that it did not connect for me. I have a thread open in the help section also but the only way it can tell on Amazon where you are is your IP. That's why people in other countries use a US VPN to stream stuff. We just need a VPN to work on the fire to get around location and throttling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
mejdam said:
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Maric said:
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are we talking about MLB or Netflix? I just used Hola and got around the MLB restrictions. watching my dodgers play on the fire tv.
mejdam said:
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maric said:
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to get it to work but really cumbersome.
1. Installed/Sideloaded "Hola Better Internet" for Fire TV.
2. Open "Hola Better Internet" and click Unbocker (requres a mouse)
3. Click on "MLB.com At Bat" and change to any country other than U.S./Canada
4. Make sure Unblocker is "On"
Here is the kicker though. If you have "Hola Better Internet" on before you open MLB.TV app, the games/calendar will now show up. So you have to have the switch "Unblocker Button" off when you first launch MLB.TV app.
So here is how I got it to work:
1. Launch "Hola Better Internet" and make sure "Unblocker" switch is "off'
2. Launch MLB.TV app.
3. Hit the "Home Screen" button on your Fire TV remote since you don't want to exit the app.
4. Now go to "Hola Better Internet" and have "Unblocker" switch "On"
5. Hit "Home Screen" button again
6. Relaunch MLB.TV app.
7. Launch your home team
Again, this this was all done with DNS service such as Ad-Free time.
This is what I gather from all the tinkering. "MLB.com At Bat" service is what checks your location. I remember getting my Nexus 7 2013 to work, I had to modify this file/service. So if you have the "MLB.com At Bat" check your location while spoofing to another country, it will completely shut you out from the video feed service. I'm assuming the "Hola Better Internet" switches the handshake/verication once you have the calendar of all the games on your screen. Finally once you do click on the your team, it checks the DNS.
So I'm hoping somehow that "MLB.com At Bat" can be modified or somehow have a more seamless workaround.
mejdam said:
are we talking about MLB or Netflix? I just used Hola and got around the MLB restrictions. watching my dodgers play on the fire tv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide your setup?
Maric said:
Can you provide your setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
mejdam said:
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you configure Xposed and Xprivacy?
*Edit*
I got it to work. Also watching my Dodgers! Haren has been terrible.
Maric said:
How did you configure Xposed and Xprivacy?
*Edit*
I got it to work. Also watching my Dodgers! Haren has been terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it working without toggling even after you rebooted? I used this method on my Samsung s5 and got it working too. Only problem is you can't cast it on a Chromecast because it checks the Chromecast IP and tells me its been blacklisted.
mejdam said:
Is it working without toggling even after you rebooted? I used this method on my Samsung s5 and got it working too. Only problem is you can't cast it on a Chromecast because it checks the Chromecast IP and tells me its been blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhat. I'll have to test out again when the games are being blackout. How do you have it setup? Is this for your Fire TV or Chromecast?
Weird part about it is that at least one of the games was being blackout which was no where near my area.
mejdam said:
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide the setup instructions for Xposed and Xprivacy? Also when you have both setup, are you suppose to click "allow" or "deny" when opening up MLB.TV app?
Maric said:
Can you provide the setup instructions for Xposed and Xprivacy? Also when you have both setup, are you suppose to click "allow" or "deny" when opening up MLB.TV app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a mouse and Fire tv remote
1.) Install Xposed and Xprivacy (if mlb was already installed remove it and dont install it till step 3)
2.) open xposed, modules and check xprivacy, reboot fire tv
3.) install mlb tv (FireTv Version) and sign in with your account, close mlb tv premium
4.) Go into XPrivacy (will give you two errors, ignore them), then go in the MLB TV settings (Use mouse and click on the MLB TV icon)
5.) You will see a list of permissions, tap the menu button on your fire remote and go into Settings.
6.) Press the "Randomize now" button and it will generate a bunch of fake information.
7.) Find the IP address field and put in a fake IP from far away. (i used an IP in Japan)
8.) You can restrict all permissions except for Internet and it will work fine.
9.) Install hola
10.) configured hola
11.) Works
12.) Open MLB (you will get a message asking for permissions from xprivacy) i checked the enhance checkbox and allowed every request.
13.) choose the game you wish to view, allow all requests as well
14.) Play Ball!!!
I'm sorry if it's somewhat irrelevant, but will this method work with Hulu & Netflix? (assuming I do have a paying account)
The only benefit for the US folks for using unlocator or other dns is that you get BBC. Are there any free resources to watch the bbc iplayer app? Paying 5 bucks a month for that one app is a little on a higher side.
Personally, I think it's worth the $5 a month I pay for unotelly. On the Amazon fire tv, Along with the bbc iplayer and the itv player which I'm running through kodi, I'm also using tvcatchup, and skygo sideloaded using a usb keyboard as well as running netflix U.K, so I'm personally okay with the $5 a month for all those services because I'm using it for more than just the iplayer.
Haven't seen too much stable U.K streaming content with the kodi plugins either. The channels seem to come and go. The superrepo repository on kodi has channels like Phoenix with international live streams, but they can be a hit or a miss. To be honest, I haven't came across a reliable way to access iplayer without either a DNS proxy or VPN running on the router.
callanish said:
Personally, I think it's worth the $5 a month I pay for unotelly. On the Amazon fire tv, Along with the bbc iplayer and the itv player which I'm running through kodi, I'm also using tvcatchup, and skygo sideloaded using a usb keyboard as well as running netflix U.K, so I'm personally okay with the $5 a month for all those services because I'm using it for more than just the iplayer.
Haven't seen too much stable U.K streaming content with the kodi plugins either. The channels seem to come and go. The superrepo repository on kodi has channels like Phoenix with international live streams, but they can be a hit or a miss. To be honest, I haven't came across a reliable way to access iplayer without either a DNS proxy or VPN running on the router.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you running bbc iplayer through Kodi. Are you saying you run the official iplayer through the kodi shortcut? the bbc iplayer is the only app I see useful for myself. I don't use netflix. I personally think locator or unotelly should have different pricing for us based people as most of the things are open for use anyways here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
navigates said:
Why are you running bbc iplayer through Kodi. Are you saying you run the official iplayer through the kodi shortcut? the bbc iplayer is the only app I see useful for myself. I don't use netflix. I personally think locator or unotelly should have different pricing for us based people as most of the things are open for use anyways here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, here's the thing. The BBC iplayer apk app works only through a wireless connection. For some reason, the BBC have restricted anything running through ethernet on Android ( go figure ) and that's how I've got my Amazon Fire TV hooked up....by ethernet. Reason I need this is, when I'm running skygo, I need a stable connection for maximum picture quality and based on where my router is located, the wireless signal can cause skygo to adjust the stream quality so the picture can get worse or better depending on the signal. Ethernet basically solved that, so I had to sacrifice the BBC iplayer app on the Fire TV and relied on the iplayer plugin through Kodi. Fortunately, the Fire TV stick I have in the bedroom can work with wireless since it's pretty close to the router. I just use that with a mini bluetooth keyboard / touchpad, but for iplayer live streams, or catchup, both the app and kodi do the job if you're receiving a good enough wireless signal.
The bottom line is It all comes down to how much use you'd get out of that $5. For example, Sling TV charges $20 per month for its streaming service with a few addons costing $5 on top of that and they provide just a few channels, so for the amount I'm paying for the DNS proxy to get everything I'm using it for, it honestly is a pretty good bang for buck service.....especially if you've got a nice relative that allows you to access their skygo account :laugh:.
callanish said:
Well, here's the thing. The BBC iplayer apk app works only through a wireless connection. For some reason, the BBC have restricted anything running through ethernet on Android ( go figure ) and that's how I've got my Amazon Fire TV hooked up....by ethernet. Reason I need this is, when I'm running skygo, I need a stable connection for maximum picture quality and based on where my router is located, the wireless signal can cause skygo to adjust the stream quality so the picture can get worse or better depending on the signal. Ethernet basically solved that, so I had to sacrifice the BBC iplayer app on the Fire TV and relied on the iplayer plugin through Kodi. Fortunately, the Fire TV stick I have in the bedroom can work with wireless since it's pretty close to the router. I just use that with a mini bluetooth keyboard / touchpad, but for iplayer live streams, or catchup, both the app and kodi do the job if you're receiving a good enough wireless signal.
The bottom line is It all comes down to how much use you'd get out of that $5. For example, Sling TV charges $20 per month for its streaming service with a few addons costing $5 on top of that and they provide just a few channels, so for the amount I'm paying for the DNS proxy to get everything I'm using it for, it honestly is a pretty good bang for buck service.....especially if you've got a nice relative that allows you to access their skygo account :laugh:.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting that you said Bbc iPlayer does not work on ethernet. Mine does work on ethernet directly. However mine is rooted and I have google play with the framework installed. Not sure if it matters but just throwing it out. In my case, I totally agree with your POV of how much bang for the buck you get. I have a dish subscription and my wife wouldn't let me cancel that as she loves the DVR. I also have the slingtv just for kicks. Beats me !! and then I have easynews big gig plan of about 150 gigs a month for 30. I have to stop somewhere but I am tempted to get the unlocator. It works well and I tend to like the bbc hardtalk panoramas. but then I have easynews.
If there are any additional apps that come out later for UK based content, I may sign up.
callanish said:
Personally, I think it's worth the $5 a month I pay for unotelly. On the Amazon fire tv, Along with the bbc iplayer and the itv player which I'm running through kodi, I'm also using tvcatchup, and skygo sideloaded using a usb keyboard as well as running netflix U.K, so I'm personally okay with the $5 a month for all those services because I'm using it for more than just the iplayer.
Haven't seen too much stable U.K streaming content with the kodi plugins either. The channels seem to come and go. The superrepo repository on kodi has channels like Phoenix with international live streams, but they can be a hit or a miss. To be honest, I haven't came across a reliable way to access iplayer without either a DNS proxy or VPN running on the router.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm a noob and just starting to explore this unotelly, how did you get this installed in ftv? download the apk and sideload? where did you get the apk? thanks much!
juvethski said:
i'm a noob and just starting to explore this unotelly, how did you get this installed in ftv? download the apk and sideload? where did you get the apk? thanks much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unotelly isn't an app - its a DNS address that you have to subscribe to, and then enter in the Fire TV itself. This gets around country restrictions e.g. if you're in the US you can watch UK content, or a different countries' netflix
www.unotelly.com
Check out ironsocket.com
I use them for my VPN, and recently found out that they support SmartDNS for the Amazon Fire TV.
They didn't support XFinity TV Go, but after a quick support request and within 24 hours I'm able to use Xfinity app on FTV.
I'm able to use them for all other apps as well (HBOGO, WatchESPN and etc...)
Hello, I have searched the Internet for a Slingplayer app for my Slingbox solo on my Fire TV with no success. I took a chance and sideloaded several APK'S, a lot did not show the video, only sound. I found Slingplayer for tablets 3.4.0 and got it to work, with a little fiddling the quality is not bad (SD) at 2Mps on a wired network. With an Ipad mouse app and an Ipad remote control app It works, I use the Virgin Media Anytime App to change channels. I would like some feedback as to whether or not this is a new discovery or if there is a better APK for the Fire TV out there...... Thanks ....Mark
I had this version loaded on my AFS successfully. However, since I didn;t have Google Play Store, it stopped working after a while since it couldn;t validate my license.
sparkycomuk said:
Hello, I have searched the Internet for a Slingplayer app for my Slingbox solo on my Fire TV with no success. I took a chance and sideloaded several APK'S, a lot did not show the video, only sound. I found Slingplayer for tablets 3.4.0 and got it to work, with a little fiddling the quality is not bad (SD) at 2Mps on a wired network. With an Ipad mouse app and an Ipad remote control app It works, I use the Virgin Media Anytime App to change channels. I would like some feedback as to whether or not this is a new discovery or if there is a better APK for the Fire TV out there...... Thanks ....Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tekweezle said:
I had this version loaded on my AFS successfully. However, since I didn;t have Google Play Store, it stopped working after a while since it couldn;t validate my license.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the apk. The error message doesn't seem to occur until I log out eventually and then doesn't let me back in so just uninstall and reinstall and works again. Isn't ideal but its just like having to log in again after each time.
These versions have worked for me thus far on AFS. The first was made for a phone and second for tablet. I use the one for the tablet as looks a little better and for me has a real remote. Only issue with the slingbox remote was the bottom half was off the screen. To bring it up, using the firestick remote, placed the mouse over the slingbox remote and moving the firestick cursor up first, then held down the firestick select button, letting go when reaches desired location. Mouse must be over the remote throughout. Stays in that position until log out.
bit.ly/2Ovmvis
bit.ly/2ypee5D
This thread is 3 and a half years old so might be a better way out there by now? Something with better quality?
There's a Slingplayer app for the Fire TV. Why aren't you using it?
Sizzlechest said:
There's a Slingplayer app for the Fire TV. Why aren't you using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the slingplayer application for firetv does not work with all slingbox models. I use the app for tablet and I have installed a version of google playstore posted in this forum. For the user interface I use an i7 Rii mini with the function of "air mouse".
1. Google Play Services 11.9.75.apk
2. Google Play Store 8.5.39.apk
3. Google Account Manager 4.4.4.apk
4. Google Gmail (Login Interface) 5.6.102685581.apk
5. SlingPlayer Free for Tablet_v1.0.1.apk
Wow, what an old thread. I mothballed my streaming boxes because cable set top boxes are becoming rare. But while I had them running, my slingbox and Vulkano boxes worked great for streaming live tv!
Has anyone actually gotten the FIOS Mobile app installed and working on a fire tv (or preferably stick)? I want a portable device so that I can watch my dvr when on the road. The current version (5.2) won't allow access to shows, the previous version (5.0) won't connect, and the modified version to avoid root didn't work either. I thought @aftvnews might have a post about it, but nothing there. I can't find any solutions through Google either. Anyone have anything?
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
ldeveraux said:
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
RedBullet said:
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works poorly at best, or it did last I checked. That was months ago, and VZ has pushed out a mandatory app update that renders it unusable unless you update. I should try it again though! Also a mouse was required, or an app that turns your remote into a mouse. And it would randomly force close while watching DVR. So really not worth it...
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
software_samurai said:
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
ldeveraux said:
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
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Click to collapse
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
ldeveraux said:
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
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Click to collapse
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
software_samurai said:
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.9 seems to work on my stick. I do have google play services installed on there, but I don't think it's working. The stick is on the newest firmware, so it's definitely not rooted. I don't think you can root on this firmware anyway. Regardless, I was able to watch FIOS on an unrooted stick..
I tried to install Google Play Services from this link:
https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
Got it working with Alexa-enabled stick
Side loaded it onto new non-rooted stick that has alexa remote - not the latest 4K stick.
Followed multiple google hits to get it done. It kept wanting google play services, so i had to side load and start the right google play apks.
Am using an ethernet adapter to get best picture. Wifi was ok but panning shots jumped a bit too much for me.
Lastly, got an OTG cable for a Logitech dongle for a keyboard mouse that works great. Recognized at boot - no config. Mouse mandatory for fios app, keboard arrow & enter key drives stick. Reasonably spouse friendly. Lost my remote - nay not matter now!
I'm posting this because i couldn't find a recent confirmation that fios app works on current fire stick.
Good luck.
Two things for root users to try: There are two XPosed apps you should install. One hides your root status and the other emulates Google Play Services.
I also want to state that I got the latest version of Verizon FiOS Mobile working on a FireTV stick without root. First, I enabled Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging under Settings-Developer Options. It seems like the FiOS Mobile app requires the Google Play store to be installed, so I found a site with instructions on how to install it and completed that task. I needed to download and install four .apk files. Strangely, I can't seem to launch the Google Play Store on my stick, but the FiOS Mobile app no longer complains that it's missing.. Next, I installed the FiOS Mobile app via APPS2FIRE. That's all I needed to do to get the FiOS Moble app running on my stick.
As another poster noted, the FiOS Mobile app was designed to be used on a touch device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Because of this, you cannot easily navigate the app and do what you want it to do easily using the Fire Stick remote. Someone recommended connecting a bluetooth keyboard and I think that's probably a good suggestion. Instead, I downloaded an app called Mouse Toggle which, when activated, provides a cursor on the screen that you can move around with the Fire Stick remote. I can now select items and enter channel numbers when I previously couldn't do so. It's not a perfect solution, but it gets the job done.
- LKNY