Hi all.
I've gone through the regular build of my firetv. I usually let aptoide update all the apps automatically, however After the update (im not sure) the firetv is behaving with the following issues.
1. I cannot click on any of the apps from the recent or home screen.
2. I have to select the apps on the manage installed apps page.
3. The apps location looks different and has kodi in it. that shouldn't be the case as kodi is not an amazon sanctioned app.
Is there a utility that got installed?
really really appreciate your help. please see the screen shot
navigates said:
Hi all.
I've gone through the regular build of my firetv. I usually let aptoide update all the apps automatically, however After the update (im not sure) the firetv is behaving with the following issues.
1. I cannot click on any of the apps from the recent or home screen.
2. I have to select the apps on the manage installed apps page.
3. The apps location looks different and has kodi in it. that shouldn't be the case as kodi is not an amazon sanctioned app.
Is there a utility that got installed?
really really appreciate your help. please see the screen shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for rbox's recovery, I recovered by cleaning all data and back from scratch with keeping my root. I still am curious. how did this anomy happy. I believe aptoid updated some foundation libraries and my firetv was set to install from unknown sources.
It looks to me like the stock amazon app store was installed. Just a guess
collindv said:
It looks to me like the stock amazon app store was installed. Just a guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Don't know what is a stock amazon app store. I did the recovery and got back to where it should be. Had to redo all apps again but that is a smaller task. The only change I had done was to let aptoide update all updates which I usually don't let aptoide take over. it also updated supersu etc.
navigates said:
Really? Don't know what is a stock amazon app store. I did the recovery and got back to where it should be. Had to redo all apps again but that is a smaller task. The only change I had done was to let aptoide update all updates which I usually don't let aptoide take over. it also updated supersu etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app store was installed. Do not update all appps with any third party app store. Aptoide always has an update for the amazon app store and if you update it, it installs the actual app store. Pay attention to what apps you are updating and what the version number is, cause sometimes the apps are actually downgraded with third party app stores. I update all apps one at a time with third party app stores, and I check to make sure that the app is the right version by checking it in the google play store first. There are also a lot of fake apps on third party app stores. Lets say you have version 1.2 installed and the updated version is actually 1.3, third party app stores may say the version is 1.4 or 1.5, and that always means the app is fake. So basically, never batch update/auto update with third party app stores, and always check the version number and you will be fine. If the version number does not match, do not update, and if you do not want your apps displayed like an app drawer on the fire TV then never update the amazon app store. BTW, if you accidentally install the amazon app store again, simply uninstall and reboot and it will go back to normal.
porkenhimer said:
The app store was installed. Do not update all appps with any third party app store. Aptoide always has an update for the amazon app store and if you update it, it installs the actual app store. Pay attention to what apps you are updating and what the version number is, cause sometimes the apps are actually downgraded with third party app stores. I update all apps one at a time with third party app stores, and I check to make sure that the app is the right version by checking it in the google play store first. There are also a lot of fake apps on third party app stores. Lets say you have version 1.2 installed and the updated version is actually 1.3, third party app stores may say the version is 1.4 or 1.5, and that always means the app is fake. So basically, never batch update/auto update with third party app stores, and always check the version number and you will be fine. If the version number does not match, do not update, and if you do not want your apps displayed like an app drawer on the fire TV then never update the amazon app store. BTW, if you accidentally install the amazon app store again, simply uninstall and reboot and it will go back to normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I knew this earlier would have saved me loads of time redoing the box again, but that too is no biggie as most of my build is automated through batch files. I didn’t know there is an app store. I’ll be careful. I too typically don’t update all but do it one at a time. The good tip is to check the version number before updating which I will. I’m contemplating getting another rooted one for my self as a backup as those are getting hard to find and my local best buy has a few on hand.
navigates said:
I wish I knew this earlier would have saved me loads of time redoing the box again, but that too is no biggie as most of my build is automated through batch files. I didn’t know there is an app store. I’ll be careful. I too typically don’t update all but do it one at a time. The good tip is to check the version number before updating which I will. I’m contemplating getting another rooted one for my self as a backup as those are getting hard to find and my local best buy has a few on hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if they are not rootable, they are still worth the money. The only advantages I really see in rooting is having the play store, default lanchers and external drive support. I could care less about a launcher on the fire TV, cause none of them function correctly anyway, and not having the play store is even less of a care for me, cause I have all the apps I need or want without it. External drive support would be nice, but I am pretty sure it will come in a future update from amazon so no big deal. I guess I can say my only gripe about the Fire TV is that it does not support a lot of apps that are sideloaded, but that is not amazons fault and every device doesn't support all apps.
porkenhimer said:
Even if they are not rootable, they are still worth the money. The only advantages I really see in rooting is having the play store, default lanchers and external drive support. I could care less about a launcher on the fire TV, cause none of them function correctly anyway, and not having the play store is even less of a care for me, cause I have all the apps I need or want without it. External drive support would be nice, but I am pretty sure it will come in a future update from amazon so no big deal. I guess I can say my only gripe about the Fire TV is that it does not support a lot of apps that are sideloaded, but that is not amazons fault and every device doesn't support all apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. At the moment, the benefits of rooting is not outweighed at the moment, however, the custom rom is around the horizon. I specifically like the suspend feature on kodi. Another rooted feature I like is quicksupport/teamviewer, so I can help my family incase they need help. I may drive down to bestbuy on my way in and pick up one of the rootable units and keep it on the side for future need or family need.
Or should I get the nexus player.
navigates said:
Agreed. At the moment, the benefits of rooting is not outweighed at the moment, however, the custom rom is around the horizon. I specifically like the suspend feature on kodi. Another rooted feature I like is quicksupport/teamviewer, so I can help my family incase they need help. I may drive down to bestbuy on my way in and pick up one of the rootable units and keep it on the side for future need or family need.
Or should I get the nexus player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get the device you like. If you already know the Fire TV is good for you then why not get another? If you wanna different experience get the Nexus Player or another device of your choosing. Its all subjective, and no one can really answer that for you. Just my opinion, you will be hard pressed to find another android box that can compete with the Fire TV. There are a lot of devices that have great specs that do not compare to the Fire TV, even without root. There is a reason why there are thousands off videos comparing the Fire TV to the Roku and Apple TV, cause its is the top Android box, period.
porkenhimer said:
You should get the device you like. If you already know the Fire TV is good for you then why not get another? If you wanna different experience get the Nexus Player or another device of your choosing. Its all subjective, and no one can really answer that for you. Just my opinion, you will be hard pressed to find another android box that can compete with the Fire TV. There are a lot of devices that have great specs that do not compare to the Fire TV, even without root. There is a reason why there are thousands off videos comparing the Fire TV to the Roku and Apple TV, cause its is the top Android box, period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I've gotten myself another box as the serial number was in the series 3 and I would like to keep it rooted. I'm confident a custom rom is around the corner. So far I've given the firetv to my parents, inlaws, brother in law, 3 cousins and loads of friends. They all are super excited about it. the downside is that I'm getting tired of building one for friends as when people ask, they don't realize the effort that is put into building one, specially for rooting. I feel if building one, give the full honesty and build a good one/rooted as you never know what new is around the horizon.
Yes its stock amazon app store, i made the same mistake when apiode updated the amazon store for me. All you have to do is uninstall it.
go to settings apps click on amazon app store and clear data and cash uninstall then reboot.
Related
I'm rooted, running CM7. Thing is, there are some "Kindle Fire Edition" games I'd like to get via the Amazon Appstore, but my CM7 Fire is listed as not compatible with those games, in the appstore. A few people mentioned that a certain file would have to be changed, but I'm not quite tech-savvy enough to know where this file is, how to change it, what to change it to, etc.
Would anyone happen to have step-by-step instructions as to how to do this?
mrw1215 said:
I'm rooted, running CM7. Thing is, there are some "Kindle Fire Edition" games I'd like to get via the Amazon Appstore, but my CM7 Fire is listed as not compatible with those games, in the appstore. A few people mentioned that a certain file would have to be changed, but I'm not quite tech-savvy enough to know where this file is, how to change it, what to change it to, etc.
Would anyone happen to have step-by-step instructions as to how to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just have to change the build.prop back to the one in the fire os.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA App
Not sure how to do that, though.
mrw1215 said:
I'm rooted, running CM7. Thing is, there are some "Kindle Fire Edition" games I'd like to get via the Amazon Appstore, but my CM7 Fire is listed as not compatible with those games, in the appstore. A few people mentioned that a certain file would have to be changed, but I'm not quite tech-savvy enough to know where this file is, how to change it, what to change it to, etc.
Would anyone happen to have step-by-step instructions as to how to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try to just download the apk from somewhere and sideload it. Assuming its free of course.
I haven't messed with putting build.prop back to stock, but what I ended up doing was backing up my stuff temporarily, flashing 6.2.1 back to it, root and add TiBackup. Then back up the KF Edition stuff I own (Sim City Deluxe and Angry Birds), restore to CM7, and then restore the backed up apps. Worked a peach for both of those.
It's pretty gross that any app store would let you purchase things and then lock you out of downloading them. (happened to me as well and it's why I don't use the Amazon store outside of the free daily stuff)
Aahz Pervect said:
It's pretty gross that any app store would let you purchase things and then lock you out of downloading them. (happened to me as well and it's why I don't use the Amazon store outside of the free daily stuff)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they're apps for one particular hardware/software combination, and when something changes you're suddenly not compatible anymore. I get it, they're meant to be exclusive to the Kindle Fire, it just kinda bites that it can tell it's a KF (because it lumps it together in the "manage my kindle" area) but they won't enable the download that way.
I understand the why as it reduces average user confusion but once I've paid for an Android app then I expect for that app to be available on every Android device that I connect on.
Whether it works or not is my burden to deal with not their's to dictate. (not like this is unique to the Amazon app store but still Android is Android is Android and, in this case, the hardware is exactly the same...they just don't like it that we ditched their limited version )
I'm not really that upset but I'm certainly not going to purchase any more apps from them.
You can easily change your make/manufacter and the rest of the build.prop settings with the IMEI program that I created a tutorial for here. I'm not exactly sure what it needs changed to, however. I'll figure it out and update my FAQ.
I don't know why I'm posting here as this is also happening to my Galaxy Tab 10.1, but for some reason, Angry Birds Rio and Pocket, are caught up in an updating loop between Amazon Appstore and Play Store. Whenever I update it using one market, the other market says that app needs to be updated. Doing so, will revert the update-needed status to the other market, and so on. I know it has nothing to do with each of the markets as I have tried originally downloading the files from one and the other and this still happens.
The weird part is that it only occurs with these 2 apps. All other apps that was updating using one market, cleared the update status on the other market as well.
Anyone know what I'm talking about?! I know it may sound confusing, so I can explain it a little better if needed.
Thanks in advance...
I get the same thing, only for Pandora though. Really annoying.
It burns when I Tapatalk...
I have had this problem for a long time. Here is the issue. If you ever "bought" it in the Amazon store, it will show up there. I have 5 apps that have this problem, and it is because I must have installed them at some point from the Amazon store, so they are on the Amazon list. There is no way (that I am aware of) to remove something from the Amazon store after you have installed it. It will always show up on your list, and therefore will always show a conflict even if it is the same version. It is VERY annoying, and I wish I could fix it, but I can't.
maybe someone else have a solution, but I don't.
I think you are talking about the "Available Apps" list in the Amazon Appstore. I am talking about the "Update List". I have never bought Angry Birds Rio in either store and this loop is found between them.
Amazon appstore is crap. I won't even install the free apps anymore. The apps I really like I repurchased from the play store.
washere said:
There is no way (that I am aware of) to remove something from the Amazon store after you have installed it. It will always show up on your list, and therefore will always show a conflict even if it is the same version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you can remove apps from the Amazon App store if you log into your Amazon account (NOT in Appstore). Once logged in, go to Your Account, then to Your Apps and Devices. There you should see a list of all your apps you have purchased as well as any free apps of the day you may have downloaded. Click on the Actions button beside the app and select Delete This App. Easy peasy!
And as an aside, I have had the exact same problems with updates between the Amazon and Google Play stores.
My quick answer is choose one market over the other.
Amazon and their penchant for DRM is enough to keep me away. The lack of support for e-pub format on the kindle is also annoying.
I could go on but no one wants to hear it.
keithatoz said:
Actually you can remove apps from the Amazon App store if you log into your Amazon account (NOT in Appstore). Once logged in, go to Your Account, then to Your Apps and Devices. There you should see a list of all your apps you have purchased as well as any free apps of the day you may have downloaded. Click on the Actions button beside the app and select Delete This App. Easy peasy!
And as an aside, I have had the exact same problems with updates between the Amazon and Google Play stores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh **** they added that finally? Nice
Well, I removed Pocket from my app list in the Appstore site and it is still showing it in the Update tab for Amazon Appstore. Even though I downloaded it from the Play Store.
This is so annoying. Shouldn't the markets verify the app version somehow and work with each other?
Wow! The new update for Amazon Appstore from today fixed my issues with Pocket. The only problem is with Angry Birds Rio now. I think it might have something to do with it being ad-free from Amazon and not from the Play Store. Anyone else can confirm that Rio is giving them this issue?
How weird that the update came out today. It's like they're spying on us. =)
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
I have had this issue with k9 mail forever. The problem lies with amazon using older versions of most apps. Unless it is a FAOTD I don't even bother getting it from amazon. Play store ALWAYS has a newer version
akarol said:
I don't know why I'm posting here as this is also happening to my Galaxy Tab 10.1, but for some reason, Angry Birds Rio and Pocket, are caught up in an updating loop between Amazon Appstore and Play Store. Whenever I update it using one market, the other market says that app needs to be updated. Doing so, will revert the update-needed status to the other market, and so on. I know it has nothing to do with each of the markets as I have tried originally downloading the files from one and the other and this still happens.
The weird part is that it only occurs with these 2 apps. All other apps that was updating using one market, cleared the update status on the other market as well.
Anyone know what I'm talking about?! I know it may sound confusing, so I can explain it a little better if needed.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not alone I got quite a few apps from Amazon and having same issue with play store
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
akarol said:
Wow! The new update for Amazon Appstore from today fixed my issues with Pocket. The only problem is with Angry Birds Rio now. I think it might have something to do with it being ad-free from Amazon and not from the Play Store. Anyone else can confirm that Rio is giving them this issue?
How weird that the update came out today. It's like they're spying on us. =)
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here with Rio
Sent from my SPH-D710
Hi please see attached pic. How is this possible to display all your apps in this fashion? I have never seen this before nor is he saying how it's done. http://youtu.be/8SCsH86MYl8
Newbie_from_NJ said:
Hi please see attached pic. How is this possible to display all your apps in this fashion? I have never seen this before nor is he saying how it's done. http://youtu.be/8SCsH86MYl8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't played around with many launchers but that's what it is. Specifically, I think it may be this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
There are no pics there either but just from reading a lot on this site and others that's what I think it is. In my opinion, these work best when kftv launcher is frozen (requires root and xposed) but some don't want to completely bypass it because you lose prime content. Its not the only launcher. there are lots of them but I do like this developer. He has shortcuts you can use from within kodi to launch youtube, netflix and get back to aftv homescreen.
If you are rooted and do freeze the main launcher I'd just use caution. The other day I read someone on a different site froze kftv with no backup launcher installed. Now he's stuck. I don't want to make it sound dangerous. I was actually using a different mod that launched right into xbmc without xposed modules but I was careful and had a fallback launcher so if anything went wrong I still had something to boot in to.
Or if you just want to safely play around and you aren't rooted you might try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2782307
I tried it when I first got AFTV and it's pretty cool but I notice it's had some nice updates since. It basically runs on top of KFTV launcher so I think hitting the home button takes you right back to the normal menu. It does help eliminate all the clicks it takes to get from start to the app you want--IMO one of the weaker points in the aftv ui
Thanks for the information. I'm going to look into it. I'm rooted with custom boot menu and clockworkmod recovery. If anything happens, I can easily boot into recovery and flash a rooted ROM again.
Klit75 its not firedtv launcher. I am not sure what it is, but definitely not that launcher.
The answer is simple, install the amazon app store apk, reboot, finished. Keep the apk, cause if you need to install amazon apps you will have to uninstall then reinstall when finished. It basically disables you from doing anything on the amazon store while you have the app store installed, but thats the way you get your apps to look like that.
porkenhimer said:
The answer is simple, install the amazon app store apk, reboot, finished. Keep the apk, cause if you need to install amazon apps you will have to uninstall then reinstall when finished. It basically disables you from doing anything on the amazon store while you have the app store installed, but thats the way you get your apps to look like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little confused. The amazon app store is already installed by default on all Amazon Fire TV's. It's on the list of apps when you go to settings/manage installed apps/
Are you saying to download the amazon apk from elsewhere, sideload it and install it over the existing Amazon app store?
Newbie_from_NJ said:
I'm a little confused. The amazon app store is already installed by default on all Amazon Fire TV's. It's on the list of apps when you go to settings/manage installed apps/
Are you saying to download the amazon apk from elsewhere, sideload it and install it over the existing Amazon app store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what he is saying it works but you wont be able to install anymore amazon apps. You would have to uninstall amazon appstore and resynch to get the firetv version of appstore.... soo install everything you need from the amazon app store first.
HeXDeMoN said:
That is exactly what he is saying it works but you wont be able to install anymore amazon apps. You would have to uninstall amazon appstore and resynch to get the firetv version of appstore.... soo install everything you need from the amazon app store first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol Okay, will give it a try! Sounds simple enough. Amazon App Store sucks anyway and I already have the Play store installed.
I wonder if it will auto populate the list of apps when I install any new apps from Play Store? I'm also assuming sideloading apps doesn't get affected by this? I will try both when I get home and will report back my findings.
Thank you guys.
Is the only reason to root a fire tv to install a custom ROM. Will XBMC still run on a un-rooted device
I have a device that is rooted and only use it for XBMC. Last week it locked up. Going to send it in but they will probably install the latest firmware on it. Thats OK as long as I can still install and use XBMC
Thanks Rick
Lots of reasons to root but no you don't need it for xbmc.
typically rooting only give you access to customizing the actual OS and running certain apps (like openvpn). to use xbmc and 99% of apps, you do not need root..
Rooting ftv
Is is true that if you dont root, Amazons updates can brick your device so you cants use XBMC anymore?
Rooting is keeping your options open for the future.
1. If XBMC or sideloading is ever blocked by Amazon by future updates then rooting w/recovery installed gives you a chance to block the Amazon update.
2. Rooting allow use of USB external hard drive for storage of media with access via xbmc.
3. Possible custom rom in the future. It would be nice to get Android TV onto this box.
4. Root allows you to use an external SSD to essentially replace the 8gb storage and put a lot of games/apps on the Firetv.
5. Allows you to put on a cleaned up Amazon update that could close up the possibility of sideloading.
To add to the above list for me the most needed are.
1. Quick support from google play. You need root for live desktop/remote view. I can support my friends and family remotely.
2. Emulators from google play which needs to be purchased.
3. Change the icon to Kodi.
4. Upcoming custom rom of android TV.
5. Removal of Amazon enforced menu items.
plus the others mentioned such as USB drives.
navigates said:
To add to the above list for me the most needed are.
3. Change the icon to Kodi.
plus the others mentioned such as USB drives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change icon to Kodi without root. Thats what I do with my non rooted boxes.
yazyazoo said:
Rooting is keeping your options open for the future.
1. If XBMC or sideloading is ever blocked by Amazon by future updates then rooting w/recovery installed gives you a chance to block the Amazon update.
2. Rooting allow use of USB external hard drive for storage of media with access via xbmc.
3. Possible custom rom in the future. It would be nice to get Android TV onto this box.
4. Root allows you to use an external SSD to essentially replace the 8gb storage and put a lot of games/apps on the Firetv.
5. Allows you to put on a cleaned up Amazon update that could close up the possibility of sideloading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you upgrade the internal apps storage(#4)?
nebulink said:
You can change icon to Kodi without root. Thats what I do with my non rooted boxes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure. I try adbfire on non rooted ones and change of icone does not take effect. I always thought it was a rooted feature. That's good to know.
By the way bestbuys in LA now have the latest non rooted versions. Its sad.
There should be a new way to root. these devices are getting scarce by the day. I always have people come up to me and ask if I can make them one, and I direct them to find a correct piece.
Amazon can't stop you from using Kodi (at the moment).
USB storage is enough reason for me to have the aftv rooted.
krasny2k5 said:
USB storage is enough reason for me to have the aftv rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still haven't seen the need to expand my storage beyond native. I have kodi with a library of about 200 movies and google play and a few apps. haven't seen the need for additional space . One point to note here is that I did recover about 2 GB of my lost space by running a google play software called SDMaid Pro. That scans for orphan files that are not required and cleans up space. Costs about 2.50. That again needs root for google play.
navigates said:
I still haven't seen the need to expand my storage beyond native. I have kodi with a library of about 200 movies and google play and a few apps. haven't seen the need for additional space . One point to note here is that I did recover about 2 GB of my lost space by running a google play software called SDMaid Pro. That scans for orphan files that are not required and cleans up space. Costs about 2.50. That again needs root for google play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
I'm always having to delete apps to make room for others.. it's a pain
I have a few large-ish games like Game of Thrones, The Wolf Among Us (with all episodes it takes up a lot of space)
8GB is tiny
DN38416 said:
Really?
I'm always having to delete apps to make room for others.. it's a pain
I have a few large-ish games like Game of Thrones, The Wolf Among Us (with all episodes it takes up a lot of space)
8GB is tiny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh maybe then. I'm not into playing games. the only games i have is the emulators like md.emu for sega or mame etc. those are really small. If your into games then yes 8gb can be a limitation. Also give SDmaid a shot. you'll need google play to get the pro version that matches orphans and recovers lost space. I got 2 gb back which is a good thing with a space strapped storage.
The day I need to expand the storage which I may need as I have about 1.5 gb remaining. I'll look around as to which script to use. i believe by expanding, the firetv bootup becomes slow. I also got a usb 2.0 hub during the black friday sale from staples for 2 bucks. I didn't know what to buy then so got the hub. Its targus and still packed.
bumpaudio said:
How do you upgrade the internal apps storage(#4)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done it personally.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-use-a-usb-drive-as-the-fire-tvs-internal-storage/
yazyazoo said:
I haven't done it personally.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-use-a-usb-drive-as-the-fire-tvs-internal-storage/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks I've seen that in the past. I will try that when needed but for now I'm ok with the internal storage. I plan to buy the m.2 ssd and put it in an enclosure when I'm ready.
I didn't want to open a thread just to post this but what are the cons of an unlocked bootloader. I'm already rooted with the playstore installed but why would or should I unlock my bootloader?
So wait, are amazon planning on blocking sideloading apps? Where has this info came from? I don't yet have a fire tv but if they are gonna block sideloading, I'll spend my £70 elsewhere. Not a single chance I'd be subscribing to prime or anything like that.
cliffyboro said:
So wait, are amazon planning on blocking sideloading apps? Where has this info came from? I don't yet have a fire tv but if they are gonna block sideloading, I'll spend my £70 elsewhere. Not a single chance I'd be subscribing to prime or anything like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no one knows. And if you are still contemplating, you probably have missed out on the rootable ones. However if you are in the UK, that is a no go anyways unless you go through the hardware root. I highly doubt Amazon will disable sideloading, however there is no telling what they will do eventually. If you are rooted and update blocked, then you can always use your device the way you want.
PS: Lots of us have extra's for the rainy day ! Its a super fun toy to play with. Unlocator, Streaming. I'd say go for it. Its given me hours of tinkering around fun.
As I've said on many other occasions, they can't disable sideloading. That is, as long as they expect people to still develop apps for the Fire TV.
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
While I welcome enthusiasm and sharing of knowledge, I can't help feel if your going all out Google there are better phones for the money or at least phones that will prove less problematic for you in the long run. I'm using this as my second phone because as a prime member I get free books etc.
Hi, can't agree more. I fully accept that getting the Play services on here is something of a fudge and something which no doubt could break at any time.
I probably like you bought this as a back-up device and something which failing all else I could use as a sort of media player for Amazon's services. I have managed to accumulate a lot of games for free through the regular free games/credits, so that helps.
Not in any way trying to knock Amazon, however the app store situation is pretty poor. As it is, without the Play store, I don't think I could really recommend this phone, but I do think it is a great bargain, nothing else for me comes close to the specs or build quality for similar money to what we paid.
As I say, just wanted to help anyone out who might have been in a similar situation and picked one of these up "on a punt".
Hi dampchimp,
I planning to order a fire phone but I can't use the O² network. Was the unlocking process so simple. I read earlier that many have problems with both amazon and O² to unlock their phones.
I can't see a 64GB but only 32 on amazon.co.uk
Thank you!
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
ratbags said:
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, for me anyway, I just done a web chat and got one in 2 minutes, obviously no guarantee, but seems like they just don't care any more.
Strangely, I put the code in and got a message along the lines of "unlock failed" but it worked anyway.
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone
dampchimp said:
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
I'm looking at the deal on this phone today in the US also - $159 for the phone with a year of Amazon Prime so $60 for this phone a backup if anything happens to my current Xperia Z1.
I think for $60 it's a great deal but not also not sure of the functionality of it with Google apps. That'd be key for me.
Suggestions?
Absolutely no problems with Google play etc and I've been using for a month or so. Follow the various guides on this forum like I did and you'll be ok. Phone isn't any slower since I deployed gapps.
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
sergio687 said:
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but don't you need older firmware? I ordered one tonight that I expect to be running a unrootable firmware. I'm hoping to root before updating by blocking domains then registering and rooting quick. Of course if its running the latest that doesn't matter. Or can I root this?
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Kingroot it (just to have it rooted and flash ROMs), flash CM11 and enjoy a phone with great specs and a great price, and a year of Amazon Prime. Heck, you can even download the Amazon Appstore after you have de-Amazon'ed it and continue to enjoy the free app of the day and all that stuff.
Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I didn't wait for this is fear that Amazon would patch the exploit via an update.
Sent from my Fire Phone using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
JetFan said:
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my Fire Phone using the XDA premium app.
Thanks
arunhtc said:
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked US version on Black Friday, sideloaded Google apps and activated on Net10 early December. Google Play Store tells you if an app is incompatible, I have sideloaded most of those from 1Mobile. That only works for free apps, so far I only have one paid app that I can't use (local commuter train).
Can't compare speed, didn't use it before sideloading Google but it seems pretty zippy to me.
Main problem will probably be Lollipop-only apps. I've run across a few incompatible apps, but nothing crucial yet. Looks like I have 123 apps in my grid, most from either Amazon or Google.
I'm using this as my main phone.
Okay thanks for info ...
Sent from my SD4930UR using Tapatalk