Develop Bugs

[Q] More questions on memory management

The Fire TV quickly ran out of usable space, and since I missed the chance to root, can I use something like Move2SD or similar to make some breathing room until a new root exploit is found? Also, any other ideas about this issue?

robconn53 said:
The Fire TV quickly ran out of usable space, and since I missed the chance to root, can I use something like Move2SD or similar to make some breathing room until a new root exploit is found? Also, any other ideas about this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Yes, don't put stuff you don't need on your AFTV. Use online storage space, like dropbox & the box. Use SMB or something to some stuff.
Oh, ya, and bother Amazon to get their butts in gear to make it so you can access storage via the usb port.

can amazon remove side load app functionality?

Is there a possibility that Amazon might remove the ability to side load apps with future firmware auto update, if you are not rooted?
Thank you

Sure there is. There's a possibility they could do all sorts of bone-headed things to it.

wellersl said:
Sure there is. There's a possibility they could do all sorts of bone-headed things to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But of course they never would. Because then people wouldn't be able to test their apps on it. No people testing apps == no one releasing apps.

the probably couldn;t remove the Install from Unknown Sources since it;s part of the OS. But they could try to hide it. They could try to hide file managers like ES File manager from their app store as well. It;s more truble than it;s worth. But as long as you can use ADB to push and install apps to your device we will be fine.
I think the biggest thing we need is to unlock the bootloader because that will allow you to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM if you want full command and control of the unit.

rbox said:
But of course they never would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But of course!
In your esteemed opinion, did they deliberately cause the eFuse/locked bootloader fiasco? IOW - Was that a conscious move on Amazon's part?
---------- Post added at 10:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 AM ----------
tekweezle said:
They could try to hide file managers like ES File manager from their app store as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't need to hide it. They've determined that it's not compatible.
Strange to me how the Amazon app store is so void of apps that *are* compatible with my Fire TV. :silly:

tekweezle said:
the probably couldn;t remove the Install from Unknown Sources since it;s part of the OS. But they could try to hide it. They could try to hide file managers like ES File manager from their app store as well. It;s more truble than it;s worth. But as long as you can use ADB to push and install apps to your device we will be fine.
I think the biggest thing we need is to unlock the bootloader because that will allow you to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM if you want full command and control of the unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can do whatever they want. They have all of the source code.
wellersl said:
But of course!
In your esteemed opinion, did they deliberately cause the eFuse/locked bootloader fiasco? IOW - Was that a conscious move on Amazon's part?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very much so. They went out of their way to write a program that blew the fuse.

rbox said:
Very much so. They went out of their way to write a program that blew the fuse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now see, IMO, if I fell victim to that, I'd have them in small claims court in a heartbeat. That's just plain bone-headed consumer product management. That is... if I could prove it.
Note to Amazon: How about a *special* Fire TV with *Special Offers"?

wellersl said:
Now see, IMO, if I fell victim to that, I'd have them in small claims court in a heartbeat. That's just plain bone-headed consumer product management. That is... if I could prove it.
Note to Amazon: How about a *special* Fire TV with *Special Offers"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's common practice. All the manufacturers do it. What would you sue them for? Protecting their product? They are patching vulnerabilities.

rbox said:
It's common practice. All the manufacturers do it. What would you sue them for? Protecting their product? They are patching vulnerabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... it just occurred to me. They aren't actually disabling the device, are they? I keep seeing the term "brick." If, in fact, they're bricking these devices, wrong. There's absolutely nothing that came with or on my Fire TV that says I can't root it.
Else, in terms of vulnerability, I could see them locking me out of AVOD. But they should have any say over my access to Netflix.

wellersl said:
Well... it just occurred to me. They aren't actually disabling the device, are they? I keep seeing the term "brick." If, in fact, they're bricking these devices, wrong. There's absolutely nothing that came with or on my Fire TV that says I can't root it.
Else, in terms of vulnerability, I could see them locking me out of AVOD. But they should have any say over my access to Netflix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the efuse does is prevent you from booting an old bootloader. As long as you aren't doing the things we are doing, it's harmless. But if you try to go out of your way to screw around with the software and use an old bootloader, then it will be bricked because the old bootloader will not work with the fuse blown, and it doesn't boot. It has nothing to do with rooting, nor anything to do with avod or netflix...

rbox said:
... use an old bootloader, then it will be bricked because the old bootloader will not work with the fuse blown, and it doesn't boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still trying to grasp this...
If you aren't trying to root, why else would you use an old bootloader?
rbox said:
They are patching vulnerabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was only using Netflix as an example. I don't see Amazon bricking their devices to patch a competitor's vulnerabilities. Though that is a strange relationship...

wellersl said:
Still trying to grasp this...
If you aren't trying to root, why else would you use an old bootloader?
I was only using Netflix as an example. I don't see Amazon bricking their devices to patch a competitor's vulnerabilities. Though that is a strange relationship...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You use the old bootloader so you can take advantage of the bug in the bootloader and load unsigned code. Custom kernels, custom roms, recovery, etc.
That makes no sense... they patched a vulnerability in the bootloader and then prevent you from using said vulnerable bootloader... It has nothing to do with apps.

rbox said:
You use the old bootloader so you can take advantage of the bug in the bootloader and load unsigned code. Custom kernels, custom roms, recovery, etc.
That makes no sense... they patched a vulnerability in the bootloader and then prevent you from using said vulnerable bootloader... It has nothing to do with apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the first point (I think).
On the second point, Amazon can obviously patch what they perceive as vulnerabilities -unrestricted-. But as soon as they've patched me out of an otherwise legitimate use of the box, they've gone too far. IMHO.
Some years back, I filed a claim against UPS and won. I'm sure they got the paperwork and had no clue what to do with it.
More recently, I filed a claim with the BBB against Roku for the crappy firmware they pushed out on the 2XS. Roku sent me a new 2XS and a new Roku 3. Just to shut me up.

wellersl said:
Got the first point (I think).
On the second point, Amazon can obviously patch what they perceive as vulnerabilities -unrestricted-. But as soon as they've patched me out of an otherwise legitimate use of the box, they've gone too far. IMHO.
Some years back, I filed a claim against UPS and won. I'm sure they got the paperwork and had no clue what to do with it.
More recently, I filed a claim with the BBB against Roku for the crappy firmware they pushed out on the 2XS. Roku sent me a new 2XS and a new Roku 3. Just to shut me up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bypassing their secure bootchain is not a legitimate use. Exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel to gain root is also not a legitimate use.

rbox said:
Bypassing their secure bootchain is not a legitimate use. Exploiting a vulnerability in the kernel to gain root is also not a legitimate use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously, I'm not getting my point across. But that's ok.
Peace.

rbox said:
But of course they never would. Because then people wouldn't be able to test their apps on it. No people testing apps == no one releasing apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Rbox,
This make sense thank you for responding but can the developer just be released the app in amazon app store as free and then user would just download from amazon app, unless of course it is really painful process to get an app approved by amazon for a developer than i can understand or why go thru the process again with amazon if the app is already on google play store.
It seems there are quite a few folks out there who chose not to root there device as long as they can side load any apps they want, which is fine but if Amazon goal is to lock down user on there echosystem than allowing folks to side load any apps user wants this would seriously undermine there goal (Amazon app store, AFTV device, the whole amazon echosystem), this is Just my opinion.
Thank you

ashsha7877 said:
Hi Rbox,
This make sense thank you for responding but can the developer just be released the app in amazon app store as free and then user would just download from amazon app, unless of course it is really painful process to get an app approved by amazon for a developer than i can understand or why go thru the process again with amazon if the app is already on google play store.
It seems there are quite a few folks out there who chose not to root there device as long as they can side load any apps they want, which is fine but if Amazon goal is to lock down user on there echosystem than allowing folks to side load any apps user wants this would seriously undermine there goal (Amazon app store, AFTV device, the whole amazon echosystem), this is Just my opinion.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with releasing apps. If I make an app for the Fire TV. I'm going to test it on the Fire TV. And the way I do that is using adb install. They can't block that, or else no one would be able to test their apps.

rbox said:
It has nothing to do with releasing apps. If I make an app for the Fire TV. I'm going to test it on the Fire TV. And the way I do that is using adb install. They can't block that, or else no one would be able to test their apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, since you put it that way it make more sense. Thank you Sir!

Also it would be a pretty stupid move for Amazon to add "Install from unknown sources" in their latest firmware's if they did not wan't people to install 3'rd party android app's on it. As you do not have to "sideload" with adb anymore, you can just install a webbrowser and browse to a web site (kodi.tv for example) click on a installer .apk and it will immediately install. You can also copy the apk to the sdcard and click on it in a filebrowser and it will install.
Amazon put that option in 1 version ago. So beginning to remove sideloading via. adb and hiding apps seems pretty silly to me.
But ofcause in theory they still have the source and the rights to do what they like..

On the one hand, Amazon doesn't have to provide support for side loaded apps, which saves them money. On the other hand, some side loaded apps allow users to access premium content for free, so Amazon might claim they lose revenue, but those users probably would never have purchased premium content from Amazon in the first place and at least they made some money off the hardware. So I would say that they won't revoke side loading functionality.

How did this happen? Can't Search, Click and apps look different

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.

[Q] What can you do with a Rooted FireTV?

I have always rooted my phones, like the flexibility.
But the FireTV needs to be wife friendly, what are some of the benefits of rooting this device?

What are the reasons for rooting any device? Same here

I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

ekeefe41 said:
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, since the last update i feel like im using less root features but im definetly not one to advocate factory resetting (unrooting) You just dont know if there will be something you need in the future & imo you forfeit control to amazon if you unroot or choose not to root when you can.
I might want to flash a custom rom. Thats probably the best reason i can think of to keep root. As far as "wife friendliness" from my personal experience youre looking at apple tv 3, but skills vary from person to person. Theres really nothing about my rooted aftv that differs from stock as far as basic user experiences.

ekeefe41 said:
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- A true Kodi launcher is probably the best feature that also provides access to Amazon content. Never have to see that wretched Fire TV home screen unless wanting to access Amazon content.
2- The ability to have usage of USB external storage above and beyond what Amazon is now offering.
3- The ability to add the Google Play Store to the Fire TV.
I'm sure there are even more reasons for rooting a Fire TV. With root this device is no longer Amazon centric and I prefer it to be just this way.

A few of the obvious ones:
- Mount NTFS usb drives with StickMount
- Full control of the FireTV (edit hosts file, run custom scripts etc...)
- Custom Recovery menu
- Custom bootmenu
- Custom Roms (CyanogenMod, possibly CentOS etc... in the future)
- Ability to downgrade to older firmware versions
- Ability to re-add any features amazon remove in future
You basically have absolute control of the device and can do with it what you like. It's not a requirement for the FireTV to be a great device, but I think it rooted AFTV is worth 10x a non rooted device, but that's just me

ekeefe41 said:
I was looking for example's... On my phone backing up apps is important. I can think of no reason to back up an app I would be using on fire TV.
I was hoping for examples of things that can be done on a rooted FireTV that can not be done on a non-rooted one.
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one fire tv rooted and one non rooted. On the rooted fire tv I have a 128 gig ssd connected to my fire tv, so I can install pretty much as many games as I would like. Although the new firmware allows the use of usb drives it is still limited. An example is Asphalt 8 will only put the basic app on the usb drive not the 1.4 gig data. I can backup my entire fire tv not just apps. So once I have everything the way I like I can protect that setup with a backup. I am using Squarehome tablet and it is very customizable if you have root. It works without but some important features like themes don't work as well without root. I can customize Squarehome and make my home screen look like whatever I want. I can have some of my favorite apps or all my apps on the home screen, and I can have them with tabs such as Games, Entertainment, System, Video or whatever. I don't have to worry about SPMC or Kodi running out of space, or creating an xml file to move thumbnails etc. I can connect my PS3 controller using sixaxis which I believe requires root. I don't have to buy amazon's controller for $40. With root I can use wallpapers and themes on whatever launcher I'm using. No one has to root their fire tv but once you do you'll see many benefits. It becomes your device and not Amazon's where all you can do is buy their movies games and apps.

Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.

roligov said:
A few of the obvious ones:
- Mount NTFS usb drives with StickMount
- Full control of the FireTV (edit hosts file, run custom scripts etc...)
- Custom Recovery menu
- Custom bootmenu
- Custom Roms (CyanogenMod, possibly CentOS etc... in the future)
- Ability to downgrade to older firmware versions
- Ability to re-add any features amazon remove in future
You basically have absolute control of the device and can do with it what you like. It's not a requirement for the FireTV to be a great device, but I think it rooted AFTV is worth 10x a non rooted device, but that's just me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NTFS is apparently the ONLY file system that the FTV/latest pre-rooted firmware does not mess with. (This was driving me crazy.) If you are running OSX you can follow this excellent video on how to enable read/write NTFS on your Mac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-2NCRcylK0

I've been using Stick Mount Pro from day 1 of root. Had a few issues mounting every now and then, but it's been working flawlessly the last few releases.

mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you do this?

cpugeeker said:
How did you do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread explains it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392

Adblock and Custom launcher *without using llama or whatever* are the only reasons you should need to want to root your firetv.

HeXDeMoN said:
Adblock and Custom launcher *without using llama or whatever* are the only reasons you should need to want to root your firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use root mainly for quicksupport to help my family and friends. You cannot do that without rooting and google play is needed to buy emulators that work very well on the firetv. Expanding basic storage it around the horizon for me as my space is getting very limited.

mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do that on a non-rooted FireTV with Llama.

dk1keith said:
I have one fire tv rooted and one non rooted. On the rooted fire tv I have a 128 gig ssd connected to my fire tv, so I can install pretty much as many games as I would like. Although the new firmware allows the use of usb drives it is still limited. An example is Asphalt 8 will only put the basic app on the usb drive not the 1.4 gig data. I can backup my entire fire tv not just apps. So once I have everything the way I like I can protect that setup with a backup. I am using Squarehome tablet and it is very customizable if you have root. It works without but some important features like themes don't work as well without root. I can customize Squarehome and make my home screen look like whatever I want. I can have some of my favorite apps or all my apps on the home screen, and I can have them with tabs such as Games, Entertainment, System, Video or whatever. I don't have to worry about SPMC or Kodi running out of space, or creating an xml file to move thumbnails etc. I can connect my PS3 controller using sixaxis which I believe requires root. I don't have to buy amazon's controller for $40. With root I can use wallpapers and themes on whatever launcher I'm using. No one has to root their fire tv but once you do you'll see many benefits. It becomes your device and not Amazon's where all you can do is buy their movies games and apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I may resurrect this old thread, I have a few questions about how specifically some of these feats are accomplished:
1. How specifically does root allow one to work around the problem of games like Asphalt 8 insisting on keeping its large amount of data on internal storage?
2. What tool do you use for doing a full Fire TV backup?
3. This might be related to number 1, but how specifically do you keep Kodi/SPMC from burning up all the local storage without resorting to the custom xml to move thumbnails, etc. route? (I never could get that technique to work anyway).

mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to boot directly into Kodi?
Thanks,
-Nigel

Where's the guide!!!???

Help
mcsephoenix said:
Really the only reason having mine is rooted is beneficial is that it boots right into Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’m not by any means a technology wiz but I just purchased this from amazon and heard from a friend he jailboke this and prompted me to look online on how to do this was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction ?

Aftvnews.com
But current software revisions aren't rootable.

Fire Sale Fire Phones - Quick Start

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