Develop Bugs

[Q] Kindle Fire Simple Questions About Market and Rooting

Hi there everyone from Kindle Fire XDA Forum
I've been here for a while trying to figure out how exactly the Kindle Fire amazon's interface works, but i still have some questions, so, here they are.
1 - Do i need root in order to install google play ?
2 - Once i get to google play, everything will be just like any other android tablet / phone ? I mean, will i be able to install all the apps i already bought and etc ?
3 - Whats the easiest way to root my kindle fire ?
4 - I am planing to pay for Amazon Prime for a year or so, so flashing CM9 would not be an option. But, in case i change my mind, is it a Good choice for using at the Kindle Fire ? I mean, losing access to the whole Amazon's ecosystem would be a great downside, right ?
5 - Can i use the Built-in Amazon App Store if i am not from US ? I am from Brasil, and i have an international credit card (but it is not FROM US).
6 - What i should NOT do in terms of Flashing, trying roms and etc ?
Thank in advance

marcelloLins said:
Hi there everyone from Kindle Fire XDA Forum
I've been here for a while trying to figure out how exactly the Kindle Fire amazon's interface works, but i still have some questions, so, here they are.
1 - Do i need root in order to install google play ?
2 - Once i get to google play, everything will be just like any other android tablet / phone ? I mean, will i be able to install all the apps i already bought and etc ?
3 - Whats the easiest way to root my kindle fire ?
4 - I am planing to pay for Amazon Prime for a year or so, so flashing CM9 would not be an option. But, in case i change my mind, is it a Good choice for using at the Kindle Fire ? I mean, losing access to the whole Amazon's ecosystem would be a great downside, right ?
5 - Can i use the Built-in Amazon App Store if i am not from US ? I am from Brasil, and i have an international credit card (but it is not FROM US).
6 - What i should NOT do in terms of Flashing, trying roms and etc ?
Thank in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, you need root.
2. Yes, you will have full acess to the market just like a regular android phone.
3. Use the Kindle fire utility. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?=1399889
4. Prime really isn't worth it. And there are workarounds as to using Amazon video on cm9. I am running cm9 right now and have full access to amazon's services (appstore, video, etc.)
5. Yes, you will be able to access the appstore.
6. Do not try and do things on your own. Always ask questions about the rom, even if you think you know what your doing. Always make backups.
Ihope I answered your questions.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

You sure did !
Just to make it better, the link of number 3 is broken, and, i've read that i won't be able to use the amazon app store from brasil, as i dont have a billing adress and credit card from us...
Thanks man !

Daevionne said:
1. Yes, you need root.
2. Yes, you will have full acess to the market just like a regular android phone.
3. Use the Kindle fire utility. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?=1399889
4. Prime really isn't worth it. And there are workarounds as to using Amazon video on cm9. I am running cm9 right now and have full access to amazon's services (appstore, video, etc.)
5. Yes, you will be able to access the appstore.
6. Do not try and do things on your own. Always ask questions about the rom, even if you think you know what your doing. Always make backups.
Ihope I answered your questions.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What workarounds are you using to use amazon video?
I got prime for shipping benefits, but might as well use the prime video if i can.
i found the .apk and am using voodoo temp unroot... still having issues cant figure out what to use to login.

dougdashwitz said:
What workarounds are you using to use amazon video?
I got prime for shipping benefits, but might as well use the prime video if i can.
i found the .apk and am using voodoo temp unroot... still having issues cant figure out what to use to login.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the prime streaming video service.
For doing so, i downloaded the Vodoo app to unroot and another app for allowing me to see videos worldwide, since i am from brasil, and they do not support my country.

marcelloLins said:
I am using the prime streaming video service.
For doing so, i downloaded the Vodoo app to unroot and another app for allowing me to see videos worldwide, since i am from brasil, and they do not support my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the videos app and the unroot app, however the video app just force closes whenever i try to watch anything. I assume because i have not entered any information in as to what my amazon account is.
is there a workaround for this?

Uk Fire TV

Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?

seymour71 said:
Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.

helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bugger. That's what I was afraid of.
Thanks for your reply mate.

Which firmware did your UK AFTV come installed with? Here's a list
http://www.aftvnews.com/software/

helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers

eskay993 said:
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!

helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?

seymour71 said:
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.

helicon9 said:
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.

helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
seymour71 said:
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.

eskay993 said:
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm, yes, i thought I'd read that. All the media is on a usb drive, so i'll check. Thanks.

Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.

fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?

fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen. There's a guide below (look at the "Semi Bypass" Section). Been using it for a while and works fine, as long as you don't mind clicking a random icon to launch kodi.
http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV#Llama_.28automation.29_Events

I'm using mine with a NAS. I think attaching USB hard drives does require root.
I use SPMC (non launcher version) and it shows up in recently used apps at the top of Fire TV main menu, so no having to dig through the settings sub menus.
This may be because it's also in Amazon App Store (though shows as not compatible with Fire TV).

fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launcher, then when I click on xbmc to launch it looks like it's about to boot but then just comes straight back to the fire launcher.
Ive also installed plex with side load and that works ok?
Do you have any suggestions? thanks.

eskay993 said:
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, thanks... alas too late, I have boxed my FireTV and put it on Ebay... too few apps that I like & want will work properly on this box, so I'm going to wait for a proper Lollipop Android TV !
chowynatt said:
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launche
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had that with the first two versions I tried. I also tried to clean the data/cache on the app, see if that works?
seymour71 said:
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I didn't try it and now my FireTV is in a box ready to be sold on ebay... I don't believe it will though, but don't know.
Mark

[Q] New firmware - does it break root? Do I care?

I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?

martyxng said:
I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend against removing root as that would be sacrilegious to the Fire TV. Follow the How to install a Custom ROM Image on the Amazon Fire TV guide as it gives detailed instructions on how to receive the latest Pre-Rooted Stock Software. The newest update does include the new Netflix app and Miracast support. And trust me, rooting is the best thing to ever happen to the Fire TV.

I'm sure that someone that has a non rootable fire tv will be willing to trade with you

martyxng said:
I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to be rooted to use XBMC.

martyxng said:
I am interested in the new Fire TV firmware since it has a new Netflix app and can be used as a Miracast receiver. However, I am currently rooted (and not sure if I need to be). The only non-official app I currently use is XBMC. Do I need to be rooted to use that? How do I update to the new firmware without losing root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most crucial thing you'll lose is the ability to use external USB drives.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using XDA Free mobile app

superkoal said:
The most crucial thing you'll lose is the ability to use external USB drives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd argue that the most crucial thing would be to lose the ability to have XBMC/KODI/SPMC as the default launcher on the Fire TV. Priceless!

mjbxx said:
I'd argue that the most crucial thing would be to lose the ability to have XBMC/KODI/SPMC as the default launcher on the Fire TV. Priceless!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is indeed, the best thing root brought me.

I don't have XBMC as the default launcher, but that would be nice, if I still had a way to use the official Netflix app - maybe some day!

You can still use XBMC from the main GUI even if you aren't root. I have a rooted FTV and an unrooted one. I am in the process of unrooting the rooted one as I never use sub storage and the unrooted FTV seems to have been more stable. For example I have never had to reboot it to get it to play a video from Plex whereas I have had to do this with the rooted one. Mind you there could be many reasons why that is the case. Seems odd that rooting would lead to a less stable system. More likely it's what I have done as root which has caused that.
The one thing which would be nice is if you could streamline the GUI and have certain apps in a fixed place. I don't really like them moving all over the place. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to do that.
Sent from my Fire HDX.

Netflix works fine on the newest rooted firmware.. Why not just upgrade?

pmcdunnough said:
You can still use XBMC from the main GUI even if you aren't root. I have a rooted FTV and an unrooted one. I am in the process of unrooting the rooted one as I never use sub storage and the unrooted FTV seems to have been more stable. For example I have never had to reboot it to get it to play a video from Plex whereas I have had to do this with the rooted one. Mind you there could be many reasons why that is the case. Seems odd that rooting would lead to a less stable system. More likely it's what I have done as root which has caused that.
The one thing which would be nice is if you could streamline the GUI and have certain apps in a fixed place. I don't really like them moving all over the place. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to do that.
Sent from my Fire HDX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather than unrooting it,sell it in its rooted state and buy a new unrooted unit. I cant speak for plex,but i have a rooted fireTV which is working just fine with hulu netflix xbmc. Just use the adbfire tool to upgrade to the latest version of the rooted firmware. Really easy,and if its still unstable for plex,sell it off. Might even make some money lol.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

why root

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.

Can rooted Fire TV 2 launch directly to Kodi?

I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.

It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate

deanr1977 said:
It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.

ks-man said:
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a wired console or pc controller around the house you could install an emulator or 2 & play some old console games? Look in the Q&A section of this Fire TV thread & your see my compatible sideloaded apps & accessories thread if you need it & it will save you some time trying out different apps or accessories to see if they work or not?
Have fun & press that thanks button If this helped you
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

ks-man said:
I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv

mejdam said:
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
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deanr1977 said:
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
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I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.

Dude360 said:
I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.
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This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392

I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)

ks-man said:
This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
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Yeah this was the mod I was talking about (launcher intent). This is what the Xposed module will allow but without using a modded apk.
Nothing wrong with using elmerohueso builds but be aware you wont be able to use Firestarter to update Kodi as the modded apk has been signed differently. To update you'll have to use adb to sideload the new apk everytime theres an update.
Theres several ways to achieve Kodi as a launcher but like most things on the AFTV, for every upside theres also several downsides...
rp201 said:
I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)
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Not heard of that one but Ill take a looksy, especially if it works on unrooted!