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Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Maric said:
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to start a new thread because I was trying to test something that I figure is happening on Netflix. The Netflix streams look like garbage, and then I can stream Amazon Instant and it looks beautiful. So somewhere there is a bottleneck on Netflix and I think if I run it through my VPN it will improve the quality.
My VPN is through private internet access and they have a simple android app that you just click connect and it works. But you can change the location of where it is connecting and that would probably help with your MLB issue because without GPS I think that's the only way they can tell where you are streaming. I used to spoof on MLB and set a fake GPS point in Mexico to get access to all of the games. But I think the VPN would work for that as well.
Long story short I side-loaded the app and it didn't work. So I'm going to see if anyone else can help.
Some ISP's throttle Netflix. It's the whole net neutrality thing goin on.
Maric said:
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for something simliar.
Use xposed and XPrivacy . Works for my cellphone (Huge battery drain though because leaves GPS constantly running) but i havent attempted that on the fire yet. What mlb version are you using? the google play or amazon fire tv version?
mejdam said:
I'm looking for something simliar.
Use xposed and XPrivacy . Works for my cellphone (Huge battery drain though because leaves GPS constantly running) but i havent attempted that on the fire yet. What mlb version are you using? the google play or amazon fire tv version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the Amazon Fire TV.
Maric said:
how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely, MLB is picking up your location from your IP address.
You might be able to test this by using your cell phone to temporarily provide bandwidth the FTV - my cell phone, at least, winds up looking to websites as if it's about 60 miles away from the house, two counties south.
Using a VPN to connect from an IP in a different state should work if that's how the location is being determined. If the app comes from the Amazon appstore there's a low risk that the app is using an address Amazon has on file for its location determination.
Try sideload EasyOvpn and OpenVPN Connect.
Search in EasyOvpn different contry and open the configuration with openvpn. I try to by pass other service in my tablet and work.
edgardo_0691 said:
Try sideload EasyOvpn and OpenVPN Connect.
Search in EasyOvpn different contry and open the configuration with openvpn. I try to by pass other service in my tablet and work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OpenVPN is what Private Internet Access uses to connect on Android and I can say that it did not connect for me. I have a thread open in the help section also but the only way it can tell on Amazon where you are is your IP. That's why people in other countries use a US VPN to stream stuff. We just need a VPN to work on the fire to get around location and throttling.
bam099 said:
OpenVPN is what Private Internet Access uses to connect on Android and I can say that it did not connect for me. I have a thread open in the help section also but the only way it can tell on Amazon where you are is your IP. That's why people in other countries use a US VPN to stream stuff. We just need a VPN to work on the fire to get around location and throttling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
mejdam said:
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Maric said:
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are we talking about MLB or Netflix? I just used Hola and got around the MLB restrictions. watching my dodgers play on the fire tv.
mejdam said:
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maric said:
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to get it to work but really cumbersome.
1. Installed/Sideloaded "Hola Better Internet" for Fire TV.
2. Open "Hola Better Internet" and click Unbocker (requres a mouse)
3. Click on "MLB.com At Bat" and change to any country other than U.S./Canada
4. Make sure Unblocker is "On"
Here is the kicker though. If you have "Hola Better Internet" on before you open MLB.TV app, the games/calendar will now show up. So you have to have the switch "Unblocker Button" off when you first launch MLB.TV app.
So here is how I got it to work:
1. Launch "Hola Better Internet" and make sure "Unblocker" switch is "off'
2. Launch MLB.TV app.
3. Hit the "Home Screen" button on your Fire TV remote since you don't want to exit the app.
4. Now go to "Hola Better Internet" and have "Unblocker" switch "On"
5. Hit "Home Screen" button again
6. Relaunch MLB.TV app.
7. Launch your home team
Again, this this was all done with DNS service such as Ad-Free time.
This is what I gather from all the tinkering. "MLB.com At Bat" service is what checks your location. I remember getting my Nexus 7 2013 to work, I had to modify this file/service. So if you have the "MLB.com At Bat" check your location while spoofing to another country, it will completely shut you out from the video feed service. I'm assuming the "Hola Better Internet" switches the handshake/verication once you have the calendar of all the games on your screen. Finally once you do click on the your team, it checks the DNS.
So I'm hoping somehow that "MLB.com At Bat" can be modified or somehow have a more seamless workaround.
mejdam said:
are we talking about MLB or Netflix? I just used Hola and got around the MLB restrictions. watching my dodgers play on the fire tv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide your setup?
Maric said:
Can you provide your setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
mejdam said:
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you configure Xposed and Xprivacy?
*Edit*
I got it to work. Also watching my Dodgers! Haren has been terrible.
Maric said:
How did you configure Xposed and Xprivacy?
*Edit*
I got it to work. Also watching my Dodgers! Haren has been terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it working without toggling even after you rebooted? I used this method on my Samsung s5 and got it working too. Only problem is you can't cast it on a Chromecast because it checks the Chromecast IP and tells me its been blacklisted.
mejdam said:
Is it working without toggling even after you rebooted? I used this method on my Samsung s5 and got it working too. Only problem is you can't cast it on a Chromecast because it checks the Chromecast IP and tells me its been blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhat. I'll have to test out again when the games are being blackout. How do you have it setup? Is this for your Fire TV or Chromecast?
Weird part about it is that at least one of the games was being blackout which was no where near my area.
mejdam said:
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide the setup instructions for Xposed and Xprivacy? Also when you have both setup, are you suppose to click "allow" or "deny" when opening up MLB.TV app?
Maric said:
Can you provide the setup instructions for Xposed and Xprivacy? Also when you have both setup, are you suppose to click "allow" or "deny" when opening up MLB.TV app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a mouse and Fire tv remote
1.) Install Xposed and Xprivacy (if mlb was already installed remove it and dont install it till step 3)
2.) open xposed, modules and check xprivacy, reboot fire tv
3.) install mlb tv (FireTv Version) and sign in with your account, close mlb tv premium
4.) Go into XPrivacy (will give you two errors, ignore them), then go in the MLB TV settings (Use mouse and click on the MLB TV icon)
5.) You will see a list of permissions, tap the menu button on your fire remote and go into Settings.
6.) Press the "Randomize now" button and it will generate a bunch of fake information.
7.) Find the IP address field and put in a fake IP from far away. (i used an IP in Japan)
8.) You can restrict all permissions except for Internet and it will work fine.
9.) Install hola
10.) configured hola
11.) Works
12.) Open MLB (you will get a message asking for permissions from xprivacy) i checked the enhance checkbox and allowed every request.
13.) choose the game you wish to view, allow all requests as well
14.) Play Ball!!!
I'm sorry if it's somewhat irrelevant, but will this method work with Hulu & Netflix? (assuming I do have a paying account)
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Just get both lol. That's what I did
Fire stick is closer to a tablet than anything
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, AFSTV is a tablet used for streaming. Chromecast needs more apps and a native browser; maybe chromecast II will be able to compete in the same league (if it ever shows up).
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. Most US FTV's from Amazon, Staples, BestBuy, Radio Shack can still be rooted.
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
gottahavit said:
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
I have both, and I never use my Chromecast. The only reason I could think of why I would use it is for my 2 movies in Google Play... The Fire Stick is just better in every way.
adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes neither works perfectly traveling, but having to bring remote just to get it to connect to phone sucks. The only thing chromecast did right was the private wifi setup with devices.
Both are good I'm leaning more to aftv just has more features.. But I also have chromecast connected as well it's good to have back up to send media to the tv with my phone
adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Although having just experienced this, you'll need to sideload a browser and some mouse mode (controller, mouse, phone mouse,etc) to actually navigate and accept terms.
What I do is tether to my phone and cast predownloaded movies using All cast.
Chromecast is great for basic stuff and used with a tablet. When using my phone, everything gets paused and occasionally locks up when getting calls and messages on my phone.
Fire TV stick is also a pretty good emulator player for retro gaming on the go.
Unless you need to stick with the small form factor or the budget doesn't allow, the correct answer if you can't decide between the two is to get a Nexus Player. If you are not in a hurry, wait until spring when I'm sure the market will be flooded with cheap Chinese Android TV boxes (Android TV version of Android, not just Android on a stick). Essentially the same as FireTV, but with Chromecast functionality built in.
If I had to choose between a Chomecast or AFTV stick I'd take AFTV stick every time.
Comes Down to Apps
You should research the App you know you want to use. I really just want a Chrome cast with a physical remote. I was excited when I grabbed a FireTV stick for $25. I was not excited that the Showtime Anytime app doesn't support on Dish on FireStickTV but does on Chrome cast?
I would tell you make a list of the apps you really want and see what platform has them.
thats what i did too
No brainer.. AFTV.
Maybe its just me, but i really dont have the urge to "cast" everything from various devices. A nice standalone box that can connect to networked drives on its own while having native streaming capability nicely beats a simple "casting" box...
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
ziddey said:
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen 1 person post that Miracast works from a PC to the Fire TV.
See this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/miracast-t2954237/
After using both for a few weeks apiece, the fire stick with xbmc and a remote >>>>>>>>>>>> the chromecast.
It gets tiresome having to keep turning my phone etc and having some files need transcoding with the chromecast. The stick, since they updated the firmware and fixed the video quality problems, is almost perfect and I love that remote
The only thing chromecast has over the fire tv is the ease of use with the phone with the little cast button but I can live without that
As soon as the fire sticks go on sale again, I'm picking up another 3!
The AFS seems to be a more flexible platform. It's essentially a Android Stick computer. Will be even better when someone figures out how to root it. For the most part you can sideload the same working apps that work on other Android devices. That's pretty useful.
The Chromecast seems to be more of a one trick pony. The casting feature is interesting but why would you not want to just run apps directly to control it?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
I have both.
I bought the Chromecast last year. The biggest use I got out of it was binge watching to catch up on Game of Thrones via HBO Go app. Video was definitely grainy, lower quality than the On-Demand HD from Comcast. Since then, I've rarely used it. Having to start everything via the phone or pad, then "casting" feels clunky. Casting videos/movies from my PC browser was choppy at best.
The Fire TV Stick is pretty smooth. I like having the physical remote and looking at the TV when I do things (i.e. not having to use/look at the phone). YouTube works (although I'm not able to play Purchases). Plex works well, as does SPMC (XBMC fork). NBC Live Extra app seems to work ok, but I'll get a better feel for that tonight watching football. HBO Go isn't officially available for the FireTV STICK yet. On my Fire TV (box) I am disappointed that HBO Go and Showtime Go (I would be there are some other apps too) do not have the ability to sign in for Comcast/Xfinity customers like the apps on iOs and Android do. I do realize that is a COMCAST limit, but it still stinks.
As @alton987 said earlier, it important to know the apps you want to use, and what is available on a particular device.
I bought a Fire TV Stick the day before Thanksgiving at Best Buy for $24.99. I bought it primarily for Amazon Prime.
So far, it's been working perfectly. Along with Prime movies and tv, I'm also using Prime music, Netflix, Crackle and AllCast. All work perfectly except for Netflix. On Netflix, video freezes about 10-15 minutes before the end of the movie, audio continues. I have to back out and then resume. Only takes a few seconds but it's annoying. It's the only app that's giving me a problem.
I also sideloaded BS Player and ES File Explorer. I wanted to use them for playing movies stored on my PC. Both are working just fine. I have mine connected to my A/V receiver (Yamaha). Picture quality is excellent, as is audio through my system.
I'm VERY pleased with the stick, and will buy another one for a second tv.
I have no experience with the Chromecast so I can't comment on it.
But the Fire tv stick is, for me, a no brainer if you subscribe to Amazon Prime. Terrific add-on to my system.
Hey guys. Long time lurker and big fire phone fan. Right now I'm running 4.6.1 US Unlocked Fire OS on my ATT locked Fire phone. Without having to root *as I don't trust kingroot to have full unlimited access to my phone* is it possible to steam from Fire Phone to Chromecast? Not opposed to side loading gapps if required. Thanks!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S III using the XDA premium app.
Yes this is working with the gaaps even cast your screen is playing but I think the fire TV Stick is a much better product you can sideload apk and play xbmc/kodi on it
And if you Wont GApps. Patch only YouTube
Sure that Chromecast ist working? The app is working but i am not possible to get a connection to the chromecast. Any ideas?
Partyelch said:
Sure that Chromecast ist working? The app is working but i am not possible to get a connection to the chromecast. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've yet to try honestly just been using my other device instead.
Sent from my SGSIII using the XDA premium app.
Fire phone working with Chromecast (audio)
I bought a bunch of Fire phones when it was selling on a fire sale! They all have been working fine with side loaded Google setup files (framework, play store etc). There were some good instructions to load four Google system files. Some occasional app may say this phone is not compatible and not allow you download from the Play Store, but those individual apps will work just fine side loaded.
Anyway, the Chromecast app downloaded fine from the Play Store, but would not connect properly with my Chromecast audio device for the initial set up. It recognized the device okay, but will not finish the initial set up. I thought I was out of luck. But then I tried with a proper (non-Fire) android phone and completed the initial set up. It connected the Chromecast device with the appropriate wifi network, downloaded the updates etc. and told me it was ready to cast. After that, I tried with the Fire phone, and voila.. everything has been working just fine.
I am sure you have some non-Amazon Android device you have lying around the house, or at least borrow for a while. Just complete the initial set up with that and you should be good to go.
I have done this only with Chromecast Audio (The newer version), but I am reasonably sure the same should work just fine with the video Chromecast too.
I use Chromecast all of the time with my Fire Phone (ATT 4.6.5.) Just works great along with all of the gApps... but who knows if that will be the case as the gApps get updated over time. For ATT versions, the 4.6.5 release was great in terms of being gApps friendly. If that changes down the road, then the next best option would be Slimkat or CM11.
I fact, I have both a Fire Stick and a Chromcast on the same TV, and the phone has more Chromecast options from within apps than FireStick casting options. Overall, I prefer using the Firestick with it's physical remote, but it is not as well integrated with android apps at the moment. Hopefully more developers will start using "fling" casting, but right now my main option is sharing a stream with Allcast.
Youtube works good for me. Pandora does also. Netflix Doesn't connect for me though. I highly reccomend the fire stick...
Anyone know if the BTN2GO (Big Ten Network) app can be sideloaded onto the Fire TV Stick? They have the app for Android and Chromecast but haven't published it to the Amazon App Store and since I don't have Cable, I can't watch my team play football.
Thanks.
Just in case anyone has any ideas... I installed the app using the APK from my phone and it opens fine. However, I can't navigate well with the remote to be able to sign in or anything. Anyone ever tried this and gotten it to work well?
BTN2GO fail
I have tried 5 different versions of the BTN2GO app (phone and tablet) and all have either had your experience or have asked for location services to be enabled, meaning that it is not looking for the information that is already in the AFTV settings and there is no way that I have found to enable them for this app. Even tried settings.apk but when I tried to enable the location services in it, it just kicked me out to the main screen. Hopefully this is supported by next football season...
In the meantime, Playstation Vue has BTN (and a ton of others) for the $45/mo contract and has an official Fire TV app.
GBR!
Big Ten - GO!
I was able to I install the app using the APK from my phone and then I installed the Mouse Toggle for Fire TV from PlayStore for $2.99. Super easy install and setup. I then used the Mouse to maneuver around and signed into my Xfinity account.
NewbyOnFireTV said:
I was able to I install the app using the APK from my phone and then I installed the Mouse Toggle for Fire TV from PlayStore for $2.99. Super easy install and setup. I then used the Mouse to maneuver around and signed into my Xfinity account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you possibly provide the APK file you used for this? When I push the APK from my phone and use Mouse Toggle, it asks for location services, as previously mentioned.
It's that time of year again so I, too, would love to get thsi working since BTN hasn't bothered to support it.
BTN on Fox Sports Go
Fox bought a majority share of the Big Ten Network prior to last season and has now integrated Big Ten Network into their Fox Sports Go app on Fire TV. No need to install the phone apk and deal with that interface. Hope this helps other B1G fans with Fire TV.
BTN2 Go
I'm using version BTN2Go_v6.0831 works fine on my Fire Stick Need a Keyboard/Mouse
This is stupid BTN hasn't released this to the fire tv.
Has anyone actually gotten the FIOS Mobile app installed and working on a fire tv (or preferably stick)? I want a portable device so that I can watch my dvr when on the road. The current version (5.2) won't allow access to shows, the previous version (5.0) won't connect, and the modified version to avoid root didn't work either. I thought @aftvnews might have a post about it, but nothing there. I can't find any solutions through Google either. Anyone have anything?
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
ldeveraux said:
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
RedBullet said:
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works poorly at best, or it did last I checked. That was months ago, and VZ has pushed out a mandatory app update that renders it unusable unless you update. I should try it again though! Also a mouse was required, or an app that turns your remote into a mouse. And it would randomly force close while watching DVR. So really not worth it...
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
software_samurai said:
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
ldeveraux said:
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
ldeveraux said:
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
software_samurai said:
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.9 seems to work on my stick. I do have google play services installed on there, but I don't think it's working. The stick is on the newest firmware, so it's definitely not rooted. I don't think you can root on this firmware anyway. Regardless, I was able to watch FIOS on an unrooted stick..
I tried to install Google Play Services from this link:
https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
Got it working with Alexa-enabled stick
Side loaded it onto new non-rooted stick that has alexa remote - not the latest 4K stick.
Followed multiple google hits to get it done. It kept wanting google play services, so i had to side load and start the right google play apks.
Am using an ethernet adapter to get best picture. Wifi was ok but panning shots jumped a bit too much for me.
Lastly, got an OTG cable for a Logitech dongle for a keyboard mouse that works great. Recognized at boot - no config. Mouse mandatory for fios app, keboard arrow & enter key drives stick. Reasonably spouse friendly. Lost my remote - nay not matter now!
I'm posting this because i couldn't find a recent confirmation that fios app works on current fire stick.
Good luck.
Two things for root users to try: There are two XPosed apps you should install. One hides your root status and the other emulates Google Play Services.
I also want to state that I got the latest version of Verizon FiOS Mobile working on a FireTV stick without root. First, I enabled Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging under Settings-Developer Options. It seems like the FiOS Mobile app requires the Google Play store to be installed, so I found a site with instructions on how to install it and completed that task. I needed to download and install four .apk files. Strangely, I can't seem to launch the Google Play Store on my stick, but the FiOS Mobile app no longer complains that it's missing.. Next, I installed the FiOS Mobile app via APPS2FIRE. That's all I needed to do to get the FiOS Moble app running on my stick.
As another poster noted, the FiOS Mobile app was designed to be used on a touch device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Because of this, you cannot easily navigate the app and do what you want it to do easily using the Fire Stick remote. Someone recommended connecting a bluetooth keyboard and I think that's probably a good suggestion. Instead, I downloaded an app called Mouse Toggle which, when activated, provides a cursor on the screen that you can move around with the Fire Stick remote. I can now select items and enter channel numbers when I previously couldn't do so. It's not a perfect solution, but it gets the job done.
- LKNY