Develop Bugs

A few ways to boot sideloaded PLEX/XBMC from the Amazon Fire TV interface

Hi all
Unrootable UK fire TV here so these are a few things I found out that made me a lot happier
1) You can use llama to boot a NEWER sideloaded PLEX app (google play store) from the original OUT OF DATE amazon store versions icon - keeping it all nice looking :¬)
As they install to 2 different locations :¬) - (google llama tutorials)
Another good reason to do this is you wont get all kinds of weird program loops when using the back button.
2) if you need an icon to boot up a sideloaded XMBC app - Just use the amazon store Air Buddy app as its own start-up screen has a boot XBMC button if its been detected
3) I found out Netflix and amazon prime would not pass-through DD5.1 to anything I own using HDMI (even though XBMC does fine) - BUT if you replace your HDMI with OPTICAL Netflix and amazon prime will pass through DD5.1
** Bug or did they just do it for a laugh - I think the latter :¬)
P.S. My mini keyboard works just fine too :¬)
Rii 2.4GHz Wireless Mini PC Keyboard Touchpad V2 Black
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004FSFYG8/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for those helpful tips. I was looking for a way to have xbmc on the home screen. Just to clarify...I can install llama without being rooted? If so, do you have a direct link to llama? I know I can probably find it if I look around, but with such helpful tips, some provided links to the apps that you're mentioned will make it even more helpful.

wouldn't SPMC be better? i heard you can set it as the default launcher

DEREKTROTTER said:
wouldn't SPMC be better? i heard you can set it as the default launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have NON rootable Firetv's so as far as I know there is NO way to do anything clever
"Love to find I am wrong :¬):¬) "
So I think you need llama or you can actualy use "Air Buddy" as I said above :¬)
I am finally happy with side loading these 2 things
1) xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
2) com.kebab.Llama.apk
****UPDATE - I had a look at SPMC and...
Amazon store says! - Non-compatible device
If you continue with this purchase, you may be purchasing an app that doesn't work with your device.
so its on the store but you cant install it on fire tv and it has to be sideloaded like Xbmc version I listed :¬(
also I have read it has 5.1 pass through issues.
:¬(

Time Warner TWC TV App - Info on Solutions for AFTV

Starting this thread to hopefully gather some steam for getting the TWC TV app working via sideload on the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick.
I've tried loading the most recent hacked version for Android, which was suppose to ignore the ADB request and also let you use the app away from home. It DOES sideload, but immediately alerts you that it's out of date. Then it takes you to the Amazon App store, and shows you the updated version of the app, but then says it's not compatible with the device.
I wondered if the version available for the Kindle Fire tablets is more compatible, but can't find the apk anywhere to test it.
I've also read it IS possible to sideload (not sure of what version) but requires root in order to use a keyboard/mouse (or emulator). That info was prior to the stick being offered AND the Fire TV Remote app being available. So I wonder if there's a way to use the keyboard option in the remote app instead of a USB mouse/keyboard IF we could get a working version of the app sideloaded at all?
Feel free to comment with other obstacles/possibilities/experiences. All the info I've found via MANY searches so far relating to this app and the AFTV specifically is spread among MANY different pages and threads - so I'm hoping we can at least aggregate that info here and save fellow AFTV users some trouble. Thanks in advance!

itbedave said:
Starting this thread to hopefully gather some steam for getting the TWC TV app working via sideload on the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick.
I've tried loading the most recent hacked version for Android, which was suppose to ignore the ADB request and also let you use the app away from home. It DOES sideload, but immediately alerts you that it's out of date. Then it takes you to the Amazon App store, and shows you the updated version of the app, but then says it's not compatible with the device.
I wondered if the version available for the Kindle Fire tablets is more compatible, but can't find the apk anywhere to test it.
I've also read it IS possible to sideload (not sure of what version) but requires root in order to use a keyboard/mouse (or emulator). That info was prior to the stick being offered AND the Fire TV Remote app being available. So I wonder if there's a way to use the keyboard option in the remote app instead of a USB mouse/keyboard IF we could get a working version of the app sideloaded at all?
Feel free to comment with other obstacles/possibilities/experiences. All the info I've found via MANY searches so far relating to this app and the AFTV specifically is spread among MANY different pages and threads - so I'm hoping we can at least aggregate that info here and save fellow AFTV users some trouble. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to be able to sideload the time warner app, if you get any info about this let me know.

is the latest version 3.6.6.6 . I just installed via aptoide market store and it goes to login screen no probs. I have aptoide installed on my fire tv

Latest version works for me after side loading. I use an air mouse for navigation.

bradwatson said:
Latest version works for me after side loading. I use an air mouse for navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is the air mouse an app or a real mouse? trying to figure out how to navigate.

xQuestx said:
is the air mouse an app or a real mouse? trying to figure out how to navigate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
F10 mele pro remote.

xQuestx said:
is the air mouse an app or a real mouse? trying to figure out how to navigate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey XQuest, would you mind elaboratinhg a bit on the integration with the FireTV, particularly with the TWC app? Also since you have it working, does the twc app output in dolby digital? thanks for your help

Buy this Airmouse, it works perfectly and is my primary remote now. Works perfect with the Twc app just that I also can't get the away from home to work.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=261674186045&alt=web
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3

Thanks for the suggestion, awesome. Do you know if the twc app on fire tv will put out dolby digital?

ok so side loading works and app runs so far. im using the wukong remote app. its pretty awesome. I figured out how to get around and play on demand content, but live tv is another story, i can't seem to get the channels to scroll, i can click on the last channel on the bottom and it switches to that channel and then repeat to move the list until i get to the channel i want, but i cant scroll the list to get to the channel i want. any ideas?

jrosaly said:
ok so side loading works and app runs so far. im using the wukong remote app. its pretty awesome. I figured out how to get around and play on demand content, but live tv is another story, i can't seem to get the channels to scroll, i can click on the last channel on the bottom and it switches to that channel and then repeat to move the list until i get to the channel i want, but i cant scroll the list to get to the channel i want. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know how to get scrolling to work also. I wish TWC would get this app working for Fire TV. If it can work for Roku, it shouldn't be that much for them to make it work on the Fire TV. The channels that show on the one page stream great.

You can scroll using a remote. That has mouse and a left click button.

Wukong remote's mouse or trackpad function does not behave the same as using an actual mouse (don't know about the remotes/keyboard/trackpad combos). When you use wukong, it shows an actual mouse pointer (traditional style), when you use an actual mouse, a yellowish circle shows up and it allows you to click and drag, best way I can describe it is that it mimics a finger tip.
It would be cool if wukong emulated this mode, but I don't know how to reach out to the developer, since its pretty obvious he's a native asian language speaker. I will say that the festure that allows you to launch any app on your firetv directly from the wukong app is awesome. My room mate thinks I'm crazy having 3 or 4 different devices to control my fire tv

anyone care to kinda give me a little bit of training as to how to remove all the checks like vpn, adb, etc. I had a working version which I could use over vpn, but now everytime I launch the app it tells me that I have to upgrade to continue. I imagine you have to decompile the code and modify code, which even though I'm not a programmer, I feel pretty confortable doing with my college programming classes. Any help or pointers is appreciated. Or if someone has the latest working version even better. Thanks.

Applications List for working apk files on Fire TV

Hey All,
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
So the following apps work for me using a wireless keyboard and trackpad mouse.
TVCatchup
TVMC
BT Sport
4OD
ITV Player
Uno Telly
ChromeBeta
Please contribute to the list I will update this list when ive installed and tested more apps.

herohonda777 said:
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk

wellersl said:
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a sweet list!
I got Dolphin Browser to work but the biggest one I got Working the PS4 Remote play app -
Side Loaded Dolphin Browser and then loaded up the PS4 remote app hooked up the PS4 Controller directin to the AFT and connected the remote play - No Lag issues at all playing FIFA 15 on my other screen in the house now!
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work

herohonda777 said:
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd. Unless its butting heads with Dolphin?
This version of Firefox? http://www.mediafire.com/download/rq57ptp5dbj0gsr/Firefox_28.0.1.apk

Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.

Jacksmyname said:
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.

VivianC said:
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet, but I'll post back here if I do. I've been using it for several years on a 10" Samsung Galaxy Tab with no issues. Not even a single hiccup that I can recall.

Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.

goodhur said:
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.

xm41907 said:
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes a long time to go through the update(scan). I was thinking it didn't work at first. It seems like it does nothing for like 5 minutes then the movies begin appearing. Under settings>identification & search enable the sub-folder search. This app works only on wifi for scanning UPNP (great for the stick), the box on ethernet won't find dlna (however I think if you just do wifi to do DLNA scanning the plug back ethernet it still works). Manual entry of SMB works on the box and stick.

Some of the unique APKs I have side loaded on my AFS
Vulkano Player 5.1.261-connects to my Hava Platinum cable box streamer
Viki 3.0 - the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
Dramafever 01.00.09- also the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue

The Sony PS4 Remote Play port works (as does the Sony DS4 controller out the box without any rooting required):
RemotePlayPortV0.7.3.apk

With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.

herohonda777 said:
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like one of two things:
1. You're not using the latest version of the app
2. you've not paired the DS4 directly with the Amazon Fire TV BEFORE you've tried to launch the app

..

VERY useful app to use FTV / Stick remote as a mouse

Hi,
Not sure it this app has already been posted but it's great and can avoid you to use a physical keyboards for the emergencies.
Not tested deeply so far but I think it's very nice (it's cheap too). Unfortunately it's not on the amazon store so get it from Google Play store or send an email to the author to ask him how to do that if you don't have the store.
Regards.
All the credits go to user: goodhur on firetv subreddit for the news.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fluxii.android.mousetoggleforfiretv

Thanks, just installed this. Works well

This is very convenient. I can finally use my xfinity tv go app without using my Logitech. The price is really fair too. 99¢ total and I've got it on all 3 aftv devices.

Wow! Thanks for pointing this out. Now I don't have to dig out my USB mouse keyboard combo just to click on a few things!

excellent app. Good spot. Works well for NBCSN.

excellent app. without a doubt THE only decent solution to mouse control on fire tv without having to lug around an extra mouse.
love it!

Anyone know if this plays well with firestarter menu replacement?

BelfastLad said:
Anyone know if this plays well with firestarter menu replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works well so far, no problems here and you can switch very easy between "Mouse Mode" and "Normal Remote".

BelfastLad said:
Anyone know if this plays well with firestarter menu replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problems here, been using both for a good while now.

Thanks for all the feedback to my question. Took the plunge and app working well for me too. Great to be able to finally use a few mouse / touch-centric apps on my FTV stick.
Got my FTV in one of the recent £25 sales and really pleased with how well it all works. Rock-solid wifi streaming in the room farthest from my router. What's not to love about it?

has anyone tried on FireOS 5 yet ? Don't seem to be playing nice with the new ADB system here, doesn't work..

wejgomi said:
has anyone tried on FireOS 5 yet ? Don't seem to be playing nice with the new ADB system here, doesn't work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi wejgomi, I'm the developer of this app(Mouse Toggle for Fire TV) and just wanted to let you know that I'm submitting an update with Fire OS 5 compatibility soon. I already have it working already but it just needs a bit more testing before releasing it. The app update will be released before the public availability of Fire TV OS 5.
Thank you

For those with root, Droidmote Server and Client works great, been using it for a year.

Just to provide a little feedback. I have two very minor issues with the software which might be easily fixable - or I may be doing something wrong.
1. Could the speed of scrolling in mouse mode be accelerated just a bit or some sort of weighting be applied so that long continuous presses move the pointer more rapidly than short taps? Long scrolls across the width of the TV screen are just slow enough to get annoying (but I admit I have a low tolerance for these things
2. When using the programme to interact with another video playing app, the fact that play / pause is the toggle for the mouse is not ideal. Personally, while I may use the fast-forward button to get through to the point I may have previously watched to, I very rarely use the rewind button. Personal preference would be to have some way of configuring which button (other than the d-pad and centre 'select' button) activates the toggle. Is this possible?
These are very minor gripes. I have to say that I was always impressed with the capabilities of the hardware in the FTV Stick. With this and the ability to sideload apps I now have no need for anything more powerful from my - now very SMART - TV.
Thanks iostouchdev!

I myself use Wukong Remote. Works excellent with my AFTV and sideloaded apps like Sling and DirecTV that require a touch screen. I like how you can also use it as a controller with d-pad, or keyboard.

Damn. This app + Show Box is like perfect. Well worth the money.

Ugh!! The broke it on the FireTV 2, the next update the new OS will probably break it for the 1gen hardware. No remote apps working either other than the official one.
Edit: Mouse Toggle for FireTV Fixed, see next comment, thanks!
Sent from Tapatalk

goodhur said:
Ugh!! The broke it on the FireTV 2, the next update the new OS will probably break it for the 1gen hardware. No remote apps working either other than the official one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just submitted an app update(v1.02) with Fire OS 5 support for the new Fire TV 2015 / 2nd Gen. device. It will also work for the 1st Gen devices when they get Fire OS 5 too.
Regarding the remote apps: The 'Remote Mouse for Fire TV' app is working on the new Fire TV but you need to verify that the Fire TV companion app is updated to version 1.08.
If you need additional help please feel free to email me at the address in the app or just reply here.
Thank you!

iostouchdev said:
I just submitted an app update(v1.02) with Fire OS 5 support for the new Fire TV 2015 / 2nd Gen. device. It will also work for the 1st Gen devices when they get Fire OS 5 too.
Regarding the remote apps: The 'Remote Mouse for Fire TV' app is working on the new Fire TV but you need to verify that the Fire TV companion app is updated to version 1.08.
If you need additional help please feel free to email me at the address in the app or just reply here.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Noreg96 said:
Damn. This app + Show Box is like perfect. Well worth the money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the heads-up, hadn't heard of showbox.

What will I lose if I put full Android OS on the Shield ?

I've been hunting for an android box for over two months now. I never considered the Nvidia Shield because it comes with Android TV instead of regular Android. But I couldn't help not being enamored by the performance it offers. What I want is an Android box I can connect to my TV that will allow me to (1) run kodi (2) stream from an IPTV app (3) run emulators. I was about to pull the trigger on Minix U9, but the Tegra processor just sh*ts on everything out there. Today, I learned that I could actually run Android OS (Nougat) on the Shield. Why would anyone buy a Minix U9 for $160 when a much more powerful Shield goes for mere $40 extra ? I felt it was too good to be true. So, I'm here asking those of you that are running full Android on the Shield, is the full Android firmware stable in the sense that it's not just rife with bugs, and do I lose the ability to stream Netflix in 4k ?

After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable. Another reason for rooting and installing full Android is that I use TWRP for Recovery. I have both stock 5.0.2 and rooted 5.0.2 on backup for Recovery if 1.3 goes south.

cjeman said:
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried running console emulators ? Also, I'm thinking of getting the Minix A2 remote for having a keyboard and it's air mouse functionality. Have you tried any air mouse on the Shield ?

No. I use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard/mouse pad combo. I have read that air mice are not an issue.

You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?

JohnRossJennings said:
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with John here too. You can do all three of your requests on the stock shield TV without rooting and custom ROMs. In fact the .emu emulators from Robert work great and use the shield controller perfectly.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.

abo_mara7 said:
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.

medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can side load and then use chainfires sideload launcher to open them. Works pretty good. The sideload launcher is on the Android TV play store. Also es file explorer is available to help sideload apks. You can also transfer apks over your network using a computer or download from apkmirror. All with the stock out of the box os.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen

techjunky90 said:
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Acid0057 said:
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.

medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.

abo_mara7 said:
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
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Thanks for those tips. And on the plus side when you stay stock, update will be a lot easier!
shenzhou said:
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
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Thanks!
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I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.

greevedogg said:
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
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Good point but the original recommendation stands. There is no reason to install a custom recovery and full Android os. The stock unrooted shield os works fine in most use cases.
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If you are a gamer and love it to play mobile games on TV, the most Games wouldn't run, because NVidia has not implemented the from Shield Tablet well-known gamepad mapper. If this little Tool would be available for Shield TV, you really don't need a full Android.
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Are the mobile games you are referring to games like family feud live?
I have the nvidia shield tv and I would really like to be able to play these games on there but do not know how. I search for them but they don't come up. Only can get them on my galaxy phone. Is it possible to get these on the tv? If so, How? Thanks in advance.

search for your wanted games in google, type the game then apk. do this on a pc or phone. download them. plug a usb drive into your computer or phone via otg and then plug the usb with apk onto the shield then browse for them via es file explorer. enjoy

I have an old HP 22 android monitor in my kitchen and love the "ok google" capability, the apps (250+ card game and Spectrum cable app) that don't work on stock shield. I am worried about it OS at 4.4.4 and want to update but Android TV seems to lack a lot of functionality I would want that full android would have. I have a shield and would like to use it but not sure the touch would work anymore if I usb the monitor back into the shield (I can use mouse and keyboard as alternative). This is why I would want full android.