Related
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.
Hello, I have searched the Internet for a Slingplayer app for my Slingbox solo on my Fire TV with no success. I took a chance and sideloaded several APK'S, a lot did not show the video, only sound. I found Slingplayer for tablets 3.4.0 and got it to work, with a little fiddling the quality is not bad (SD) at 2Mps on a wired network. With an Ipad mouse app and an Ipad remote control app It works, I use the Virgin Media Anytime App to change channels. I would like some feedback as to whether or not this is a new discovery or if there is a better APK for the Fire TV out there...... Thanks ....Mark
I had this version loaded on my AFS successfully. However, since I didn;t have Google Play Store, it stopped working after a while since it couldn;t validate my license.
sparkycomuk said:
Hello, I have searched the Internet for a Slingplayer app for my Slingbox solo on my Fire TV with no success. I took a chance and sideloaded several APK'S, a lot did not show the video, only sound. I found Slingplayer for tablets 3.4.0 and got it to work, with a little fiddling the quality is not bad (SD) at 2Mps on a wired network. With an Ipad mouse app and an Ipad remote control app It works, I use the Virgin Media Anytime App to change channels. I would like some feedback as to whether or not this is a new discovery or if there is a better APK for the Fire TV out there...... Thanks ....Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tekweezle said:
I had this version loaded on my AFS successfully. However, since I didn;t have Google Play Store, it stopped working after a while since it couldn;t validate my license.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the apk. The error message doesn't seem to occur until I log out eventually and then doesn't let me back in so just uninstall and reinstall and works again. Isn't ideal but its just like having to log in again after each time.
These versions have worked for me thus far on AFS. The first was made for a phone and second for tablet. I use the one for the tablet as looks a little better and for me has a real remote. Only issue with the slingbox remote was the bottom half was off the screen. To bring it up, using the firestick remote, placed the mouse over the slingbox remote and moving the firestick cursor up first, then held down the firestick select button, letting go when reaches desired location. Mouse must be over the remote throughout. Stays in that position until log out.
bit.ly/2Ovmvis
bit.ly/2ypee5D
This thread is 3 and a half years old so might be a better way out there by now? Something with better quality?
There's a Slingplayer app for the Fire TV. Why aren't you using it?
Sizzlechest said:
There's a Slingplayer app for the Fire TV. Why aren't you using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the slingplayer application for firetv does not work with all slingbox models. I use the app for tablet and I have installed a version of google playstore posted in this forum. For the user interface I use an i7 Rii mini with the function of "air mouse".
1. Google Play Services 11.9.75.apk
2. Google Play Store 8.5.39.apk
3. Google Account Manager 4.4.4.apk
4. Google Gmail (Login Interface) 5.6.102685581.apk
5. SlingPlayer Free for Tablet_v1.0.1.apk
Wow, what an old thread. I mothballed my streaming boxes because cable set top boxes are becoming rare. But while I had them running, my slingbox and Vulkano boxes worked great for streaming live tv!
You can download our free trial apk and install it to fire TV, all of sudden, your fire TV is also a Chromecast receiver.
Please refer to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...p-youmap-chromecast-receiver-android-t3161851
Download this apk: [apk, updated on Jan-17-2016, now version 1.4.0, it will expire on Feb-29-2016]
http://www.youmap.com/YouMapCastReceiver.apk
Instructions: (good for fire TV box and stick)
(1) Enable ADB and USB Debugging - go to Amazon TV, Settings, System, Developer Options > tun on ADB Debugging and USB Debugging
(2) Now, you need to find the ip address of the FireTV device, System > About
(3) Now from another PC, you can use adb command to install the YouMap Chromecast apk.
adb connect your-ip-address-of-firetv
adb install YouMapCastReceiver.apk
(4) reboot fire TV, and it's ready for casting.
Have fun !
Haven't had a chance to try but looking forward to it. I'll edit the post when I do...
Notice no option to buy full version yet. Is there an estimate on what it'll cost?
Update--Sorry. Got some questions right from the start. Usb debugging ejects the usb drive and makes it unusable. Lots of people use an external drive on aftv so this might be a problem.
It works for sure, however, I'm not sure if I'm utilizing it correctly? I was hoping it would mirror my display, but it doesn't appear to, not even if i enable mirroring on aftv. Maybe it's not suppose to...
But, so far the only thing I've gotten it to do is to cast youtube and we can already do that without losing usb functionality. Please correct me if I'm missing something. Thanks.
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
huisinro said:
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Works great BTW. Is it possible to set it up on multiple aftvs and AFTV stick?
yes, you can install it on multiple receivers, you may need to name them differently to differientiate them. Our app has a setting page to specify the name. However, on Fire TV, the setting page won't show up, we are working on a amazon version, that should install directly from Amazon store. it will take some time for that release though.
You can access the Youmap settings page on a Fire TV. From the home page scroll down to Settings, then goto Applications and down to Manage Installed Applications. Then scroll down to Youmap Chromecast Receiver, select it and then select Launch application. That will take you to the Youmap settings.
Ahh, Thanks, darren1. I didn't know that
Its a restriction on all sideloaded apps. they can't be launched straight from the Fire TV home screen. When you release an official version through their appstore anyone purchasing it would be able to launch it from the homescreen.
Well I like it. The chromecast app should be a welcome edition too except I need to reinstall play services. Forgot I had uninstalled it to fix play store crash on launch. But your app is working well. Its more reliable than normal YouTube casting because it doesn't care whether my AFTV is Ethernet, 2.4ghz or 5ghz. Normally I can't connect my phone if its on 2.4 while my AFTV is on 5. Not a lot of time testing but so far lag seems minimal.
It works on my firetv connected straight to router , but it doesnt work on my aftv stick ,complains about port 8008 and uses 8010, but chromecast on my sg3 still doesnt detect it and its on the same network
Sometimes, you need to use google chromecast app Screen Mirroring to search for the device, once it finds the device, it will work. Also try to reboot your router, and on your sending device, try to turn off/on the wifi.
Got play services reinstalled and very impressed with performance and ease of use once its set.
I did have one issue but not sure its related. Both times I used chromecast, my AFTV switched from 5 GHz to 2.4ghz. Doesn't usually drop the signal like that. And it wouldn't normally be an issue but I use mysql and that sometimes won't work properly if all my devices aren't hardwired or on 5ghz.
Do you think this is related to chromecast or should I troubleshoot elsewhere? I know normal screen casting doesn't work for me if the devices are on different frequencies. This one does but wonder if the reason for that is its somehow able to auto change it.
Our youmap receiver does NOT require google play services.
About wifi 2.4 vs 5GHz band, our app does not change that, it uses whatever wifi is currently on. Ethernet is usually much more stable, though.
This works great on my firestick and firetv! Before, I had a few apps that were cast ready (I originally had chromecast) that showed the cast icon. I could no longer cast once I got aftv, the icons didn't even show up in my apps anymore even though I knew it was available. I just watched on my phone only. I dl'd this app to my phone and sideloaded it to my ftvs and ftv via another useful app via my phone. I gave each device a separate name and rebooted. (Oh, and ticked the box to start up with device) Now, my cast icons show up in my favorite apps, and I am able to cast! I am Soo freaken happy!! It also shows both my cast channels.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I noticed in the other thread that it said the app listed would expire today. Since I don't have the play store installed how can I go about getting the paid version or at least continue to use this version?
Will post an update to keep this trial going
The apk has been updated, now expires on August-31-2015.
it fixed the chrome tab mirroring issue, and improved the device discovery. Please give it a try.
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
right, the licensing issue is the last thing we are working on for Amazon store. We are checking if Amazon has similar apis as google play app licensing, still no definite answer yet. If Amazon does not provide such api, we can do it ourselves by entering a license key, not the best way.
Rincewind2011 said:
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason we don't understand yet, chrome tab mirroring works only on fire TV box, not on fire TV stick, all other features are same on both.
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.
Hi,
Been trying to get BT Sport app running on my Fire Stick. I'm aware that it has needed Google Play Services and Store to run for the last year or so and have loaded these but the most recent version of the app that I can get to install without error is 4.13.2 (2018-01-22). But this version just states that a newer version is available and to go to the store and update.
So has anyone got this installed and running recently?
I have a BT Sport subscription so not looking for a free solution (Kodi etc), just want to avoid the need to cast from my phone.
Thanks
mcb7 said:
Hi,
Been trying to get BT Sport app running on my Fire Stick. I'm aware that it has needed Google Play Services and Store to run for the last year or so and have loaded these but the most recent version of the app that I can get to install without error is 4.13.2 (2018-01-22). But this version just states that a newer version is available and to go to the store and update.
So has anyone got this installed and running recently?
I have a BT Sport subscription so not looking for a free solution (Kodi etc), just want to avoid the need to cast from my phone.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also having this issue, it seems that BT have stopped making the APK compatible with Android TV which is needed for it to work on the fire stick. Hence why the APK wont install. I also tried reverting back to older versions of google play services, bt app etc but it forces you to update google services, which once updated then requires you too update the BT app, in short in seems BT have finally found a way to get to charge people extra so they can use the BT TV APP.
Hopefully someone smarter than me can figure out a work around as casting or screen mirroring from a mac are rather crap options.
I use Downloader to update both the BT Sport app from APKPure and then, if needed, Google Play Services from APKMirror.
Still working perfectly for me.
wonneil said:
I use Downloader to update both the BT Sport app from APKPure and then, if needed, Google Play Services from APKMirror.
Still working perfectly for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@wonneil what site are you going to with Downloader to get the BT Sport App apk? Thanks
Apkpure (as already stated )
Current version of BT Sport is 5.11.0
See what happens you try from there...
Doesn't work here, I get an app not installed error.
pedro1977 said:
Doesn't work here, I get an app not installed error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it might be a fire stick only problem then, works fine on the box, hope it doesn't go that way on the box as I'll have to get rid of my subscription.
I wonder what the difference could be?
wonneil said:
Sounds like it might be a fire stick only problem then, works fine on the box, hope it doesn't go that way on the box as I'll have to get rid of my subscription.
I wonder what the difference could be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering the same, i assume you are not rooted and after downloading the apk are manaually installing it. Therefore the only reason must be the sdk version is older on the firsestick as it uses android 5 as opposed to 6. we will have to see if bt sport works on the 4k firestick to prove this. Im not sure which version of the firetv you have but im betting its the newer one with android 6.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Fire_TV
We feel the same way too, continuous price increases, less games and less options to watch any content + less support will eventually result in our cancellation of this subscription and moving away from BT all together for internet too.
Yes you assume correct, it isn't rooted and I install manually after downloading.
I have a first generation fire box which is running software version 5.2.6.7 and Fire TV Home version 6.1.1.0-117
If there does come a time where it stops working for me I'll have to stick to using Ace Stream and saving money on a cheaper (but more data) sim only deal lol
wonneil said:
Yes you assume correct, it isn't rooted and I install manually after downloading.
I have a first generation fire box which is running software version 5.2.6.7 and Fire TV Home version 6.1.1.0-117
If there does come a time where it stops working for me I'll have to stick to using Ace Stream and saving money on a cheaper (but more data) sim only deal lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got my firestick 4k and indeed it does install which means its a version/ sdk issue of some sort. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get it running, it sits on a black screen when starting. Could you indicate on apk mirror (with links) which versions of
google play store
google services framework
google account manager and
google play services you are using, there are many variants so you would have to provide links to each release esp google play services.
I'm especially interested in which google play services version and variant you are using. I've noticed when testing some of these other apps fail to load.
I'm using the latest BT Sport apk.
wonneil said:
Yes you assume correct, it isn't rooted and I install manually after downloading.
I have a first generation fire box which is running software version 5.2.6.7 and Fire TV Home version 6.1.1.0-117
If there does come a time where it stops working for me I'll have to stick to using Ace Stream and saving money on a cheaper (but more data) sim only deal lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to help with this???
I have been able to get BT sport app working on all my fire tv devices (fireTV 4k, 2nd gen Firestick etc etc). It took quite a lot of messing around but I finally have it down to 4 files including the BT sport app itself
Sav1975 said:
I have been able to get BT sport app working on all my fire tv devices (fireTV 4k, 2nd gen Firestick etc etc). It took quite a lot of messing around but I finally have it down to 4 files including the BT sport app itself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please share which files, which repo and which versions worked for you and if the order of installation was important, that too. Thanks
Sav1975 said:
I have been able to get BT sport app working on all my fire tv devices (fireTV 4k, 2nd gen Firestick etc etc). It took quite a lot of messing around but I finally have it down to 4 files including the BT sport app itself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there
Was there any further progress on this one?
Ave just got a Firestick and would like to get my Bt Sport is onto the tv if possible via the stick.
Thanks in advance.
Woody
I put the diggz repo mod on my firestick and I get all the sports sometimes I have to dig a little. But I always find a sport that I'm looking for ,always