Develop Bugs

[Q] General KF questions

I got some questions I hope you can help with. My mom has a Kindle Fire that she just got to use because she didn't have the proper internet (that's a long story).
Questions:
1. If she roots this and changes roms will she lose 'Kindle' functionality? Is there a workaround to get it back?
2. Does dual boot allow her to keep the original Kindle rom and have a custom rom?
3. She is out of town so I can't get to her Kindle right away. Does Amazon have some kind of OTA updates? Is there a way to disable them until she gets the opportunity to root? I don't want Amazon closing any security holes before the device gets modified.
Thanks!

bird333 said:
I got some questions I hope you can help with. My mom has a Kindle Fire that she just got to use because she didn't have the proper internet (that's a long story).
Questions:
1. If she roots this and changes roms will she lose 'Kindle' functionality? Is there a workaround to get it back?
2. Does dual boot allow her to keep the original Kindle rom and have a custom rom?
3. She is out of town so I can't get to her Kindle right away. Does Amazon have some kind of OTA updates? Is there a way to disable them until she gets the opportunity to root? I don't want Amazon closing any security holes before the device gets modified.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Certain priveleges, like Video On Demand and Lending Library, are disabled on rooted devices. OTA Rootkeeper and other similar apps can temporarily unroot the device to access these features. I've never done it so I couldn't say how effective it is.
2) Yes
3) MoDaCo ROM, is a customized version of the stock ROM with OTA disabled and various other improvements. Like any custom ROM it is rooted, so certain priveleges will be inaccessible until it is unrooted as mentioned before. Having said that, the likeliness of getting another OTA update for this device any time soon is pretty low.

soupmagnet said:
1) Certain priveleges, like Video On Demand and Lending Library, are disabled on rooted devices. OTA Rootkeeper and other similar apps can temporarily unroot the device to access these features. I've never done it so I couldn't say how effective it is.
2) Yes
3) MoDaCo ROM, is a customized version of the stock ROM with OTA disabled and various other improvements. Like any custom ROM it is rooted, so certain priveleges will be inaccessible until it is unrooted as mentioned before. Having said that, the likeliness of getting another OTA update for this device any time soon is pretty low.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. So you can't disable OTA on the stock rom? Does it give you the opportunity to decline the update? Like I said she just started using it so she probably doesn't have any updates on it yet.

bird333 said:
Thanks for the reply. So you can't disable OTA on the stock rom? Does it give you the opportunity to decline the update? Like I said she just started using it so she probably doesn't have any updates on it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable OTA on a rooted device by renaming a certain file. Otherwise, if an OTA does come around, it can't be declined. Furthermore, OTA updates have been known to soft brick devices to a point where a factory cable is needed to fix them.
With that being said, rooted Kindle Fires, and Kindle Fires running custom ROMs, require a certain level of knowledge/maintenance to make sure everything stays running smoothly. Anyone not invested/prepared is open to certain problems resulting from it.
Simply put, having a rooted/modified device is probably not the best choice for the technically challenged.
[Edit:] Also, and this is very important, if the Kindle Fire in question is brand new or purchased since Nov. 2012, you may have a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, in which case disregard everything that has been said here because you could permanently brick the device by using any of the methods found in the these (KF1) forums.

soupmagnet said:
You can disable OTA on a rooted device by renaming a certain file. Otherwise, if an OTA does come around, it can't be declined. Furthermore, OTA updates have been known to soft brick devices to a point where a factory cable is needed to fix them.
With that being said, rooted Kindle Fires, and Kindle Fires running custom ROMs, require a certain level of knowledge/maintenance to make sure everything stays running smoothly. Anyone not invested/prepared is open to certain problems resulting from it.
Simply put, having a rooted/modified device is probably not the best choice for the technically challenged.
[Edit:] Also, and this is very important, if the Kindle Fire in question is brand new or purchased since Nov. 2012, you may have a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, in which case disregard everything that has been said here because you could permanently brick the device by using any of the methods found in the these (KF1) forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure it's version 1. She has had it over a year and hadn't been able to use it until now. I'll have her check the software version to be sure. Thanks for the help.

Getting Updates?

I just unblocked my rooted AFTV to check for the remote control update but it's not showing any. I also checked for a system update but none are showing there either. I rebooted the unit to see if that would trigger anything but nothing. I am currently on version 51.1.0.2....and my remote version is 349 (I believe the update is 351?) Any idea how to get the updates?
Thanks!!

Something tells me that is Amazon's scheme since we now have root access for the old and current update,and they are leaving it unaccessible until they patch root in the next update.
Now we have to risk bricking our Fire TVs when installing the update manually using root access.

retroben said:
Something tells me that is Amazon's scheme since we now have root access for the old and current update,and they are leaving it unaccessible until they patch root in the next update.
Now we have to risk bricking our Fire TVs when installing the update manually using root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's weird that others are getting the updates...there must me something to entice the update to start? PLus I'd be willing to unroot since I'm not really using it much anyway...I only sideloaded a few apps with Terminal....but I believe that can be done anyway...

mikespe said:
But it's weird that others are getting the updates...there must me something to entice the update to start? PLus I'd be willing to unroot since I'm not really using it much anyway...I only sideloaded a few apps with Terminal....but I believe that can be done anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to Amazon support, if you can get one who is even aware of the update, the update is being rolled out incrementally but he didn;t know if it was XXXX amount a night or a week.

retroben said:
Something tells me that is Amazon's scheme since we now have root access for the old and current update,and they are leaving it unaccessible until they patch root in the next update.
Now we have to risk bricking our Fire TVs when installing the update manually using root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Humm.. couldn't you just do a "factory reset" I just assumed that option would restore your FTV back to "NEW" condition... hence wiping everything you've added, but I don't see how that would put you in risk of "Bricking"
I'm saying this, as I thought about this myself, because it seems so easy to add XBMC root, and sideload the few apps I use.
Of course my system is very simple and basic. the only options I've added is to launch XBMC using the 'Classic TV' llama app, swap ... and swapped out the preview graphic.
I could probably redue my whole system from scratch (including a restore from XBMC) in 15-20 mins.

Even without root, not everybody has the update yet.

Chance of root for 51.1.4.1?

Hi,
I thought about rooting my firetv and while checking the firmware version I noted that this thing apparently updates itself without asking... (I didn't use it for a while and thought it might still be on a rootable firmware).
I now took some precautions and blocked the update servers to prevent any further updates. But yeah, I'm on a firmware version that currently is unrootable and was wondering: Is there any chance someone will root this firmware? Are there any people actively working on finding exploits on the firetv or are they happy with their already rooted devices?
Regards,
Hidden

Hidden92 said:
Hi,
I thought about rooting my firetv and while checking the firmware version I noted that this thing apparently updates itself without asking... (I didn't use it for a while and thought it might still be on a rootable firmware).
I now took some precautions and blocked the update servers to prevent any further updates. But yeah, I'm on a firmware version that currently is unrootable and was wondering: Is there any chance someone will root this firmware? Are there any people actively working on finding exploits on the firetv or are they happy with their already rooted devices?
Regards,
Hidden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, depend on what use you have for the FireTV, root is not necessary unless you want to do more than just use XBMC/Kodi. About people finding root for FireTV, you just have to wait. Most devs are busy porting Lollipop to old phones. Once somebody has free time, a root will be found for the FireTV. This is not the Apple TV 3rd generation, which is in root limbo for almost 3 years already.

i'd be doubtful on someone ever finding a software root for the fireTV specifically, there really isnt anyone actively developing anything for the FTV except rbox, if it gets rooted via software again.. its going to be an exploit developed for a different phone that just happens to work on the Firetv i bet.

Towelroot was developped after a bounty was set-up... maybe we could try the same thing ? I would find it ok to reward someone (and maybe amazon would see we want root / USB access...)

ChriKn said:
Towelroot was developped after a bounty was set-up... maybe we could try the same thing ? I would find it ok to reward someone (and maybe amazon would see we want root / USB access...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there was a bounty already.. it was paid out to jcase for root in the early days.. he chose to keep it private.. its possible towelroot was based on that same exploit but i dont know myself. Root on the newest firmware wont do much but allow you to enable USB support. Any custom recovery or custom firmware will not be possible with the current stuff we have available from rbox so i doubt anyone is going to put in too much effort into finding a new exploit.

nhumber said:
there was a bounty already.. it was paid out to jcase for root in the early days.. he chose to keep it private.. its possible towelroot was based on that same exploit but i dont know myself. Root on the newest firmware wont do much but allow you to enable USB support. Any custom recovery or custom firmware will not be possible with the current stuff we have available from rbox so i doubt anyone is going to put in too much effort into finding a new exploit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root jcase had was a vulnerability in Android. Towelroot was a vulnerability in the kernel.
*IF* there ever is a new software root method for the FireTV, I would probably start up my work with Safestrap again. I did manage to get it somewhat working before I abandoned it for the bootloader unlock method.

vi6s said:
To be honest, depend on what use you have for the FireTV, root is not necessary unless you want to do more than just use XBMC/Kodi. About people finding root for FireTV, you just have to wait. Most devs are busy porting Lollipop to old phones. Once somebody has free time, a root will be found for the FireTV. This is not the Apple TV 3rd generation, which is in root limbo for almost 3 years already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rbox said:
The root jcase had was a vulnerability in Android. Towelroot was a vulnerability in the kernel.
*IF* there ever is a new software root method for the FireTV, I would probably start up my work with Safestrap again. I did manage to get it somewhat working before I abandoned it for the bootloader unlock method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rbox. Thats interesting. I wanted to give my parents a rooted device as the one I gave them was rooted but not blocked with updates. Therefore I purchased another one from amazon for 69 and thankfully got lucky. If root come out, then I'll have an extra as a backup.
With Root, there are a few things I personally like.
1. Google Play. Can buy emulators
2. Google Music
3. Power Options on Xbmx.
Currently I believe there is a hardware rooting method that has been released.

Forgive my ignorance...but I just bought a Fire TV yesterday with the hopes of being able to play movies off of my external HD by rooting it, installing XBMC, and side loading Stick Mount. What sort of options do I have now that I'm stuck on 51.1.4.1?

GNEXUZ said:
Forgive my ignorance...but I just bought a Fire TV yesterday with the hopes of being able to play movies off of my external HD by rooting it, installing XBMC, and side loading Stick Mount. What sort of options do I have now that I'm stuck on 51.1.4.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for root...
If you hook that drive up to another computer, you can probably share it from there. Without root, the FireTV USB is useless for storage.
I recently picked up a rootable FireTV from a local BestBuy, so they are still out there in the USA.

the fire tv i just got from amazon the other day was rootable it was on 51.1.01 so i would say if the one u have isnt rootable to return it and get another. make sure to block the updates so it wont update when u turn it on.

[Q] Should I update Firmware?

So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

jonandi said:
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should definitely should root aftv. This gives you more freedom to do what you want with fire tv, example use usb as external hard drive, install Google play store, ect. If you update youre fire tv with amazon latest updates You will not be able to root.
Follow this guide root your firetv http://www.aftvnews.com/start/, read first before you start and follow steps carefully. The end process will guide you hoe to upgrade to prerooted firmware if you wish too.
FYI when you push update Firmware to aftv over Wi fi with adb it takes a long time, mine took over 40 min. The guide does not mention this so be patient. Double check each step and adb commands some folks have bricked there fire tv by not following steps in order.
Thanks

jonandi said:
I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?

wellersl said:
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.

jonandi said:
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:

wellersl said:
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root the device! Plus they may never give user the option to use USB but instead come out with Amazon Fire TV 2 with 16gb, 32gb or future updates might block you from side loading apps, who know what future updates will bring.
thank you

Rooted Gen 1 FireTV - I don't really use Root, am I missing anything updating to 5.0?

So I rooted my 1st Gen FireTV as soon as I got it, and I think I'm on the very first Firmware. I had blocked OTA updates and as far as I know have never updated. that being said, I don't think I've ever done much that actually used the Root functionality. The only thing I really do is use Kodi 15.1 annnnndddd thats it.
I do own an Amazon Echo, and saw that Alexa is now part of the new FTV update. Not sure if I can link them together and just boss my FTV around via the Echo or not, but I like the idea of more / updated functionality from my FireTV
Soooo thoughts? Am I missing anything great by updating and giving up Root? I have seen that I could update with pre-rooted firmware but then I would have to install CRM / Recovery, then do incrimental upgrades after installing a Bootmenu, etc. That seems like a lot of stuff I need in place and a lot of points of failure or bricking for something I'm not sure I even need =/
If so, what would you suggest is the easiest way to re-enable OTA updates? I was going to ADB and use pm enable com.amazon.dcp Thanks for any advice, by the way, I'm pretty new at this.

Well OK then =/

Well, like many things, the answer is up to you.
If you have no need for root then you have no need to for root.
I like, many others, prefer the option of having root, recovery and unlocked bootloaders.
If you don't use anything Amazon and only use it for Kodi then root will give you the ability to freeze the FireTV Launcher have Kodi set as Home.
Installing recovery and a updated pre-rooted ROM isn't too difficult and you've done the 'hard' part by having root already.
Update wise, unless you want to be running the latest versions then yes you'll have to on top of it otherwise you can just update to the current version and be done with it.
You can check back every now and then to see what the additional updates from Amazon fix or what features it adds and decide then if you want to update.