So I'm having extreme frustrations with the native Youtube app for my Fire TV Stick. It's often slow, randomly crashes, CONSTANTLY lags without fail, and I can't even use the Amazon Fire TV Android app to type to search. It's just not an overall well done app for the Stick at least. I can't speak about the Fire TV Box, which I might purchase due to some sluggishness with the Stick (i.e. Youtube, Kodi, etc) So, I've tried other alternatives on the Amazon Appstore. Namely OneTube. It works decently, but it doesn't look too pretty, is difficult to find things when I don't know what I want to watch, and no Cast/pair support.
The older Youtube for Google TV works well, but unfortunately, when using the remote, I can't click the search box to search anything lol.
I've used the Youtube for Android TV 1.0.5.5 app(sideloaded) and, minus the regular complaints about the app itself, runs great! No lag, videos work fine, and I can type to search with the Amazon Fire TV app on my phone. Downside is that I can't seem to find a pair device setting in the app itself :/ Now maybe I need to sideload google play services in order to get it to show up? I'm not sure, but I thought that was only necessary if you wanted to sign into your YouTube account.
So my question is are there any alternate YouTube players that work well, or is there a way to pair my device with the new Youtube for Android TV app?
The kodi YouTube app works very well and you could use yatse to cast videos to it.
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It would great to sideload the cheapcast app in order to turn the FTV into a remote Google Play Music streamer, and also to send the occasional youtube video over without having to manually search for something with the remote.
floepie said:
It would great to sideload the cheapcast app in order to turn the FTV into a remote Google Play Music streamer, and also to send the occasional youtube video over without having to manually search for something with the remote.
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Cheapcast is pretty much broken since after Google released Chromecast SDK. The Allcast app by koush is supposed to be compatible with FTV.
adfurgerson said:
Cheapcast is pretty much broken since after Google released Chromecast SDK. The Allcast app by koush is supposed to be compatible with FTV.
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Click to collapse
Allcast by koush is already on the Amazon app store, you can install it directly from the fire tv without side loading it, is under entertainment category.
2fastkuztoms said:
Allcast by koush is already on the Amazon app store, you can install it directly from the fire tv without side loading it, is under entertainment category.
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Click to collapse
If you look in playstore it lists ftv as compatible along with chromecast, xbox360, roku , appletv, etc. which would seem to indicate ftv can be used to receive content from another device. Side loading cheapcast would be done in order to receive on ftv also, but OP doesn't mention what device they want to send from.
adfurgerson said:
If you look in playstore it lists ftv as compatible along with chromecast, xbox360, roku , appletv, etc. which would seem to indicate ftv can be used to receive content from another device. Side loading cheapcast would be done in order to receive on ftv also, but OP doesn't mention what device they want to send from.
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Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as OP and this thread seems to be going off the rails.
The reason we want CheapCast to work on FireTV is so that we can mirror tabs from a Windows or Mac laptop onto the Fire TV. AllCast does not help here at all.
The question is can you install CheapCast on FireTV and use it to mirror a Chrome tab to the Fire TV from your laptop.
Well, I was hoping that Cheapcast could be run as a service in the background on the FTV to listen for casting requests from the various Android compatible apps just like the CC does. Essentially, it would allow the FTV to become an AppleTV in the iOS world, so that if you send something to the FTV, it would immediately stop whatever it was playing and directly play that which was casted (youtube vids, play music, etc.).
Thats fine but if you had of read the first reply, Cheapcast is practically dead! Google updated the sdk and since then cheapcast has had limited uses, there's a few apps still using the old sdk but as soon as they are updated they will no longer work as well. If chrome tabs are still working they wont for much longer.
The developers own post on the matter
floepie said:
Well, I was hoping that Cheapcast could be run as a service in the background on the FTV to listen for casting requests from the various Android compatible apps just like the CC does. Essentially, it would allow the FTV to become an AppleTV in the iOS world, so that if you send something to the FTV, it would immediately stop whatever it was playing and directly play that which was casted (youtube vids, play music, etc.).
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Click to collapse
This may be worth a look.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waxrain.airplayer&hl=en
adfurgerson said:
This may be worth a look.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waxrain.airplayer&hl=en
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Click to collapse
Nope, that won't solve the problem. We want to emulate a Chromecast dongle. This way we can still use the Chromecast features from our phones/tablets.
Chinpokomon said:
Nope, that won't solve the problem. We want to emulate a Chromecast dongle. This way we can still use the Chromecast features from our phones/tablets.
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Yep I read that wrong. How bout this?
http://www.droid-life.com/2014/05/1...sic-pictures-and-video-to-any-android-device/
adfurgerson said:
Yep I read that wrong. How bout this?
http://www.droid-life.com/2014/05/1...sic-pictures-and-video-to-any-android-device/
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Click to collapse
Nope. That's the same problem. With FireTV, you can't use Google services. So there isn't a way to use Play Music, or download apps from the Play Store, or stream movies from Play Movies and TV. Cheapcast looked like a was an app that looked like a Chromecast dongle, so in theory you could install the app on FireTV and have the best of both worlds.
Another 6 months went by, any update? Just got the fire tv stick, it's so cool, runs kodi perfectly. Would be good to have Cheapcast or similar running to imitate a Chromecast...
does the fire tv support "regular hulu" (NOT huluplus)? i.e., since hulu provides many tv series for free on android now, does that see the fire tv also as a regular android device and work? can someone confirm whether that works.
also, i would also like to know if apps like WatchABC, CBS, A&E etc show the full episodes that come free (without entering subscription info) on a regular android phone/device.
i use these apps greatly for catching up on TV and would like to know whether the behavior is same on fire tv as well.
thanks.
AFAIK most apps see the FireTV as an Android device unless the developer specifically has it work differently with FireTV.
thanks. it would be nice to get confirmation though.
i guess, once rooted, we can always change the build.prop to say it is a "nexus 7" etc?
my fire tv is stuck on the "we are unable to contact our servers, we will keep trying" thing.
i have rebooted like 20 times. also, using keyboard (logitech K400) to get into recovery like here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799779 doesn't work as well.
edit - ok after reading this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54976459&postcount=26 i had a better idea and was able to get to recovery and wipe.
but, still couldn't get past the above message.
finally, i put a keyword block for "51.1.2" on the router (removed other blocks) and let it ride. first it updated to 51.1.0.2_user_510058520 and then later after getting in to 51.1.1.0_user_511070220.
i now have root and xbmc. will update as i play with it.
thanks all.
For me the CBS app does work on my stock FTV. Since it isn't an official FTV app, I had to side load it and start it from the settings menu. It also requires a mouse to navigate in the app. That said it performs better and is less trouble to use than the alternatives I've tried (Plex or Playon server). Its a shame CBS doesn't revise their app to FTV, since they allow its use on most other android devices.
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Nomedias said:
For me the CBS app does work on my stock FTV. Since it isn't an official FTV app, I had to side load it and start it from the settings menu. It also requires a mouse to navigate in the app. That said it performs better and is less trouble to use than the alternatives I've tried (Plex or Playon server). Its a shame CBS doesn't revise their app to FTV, since they allow its use on most other android devices.
Sent from my TouchPad using XDA Premium HD app
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thanks. hulu (checked for the FREE version), a&e and cbs are working for me now.
hope they don't start blocking this device .
Just a general question:
Do all android apps work on FireTV as long as I sideload them?
Can I assume that apps from the play store are the same as from the amazon store?
I bought the Plex App for android and I don't want to pay full price now for something that I already bought
A lot of apps work fine,but the 3.0.x Twitch does not work so you'd have to get the older 2.5.0 version.
The Amazon versions of Twitch and YouTube suck when compared to the real apps for anyone that has a K400r Keyboard to control the apps with.
Alternatively since the original YouTube app requires Play Services,you can get the YouTube HD MOD and install it on Fire TV without root.
It is on XDA itself.
All widgets do not work at all.
Only the Memory Booster rectangle and a few other things "widgety" will work.
Cirno5 said:
Just a general question:
Do all android apps work on FireTV as long as I sideload them?
Can I assume that apps from the play store are the same as from the amazon store?
I bought the Plex App for android and I don't want to pay full price now for something that I already bought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not all android apps work on the FireTV.
Some show up wrong because they are portrait mode. So show up fine, but doesn't seem to accept any types of input at all. Some just fail to load.
Guess I will have to try then
You can always get an app that forces the orientation to be landscape so you can run those portrait apps in landscape mode.
Screen Rotation Control from "jubo co" works well,but will need to be set again if you ctrl+alt+delete to reset your Fire TV or when anything else causes your Fire TV to go off like power outages.
Too bad this app don't have a "set on boot" option.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bong.android.androidlock
The latest Plex App works fine after sideloading
..
So I know there's a Smart Youtube app and Ive installed it. Is there any way to cast my iphone and YouTube TV to my FireTV? If not was toying around with getting an Apple TV
Thanks
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sparker781 said:
So I know there's a Smart Youtube app and Ive installed it. Is there any way to cast my iphone and YouTube TV to my FireTV? If not was toying around with getting an Apple TV
Thanks
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Click to collapse
https://www.reddit.com/r/firetvstick/comments/7n20hc/casting_with_smart_youtube_tv/
With the Smart YouTube TV app you've installed on your Fire TV, technically no.
The regular YouTube app (and by extension the Smart YouTube TV) doesn't use the proper Chromecast protocol - it uses a different, 'cut-down' version called DIAL. More information about this protocol can be found here.
It seems that I'm in a similar situation as you are - I've got a Fire TV, however also want to cast things to it. A native YouTube TV app would be nice as well!
Unfortunately Amazon and Google still haven't sorted their differences, hence waiting for a native YouTube TV app for FireOS might be foolish at this stage. As you can see in your other post on the topic, there does seem to be developer movement in figuring out how to successfully side-load YouTube TV. Fingers crossed.
From my research as of now, you might want to consider getting a different streaming media player - you'd probably want an Apple TV (if you have an iPhone), and I'm thinking of getting a Nvidia Shield TV (since it supports all the streaming services and has chromecast functionality built-in).
your_posse said:
With the Smart YouTube TV app you've installed on your Fire TV, technically no.
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But that's fine, I have the Smart YouTube TV app connected with my smartphone by ID and now I can stream and controll from the Phone-YouTube app to the Fire TV app .
i found a workaround for now. Can cast from my iphone to my Xbox One
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your_posse said:
With the Smart YouTube TV app you've installed on your Fire TV, technically no.
The regular YouTube app (and by extension the Smart YouTube TV) doesn't use the proper Chromecast protocol - it uses a different, 'cut-down' version called DIAL. More information about this protocol can be found here.
It seems that I'm in a similar situation as you are - I've got a Fire TV, however also want to cast things to it. A native YouTube TV app would be nice as well!
Unfortunately Amazon and Google still haven't sorted their differences, hence waiting for a native YouTube TV app for FireOS might be foolish at this stage. As you can see in your other post on the topic, there does seem to be developer movement in figuring out how to successfully side-load YouTube TV. Fingers crossed.
From my research as of now, you might want to consider getting a different streaming media player - you'd probably want an Apple TV (if you have an iPhone), and I'm thinking of getting a Nvidia Shield TV (since it supports all the streaming services and has chromecast functionality built-in).
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Click to collapse
I am waiting for delivery of a Channel Master Stream+ made by Technicolor:
https://www.channelmaster.com/Stream_Plus_p/cm-7600.htm
It arrived at their ware house last week. When they will ship to buyers remains unseen. And, will Netflix be supported and USB hard drive be enabled. it does has Micro SD DVR for now. My goal is OTA DVR for Locals and stream the rest. Tried a Shield Pro last summer but the remote was dead and support was less than helpful. Sent it back. Curious as to why the pro has been discontinued.
rainman74 said:
But that's fine, I have the Smart YouTube TV app connected with my smartphone by ID and now I can stream and controll from the Phone-YouTube app to the Fire TV app .
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Click to collapse
Yes, and that's all you'll be able to do with the 'Smart YouTube TV' app - it only supports sending video links from YouTube --> YouTube (and other limited uses) using the DIAL protocol.
OP specifically asked for casting abilities (I'm presuming more Chromecast- or AirPlay-like), so that they can cast not just YouTube, but also other apps (such as 'YouTube TV'). This is definitely not supported with the alternative 'Smart YouTube TV' app at this stage.
If you have an Xbox One, then this supports casting from iOS and Android (as OP stated above).
Various other media streaming box options exist that have full casting abilities built-in (such as the Channel Master Stream+ @schneid has mentioned). This device actually looks pretty interesting, and I'd like to hear about your experience with the device when it eventually gets shipped @schneid !
schneid said:
I am waiting for delivery of a Channel Master Stream+ made by Technicolor:
https://www.channelmaster.com/Stream_Plus_p/cm-7600.htm
It arrived at their ware house last week. When they will ship to buyers remains unseen. And, will Netflix be supported and USB hard drive be enabled. it does has Micro SD DVR for now. My goal is OTA DVR for Locals and stream the rest. Tried a Shield Pro last summer but the remote was dead and support was less than helpful. Sent it back. Curious as to why the pro has been discontinued.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Stream+ was shipped and lost in the mail. Probably a good thing. I've been reading on AVSForum and the product seems to be a disaster:
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hdtv-recorders/2963228-official-channel-master-stream-owner-s-thread.html
schneid said:
My Stream+ was shipped and lost in the mail. Probably a good thing. I've been reading on AVSForum and the product seems to be a disaster:
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...ial-channel-master-stream-owner-s-thread.html
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Click to collapse
Well that stinks. Hope you'll get reimbursed for it!
What device do you think you'll get as a substitute in the meantime?
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Hi,
I'm having a FireTV1. My main goal is to install something with that multiple smartphones can be used to control youtube streaming on the firetv.
Important is that it should work without having to login to a youtube account on the firetv. Because eg my wife and me having different youtube accounts, both active on the smartphone.
As both of us should be able to stream youtube content to firetv directly, it would be bad if the firetv has to be logged in to one of the accounts. As in this case only one of our smartphones could take control of the firetv.
If there is some app, but that requires installing custom systems like kodi, that would be fine.
I'm a bit lost in the possibilities and would be happy for any advise how to achieve that.
Thanks!
membersound said:
Hi,
I'm having a FireTV1. My main goal is to install something with that multiple smartphones can be used to control youtube streaming on the firetv.
Important is that it should work without having to login to a youtube account on the firetv. Because eg my wife and me having different youtube accounts, both active on the smartphone.
As both of us should be able to stream youtube content to firetv directly, it would be bad if the firetv has to be logged in to one of the accounts. As in this case only one of our smartphones could take control of the firetv.
If there is some app, but that requires installing custom systems like kodi, that would be fine.
I'm a bit lost in the possibilities and would be happy for any advise how to achieve that.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your first issue is there is no YouTube app for FireTV. You can thank the Amazon vs Google war for that. You can only screen mirror Amazon devices to Fire TV devices.
Secondly, what you’re describing would function best using a Google Chromecast, that way anyone on your WiFi, can cast YouTube and many other apps, from their phone to the Chromecast device.
Ok I see. Though our primary use is amazon prime video. So I hoped for having just one player...
So there is no way throwing videos on firetv in any case?
(I'd like to avoid screen mirroring. I tried that multiple times without satisfying results).
membersound said:
Ok I see. Though our primary use is amazon prime video. So I hoped for having just one player...
So there is no way throwing videos on firetv in any case?
(I'd like to avoid screen mirroring. I tried that multiple times without satisfying results).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can have just one player, but the Fire tv devices are cheaply made. I’ve not had great success with them.
Now I’m using Roku, which still will let me do Amazon video. Not sure on screen mirroring but it does have a YouTube app. I’ll have to check if it will support multiple accounts in the app.
Without doing mirroring, I’m not sure what you mean by “throwing” videos on the screen.
You can cast YouTube to the fire stick pretty easily. I followed this guide to set it up. https://youtu.be/Fpjaqw7CAMg
@Jeffro2700 great, thanks! that worked.
so the only tradeoff is that I first have to start the youtube firefox/silk browser page before I can send videos from my phone to firetv, correct?
If you're a Kodi user with an Android phone, I highly recommend installing the youtube addon for kodi, and installing the yatse remote for kodi app. Once you've done that you can use Share > Play on Media Server (an option enabled with a Yatse installation), and it will cast it to the Kodi system the yatse app is currently controlling. Those are the broad strokes. If you want more info, like how to enable youtube videos > 720P/30 in Kodi, let me know.
Alternatively, you could try sideloading the Smart YouTube TV app from here: https://smartyoutubetv.github.io