Hey guys, I just grabbed a KF HD 8.9 off ebay for my wife for $225. I tried to convince her to go with a Nexus7, but she wanted the larger screen. Our previous phones were Android, so she'd be familiar with the Fire if the answers to my questions are positive. Here's a few questions I have if someone can please help me out:
1) From what I've seen reading on here, we can root the device and add the Google Play store. Is this correct? Are there any caveats to this (i.e., you must to do X or Y to be able to download apps after adding it)?
2) If I can install a customer launcher for her (I don't know what the current options are, but there was Nova, Launcher Pro, GoLauncher, etc when we had Android devices), would this largely cause the device to actually LOOK like normal Android? I don't see why there would be any issues, but I just want to clarify.
3) It appears (again, from reading on here), that you can sideload apps (I used the "allow unknown sources" box on my phone). Is that correct?
4) Is the HDMI out reliable?
I would install CM10 and call it a day, but it sounds like there are currently audio and HDMI issues on it, and those are two things we'll use a good bit.
I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but it was the only one I saw devoted to the 8.9" version. These questions may not really matter for the differences in model, but I wanted to be sure I targeted the right audience,
Thanks for any help provided.
I've done much of what you are asking about using the following thread:-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2096888
It's a long read, but worth it.
I'm using GoLauncher HD, and have live wallpapers up and running too - it looks just like any other android device.
The caveats are that some apps will not install/update from Google play - but will probably work if sideloaded. Added to that, Amazon will update your tablet and remove all your hard work if they get the chance - the thread provides tools to minimise this threat as well.
PS I've got a Nexus 7 too - much better tablet in all respects except screen size - that's why I got the KF8.9 as well.
Good luck
Thanks for the quick reply. If I remember correctly, you could disable updates on previous Android devices, is this not the case with the KFHD? The software wouldn't be the newest, but data wouldn't be wiped, either.
Amazon are pushing un-notified updates through various channels - you won't know until you suddenly lose root and all your google apps.
Very friendly user facing company NOT !!!
praed0r said:
Amazon are pushing un-notified updates through various channels - you won't know until you suddenly lose root and all your google apps.
Very friendly user facing company NOT !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. In that case, I might just sideload a launcher. Didn't know it was all going to be this much trouble
I have the kindle fire hd 8.9 and it rooted fine and I have a launcher on it which makes it look like a normal android tablet with Google apps. Have had no issues yet with Amazon forcing updates but if it happens it can't be that hard to block it.... some apps in play store won't install due to compatibility issues....but market helper app solves that.. or you can install the apk manually
CyCaboose said:
I have the kindle fire hd 8.9 and it rooted fine and I have a launcher on it which makes it look like a normal android tablet with Google apps. Have had no issues yet with Amazon forcing updates but if it happens it can't be that hard to block it.... some apps in play store won't install due to compatibility issues....but market helper app solves that.. or you can install the apk manually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I doubt my wife would require many apps that are unavailable on Amazon anyways (if any).
I confirm that the HDMI works very well on my TV
Hi everyone!
I have just gotten my Ouya device today and installed apps from my Samsung Galaxy S3 like Netflix, Youtube and XBMC... I did try installing some other apps called Showbox, USTV, and TVPortal but the thing is, they do install and when you launch them it goes back to the Ouya homescreen. Is there a way to run *any* android app on the Ouya even if modding the console itself or the apk file of the app? I would like those certain apps to work. If there is none I guess I will be selling it on the market.
Thank you.
-John
johnsnow5440 said:
Hi everyone!
I have just gotten my Ouya device today and installed apps from my Samsung Galaxy S3 like Netflix, Youtube and XBMC... I did try installing some other apps called Showbox, USTV, and TVPortal but the thing is, they do install and when you launch them it goes back to the Ouya homescreen. Is there a way to run *any* android app on the Ouya even if modding the console itself or the apk file of the app? I would like those certain apps to work. If there is none I guess I will be selling it on the market.
Thank you.
-John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
netflix, look for the 1.8.1 apk I beleive, you can find it on XDA here.
For youtube, I forget which version, Ill have to check mine and get back to you.
XBMC you can get from OUYA itself, you dont need to sideload it.
I found it best to get the amazon app store installed. Most apps on this seem to run good, since the hardware is similar to the kindle and nexus 7.
I used HULU from the amazon app store and it runs fine.
Im seeing more and more the version 1 of the OUYA was a bit of a disappointment and I was a kickstart backer (only 20$ though).
IF (big IF) they create a version 2 Im sure it will be much better but version one buyers and kickstart backers better get something for being R&D
tevil said:
netflix, look for the 1.8.1 apk I beleive, you can find it on XDA here.
For youtube, I forget which version, Ill have to check mine and get back to you.
XBMC you can get from OUYA itself, you dont need to sideload it.
I found it best to get the amazon app store installed. Most apps on this seem to run good, since the hardware is similar to the kindle and nexus 7.
I used HULU from the amazon app store and it runs fine.
Im seeing more and more the version 1 of the OUYA was a bit of a disappointment and I was a kickstart backer (only 20$ though).
IF (big IF) they create a version 2 Im sure it will be much better but version one buyers and kickstart backers better get something for being R&D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's fine. I sold it within 2 days because I don't like I can't install all android apps. It was very good with XBMC though
I have been using xbmc for a while but I am new to using it on top of android. I recently sold me AppleTv and made the swtich to the Fire and I am very happy with my decision so far. That said launching the apps is a real pain. If I could get them in the actual fireTv menu this would be much more ideal as I am sure everyone agrees. To my knowledge that is still not possible at this point. So I am curious how everyone is running their apps. I have read some about launchers in XBMC is this the way to go? What is the best way to set this up?
Thanks
mcsephoenix said:
I have been using xbmc for a while but I am new to using it on top of android. I recently sold me AppleTv and made the swtich to the Fire and I am very happy with my decision so far. That said launching the apps is a real pain. If I could get them in the actual fireTv menu this would be much more ideal as I am sure everyone agrees. To my knowledge that is still not possible at this point. So I am curious how everyone is running their apps. I have read some about launchers in XBMC is this the way to go? What is the best way to set this up?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sideload firedtv its the best option i've found for myself
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2782307
I use XBMC as my launcher. You can add apps to your favourites to launch them easily or even integrate them into your skin if your skin permits it. Works very well so far. Only thing I use the Amazon launcher for is to force stop an App if it is stuck, still looking for a suitable app manager for this so I can ditch the Amazon launcher all together.
Is there any way to get the best of both worlds and use the fired launcher as the stock launcher but still be able to load apps from within XBMC. I am trying to keep this as user friendly as possible for the family who is a little overwhelmed by xbmc still.
mcsephoenix said:
Is there any way to get the best of both worlds and use the fired launcher as the stock launcher but still be able to load apps from within XBMC. I am trying to keep this as user friendly as possible for the family who is a little overwhelmed by xbmc still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This XBMC Launcher gives the best of both worlds and works great. There is a bit of a learning curve, as the Fire TV must be rooted for it to work. But well worth the effort when completed.
mjbxx said:
This XBMC Launcher gives the best of both worlds and works great. There is a bit of a learning curve, as the Fire TV must be rooted for it to work. But well worth the effort when completed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I saw that but I wasn't thrilled about having to uninstall my current revision of xbmc. I am rooted but I am thinking I might just give FiredTV a shot for now and wait until someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader.
mcsephoenix said:
Thanks, I saw that but I wasn't thrilled about having to uninstall my current revision of xbmc. I am rooted but I am thinking I might just give FiredTV a shot for now and wait until someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just backup your XBMC User Data, uninstall current version, install the XBMC Launcher and finally restore XBMC User Data. Believe me, it is absolutely worth the trouble as this launcher is the best option out there at this time. FiredTV is OK but nowhere near as functional and allowing for many features. This launcher literally morphs the Fire TV into an XBMC box.
mjbxx said:
Just backup your XBMC User Data, uninstall current version, install the XBMC Launcher and finally restore XBMC User Data. Believe me, it is absolutely worth the trouble as this launcher is the best option out there at this time. FiredTV is OK but nowhere near as functional and allowing for many features. This launcher literally morphs the Fire TV into an XBMC box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took your advice and bit the bullet made the leap last night. For the most part things went smoothly and I am very happy I took your advice. I was a little bummed to lose all my skin settings IE my shortcuts but it will be worth the effort to set them back up.
Thanks
Hello,
my Fire TV (German Version) lags some times, when I'm using the the catalog for looking the series and movies ... It freeze for a Moment and after that, the screen is not refreshing. When I'm use the up oder down keys on the remote I see the main category entrys and when i go into a main category - for example "Prime Movies", the gui is fine and I can use the firetv again ... the firmware is a little buggy, I think.
Anyone else here, with that problems?
Greetings
I always occasionally got menu glitches like invisible menus when something was already slid open and one time it got stuck where I couldn't navigate anymore because I kept getting sent back to the "Home" space.
The stock Fire TV launcher is really buggy.
I hate how the German version starts with the unrootable firmware.
My North American one runs quite smooth after some tweaks like "Forced GPU" that require root.
Maybe there'll eventually be a new exploit that works globally.
amazon should fix the issues and make a smooth and good working gui before they work on removing root access ...
And also USB media support should get enabled since root is blocked.
retroben said:
And also USB media support should get enabled since root is blocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And they should give everyone a million dollars!
rbox said:
And they should give everyone a million dollars!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C'mon, rbox, let's be realistic. I think we'd all settle for $100,000 (and a few BitCoin if they had them).
I'm a little late to the game here and missed rooting at 5.2.1.0, so now I seem stuck.
The last post from rbox on a recovery installer was 4th June 2016, and I couldn't find anything on that since, or any kind of downgrader.
Anyone have any news I've missed, or insider info?
What I really need is to mount CIF shares off my Synology for playing ROMs of various types. Any specific solution for that I may have missed?
Thanks bunches! :good:
MrPeach
MrPeach said:
I'm a little late to the game here and missed rooting at 5.2.1.0, so now I seem stuck.
The last post from rbox on a recovery installer was 4th June 2016, and I couldn't find anything on that since, or any kind of downgrader.
Anyone have any news I've missed, or insider info?
What I really need is to mount CIF shares off my Synology for playing ROMs of various types. Any specific solution for that I may have missed?
Thanks bunches! :good:
MrPeach
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the same boat myself, doesnt seem to be any developmennts yet.
With all do respect as someone who has managed to root his AFTV at unbox time. What exactly IS the benefit of rooting the AFTV2? And, no this is not a rhetorical question.
One of the big hopes I've had about rooting the AFTV2 was to get Google PlayStore, and Gapps working. Well if the ever had, it seems that I too may have missed that Boat. As they do NOT seem to work under 5.2.1.1.
The only other reason why I might have wanted Root, pairing a Sixaxis Dualshock 3 Controller with my AFTV2. 'Cause I'm too cheep for an Amazon Controller. Doesn't work either, and in fact will cause the AFTV2 to crash, and reboot itself.
As for AdAway, (My prime motivation for rooting anything!), well I've yet to find a use for it. It doesn't block anything in the Fire Launcher. Not that I think it should anyway. But nothing I've ran into yet even has any in-app advertising.
Side loading Kodi never really required root, and has otherwise worked fine.
IMHO root on the AFTV2 is a tad overrated, for all you can do with it, or actually what you still can't do with it.
Ichijoe said:
With all do respect as someone who has managed to root his AFTV at unbox time. What exactly IS the benefit of rooting the AFTV2? And, no this is not a rhetorical question.
One of the big hopes I've had about rooting the AFTV2 was to get Google PlayStore, and Gapps working. Well if the ever had, it seems that I too may have missed that Boat. As they do NOT seem to work under 5.2.1.1.
The only other reason why I might have wanted Root, pairing a Sixaxis Dualshock 3 Controller with my AFTV2. 'Cause I'm too cheep for an Amazon Controller. Doesn't work either, and in fact will cause the AFTV2 to crash, and reboot itself.
As for AdAway, (My prime motivation for rooting anything!), well I've yet to find a use for it. It doesn't block anything in the Fire Launcher. Not that I think it should anyway. But nothing I've ran into yet even has any in-app advertising.
Side loading Kodi never really required root, and has otherwise worked fine.
IMHO root on the AFTV2 is a tad overrated, for all you can do with it, or actually what you still can't do with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as noted, what I care about is simply mounting a network share. While somewhat interesting, your comment adds nothing to this particular thread.
Ichijoe said:
With all do respect as someone who has managed to root his AFTV at unbox time. What exactly IS the benefit of rooting the AFTV2? And, no this is not a rhetorical question.
One of the big hopes I've had about rooting the AFTV2 was to get Google PlayStore, and Gapps working. Well if the ever had, it seems that I too may have missed that Boat. As they do NOT seem to work under 5.2.1.1.
The only other reason why I might have wanted Root, pairing a Sixaxis Dualshock 3 Controller with my AFTV2. 'Cause I'm too cheep for an Amazon Controller. Doesn't work either, and in fact will cause the AFTV2 to crash, and reboot itself.
As for AdAway, (My prime motivation for rooting anything!), well I've yet to find a use for it. It doesn't block anything in the Fire Launcher. Not that I think it should anyway. But nothing I've ran into yet even has any in-app advertising.
Side loading Kodi never really required root, and has otherwise worked fine.
IMHO root on the AFTV2 is a tad overrated, for all you can do with it, or actually what you still can't do with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to be able to add a usb Ethernet adapter. The fire stick 2 allows usb devices to be added natively. Ive contacted the Fire tv support team about a possible update to allow fire stick first gen to allow this without root, they said they would take it under consideration so probably no.
@MrPeach
Surly you could add a network share from inside Kodi or? I kinda fail to see the point of it outside of Kodi otherwise.
@tylercheribini
Well I could imagine why some people might want to have two Ethernet Ports. I find little use for mine while on 802.11ac. But at least this is concept I can work with.
Ichijoe said:
@MrPeach
Surly you could add a network share from inside Kodi or? I kinda fail to see the point of it outside of Kodi otherwise.
@tylercheribini
Well I could imagine why some people might want to have two Ethernet Ports. I find little use for mine while on 802.11ac. But at least this is concept I can work with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Fire Stick has no ethernet port, it must be rooted in order to add one.
Sorry, missed that bit. Of course it (Firestick), doesn't.
Any news? Had an update mysteriously occur, moving it up to the latest firetv update. For some time, have been stuck without a solution. For list of what doesn't work at this date, neither the latest kingo root on pc with an a to a cable or the kingroot app work. Hoping sometime soon one of the remaining vulnerabilities is taken advantage of soon.
I've locked down my network in the meantime. Would recommend anybody that does care about root in the same boat as me do the same until a solution is found..
Sound advice... And BTW I do care about root. I just question the point of it on this Device. Which to my chagrin includes a bit more then the AFTV2... lol!
And, I concede their use cases aren't mine. And, at the moment the things I'd like to do on my AFTV2, which would otherwise require root as well. (i.e. PlayStore, and Dualshock 3 Support) have not brought me much joy even with root. So though I probably could have been less of a **** about it. I was generally interested in why others were so keen to root it. And I got my answer.
The only good news is that it's not a done deal with the FireOS, and eventuality another exploit shall be found, but you'll just have to hang on till then. Yeah sucks I know.
Lol. Yes it does suck.
I probably shouldn't have responded in that way either. It's hard to tell someone's intent based on a few lines in a thread. Didnt mean to come off bh.
Root has been good, was nice to be able to autostart the Kodi/spmc app and for me, using droidmote. that's a really great mouse keyboard app along with a ssh server and BusyBox... But then again, since I updated to the latest rooted ROM(5.2.1.1) in my other box, I've lost the autostart and some of the other bonuses. As much as I hate to do it, will have to start troubleshooting options maybe downgrade.
Til there's an option....
The Dirty Cow linux exploit was recently released (last week). This should allow root on the newer firmware versions (5.2.1.1, etc). Since it was just released last week people are working on it. This thread discusses the progress http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/dirty-cow-t3484879
and here is a post of someone who claims to have it working
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69299542&postcount=39
I am working on getting this going on my AFTV2 with version 5.2.1.0.
clarke.hackworth said:
The Dirty Cow linux exploit was recently released (last week). This should allow root on the newer firmware versions (5.2.1.1, etc). Since it was just released last week people are working on it. This thread discusses the progress http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/dirty-cow-t3484879
and here is a post of someone who claims to have it working
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69299542&postcount=39
I am working on getting this going on my AFTV2 with version 5.2.1.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, looks promising, thanks.
I know that Android, is kind of a fork of Linux. But, isn't that kinda the point? Are we even sure that this 'ploit affects Android?
I'm in the same boat as you guys, i also wait for a 5.2.1.1 root
In my case i want to install the root-version of the moonlight streaming app which has native mouse support so i can finally play mouse/keyboard games on my home cinema (The non-root version is kinda buggy... scaling-problems, stuttering, no off-screen-movment, and so on..)
Ichijoe said:
With all do respect as someone who has managed to root his AFTV at unbox time. What exactly IS the benefit of rooting the AFTV2? And, no this is not a rhetorical question.
One of the big hopes I've had about rooting the AFTV2 was to get Google PlayStore, and Gapps working. Well if the ever had, it seems that I too may have missed that Boat. As they do NOT seem to work under 5.2.1.1.
The only other reason why I might have wanted Root, pairing a Sixaxis Dualshock 3 Controller with my AFTV2. 'Cause I'm too cheep for an Amazon Controller. Doesn't work either, and in fact will cause the AFTV2 to crash, and reboot itself.
As for AdAway, (My prime motivation for rooting anything!), well I've yet to find a use for it. It doesn't block anything in the Fire Launcher. Not that I think it should anyway. But nothing I've ran into yet even has any in-app advertising.
Side loading Kodi never really required root, and has otherwise worked fine.
IMHO root on the AFTV2 is a tad overrated, for all you can do with it, or actually what you still can't do with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I am looking for root is to be able to run the firestick on a VPN, which requires root.
Ichijoe said:
I know that Android, is kind of a fork of Linux. But, isn't that kinda the point? Are we even sure that this 'ploit affects Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the exploit effects Android.
FYI, the issue is a vulnerability in how the Linux kernel handles memory / files. Android is just a specific set of applications running on Linux, so it is exploitable. I have used the exploit to modify files in /system and /etc on my FireTV running 5.2.1.1.
Starting with FireTV 5.2.1.0 SELinux is enabled which is an extra layer of protection. It is good from a security stand point -- it helps protects your device from malicious apps, etc. However in our case the "attacker" is the owner of the device ... us. People are working on bypassing SELinux protections, and making progress.
See this blog for some really technical info on the current status: https://v-e-o.blogspot.com/2016/10/way-to-android-init-with-cve-2016-5195.html
drice72 said:
The reason I am looking for root is to be able to run the firestick on a VPN, which requires root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive my ignorance, but what is vpn used for on the ftv aside from accessing content from different countries like Netflix and to possibly make it safer for one to stream certain content?
Well IIRC... One could set up a VPN, to log back into one Network (e.g. Network Storage), from an outside source (i.e. a Hotel Room), to push, and pull Files p, at will. But I think you managed to cover most of the "uses" of a VPN already.
Emulator ROMs
Ichijoe said:
@MrPeach
Surly you could add a network share from inside Kodi or? I kinda fail to see the point of it outside of Kodi otherwise.
@tylercheribini
Well I could imagine why some people might want to have two Ethernet Ports. I find little use for mine while on 802.11ac. But at least this is concept I can work with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I implied in my original post - emulators generally do not support accessing network shares (where my extensive ROM collection is) directly. This leaves copying ROMs to the Fire TV itself to use them or copying my ROM collection to an external USB drive, neither option of which I find acceptable.
I want to access my extensive ROM collection directly via a SMB mapped folder on my Synology NAS, which research has informed me is only possible on a rooted device.
This isn't about Kodi, an extra ethernet port or any of the other stuff other people have mentioned in this thread.