Develop Bugs

Need upgrade advice

I was so excited when I learned that the Fire TV would play XBMC (now Kodi) that I bought two units. I followed a forum guide that I lost the link to, but the guide got me to root and mod the units, install the Xposed Framework, Google Framework and Play Store, TowelRoot, SU, etc and his modded XBMC 14.0-alpha2 apk so it was set for launcher intent, and ever since, I've been pretty happily using the boxes to just stream my mkv's from my Windows SMB shares (like the WDTV boxes did that I replaced with the AFTs) but now I can't upgrade my Kodi to the latest release, and I also can no longer run the Amazon App Store from XBMC, which means I can't the Fire TV optimized apps (Facebook, Youtube, etc). Can someone recommend a way out of this mess? I want to save my paths from xbmc, but other than that, I don't have a lot of personalization on either box to care about, so I could just factor reset and start from scratch.
My needs are:
1. Need to be able to run Kodi and update whenever available
2. Need to run the Amazon App Store
3. Need to change the boot to launch into Kodi
What's my best bet? I'm very confused about what the right direction would be.
Thanks,
Jesse

jessenj said:
I was so excited when I learned that the Fire TV would play XBMC (now Kodi) that I bought two units. I followed a forum guide that I lost the link to, but the guide got me to root and mod the units, install the Xposed Framework, Google Framework and Play Store, TowelRoot, SU, etc and his modded XBMC 14.0-alpha2 apk so it was set for launcher intent, and ever since, I've been pretty happily using the boxes to just stream my mkv's from my Windows SMB shares (like the WDTV boxes did that I replaced with the AFTs) but now I can't upgrade my Kodi to the latest release, and I also can no longer run the Amazon App Store from XBMC, which means I can't the Fire TV optimized apps (Facebook, Youtube, etc). Can someone recommend a way out of this mess? I want to save my paths from xbmc, but other than that, I don't have a lot of personalization on either box to care about, so I could just factor reset and start from scratch.
My needs are:
1. Need to be able to run Kodi and update whenever available
2. Need to run the Amazon App Store
3. Need to change the boot to launch into Kodi
What's my best bet? I'm very confused about what the right direction would be.
Thanks,
Jesse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's your question? You said you rooted the device & installed Kodi etc on it.. Not sure why you are asking what direction to go with?
Unless your first paragraph is some sort of typo..
Follow this here if you need to root the device..
Update to latest rootable FW.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/
Root
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-root-the-amazon-fire-tv/
Block updates
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-ota-update-for-amazon-fire-tv-and-keep-root-access/
After that point, you can install the Google play store if you want, sideload Kodi apk onto the device. Use a custom launcher to load right into Kodi and bypass the default Amazon home screen. Once you do install Kodi and a launcher you can always go back to the default Amazon screen but just launching the KFTV launcher within Kodi.. So you never really lose access to it.
All that kind of info can be found here
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Amazon_Fire_TV

DHeffernan said:
So what's your question? You said you rooted the device & installed Kodi etc on it.. Not sure why you are asking what direction to go with?
Unless your first paragraph is some sort of typo..
Follow this here if you need to root the device..
Update to latest rootable FW.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/
Root
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-root-the-amazon-fire-tv/
Block updates
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-ota-update-for-amazon-fire-tv-and-keep-root-access/
After that point, you can install the Google play store if you want, sideload Kodi apk onto the device. Use a custom launcher to load right into Kodi and bypass the default Amazon home screen. Once you do install Kodi and a launcher you can always go back to the default Amazon screen but just launching the KFTV launcher within Kodi.. So you never really lose access to it.
All that kind of info can be found here
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Amazon_Fire_TV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I was unclear. My issue is kinda buried in my first post. When I wrote "modded XBMC 14.0-alpha2 apk so it was set for launcher intent", I"m not using a straight vanilla Kodi release, but a modded apk which appears to the unit as a launcher, and thus replaced the launcher on the unit so that it would boot straight into Kodi. What I need to do is upgrade the version of XBMC/Kodi to the latest. Should I scrub my boxes back to stock and use a different method to launch Kodi without the Amazon launcher? What is the preferred method of running Kodi as a launcher? Is there an alternative launcher replacement that I should be using instead?
Thanks and sorry for the ambiguity.
Jesse

jessenj said:
Sorry if I was unclear. My issue is kinda buried in my first post. When I wrote "modded XBMC 14.0-alpha2 apk so it was set for launcher intent", I"m not using a straight vanilla Kodi release, but a modded apk which appears to the unit as a launcher, and thus replaced the launcher on the unit so that it would boot straight into Kodi. What I need to do is upgrade the version of XBMC/Kodi to the latest. Should I scrub my boxes back to stock and use a different method to launch Kodi without the Amazon launcher? What is the preferred method of running Kodi as a launcher? Is there an alternative launcher replacement that I should be using instead?
Thanks and sorry for the ambiguity.
Jesse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just upgrade the current version you got using the below instructions. After that, just do the launcher mod from the wiki page I linked up top. No need to wipe your box, might as well maintain some of your XBMC config/setup.
For the cleanest launcher.. use Xposed and rbox module (Requires root). Which is described in the wiki page I linked.
XBMC can be upgraded through ADB without losing your settings. To do this, you must use a newer version of the package already installed on the machine.
Download the package to your machine
Make sure ADB is connected to the Fire TV
Run adb install -r <apk-file-name>
Installation is complete when it reports the message "Success"
XBMC will still go through the "first run" screen the first time it is launched but your settings will remain intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

DHeffernan said:
Just upgrade the current version you got using the below instructions. After that, just do the launcher mod from the wiki page I linked up top. No need to wipe your box, might as well maintain some of your XBMC config/setup.
For the cleanest launcher.. use Xposed and rbox module (Requires root). Which is described in the wiki page I linked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guy's im haveing trouple finding 14.0 apk and above can you please help...

So I side-loaded the 14.0a3 and restored KFTV Launcher. After that, I side loaded the FiredLauncher and rbox module and now it boots straight into the updated Kodi release without losing settings so I guess this is as good as its gonna get but I'm a little confused. It looks like the KFTV launcher is still launching first before the FiredLauncher, which means KFTV is still using a ton of memory before Kodi starts. Can I prevent that from happening and boot directly to Fired?

SPMC on amazon home screen but says not compatible.

I finally managed to get spmc to show up on the home screen of my fire tv stick and it will open the app when i click the icon. But if I click information it still acts as if i did not purchase it and when I try to purchase it says this app is not compatible with my device. It also does not show up in the app menu so if it ever disappears from the main screen i have to go all the way to settings etc. Is this how it is supposed to behave and will it still get auto updates?

This depends on how you did this, there's a variety of options I've seen on getting SPMC on the homescreen, using llama or even the deregister/register method. But in either case, no sideloaded apps will not be auto updated, you will have to manually update them. infact SPMC released an update yesterday 13.4.0.
Amazon has yet to officially mark SPMC as compatible with FTV, and at this point it looks like they may not ever do it. So if you used the deregister/register trick, it showing incompatible is what I would expect to see as normal.

I just updated to the new version I was worried I would have to restore my whole xbmc backup but when I installed the latest apk it just overwrote the current one, cleared the cache and did the initial first time run thing. Then it loaded straight back to my setup. Out of curiosity I have just been installing the launcher version on all my devices ftv or stick, does it make a difference?

danknasty said:
I just updated to the new version I was worried I would have to restore my whole xbmc backup but when I installed the latest apk it just overwrote the current one, cleared the cache and did the initial first time run thing. Then it loaded straight back to my setup. Out of curiosity I have just been installing the launcher version on all my devices ftv or stick, does it make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The launcher version is made to function as the default launcher if you wanted that option. However it requires root and rbox's xposed module to make it work on fire TV. So you're just not see'ing any difference in it, if/when you gain root it will make a difference depending on how you want it set up.

Skater4599 said:
The launcher version is made to function as the default launcher if you wanted that option. However it requires root and rbox's xposed module to make it work on fire TV. So you're just not see'ing any difference in it, if/when you gain root it will make a difference depending on how you want it set up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I have it on all my rooted aftvs and just out it on my ftv sticks as we. Just making sure there's no disadvantage to having it on a non rooted device.

Google Play Store on Fire TV 2

Does anyone have gapps working on the Fire TV 2? I know the Playstore doesn't work on non-rooted Fire TV but I have some apps that require the Playstore to run. If someone has it working, which version of gapps are you using?
thanks,
searched for answer but didn't find anything regarding Fire TV 2

From what I've tried doing was install Xposed, but it won't update, and then install a module for Xposed which won't work unless you update Xposed.

dinggus said:
From what I've tried doing was install Xposed, but it won't update, and then install a module for Xposed which won't work unless you update Xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just rooted a 5.0.4 fire tv 2nd gen today too and like to know how to install the google play store. Would love some help please I search the net nothing is really working. I got it to load to the store but it cant make a connection and says retry. . . I think i am missing something. i installed the xposed but says needs update.. could that be it? can a update be pointed out to me please if thats the problem ... help

lost_loven said:
i just rooted a 5.0.4 fire tv 2nd gen today too and like to know how to install the google play store. Would love some help please I search the net nothing is really working. I got it to load to the store but it cant make a connection and says retry. . . I think i am missing something. i installed the xposed but says needs update.. could that be it? can a update be pointed out to me please if thats the problem ... help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still need to test it some more, but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to install full gapps with recovery. And xposed.

rbox said:
I still need to test it some more, but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to install full gapps with recovery. And xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok well i am pretty new with this fire tv 2nd gen thing and amazed i got to where i have.. is there a 2nd gen guide with the 5.0.4 firmware guide to do the play store install with working links for the needed files?

lost_loven said:
ok well i am pretty new with this fire tv 2nd gen thing and amazed i got to where i have.. is there a 2nd gen guide with the 5.0.4 firmware guide to do the play store install with working links for the needed files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once I release recovery, I'm sure someone will write a guide to install gapps. I can confirm that google play services seem to function and the play store at least launches. I didn't have a keyboard plugged in, so I couldn't log in, but I'm sure it works. The one tricky part is actually starting the Play Store. It doesn't show up in the regular Amazon menu and going to the "Installed Apps" list in the settings wouldn't let me launch it. Had to use FireStarter and enable system apps for it to show up.

rbox said:
Once I release recovery, I'm sure someone will write a guide to install gapps. I can confirm that google play services seem to function and the play store at least launches. I didn't have a keyboard plugged in, so I couldn't log in, but I'm sure it works. The one tricky part is actually starting the Play Store. It doesn't show up in the regular Amazon menu and going to the "Installed Apps" list in the settings wouldn't let me launch it. Had to use FireStarter and enable system apps for it to show up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok cool.. so I then dont worry about updating xposed and look for firestarter and see if it launches then from the installed apps menu, What about using a self powered usb hub plugged in and connect a usb mouse and keyboard. Would that do the trick? I would try now but off to work soon.

Installed latest version of firestarter and tried to launch from there. Same thing.. goes to the play store and i see name in top left corner and in center of
screen no connection / retry. .. should i uninstall the playstore and services, accounts, and reinstall? You said enable system apps in firestarter also.. I dont seem to see that.

Play store won't be able to connect until we can use the HDXposed module which will patch the content provider and download manager that blocks the play store (hopefully this still works on the FTV2).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2618158
This requires Xposed working and to install Xposed we need the recovery rbox is working on. Hopefully we can try this out soon. Sideloaded apps should be able to authenticate with the play service even without HDXposed..

new to aftv2

Hi,
I just opened the Fire TV 2 box. What am I supposed to do if I want root and kodi? Do I connect it to the internet? Do I need to be concerned about it upgrading? Should I upgrade firmware and then root? I know the original firmwares suck so I want to upgrade right?

sdxda said:
Hi,
I just opened the Fire TV 2 box. What am I supposed to do if I want root and kodi? Do I connect it to the internet? Do I need to be concerned about it upgrading? Should I upgrade firmware and then root? I know the original firmwares suck so I want to upgrade right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.0.4 is the newest rootable firmware, if you not running that yet you should wait for the new update or try & force a update in settings? then if you want to root if thats what you want to do i would advice you to read read & read some more before jumping feet first into something your not experianced with or dont know too much about yet. Their are a few types of root as of now - 1. quick root about 3-5 mins from rooted 5.0.3.1-5.0.4 (by Xenoglyph), 2. the best way in my opinion the 2hr root method (by Zeroepoch), 3, & a video guide based on Zeroepoch's method which is gonna be made (updated from the last firmware) by Ultimate Spy Binns hopefully next week at some point.
I personally will wait for Ultimate Spy Binns video tutorial because i rooted with him on the last firmware & his way was so clear & straight to the point, with no hicups ether
(I found this way the quickest & the best for me but there is many different ways to get kodi & firestarter on your Fire Tv 2 Box)
As for kodi the best way to install i think is download an app to your phone called Apps2Fire from the Play Store on a Android phone find the ip address of your Fire Tv (look in Settings), type the ip address into the app in setup, now download Firestarter from here via your phone - https://github.com/sphinx02/FireStarter/releases
, now on your phone open Apps2Fire & in the top right your see the download sign (the one with the arrow pointing up above the line), find the firestarter download select it & press install, when complete now open firestarter from manage devices secton in settings, and press left & find the section saying check for the latest version of Firestarter, if you need to update then update & then press open once finished, then do the same with Kodi (even though you dont have it installed it will find the latest stable version. So now you will have Kodi & Firestarter & if you want you can root now or wait for the video guide?
Hope this helps if so press that thanks button

Fire starter Update

I have Kodi Jarvis, Firestarter and Fusion loaded. As I was powering down and went back the the Fire Starter home everything checked for updates. It prompted me to update Firestarter to version 4.0. When I click yes to update it tells me there is no link to download. I'm am new at all this. Can anyone help me understand how to do the update?

the developer has changed the application due to Amazon's blacklisting. The new version 4.0 is called AppStarter, but it's a very different app (won't autolaunch on boot, nor does it have Home button detection, for example. AFTVnews has a good description). You'll have to manually install the new app rather than relying on the update feature.