Develop Bugs

[Q] FireTV Stick: No Internet, No Anything?

My DSL is down, now I have nothing on my Home screen; is this expected? I thought I would still be able to access "local" apps like Plex, but I have nothing.

Indeed - you do.
(I'm not supporting any Plex related requests. People who depend on Plex, for me are lost. Someone else point him/her to how to use a second launcher in parallel.)

I already understand Plex, and I have played around with other launchers on the Stick I just happen to like the stock launcher. Kind of disappointing that stock use of the stick is dead without internet access.
Thanks for the feedback.

If no one else is stepping up, I guess I have to. Not because of the (very slight) passive aggressive note in your response.
"Already understanding Plex" is just another way of saying "I dont even want to learn something different".
Complaining about Amazons design decisions, especially those that are supporting their business model (the value of "always on" to them) is entirely futile. Much more so when you are complaining in here (not many PR guys at the dance).
And the solution for your problem would be to use FIrestarter (just one sub forum away).
Just dont use Plex if you can avoid it. They have made political decisions based on catering to the lowest common denominator of user expertise, which dont make sense from any other standpoint. And they catered to content provider interests in providing them a way to impose platform specific rights management. They are the flag bearers of a world we are trying to avoid. Where perceived convenience wins by default. Every time. Regardless. And they are exploiting Kodis open source base to be able to do it.
Also, their only claim to fame was to be able to circumvent a rights management issue on Apple devices, by throwing computational cycles (transcode your entire library!) at it. Thats a faulty business model that only can exist, because people are making uninformed buying decision, and then start caring later.

Wow, ok, so you hate Plex. Forget about Plex for a minute, his complaint is still valid. No internet = no home screen = no access to anything. Substitute "local games" or XBMC or any of several other apps that don't require internet access for Plex. Call it a design flaw or intended behavior, it doesn't do us any good. He also wasn't originally complaining, just asking if that's the way it works.
On a positive note, I didn't know there were replacement launchers that didn't require root (I haven't been following those kinds of things), but since you mentioned it I had to check. I may look into it and give it a try when I have more time.

Firestarter works. I tried it the day I read your question, setting up a blocking rule for the Fire TV on my router. You should be satisfied - when you get to testing it out.
Also, if I get people to show a little initiative - like you posting, that this is indeed a solution for non rooted devices and not waiting until someone explains the solutions to you, its worth it.
Also, as far as Plex is concerned, this is an opportunity for me to stress, why people shouldnt be using it, and that there are conditions which Plex was willing to satisfy to get listed in the Amazon store, that are harmful to consumer rights. Part of the price for me to get involved, is to get some of you in touch with a little bit of the ideology behind those projects.
To complain that amazon is doing certain things is not the end of evolution, when you could (and maybe should) also understand, why they are doing certain things.
Have fun.
h.

Ideology (and going way off topic) aside, Plex generally works well. I prefer XBMC for the most part, but Plex does have some advantages and can do things XBMC or others can't. Plex can be installed right from the store, XBMC has to be side-loaded. Plex runs on Roku, XBMC just doesn't (blocked by Roku, not a technical issue). Nothing gets transcoded by my Plex server for local playback, but if I want remote access to my media where streaming speed or device limitations require transcoding it just works. I also share my videos with a friend as well as watch videos he has. You can hate the hows and whys of what Plex does, but depending on your needs Plex is still a good product.
All that said, let me be completely honest. Other than not allowing gray area or blatant piracy type add-ons, I'm not aware of any harmful consumer rights practices. What else are they doing that I should be concerned about?

Is it still possible to use the fire TV without internet connection?

Zeepolar said:
Is it still possible to use the fire TV without internet connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course !

Zeepolar said:
Is it still possible to use the fire TV without internet connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just have AppStarter installed. And use it to access apps offline.

Fire Stick - Blocking Kodi inevitable ?

I've been looking around for a streaming device and decided on the Fire Stick. I want regularly-updated native Netflix and Amazon Video apps (I subscribe to both) and kodi is a big plus. It was a choice between the stick or Roku2 and I haddecided on the stick because of Kodi. (although Roku2 has added bonus of ethernet)
Reading around, it seems that rooting is being updated, there are ways around and I guess it will be a cat-and-mouse of amazon blocking and workarounds. Bottom line, could there potentially come a time when amazon will totally block Kodi and it becomes too much of a pain of constantly finding workarounds. In which case I may as well go for Roku2
Also, as I understand rooting just allows easy access to Kodi from menu, even without root is it possible to still use Kodi ?
Any advice appreciated

You dont need to be rooted to have easy access to Kodi. Up until the latest update you just sideloaded Kodi and used Firestarter to access it easily. Now with the latest update wich has broken Firestarter you can still easily access Kodi via the recents menu. I have 3 AFTV's all run Kodi, none are rooted.

I think the writing is on the wall. Amazon has already moved to disable Firestarter and IMO will likely start looking at Kodi/SPMC to do the same. My thoughts are Amazon wants nothing to do with the Fire Sticks being sold for Kodi. This might be a unpopular opinion (as I use Kodi on my Fire Stick) but I am kind of hoping they do. These Fire Sticks being sold with Kodi setup with illegal streaming addons are a cancer in the Kodi community.

runderekrun said:
I think the writing is on the wall. Amazon has already moved to disable Firestarter and IMO will likely start looking at Kodi/SPMC to do the same. My thoughts are Amazon wants nothing to do with the Fire Sticks being sold for Kodi. This might be a unpopular opinion (as I use Kodi on my Fire Stick) but I am kind of hoping they do. These Fire Sticks being sold with Kodi setup with illegal streaming addons are a cancer in the Kodi community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know much about Kodi so I don't really know what else it offers apart from streaming mainly. So taking away the streaming or okay the 'illegal streaming' what other stuff does Kodi provide that will make the masses want to have this? I maybe missing out on the potential Kodi, so i'm also curious what you use Kodi for?

sony007 said:
I don't know much about Kodi so I don't really know what else it offers apart from streaming mainly. So taking away the streaming or okay the 'illegal streaming' what other stuff does Kodi provide that will make the masses want to have this? I maybe missing out on the potential Kodi, so i'm also curious what you use Kodi for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case I have a linux server in my office that holds all my movies and they are indexed by Kodi so that I can play them downstairs on my main tv. Plex does this too but notice Plex isn't banned from the Amazon Appstore but Kodi is; Plex doesn't have an addon "problem".

sony007 said:
I don't know much about Kodi so I don't really know what else it offers apart from streaming mainly. So taking away the streaming or okay the 'illegal streaming' what other stuff does Kodi provide that will make the masses want to have this? I maybe missing out on the potential Kodi, so i'm also curious what you use Kodi for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't touch any of the illegal streams but I still use kodi as a media player.
It's free, relatively easy to use, plays most of what I want and it doesn't require a server to run (unlike Plex).
Kodi does also support legal streaming through it's plugins for various sites (don't know about now, but in the past I used it for the BBC iPlayer before it was as widespread).
Also, Amazon sell pre-kodi installed Android boxes on their site, so to me it will be a bit hypocritical to ban kodi from their devices while still selling these alternative devices.

Same here, I use KODI occassionaly as a media server. Never used streaming.
I'm a subscriber to both Netflix and Amazon Video that's why I've just bought the stick - native apps for both.
Is there a way to get stats on streaming bandwidth, or a speedtest ? I can only see signal quality in Settings.
tech3475 said:
I don't touch any of the illegal streams but I still use kodi as a media player.
It's free, relatively easy to use, plays most of what I want and it doesn't require a server to run (unlike Plex).
Kodi does also support legal streaming through it's plugins for various sites (don't know about now, but in the past I used it for the BBC iPlayer before it was as widespread).
Also, Amazon sell pre-kodi installed Android boxes on their site, so to me it will be a bit hypocritical to ban kodi from their devices while still selling these alternative devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

tech3475 said:
Also, Amazon sell pre-kodi installed Android boxes on their site, so to me it will be a bit hypocritical to ban kodi from their devices while still selling these alternative devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon does whatever the hell it wants to, like banning Chromecasts from their Amazon store. If you ebay or craigslist "fire stick" all you will see is Fire Sticks loaded up with Kodi and illegal streams. Not a good look at all. You would think they would try to curb this.

Tbh I think people are looking a bit too far into the firestarter thing. If they really wanted to stop firestarter and kodi they would have removed them and blocked side loading apps. I think its more firestarter conflicted with something in the new os so it gets removed.

Wow! When I saw there were several replies to this thread, I figured I should check it out. I'm surprised to hear this level of concern.
It's HIGHLY unlikely kodi will be "blocked" by AFTV. I'm not even certain what that would entail. Kodi is open source software that runs on many OSs. Amazon has no control over that. What they'd need to do is block sideloading. Maybe a dev or a more knowledgeable person could chime in but I think that'd make the AFTV really a pain to develop software on.
I've never used FIRE STARTER, But from what I understand it basically highjacks the UI. I hate that amazon did it because imo if I bought the box I own and should be free to do with it what I want. But I understand why amazon blocked it. Can't go into the details but FireStarter is much different than most other apps. BTW--Did they do this to all launchers? Has anyone tried Nova or others? I've tried Nova but preferred fire tv ui. I know others use custom launchers and I'm wondering if those got broken too...

My stick just updated despite I blocked all the known host from amazon. As was meant to happen firestarter is gone.
Enviado desde mi OnePlus One

pbanj said:
Tbh I think people are looking a bit too far into the firestarter thing. If they really wanted to stop firestarter and kodi they would have removed them and blocked side loading apps. I think its more firestarter conflicted with something in the new os so it gets removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KLit75 said:
Wow! When I saw there were several replies to this thread, I figured I should check it out. I'm surprised to hear this level of concern.
It's HIGHLY unlikely kodi will be "blocked" by AFTV. I'm not even certain what that would entail. Kodi is open source software that runs on many OSs. Amazon has no control over that. What they'd need to do is block sideloading. Maybe a dev or a more knowledgeable person could chime in but I think that'd make the AFTV really a pain to develop software on.
I've never used FIRE STARTER, But from what I understand it basically highjacks the UI. I hate that amazon did it because imo if I bought the box I own and should be free to do with it what I want. But I understand why amazon blocked it. Can't go into the details but FireStarter is much different than most other apps. BTW--Did they do this to all launchers? Has anyone tried Nova or others? I've tried Nova but preferred fire tv ui. I know others use custom launchers and I'm wondering if those got broken too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sideloading will never be blocked. That would mean Amazon is basically saying "do not develop for this device" and that is the opposite of what Amazon wants. They could "block" Kodi the same way they "blocked" Firestarter. That's what it would entail, Amazon just deciding in a new update to hide Kodi/SPMC, effectively killing it on FireTV.
Firestarter didn't conflict with anything nor did it "hijack the ui". What it did (among other things) was watch for Home button presses using adb and launch things Amazon didn't want launched. Pure and simple Amazon did not like that. They want FireTV launcher to show up when you press home button. They are not interested in their FireTV line being a jack of all trades Android device. They want to sell you stuff from the Amazon store. They want you to see the ad at the top of the launcher. That is how Amazon makes it's money and it will protect that anyway they can.

runderekrun said:
They could "block" Kodi the same way they "blocked" Firestarter. That's what it would entail, Amazon just deciding in a new update to hide Kodi/SPMC, effectively killing it on FireTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly do they do that? And if they can, why haven't they already? Awhile back they removed it from the app store and labeled it a "piracy app". Seems like if they had the means, that would've been a perfect time to block (or hide) it. In fact, if its REALLY a piracy app then I'd go as far as saying they have a moral responsibility to block it. But they didn't do it. This leads me to think its not so simple. Also another fact--this is amazon. They're the company that breaks root, locks bootloaders and introduced most of us to efuse. If anyone can block kodi I'd think they'd be the ones to do it.
But I'm not being real technical here. This is more about motive than ability. Could be wrong but thought I read awhile back they'd need to block side loading in order to kill kodi on aftv...this isn't true?

KLit75 said:
How exactly do they do that?
Could be wrong but thought I read awhile back they'd need to block side loading in order to kill kodi on aftv...this isn't true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is very true. Amazon can disable Kodi but there probably will be workaround as long as sideloading/adb is still enabled. Amazon disabled Firestarter by hiding anything with the package name that is installed on the FireTV. I believe people have gotten around that by simply renaming it.
This shows (IMO) that Amazon is actively trying to disable things on their FireTV they don't want on there. This is their first attempt, but I do not think it is the last. It would be hard, maybe impossible, to completely disable Kodi permanently AND keep adb intact but if anyone can do it, the assholes at Amazon can.

On the note of kodi I thought aftvnews.com found an interesting nugget in the update that he feels indicates they are sort of supporting kodi. Check the article on his site.

ouradu said:
On the note of kodi I thought aftv[news].com found an interesting nugget in the update that he feels indicates they are sort of supporting kodi. Check the article, [found here], on his site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed that for you
I wouldn't necessarily say they are "supporting" Kodi, but they are at least acknowledging that Fire TV owners are using it and explicitly made sure it appeared on the Home screen after the new update.

Sorry I left the news off. Yeah I threw the "sort of" in there for that reason. Interesting catch.

AFTVnews.com said:
Fixed that for you
I wouldn't necessarily say they are "supporting" Kodi, but they are at least acknowledging that Fire TV owners are using it and explicitly made sure it appeared on the Home screen after the new update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Amazon bans Kodi from Appstore but adds extra support if its side loaded? Apparently Amazon doesn't mind their sticks being loaded with Kodi and sold on ebay/craigslist. Surprising to say the least. Like publicly they aren't supporting it but must be loving the sales numbers. I'm sure people fall back to Amazon Prime when the Kodi plugins eventually break.

runderekrun said:
Wow! Amazon bans Kodi from Appstore but adds extra support if its side loaded? Apparently Amazon doesn't mind their sticks being loaded with Kodi and sold on ebay/craigslist. Surprising to say the least. Like publicly they aren't supporting it but must be loving the sales numbers. I'm sure people fall back to Amazon Prime when the Kodi plugins eventually break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is it's two separate teams that did each thing. The ones that added the Kodi code are at Lab126, the hardware division of Amazon. The decision to remove Kodi from the appstore probably had nothing to do with Lab126.

AFTVnews.com said:
My guess is it's two separate teams that did each thing. The ones that added the Kodi code are at Lab126, the hardware division of Amazon. The decision to remove Kodi from the appstore probably had nothing to do with Lab126.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still would have thought it would a corporate wide policy to pretend Kodi doesn't exist. I mean at least not help it. So very odd. At least it's good news for people that like Kodi to run on their Fire Sticks.

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Box Review Or: How I learned to dislike the Shield TV

I’d like to start off by saying some of these views are totally personal to me, and how I use these kind of boxes day to day. I have been looking at the NVIDIA Shield TV 16gb model, with the controller and remote.
The Shield TV is right at the top of list of Android TV boxes, it has the spec and the features to make it a future proof Android TV box. The Tegra X1 makes it incredibly fast and snappy. I found myself clicking around with ease, without a single stutter.
The initial setup was easy, once turned on, I did a couple of updates and was logged straight into the Shield TV home screen. This leanback launcher can only be controlled with the “dpad” on either the controller or the remote. There are various rows, including suggestions, Nvidia apps and your own downloaded apps. The suggestion row is bizarre, as I have no idea what the recommendations are based on. I can alter what sources are used (Youtube, Google TV/Movies etc), but the recommendation engine isn’t very good.
Installing apps is easy, but this may be due to the lack of apps you can download. I found very little of my daily driver apps to download, and had to resort to second or even third rate alternatives. This isn’t really NVIDIA’s fault, as this is more an issue with Android TV. Apps have to be compatible and made for the “leanback” generation. Apps like Solid Explorer, TTorrent, and Transdroid are always installed on any Android box, but I was unable to here.
There are ways around these app limitations, involving sideloading, and alternative launchers. But I just want to install an app and use it, I don’t want to have to turn around the box so it’s facing east, wait till the time includes a 9 and then chant whilst installing an APK file! This may be a slight exaggeration though.
Though I was happy to see Kodi and SPMC were compatible. Though SPMC is the only one which utilising the passthrough audio correctly. So I installed SPMC, and plugged in my external HDD and started updating. Now came another issue, I always delete the files via SPMC after watching, and set it to physically delete the file. This has worked on even the worst Android boxes, but on the Shield TV it didn’t. The app would “delete”, yet when I went back and updated, the show/movie came back. After some Googling I found this was a common problem for a lot of people.
I ended up installing one of the two FTP servers on the TV app store, and connected via FTP. Selected the file, delete, but just got back an error! This again was a widely reported issue, and I ended up having to install ES File Explorer (Ugh!) and delete the file that way. Finally I was able to do it. But this was after a couple of hours of research. That was one of the big nails in the coffin for me.
I even reported this to the NVIDIA support team, and they weren’t very helpful. I was passed around a lot, and was sent to level 2 support about 3 times, only to be told to do something I had initially told support I had done!
I am so glad I got the box with the remote, as I was getting annoying navigating around with the bulky controller. I would of liked the remote to be included, and the controller to be sold separately, though I can see why as there is the gaming element.
Now speaking of games, I was massively impressed with the SHIELD games app. There is a long list of games you can play, some for free and some have to be purchases, you check them all out here shield.nvidia.com/games/android
Playing Batman Arkham City, I didn’t notice a single bit of lag in the controls. They were quick and easy to pick up, and felt just like a console game. This alone is a great feature, and I would totally buy a lower priced box, if it just offered this feature and nothing else.
I was happy to see that the thumb sticks on the controller could act like a mouse, but only on some apps. This was my next issue, I use an app called TTorrent, as it does exactly what I want, but this cannot be navigated with the remote or the controller. So now I had to get a bluetooth mouse, which works, but I am now using 3 bloody controllers to navigate one box. Why not give the remote air mouse properties, and then everything would be great.
If they released just a console version of this, for £129 then I would probably buy it. But for what I used my Android boxes for, and how I use them, this box is just too restricted to work into my life. That’s not to say it won’t be awesome for the other 99% of the people out there, this is just my opinion.
http://droidhorizon.com/nvidia-shield-android-tv-box-review/

I cant tell you how many cuss word filled rants I've started typing in the google and nvidia feedback activities expressing many of these same feelings. Sometimes I even avoid messing with it altogether just to prevent the rage I feel about some of the implementations (or deliberate omittance of) by google who for whatever reason decided to cripple these devices with whatever nonsense ideas they have in their heads when they are making their decisions about what the "leanback" experience should be like. Maybe it makes a little sense to limit some parts of Android Auto but I cant believe what I'm seeing in my living room. Its absurd. Then I just delete it like a good end user and try to focus on the things that it does do really well. The device itself is awesome but being a tinkerer makes for a lot of frustration and it totally blows my mind seeing what I think is a perfect example of the direction I think google intends to take with the Android OS

Why root?

What exactly does root do for a firestick? I root all my phones so I know what it is but just got a firestick and wondering what root will do

Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher

James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Is there a way to manually upgrade to 5.2.1.0? Mine is older and don't want to get 5.2.2 as it isn't rootable

You might want to take a look at this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/prerooted-stock-images-t2882337

- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
(edit: I'm adding a little art installation called "Why product bloggers s*ck - to this thread at this point, mostly as an elated comic relief, but also to make a point.
http://i.imgur.com/gxma9a7.png )
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.

harlekinwashere said:
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the information. I'm new to a firestick my grandpa had a bunch of them with the kodi app installed just now about to plug it in and see what it's about. Not even sure if it is rooted but about to find out

Well just found out my firestick is on current update so can't root it

James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an actual way to install a fully (Or all Hell), even a partially working PlayStote? On a FireTV / Stick 2? Having a FireTV2, and I can tell you that Rooting it WILL NOT net you either a partially working, much less a working PlayStore, with a working Play Services behind it.

You don't need google play services (unless you do).
Most Apps that depend on them only do so for single sign on or cloud features and work without play services regardless. With some apps you can patch the google play services dependency out of them (which is what apparently blackberry users have done for years).
For mostly Google Apps you'll need it, though.
The other issue is, that the play store on the Fire TV will convert to its Android TV state and layout - which only offers you a fraction of the Playstore Apps in store, available for direct install - because google seemingly only allows vetted apps in at this point.
Now - there are newer Play Store versions out there, than the one that presumably most of us have installed, when the old tutorials made their rounds, that are supposed to work - so you could update and see if something has changed - at the risk of bricking functionality and having to start over.
What IS possible though is, to update apps you already have installed on your Fire TV through the google play store - regardless of if the apps show up in the Android TV store or not. Once installed, Google Play Store will offer you updates.
That - and the ability to use Googles Play Store liceses (paid apps) on most apps with your Fire TV, should be sufficient for most people.
You just use app2fire and apkpure (dont blame me if the site turns around and starts distributing rootkits.. ) for the rest.
For Games - and because the FIre TV has so little storage available - I normally install them on my phone first, then copy over the /android/obb/ folders using smb (Samba on the Phone, Total Commander with the LAN plugin on the FIre TV) - then install the apk, and it works as well.
Its easy enough to do those things that I'm not willing to experiment with configurations that would allow "even better" play store integration.
Its good enough as is. Imho.

James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any directions out there for changing the launcher. It seems not possible the newer roms. Im on pre-root 5.2.1.1_R1 and not sure how to do it.

Flash xposed and necessary apks. Guide is on here somewhere. Install Rbox's xposed fire tv mods module. Enable in xposed and reboot. Sideload or download from Playstore (if installed) alt launcher. I like tvlauncher it's super clean and has Amazon home page in app format. Plus use can easily customize or create icons for clean look.

Do I need root for openvpn? (I am asking because I've ordered a Stick on Friday and it'll be here tomorrow)

harlekinwashere said:
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
(edit: I'm adding a little art installation called "Why product bloggers s*ck - to this thread at this point, mostly as an elated comic relief, but also to make a point.
http://i.imgur.com/gxma9a7.png )
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow.. I managed to order another firetv device, wait on it being delivered from the states, root, brick and unbrick my device by the time i even begun to understand what this rant was about?
Peoples base needs I would say vary from person to person. One might be interested in learning about their system and tweaking, another may want root simply to debloat their device whereas another may not have a clue what root is.
I still don't understand this post when all someone asked who was clearly a novice, why root? Obviously they didn't know what the benefits were but suddenly became engulfed in this rewriting of the bible.

Doubt with compatible apps and AndroidTV

Hi,
Is there a way to tell if a play store app is native to Android TV?
In addition to the great list posted in the forum.
Otherwise you can confirm if the emulator MD.EMU (payment) and My Oldboy! (payment).
Or Is File Explorer Manager PRO (paid) supported? The free is but I have read that it is not the case of the payment.
Thank you!

Android TV devices are certified devices that come with a special version of play store, that only work in android tv devices.
If the apps you mention are found there it means they are compatible.
There are apps that work and support both handheld and tv modes, but there are others that only have leanback code in them and the rest are handheld only which dont have the leanback interface.
If you cant find those apps in official play store for Android TV you can sideload them or install a 3rth party market app to download them, but the apps may or may not work properly due to the lack of some permissions in Android TV OS, and also if the apps are not properly updated to work in nougat in first place.
You also have another alternative to Android TV , check my signature.
Sent from my Tapatalk Hub
If I helped hit the Thanks button. Follow Me! ~ Buy Me a Coffee ~ Full Android for ShieldTV and Nexus Player

Emilia-tan said:
Hi,
Is there a way to tell if a play store app is native to Android TV?
In addition to the great list posted in the forum.
Otherwise you can confirm if the emulator MD.EMU (payment) and My Oldboy! (payment).
Or Is File Explorer Manager PRO (paid) supported? The free is but I have read that it is not the case of the payment.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so sure about the Oldboy App, as I have not heard of it. But, there are plenty of pay for Emus, including MD.EMU if that's your thing. The only pay for Emu I personally went for was the Real3DOPlayer, and that was only 'Cause I couldn't get it to work under RetroArch. Which is really, the only Emulator you'd ever need.
Besides, ouYabuse (Saturn), or Dolphin (GameCube, Wii), alas that Emu still needs some Work though.
But, on the whole of it as far as Emulation goes, as long as you keep it realistic. (e.g. pre-PS2 epoch), the sky is pretty much have the limit. Granted RetoArch is great for about 90-ish% of your needs. Otherwise there are plenty of bespoke paid apps to cover the last 10%, or so.
As someone who has ES File Explorer Pro. It's a funny case. It seems that the TV App Store has a major hardon for the Malware version of this, and not the Pro. So its very hard to get it to find it. I generally tend to just sideload the off an SD Card. Which isn't a problem as it's licenced to my account, and it works just fine with the Remote.

Ichijoe said:
Not so sure about the Oldboy App, as I have not heard of it. But, there are plenty of pay for Emus, including MD.EMU if that's your thing. The only pay for Emu I personally went for was the Real3DOPlayer, and that was only 'Cause I couldn't get it to work under RetroArch. Which is really, the only Emulator you'd ever need.
Besides, ouYabuse (Saturn), or Dolphin (GameCube, Wii), alas that Emu still needs some Work though.
But, on the whole of it as far as Emulation goes, as long as you keep it realistic. (e.g. pre-PS2 epoch), the sky is pretty much have the limit. Granted RetoArch is great for about 90-ish% of your needs. Otherwise there are plenty of bespoke paid apps to cover the last 10%, or so.
As someone who has ES File Explorer Pro. It's a funny case. It seems that the TV App Store has a major hardon for the Malware version of this, and not the Pro. So its very hard to get it to find it. I generally tend to just sideload the off an SD Card. Which isn't a problem as it's licenced to my account, and it works just fine with the Remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
My OldBoy It is an emulator for GB / GBC that at least normal Android is going great.
I was wondering if anyone had been able to look at it, since I do not have a Shield by hand, I would arrive in a week.
And regarding the File Explorer PRO I found it curious to read in the forum Geforce that only supported the version with malware and instead the payment was not.

Emilia-tan said:
Thanks for the reply.
My OldBoy It is an emulator for GB / GBC that at least normal Android is going great.
I was wondering if anyone had been able to look at it, since I do not have a Shield by hand, I would arrive in a week.
And regarding the File Explorer PRO I found it curious to read in the forum Geforce that only supported the version with malware and instead the payment was not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I kinda gathered that Oldboy, might have had something to do with the Gameboy etc... Alas pretty much anything pre-NDS-3D, is so well covered under RetroArch. I never saw much use in it. It's the stuff that should work under RetroArch... e.g. 3DO, and Saturn emulation, which don't under the Shield TV. That has driven me to support the pay for options.
I think the difference between the free, and the Pro version of ES-FE Pro. Is that the Pro version does not automatically pop into the AndroidTV PlayStore. In fact before you even go any further. Let us be very clear on this one point.
AndroidTV (PlayStore), ≠ Android (PlayStore). Blame Google! Because of that it's like >90% emptier than ye old Phablet Edition. This is due to those Apps being built with Phablets (i.e Touch), in mind. AndroidTV has made all touchy-feelly Apps VERBOTEN on the AndroidTV platform. Such as they no longer show up.
So I suspect that's kinda what's going on with ES-FE where the Developer never flagged it as compatible with AndroidTV​. Leaving the ever Ad spewing (and perpetually Money maker) on the PlayStore. 'Cause they've already had my Money for Pro, for nearly Two Years now, and I'm not about to fund 'em some more. Probably answers why Google aren't including it in the ATV-PS.
It's like most of the Amazon Underground stuff. You can sideload that as well, and install a few Games. But, outside of the Goat Sims, Alto, and Riptide GT. A lot of those Games don't work correctly with the Shield Controller either. Best example, would be Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
So if you have that One app you just have to test it out by sideloading it first.
P.s. I'm starting to suspect that your "My Old Boy" App might be one of these Apps. As it is not showing up inside the ATV-PS. It seems to prefer Robert Broglia's Emulators instead. Now that may be 'cause he went back and compiled a specific ATV version of them. You might want to contact the Dev of My Old Boy, and request an AndroidTV​ version, which you can install off the PlayStore. Or, you can copy the *.apk off of your Phablet, and transfer it to the Shield TV. In which case you will also need to install something called Sideload Launcher. As most Sideloaded Apps do NOT tend to be displayed under Leanback Launcher.

I also have ex file explorer pro, but I found "xplorer" are easier to use with remote on Android TV, give it a try.