Develop Bugs

[Q] US Fire ?

I bought a Fire from PC World yesterday, after several frustrating hours discovering that there's not much hope of it being rooted I had a look on Ebay, I've seen several rooted ones that seem to be quite good value, but they are in the states.
I have absolutely no intention of using my Amazon account on them, I only really want it for XBMC and all the rooted goodness and I'm sure there'll be a killer app that makes a rooted fire a very hot property indeed.
Question is, will a US fire TV work OK over here ?
Anyone know.
Thanks in advance.

Yes, it will work fine out of the box, apart from needing a US to UK plug adapter. Only things to be aware - you'll need to block updates so the box does not update to a firmware that removes root (which it will eventually try to do). And, if you want to update to a newer firmware manually and keep root, then you will need to use a custom recovery and a pre-rooted firmware update file. Manual updates is probably not vital though if you are only using it for XBMC.
Some useful guides over at aftvnews.com. First one may not be relevant if you're buying pre-rooted.
How to determine Fire TV Software Version and Rootability on First Setup Screen
How to block OTA update for Amazon Fire TV and keep Root Access
How to update a Rooted Amazon Fire TV to the Latest Version Without Losing Root

[Q] Should I update Firmware?

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

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

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

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

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

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

If I update to get Alexa am I screwed for using Kodi?

I want to unblock the updates so I can get Alexa. I am currently using Kodi and I am on software version 51.1.63_user_blahblah. I am not sure how that version number translates to the versions listed in the general forum (ie. 5.0.X format)
Will it wipe out Kodi and will I have to reload? Or will it leave it intact or will it ruin using Kodi.
Why would I want not want to upgrade? EDIT: It is a fire TV, not a stick.

Questions for you-
1.Is your Fire Tv rooted?
2. Fire Tv gen 1?
3.You want to update with root?
4.Or without root?
5.I take it you want your Fire Tv on OS5 software?
What ever firmware your on at the time being Kodi is not blocked or un-usable, on the AFTV2 you can root upto the latest firmware, there is gonna be a OS5 rooted rom (software) available soon from the Developer called rbox, he's just finished the AFTV2 version & he said he will make the OS5 version for the AFTV gen 1 user's soon. You don't have to have a rooted device to run Kodi.
Hope this helps If so press that thanks button

deanr1977 said:
Questions for you-
1.Is your Fire Tv rooted?
2. Fire Tv gen 1?
3.You want to update with root?
4.Or without root?
5.I take it you want your Fire Tv on OS5 software?
What ever firmware your on at the time being Kodi is not blocked or un-usable, on the AFTV2 you can root upto the latest firmware, there is gonna be a OS5 rooted rom (software) available soon from the Developer called rbox, he's just finished the AFTV2 version & he said he will make the OS5 version for the AFTV gen 1 user's soon. You don't have to have a rooted device to run Kodi.
Hope this helps If so press that thanks button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is terrible, but I did it a long time ago. I don't think I am rooted. I think I just pushed kodi on it and then I ran something or ran some shell commands to stop updating. I know I should know!! LOL
I have gone through 3 computers and 6 hard drives to find out if I downloaded a utility to root. But I can't find anything but the download of the kodi .apk. So I am pretty sure I am not rooted.
I am not rooted. Didn't an update take out rooted units a while back? I remember reading that and installing kodi without root.
But I did something to block the updates.
1.Is your Fire Tv rooted? NO
2. Fire Tv gen 1? YES
3.You want to update with root? If I can avoid root I would like to. I play with enough devices. LOL
4.Or without root? YES
5.I take it you want your Fire Tv on OS5 software? Where are you getting the OS version? Mine shows as in my original post.
Now I just have to figure out what the hell I did to block updates. Off to the search window.......

Start here mate -
http://www.aftvnews.com/start/
Check the compatible root serial or update number on your Gen1, if you blocked updates You "should" have root still? If you have root I'd wait then update when rbox brings out the rom for the OS5 software which will update you to the latest firmware. Or you could get a free app on your phone that needs root (es explorer or file manager & try to use r/w in the file manager Or turn on root settings) sidelong it to your fire tv, if it fails you don't have root.
Hope this helps If so press that thanks button
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Got an Amazon Fire TV 4K - Shall I update? What version is the best for me?

Hey guys,
we had a nice Fire TV 4K sale here in Germany and so I got that little box. However, now I am a bit confused and I hope that you could help me out.
Shall I update the box?
I learned that I need to root the Box in order to be able to connected my external HDD that is formated with NTFS. That is because originally the Fire TV does not support NTFS. I also learned that getting root is still possible with the newest two fireware versions but way more complicated because you need a A-to-A USB cable.
Of course I could block updates and just root the firmware that is currently installed. But I learned that Kodi is way better integrated into the interface of the newer firmwares. Is it possible to root the old firmware, do an OTA update and still have root on the newest firmware?
Since there are several firmwares out there. Is there any best firmware version that you recommend?

wohltat said:
Hey guys,
we had a nice Fire TV 4K sale here in Germany and so I got that little box. However, now I am a bit confused and I hope that you could help me out.
Shall I update the box?
I learned that I need to root the Box in order to be able to connected my external HDD that is formated with NTFS. That is because originally the Fire TV does not support NTFS. I also learned that getting root is still possible with the newest two fireware versions but way more complicated because you need a A-to-A USB cable.
Of course I could block updates and just root the firmware that is currently installed. But I learned that Kodi is way better integrated into the interface of the newer firmwares. Is it possible to root the old firmware, do an OTA update and still have root on the newest firmware?
Since there are several firmwares out there. Is there any best firmware version that you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure if this will help.
http://www.aftvnews.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-usb-storage-with-the-amazon-fire-tv/

You could go with either the latest 5.0.5.1 or with 5.0.5. I personally use 5.0.5 because I like using Firestarter to access all my sideloaded apps. Until Firestarter is officially updated by the programmer, you could use Firestopper which has been updated to work on 5.0.5.1.
I also wirelessly transfer movies to my external hard drive which is an NTFS drive so that I can have HD video. I have use the Kingroot method and the USB cable method. I'd also recommend aftvnews.com for guides as they are a great resource (especially for windows users). I also have guides for Mac users over at marksmods.com

How can I install the 5.0.5, I am still on the 5.0.3.1 and I guess the 5.0.5 would be better for me (used it on my aftv stick before) autoupdates will probably lead me to 5.0.5.1, which I try to avoid due to firestarter and sky go

shaDNfro said:
How can I install the 5.0.5, I am still on the 5.0.3.1 and I guess the 5.0.5 would be better for me (used it on my aftv stick before) autoupdates will probably lead me to 5.0.5.1, which I try to avoid due to firestarter and sky go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.aftvnews.com helped me a lot. You root with kingroot, install recovery, install prerooted 5.0.5.1. Just follow their instructions.

wohltat said:
http://www.aftvnews.com helped me a lot. You root with kingroot, install recovery, install prerooted 5.0.5.1. Just follow their instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for your reply, I checked that page. But what I really want is the following:
I am currently under 5.0.3.1 original and I want to have 5.0.5 (not 5.0.5.1), but without root! (SkyGo does not run on rooted devices, if it detects root).
I could perform OTA update --> would lead me to 5.0.5.1
What I really want is a way to push the official 5.0.5 to my aftv (best withoug kingrooting, due to the fact you need a full whipe, wich may also then give problems to my sky go accounts, which are limmited).
Is there some way to get an official rom, which I then can push via adb or put it on my aftv, that the aftv detects it and installs it ?
(I can still block the ota update after I am on 5.0.5)...
Bests,
shaDN

Is no one providing the original rom? However, in order to install it, you would need to root and install a recovery first anyways. Just instead of installing a prerooted rom you would install a not rooted one.

hmm, there must be a way to place an update somewhere on the aftv, that the aftv recognizes it as an official update and install it...

just installed 5.0.4, then 5.0.5 then unplugged lan and blocked updates
I love the new update routine

Any root-able Amazon devices currently being sold? (Prime day discussion)

Hi guys,
I have a fully customized and rooted mantis stick, and I have 3 other mantis sticks that unfortunately I cannot root due to their software versions. I was just wondering, with prime day coming up, are there any devices that we can buy that will be able to be rooted? What are your recommendations for Amazon devices to purchase on prime day?

mikewolski said:
I have 3 other mantis sticks that unfortunately I cannot root due to their software versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk if you're aware of it, but kamakiri 2.x works up to <6.2.8.7 without shorting (i.e. the sticks OS needs to be lower than 6.2.8.7).
mikewolski said:
I was just wondering, with prime day coming up, are there any devices that we can buy that will be able to be rooted? What are your recommendations for Amazon devices to purchase on prime day?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe a fireTVstick lite or the fireTVstick 3rd gen...
[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire TV Stick 3 and Fire TV Stick Lite (sheldon/p)
Read this whole guide before starting. This is for the 3rd gen Fire TV Stick (sheldonp) and Fire TV Stick Lite (sheldon). NOTE: FireOS < 7.2.7.3 required NOTE: This process does not require you to open your device. What you need: A Linux...
forum.xda-developers.com

Thanks, but I just checked and they are on 6.2.9.

There are no rooting methods for any of the current FireOS versions. But if you buy a new FireTV device, they are shipped with older firmware versions that are rootable.
When you first setup the device, it will try to update to the most recent firmware. Skip that update process by following this guide:
How to Skip Software Updates during Initial Setup or Factory Reset on a Fire TV, Firestick, or Fire TV Cube
Since the latest software update for Fire TV devices is blocking the ability to use custom launchers, you may want to avoid updating a new or factory reset Fire TV.
www.aftvnews.com
I believe the 3rd gen FireSticks and 2nd gen Cube are shipped with firmware that is rootable. You may even be able to find a 4k Stick shipped with older firmware that is rootable.
Fire TV Original Android Development
Original Android development for the Amazon Fire TV
forum.xda-developers.com
Only the 4k Max currently has no rooting method.

Finnzz said:
When you first setup the device, it will try to update to the most recent firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case of the fireTV-Stick lite or the 3rd gen Stick, it's best to keep the device offline and try/do the unlock first...

Finnzz said:
There are no rooting methods for any of the current FireOS versions. But if you buy a new FireTV device, they are shipped with older firmware versions that are rootable.
When you first setup the device, it will try to update to the most recent firmware. Skip that update process by following this guide:
How to Skip Software Updates during Initial Setup or Factory Reset on a Fire TV, Firestick, or Fire TV Cube
Since the latest software update for Fire TV devices is blocking the ability to use custom launchers, you may want to avoid updating a new or factory reset Fire TV.
www.aftvnews.com
I believe the 3rd gen FireSticks and 2nd gen Cube are shipped with firmware that is rootable. You may even be able to find a 4k Stick shipped with older firmware that is rootable.
Fire TV Original Android Development
Original Android development for the Amazon Fire TV
forum.xda-developers.com
Only the 4k Max currently has no rooting method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know, thank you!

Hey guys, so I'm looking at going with either the 3rd gen firestick or the 2nd gen cube or maybe I'll grab one of each. I was only able to find the thread about a temporary root for the cube. Is that the only way to root it? The 3rd gen stick looks promising since it can be rooted and loaded with custom roms, but it's kind of a bummer it can't do 4k. Do you think the 4k max will ever be rootable?

Temp unlock is all there is for the Cube. You could try getting a 4k stick (2018 model) maybe you'll get lucky and it will ship with an old enough firmware that is rootable?
It's not easy to predict if a device will be rooted. It requires a security researcher finding a vulnerability in the hardware/software, and then someone to apply that vulnerability to the Firetv device.
And if anyone was working on an exploit for the 4k Max they probably wouldn't say anything about it until it was ready for release.

Can Confirm Firestick 4k VM2402 Still Rootable OOB
As stated, for all who are interested/looking. The CURRENT Firestick 4k , direct from Amazon is still 100% Unlock/Rootable. I have had the first release, for a while and it finally burned out. So i took the plunge and ordered a brand new...
forum.xda-developers.com
firestick 4k - currently being sold under normal everyday sales.... ummm 39.99 on sale today actually, reg 49.99, and AFAIK there is no upcoming device in the near future (6-8 months at least) planning to replace it. It is still Amazons top selling model, so pick up 1 or 50.. but they are there and being sold right now!