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[STRIKE]I just XBMC'd and rooted my Fire TV recently and sideloaded the play store successfully on my Fire TV.
However Google looks at the fire TV as TV device and thus does not show all apps or make them accessible (hulu android version (free content viewing))
I used this method but it looks like that Market Helper is crashing after step 1.
[url]http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-trick-google-play-store-into-allowing-all-apps/[/url]
Went to the dashboard and the new device is not showing up....any ideas? :(
[/STRIKE]
I'm thinking about editing the Build.prop but I dont know what to put to mimic a AT&T Nexus 7 in the USA
I want to fake my entire device so I can use hulu for android on it. As android you can view free content on a mobile device without a plus account. I'm thinking about editing the Build.prop but I dont know what to put to mimic a AT&T Nexus 7 in the USA. I have a non-carrier Nexus 7 2012 and I can get the information from that but I'm slightly cautious...I've seen HDX threads how this is safe but what about on the Fire TV? I don't want a brick ;__:
lol looking at the build.prop the code name for the Fire TV was...Bueller..Like Ferris Bueller
Thread Topic Changed
seriously? no one has tried this yet??
stanleyopar2000 said:
seriously? no one has tried this yet??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably because your OP is confusing.
Okay, you want to spoof Hulu, that is what I am gathering from your post. I mean, who doesn't want to spoof Hulu so we can get some free entertainment?
Okay, the Hulu app, even though people seem to claim you can get free stuff on it, doesn't allow free stuff on it. So that leaves web browsers.
So far, my best luck has been Dolphin since you can change it to tell websites you are on a Desktop. Which is basically loads up, but I haven't been able to get it beyond that.
What we need is a custom browser for the AFTV that spoofs being a desktop (don't need to spoof the phone/tablet ****), that then layouts the page so it's useful for AFTV users. And that can, of course, actually play the shows, which I assume are flash crap, but I could be wrong.
nyder said:
Probably because your OP is confusing.
Okay, you want to spoof Hulu, that is what I am gathering from your post. I mean, who doesn't want to spoof Hulu so we can get some free entertainment?
Okay, the Hulu app, even though people seem to claim you can get free stuff on it, doesn't allow free stuff on it. So that leaves web browsers.
So far, my best luck has been Dolphin since you can change it to tell websites you are on a Desktop. Which is basically loads up, but I haven't been able to get it beyond that.
What we need is a custom browser for the AFTV that spoofs being a desktop (don't need to spoof the phone/tablet ****), that then layouts the page so it's useful for AFTV users. And that can, of course, actually play the shows, which I assume are flash crap, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hulu allowed android users to stream free content that they can get on desktop free on mobile. It's only android. Not iPhone Every other platform (even the Desktop WIndows 8.1 app) requires a paid plus account. I was watching a full anime series (BECK) on the official hulu app on my Note 3 with a free account via chromecast screen mirroring. Using the Hulu Plus app on my smartphone. FREE. It's possible. I can jump on my Nexus 7 and go to the hulu app with a free account and pop on attack on titan without any issues (well with ads of course)
http://blog.hulu.com/2014/07/30/sample-free-content-on-hulu-for-android-2/
It says so here.
My problem is...is that when android hulu app starts up. It looks at the build.prop to see what device and model it is...and if it doesn't match the criteria of an android smartphone or tablet, it will be denied the free login.
currently my XBMC'd Fire TV has a "bueller" code name and a AFTV in the model area. Which is telling Hulu it's not an official android phone or tablet. I already used market helper to get full range of play store apps but that's just for the play store. My theory is that, if I change the build prop model and build names to my nexus 7 (2012) would it trick hulu into thinking the AFTV was a Nexus 7? thus allowing free content "sampling?"
I've changed the build.prop on my other devices for various things and reasons in the past and I can do it now. But is it safe to do on a AFTV??
stanleyopar2000 said:
Hulu allowed android users to stream free content that they can get on desktop free on mobile. It's only android. Not iPhone Every other platform (even the Desktop WIndows 8.1 app) requires a paid plus account. I was watching a full anime series (BECK) on the official hulu app on my Note 3 with a free account via chromecast screen mirroring. Using the Hulu Plus app on my smartphone. FREE. It's possible. I can jump on my Nexus 7 and go to the hulu app with a free account and pop on attack on titan without any issues (well with ads of course)
http://blog.hulu.com/2014/07/30/sample-free-content-on-hulu-for-android-2/
It says so here.
My problem is...is that when android hulu app starts up. It looks at the build.prop to see what device and model it is...and if it doesn't match the criteria of an android smartphone or tablet, it will be denied the free login.
currently my XBMC'd Fire TV has a "bueller" code name and a AFTV in the model area. Which is telling Hulu it's not an official android phone or tablet. I already used market helper to get full range of play store apps but that's just for the play store. My theory is that, if I change the build prop model and build names to my nexus 7 (2012) would it trick hulu into thinking the AFTV was a Nexus 7? thus allowing free content "sampling?"
I've changed the build.prop on my other devices for various things and reasons in the past and I can do it now. But is it safe to do on a AFTV??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, with the recovery installed, I don't see why it's not safe to change the build.prop. Not the expert on it though.
nyder said:
Okay, with the recovery installed, I don't see why it's not safe to change the build.prop. Not the expert on it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for helping me so far! so install a custom recovery and backup and then change the build.prop and watch what happens?...I wish more people would weigh in on this.............
stanleyopar2000 said:
thanks for helping me so far! so install a custom recovery and backup and then change the build.prop and watch what happens?...I wish more people would weigh in on this.............
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some searching, found this article about it: http://apcmag.com/how-to-fake-an-android-device.htm
Found this also, different direction then spoofing build.prop http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/problems-with-hulu-on-android-fix-it-with-two-simple-and-easy-apps/
nyder said:
I did some searching, found this article about it: http://apcmag.com/how-to-fake-an-android-device.htm
Found this also, different direction then spoofing build.prop http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/problems-with-hulu-on-android-fix-it-with-two-simple-and-easy-apps/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks much! I will definitely look into this!
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.
I would like to know if there is anyone on here who can add the ability to add some lines of code to Shield TV stock os so that it would be possible to have more than 2 rows of apps on the home screen. I am thinking it wouldn't be hard as there are developers who make custom firmware for the Shield TV. If you can or know someone who is a developer or coder and can make this happen i am willing to donate. Thank you
This doesn't sound like something that would require a full ROM - just a different launcher.
It sounds like we were both looking for the same end result. I accidentally stumbled upon an app called Sideload Launcher / Application Launcher.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dxidev.sideload.channel.launcher
Long story short, it allows you to create new "channels" using the factory Leanback Launcher from Google (no root required). In each of these new "channels," you can add individual apps to that row. Just a heads up, it is a bit intimidating at first when you start trying to figure out how to use the app. However, after an hour, I finally got my home screen to look the way I wanted it to look. I now have three extra "channels" that are categorized by app type. Hope this helps!
What is the model number? I have been looking for the shield tv model number and can't find it anywhere.
I'm using this to some good results on my Oreo based Shield TV.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/app-leanback-launcher-fire-tv-t3750451
I am hoping for more customization down the road on this but for now I prefer this so much over that messy new version of the launcher that Google is shoving down our throats with Oreo.
ctindell1981 said:
What is the model number? I have been looking for the shield tv model number and can't find it anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > About > Scroll down to Model Number ....(mine is P2897)
Thank you brother. I know how to find the model number if I had one. I've been trying to find other info without having one. You helped me greatly
I have just ordered the AFT lite. I understand that the stick hardware itself is virtually the same as for the AFT 3rd gen and that the differences are mostly to do with the included remote. I am an occasional Android dev (though I mostly work on the tablet side of things) and it seems that the stick is a fully fledged Android with developer options and ADB access etc.
I have already looked into some things I can do with that thing, for instance adding an OTG cable to access external HDs/sticks or installing the Amazon Fire TV app on a tablet to make using it much easier and quicker. I don't know yet which firmware version the stick will carry and whether or not it'll be possible to unlock the bootloader and root it (with a view to add TWRP and Magisk, if at all possible). So any hints in that direction are welcome.
As are all other tips and tricks and hacks that are feasible for that device (I am on Linux but could dual-boot into Windows if that's important).
THX for looking into that and a Happy New Year to all.
Firestick lite based on android 9 ..perhaps not so "fully fledged" as it is polluted by unneccessary amazon junk and telemetry as opposed to a crisp smooth android 9 firmware.
No root or unlock at this moment , like the other devices maybe in the future .
You can use adb to debloat or use techdoctor tool to debloat and block updates .
There is also the custom launcher and screensavers such as aerial views or aerial dreams that can be added to give a nice apple screensaver .
Other than that there is not much to do ...apart from debloat which disables apks rather than root# deleting/uninstalling them there is not really much to do on these devices .
Even with an unlocked bootloader development for Firetv devices is somewhat lacking as developers concentrate on other more popular devices the current Firetv devices seem to be overlooked , much due to unpopularity.
We can only hope the people with the knowledge and skills find the time and interest to turn their attention back to amazon devices , BUT with amazon striving to take apart each modification or exploit via OTA updates it may , just may, be in vain .
Regards
Thanks for that, appreciated. It seems there is no way to run the thing without it first (before anything else goes) doing its rounds of OTA updates. Whether it's worthwhile to block updates afterwards is a good question?!
As to fully fledged, I see what you mean but all that AZ crap is of course ON TOP of a full Android, so all the apps I use on my phones and tablets should work in principle (whether they make sense is a different story). I have installed MiXplorer and a few plugins for a start and also NetGuard as a non-root firewall, though I suppose that will not block certain AZ processes from accessing the internet. OTOH, I am actually not so much the streaming guy (streaming via WAN servers, LAN is a different story) so I may well block the stick's WAN access in my router for most of the time.
I also had the AZ Fire app for Android installed on a phone, to replace the remote but this doesn't work very well and was removed v quickly. I've found sth else which looks much better called Easy Fire Tools (see https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.agondev.easyfiretools&hl=en_US&gl=US).
Launcher... should they all work or is there one which is especially good (or bad )?
As to debloating, I'll probably try to find out what is safe to remove and create a sh script with the required adb commands.
Again thanks and looking forward to more interesting things!
OK, here's a little more about the things I've been playing with or stuff I've found out. This FTV Stick lite seems to be on OS version 7.2.4.2, and as it seems hard to impossible to root it all that follows should work with all lite sticks.
I have installed MiXplorer (as I always do on new devices) with various plugins and this works very well. I found out that the app will actually read from OTG USB sticks that are NTFS-formatted. Those are not recognised by other apps on the stick (eg Kodi or mpv) but MiXplorer is fine and can, with the images plugin, even play videos from the USB device.
I have added the NetGuard app and blocked all internet access save for the few apps I have installed. Whether this is watertight remains to be seen (all the Amazon apps I've tested are blocked but I am not sure about system stuff like the OTA updater).
For those I have debloated the stick with the com.wolf.fos7.debloater.apk which seems to have done its job. I also have added a few Amazon OTA URLs to my router's dnsmasq configuration. Again, not sure whether this'll work... when the next update is available we'll see :-/
I have also installed bash as the shell, nano (editor), rsync, rclone and a few other binaries from two sources I've been relying on for a while: Zackptg5/Cross-Compiled-Binaries-Android and [NATIVE][ARM]Linux binaries for Android. If there's interest I can explain how and where I installed these.
As launcher I'm using the 1.51 version of the com.amazon.tv.leanbacklauncher.apk and it took me a while to realise that I need the Launcher Manager as well for this launcher to stick. I also added the Mouse Toogle app (v1.06).
Last but not least I've installed ru.andr7e.deviceinfohw.apk for detailed system information about the stick.
So far so good. More to follow if I find more tidbits.
Hello XDA community!
Just bought this piece of technology and discovered, that the android options are very limited. I don't even have the app manager menu enabled in my settings. Is there any way to enable some of the usual default android settings options? The app manager is a must, cuz I wanna disable some of the preinstalled crap.
Tried sideloading some apps through ADB and they don't show up in my app drawer.
I also want to use the Private DNS feature just like on my android phone, but this option is also not availale in settings, since there is no network settings in android settings.
Dafuq is this s#it? Is there somekinda kid mode enabled? Is this an Apple knock-off based on Android OS?
Any options to block YT ads? So fckn annoying to listen to that crap every 5 mins.
How about rooting?
logandavid said:
This issue may be caused by a software glitch or a setting on your device. Try clearing the cache and data of the WhatsApp app, or try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Also, please check the notification settings of WhatsApp and ensure that the "Show notifications" option is enable. If you have any third-party apps installed, then you may also have to check the notification settings of those apps as well.
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Bro, I didn't mention anything about Whatsapp not working on my TV.
Thank u for your answer!
So yea, the device most certainly didn't come with a kid mode configured. But It most certainly did come with a "sheep" mode configured, so that the massive ad feeding campaign couldn't be interrupted in any way. I read that Android TV OS now have some ad crap on their default home screens (aka launchers), so first thing's first - gotta disable all those pesky auto updates.
I tried vanced, but I guess that stuff is not supported anymore. I sideloaded vanced filtes via adb, but 2/3 of them didn't install. Also I've read, that latest vanced lacked somekinda specific TV UI functionality, so that's not gonna work for me. I guess smarttubenext does the job now, although I'd still prefer the root vanced.
My first question is about the adb shell commands. What are my options to execute somekinda command, for spawning unrestricted android settings apk or a restricted part of settings apk? At least I wanna get a full default app manager, and network settings. These settings stripped from the OS are very precious. This feels even worse than a crapple device. Can u or someone else please provide a list of adb shell codes and translations for them to spawn settings or parts of the settings?
Adblocking is somewhat available via dns configuration, which does work most of the time, but that is not a preferred option for me.
Is there any way I could force adb to manipulate the with the hosts file?
How about force copy an apk to system/app folder and preset target permissions?
Maybe some vulnerability I could use for that? It's not like the newest OS version, it's only Android 11.
There must be something.. C'mon.. this is my piece of equipment, I paid cash money for the device and OS. I want my OS functionality. I'm not renting it. It's mine. MINE!
ReeLT said:
Thank u for your answer!
So yea, the device most certainly didn't come with a kid mode configured. But It most certainly did come with a "sheep" mode configured, so that the massive ad feeding campaign couldn't be interrupted in any way. I read that Android TV OS now have some ad crap on their default home screens (aka launchers), so first thing's first - gotta disable all those pesky auto updates.
I tried vanced, but I guess that stuff is not supported anymore. I sideloaded vanced filtes via adb, but 2/3 of them didn't install. Also I've read, that latest vanced lacked somekinda specific TV UI functionality, so that's not gonna work for me. I guess smarttubenext does the job now, although I'd still prefer the root vanced.
My first question is about the adb shell commands. What are my options to execute somekinda command, for spawning unrestricted android settings apk or a restricted part of settings apk? At least I wanna get a full default app manager, and network settings. These settings stripped from the OS are very precious. This feels even worse than a crapple device. Can u or someone else please provide a list of adb shell codes and translations for them to spawn settings or parts of the settings?
Adblocking is somewhat available via dns configuration, which does work most of the time, but that is not a preferred option for me.
Is there any way I could force adb to manipulate the with the hosts file?
How about force copy an apk to system/app folder and preset target permissions?
Maybe some vulnerability I could use for that? It's not like the newest OS version, it's only Android 11.
There must be something.. C'mon.. this is my piece of equipment, I paid cash money for the device and OS. I want my OS functionality. I'm not renting it. It's mine. MINE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried smart tube next? Great YouTube app for tv and it includes sponsorblock. I actually have YT premium membership because I use iOS, but I STILL can’t live without smart tube on my tv
Yea, SmartTubeNext is working fine, so I'm gonna stick with it. I did disable some safe apps via adb.
Unfortunately hosts file editing will not work without root.
But is there any chance to access the Android App manager? I think this is a must.. If an app crashes I can force close it and clear data, but if I don't have the file manager, my only option will be factory reset. That's stupid. How can I get the app manager to show up in Android settings?