Has anyone actually gotten the FIOS Mobile app installed and working on a fire tv (or preferably stick)? I want a portable device so that I can watch my dvr when on the road. The current version (5.2) won't allow access to shows, the previous version (5.0) won't connect, and the modified version to avoid root didn't work either. I thought @aftvnews might have a post about it, but nothing there. I can't find any solutions through Google either. Anyone have anything?
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
ldeveraux said:
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
RedBullet said:
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works poorly at best, or it did last I checked. That was months ago, and VZ has pushed out a mandatory app update that renders it unusable unless you update. I should try it again though! Also a mouse was required, or an app that turns your remote into a mouse. And it would randomly force close while watching DVR. So really not worth it...
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
software_samurai said:
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
ldeveraux said:
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
ldeveraux said:
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
software_samurai said:
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.9 seems to work on my stick. I do have google play services installed on there, but I don't think it's working. The stick is on the newest firmware, so it's definitely not rooted. I don't think you can root on this firmware anyway. Regardless, I was able to watch FIOS on an unrooted stick..
I tried to install Google Play Services from this link:
https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
Got it working with Alexa-enabled stick
Side loaded it onto new non-rooted stick that has alexa remote - not the latest 4K stick.
Followed multiple google hits to get it done. It kept wanting google play services, so i had to side load and start the right google play apks.
Am using an ethernet adapter to get best picture. Wifi was ok but panning shots jumped a bit too much for me.
Lastly, got an OTG cable for a Logitech dongle for a keyboard mouse that works great. Recognized at boot - no config. Mouse mandatory for fios app, keboard arrow & enter key drives stick. Reasonably spouse friendly. Lost my remote - nay not matter now!
I'm posting this because i couldn't find a recent confirmation that fios app works on current fire stick.
Good luck.
Two things for root users to try: There are two XPosed apps you should install. One hides your root status and the other emulates Google Play Services.
I also want to state that I got the latest version of Verizon FiOS Mobile working on a FireTV stick without root. First, I enabled Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging under Settings-Developer Options. It seems like the FiOS Mobile app requires the Google Play store to be installed, so I found a site with instructions on how to install it and completed that task. I needed to download and install four .apk files. Strangely, I can't seem to launch the Google Play Store on my stick, but the FiOS Mobile app no longer complains that it's missing.. Next, I installed the FiOS Mobile app via APPS2FIRE. That's all I needed to do to get the FiOS Moble app running on my stick.
As another poster noted, the FiOS Mobile app was designed to be used on a touch device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Because of this, you cannot easily navigate the app and do what you want it to do easily using the Fire Stick remote. Someone recommended connecting a bluetooth keyboard and I think that's probably a good suggestion. Instead, I downloaded an app called Mouse Toggle which, when activated, provides a cursor on the screen that you can move around with the Fire Stick remote. I can now select items and enter channel numbers when I previously couldn't do so. It's not a perfect solution, but it gets the job done.
- LKNY
Related
Is it possible to use the FireTV without an active internet connection?
I am running XBMC on my FireTV and it has replaced my WDTV as my main streaming device. I have my movies all on a NAS and have been streaming everything over my network nicely since installing XBMC. I ran into a problem today when we had some storms come through my area. My cable got knocked out and no cable means no internet. I figured I would be fine, just stream some movies over my network for the kids until the cable came back. Turns out I was wrong... With no active internet connection, I am not able to even disable the parental controls to access my apps, let alone access any movies over my network.
Is there a way to bypass the FireTV looking for an active internet connection??
silverphoenix98 said:
Is it possible to use the FireTV without an active internet connection?
I am running XBMC on my FireTV and it has replaced my WDTV as my main streaming device. I have my movies all on a NAS and have been streaming everything over my network nicely since installing XBMC. I ran into a problem today when we had some storms come through my area. My cable got knocked out and no cable means no internet. I figured I would be fine, just stream some movies over my network for the kids until the cable came back. Turns out I was wrong... With no active internet connection, I am not able to even disable the parental controls to access my apps, let alone access any movies over my network.
Is there a way to bypass the FireTV looking for an active internet connection??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I eliminated the parental controls for this reason. I have used mine without an Internet connection prior to this last firmware update. I haven't tried since upgrading, but the parental controls were an issue. You can try to put XBMC on the main page so you don't need to run it through Settings | Applications.
KarlP said:
I eliminated the parental controls for this reason. I have used mine without an Internet connection prior to this last firmware update. I haven't tried since upgrading, but the parental controls were an issue. You can try to put XBMC on the main page so you don't need to run it through Settings | Applications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can't disable the parental controls because I have already caught my 4 year old boy buying his favorite shows on Amazon.
How would I go about putting XBMC on the main page? Even if I could put it on the main page it wouldn't help with no internet because under every menu it tells me to go to network settings and set up my network.
..
I had to set up a bogus credit card on my son's kindle fire. It allowed him to use the app store for free stuff but obviously nothing that costs $. I Googled it at the time n forget how offhand but it was fairly straight forward and simple.
silverphoenix98 said:
Unfortunately I can't disable the parental controls because I have already caught my 4 year old boy buying his favorite shows on Amazon.
How would I go about putting XBMC on the main page? Even if I could put it on the main page it wouldn't help with no internet because under every menu it tells me to go to network settings and set up my network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shameless plug...
My xposed module (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2786618) lets you use an alternate home launcher. With this version of XBMC (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392) it'll make that be the home launcher. Or you could use another launcher...
silverphoenix98 said:
Unfortunately I can't disable the parental controls because I have already caught my 4 year old boy buying his favorite shows on Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, if you don't have Internet, you can't buy anything, right?
I am thinking the launcher idea may be the way to go. That way I can still keep my parental controls on, and be able to access other apps if the internet connection drops out again.
Thanks rbox
Sup guys, has anyone got this working? I installed on my FTV this weekend and kept getting errors about having to have the latest version. I was able to find another version of the apk from XDA with the checks removed, for HDMI, VPN, Version validation removed etc and that installs and opens just fine but when I go to play something it just errors out. Just wondering if anyone else has had any better luck. Thx
I side-loaded the latest Playstore version on my FTV stick. Received message to turn off ADB debugging.
Once that was done, I was able to sign in (using a bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo). Live TV channels load up and play but control is definetly an issue. It's difficult to page up/down through the channel list, have to keep stopping at the top/bottom of screen to load a channel before I'm able to scroll up/down to channels that are off-screen.
I haven't really messed with the other areas of the apps but once I finally am able to navigate to a channel I want to watch, the video plays really good. In the end, if I want to use the TWC app, it's just easier to use my Roku stick
I side loaded the latest version. I can get to the login screen but it says it needs to be on wifi to work. I'm hard wired via Ethernet.
It's my understanding that the Roku is the only working device for streaming, digital, replacement of extra converter boxes etc. this info came from the cable guy 2 days ago.
Hope this helps---and who knows what the future will bring?
Gail
Awesome! Works great on my S4 Mini.
Sent from my SCH-R890 using XDA Free mobile app
Hello, I have searched the Internet for a Slingplayer app for my Slingbox solo on my Fire TV with no success. I took a chance and sideloaded several APK'S, a lot did not show the video, only sound. I found Slingplayer for tablets 3.4.0 and got it to work, with a little fiddling the quality is not bad (SD) at 2Mps on a wired network. With an Ipad mouse app and an Ipad remote control app It works, I use the Virgin Media Anytime App to change channels. I would like some feedback as to whether or not this is a new discovery or if there is a better APK for the Fire TV out there...... Thanks ....Mark
I had this version loaded on my AFS successfully. However, since I didn;t have Google Play Store, it stopped working after a while since it couldn;t validate my license.
sparkycomuk said:
Hello, I have searched the Internet for a Slingplayer app for my Slingbox solo on my Fire TV with no success. I took a chance and sideloaded several APK'S, a lot did not show the video, only sound. I found Slingplayer for tablets 3.4.0 and got it to work, with a little fiddling the quality is not bad (SD) at 2Mps on a wired network. With an Ipad mouse app and an Ipad remote control app It works, I use the Virgin Media Anytime App to change channels. I would like some feedback as to whether or not this is a new discovery or if there is a better APK for the Fire TV out there...... Thanks ....Mark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tekweezle said:
I had this version loaded on my AFS successfully. However, since I didn;t have Google Play Store, it stopped working after a while since it couldn;t validate my license.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the apk. The error message doesn't seem to occur until I log out eventually and then doesn't let me back in so just uninstall and reinstall and works again. Isn't ideal but its just like having to log in again after each time.
These versions have worked for me thus far on AFS. The first was made for a phone and second for tablet. I use the one for the tablet as looks a little better and for me has a real remote. Only issue with the slingbox remote was the bottom half was off the screen. To bring it up, using the firestick remote, placed the mouse over the slingbox remote and moving the firestick cursor up first, then held down the firestick select button, letting go when reaches desired location. Mouse must be over the remote throughout. Stays in that position until log out.
bit.ly/2Ovmvis
bit.ly/2ypee5D
This thread is 3 and a half years old so might be a better way out there by now? Something with better quality?
There's a Slingplayer app for the Fire TV. Why aren't you using it?
Sizzlechest said:
There's a Slingplayer app for the Fire TV. Why aren't you using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the slingplayer application for firetv does not work with all slingbox models. I use the app for tablet and I have installed a version of google playstore posted in this forum. For the user interface I use an i7 Rii mini with the function of "air mouse".
1. Google Play Services 11.9.75.apk
2. Google Play Store 8.5.39.apk
3. Google Account Manager 4.4.4.apk
4. Google Gmail (Login Interface) 5.6.102685581.apk
5. SlingPlayer Free for Tablet_v1.0.1.apk
Wow, what an old thread. I mothballed my streaming boxes because cable set top boxes are becoming rare. But while I had them running, my slingbox and Vulkano boxes worked great for streaming live tv!
You can download our free trial apk and install it to fire TV, all of sudden, your fire TV is also a Chromecast receiver.
Please refer to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...p-youmap-chromecast-receiver-android-t3161851
Download this apk: [apk, updated on Jan-17-2016, now version 1.4.0, it will expire on Feb-29-2016]
http://www.youmap.com/YouMapCastReceiver.apk
Instructions: (good for fire TV box and stick)
(1) Enable ADB and USB Debugging - go to Amazon TV, Settings, System, Developer Options > tun on ADB Debugging and USB Debugging
(2) Now, you need to find the ip address of the FireTV device, System > About
(3) Now from another PC, you can use adb command to install the YouMap Chromecast apk.
adb connect your-ip-address-of-firetv
adb install YouMapCastReceiver.apk
(4) reboot fire TV, and it's ready for casting.
Have fun !
Haven't had a chance to try but looking forward to it. I'll edit the post when I do...
Notice no option to buy full version yet. Is there an estimate on what it'll cost?
Update--Sorry. Got some questions right from the start. Usb debugging ejects the usb drive and makes it unusable. Lots of people use an external drive on aftv so this might be a problem.
It works for sure, however, I'm not sure if I'm utilizing it correctly? I was hoping it would mirror my display, but it doesn't appear to, not even if i enable mirroring on aftv. Maybe it's not suppose to...
But, so far the only thing I've gotten it to do is to cast youtube and we can already do that without losing usb functionality. Please correct me if I'm missing something. Thanks.
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
huisinro said:
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Works great BTW. Is it possible to set it up on multiple aftvs and AFTV stick?
yes, you can install it on multiple receivers, you may need to name them differently to differientiate them. Our app has a setting page to specify the name. However, on Fire TV, the setting page won't show up, we are working on a amazon version, that should install directly from Amazon store. it will take some time for that release though.
You can access the Youmap settings page on a Fire TV. From the home page scroll down to Settings, then goto Applications and down to Manage Installed Applications. Then scroll down to Youmap Chromecast Receiver, select it and then select Launch application. That will take you to the Youmap settings.
Ahh, Thanks, darren1. I didn't know that
Its a restriction on all sideloaded apps. they can't be launched straight from the Fire TV home screen. When you release an official version through their appstore anyone purchasing it would be able to launch it from the homescreen.
Well I like it. The chromecast app should be a welcome edition too except I need to reinstall play services. Forgot I had uninstalled it to fix play store crash on launch. But your app is working well. Its more reliable than normal YouTube casting because it doesn't care whether my AFTV is Ethernet, 2.4ghz or 5ghz. Normally I can't connect my phone if its on 2.4 while my AFTV is on 5. Not a lot of time testing but so far lag seems minimal.
It works on my firetv connected straight to router , but it doesnt work on my aftv stick ,complains about port 8008 and uses 8010, but chromecast on my sg3 still doesnt detect it and its on the same network
Sometimes, you need to use google chromecast app Screen Mirroring to search for the device, once it finds the device, it will work. Also try to reboot your router, and on your sending device, try to turn off/on the wifi.
Got play services reinstalled and very impressed with performance and ease of use once its set.
I did have one issue but not sure its related. Both times I used chromecast, my AFTV switched from 5 GHz to 2.4ghz. Doesn't usually drop the signal like that. And it wouldn't normally be an issue but I use mysql and that sometimes won't work properly if all my devices aren't hardwired or on 5ghz.
Do you think this is related to chromecast or should I troubleshoot elsewhere? I know normal screen casting doesn't work for me if the devices are on different frequencies. This one does but wonder if the reason for that is its somehow able to auto change it.
Our youmap receiver does NOT require google play services.
About wifi 2.4 vs 5GHz band, our app does not change that, it uses whatever wifi is currently on. Ethernet is usually much more stable, though.
This works great on my firestick and firetv! Before, I had a few apps that were cast ready (I originally had chromecast) that showed the cast icon. I could no longer cast once I got aftv, the icons didn't even show up in my apps anymore even though I knew it was available. I just watched on my phone only. I dl'd this app to my phone and sideloaded it to my ftvs and ftv via another useful app via my phone. I gave each device a separate name and rebooted. (Oh, and ticked the box to start up with device) Now, my cast icons show up in my favorite apps, and I am able to cast! I am Soo freaken happy!! It also shows both my cast channels.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I noticed in the other thread that it said the app listed would expire today. Since I don't have the play store installed how can I go about getting the paid version or at least continue to use this version?
Will post an update to keep this trial going
The apk has been updated, now expires on August-31-2015.
it fixed the chrome tab mirroring issue, and improved the device discovery. Please give it a try.
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
right, the licensing issue is the last thing we are working on for Amazon store. We are checking if Amazon has similar apis as google play app licensing, still no definite answer yet. If Amazon does not provide such api, we can do it ourselves by entering a license key, not the best way.
Rincewind2011 said:
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason we don't understand yet, chrome tab mirroring works only on fire TV box, not on fire TV stick, all other features are same on both.
Stupidly bought a FireTV Stick with the intention of putting it in the offpsrings room so they can watch stuff from my Plex server in their own rooms.
Installed Plex, it wants to activate, £3.99, fair enough, bought it, it then says I can't watch stuff until I activate it, so I try again and it just errors..
Plex forums are about as much use as a fart in a cullender, so ended up here..
Any root or custom ROM options for the stick so it actually becomes useful?
Same LAN network correct?
I've noticed that if Plex uses a WAN address it behaves differently and nags for money. If your on a local network and you've attached to the correct server than you should be good to go.
Maybe you've already done this but make sure you are connected to the correct server and on your local network. And also if the content is HD make sure you are using h.264 encoding. I've noticed the firetv stick struggles with MPEG2 HD.
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had that problem, ate you in the uk? Works gangbusters in the us. I'm also plexpass, so maybe that's why...
Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say much about plex. I tried it. It was good to very good, depending on my device, but kodi is better in my opinion. However, if that tedious navigation in getting to the app is really your only issue, you can use llama to put it right on the recent section, or boot right to it. Adbfire makes the setup simple. There's also firestarter that allows side loaded apps on the home screen.
I've been using Plex for years and I'm pretty regular on the forums, and I agree, the issue with the repeated activation requirement doesn't seem to fix itself. Here is the most complete thread on the subject (http://forums.plex.tv/discussion/151349/app-already-purchased-but-still-prompting-for-activation/p1), I seem to remember that the main suggestions are (1) do a factory reset on the stick, (2) contact Amazon, and (3) PM one of the Plex devs with your amazon account name and maybe the receipt info from the app purchase (I don't remember the details of that). Like ldeveraux I have a Plexpass membership, that seems to provide the magic to avoid the issue (but I'm not promoting the purchase, the price now is kind of high).
Kodi+PlexBMC+Amber Skin works very well and looks similar to Plex Home Theater, sideloading is pretty easy (http://sideloadfiretv.com/sideload-apps-amazon-fire-tv-windows), and I think it's just a better solution to avoid any issues with surround sound.
Firestarter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/themes-apps/app-root-home-launcher-replacement-app-t3118135) is an awesome app to easily access your sideloaded apps.
Ahh, llama might sort me out then if I can boot the stick straight to Kodi/XBMC, dont have a Plexpass here which might be why its working for you guys and not me..