Develop Bugs

I purchased a Fire Phone, but is it for me? Cyanogenmod vs Slimkat vs OEM? Thanks!

Hello all!
I purchased the Fire Phone (32GB) two months ago when there was the liquidation sale to get rid of the stock, and I jumped on one! For the value, even at the $120 or so I paid for it (not including the free Prime membership), there aren't any (if at all) phones with a Snapdragon 800, 2GB RAM and not gigantic (looking for a phone that's 4.5" to 4.7"). After unboxing it, and playing around for a few minutes, I put it back and haven't touched it since.
I was hoping there would be more ROM development. I've used Cyanogenmod in the past and loved it (previously had Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 all with Cyanogenmod), but I don't think the experience would be the same on the Fire Phone since Cyanogenmod is not officially supported. I read about the camera issues (somewhat important to me) and would hate to jump into flashing a ROM that has so many problems. I use Google Wallet/NFC from time-to-time as well. Finally, I want to use Tasker, and although I already purchased the app in the Google Play store, I want to be able to use it on my Fire Phone and would have to repurchase it, but I need features that require root access (do I have root access or can I easily root it?).
The apps I mostly use are: Viber, Whatsapp, Chrome, Snapchat, Instagram, Tasker, Instwogram, Google Maps (absolutely necessary as I drive quite a bit), Gmail, Google Drive/Sheets/Docs, Flashlight (wish it were a built-in widget like it was in Cyanogenmod), and Twitter. I don't mind keeping the Fire OS if all the above apps work flawlessly. I could care less about the Fire OS theme, because most of my usage is within other apps which I'd assume are identical between the Google Play store and Amazon Fire Store. With that being said, would I have any issues with any of the above apps? Do I even need Cyanogenmod or SlimKat? Would be experience be better with either of the latter ROMs instead?
Finally, does anyone know if hot spotting is allowed? I have Cricket and my Cricket-branded 1st gen Moto G LTE does not allow hotspotting. I know the Cyanogenmod allowed it. I don't expect to do it often, however, it is nice to have that feature. Does anyone know if the non-carrier branded model directly from the Amazon store allows hotspotting?
Thanks for reading!
Tahleel

Based on the apps you're using, you should stick with Fire OS. The custom ROMs can't reach their full potential, because some of the important sources are not available (Camera HAL, NFC).
Therefore, in-app camera usage is a bigger issue:
Snapchat users are basically forced to use Casper as a replacement, because this app is able to access the camera without freezing / stopping.
WhatsApp Web also doesn't work because you won't be able to scan the QR code and lastly: no Fire OS = no NFC.
Periscope and Twitch streaming does not work on the Fire Phone, for now...
You could start with using an alternative Launcher like Nova (+ Tesla UnRead) or Google Now.
The 4.6.3 version and the latest AT&T version (4.6.5) of Fire OS support Google Play services.
You can root the device with Kingroot and replace it with Super-Su afterwards.

Twitch only works if you use the Amazon store version; I don't think the Play store version works still.

Bingo Bronson said:
Based on the apps you're using, you should stick with Fire OS. The custom ROMs can't reach their full potential, because some of the important sources are not available (Camera HAL, NFC).
Therefore, in-app camera usage is a bigger issue:
Snapchat users are basically forced to use Casper as a replacement, because this app is able to access the camera without freezing / stopping.
WhatsApp Web also doesn't work because you won't be able to scan the QR code and lastly: no Fire OS = no NFC.
Periscope and Twitch streaming do not work on the Fire Phone, for now...
You could start with using an alternative Launcher like Nova (+ Tesla UnRead) or Google Now.
The 4.6.3 version and the latest AT&T version (4.6.5) of Fire OS support Google Play services.
You can root the device with Kingroot and replace it with Super-Su afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the feedback! I just updated my Fire Phone and waiting for the final update (GSM - 4.6.3). Let's say if I wanted to update it to the AT&T version of 4.6.5, would I just download the image from Amazon, and drag and drop it into Internal Storage as they're stating on the site? I have Cricket, and while it runs on AT&T's network, I don't want the typical AT&T bloatware. Would it be advantageous for me and my app uses to update to AT&T 4.6.5? I'm sure I'll probably lose hotspotting (that is if I even have it now). Do you think it might be a better idea to hold off, and wait for the 4.6.5 GSM update (if ever), or dare I say Fire OS 5 update?
Thanks again!
Tahleel

tahleel said:
Thanks so much for the feedback! I just updated my Fire Phone and waiting for the final update (GSM - 4.6.3). Let's say if I wanted to update it to the AT&T version of 4.6.5, would I just download the image from Amazon, and drag and drop it into Internal Storage as they're stating on the site? I have Cricket, and while it runs on AT&T's network, I don't want the typical AT&T bloatware. Would it be advantageous for me and my app uses to update to AT&T 4.6.5? I'm sure I'll probably lose hotspotting (that is if I even have it now). Do you think it might be a better idea to hold off, and wait for the 4.6.5 GSM update (if ever), or dare I say Fire OS 5 update?
Thanks again!
Tahleel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from 4.6.4 AT&T to 4.6.3 rooted. When I made the move I didn't do a factory reset. I noticed last weekend the phone was trying to connect to an attwifi network in the area. It was never able to connect. And, interestingly enough, I was not able to prevent it from trying to connect unless I disabled the wifi. I use StraightTalk (on AT&T's network).
I've recently started having issues with the GPS so I moved to 4.6.5 unrooted (using adb sideload) so that I could contact Amazon for help. I don't really see any differences between 4.6.3 and 4.6.5 except for the MyAT&T app, an AT&T Wifi app (which doesn't have a launcher icon), and the single APN setting for AT&T (IIRC 4.6.3 had APN settings for other networks).
Once I'm done dealing with Amazon's tech support and the GPS issue is resolved (or I get a new phone). I plan to go back to 4.6.3, factory reset, and root. 4.6.3 was working well for me, and I'm hoping the factory reset wipes the attwifi crap.

Thanks so much for your input! I just got some reassurance that 4.6.3 (GSM) is for me. I was second guessing myself as I was installing and reconfiguring all my Google Store apps last night if this was the right decision or if I'd have to do this all over again if I switched to 4.6.5 (AT&T).
I pay for additional data, but I don't have Hotspot in my Cricket Plan. I see that I have the option to create a WiFi Hotspot with my phone. If I use it occasionally (very occasionally, maybe when my home internet goes down or I'm travelling), will I be charged for it automatically? Or can they not tell the difference without major digging?
Thanks again!

From my experience with Cricket, they only control the Hotspot feature when you use a Cricket branded phone. So for instance, my Nexus 5 and my wife's Fire phone both can use Hotspot, but on my kid's Cricket Moto E, Hotspot does not work because we don;t pay extra for it.
I'm sure there are rules about not using it, but I do quite frequently, and I've not had any problems or warnings.

Using the amazon os and loading google play onto my 4.6.3, everything in the google play store has worked flawlessly. Any of the launcher works great ( i personally use smart launcher ), and google syncing stuff like games work perfectly. Once u have the play store you can grab google maps and it works great as well.
Using Tmobile my hotspot works without any need for modding settings nor any changing of any plans specifically for hotspot ( which is great i dont know how long i dont have to pay extra for wifi tethering for though ), and as im on the 10gb plan it comes int great when i want to do homework with the laptop where there isnt fast wifi.
My snapchat finally has the face filters too, something even pure google phones dont have yet! I am extremely happy with how this phone works out as the next closest thing in performance is a 250 dollar motoG 2015 or one plus X

I have cricket and I'm able to hot spot (4.6.3 rooted with sideloaded google services). There's a flashlight icon available as part of the notification panel (swipe down from the top), so I use that instead of a widget.

4.63
jbatacan said:
Using the amazon os and loading google play onto my 4.6.3, everything in the google play store has worked flawlessly. Any of the launcher works great ( i personally use smart launcher ), and google syncing stuff like games work perfectly. Once u have the play store you can grab google maps and it works great as well.
Using Tmobile my hotspot works without any need for modding settings nor any changing of any plans specifically for hotspot ( which is great i dont know how long i dont have to pay extra for wifi tethering for though ), and as im on the 10gb plan it comes int great when i want to do homework with the laptop where there isnt fast wifi.
My snapchat finally has the face filters too, something even pure google phones dont have yet! I am extremely happy with how this phone works out as the next closest thing in performance is a 250 dollar motoG 2015 or one plus X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Sorry for a dumb question. My daughter has this phone and it's all messed up. Won't open apps, won't always send texts (hangs and says sending). Got a new SIM yesterday and same thing.
Where do I get 4.6.3 so I can reflash it and are there instructions anywhere?
Thanks!

avatar1961 said:
Hi. Sorry for a dumb question. My daughter has this phone and it's all messed up. Won't open apps, won't always send texts (hangs and says sending). Got a new SIM yesterday and same thing.
Where do I get 4.6.3 so I can reflash it and are there instructions anywhere?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this post.

why does my netflix looks scrambled? rooted ftv 5.0.4

on my rooted ftv 5.0.4, netflix menu/selection it looks almost like scrambled...shows play fine but its hard to pick anything... i tried deleting the cache/data/reinstalling/rebooting/ and nothing.. even installing the latest apk from google and nothing
any ideas?

I have the same issue with the Netflix menus on FireTV 2 rooted 5.0.5. Repeating patterns of bitmap graphic segments and portions of photos are scrambled over the program selection menus as well as the progress bar overlay during pause and fast forward. Video playback is fine, so I gave up after spending a couple hours trying various methods to fix it. For me, this issue seemed to happen independently of any Amazon OS or Netflix updates. The same Netflix version previously worked fine on both 5.0.4 and 5.0.5.
Repair methods attempted:
Cleared data and cache - same result
Uninstalled and reinstalled latest FireTV version of Netflix - same result
Installed older as well as newer versions of Netflix for AndroidTV - same result; every version appeared exactly identical to the FireTV version
Installed Android phone version of Netflix - works properly, but is awkward to use and seems to use a completely seperate set of files from the TV version

i havent tried netflix for full android but i tried everything u did too and we are on the same boat...
here is a link for more individuals having same issue...
https://www.reddit.com/r/fireTV/comments/4o5czq/netflix_scrambled_issue_on_brand_new_fire_tv/

either update to newer OS or install older Netflix.apk (though it will autoupdate?!)

I have the same problem-- scrambled menu on Netflix. It's the only streaming service that scrambles (and it only does it on TV, not on my phone or laptop). Furthermore, it began when I had Time-Warner/Spectrum, but this month I switched to Verizon/Fios and it is still scrambling. Netflix is the only constant here, so it has to be a Netflix problem. I've tried all the solutions mentioned above, and it still scrambles-- usually the menu, but sometimes also the show I start playing. When I called Netflix, the asked me -- get this!-- to list the channels it happens to. My reply was to ask them if they knew how much work that would involve-- they have hundreds if not thousands of programs-- and that, furthermore, I wouldn't do that if they paid me. I'm a customer, not tech support. (Sorry not to be of any help in solving the problem; just adding to the chorus.)

IreneSchneider said:
I have the same problem-- scrambled menu on Netflix. It's the only streaming service that scrambles (and it only does it on TV, not on my phone or laptop). Furthermore, it began when I had Time-Warner/Spectrum, but this month I switched to Verizon/Fios and it is still scrambling. Netflix is the only constant here, so it has to be a Netflix problem. I've tried all the solutions mentioned above, and it still scrambles-- usually the menu, but sometimes also the show I start playing. When I called Netflix, the asked me -- get this!-- to list the channels it happens to. My reply was to ask them if they knew how much work that would involve-- they have hundreds if not thousands of programs-- and that, furthermore, I wouldn't do that if they paid me. I'm a customer, not tech support. (Sorry not to be of any help in solving the problem; just adding to the chorus.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is yours also rooted. Netflix doesn't like rooted devices
Sent from my Mi A1 using Tapatalk

lalord69 said:
on my rooted ftv 5.0.4, netflix menu/selection it looks almost like scrambled...shows play fine but its hard to pick anything... i tried deleting the cache/data/reinstalling/rebooting/ and nothing.. even installing the latest apk from google and nothing
any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was using 5.05 I used "netflix-4.16-200217-FromNetflix.apk" that come from Netflix.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1i6yNAVwVEwtPWW3o1DbVvc_GiXB7We99

Netflix - device incompatible

I was messing around with xposed and Sony framework for ps4 remote play. I tried running Netflix and got an error, don't remember syntax. So deleted Netflix and tried to DL and now it won't show in play store . went to history to see it and says incompatible. So I did a dirty flash of same older ROM, same thing. So i did a full reset and installed lineage and same thing, incompatible. What am I missing?
Bad enough my nexus' rotation is broke, touch screen randomly doesn't take inputs, usb port broken, only charges and can't connect PC for files. Wireless charging randomly doesn't work and drains over night, etc. The one thing I had was some browsing and Netflix.

I had the same thing, the last update of Netflix it said it was incompatible and since then it doesn't show in the Play Store. Luckily I still have the previous version installed, but failing that you could try installing version 4.8.5 from https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=529152257862715472

olliebean said:
I had the same thing, the last update of Netflix it said it was incompatible and since then it doesn't show in the Play Store. Luckily I still have the previous version installed, but failing that you could try installing version 4.8.5 from https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=529152257862715472
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
****ers. This did it meanwhile I thought my **** was broken bad.
Now lineage looks OK but typing in browser has 2 second delay before showing on screen.

Incidentally having looked further into the Netflix problem, apparently this is deliberate on Netflix's part; they've just decided not to allow installation on unlocked/rooted devices. At least they haven't blocked it entirely, I suppose, but I see lots of people threatening to close their Netflix accounts over it - most of the recent Play Store reviews are 1 or 2 stars because of it.

Yeah people are getting their accounts locked and banned due to this. Such a silly move from Netflix, classic corporate decision and they think it'll help stop piracy with offline downloads then people using root to grab them and upload them. Seems the long way to do it haha. If anything this will drive people to piracy, however we who root are a big niche so I doubt they'll care.
Magisk will get around this but you gotta be careful as if stuff updates then SafetyNet breaks and you open Netflix you'll be screwed. Or use an old apk like someone mentioned further up. Though this may turn server side soon.

it's because ur rooted. the netflix company has started blocking ppl from installing netflix to a rooted device or a device with an unlocked bootloader. idk most of whts going on but i think it has something to do with androids version of widevine. u can still get the latest netflix by sideloading the app from downloading an apk from a trusted source like apk mirror. hope i helped!

Play store issue and Netflix on Android 10

Seems the phone with 10 it's "uncertified device", I checked magisk hide, wiped play store storage, rebooted and... still no Netflix, but most importantly certified device is ****ing gone! No more section under play store settings! Any ideas?

The Netflix issue has existed for months and is unrelated to 10. Do a search, and you will see my name all over the posts. As for the device not certified issue, hide Play Store with Magisk clear cache and data and then uninstall updates so it reverts to factory Play Store which will update and certify..

DvLAx3l said:
Seems the phone with 10 it's "uncertified device", I checked magisk hide, wiped play store storage, rebooted and... still no Netflix, but most importantly certified device is ****ing gone! No more section under play store settings! Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google - Netflix apk mirror. Install the latest from there. It will update from the play store after even.

sliding_billy said:
The Netflix issue has existed for months and is unrelated to 10. Do a search, and you will see my name all over the posts. As for the device not certified issue, hide Play Store with Magisk clear cache and data and then uninstall updates so it reverts to factory Play Store which will update and certify..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did everything again, also uninstalled the updates like u say (I didn't try it before) and nothing changed, the strange thing is this, look the screenshot, the certified section under settings in the store is completely gone!
EDIT: I've installed an old apk and now when I've open the play store link of the app it's says "the application it's not compatible anymore"

I did some testing on this in another thread and it seems the issue is the unlocked bootloader. Has little or nothing to do with the Playstore being certified which mine is.. and still can't install Netflix from the store. I sideloaded on the final version of 10 and Netflix does work.. But it's still a hassle.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80130789&postcount=2079

DvLAx3l said:
I did everything again, also uninstalled the updates like u say (I didn't try it before) and nothing changed, the strange thing is this, look the screenshot, the certified section under settings in the store is completely gone!
EDIT: I've installed an old apk and now when I've open the play store link of the app it's says "the application it's not compatible anymore"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jbarcus81 said:
I did some testing on this in another thread and it seems the issue is the unlocked bootloader. Has little or nothing to do with the Playstore being certified which mine is.. and still can't install Netflix from the store. I sideloaded on the final version of 10 and Netflix does work.. But it's still a hassle.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80130789&postcount=2079
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DvLAx3l - From what I have seen, when it shows neither certified or not it is actually certified and just waiting for the next play store update to trigger it. Not certified is an issue. It may be that when you installed 10 the play store version was already at that one. Tap on the version number, and that will check to see if what you have is the latest and if not queue it up for change. When it does change, you might have to go through the steps again of hide, clear cache and data and remove updates to get it to trigger. I have been through this a bunch of times including finally getting it to work the other day when the update finally pushed.
jbarcus81 - Unfortunately it is something beyond the BL unlock since that is masked my every custom kernel and it remains an issue. It appears to be related to the device, the OS and the BL state at least. I have wondered out loud if Google tracks the BL status by individual device and records the status based on lock and unlock changes. Bottom line is that certified doesn't mean jack anymore. It is basically low hanging fruit while things like GPay and Netflix are looking well past that.

Just wait a few days and play store will update the app.

Like u guys said, everything is work now! Thanks ?

gettinwicked said:
Google - Netflix apk mirror. Install the latest from there. It will update from the play store after even.
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Click to collapse
Thank you! Worked for me. But then had to update payment method lol

[SHARED] Link to LineageOS 20 for kane - Motorola One Vision

Link to easily find LineageOS 20 rom for Motorola One Vision:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...r-the-moto-one-action-one-vision-p50.4514847/

Thanks for the link! (I didn't know about this..)
Installed yesterday morning and looks everything ok..
I had an issue with bluetooth in the previous version, so I was using PIXELEXP.
(Which was working fine, but a bit too much google.. :S )
I'm really happy that this is an offical version and we will get the updates as well.
Another 1-2 years lifetime for the phone.. (;

I flashed this with Lineage 19, then reflashed it with 20, and have installed two OTA upgrades to 20. It works well. VoLTE works on T-mobile and it's MVNOs. So far, I haven't gotten Wifi calling working though.

Installed.
VoLTE Orange PL, WifiCalling and other things work.
Google Pay does not work, there is no Netflix in the shop, Disney displays errors that it can not play, HBO tries to play spin, spin and nothing.
I suspect it needs Magisk.
Do you have any thread on how to install correctly on our phone and how to configure?

I was able to set a new fingerprint on the Motorola Edge using Magisk. Netflix has appeared in the Play shop and is working. I also connected my credit card to GooglePay without any problems. However, HBO, Disney, Showtime do not play video, giving an error. Surprisingly, Amazon Prime starts the video but does not show the controls on the screen.

con01 said:
I was able to set a new fingerprint on the Motorola Edge using Magisk. Netflix has appeared in the Play shop and is working. I also connected my credit card to GooglePay without any problems. However, HBO, Disney, Showtime do not play video, giving an error. Surprisingly, Amazon Prime starts the video but does not show the controls on the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are clever to have partially figured it out. Unfortunately, I only use payment, I activated it like you. When you click on the author's link, he also offers an unofficial version, which could pass the safety net better, maybe.

maikcrew said:
You are clever to have partially figured it out. Unfortunately, I only use payment, I activated it like you. When you click on the author's link, he also offers an unofficial version, which could pass the safety net better, maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already dealt with VOD services. I had to upload a module suitable for Magisk DRM.