Develop Bugs

Doubt with compatible apps and AndroidTV

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

Android TV devices are certified devices that come with a special version of play store, that only work in android tv devices.
If the apps you mention are found there it means they are compatible.
There are apps that work and support both handheld and tv modes, but there are others that only have leanback code in them and the rest are handheld only which dont have the leanback interface.
If you cant find those apps in official play store for Android TV you can sideload them or install a 3rth party market app to download them, but the apps may or may not work properly due to the lack of some permissions in Android TV OS, and also if the apps are not properly updated to work in nougat in first place.
You also have another alternative to Android TV , check my signature.
Sent from my Tapatalk Hub
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Emilia-tan said:
Hi,
Is there a way to tell if a play store app is native to Android TV?
In addition to the great list posted in the forum.
Otherwise you can confirm if the emulator MD.EMU (payment) and My Oldboy! (payment).
Or Is File Explorer Manager PRO (paid) supported? The free is but I have read that it is not the case of the payment.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so sure about the Oldboy App, as I have not heard of it. But, there are plenty of pay for Emus, including MD.EMU if that's your thing. The only pay for Emu I personally went for was the Real3DOPlayer, and that was only 'Cause I couldn't get it to work under RetroArch. Which is really, the only Emulator you'd ever need.
Besides, ouYabuse (Saturn), or Dolphin (GameCube, Wii), alas that Emu still needs some Work though.
But, on the whole of it as far as Emulation goes, as long as you keep it realistic. (e.g. pre-PS2 epoch), the sky is pretty much have the limit. Granted RetoArch is great for about 90-ish% of your needs. Otherwise there are plenty of bespoke paid apps to cover the last 10%, or so.
As someone who has ES File Explorer Pro. It's a funny case. It seems that the TV App Store has a major hardon for the Malware version of this, and not the Pro. So its very hard to get it to find it. I generally tend to just sideload the off an SD Card. Which isn't a problem as it's licenced to my account, and it works just fine with the Remote.

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

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

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

where to start?

Hello all,
I have a few questions about Fire TV 2 and Fire Stick 2.
I'm hoping if I explain what I'm trying to accomplish someone can direct me to the right areas.
1. I want to run VPN.
2. WiFi kinda sucks because I'm limited to channel 36 on 5g
3. I want to get raid of all the bloatware. Free up more processing for VPN
4. My WiFi keep disconnecting every 10+/- minutes
5. Simple layout ... Wife friendly.
6. I would like to connect a hard drive.
I know I have to root... Which I'm comfortable with but the tried on fire tv.
Any firmware I should stick too?
Please and thanks.

Another Firestick Set-Up
I have a few questions about Fire Stick
I'm hoping if I explain what I'm trying to accomplish someone can direct me.
I have bought another Firestick I plan on Jailbreaking. I am using Comcast. When My new stick arrives.... can I use the same 'interent' settings even though it may go to someone else with a different platform ... say Century Link or some other provider?

Jagstarrr said:
I have a few questions about Fire Stick
I'm hoping if I explain what I'm trying to accomplish someone can direct me.
I have bought another Firestick I plan on Jailbreaking. I am using Comcast. When My new stick arrives.... can I use the same 'interent' settings even though it may go to someone else with a different platform ... say Century Link or some other provider?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no such thing as a jailbroken fire stick (jailbroken is an iPhone term)
You can root it if that's what you mean
Or you can sideload apps
What do you mean by "Internet settings"
It's just a simple case of connecting the fire tv device to your router - either via eithnet cable or WiFi - who your Internet provider is doesn't matter as long as you're within the same country as when you purchased it otherwise you need to change location details on your amazon account

Hello,
I bought a new Fire TV (3?) 4k. Unfortunately, the forum is a bit confusing because of the many types of devices (Fire TV, stick, etc.).
What should I do best with?
I would like to do the following with the device:
- Kodi
- Apps like YouTube
- vpn maybe (NordVPN)
Then I have two more questions:
- Does Android work?
- Can you have Android and Amazon OS on it at the same time and always choose?
Is there anything else important that I should do or know?
Would be great if you can help me.

typischandy said:
Hello,
I bought a new Fire TV (3?) 4k. Unfortunately, the forum is a bit confusing because of the many types of devices (Fire TV, stick, etc.).
What should I do best with?
I would like to do the following with the device:
- Kodi
- Apps like YouTube
- vpn maybe (NordVPN)
Then I have two more questions:
- Does Android work?
- Can you have Android and Amazon OS on it at the same time and always choose?
Is there anything else important that I should do or know?
Would be great if you can help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To start off with android os is android - they all run lollipop except firetv 3 & cube which run nougat
You can install kodi kodi on any fire device - just download the apk from the website & use adb to install
Either via your pc or via a phone app like apps2fire
There's a YouTube thread in the apps section - again just download & install via adb
There's plenty of YouTube guides on how to install apps to the fire device
You can use a vpn app on any fire device except the firestick version 1

[APK Request] Apple TV and Amazon App Store

Hi!
As I have no access to the FireTV Amazon App Store, I would like to request two apk's. The first one is the Amazon App Store-app from FireTV, and the second one is the newly released official Apple TV-app available for Amazon FireTV. Are anyone able to extract those two for me?
Thanks in advance!

Also waiting on these. Have 12 months free Apple TV but no way to play on TV
---------- Post added at 02:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:47 PM ----------
So managed to put an old version on the Shield to get past the verification and then it tells me that I don't own this app (referring to Apple TV) and then it takes you to the app page on the App Store which tells you that the device isn't compatible. Looks like there isn't a way to bypass the check currently

Could we use this method? /fire-tv/help/bbc-iplayer-sideloaded-app-owned-error-t3315474/amp/

Found it with five minutes of googling
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/apple...-tv-fire-tv-variant-1-2-android-apk-download/

Ravetcofx said:
Found it with five minutes of googling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is it says you do not own this app when trying to run.
Can anyone patch this?

Too Fresh said:
Problem is it says you do not own this app when trying to run.
Can anyone patch this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Install the phone/tablet Amazon Appstore app on TV/settop box.
2) Open app & sign in with your Amazon credentials
3) With your computer, or desktop mode on phone/tablet browser, visit this site: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Inc-TV/dp/B07XDD7GYT/
4) Hit "Get App" icon, signing in if needed. Even though it says it is not compatible with any devices, it will still allow the 'purchase.' Let it continue, and you should see a confirmation text towards the top of the page that you now own the app.
5) Return to TV/settop box & run the app again.
Now I haven't used this update yet, but there may yet still be problems actually logging in with Apple ID.
ADDENDUM: This version checks build.prop so it likely won't work in anything but a compatible Fire TV model. This won't be an easy fix, and such a fix may require root.
Sent from my HD1905 using Tapatalk

GenesisDH said:
1) Install the phone/tablet Amazon Appstore app on TV/settop box.
2) Open app & sign in with your Amazon credentials
3) With your computer, or desktop mode on phone/tablet browser, visit this site:
4) Hit "Get App" icon, signing in if needed. Even though it says it is not compatible with any devices, it will still allow the 'purchase.' Let it continue, and ypu should see a confirmation text towards the top of the page that you now own the app.
5) Return to TV/settop box & run the app again.
Now I haven't used this update yet, but there may get still be problems actually logging in with Apple ID. I plan to try in a while.
Sent from my HD1905 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the instructions. I seem to have gotten closer but now run into a new error.
“To use Apple TV app, please install the latest fire tv software version in settings”
I’m using the Fire TV (first gen) with the newest software on it currently. Any idea on how to bypass this? (Some reason they decided to not give access to Apple TV on the 1st gen)

Too Fresh said:
Thanks for the instructions. I seem to have gotten closer but now run into a new error.
“To use Apple TV app, please install the latest fire tv software version in settings”
I’m using the Fire TV (first gen) with the newest software on it currently. Any idea on how to bypass this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First gen Fire TV... I don't believe first gens are supported. Only Fire TV Stick 2nd Gen, and the Fire Stick 4K.
It might work with the 3rd gen, TV Cube or TV Editions, but do not know.
It appears to be looking at the build.prop (or maybe the Fire OS build version) upon launch, which you can't easily modify without root access. So it looks coded to fail if it isn't a supported device.
Sent from my HD1905 using Tapatalk

The link above and attached is good
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/apple-inc/
The snag for me was that i had an Apple ID but that is not enough. You must open an iTunes account too. Once that was done I was in. Then, I was underwhelmed. Nothing new there except for the Jason Mamoa flick "See". You can watch two episodes free and then must pay. I passed.
After jumping the hoops it runs fine on my Cube 2 that is going back after my new Shield Pro arrives tomorrow. My second Cube 2 continually stalls like the first. Cannot duplicate the behavior on Stick 4k, Cube 1, Roku HD, Roku Stick 4k, and LG WebOS 3.5. YTTV, Netflix, Showtime, all stall. Nice that Fire now supports YTTV and Dis+ but too late for me. Tired of jumping from platform to platform. Cube 2 would have done it finally for me but tired of restarting programs. My Harmony Hub has HBO Now issues with the Cube 2 too. Select/OK doesn't work. Weird. Too many moving parts.

Has anybody managed to get this to work on Nvidia Shield without rooting it to change build.prop?
(And I assume that changing build.prop has the potential to break other things as well).

Fire TV stick lite... any interesting things to add/change/patch?

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.

TCL or FFALCON v8-s586t02-lf1v421 - URGENT help required

Hello, last week my primary tv died and I've had to resort to using some crap called FFALCON 50UFI v8-s586t02-lf1v421. I do not believe it is a true Android TV although it was sold as one. It has a bunch of preloaded APPS that are foreign, and NETFLIX, there is an app store called ITV4 or something but its crap and I don't have the option to install additional outside apps. What can I do to improve my entertainment options?
a) Is there a way to install apps of my choosing?
b) Is it possible for me to replace current O/S with something that will give me the freedom of choice?
c) If I connected an Apple TV box or chromecast or something similar would they be compatible, would they give me what I'm after?
d) Any ideas besides opening the window and giving it the boot?
Really would love some help with this, if you need any information to better assist please ask.
BTW, Sorry if I'm writing this in the wrong section.
Thanks.
IlGeT

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