I got a fire tv stick . I am not happy with the user interface, I was lead to believe it would be different after a conversation with Amazon Customer Service.
I want to stick to open with a selection of user profiles. I want one that is for my kids and one for adults. I want the kids one to have restrictions on what they can access., i.e. parental controls. I would like these to extend into the apps like netflix.
Can I do this?
I found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
that allows me to sideload apps to my fire tv stick. apps like XBMC.
But can I set the stick up to 1) boot to xbmc, 2) require a password on one account 3) establish parental controls on that account that extend to the various apps?
finally, do I need to root the stick to get it to boot to XBMC?
bc320 said:
I got a fire tv stick . I am not happy with the user interface, I was lead to believe it would be different after a conversation with Amazon Customer Service.
I want to stick to open with a selection of user profiles. I want one that is for my kids and one for adults. I want the kids one to have restrictions on what they can access., i.e. parental controls. I would like these to extend into the apps like netflix.
Can I do this?
I found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
that allows me to sideload apps to my fire tv stick. apps like XBMC.
But can I set the stick up to 1) boot to xbmc, 2) require a password on one account 3) establish parental controls on that account that extend to the various apps?
finally, do I need to root the stick to get it to boot to XBMC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it to boot to XBMC via Llama. Just have llama auto go to xbmc when the home app is open. I would recommend against this and just use llama to run ikonotv or classictv to just do basically the same. However, to each his own, and you can do as you please.
I personally keep the home launcher so that i can run the other stuff too, such as games or netflix. And the youtube app is better than xbmc's youtube app.
A better alternative (in my opinion) would be to use an alternate home launcher instead.
None of this requires root, but root (not on stick yet) can make it simpler, and speedier as it wouldn't load the default home app. I believe some of the launchers can intercept the home button and go there instead of amazon's home if you wish. XBMC is not built for firetv but rather android in general. It could have a lot of these powerful features if they programmed them in. Lot's of work by people who probably don't see the advantage to work gain ratio being worth it.
Does anyone know if it's possible to load the web version of Hulu on the Amazon Fire TV? I tried sideloading the Hulu app from the GP store, but it's the "Plus" version that requires a subscription. Other than that I was looking into the Kodi repos, but couldn't find a working script.
Any help is appreciated...
You can do it via PlayOn.
MadFlava said:
You can do it via PlayOn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, but not the answer I was looking for.
There isnt an app for the free version so you have only a couple of options. Sideloading Chrome might work or Playon.
Maybe there is some kind of plugin for Kodi but if its like Netflix, you have to be under Windows to get it to work.
There are a lot of browsers that can view the actual desktop hulu page, but none of them will let you watch video anymore, cause they use outdated flash support. Flashvideobrowser, Virtual PC Browser and photon browser will go to the PC verrsion of the page, but will not play anything, for the reason listed above, their flash plugin is outdated. Puffin will also go to the PC version of hulu, but will not play anything, cause the browser uses vpn and hulu has a policy to block private browsing, cause they do not want anyone outside the USA to use their site. I am guessing it will be hard to do on android unless you develop a browser with updated flash support and the ability to fool hulu into thinking you are on a PC.
Maybe there is an older version of the non-plussed Hulu.apk floating around that might work? Anyone know a site where such a file might be found?
aniceberg said:
Maybe there is an older version of the non-plussed Hulu.apk floating around that might work? Anyone know a site where such a file might be found?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There really isn't such a thing that I remember. Hulu Plus was always required for watching via mobile app. The only way you can watch for free is by using the website directly via a web browser...
I have a generic Android TV box but I like how the FireTV video apps are optimized for use with a remote control instead of touch.
Is it possible to install FireTV APK to standard Android device?
If so, how do we pull the APK off the FireTV?
Neo3D said:
I have a generic Android TV box but I like how the FireTV video apps are optimized for use with a remote control instead of touch.
Is it possible to install FireTV APK to standard Android device?
If so, how do we pull the APK off the FireTV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try installing akgfire on your android. Dont think i used it for the purpose you stated but you might be able to pull apks from aftv.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/themes-apps/fire-tv-loader-app-android-t2963536
Downloads are at bottom of first post
Thanks! We have to install the Amazon App Store or else none of the FireTV apps will work.
Then, we can install any apps from that.
Neo3D said:
Thanks! We have to install the Amazon App Store or else none of the FireTV apps will work.
Then, we can install any apps from that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use apk extractor..problem is apps like hbo go and others wont work.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I installed an app(MBC video app) on a couple of Android devices successfully after installing Amazon app store but got mixed results. The app is designed to work with the remote and not a touchscreen. Also the app in this case had issues with displaying ads via adFire. So your mileage might vary...
Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk
I've been hunting for an android box for over two months now. I never considered the Nvidia Shield because it comes with Android TV instead of regular Android. But I couldn't help not being enamored by the performance it offers. What I want is an Android box I can connect to my TV that will allow me to (1) run kodi (2) stream from an IPTV app (3) run emulators. I was about to pull the trigger on Minix U9, but the Tegra processor just sh*ts on everything out there. Today, I learned that I could actually run Android OS (Nougat) on the Shield. Why would anyone buy a Minix U9 for $160 when a much more powerful Shield goes for mere $40 extra ? I felt it was too good to be true. So, I'm here asking those of you that are running full Android on the Shield, is the full Android firmware stable in the sense that it's not just rife with bugs, and do I lose the ability to stream Netflix in 4k ?
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable. Another reason for rooting and installing full Android is that I use TWRP for Recovery. I have both stock 5.0.2 and rooted 5.0.2 on backup for Recovery if 1.3 goes south.
cjeman said:
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried running console emulators ? Also, I'm thinking of getting the Minix A2 remote for having a keyboard and it's air mouse functionality. Have you tried any air mouse on the Shield ?
No. I use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard/mouse pad combo. I have read that air mice are not an issue.
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
JohnRossJennings said:
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
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Click to collapse
I agree with John here too. You can do all three of your requests on the stock shield TV without rooting and custom ROMs. In fact the .emu emulators from Robert work great and use the shield controller perfectly.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
abo_mara7 said:
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can side load and then use chainfires sideload launcher to open them. Works pretty good. The sideload launcher is on the Android TV play store. Also es file explorer is available to help sideload apks. You can also transfer apks over your network using a computer or download from apkmirror. All with the stock out of the box os.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
techjunky90 said:
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
abo_mara7 said:
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for those tips. And on the plus side when you stay stock, update will be a lot easier!
shenzhou said:
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
greevedogg said:
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point but the original recommendation stands. There is no reason to install a custom recovery and full Android os. The stock unrooted shield os works fine in most use cases.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
If you are a gamer and love it to play mobile games on TV, the most Games wouldn't run, because NVidia has not implemented the from Shield Tablet well-known gamepad mapper. If this little Tool would be available for Shield TV, you really don't need a full Android.
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Are the mobile games you are referring to games like family feud live?
I have the nvidia shield tv and I would really like to be able to play these games on there but do not know how. I search for them but they don't come up. Only can get them on my galaxy phone. Is it possible to get these on the tv? If so, How? Thanks in advance.
search for your wanted games in google, type the game then apk. do this on a pc or phone. download them. plug a usb drive into your computer or phone via otg and then plug the usb with apk onto the shield then browse for them via es file explorer. enjoy
I have an old HP 22 android monitor in my kitchen and love the "ok google" capability, the apps (250+ card game and Spectrum cable app) that don't work on stock shield. I am worried about it OS at 4.4.4 and want to update but Android TV seems to lack a lot of functionality I would want that full android would have. I have a shield and would like to use it but not sure the touch would work anymore if I usb the monitor back into the shield (I can use mouse and keyboard as alternative). This is why I would want full android.