Kindle Fire HD 8 - best solution to disable Alexa - Kindle Fire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all, I'm looking for advice/opinions on which is the best solution in my particular case for disabling Alexa. I'm getting a Fire HD 8 tablet for my friend so they can use it to get audiobooks from their local library. However, they won't want to have a spy in their home!
I've identified two options:
-- root it and remove Alexa
-- open it up and physically remove the microphone
The tricky part here is that if anything goes wrong after it's in my friend's hands it would be tough for me to fix it for them because they live far away. And they aren't as tech savvy as I am.
I think I'd prefer the software solution as long as it doesn't require ongoing maintenance that is tricky -- like, do updates get pushed that put Alexa back? Because if so, then I'd probably better just remove the microphone and call it a day.
Advice or suggestions are welcome! Also, I guess if people think a completely different device would be better, I'm open to suggestions. It just has to be under $100 USD. Thank you in advance.

CandidDragon said:
Hello all, I'm looking for advice/opinions on which is the best solution in my particular case for disabling Alexa. I'm getting a Fire HD 8 tablet for my friend so they can use it to get audiobooks from their local library. However, they won't want to have a spy in their home!
I've identified two options:
-- root it and remove Alexa
-- open it up and physically remove the microphone
The tricky part here is that if anything goes wrong after it's in my friend's hands it would be tough for me to fix it for them because they live far away. And they aren't as tech savvy as I am.
I think I'd prefer the software solution as long as it doesn't require ongoing maintenance that is tricky -- like, do updates get pushed that put Alexa back? Because if so, then I'd probably better just remove the microphone and call it a day.
Advice or suggestions are welcome! Also, I guess if people think a completely different device would be better, I'm open to suggestions. It just has to be under $100 USD. Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10
Sent from my ocean using XDA Labs

Related

[Q] Man, Am I Lost!!

I can sure use some help. I have just received (donated to our church) a 10" PC tablet. It's one of those generic tablets (looks most like the WPad). Anyway I've got questions but don't know where to go to get answers.
Can anyone help give me direction? I started here at xda because I know the best of the post-ers and the keenest minds "reside" here.
Thanks!!
RevKev said:
I can sure use some help. I have just received (donated to our church) a 10" PC tablet. It's one of those generic tablets (looks most like the WPad). Anyway I've got questions but don't know where to go to get answers.
Can anyone help give me direction? I started here at xda because I know the best of the post-ers and the keenest minds "reside" here.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what r ur Qs maybe i can help
Can not help you if we don't know what kind of tablet you have. Check this list to see if your tablet is on XDA
Thanks for the responses. First of all there is no name on this tablet. It is not on the list you offered; it seems like one of those generic "made in China" tablets that has a Windows 7 "Ultimate". However on the homescreen, it says "Windows 7 Build 7600 This copy of Windows is not genuine."
Did someone put that on the unit perhaps, or did it get built originally that way. I keep getting pop up warnings about a counterfeit Windows and certain things happen such as the theme on the home screen disappears everytime I turn the unit on again. Can I run this like it is? Is it possible to get a Windows 7 on this without paying hundreds of dollars to do so?
Again, its a generic model. It a nice unit and I really would liketo know more about it. It is large enough to have a fan, has 2 USB ports, front camera, HDMI, and a rocker switch (which I thought was a volume control but it only effects brightness). On the front there is only a windows logo button for bring up the menu. Otherwise its not a bad unit. I was just hoping for someone familar with it to walk me through it or show me where there might be a user guide.
A great title to come into a thread to be just confused

NFC tags for the S3

So which NFC tags have you purchased that work well?
EDIT: Probably should've posted this in the Accessories forum. Mods - feel free to move this if it isn't Kosher.
I bought a 5-pack of the Samsung TecTiles and they work great. They allow for 1K storage which is good if you plan on putting a lot of data or things on them.
Purchased some from tag stand a while back, they come in different sizes and they work fine with the s3
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
How much did you guys pay? Wondering if there's any real difference between the different brands besides size.
I got them for around $15, they came in different sizes.
something like this: http://www.tagstand.com/collections/nfc-kits/products/nfc-hobbyist-starter-kit-15-stickers
Is it just me or are the official TecTiles almost worthless?
Is seems they can each only do 1 single function and the phone needs to be unlocked to activate them.
For instance, say I have the TT programmed to connect to a specific WiFi network. This only works if WiFi is turned on and the phone isn't already locked. You can't have it:
a) Turn on WiFi first
b) Connect to a specific network.
Instead, you have to unlock phone, and turn on WiFi manually. Makes it kind of pointless to just TAP and be done with it.
Maybe its just the Samsung app, it's extremely limited. Are there better apps?
bob_ross said:
Is it just me or are the official TecTiles almost worthless?
Is seems they can each only do 1 single function and the phone needs to be unlocked to activate them.
For instance, say I have the TT programmed to connect to a specific WiFi network. This only works if WiFi is turned on and the phone isn't already locked. You can't have it:
a) Turn on WiFi first
b) Connect to a specific network.
Instead, you have to unlock phone, and turn on WiFi manually. Makes it kind of pointless to just TAP and be done with it.
Maybe its just the Samsung app, it's extremely limited. Are there better apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't used it yet but this sounds like what you might be looking for:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jwsoft.nfcactionlauncher&hl=en
I got the tiles from Samsung. I'm going to use them for putting my phone into silent when I put my phone on my nightstand. I think that going with Samsung's official ones are the best.
Haven't looked too much into what can be done with tags. But, could I for instance set one up to turn on my bluetooth and pair it with my car when I get into my car? And also unpair and turn off bluetooth when I get out?
Vdubtx said:
Haven't looked too much into what can be done with tags. But, could I for instance set one up to turn on my bluetooth and pair it with my car when I get into my car? And also unpair and turn off bluetooth when I get out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Citizen Snips said:
I got the tiles from Samsung. I'm going to use them for putting my phone into silent when I put my phone on my nightstand. I think that going with Samsung's official ones are the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not so sure about that. I've heard some of the aftermarket ones work just fine.
I got mine here http://tagsfordroid.com/tags/Home.html
10 of them plus a free key fob for $16 and fast free shipping. All of them work perfectly. I use NFC task launcher to write them
Wow, I had no clue an nfc chip could do that. So stick one in your car and program it to do certain things! That is great. I need to get some of these.
clankfu said:
Haven't used it yet but this sounds like what you might be looking for:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jwsoft.nfcactionlauncher&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! That is exactly what I was looking for! You can chain many commands! Leaps and bounds beyond the official Samsung app! Thanks!

what method for cut AFTV from power

Hi guys,
my question is: what are your preferred methods to cut off the AFTV power or stop talking to amazon in standby.
does there exist a method for software switch off? I dont want to run device all over the day, when i dont use them. This is a very stupid feature of the AFTV. 2W standby consumtion is a nogo in my opinion. hold the internet connection for software updates, is not servicable, its stupid a feature.
what is the intent of amazon to do that? the inoffical way i mean. the official reason, the software updates, are so rare to quote this as a reason to let it switch on all over the day.
Vince0815 said:
Hi guys,
my question is: what are your preferred methods to cut off the AFTV power or stop talking to amazon in standby.
does there exist a method for software switch off? I dont want to run device all over the day, when i dont use them. This is a very stupid feature of the AFTV. 2W standby consumtion is a nogo in my opinion. hold the internet connection for software updates, is not servicable, its stupid a feature.
what is the intent of amazon to do that? the inoffical way i mean. the official reason, the software updates, are so rare to quote this as a reason to let it switch on all over the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where you're at and what the rates are, but with 8¢ per kwhr, you're looking at $1.40 per year if it was in standby all the time.
If you want a surefire way to block the power, pull the plug. It doesn't take too long to boot up and will keep 95¢ or so in your pocket that would have gone to the utility.
If the internet access is the issue, block access through your router during nonused hours. Is easy with dd-wrt or any of the other flavors.
t3ch42 said:
Not sure where you're at and what the rates are, but with 8¢ per kwhr, you're looking at $1.40 per year if it was in standby all the time.
If you want a surefire way to block the power, pull the plug. It doesn't take too long to boot up and will keep 95¢ or so in your pocket that would have gone to the utility.
If the internet access is the issue, block access through your router during nonused hours. Is easy with dd-wrt or any of the other flavors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi t3ch42,
I live in germany and here the actual rate is round about 27 EuroCent/kWh.... and the amazon firetv is not the only device which is in standby all over the day in my HiFi-Rack. but it is the device with the most power consumption in "standby". 2W in standby is a 10 years ago standard. now 0,1W to 0,5W is a good value an standard.
the AFTV standby is not really a standby so my question is, can this destroy the AFTV when i switch it off that hard way?
I am searching for good things in the AFTV..... but i can only find bad things. I am just about to sell it. pity
Vince0815 said:
hi t3ch42,
I live in germany and here the actual rate is round about 27 EuroCent/kWh.... and the amazon firetv is not the only device which is in standby all over the day in my HiFi-Rack. but it is the device with the most power consumption in "standby". 2W in standby is a 10 years ago standard. now 0,1W to 0,5W is a good value an standard.
the AFTV standby is not really a standby so my question is, can this destroy the AFTV when i switch it off that hard way?
I am searching for good things in the AFTV..... but i can only find bad things. I am just about to sell it. pity
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I live in Germany as well and I am using one of these: http://www.amazon.de/mumbi-Funkstec...60214&sr=8-1&keywords=steckdose+fernbedienung
It works well and when I leave the room, I just hit the "off" button and all my devices in my HiFi-Rack are off. The AFTV is working fine so far, so I guess it doesn't do no harm to it.
I am searching for good things in the AFTV..... but i can only find bad things. I am just about to sell it. pity
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does that mean lol?
You cant "destroy" the aftv just by switching it off. I simply pull the plug when ive finished using.
As long as you aren't flashing anything or messing with system files it cant do any harm.
Well that is a little steeper than the US cost. I guess I've been numbed down by console standby power costs to be honest. 2W is a whole lot less than the xbox 360 or the PS3's standby power, so I've been pretty impressed.
What DEREKTROTTER said is true though. Unless you've mounted system files as rw and are mucking around there or flashing, there isnt a problem with pulling the plug.
As far as good things about the firetv, with it rooted, it does most of what I want right now. I think its one of the better devices to come around for a while.
Hoping you find a decent solution for your problem though.
ok thanks guys,
i will try to switch it of with a master/slave receptacle.... but my Logitech harmony is a problem with this version of solving the problem... iam on the way to find a wise solution. Wise means a big WAF
DEREKTROTTER said:
What does that mean lol?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is no joke. Iam unhappy with the AFTV.
here a short list because of what iam unhappy with it:
- I hoped it is possible to root my german edition..... and get out of the amazon tentacles....
- a BIIIG fault is the missing 24p... its a media player.... whats going on the in the brains of the engineers.....
- there is no of switch....
the not existing root and the 24p problem are no goes in my eyes.... i will see what happens in the near future. If nothing happens... it will be sold :crying: and the search for a new xbmc platform will begin. But this is a big problem to....
Vince0815 said:
ok thanks guys,
i will try to switch it of with a master/slave receptacle.... but my Logitech harmony is a problem with this version of solving the problem... iam on the way to find a wise solution. Wise means a big WAF
it is no joke. Iam unhappy with the AFTV.
here a short list because of what iam unhappy with it:
- I hoped it is possible to root my german edition..... and get out of the amazon tentacles....
- a BIIIG fault is the missing 24p... its a media player.... whats going on the in the brains of the engineers.....
- there is no of switch....
the not existing root and the 24p problem are no goes in my eyes.... i will see what happens in the near future. If nothing happens... it will be sold :crying: and the search for a new xbmc platform will begin. But this is a big problem to....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand about root but you should have known before buying. It was same for me if i bought here in UK thats why i got one imported from USA.
Dont know about this 24p problem? What is it
Xbmc plays everything ive tried.
DEREKTROTTER said:
I understand about root but you should have known before buying. It was same for me if i bought here in UK thats why i got one imported from USA.
Dont know about this 24p problem? What is it
Xbmc plays everything ive tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes... the root.... i hoped that the working on a root possibilty is faster, because of the big hype about that product. You are right, I knew it before i bought. In germany we say: "hope dies last" :crying:
my xbmc plays also everything... thats not the problem... its the way how it plays.
HERE (24p problem) my other thread were we talking about it.
And HERE you kann see that iam not the only one with this problems
I use master slave switches on all my devices. to switch av receiver, subwoofer and my android boxes when I switch on / off my tv
Ultraschorsch said:
Hi,
I live in Germany as well and I am using one of these: http://www.amazon.de/mumbi-Funkstec...60214&sr=8-1&keywords=steckdose+fernbedienung
It works well and when I leave the room, I just hit the "off" button and all my devices in my HiFi-Rack are off. The AFTV is working fine so far, so I guess it doesn't do no harm to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some of these draw 1-2 W itself, so there is probably no real saving
d1dd1 said:
I use master slave switches on all my devices. to switch av receiver, subwoofer and my android boxes when I switch on / off my tv
some of these draw 1-2 W itself, so there is probably no real saving
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I connected my AFTV, my TV, my sat receiver, my 5.1 receiver, my NAS, my active subwoofer and my Playstation to it. So there is real saving

[Q] Is there any use for a blacklisted FTV?

Due to a shipping problem, I wound up receiving two Fire TVs from Amazon. Customer service told me I could just keep the second one but later I found out it had been blacklisted. They also informed me that apparently once a device is blacklisted, it cannot be removed from the list. I'm not actually out anything (since I only ordered one to begin with), but I was curious if anyone knew if the device could be useful without a connection to Amazon, or will it forever just be a pretty black brick?
Thanks!
Can it run xbmc?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Unless they are using some sort of efuse, the "cannot be removed" part is likely bull. I've never seen a blacklisted FTV - is there anything you can get to on it? Like can you get to the home screen, settings or perhaps even get to the recovery menu?
collindv said:
Can it run xbmc?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, it was never set up so I'm stuck at the very first registration option (after it checks for updates). It has an ip address but I can't connect to it with adb over the network (I'm assuming because the debugging stuff hasn't been enabled).
gamerzworld said:
Unless they are using some sort of efuse, the "cannot be removed" part is likely bull. I've never seen a blacklisted FTV - is there anything you can get to on it? Like can you get to the home screen, settings or perhaps even get to the recovery menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. It seems unlikely that they couldn't remove a device from the list. I think it was more of a tech support didn't feel like doing it and they knew they didn't have to, so they weren't going to bother.
I can't get to the home screen or settings but I can get to the recovery menu. Not sure where I would go from there though.
Perhaps block the update servers and everything Amazon on your router, then reset it to defaults via the recovery menu? I don't actually know what's in the recovery menu on the Fire TV though still I could be totally wrong here.
Ok, the "blacklisted" part is bull. The FireTV is not a phone. I wonder how they are going to block it. You can try to go through the registration. If it works, then they just mess with you. The worst part is they can block OTA update or don't allow you to use Amazon service, but you don't really need it. If you follow all the guides, you can use Netflix, XBMC and ton of other streaming services to substitute for Amazon. Or if you are generous and live in the US, you can send me that FireTV, I am willing to pay for shipping cost. I want to mess with a "blacklisted" FireTV to see how it is like. PM me
If it was never set up and stuck at the registration screen then you can't get past that and there is nothing you can do. No one has ever found a way to bypass the registration screen.
vi6s said:
Ok, the "blacklisted" part is bull. The FireTV is not a phone. I wonder how they are going to block it. You can try to go through the registration. If it works, then they just mess with you. The worst part is they can block OTA update or don't allow you to use Amazon service, but you don't really need it. If you follow all the guides, you can use Netflix, XBMC and ton of other streaming services to substitute for Amazon. Or if you are generous and live in the US, you can send me that FireTV, I am willing to pay for shipping cost. I want to mess with a "blacklisted" FireTV to see how it is like. PM me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'll hang on to it for now, to play around with.
rbox said:
If it was never set up and stuck at the registration screen then you can't get past that and there is nothing you can do. No one has ever found a way to bypass the registration screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much what I figured. Maybe someday something can be figured out. Thanks for the reply!
Are you good at soldering try an EMMC pinout mod.
Amazon can blacklist kindles ftv as well as they register the device serial number to your account etc. Block all server adress in your router and use some of the methods on ft news website to bypass registration process as the new method seems to be working. After that you can xbmc on it without a fault that's all its good for anyway
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Free mobile app
Firetv stick
Got a firetv stick myself and had some problems with the order but it finally showed up. I contacted amazon or a replacement and meanwhile the original showed up. but it is blacklisted. Can't get past the registration screen.
The replacement they sent me works fine but they sent me a refurbished one instead of a new one so I contacted them again and they are sending me a new one but the refurbished one is now blacklisted too.
Kind of sucks that we can't "own" our devices and amazon can blacklist it whenever they want to.
Toseye said:
Are you good at soldering try an EMMC pinout mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done some PCB soldering on various other devices. I'll have to look into the EMMC stuff.
lnxpro said:
Got a firetv stick myself and had some problems with the order but it finally showed up. I contacted amazon or a replacement and meanwhile the original showed up. but it is blacklisted. Can't get past the registration screen.
The replacement they sent me works fine but they sent me a refurbished one instead of a new one so I contacted them again and they are sending me a new one but the refurbished one is now blacklisted too.
Kind of sucks that we can't "own" our devices and amazon can blacklist it whenever they want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's basically what happened to me too (except with the AFTV box).
lnxpro said:
... Kind of sucks that we can't "own" our devices and amazon can blacklist it whenever they want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're giving you replacements, you own the new one they send you. Morally, you should be destroying the old ones.
lnxpro said:
Got a firetv stick myself and had some problems with the order but it finally showed up. I contacted amazon or a replacement and meanwhile the original showed up. but it is blacklisted. Can't get past the registration screen.
The replacement they sent me works fine but they sent me a refurbished one instead of a new one so I contacted them again and they are sending me a new one but the refurbished one is now blacklisted too.
Kind of sucks that we can't "own" our devices and amazon can blacklist it whenever they want to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know its refurbished and not new??
Sent from my Nexus 5
DrunkFuX666 said:
How do you know its refurbished and not new??
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they sent me a stick only, in a small box, the size of the stick, and it says refurbished on the sticker.
lnxpro said:
Because they sent me a stick only, in a small box, the size of the stick, and it says refurbished on the sticker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of ridiculous... Its barely been 2 weeks since the device launched and they churning out refurbished units already... Hope these dont have a high failure rate...
Sent from my Nexus 5
DrunkFuX666 said:
That's kind of ridiculous... Its barely been 2 weeks since the device launched and they churning out refurbished units already... Hope these dont have a high failure rate...
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my understanding, they have had these for a while and have had them dished out to multiple users for testing purposes. My guess is that one of those was returned for whatever reason, then they "certify" them and put them back in circulation as refurbished devices.
lnxpro said:
From my understanding, they have had these for a while and have had them dished out to multiple users for testing purposes. My guess is that one of those was returned for whatever reason, then they "certify" them and put them back in circulation as refurbished devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think so... Reason being, the first people these devices are generally sent to is people of the major tech sites to review them and have their opinions ready so as soon as the launch goes live, the bloggers can post the reviews.
As far as the fire stick went, even after the device released on the 19th, there was not a single review... I think the first reviews popped up about a week ago, meaning they likely didn't send them out before hand. ..
But maybe your right... Who knows... Conspiracy theory...
Sent from my Nexus 5
DrunkFuX666 said:
I dont think so... Reason being, the first people these devices are generally sent to is people of the major tech sites to review them and have their opinions ready so as soon as the launch goes live, the bloggers can post the reviews.
As far as the fire stick went, even after the device released on the 19th, there was not a single review... I think the first reviews popped up about a week ago, meaning they likely didn't send them out before hand. ..
But maybe your right... Who knows... Conspiracy theory...
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe they don't have retail boxes for only the stick. So for replacement devices they grabbed a "refurbished" box and shipped it in that.
Anyone gotten any progress on this?
Sent from my Nexus 5

Fire TV or Something else...

So I already have one FireTV that I bought pretty shortly after it came out. Because of that I was able to prevent it from updating and also was able to root it and unlock it. I've been very happy with this device but I'm looking to acquire a second device and that's my problem. With the state of the FireTV now it seems that it is unrootable and potentially brickable with the way Amazon is treating it. Also, I'm concerned that the future may hold a device that can't have apps sideloaded as well. My primary use for the device is Kodi/XBMC, Netflix, and Plex, though I do have prime and occasionally use prime instant video as well and I pretty much prioritize my use in that order. I suspect if I went with something such as an Amlogic M8 or some other android box that I'd have to give up the Amazon services.
So I guess my question is, how does the FireTV hardware compare to the others? Is it a lot better than something like the M8 box? I'm not really a dev, though I'm extremely comfortable with android flashing and such as well as linux, so I'm also wondering are the devs optimistic that they'll be able to hack around Amazon's attempts to block us? Or is it looking more like a lost cause? I noticed work being done on a CM12 port but if I buy a brand new fire tv that can't be rooted then it would seem I'll be limited in what I can do or flash with it.
I'm looking for opinions or feedback so all thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!
Of all the android devices, I'd say the FireTV is still the best bang for the buck. The next step up would be a Chromebox running OpenElec, but I haven't attempted it myself.
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im all for trying new boxes, but seems right now fire tv is the one to stick with. I say right now because there are new ones coming this year. Imo its not the time to buy.
This new update really improved aftv. I wouldnt worry about them taking away sideloading or kodi.
Yes. Im sure you can sideload prime on the Android tv box but not certain itll be great because those apps are made for tablets. If youre hooked on prime, i dont know of a better option than aftv right now.
Magnesus said:
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do like the fire TV remote, but there are better remotes you can buy for $15-20.. you can have a full remote on one side and full keyboard on the other, with air mouse capabilities.. its still cheaper to get a cs918 and a decent remote.. and still be able to root. have apps such as STB emulator work properly (without external players). play many games with the air mouse or by configuring buttons on the keyboard.
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix on those china boxes will be stuck at 480p resolution. You will never get HD with any of those china boxes.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Side-loading is not going to be blocked. Amazon wants you to be able to do that so every FireTV is a potential dev/test box, and they have instructions on their site showing how to do it.
IMHO, FireTV is currently the best option for what the OP describes. If Amazon Instant Video (Amazon Prime support) makes it to GATV boxes, one of those may be better. The nvidia shield console looks really good, and even the Razer Forge TV looks like an improvement over the Nexus Player. Both of those are expected soon.
If Amazon Prime Streaming is important a original Amazon hardware is still better than a regular Android device with installed app from the store. The point is at least for the german market there are restrictions for movies with a high maturity rating. For e.g. in germany FSK18 movies (I think can be compared to a "NC-17 (Adults Only)" rating in the U.S.) won´t play with the Android app and are blocked since PIN handling is not supported. On Fire TV tablets it is also possible to download many movies for offline use for 48h and this is not possible with the regular Android app.
Concerning the remote the aTV does use a Bluetooth RC and not an Infrared RC so it is possible to hide the aTV for e.g. behind the TV and it is still usable. This is difficult with an IR remote if there is not an external IR eye with a connection cable extension.
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Have a look on the serial. It may hint if a device can be rooted:
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aren't most android box's NOTORIOUSLY having over-heating issues.. the reason I went with "firetv" was that reputation.. is this one of e'm that's fine?
sure for people that overclock them... my CS918 feels as warm as my fire tv to the touch... I am sure, however that with a more inferior device, there is a higher chance to get a lemon, but you return it in that case..
My point is, if all your doing is buying a fire TV to sideload apps and do things it was never meant to do... why not just buy a device that is easily rootable, and easier to work with., for half the cost.
Most of those cheap Android boxes are based on Rockchip chipsets (similiar to those used in many low cost tablets) which are not really competitive. Of course they are less restricted than the aTV but it is still not good a replacement when you are using Prime streaming or apps which need more power or memory. For me the price was also not an argument since I bought my aTV for 49€. Those Rockchip boxes do cost more from around 59€ to 79€ with a hardware which is poor compared to the aTV. Most of them are sold for e.g. only as 1GB variant which is half of the memory of the aTV and are missing Bluetooth.
So it depends IMHO on the intended use of such a STB and also with the restricted FireOS environment the aTV is a really good Android STB.
I beg to differ, inexpensive doesnt mean not as good.
My CS918 works perfectly with Kodi. Its chipset has much more community support, STB emulator works perfectly with it without the need for an external player.. Addon devices such as air remotes work better as it uses default mapping, where the fire tv does not..
To each there own.. if your using amazon services heavily, of course the fire tv is better. but if they are secondary to Kodi, just buy the cheaper box, that has more support, and install the amazon plugin for kodi...
I have mine set to use Kodi as the launcher, added Genesis plugin (set on auto) and set up libraries correctly, added stalker plugin for live tv.. added icon to STB emulator as an alternative, and added an icon to bring up the app list... i never have a reason to leave kodi.. all the media i could ever need and still run any android app, much more smoothly than on a unrootable fire tv...
dupsatou said:
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
navigates said:
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
dupsatou said:
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
send them a question. I sure hope its new as mentioned. why would someone sell at retail after tampering. ? lets see what I get. Mine has not yet shipped out.
when you hear back. let us all know.
My $.02
I have a lot of different devices. FTV's, Rokus, Android minipc's, chromecast.. etc.. In my opinion - the FTV's are easily the best value. The hardware is very very snappy, and I think they did a pretty good job in design. I am even a little impressed with the capabilities of the scaled-down FTV Stick.
I have a plex server, and between the plex app on FTV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, my bases are essentially covered by the stock platform. I do have kodi which I use a lot personally.. I dont make use of all the available streaming tv channels etc in kodi, but Its fun to "tinker". The beautiful thing is, you can do both.. The stock platform is perfect for others in my household who arent into all the gadgetry, but just want to get to their programs and have them play, and I can run Kodi and do my own thing.
There are a few things that I think could be improved. - The remote is small, and all black, which is sleek, but it makes it a little more difficult to locate and manipulate in the dark. The layout isnt as intuitive to the touch as say the Rokus. It also has no loop to attach a lanyard. I would attach a small strap to the remote if I could to help me keep track of it. That thing seems very easy to lose These are small nits.. but if your complaints about a device are on this tiny scale, you must be pretty happy with the device overall.

Categories

Resources