Related
UPDATE: found copies of older versions of Kindle Reader App (needed for a 2.2 tablet of mine - anything newer not only does not run, sometimes when it crashes it corrupts the system partition and almost-bricks the thing. but anyway...)
so I just now installed Kindle_3.4.1.1.apk, which does not use underlying amazon framework, it does its own signin. and guess what? other than being 3 years old, it works perfectly!!! I might try searching more to see if there is a latest version of old v3, or early versions of v4, that do their own signin and don't use the framework, but for now I am slightly happier (but still no thanks to amazon)
and it shows up as a completely separate device, "Yourname's 2nd Android Tablet", not "Yourname's Fire TV" - which makes sense given the two completely different forms of signin.
/UPDATE, and now back to original post...
this morning I checked and there was an updated kindle reader app on google store, dated 4/22 (I believe last time I tried was 4/8)
same result, it understands the amazon framework that's running, so already knows my account and can sign me in. but again now with this newer version, no still books show up. also noticed this time, if I go to amazon webpage of my kindle books, they all have an option for "send to device" ... I can send to my android phone, my PC, anything I installed kindle reader on. but the dropdown of devices does not ever include firetv.
I used the built-in "Send Feedback" part of the kindle app, on the firetv, to say how disappointed I was that something called "Kindle Fire TV" (that is the actual name of our device, for those unaware) was unable to read kindle books.
it was nice of Amazon to reply so quickly, however their reply mainly seems to be "we'll pass your suggestion along, but in the meantime why not buy one of our kindle tablets?"
I wish I had thought to mention how a lot of people with disabilities would very much like to be able to use a big television and firetv to read books, not some small tablet. (I also wish I had explicitly mentioned I was sending my feedback from kindle reader running on firetv)
even more funny, the "cloud reader" works perfectly fine in chrome on my firetv - of course, I had to turn on "request desktop site"... otherwise read.amazon.com says, "I see you are using an android device. you cannot use your android browser for cloud reader, but why not click on this link to the google play store and install kindle reader app?" - thanks guys, simply hilarious!
I don't know if a lot of people want to read their kindle books on firetv, but if you think you ever might, please consider writing to amazon (the feedback button in kindle reader app works great!!!) - thank you
Code:
Hello,
I'm sorry if you are not happy with the Amazon Fire TV you've bought.
Unfortunately, Fire TV won't run any Kindle application to read eBooks.
We've applications designed for other devices so that you can enjoy reading kindle books.
Amazon Fire TV can actually be used as an additional “Big Screen” option for using Second Screen and Display Mirroring features to display content from Kindle Fire 3rd Generation tablets to your TV screen.
Amazon Instant Video movies and TV shows, and Photos can be displayed with Second Screen to Amazon Fire TV.
However, using Fire TV to read Kindle books is a suggestion that can be worked upon.
I'll pass this on to our Kindle Development Team and I'm sure this will be looked into.
We'll consider your feedback as we plan further improvements.
Customer feedback like yours is always important to us.
I'll be sure to pass your message along to the appropriate department as we continue to improve the Kindle experience for our customers.
If you've any concerns/suggestions/complaints, then please let us know. We'd be more than glad to assist you.
sorry forgot to link
http://www.androiddrawer.com/10454/download-kindle-4-0-1-3-app-apk/
but on the right hand side if you click "more", it will show you 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8. and then into v4 ones.
I'll try e.g. v3.8 and see if I need to work my way up or back down...
UPDATE:
ok I did adb install -r Amazon Kindle_3.8.2.4.apk
something a little weird happened - I'm not sure if 3.8 uses the old login style or the new framework, but somehow it changed the device name of the Reader app from "blah2" (which is how I had set it) to simply "blah" (which is the same name as the firetv itself ... ??!?) - and even weirder, on amazon webpage, it shows I now have 2 devices named "blah" - one is a firetv, and one is "android".
I am now curious to push the latest kindle app and see if the weirdness continues. if it breaks it all, so what, I can start from the beginning
UPDATE 2:
latest com.amazon.kindle.apk (4.4 or something) did not work.
I wiped cache and data, force killed and uninstalled.
I then installed 4.0.1.3. it uses the amazon framework because I was not asked to sign in. and, like 3.8, it uses the same device name as the firetv.
it works perfectly. (well, annoyingly, the 360 controller doesn't work in the new carousel style home/library screen. but, importantly, it does still work for turning pages inside books! yay!)
so I will try going higher. it almost seems as if, at some point, amazon added something to the app to break firetv. would they really do that?
UPDATE 3:
4.1.1.1 also works. I did the install on top of 4.0, using adb install -r, if that makes any difference.
4.2.0.151 ditto.
NB: you WILL need a mouse to deal with the stupid carousel home/library page. I think even 3.8.2.4 might have changed to it from the grid. it was there starting in the v4.0 I tried, anyway. hm actually you will need a mouse even if you go to one of the subsections that let you change the display to grid/list. actually actually you will need a mouse to click the top-left 3-bar context/settings menu, to even GET to other subsections than the homepage. you will also need a mouse to click on a book to open it. neither the firetv remote nor a standard controller nor keyboard will work. well, in some of the subsections, if you hit tab on kbd, it focuses on the book list/grid and you can THEN use the remote or controller to go thru them. this could be part of why amazon killed it (hopefully temporarily) for firetv.
I may have to go back to 3.8 (I forget already if that one had this stupid ui behavior) or if not, back to 3.4 or maybe check out 3.5 etc.
Morning peeps.
So I bought myself a fire TV about a month ago, got it all set-up and love it. My ex-wife got her jealous on and ordered the new 4K version.
For whatever reason I cannot for the life of me get KODI to show up on recent.
I've done the Llama trick of changing the icon which works, but setting up an event that replaces Ikona TV with KODI fails miserably.
Have they added extra security to prevent this? Is there another way around using ES File Explorer, or another none-root hack that'll get this bad boy working?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
I have exactly the same issue. wheb you push the test button within llama it works???
Thanks
Same problem with new Fire TV received yesterday. Posted my issues in the Llama and Kodi thread but will monitor this thread as well. Very frustrating if we can't get Kodi to work without a boatload of button pushing.
Same thing here. Glad it's not just me at least!
Sideload the firestarter app? However when ftv is rebooted you will need to enable adb again from what I've read.
Thanks D33H,
I've done some reading about that, it seems like a few people have had problems with persistent log file errors even with the adb fix.
I'm guessing we just need a few weeks until the serial hackers manage a full time fix for both issues. Happy to wait it out.
Thanks
I had it setted up very well too and it suddenly changed my icon back to the ikono tv and then completely crashed !
As @D33H suggested have a try with firestarter :
Can't actually post the link of the tuto as I am a new user but if you type on google: "how to launch kodi by double pressing the home button" you will find a nice guide about it.
I have that now on my fire tv and it works like a charm, double click on home button and kodi start (or any other app) xD
Llama does not work with OS5. FireStarter 3.0 does, and is what you need to migrate to. When set up properly, you can start Kodi with a double-click of the home key or if you prefer from an icon on the FireStarter launcher screen.
jocala said:
Llama does not work with OS5. FireStarter 3.0 does, and is what you need to migrate to. When set up properly, you can start Kodi with a double-click of the home key or if you prefer from an icon on the FireStarter launcher screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire TV got the latest firmware update this morning, 12 October, and I sideloaded the latest Firestarter 3.0. Firestarter works like a charm putting up it's launcher menu before the standard Fire TV Home screen menu where Kodi and other sideloaded apps can be selected quite simply without a lot of drill down.
Thank you to all who responded. I'm new to Fire TV, Kodi, Firestarter, ADB, and sideloading apps. It really improves my Fire TV viewing experience.
What exactly does root do for a firestick? I root all my phones so I know what it is but just got a firestick and wondering what root will do
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Is there a way to manually upgrade to 5.2.1.0? Mine is older and don't want to get 5.2.2 as it isn't rootable
You might want to take a look at this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/prerooted-stock-images-t2882337
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
(edit: I'm adding a little art installation called "Why product bloggers s*ck - to this thread at this point, mostly as an elated comic relief, but also to make a point.
http://i.imgur.com/gxma9a7.png )
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
harlekinwashere said:
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the information. I'm new to a firestick my grandpa had a bunch of them with the kodi app installed just now about to plug it in and see what it's about. Not even sure if it is rooted but about to find out
Well just found out my firestick is on current update so can't root it
James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an actual way to install a fully (Or all Hell), even a partially working PlayStote? On a FireTV / Stick 2? Having a FireTV2, and I can tell you that Rooting it WILL NOT net you either a partially working, much less a working PlayStore, with a working Play Services behind it.
You don't need google play services (unless you do).
Most Apps that depend on them only do so for single sign on or cloud features and work without play services regardless. With some apps you can patch the google play services dependency out of them (which is what apparently blackberry users have done for years).
For mostly Google Apps you'll need it, though.
The other issue is, that the play store on the Fire TV will convert to its Android TV state and layout - which only offers you a fraction of the Playstore Apps in store, available for direct install - because google seemingly only allows vetted apps in at this point.
Now - there are newer Play Store versions out there, than the one that presumably most of us have installed, when the old tutorials made their rounds, that are supposed to work - so you could update and see if something has changed - at the risk of bricking functionality and having to start over.
What IS possible though is, to update apps you already have installed on your Fire TV through the google play store - regardless of if the apps show up in the Android TV store or not. Once installed, Google Play Store will offer you updates.
That - and the ability to use Googles Play Store liceses (paid apps) on most apps with your Fire TV, should be sufficient for most people.
You just use app2fire and apkpure (dont blame me if the site turns around and starts distributing rootkits.. ) for the rest.
For Games - and because the FIre TV has so little storage available - I normally install them on my phone first, then copy over the /android/obb/ folders using smb (Samba on the Phone, Total Commander with the LAN plugin on the FIre TV) - then install the apk, and it works as well.
Its easy enough to do those things that I'm not willing to experiment with configurations that would allow "even better" play store integration.
Its good enough as is. Imho.
James_Ward01 said:
Well, there are many reasons to root the Fire Tv. The main reason would be to install the google play store but there are plenty of other reasons, for example
. expanding internal storage to a external drive
. installing root apps
. changing the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any directions out there for changing the launcher. It seems not possible the newer roms. Im on pre-root 5.2.1.1_R1 and not sure how to do it.
Flash xposed and necessary apks. Guide is on here somewhere. Install Rbox's xposed fire tv mods module. Enable in xposed and reboot. Sideload or download from Playstore (if installed) alt launcher. I like tvlauncher it's super clean and has Amazon home page in app format. Plus use can easily customize or create icons for clean look.
Do I need root for openvpn? (I am asking because I've ordered a Stick on Friday and it'll be here tomorrow)
harlekinwashere said:
- to get NTFS support using Paragon (no 4GB filesize limit)
- to get smb support using Samba (and Paragon to disable SELinux at boot)
- to use screen sharing kvm apps like webkey (control your Fire TV from a PC)
- to use DNS redirects to be able to use apps like Pandora from outside the US (using adaway)
- to get the google Play store installedo
- to block ads using adaway
- to get access to apps using the xposed framework (f.e. to use Bubble UPNP as a media server to its fullest extent)
- to stop Amazon from auto updating your Fire TV and take features away with every new firmware release
- to install an adb toggle thats more convenient to use that Amazons "hidden in the developer settings" one
- to use an unmentioned shady app to strip away DRM from paid applications that won't run, even though the play store infrastructure is in place.
- to be able to do your own bash automation scripts using Terminal Shortcut Pro
- to set and fixate screen orientation to always stay in landscape mode
- to be able to use SD Maid to manage storage efficiently
- to replace the launcher
- to change keybindings for third party controllers - system wide
- to effectively use retroarch that still stores important config files in the /data/ directory instead of on /sdcard/
...
.. basically for a whole bunch of things productblogs don't like to talk about, because they need to keep the myth up, that you really only need to watch a youtube video on ESFileExplorer (don't you EVER use this app and call yourself an XDA user - http://www.xda-developers.com/es-file-explorer-a-short-story-of-a-fallen-king/ ) and a Kodi Install Wizzard (because its the EAZIEST - although entirely unsupported way to enjoy content piracy - unsupported even by pirates - because just as with adb fire - its mostly people (dare I say youtubers) keen on striping out the whole learning part, and replacing it with dependency an a guy that does nothing but repackage the work of others and get ad-dollars for your attention - attained by shouting EAZIEST a couple of times...).
(edit: I'm adding a little art installation called "Why product bloggers s*ck - to this thread at this point, mostly as an elated comic relief, but also to make a point.
http://i.imgur.com/gxma9a7.png )
Its funny to see most new business models (product bloggers, youtubers, wizard creators (its EAZIEST, with 500 roms!), obscure plugin blogs, FireTV resellers, ...) all go after one thing and one thing only -
the average consumer that doesnt know his roots from his product options before a product purchase, that thinks every technical "hack" is just there so he/she can get piracy - and who , if things turn out not as easy as it was sold to them - if a question about the benefits of rooting doesnt successfully turn into a personal "request on how I should update, because I am on - that firmware and..." within five posts of a new thread, just goes with the paid subscription model of whatever pops up in bannerads first, instead. (Plex).
So here is the deal. Talking about, why ownership of a box sold to you by Amazon - where Amazon tries to pull away features in firmware releases after the fact is important, is something I gladly do - because its talked about far less than it should be...
Helping you find out "how to best update from x to y without loosing root" in the same thread, because - who cares about the title, "I have a new problem and I wan't it to be solved" - much less entertaining of a thing in general.
Again - this is the difference between a question regarding knowledge - and mere support solicitation.
Moderators tried to prevent the second one in here with the sticky that states, that your personal questions dont go into the general forum.
But no one cares to actually go by it - because, the pinned topic actually failed to mention, that its support solicitation for basic "setup and maintenance" stuff that you shouldn't bother people with in here, because we had enough of it.
Speaking of having enough of something... The notion that "you don't need root" comes from a "as long as I can haz piracy I don't care" point of view that is provided as an actionable stance by product bloggers and youtubers that also have a vested interest that you don't leave Amazons upgrade path (regardless of where it leads), because they are in the business of acting as conduits for pr messages from the company.
The last paragraph was an explanation for why the "you don't need root" myth is still so prevelant in the Fire TV community .
Another explanation would be, that people don't care to look it up, or learn things, as long as their base needs are met. You can pick one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow.. I managed to order another firetv device, wait on it being delivered from the states, root, brick and unbrick my device by the time i even begun to understand what this rant was about?
Peoples base needs I would say vary from person to person. One might be interested in learning about their system and tweaking, another may want root simply to debloat their device whereas another may not have a clue what root is.
I still don't understand this post when all someone asked who was clearly a novice, why root? Obviously they didn't know what the benefits were but suddenly became engulfed in this rewriting of the bible.
I just bought an Echelon spin bike and it came with a Glory Star Nebula 21.5" (glorystartouch.com/product/Kiosk-Tablet/NEB-215) The specs are on that page. It runs android 7.1.2 and uses a kiosk lock ap called STAROS
I am able to get to the main program and sideload most anything.
Tap at the bottom right corner 5 times, password is either "0000" or "1085"
I've installed Nova Launcher which helps, but most apps I have installed need a newer version. I have not been able to get play store working yet as the google services is touchy.
I'm looking for a basic android experience. The native app works on all android devices so i can just install and run it when cycling and wanting to use their app.
Any help or ideas would be good.
Also, they have disabled the power button so I have to use a small ubs keyboard when i boot into the android recovery mode.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I had to remove all links.
If you get this to work, let me know. My wife and I just bought two of these bikes!
cashen said:
I just bought an Echelon spin bike and it came with a Glory Star Nebula 21.5" (glorystartouch.com/product/Kiosk-Tablet/NEB-215) The specs are on that page. It runs android 7.1.2 and uses a kiosk lock ap called STAROS
I am able to get to the main program and sideload most anything.
Tap at the bottom right corner 5 times, password is either "0000" or "1085"
I've installed Nova Launcher which helps, but most apps I have installed need a newer version. I have not been able to get play store working yet as the google services is touchy.
I'm looking for a basic android experience. The native app works on all android devices so i can just install and run it when cycling and wanting to use their app.
Any help or ideas would be good.
Also, they have disabled the power button so I have to use a small ubs keyboard when i boot into the android recovery mode.
I had to remove all links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! Looking to get it to a basic android experience. Found a link (not allowed to post.. ) to the knowledge base, from the Glory Star Touch site... Support > Developer Community.
Takes you to a Zoho site with a knowledge base and some FAQ stuff.
There's some basic info in there, including how to upgrade the firmware to Android 7.1... Good place to start.
I'm going to try and mess with it later tonight after I get home.
I'm wondering if ADB debugging mode is enabled?
So I've done some poking around here
As my hastily thrown together username implies, I'm new to android development so take that into consideration but my findings so far:
- There's no GFS ID associated to the device (at least after a factory reset) which will restrict you from the google play store
- ADB is not enabled but is accessible through the hidden developer settings
- If you brick your device trying to upgrade you'll likely need to contact glory star to flash it (with their own firmware) at a charge
- Overall community for this product is very quiet, haven't seen many discussions on the internet mentioning it at all
I'm going to keep looking into this but please keep the thread posted if you make progress!
dtrain83 said:
Same here! Looking to get it to a basic android experience. Found a link (not allowed to post.. ) to the knowledge base, from the Glory Star Touch site... Support > Developer Community.
Takes you to a Zoho site with a knowledge base and some FAQ stuff.
There's some basic info in there, including how to upgrade the firmware to Android 7.1... Good place to start.
I'm going to try and mess with it later tonight after I get home.
I'm wondering if ADB debugging mode is enabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dev menu gone?
Same here, and i while I had messed around in the STAROS earlier in the month, the touching repeatedly on the settings screen appears to be gone. Does anyone know where they moved it or are we SOL?
Got Netflix installed on Echelon-5xs
I got Netflix installed on the nebula tablet with echelon 5xs bike.
Process is really simple:
1. Tap lower right corner of the screen five times and then put 1085 as the password;
2. Unlock the startos, with either 0000 or 1085 as the password and admin as the username;
3. Plugin a keyboard to the USB port, use win+b to open browser;
4. Open google and search for Netflix apk, and download the Netflix apk and install it;
5. Back to Staros app, and change the Staros mode to multiple apps mode, and change its settings by adding Netflix to the list in addition to EchelonFit;
6. Click “Launch Now” in Staros app, and now you get to a screen where you can select which app you want to run.
Another tip, press win+n to access drop down menu and system settings etc.
Ptinga,
That is awesome, thanks for figuring this out! Do you think it is also impossible to install YouTube? Also, when you turn the bike on does it have the apps pop up first thing and u just select which one you want?
Thanks in advance for your time!
ptinga said:
I got Netflix installed on the nebula tablet with echelon 5xs bike.
Process is really simple:
1. Tap lower right corner of the screen five times and then put 1085 as the password;
2. Unlock the startos, with either 0000 or 1085 as the password and admin as the username;
3. Plugin a keyboard to the USB port, use win+b to open browser;
4. Open google and search for Netflix apk, and download the Netflix apk and install it;
5. Back to Staros app, and change the Staros mode to multiple apps mode, and change its settings by adding Netflix to the list in addition to EchelonFit;
6. Click “Launch Now” in Staros app, and now you get to a screen where you can select which app you want to run.
Another tip, press win+n to access drop down menu and system settings etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible to have YouTube installed. I’ll give it a try later today. Right now I have Netflix and Amazon Prime video installed.
The tablet will boot into a screen showing icons of the app for you to choose. Holding the power button (red button besides volume control) until pop-up window asking whether you want to power off will lead you back to the screen with app icons, touch outside of the pop-up window to cancel power off will let you stay on that screen and give you a chance to select a different app.
Thanks again for checking to see if it would work out! That is so badass that you figured out how to do it!!! I should be getting my bike in the next couple of weeks and I will give it a try!
Have a good one
ptinga said:
I got Netflix installed on the nebula tablet with echelon 5xs bike.
Process is really simple:
1. Tap lower right corner of the screen five times and then put 1085 as the password;
2. Unlock the startos, with either 0000 or 1085 as the password and admin as the username;
3. Plugin a keyboard to the USB port, use win+b to open browser;
4. Open google and search for Netflix apk, and download the Netflix apk and install it;
5. Back to Staros app, and change the Staros mode to multiple apps mode, and change its settings by adding Netflix to the list in addition to EchelonFit;
6. Click “Launch Now” in Staros app, and now you get to a screen where you can select which app you want to run.
Another tip, press win+n to access drop down menu and system settings etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome! And congrats for joining the community.
Just tried to install YouTube, no avail. YouTube requires google play store service and that requires the device to have a GSF ID. As one of the previous message in this thread, this tablet does not have that ID. I installed the “Device ID” app to confirm this. Further tweaking might be risky (possibly voiding the warranty).
Anyhow, if it’s just YouTube you want, you can just open browser and watch it there.
I also got inspired from a previous post in this thread to install the nova launcher, and choose that as my Home app, instead of starOS. So now I get more complete Android experience. There are third party apps which can takes care of updating apps, like Yalp.
(I’m an Android newbie, this is the first Android device I used primarily for something. I have several cheap Android phones with pay-as-you-go SIM cards left in cars as emergency backups.)
BTW, having access to the Android system settings had helped me setting up two Bluetooth speakers with this tablet. One is Amazon Echo Dot, the other is Bose mini 2. Both of them was not recognized inside the EchelonFit app, but once I got the paired via the Android OS settings, they were connected fine and recognized by EchelonFit. Echelon’s official FAQ suggests users to by a separate Bluetooth receiver if they couldn’t pair their speaker in this case. That’s just ridiculous. My impression so far with the company is they need to pay more attention to details, such as the user manual, app experience, website user portal etc. All needs improvement. The EX-5s does seem to be a quick product targeting peloton. Hope they will improve the software side of things over the years. So far I’m pleased with the hardware though.
yandawg said:
Thanks again for checking to see if it would work out! That is so badass that you figured out how to do it!!! I should be getting my bike in the next couple of weeks and I will give it a try!
Have a good one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
has anyone tried installing the peloton app on their echelon? would love to be able to toggle back and forth between the two
I am doubtful that would work due to the way that the echelon bike transmits it’s serial number to the app. This has to be done before it will show rpms or resistance. I highly doubt that the echelon would communicate the correct parameters for peloton to accept it as a bike, if that makes since.
cynvp said:
has anyone tried installing the peloton app on their echelon? would love to be able to toggle back and forth between the two
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Everyone.. I just recieved my bike last week. The Nebula tablet was not able to connect to the bike. After logging into the admin screen I see that bluetooth is disabled and I can't seem to enable it. Support has not answered me. Today i turned on the bike and now the wifi is disabled and it to will not enable now. Do any of you smart guys know how to get them back enabled?
Ptinga, I just got my bike today and tried to get into the menu by tapping 5 times in the bottom right to no avail. I restarted it and tapped at the bottom right in the bottom right white portion of the screen. I know this isn’t rocket science... I am trying to figure out where I am screwing up. Thanks in advance for all of your help!
ptinga said:
You are welcome! And congrats for joining the community.
Just tried to install YouTube, no avail. YouTube requires google play store service and that requires the device to have a GSF ID. As one of the previous message in this thread, this tablet does not have that ID. I installed the “Device ID” app to confirm this. Further tweaking might be risky (possibly voiding the warranty).
Anyhow, if it’s just YouTube you want, you can just open browser and watch it there.
I also got inspired from a previous post in this thread to install the nova launcher, and choose that as my Home app, instead of starOS. So now I get more complete Android experience. There are third party apps which can takes care of updating apps, like Yalp.
(I’m an Android newbie, this is the first Android device I used primarily for something. I have several cheap Android phones with pay-as-you-go SIM cards left in cars as emergency backups.)
BTW, having access to the Android system settings had helped me setting up two Bluetooth speakers with this tablet. One is Amazon Echo Dot, the other is Bose mini 2. Both of them was not recognized inside the EchelonFit app, but once I got the paired via the Android OS settings, they were connected fine and recognized by EchelonFit. Echelon’s official FAQ suggests users to by a separate Bluetooth receiver if they couldn’t pair their speaker in this case. That’s just ridiculous. My impression so far with the company is they need to pay more attention to details, such as the user manual, app experience, website user portal etc. All needs improvement. The EX-5s does seem to be a quick product targeting peloton. Hope they will improve the software side of things over the years. So far I’m pleased with the hardware though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got everything figured out regarding using YouTube on the bike via a browser. I have tried watching 4K videos on different browsers but it constantly buffers. I am getting over 50 mbps on the bike so the connection is not the issue. Does anyone have any idea why it constantly buffers? Is it because there is limited memory in the tablet? The videos pause every 3-4 seconds to load.
Always liked this tab....?
Does Echelon broadcast power/cadence via any standard protocol (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart), or does it go directly to its own App via the wire? Any info about such SDK in the latter case? Would like to make Apps for it.
Picked-up an EX5S and was able to get Netflix, D+ to work. HBO, YT required Google play services to be installed.
Using Lawnchair as home app. Might switch back to Nova if I can purchase direct access outside of Google Play and if it can resolve my issue below.
When I launch the Echelon Fit app , I don't have any other option to go back to my Home screen unless I go through the unlock process again. The home, back arrow icons aren't visible. When I launch Netflix, the back arrow works and allows me to exit the app, but the home icon does nothing.
Maybe I'm missing something?
So far I have the following working:
Disney +
CBS
Netflix
Hulu
Peloton
HBO Max requires the Play
VUDU detects that the table is rooted and will not run. Looking for workarounds on this.
I'm exploring the possibility of flashing this tablet with GAPPS so I can generate a GFS ID to access the PLAY store going forward.
Ordered a cellphone holder than I plan to mount under the monitor. This will allow me to use the Echelon app in Free Ride mode (to connect to the bike/track my cadence) while I'm logged into Peloton on the main screen and try to follow along with the class.
mobilEKG said:
Does Echelon broadcast power/cadence via any standard protocol (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart), or does it go directly to its own App via the wire? Any info about such SDK in the latter case? Would like to make Apps for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's sent from the Bike via Bluetooth. The wire that runs through the bike simply provides power to the Tablet.
Would be great if there was an app that connected to the bike that you could then overlay over the Peloton app.
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.