Hi All,
I've seen a method (here) that stops Amazon from making changes to Fire Cube devices as long as they are on a certain firmware version.
I want to know the simplest way to flash an older firmware version onto a Gen 2 or Gen 3 Fire Cube. No preference over which model, whichever is easiest.
So far I've found the firmware downloads, but understanding what's required to flash it is like trying to read Greek to me. I've seen methods that need an Arduino, some that say you don't need an Arduino if your on Firmware X or older.
I don't actually own the Fire Cube yet, so I don't know what firmware version will be on there when I receive it. Open to buying second hand or brand new, 2nd or 3rd gen, whatever is going to give me the easiest means of flashing old hardware on there.
Any advice or help is massively appreciated.
Kind Regards,
The 3rd Gen (Gazelle) Cube is only limited to temporary root which can only grant root under certain conditions. Unfortunately with the 3rd gen currently trying and modifying the system to run an older system will brick the device due to dm-verify checking for changes of the system and files.
Skel40 said:
The 3rd Gen (Gazelle) Cube is only limited to temporary root which can only grant root under certain conditions. Unfortunately with the 3rd gen currently trying and modifying the system to run an older system will brick the device due to dm-verify checking for changes of the system and files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, that's good to know. I'll pick up a 2nd Gen in that case, assuming it is possible to flash one of the older hardwares on there?
Related
I got some questions I hope you can help with. My mom has a Kindle Fire that she just got to use because she didn't have the proper internet (that's a long story).
Questions:
1. If she roots this and changes roms will she lose 'Kindle' functionality? Is there a workaround to get it back?
2. Does dual boot allow her to keep the original Kindle rom and have a custom rom?
3. She is out of town so I can't get to her Kindle right away. Does Amazon have some kind of OTA updates? Is there a way to disable them until she gets the opportunity to root? I don't want Amazon closing any security holes before the device gets modified.
Thanks!
bird333 said:
I got some questions I hope you can help with. My mom has a Kindle Fire that she just got to use because she didn't have the proper internet (that's a long story).
Questions:
1. If she roots this and changes roms will she lose 'Kindle' functionality? Is there a workaround to get it back?
2. Does dual boot allow her to keep the original Kindle rom and have a custom rom?
3. She is out of town so I can't get to her Kindle right away. Does Amazon have some kind of OTA updates? Is there a way to disable them until she gets the opportunity to root? I don't want Amazon closing any security holes before the device gets modified.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Certain priveleges, like Video On Demand and Lending Library, are disabled on rooted devices. OTA Rootkeeper and other similar apps can temporarily unroot the device to access these features. I've never done it so I couldn't say how effective it is.
2) Yes
3) MoDaCo ROM, is a customized version of the stock ROM with OTA disabled and various other improvements. Like any custom ROM it is rooted, so certain priveleges will be inaccessible until it is unrooted as mentioned before. Having said that, the likeliness of getting another OTA update for this device any time soon is pretty low.
soupmagnet said:
1) Certain priveleges, like Video On Demand and Lending Library, are disabled on rooted devices. OTA Rootkeeper and other similar apps can temporarily unroot the device to access these features. I've never done it so I couldn't say how effective it is.
2) Yes
3) MoDaCo ROM, is a customized version of the stock ROM with OTA disabled and various other improvements. Like any custom ROM it is rooted, so certain priveleges will be inaccessible until it is unrooted as mentioned before. Having said that, the likeliness of getting another OTA update for this device any time soon is pretty low.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. So you can't disable OTA on the stock rom? Does it give you the opportunity to decline the update? Like I said she just started using it so she probably doesn't have any updates on it yet.
bird333 said:
Thanks for the reply. So you can't disable OTA on the stock rom? Does it give you the opportunity to decline the update? Like I said she just started using it so she probably doesn't have any updates on it yet.
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Click to collapse
You can disable OTA on a rooted device by renaming a certain file. Otherwise, if an OTA does come around, it can't be declined. Furthermore, OTA updates have been known to soft brick devices to a point where a factory cable is needed to fix them.
With that being said, rooted Kindle Fires, and Kindle Fires running custom ROMs, require a certain level of knowledge/maintenance to make sure everything stays running smoothly. Anyone not invested/prepared is open to certain problems resulting from it.
Simply put, having a rooted/modified device is probably not the best choice for the technically challenged.
[Edit:] Also, and this is very important, if the Kindle Fire in question is brand new or purchased since Nov. 2012, you may have a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, in which case disregard everything that has been said here because you could permanently brick the device by using any of the methods found in the these (KF1) forums.
soupmagnet said:
You can disable OTA on a rooted device by renaming a certain file. Otherwise, if an OTA does come around, it can't be declined. Furthermore, OTA updates have been known to soft brick devices to a point where a factory cable is needed to fix them.
With that being said, rooted Kindle Fires, and Kindle Fires running custom ROMs, require a certain level of knowledge/maintenance to make sure everything stays running smoothly. Anyone not invested/prepared is open to certain problems resulting from it.
Simply put, having a rooted/modified device is probably not the best choice for the technically challenged.
[Edit:] Also, and this is very important, if the Kindle Fire in question is brand new or purchased since Nov. 2012, you may have a 2nd generation Kindle Fire, in which case disregard everything that has been said here because you could permanently brick the device by using any of the methods found in the these (KF1) forums.
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Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure it's version 1. She has had it over a year and hadn't been able to use it until now. I'll have her check the software version to be sure. Thanks for the help.
I bought a Fire from PC World yesterday, after several frustrating hours discovering that there's not much hope of it being rooted I had a look on Ebay, I've seen several rooted ones that seem to be quite good value, but they are in the states.
I have absolutely no intention of using my Amazon account on them, I only really want it for XBMC and all the rooted goodness and I'm sure there'll be a killer app that makes a rooted fire a very hot property indeed.
Question is, will a US fire TV work OK over here ?
Anyone know.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, it will work fine out of the box, apart from needing a US to UK plug adapter. Only things to be aware - you'll need to block updates so the box does not update to a firmware that removes root (which it will eventually try to do). And, if you want to update to a newer firmware manually and keep root, then you will need to use a custom recovery and a pre-rooted firmware update file. Manual updates is probably not vital though if you are only using it for XBMC.
Some useful guides over at aftvnews.com. First one may not be relevant if you're buying pre-rooted.
How to determine Fire TV Software Version and Rootability on First Setup Screen
How to block OTA update for Amazon Fire TV and keep Root Access
How to update a Rooted Amazon Fire TV to the Latest Version Without Losing Root
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
jonandi said:
So, I've just started to set up my new AFTV - F'ware version 51.1.0.1 user 510055620
and I've blocked updates with my Router. I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
I'm running a VPN to access Netflix from Australia, but haven't yet managed to sideload Netflix ( i've previously had it running on Apple TV) I've sideloaded Kodi Helix 14.0 . I don't anticipate needing to root, and doubt if I could handle the learning curve anyway.
My questions:-
(1) Should I update Firmware and thus forego the ability to root, (which I don't anticipate ever needing to do) or, should I keep running with the old Firmware? If not, what advantages would the newer Firmware provide?
At this early stage, I anticipate only needing Kodi & Netflix.
(2) If I stay with old Firmware (51.1.0.1), what version of Netflix should I sideload?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Click to collapse
You should definitely should root aftv. This gives you more freedom to do what you want with fire tv, example use usb as external hard drive, install Google play store, ect. If you update youre fire tv with amazon latest updates You will not be able to root.
Follow this guide root your firetv http://www.aftvnews.com/start/, read first before you start and follow steps carefully. The end process will guide you hoe to upgrade to prerooted firmware if you wish too.
FYI when you push update Firmware to aftv over Wi fi with adb it takes a long time, mine took over 40 min. The guide does not mention this so be patient. Double check each step and adb commands some folks have bricked there fire tv by not following steps in order.
Thanks
jonandi said:
I'm DEFINITELY not a Techee, and only just managed to install Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
wellersl said:
If you've managed to block the updates so far, you're more techie than you admit.
The Fire TV is the first of many Android devices I own and have owned that I have not rooted. With what's available today, I don't feel the need. I can install and run everything I want to. So there's the real question:
What, if anything, do you want to do with it that would require root?
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
jonandi said:
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys. I guess the main advantage of rooting would be the ability to play files from an external drive plugged into the USB Port. But, then again, that capacity MAY (?) come with a future F'ware update ( I wish!). Currently I use this facility on my smart TV with an external drive. In the meantime, I'm still in limbo sitting on my update restricted AFTV, but leaning toward biting the bullet & updating firmware.
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Click to collapse
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
wellersl said:
Based on that, I'd say leave it rooted. There is aftermarket demand for pre-rooted Fires. The point is, you could *easily* replace that one with a new un-rooted one and possibly come out ahead. And you reminded me -
Never *never* buy something based on what you *think* will happen with it in the future. I'm still sitting on a good blu-ray player that was *supposed* to become a "smart" good, blu-ray player with a firmware update that never happened. :cyclops:
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Click to collapse
Root the device! Plus they may never give user the option to use USB but instead come out with Amazon Fire TV 2 with 16gb, 32gb or future updates might block you from side loading apps, who know what future updates will bring.
thank you
Hey Guys, I just got a brand new but never really updated hdx 8.9 4th gen. the firmware is currently 4.5.2. I am interested in Rooting and running CM or some other version of full android. Looks like the development is a bit older for this device and I'm having trouble finding an up to date guide on what to do to get this thing unlocked, rooted, and rom'd. any guidance would be appreciated.
First off keep it on 4.5.2, I don't know how new you can go and still have any hope of root. I don't believe there is any way to bootloader unlock a 4th gen, so CM will likely be impossible for the time being. The Chinese app KingRoot has seen success in rooting quite a few people's 4th gens, so I'd start there. I'm always wary of some of the extras KingRoot installs, so make sure to remove those after rooting & install SuperSU to control root access. If you really want to use 'full android' I'd suggest acquiring a 3rd gen or making the best of your 4th gen and getting a more stock launcher!
You can update to 4.5.5.1 and root with Kingroot. I have the 4th gen 8.9 and it already had 4.5.5.1 loaded. There is another forum here that details how to root but just google kingroot on the device and download the most current version. You should be able to root no problem. However, that is all you can do at the moment. Other forums here detail how to add Google Play to the device but I have not done so can't give advice there. DO NOT use Safestrap 4.01, will not work on 4th Gen device and no Roms are currently in play at the moment. Like you, I am also waiting on the devs here to determine how they will proceed with the 4th gen 8.9 hdx.
chin_bone said:
You can update to 4.5.5.1 and root with Kingroot. I have the 4th gen 8.9 and it already had 4.5.5.1 loaded. There is another forum here that details how to root but just google kingroot on the device and download the most current version. You should be able to root no problem. However, that is all you can do at the moment. Other forums here detail how to add Google Play to the device but I have not done so can't give advice there. DO NOT use Safestrap 4.01, will not work on 4th Gen device and no Roms are currently in play at the moment. Like you, I am also waiting on the devs here to determine how they will proceed with the 4th gen 8.9 hdx.
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Click to collapse
rockon999 said:
First off keep it on 4.5.2, I don't know how new you can go and still have any hope of root. I don't believe there is any way to bootloader unlock a 4th gen, so CM will likely be impossible for the time being. The Chinese app KingRoot has seen success in rooting quite a few people's 4th gens, so I'd start there. I'm always wary of some of the extras KingRoot installs, so make sure to remove those after rooting & install SuperSU to control root access. If you really want to use 'full android' I'd suggest acquiring a 3rd gen or making the best of your 4th gen and getting a more stock launcher!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As 5.1.1 can be rooted suggest allowing the device to update as FireOS v5 is more palatable than v4 and plays nice with GAaps overlays. Future development is likely to require a Lollipop base; upgrading to v5 is a no-brainer for 4th gen devices.
Rooting is easy, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery is the trickier part.
Hello,..
i got a fourth gen HDX 8.9 with 4.2 on it. Its rooted and OTA blocked. How can ich update tp 4.5.3? Where can i find the image?
Thanks
Install TWRP and flash an older rooted image or is there something HW wise on these newer devices that prevents this? I am unsure what version of the OS this came w/ but I did just get it last week. Is there any recovery or way to image my current system in case I brick this thing before flashing TWRP?
I've been reading rooting methods and I'm reading that the requirement "was" A Fire TV 2 running stock software version 5.0.5.1 or older but I'm unsure if this is an obsolete post at this point.
Thanks much, Dave
TT_Vert said:
Install TWRP and flash an older rooted image or is there something HW wise on these newer devices that prevents this? I am unsure what version of the OS this came w/ but I did just get it last week. Is there any recovery or way to image my current system in case I brick this thing before flashing TWRP?
I've been reading rooting methods and I'm reading that the requirement "was" A Fire TV 2 running stock software version 5.0.5.1 or older but I'm unsure if this is an obsolete post at this point.
Thanks much, Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly no the current version is not rootable.
Here is a guide to everything about root on a Fire TV.
http://www.aftvnews.com/start/
Yeah that is what I saw, wasn't sure it was still current. And from what I've read there really is no way to stop OS updates aside from somehow intercepting packets at the router right?
TT_Vert said:
Yeah that is what I saw, wasn't sure it was still current. And from what I've read there really is no way to stop OS updates aside from somehow intercepting packets at the router right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way to block them...
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-software-updates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
I think in your case it will be Method 2. Elias over at AFTVNews.com keeps the Start Guide Updated. It's the go to site for guides & latest info.
Doesn't seem like this is an option as i'm on 5.2.4.1 "This method requires Fire OS 5.0.0 thru 5.0.5.1 to be installed on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to work. "
For now I just blocked those URLS on my router we'll see if that helps. Hopefully they don't change where the updates come from.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
Doesn't seem like this is an option as i'm on 5.2.4.1 "This method requires Fire OS 5.0.0 thru 5.0.5.1 to be installed on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to work. "
For now I just blocked those URLS on my router we'll see if that helps. Hopefully they don't change where the updates come from.
Dave
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Click to collapse
Method 2 is a better solution. Blocking updates thru router can sometimes block other Amazon content. And you can never really have a full list of all the possible IP's. If you can solder, there might be a hardware option for your device. Not sure.
Yes I can solder but I'm not going to break it open to root it. Method two is for people who are on an older version as I quoted before.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
Yes I can solder but I'm not going to break it open to root it. Method two is for people who are on an older version as I quoted before.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it. That part about the FW range might be outdated. You won't mess anything up by testing that command. Since if something change it won't find the file it is trying to hide or the hide command will be off. I don't have any unrooted devices here to test it for you. But my best guess is that it still works.
The Router/OpenDNS method of blocking things might block more then just the updates. And the list fluctuates, so it's not 100% proof. So it's good to stay away if possible.