Hey guys is there anyone out there who knows if this is possible and if it exists:
I'm looking for a Rom that keeps the existing interface of the kindle (the shelves and docks at the top and the area to pin favorites) essentially keeping everything the same except replacing the area where it shows the recently used items with a clock or something and keep the favorites shelves underneath and to gain the ability to replace the stock lock screen pictures with your own. then the only other change would be to give it the full android market and gain access to all of the other apps on there too.
Is that possible to do and keep the full functionality of the kindle with amazon? Is there a chance it exists already and I just missed it? If someone makes it I'm willing to donate. I cant afford much but I think there are a lot of other people who would appreciate this and donate also. Thanks.
P.s. swype would be awesome too but not required
i think you can root, install the market, and then unroot and still be able to use amazon services....dunno about replacing the carousel with a clock tho..
AngryDingo said:
i think you can root, install the market, and then unroot and still be able to use amazon services....dunno about replacing the carousel with a clock tho..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I just got the kindle a few days ago so I'm really new to this so I'm sorry for the noob questinons but what about replacing the lock images? Ive looked around and have found a couple tutorials but I don't understand them. Can someone point me to a User friendly way? I want to actually change them with root not just the work around unrooted
To add the clock in stead of the recent list, you'd have to modify the stock launcher. You are probably better off just using a different launcher, as the modification would take a fair amount of work and is very specific.
Is it possible? Yes.
Is it worth anyone's time? Maybe if they get paid.
Is there anything like what you are describing? No.
What most people do to keep the stock Kindle features (Like Instant video and books and what not), is to use Kindle Fire Utility to do the following.
1. Temp Root / Perm Root
2. Install Google Apps / Go EX Launcher
3. Unroot (or if you are perm rooting then you wouldn't unroot)
Once you have Go EX on your Kindle you can then switch between that launcher or the launcher that comes with your Kindle. So basically you just switch back and forth between the two on the fly. I have found that this is the best way to keep my Kindle for now as I have the one month free trial for Amazon Prime and I want to use it.
This can be done with Kindle Fire Utility in less than five minutes.
G1ForFun said:
Is it possible? Yes.
Is it worth anyone's time? Maybe if they get paid.
Is there anything like what you are describing? No.
What most people do to keep the stock Kindle features (Like Instant video and books and what not), is to use Kindle Fire Utility to do the following.
1. Temp Root / Perm Root
2. Install Google Apps / Go EX Launcher
3. Unroot (or if you are perm rooting then you wouldn't unroot)
Once you have Go EX on your Kindle you can then switch between that launcher or the launcher that comes with your Kindle. So basically you just switch back and forth between the two on the fly. I have found that this is the best way to keep my Kindle for now as I have the one month free trial for Amazon Prime and I want to use it.
This can be done with Kindle Fire Utility in less than five minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that sounds awesome. Im trying to figure out how to use this but Im worried to do it without being sure. do
I just plug in my kindle and click the run.bat? is this going to erase everything on my kindle? to swtich between the fire interface and golauncher do I need to reboot each time or what?
it would be awesome if someone could post a video of this and how it works
oranges311 said:
that sounds awesome. Im trying to figure out how to use this but Im worried to do it without being sure. do
I just plug in my kindle and click the run.bat? is this going to erase everything on my kindle? to swtich between the fire interface and golauncher do I need to reboot each time or what?
it would be awesome if someone could post a video of this and how it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you will have to do the driver installation portion of the Kindle Fire Utility beforehand. Then once that is complete, you can run "run.bat".
It would not erase anything on your kindle and you do not have to reboot to switch between the two launchers. When on Go you will see Kindle Launcher in the app drawer and when your on the Kindle Launcher you will see the icon for Go Launcher in the carousel.
Alternatively, you can install another home application instead of Go Launcher after you side load Google Apps / Go Launcher EX in Kindle Fire Utility. Since it automatically installs Go Launcher...just install another launcher after if you want and then remove Go Launcher. In my case I use ADW EX as my launcher but Go Launcher works just fine.
G1ForFun said:
Well, you will have to do the driver installation portion of the Kindle Fire Utility beforehand. Then once that is complete, you can run "run.bat".
It would not erase anything on your kindle and you do not have to reboot to switch between the two launchers. When on Go you will see Kindle Launcher in the app drawer and when your on the Kindle Launcher you will see the icon for Go Launcher in the carousel.
Alternatively, you can install another home application instead of Go Launcher after you side load Google Apps / Go Launcher EX in Kindle Fire Utility. Since it automatically installs Go Launcher...just install another launcher after if you want and then remove Go Launcher. In my case I use ADW EX as my launcher but Go Launcher works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude ur the man thank you for ur help
are you looking for something like this http://attachments.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=798375&d=1322529153
G1ForFun said:
Is it possible? Yes.
Is it worth anyone's time? Maybe if they get paid.
Is there anything like what you are describing? No.
What most people do to keep the stock Kindle features (Like Instant video and books and what not), is to use Kindle Fire Utility to do the following.
1. Temp Root / Perm Root
2. Install Google Apps / Go EX Launcher
3. Unroot (or if you are perm rooting then you wouldn't unroot)
Once you have Go EX on your Kindle you can then switch between that launcher or the launcher that comes with your Kindle. So basically you just switch back and forth between the two on the fly. I have found that this is the best way to keep my Kindle for now as I have the one month free trial for Amazon Prime and I want to use it.
This can be done with Kindle Fire Utility in less than five minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this. Works extremely well.
Dseeker
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
I haven't been able to get it to work...
oranges311 said:
I haven't been able to get it to work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you should have this done for you by someone who can handle it for you.
babbabooey97 said:
are you looking for something like this http://attachments.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=798375&d=1322529153
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a pretty trick wallpaper...looks good..the question is, does it have the carousel? That is what I would want...
oranges311 said:
Hey guys is there anyone out there who knows if this is possible and if it exists:
I'm looking for a Rom that keeps the existing interface of the kindle (the shelves and docks at the top and the area to pin favorites) essentially keeping everything the same except replacing the area where it shows the recently used items with a clock or something and keep the favorites shelves underneath and to gain the ability to replace the stock lock screen pictures with your own. then the only other change would be to give it the full android market and gain access to all of the other apps on there too.
Is that possible to do and keep the full functionality of the kindle with amazon? Is there a chance it exists already and I just missed it? If someone makes it I'm willing to donate. I cant afford much but I think there are a lot of other people who would appreciate this and donate also. Thanks.
P.s. swype would be awesome too but not required
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really a question that belongs in the Q&A section and not necessarily in development. I do however suggest that you read through many of these forums and educate yourself on how to use all of the tools that are available and what not. I really suggest a great site called kindlefirewire.com he uses video tutorials that show you step by step how to root, tweak, and flash roms specifically on the kindle fire. Definitley worth checking out.
Related
I have been trying to operate under a No-Root standard consumer/noob mode and just keep running into walls.
All the advice on sideloading is irrelevant for most apps you'd want to run, like Skype, Opera, Firefox, and GoLauncher Task Manager. I can load the apps and get to the Install screen but am blocked there and have to cancel.
So I'm rooting. I saw a suggestion to keep the device in unroot mode until you need it, which sounded right.
I think the grail here is a non-root solution so users can customize the Ux, get rid of the lousy backgrounds Amazon puts up, and if sideloading is going to be allowed, truly let the user beware and let the sideloading begin.
What do you think? Hear Hear! or am I missing anything?
Rooting is trivial. Easy to do once you are setup with adb.
As to keeping non-root most of the time, that depends on if you use something that won't work while rooted, like VOD... In that case, you need to at least temp un-root and it will work (might need to close it first).
Otherwise, I see no real reason to run un-rooted after you have root.
i've successfully installed firefox with 'adb install' on my un-rooted kf. it runs with no issues thus far. i then tried to install adw launcher standalone from here. this also installs fine, but when i hold down the home button and choose adw i get a force close from adw. is this a dead end without root?
My ADW runs great with a backup I made from my phone with Astro
Piercing Heavens said:
My ADW runs great with a backup I made from my phone with Astro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just tried this with my CM7 phone (along with every variation i could think of) and still always getting force close no matter how i try to start ADW
krelvinaz said:
Rooting is trivial. Easy to do once you are setup with adb.
As to keeping non-root most of the time, that depends on if you use something that won't work while rooted, like VOD... In that case, you need to at least temp un-root and it will work (might need to close it first).
Otherwise, I see no real reason to run un-rooted after you have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is trivial for folks like us but I'm not going to tell a noob to download the sdk, mod files, etc. It is just too much for the young mind to grasp. It's why iPod and iPads rule the day and why AOL lived as long as it did--people don't want to take the extra steps.
Anyway, if there were really straightforward ways to sideload and not get locked out and to clean up the Ux issues, then imo most folks would do the lightweight appstore based mods.
DataPhreak said:
Rooting is trivial for folks like us but I'm not going to tell a noob to download the sdk, mod files, etc. It is just too much for the young mind to grasp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly the reason why I'm not sure I will root my Kindle. I rooted my Evo 4G and my Galaxy Tab, but I might leave the Kindle so I can USE it rather than configure it. Getting bored of trying to figure stuff out like that as I get older.
I have a co-worker who's the young hacker type and he's left his alone, just using Google's mobile web interface for gmail. I might do that, and recommend it for my mom who only checks her personal email like monthly, maybe with the instant on Kindle and wifi at work and home she'll check it more.
krelvinaz said:
As to keeping non-root most of the time, that depends on if you use something that won't work while rooted, like VOD... In that case, you need to at least temp un-root and it will work (might need to close it first).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is VOD? If you mean video on demand or streaming, it most certainly will work if you're rooted. The "trick" is to rename the "su" file in /system/bin/
YMark said:
What is VOD? If you mean video on demand or streaming, it most certainly will work if you're rooted. The "trick" is to rename the "su" file in /system/bin/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vod=video on demand.
How do you get vod or amazon prime video to work once rooted? I'm not rooted yet but taking the plunge tonight. BTW, What thread should I follow to root my KF and then install all the google apps?
Have 3 more questions.
What launchers work on the KF? ADW, LP,etc.?
All keyboards work?
Is there any way to text on the kindle? That would help me so much.
What email apps do you reccomend, the stock email app is not agreeing with me.
I have a kindle running 6.2 and I try to root it with superoneclick and it says everything goes ok but then my kindle hangs on the boot screen for a long time. I get it going then I run android terminal and do the su command then It says I dont have access to the root and ideas?
bal1985 said:
Vod=video on demand.
How do you get vod or amazon prime video to work once rooted? I'm not rooted yet but taking the plunge tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you have rooted, get the OTA RootKeeper from Voodoo. It will allow you to temp unroot really easy at which point you can use VOD without the block. IF you already have VOD running, you need to kill it from the applications screen (or some other task manager) and then it will run.
BTW, What thread should I follow to root my KF and then install all the google apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A commonly used one is: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1348830
Have 3 more questions.
What launchers work on the KF? ADW, LP,etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Go Launcher EX and it works well. I have ADW as well loaded, but I've never used it before so I have not yet messed with it.
All keyboards work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some do, some don't. You have to do some manual work to get any of them to work. I am using Thumb Keyboard with great success.
Is there any way to text on the kindle? That would help me so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True SMS is not really possible as it has no data radio, but you can use alternatives. I think with sprint you can use their web interface. There are other options but not something I've looked into.
What email apps do you reccomend, the stock email app is not agreeing with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF I was using it for normal email, I would use K9Mail... I've not bother on this device, but I do have Touchdown for Exchange running on it for testing MaaS protection and it works very well for that. It only works with Exchange servers though (1 account).
bal1985 said:
Vod=video on demand.
How do you get vod or amazon prime video to work once rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted the solution in post 8.
---------- Post added at 10:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:03 AM ----------
krelvinaz said:
After you have rooted, get the OTA RootKeeper from Voodoo. It will allow you to temp unroot really easy at which point you can use VOD without the block. IF you already have VOD running, you need to kill it from the applications screen (or some other task manager) and then it will run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need OTA RootKeeper to get VOD while rooted. All you have to do is rename "su" to "su2" in system/bin directory.
YMark said:
You don't need OTA RootKeeper to get VOD while rooted. All you have to do is rename "su" to "su2" in system/bin directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but get serious. With the app, you press a button and it is done for you. Without it, you have to physically go to the location and rename the file. Then when you want to use an app that needs root, you have to physically go and rename it back.
With the app, you just press a button and it does that for you without any mistakes much faster.
With the exception of VOD, I don't know of anything else that doesn't work when you are rooted (su showing). I normally just run with root on since I have other apps that require root to do their thing.
Does anyones else get this message when they try and use a wedget? Not enough space. Operation failed or nothing at all shows up? If so how do i fix it?
Maybe you have too much space already occupied on that screen.
Try creating a new screen and try again, maybe with a different widget.
What Launcher are you using btw?
I am using Go Launcher and i am putting it on its on screen. i have tried many different apps and all the same issue.
ksymphony said:
I am using Go Launcher and i am putting it on its on screen. i have tried many different apps and all the same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using all sorts of widgets in Go Launcher EX. No problems.
What widgets are you having issues with?
I am trying to use CalenGoo , I pick the agenda on its on page and nothing shows up....I am thinking i should just install CyanogenMod 7 on Kindle Fire and call it a day but i know the Dev's are still trying there best to get it all working.
ksymphony said:
I am trying to use CalenGoo , I pick the agenda on its on page and nothing shows up....I am thinking i should just install CyanogenMod 7 on Kindle Fire and call it a day but i know the Dev's are still trying there best to get it all working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CalenGoo's widget works just fine. I have 5 pages of widgets running in Go Launcher and have yet to find one that won't run. What launcher are you using?
I'm using GOLAUNCHER and I get the same "no enough space errro" even though I have a tons of room left.
im using adw ex with beatiful widgets and they toggle widgets work great
I've been using my rooted nook simple touch glow for a week and have been pretty happy with it, but need to install either pocket or instapaper which are only on google play. I tried readability but it crashes on startup.
Anyone know if it's possible to install google play on the NTG running 1.1.5?
Is there any other manual way to install a google play app? I know how to install via adb, but no idea where to download the apk for an app I purchase.
If you install from this guide, at the end it shows how to enable the market / play:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1675706
Note that you cannot search the market from the rooted Nook for some reason. But there is an application that you can install to search the market. See here:
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...arket-search-and-other-tips-and-tricks-video/
seltzered said:
I've been using my rooted nook simple touch glow for a week and have been pretty happy with it, but need to install either pocket or instapaper which are only on google play. I tried readability but it crashes on startup.
Anyone know if it's possible to install google play on the NTG running 1.1.5?
Is there any other manual way to install a google play app? I know how to install via adb, but no idea where to download the apk for an app I purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have similar problem on accessing market place, it's stated should wait for one day, it's been over a few days now problem doesnt resolve by itselt. In fact you tube ceased to work now, it was okay when I first rooted it.
Did you do steps #4 and #5 in this guide?
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...using-glownooter-includes-googles-app-market/
ladykayaker said:
Did you do steps #4 and #5 in this guide?
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...using-glownooter-includes-googles-app-market/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. I thought of uninstall and reinstalling google apps and unfortunately deleted youtube altogether both the apk and reinstalled software. So I did a soft un-root again and it seems now it worked (after I had done step 4 & 5 as per your message).
Now I have market app that works, search function does not work. I will probably installed vending apk or did step 4 and 5 againg ( I think I spent more time fixing Nook touch than actually using it).
Btw, anyone knows how to make the side options on the right to appear (where one can choose home or adw launcher). For some reason it has disappearred. How do I get back from nook home reading screen to adw launcher now??
atisha said:
Thanks for this. I thought of uninstall and reinstalling google apps and unfortunately deleted youtube altogether both the apk and reinstalled software. So I did a soft un-root again and it seems now it worked (after I had done step 4 & 5 as per your message).
Now I have market app that works, search function does not work. I will probably installed vending apk or did step 4 and 5 againg ( I think I spent more time fixing Nook touch than actually using it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that you'll get the marketplace search working, it is a known issue. Use the alternative search application mentioned in the article.
Btw, anyone knows how to make the side options on the right to appear (where one can choose home or adw launcher). For some reason it has disappearred. How do I get back from nook home reading screen to adw launcher now??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the magic buttons application it needs to be running to get the buttons. Note that when the application is running but the menu is collapsed, that it is _very_ difficult at first to find and open it. Look closely at the middle of the right edge of the screen. There should be a very faint icon there. If so, then try to press the side of the _plastic_case_ where it meets the screen by jamming your fnger right between them, as if you are trying to pry the plastic case off. That is how I hit that button!
Once you have found button savior and are back in the ADW launcher, be sure to give @jeff_kz's NookTouchMods a try. You will be able to remap one of your quicknav buttons or the 'n' long press to take you back to ADW launcher - much better than button savior!
ladykayaker said:
Once you have found button savior and are back in the ADW launcher, be sure to give @jeff_kz's NookTouchMods a try. You will be able to remap one of your quicknav buttons or the 'n' long press to take you back to ADW launcher - much better than button savior!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kayaker, I've looked at these mods before, but I see no canonical information explaining exactly how to modify and install the mods. Is there some thread explaining this that I've been unable to find?
Thanks!
the end of button savior
dotancohen said:
Kayaker, I've looked at these mods before, but I see no canonical information explaining exactly how to modify and install the mods. Is there some thread explaining this that I've been unable to find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a fairly recent thread - perhas you hadn't seen it yet - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991048
ladykayaker said:
Its a fairly recent thread - perhas you hadn't seen it yet - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991048
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Actually I had seen the thread but it looks like they are referring to things previously discussed, which I could not find. Perhaps I just need to download the files and play around, it might all become obvious. I am new to rooting and to the Nook, so I am a bit apprehensive to start diving in.
Here is xbmc13.2 beta 1 compiled to work as an android launcher. Just a couple tweaks from stock including..
Thanks to mejdam for testing the proceedure for me..
Modified manifest to act as Android Launcher
remote sends keypress set as default
tweaked advancedsettings.xml
xbmchub/xunity/mashup sources included
http://www.datafilehost.com/d/69c415f3
To get this going without xposed modules follow these steps....
(You will loose access to the firetv launcher and amazon prime videos/store)
PREP
You will want to sideload an app that can freeze apk's ie appfreezer or titanium backup.
You will probably want to get anything you want from the amazon store (ie the firetv netflix app).
You will want to sideload an android app manager (as you will loose the ability to uninstall apps from the firetv launcher), and sideload the google playstore so you can easily install apps.
1)Sideload the xbmc from this thread
2)Launch you apk freezer app and freeze the firetv launcher (depending on your app it may be listed as KFTV Launcher)
3)Press the home key on your firetv remote. Select XBMC and always from the popup, and let XBMC load its first run.
4)Reboot Firetv.
If you want the box to show the kewl slideshow screensaver and goto sleep as before then under XBMC settings/system/Powersaving set timer to 20 minutes and function to Quit. With these settings as long as a video is not playing or paused xbmc will shutdown in 20 mins and the amazon slideshow screensaver will come up and the box will eventually sleep like normal.
Pressing home on firetv remote will wake it up.
Is there anyway you can just upload the tweaked xbmc apk without the launcher modifications.
You don't have to use the launcher option.. As a matter of fact it will be disabled if you are running the kftv launcher. So go ahead and use this one.
mastafunk said:
3)Press the home key on your firetv remote. Select XBMC and always from the popup, and let XBMC load its first run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, this will really help me. I always knew the chooser was there, but after hours of debugging I was still never able to figure out what is preventing it from opening. This is good to know that I can force it this way, to try to figure out whats preventing it from opening in the normal case where the launcher isn't frozen.
The launcher itself is preventing it and other things as well like input method swapping etc.. Mejdam inadvertantly found it getting the ouya store to work..
mastafunk said:
The launcher itself is preventing it and other things as well like input method swapping etc.. Mejdam inadvertantly found it getting the ouya store to work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i even created a video showing how i freeze kftv launcher. Thanks for the xbmc mod. Anyway you can mod the latest SPMC version into a launcher? thats my prefered xbmc version.
Sure give me a link
mastafunk said:
Sure give me a link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://filez.semperpax.com/5r4ln85l
mejdam said:
http://filez.semperpax.com/5r4ln85l
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this.. http://www.datafilehost.com/d/51e1e636
mastafunk said:
Try this.. http://www.datafilehost.com/d/51e1e636
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you, i'll test it once i get home.
Did you get that one to work?
mastafunk said:
Did you get that one to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
totally did, thank you. no more need for autopilot on my ouyas. for the fire i'll keep my tvlauncher.
No prob glad it worked..
mejdam said:
totally did, thank you. no more need for autopilot on my ouyas. for the fire i'll keep my tvlauncher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want you can add them both to the sticky.. Better chance to keep links alive.
mastafunk said:
If you want you can add them both to the sticky.. Better chance to keep links alive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to what sticky?
mejdam said:
to what sticky?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=51586184
My bad thought it was a sticky .. It was at the too for so long.. It should be..
Messed UP!!!!
ok so i froze kftv, but my niece tripped the circuit breaker and the aftv restarted before i could choose the xbmc launcher...now when the aftv turns on it hangs at the amazon logo because it can't get to the launcher. solutions??
1) adb unstinall app freezer? can anyone help with command lines for that?
any other solutions would be greatly appreciated... thanks so much
ok so i froze kftv, but my niece tripped the circuit breaker and the aftv restarted before i could choose the xbmc launcher...now when the aftv turns on it hangs at the amazon logo because it can't get to the launcher. solutions??
1) adb unstinall app freezer? can anyone help with command lines for that?
any other solutions would be greatly appreciated... thanks so much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off dont be scared.. This is recocverable rather easy. Your going to need to do a factory reset. You can find the instructions on the firetv thread at xda.. It basically require you attach a keyboard and press Ctrl + prtscrn + I repeatedly during boot till you get a recovery screen. Then press home on the keyboard. From that menu select factory reset.
I'm driving ATM but will post the link to that thread if you can't find it when I get back.
Sorry this happened to ya but didn't think I needed to add DONT UNPLUG YOYR FIRETV DURING THIS PROCESS to these or any other instructions.
Let me know how it goes. I was in that same spot a few time while working on it and have recovered fine each time.
mastafunk said:
First off dont be scared.. This is recocverable rather easy. Your going to need to do a factory reset. You can find the instructions on the firetv thread at xda.. It basically require you attach a keyboard and press Ctrl + prtscrn + I repeatedly during boot till you get a recovery screen. Then press home on the keyboard. From that menu select factory reset.
I'm driving ATM but will post the link to that thread if you can't find it when I get back.
Sorry this happened to ya but didn't think I needed to add DONT UNPLUG YOYR FIRETV DURING THIS PROCESS to these or any other instructions.
Let me know how it goes. I was in that same spot a few time while working on it and have recovered fine each time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Please post link when you have time. I'm actually going to baby sit instead of play with firetv and watch the niece. Lol. I can't believe I couldn't adb uninstall. Disappointed.
Yep adb doesn't come up.. When your in this state. I'll post the link in just a bit.
Welcome to FTVLaunchX – a simple helper application to allow custom launchers on Amazon Fire TV devices – no root required!
It is inspired by the famous LauncherHijack of @BaronKiko and tries to overcome several issues relating to it:
- Reliably intercepts any & all presses of the home button
- Starts the selected launcher on boot
- Starts the selected launcher when waking up from sleep
- Fixes the ominous missing-cursor bug in Silk
- etc.
Please find a thorough description, installation instructions as well as the source code over here:
https://github.com/codefaktor/FTVLaunchX
Get the APK: FTVLaunchX-1.0.1
EDIT: uploaded new release 1.0.1!
If you want to say Thank You or fund further development, then feel free to drop me buck or two, see https://github.com/codefaktor/FTVLaunchX#Donations
Please report back if you did test on your devices (so far tested on Fire TV Stick 2nd Gen & Fire TV Stick 4K) – I will watch this thread for any issues and/or feature requests.
Thanks for this. Works with no issues and really well on my Fires TV Stick 4K.
When I press home it opens my launcher quickly (TV Launcher 3).
When I wake the device from sleep I do see the amazon launcher for a split second (literally a quick flash).
When I reboot it takes 20-30 seconds to automatically start my launcher.
This could be because it is giving way to IP Vanish which is set to launch on startup.
As soon as IP Vanish launches, I press the back key or the home key and my launcher immediately loads.
Love your work.
Also there is another way of returning to the default Amazon Launcher. Maybe you already know it
Use the Alexa Remote (Voice) and say "Home" or "Settings".
Thanks again.
Flakie said:
When I press home it opens my launcher quickly (TV Launcher 3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should be a tiny bit quicker and what's more important: way more reliable! Except for the split-second when coming out of sleep I never see the Amazon launcher anymore (I also use TVLauncher 3).
Flakie said:
When I wake the device from sleep I do see the amazon launcher for a split second (literally a quick flash).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aye, this is to be expected but should really just be a fraction of a second.
Flakie said:
When I reboot it takes 20-30 seconds to automatically start my launcher.
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Click to collapse
Aye, I know - it's because I let the system decide on when to launch it. As you said, there may be other things also being launched and so it has not the top priority. Maybe I'll experiment with raising the priority of FTVLaunchX but I wanted to stay on the safe side for the 1.0 release.
Flakie said:
As soon as IP Vanish launches, I press the back key or the home key and my launcher immediately loads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can also press the home key as soon as the Amazon launcher comes up and it should work - it's just the auto-start method which takes its time...
Flakie said:
Also there is another way of returning to the default Amazon Launcher. Maybe you already know it Use the Alexa Remote (Voice) and say "Home" or "Settings".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, I totally forgot about that one – I'll add this to the docs, thank you!
Oh, and just to clarify: do you think that we should also try to catch that and start the custom launcher when hearing "Home"? This may not be possible and IMHO it's way better to leave that as a valid exit method to get back to the original Amazon launcher...
Oh, and a big thank you for testing and replying!
Thank you so much! I finally have my cursor back in the Silk Browser because of this!
JUSTINMARMER said:
Thank you so much! I finally have my cursor back in the Silk Browser because of this!
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Click to collapse
Glad that it works for you and you like it The main reason why I was creating it was this pesty cursor bug...
Oh, on what kind of device are you using it? Am looking for someone to test it on a Fire TV Cube with Fire OS 7 / Android 9...
Got any images we can use for an article?
MishaalRahman said:
Got any images we can use for an article?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is an icon and a banner:
https://github.com/codefaktor/FTVLa...p/src/main/res/mipmap-xxxhdpi/ic_launcher.png
https://github.com/codefaktor/FTVLaunchX/blob/develop/app/src/main/res/drawable/banner.png
Can render them at any size if you need larger variants;
Or if you need a screenshot then voila: https://imgur.com/a/UethyYm
TheRealQubix said:
Glad that it works for you and you like it The main reason why I was creating it was this pesty cursor bug...
Oh, on what kind of device are you using it? Am looking for someone to test it on a Fire TV Cube with Fire OS 7 / Android 9...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I could help. I'm running several Fire Sticks. All v2 and 4k. No cubes.
TheRealQubix said:
Oh, and just to clarify: do you think that we should also try to catch that and start the custom launcher when hearing "Home"? This may not be possible and IMHO it's way better to leave that as a valid exit method to get back to the original Amazon launcher...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I prefer it going back to the Amazon Launcher.
I have done a few installs of these and for the users it is the easiest way they can get there. The less complexity for them, the better
Flakie said:
Personally, I prefer it going back to the Amazon Launcher.
I have done a few installs of these and for the users it is the easiest way they can get there. The less complexity for them, the better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my thought too!
TheRealQubix said:
Glad that it works for you and you like it The main reason why I was creating it was this pesty cursor bug...
Oh, on what kind of device are you using it? Am looking for someone to test it on a Fire TV Cube with Fire OS 7 / Android 9...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it on my Nvidia Shield 2017 model and it works great. The only thing I see wrong if you want to call it wrong is, When booting it boots to the android tv screen for about 5-10 seconds but then goes to my Halauncher. Home button works great everytime. If you don't mind I will post it on the Shield tv section or you can. It would be easier for some people that don't understand adb. Great job!!!!
brick00444 said:
I just tried it on my Nvidia Shield 2017 model and it works great. The only thing I see wrong if you want to call it wrong is, When booting it boots to the android tv screen for about 5-10 seconds but then goes to my Halauncher. Home button works great everytime. If you don't mind I will post it on the Shield tv section or you can. It would be easier for some people that don't understand adb. Great job!!!!
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Click to collapse
Good to know that it works on that device too – feel free to post it over there! (Since I don't have any experience with the Shields it's probably better since you can include some relevant instructions...)
Oh, and regarding the "bug": this is more or less by design but as I said in another reply above: I might try to experiment to make this a bit faster by raising the boot priority; something for the next release
TheRealQubix said:
Good to know that it works on that device too – feel free to post it over there! (Since I don't have any experience with the Shields it's probably better since you can include some relevant instructions...)
Oh, and regarding the "bug": this is more or less by design but as I said in another reply above: I might try to experiment to make this a bit faster by raising the boot priority; something for the next release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again, great job.
brick00444 said:
The only thing I see wrong if you want to call it wrong is, When booting it boots to the android tv screen for about 5-10 seconds but then goes to my Halauncher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I've raised the boot priority to the maximum... find the 1.0.1-dev APK as an attachment.
Let me know if that reacts any faster for you on boots (though a couple seconds will probably be normal, I guess; it all depends on what other things are installed etc.).
Ping to @Flakie too.
I'm getting voiceover on official Hulu app on my v2 stick.
What launcher are available for TV stick? Any Android TV launcher?
JUSTINMARMER said:
I'm getting voiceover on official Hulu app on my v2 stick.
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Click to collapse
Yes, that's because Hulu (and some other apps) added some weird code in one of their releases, please try the following:
Settings > Accessibility and make sure that VoiceView AND Screen Magnifier are turned off, the latter one being really important!
You can also hold Back+Menu (toggles voice view) and Back+FastForward (toggles screen magnifier) for two seconds.
If that doesn't work then head into Hulu and turn off app sounds under your profile settings.
If it is still on then go to your apps list in Settings, find the Hulu app, clear its cache AND data, force stop it and then relaunch the app. You will have to sign in again but that should really do the trick.
Please report back!
MrKaon said:
What launcher are available for TV stick? Any Android TV launcher?
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Click to collapse
You can find some links on the GitHub page of FTVLaunchX but there are quite a few others like AppStarter, HALauncher, ATV Launcher Pro or even Kodi itself...
My favourite is TVLauncher 3 but everybody will have a different taste... you can find some of them on Aptoide, but most need to be downloaded somewhere else.
thanks for this ive got it on my 4k stick using ATV launcher and looks mighty fine !
From the description looks good. Immediately uninstalled Hijack and installed FTVLauncherX. First tried adb install -g, but adb said -g is an unknown option, so installed it directly from a dir on the stick, granted the permission via adb. Now when my Firestick 2nd starts it does start with the native Amazon Home Launcher and stays there. It switches to my launcher only when pushing the home button. I use ATV Launcher Pro.