[Q] Netflix Versus Droid? - Nook Color Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

In another thread, I described some issues with Netflix and CM9 ICS.
Occasionally, I get an error message that basically states my device was cut off by Netflix. It also just started having issues with CM7 GB, but works fine on laptop and desktop.
Is Netflix's Site coded to stop sending data to devices it doesn't like? I know that security of data was the big reason Netflix took so long to make itself available to Android Devices. Since Android was open source, they couldn't be sure of protecting the copyrights of the videos they hosted.
Anybody else get that message?
Thanks - Mike

gollumses said:
In another thread, I described some issues with Netflix and CM9 ICS.
Occasionally, I get an error message that basically states my device was cut off by Netflix. It also just started having issues with CM7 GB, but works fine on laptop and desktop.
Is Netflix's Site coded to stop sending data to devices it doesn't like? I know that security of data was the big reason Netflix took so long to make itself available to Android Devices. Since Android was open source, they couldn't be sure of protecting the copyrights of the videos they hosted.
Anybody else get that message?
Thanks - Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dropped Netflix last year when they doubled their price, but it would not surprise me that they are restricting more and more.
For those of you that thought my signature line was over the top, take a look at this exciting rumor.
" Hulu will become available only to those that have cable or satellite service"
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Hulu-...iption_id29687

Related

[Q] Torrent Privacy

I have wanted to use WM Torrent for my HD2, now i use to download torrents from home, i had recently received a letter from my local service provider that my IP address was found with suspicious activity. i only downloaded old movies, and tv shows, nothing big, not like i was selling them., any way, so i was wondering, is there safe and secure way when using the "WM Torrent" app for the HD2? just want to be sure.
primus123 said:
I have wanted to use WM Torrent for my HD2, now i use to download torrents from home, i had recently received a letter from my local service provider that my IP address was found with suspicious activity. i only downloaded old movies, and tv shows, nothing big, not like i was selling them., any way, so i was wondering, is there safe and secure way when using the "WM Torrent" app for the HD2? just want to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guarantee you will stick out like a sore thumb if you start torrenting over your cellphone!
im with you. I turn my up/l down all the way trio slow up their effort. but I know that's not a fix all.
its a great app, how can we get it to work better!
on a side note, downloading torrents is not illegal at all, it is when you download warez and pirated movies and stuff like that when it becomes illegal.
ya,kinda figured i just download tv shows i miss cause of work and school,hate waiting 3 or 4 days for them to show up on website. ill give it a try,maybe look for a torrent privacy progran compatable for smartphones.
UseNet
You may want to look into UseNet (SSL Usenet).
There's a UseNet application for Windows Mobile called NZB Mobile.
if youre set on doing this, why not just tether your laptop to the phone or get a usb wifi stick if its a desktop and torrent using a full fledged client on a pc?
You're likely going to hit your 5gb monthly limit pretty quick
As stated previously, either look into Usenet, or purchase a VPN Subscription (cheaper than usenet). I have been using StrongVPN for a while now, and PPTP is perfectly fine for your needs (OpenVPN 2048 bit encryption is an overkill).
Torrents is not the way to go.
Really your best bet is to not download tv shows, I have been around since the AOL days of downloading, talking about private room .............., irc, etc.
Several people have told me they have received letters from their ISP, I do not understand, first off, I rarely use torrents.
Your best bet is to legally wait the extra days and just watch the tv show on the Networks website. If you're looking into watching your shows on your HD2, you may want to get a DVR that is capable of being hacked, at least that way you can download the shows you record to your PC, or better yet, get a TV Tuner card for your computer and record the shows directly to your hard drive.
Stay away from torrents and UseNet unless you plan to download LEGAL files.
Suprised the Mods that be are even allowing us to discuss this topic.
Good Luck, need any help looking for a good TV Tuner Card, let me know.
cdguider said:
Really your best bet is to not download tv shows, I have been around since the AOL days of downloading, talking about private room .............., irc, etc.
Several people have told me they have received letters from their ISP, I do not understand, first off, I rarely use torrents.
Your best bet is to legally wait the extra days and just watch the tv show on the Networks website. If you're looking into watching your shows on your HD2, you may want to get a DVR that is capable of being hacked, at least that way you can download the shows you record to your PC, or better yet, get a TV Tuner card for your computer and record the shows directly to your hard drive.
Stay away from torrents and UseNet unless you plan to download LEGAL files.
Suprised the Mods that be are even allowing us to discuss this topic.
Good Luck, need any help looking for a good TV Tuner Card, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I in no way endorse or condone piracy in any way. I posted to offer methods that will keep the OP anonymous while downloading/browsing the internet. What he/she chooses to do with that is totally up to them. Nothing illegal has been discussed here, VPN's are perfectly legal.
a bit OT but if youre strictly downloading tv shows that just seems like a gray area to me, its content that was previously provided for free, and theres nothing illegal about recording tv broadcasts, and the networks generally provide the content for free on their websites after a period of time. I would kind of hope anyone that got dragged into court strictly over tv shows would have the case thrown out or just get a warning/slap on the wrist
Downloading movies and music is a whole nother beast in my opinon. Even though i hate the MPAA/RIAA with a passion,you deserve whats coming at you if youre downloading that content

Linux?

Is ubuntu possible on our u8800?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN4c61ETCWg maybe, try it
Without having seen the youtube vid that d3xtr0 linked, I'll post this link:
http://androlinux.com/android-ubuntu-development/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-android/
sebgus said:
Without having seen the youtube vid that d3xtr0 linked, I'll post this link:
http://androlinux.com/android-ubuntu-development/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-android/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lit's the same source
It will probably work if this device supports "loop devices" whatever that is? anyone know or tried it succsessfully?
skifyr123 said:
It will probably work if this device supports "loop devices" whatever that is? anyone know or tried it succsessfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no time to try it, maybe later in the week.
skifyr123 said:
It will probably work if this device supports "loop devices" whatever that is? anyone know or tried it succsessfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It supports loop device. I just tried to mount a loop device with a loop image and it worked.
EDIT: With flibblesan's r5 kernel but it should be supported by stock kernel anyway
You are aware that ubuntu has no proper support for touchscreens; even if it runs you won't gain anything by doing that. When I installed a linux a few months ago on another device it worked, then I was fascinated about one minute and then I decided that there is no use for it an deleted it eventually.
I just do not understand why it is so important to get a desktop-os running on a smartphone. Battery drains fast, no support for the radio etc.
XphX said:
You are aware that ubuntu has no proper support for touchscreens; even if it runs you won't gain anything by doing that. When I installed a linux a few months ago on another device it worked, then I was fascinated about one minute and then I decided that there is no use for it an deleted it eventually.
I just do not understand why it is so important to get a desktop-os running on a smartphone. Battery drains fast, no support for the radio etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not important, but funny and cool if it works (on this device). How did you do it?
Until recently I still had my old samsung-omnia-winmo6.5-phone. There was an app for linux available; you just had to install an imagefile to the sd-card. The fun did last for a minute and then I realized I cannot do anything with this small screen and that it was pretty much useless.
I think that a lot of people here will just read the topic and think "omg this is amazing, now I can have my desktop-os on the phone, great" and later they realize how much time they just wasted.
If it really is fun for you guys, I won't try and stop you
How about using linux programs? i think that it may be quite useful sometimes... Put honestly... it is just for funright now... but it may be helpful if we could dual boot.... maybe in the future
I got this working, it isn't that slow as you could imagine, firefox takes around 30 sec to start and load the front page. That said, the keyboard works but is way off and impossible to use (I push "d" and "f" shows up and so on).
if anyone understand this the keyboard will be fixed:
In VNC’s xstartup file: $HOME/.vnc/xstartup
You have to add the line export XKL_XMODMAP_DISABLE=1 before
/etc/X11/Xsession or gnome-session (in case you use GNOME)
Screenshot actually taken with an ubuntu tool, I have set the resolution to 1200*800 in the virtual enviriment.
Here is a video with Huawei Ideos X5 running Ubuntu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SaoneDtNqA&feature=BFp&list=WL01C152CD7D31A7C8&index=1
Will try this later tonight and let you guys know if it works. Just have to work first >.<
The significance of linux running is to have a backup operating system to use on the phone if the Oracle / Google dispute over Java begins to really disrupt the market.
Think also freedombox.org, your own personal, secure and anonymous cloud system as a refuge if a dictatorship emerges or particularly nasty rise of corporatism occurs.
At heart, our U8800's can easily be linux box server with up to 32Gb of onboard storage with wi-fi AND gsm network connections. Being battery operated, if the thought police decend upon your community, you could take it to another place, unknown to the nasty guys, and re-establish mesh network connection to get reports of civil rights abuses out to the rest of the world.
Reason enough to have the capability to run Ubuntu Server edition (or any other Linux Server flavour)?
If you're interested to see what's already possible, even within Android (Linux will deliver more power), install "File Expert" from the market to get your very own web file server, right there in your phone.
-- wrong post just ignore --
XphX said:
Until recently I still had my old samsung-omnia-winmo6.5-phone. There was an app for linux available; you just had to install an imagefile to the sd-card. The fun did last for a minute and then I realized I cannot do anything with this small screen and that it was pretty much useless.
I think that a lot of people here will just read the topic and think "omg this is amazing, now I can have my desktop-os on the phone, great" and later they realize how much time they just wasted.
If it really is fun for you guys, I won't try and stop you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't Found a better ubuntu boot-file, x5 faster, keyboard works, WIFI, pre-installed with many programs ( Open Office for work.. etc) easy to use with touch screen. here is how it works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUG9aC_tH5s
And the files/instructions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=962023

[Q] The touchscreen game compatibility issue

I get why we've ended up with this issue of so many games and apps not being compatible, but is getting the manifests updated really the ONLY way to solve this?
There are plenty of other devices - android sticks in particular - which don't have touch screens either, and yet they have access to far more games and apps on Google Play. I assume they're claiming they do actually have a touchscreen.
Is there a simple way to tell if they are doing this? Is there really a good reason why we can't just have a software update for the MOJO so that it does then look to the Google Play store as if it has a touch screen? That would really solve this problem instantly.
woozle said:
I get why we've ended up with this issue of so many games and apps not being compatible, but is getting the manifests updated really the ONLY way to solve this?
There are plenty of other devices - android sticks in particular - which don't have touch screens either, and yet they have access to far more games and apps on Google Play. I assume they're claiming they do actually have a touchscreen.
Is there a simple way to tell if they are doing this? Is there really a good reason why we can't just have a software update for the MOJO so that it does then look to the Google Play store as if it has a touch screen? That would really solve this problem instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mad Catz have to work on it really fast or the mojo gonna go into a trash !!!!!
yes they are a lot a very lot of game that are not compatible and the only way to make it work is to use tincore keymapper but the app require root !!!
i love this device but i'm really disgusting of the mad catz work
Or they could just release a way to root the mojo, which will allow us to apply a 30 seconds fix and then install anything directly from the play store (and hide those damn navigation buttons)
I still have 3 days before my return period expires and I'm strongly tempted to do it.
paulatz said:
Or they could just release a way to root the mojo, which will allow us to apply a 30 seconds fix and then install anything directly from the play store (and hide those damn navigation buttons)
I still have 3 days before my return period expires and I'm strongly tempted to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes root is the solution for everything on this thing
Is a MCZ staff member who know how to root it ???
Dead-neM said:
Yes root is the solution for everything on this thing
Is a MCZ staff member who know how to root it ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be AN answer, but it's not the answer. I don't want to root my device, thanks, and I shouldn't have to.
If we get root, we can fix all the issues in minutes. Seriously, that's the only thing holding the MOJO back from being perfect for me. If I had root, I would fake my device, download all the apps I've spent hundreds on, use tincore, and just have fun playing....Like I thought I would be able to do out of the box.
However, if I wasn't knowledgeable about root or familiar with Android....I would have already returned the system as broken. I still have until Tuesday, next week, to make that decision.
Best course of action for MadCatz is to ship these pre-rooted and have a HUGE update and make HUGE announcements and do some HUGE advertising.....Otherwise, I'm really afraid the MOJO will flop in a HUGE way.
Lets just pretend we're all the BETA testers.....Real release to general public hasn't happened yet.
That sort of makes me feel good, but I still think everyone with a current firmware edition MOJO should get a Google Giftcard for all the stress and trouble we've had.....as BETA testers. HA!
ExtremeRyno said:
Best course of action for MadCatz is to ship these pre-rooted and have a HUGE update and make HUGE announcements and do some HUGE advertising.....Otherwise, I'm really afraid the MOJO will flop in a HUGE way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right... name a company that sells android products rooted? As in a 'proper' company.
There's a reason why they don't, and fixing this shouldn't take root. If you want root, fine, but that's a different point.
I'd still like someone to answer my question about why other similar devices DON'T have the touchscreen issue.
woozle said:
Right... name a company that sells android products rooted? As in a 'proper' company.
There's a reason why they don't, and fixing this shouldn't take root. If you want root, fine, but that's a different point.
I'd still like someone to answer my question about why other similar devices DON'T have the touchscreen issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact it's explain by Mad Catz that the most of app have a line code who look like that "device.have.touchscreen=True"
And inside mojo there is nothing tell the google play or app that the device have a screen so you can't see them
The other device (tv box, chinese thing) probably fake a hd screen into the system
woozle said:
Right... name a company that sells android products rooted? As in a 'proper' company.
There's a reason why they don't, and fixing this shouldn't take root. If you want root, fine, but that's a different point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I get what you're saying...The MOJO should just WORK the way it was advertised. Fixing it shouldn't take root, you are 110% correct.
However, I believe one of the selling points of the MOJO was that it is supposed to be (as implied by MadCatz on various occasions) unlocked, open, and hackable.
As for the touchscreen issue, MadCatz has stated something along the lines of releasing all their specs to Google so the MOJO is a Google Certified device, or some such, which I assume includes that the MOJO doesn't have a screen. Plus, what Dead-neM mentioned.
ExtremeRyno said:
No, I get what you're saying...The MOJO should just WORK the way it was advertised. Fixing it shouldn't take root, you are 110% correct.
However, I believe one of the selling points of the MOJO was that it is supposed to be (as implied by MadCatz on various occasions) unlocked, open, and hackable.
As for the touchscreen issue, MadCatz has stated something along the lines of releasing all their specs to Google so the MOJO is a Google Certified device, or some such, which I assume includes that the MOJO doesn't have a screen. Plus, what Dead-neM mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and I already said that in my original post. And my point was why can't Madcatz do that too? There are plenty of Google certified devices that don't have this problem, so I assume Madcatz haven't tried.
woozle said:
Yes, and I already said that in my original post. And my point was why can't Madcatz do that too? There are plenty of Google certified devices that don't have this problem, so I assume Madcatz haven't tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep it's look like they made a noob style console
I just noticed that not even the games in the tegra store, which are explicitly marked as "controller" are not installable. seriously, this is a scam pure and simple. you cannot commercialise something as having access to the entire play store, and then it only support 5 apps out of several millions. even my old Nokia has more games than that s supposed console.
release an official root NOW and it may be saved, still overpriced for an unfinished piece of cheap crap, but at least working. at th moment it's just a glorified dolphin browser set-top box
To do things officially and properly we have to run M.O.J.O. through Google's certification processes, which means we can't claim we have a touchscreen in order to get around the content filtering on the Play store - the CTS test procedure will include tests for every hardware feature you declare and include actual tests for each component. If we declare we have a touchscreen then it will attempt to display an image on said touchscreen and expect some human interaction to confirm it's working. Clearly that will fail at that point and things could go no further.
There are plenty of the controller enabled games in Tegrazone that work fine (and more besides - check the list of games on mojo.madcatz.com). Of those that aren't, both Nvidia and Google are working with developers to change things on top of the efforts that we've been making. Seriously, you will see more and more titles being updated to include support over the coming weeks and months, plus other updates from us that I can't reveal right now.
In the meantime, if you see an app that you think you want on M.O.J.O. then tell the developer and us - we have an email address for this very purpose and it's in the manual - gamesupportrequest[at]madcatz[dot]com.
This is a new category of Android product and support for it is only going to increase this year so keep watching and we'll make sure we keep you all updated with anything new that occurs.
Mad Catz Rich said:
To do things officially and properly we have to run M.O.J.O. through Google's certification processes, which means we can't claim we have a touchscreen in order to get around the content filtering on the Play store - the CTS test procedure will include tests for every hardware feature you declare and include actual tests for each component. If we declare we have a touchscreen then it will attempt to display an image on said touchscreen and expect some human interaction to confirm it's working. Clearly that will fail at that point and things could go no further.
There are plenty of the controller enabled games in Tegrazone that work fine (and more besides - check the list of games on mojo.madcatz.com). Of those that aren't, both Nvidia and Google are working with developers to change things on top of the efforts that we've been making. Seriously, you will see more and more titles being updated to include support over the coming weeks and months, plus other updates from us that I can't reveal right now.
In the meantime, if you see an app that you think you want on M.O.J.O. then tell the developer and us - we have an email address for this very purpose and it's in the manual - gamesupportrequest[at]madcatz[dot]com.
This is a new category of Android product and support for it is only going to increase this year so keep watching and we'll make sure we keep you all updated with anything new that occurs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok if you go into this way i think you will got into the wall !! I'm sorry to say that but nobody is happy by the mojo on this forum list of app that are compatible is ridiculus!; come on guys listen to us
Make a tool to root the mojo or a big update in the month and let the fan service do their job until you see your mistake !! dam
Mad Catz Rich said:
To do things officially and properly we have to run M.O.J.O. through Google's certification processes, which means we can't claim we have a touchscreen in order to get around the content filtering on the Play store - the CTS test procedure will include tests for every hardware feature you declare and include actual tests for each component. If we declare we have a touchscreen then it will attempt to display an image on said touchscreen and expect some human interaction to confirm it's working. Clearly that will fail at that point and things could go no further.
In the meantime, if you see an app that you think you want on M.O.J.O. then tell the developer and us - we have an email address for this very purpose and it's in the manual - gamesupportrequest[at]madcatz[dot]com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you couldn't respond to that test with mouse input or the controller then? isn't that the point? surely the other methods of input are meant to cover this. You say this yourself in all your marketing blurb - you specifically use the example of Angry Birds and say the controller achieves this.
As for what apps - ok, all of them then? seriously, as the other guys have said, that's not workable. I won't know what app I want until I've tried it. That's HOW this works. Some people not even have other devices - weird as that might sound - and if they can't use an app on MOJO they won't.
The product is OUT now. I just saw it on the shelf in Selfridges. People aren't going to expect to have to wait weeks or months to use apps that they can already use on all their other android devices. Seriously, I've held back so far but I AM hugely disappointed that this is in such a bad state. I've sideloaded some apps, but there are just so many - all the protected apps, and I've bought loads of them on my other devices - that I just can't do that with.
I've used AppMonster to rip a large number of protected apps to sideload to the MOJO. It's inconvenient, but it works. Most of them give me an initial "License Check Failed" the first time I load. I open Google Play, and that clears up.....most of the time. The apps I was unable to get to pass the license check, even after loading up the Play store, I was able to use by selecting the app from "My Apps" and using the "OPEN" button within the Play app. That's the only way I can get PPSSPP and FPSE to properly run.
ExtremeRyno said:
I've used AppMonster to rip a large number of protected apps to sideload to the MOJO. It's inconvenient, but it works. Most of them give me an initial "License Check Failed" the first time I load. I open Google Play, and that clears up.....most of the time. The apps I was unable to get to pass the license check, even after loading up the Play store, I was able to use by selecting the app from "My Apps" and using the "OPEN" button within the Play app. That's the only way I can get PPSSPP and FPSE to properly run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But FPSE is available on Google Play for the MOJO, and loads without issues, so I'm not sure what you mean...
With FPSE, I kept getting license errors (and yes, I downloaded directly from Play to the MOJO) but had to open through the Google Play store. Other apps, such as Horn and Paper Monsters which I sideloaded required opening the Play store before I was able to use the games.
ExtremeRyno said:
With FPSE, I kept getting license errors (and yes, I downloaded directly from Play to the MOJO) but had to open through the Google Play store. Other apps, such as Horn and Paper Monsters which I sideloaded required opening the Play store before I was able to use the games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, and there is actually some quirk with Google Play anyway - Riptide 2 refuses to do cloudsaving, insists it needs an update to Google Play Services. Indeed, the version of Google Play Services on there is far from the latest, but I don't know how to force it to update - a number of the Google Play components are older... none of which is likely to be helping.
woozle said:
Hm, and there is actually some quirk with Google Play anyway - Riptide 2 refuses to do cloudsaving, insists it needs an update to Google Play Services. Indeed, the version of Google Play Services on there is far from the latest, but I don't know how to force it to update - a number of the Google Play components are older... none of which is likely to be helping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi yes the reason is the google play services said is the latedt version but is not search on xda for the real latest

[Q] - Best setup for NP using KODI??

I am setting up a media streaming device for someone who isn't tech savvy but wants to use NP for movies/tv/Netflix.. What are the best basic settings/config for using NP with Kodi and Netflix? They may or may not use external usb or mouse/keyboard.
5.1.1? Android M preview 3?
Rooted?
TWRP?
Custom Rom? CM12 / other??
**UPDATE**
Here is what I did which seems to work great:
- Unlocked Bootloader
- Flashed TWRP
- Flashed 6.0 firmware (fugu) from Google's site
- Kodi installed from google play.
- Used “http://fusion.tvaddons.ag” addon to help with installing/updating streams. Selected "hubwizard" and "addoninstaller" under "start-here" directory to get basic addons/content/features working.
- Saw an issue with constant buffering. Used: Programs > Maintenance Tool > System Tweaks > Zero Cache (Yes when menu popped up). This expands the space where the download is stored, allowing a longer buffer than default. So you can pause a slow loading tv show/movie and let it load so you dont have viewing issues.
- Enabled Autoplay option on Genesis settings which is easier than searching thru the links provided.
- Added the xml file shown here so that I could use the Play/Pause button as a "right-click" option when content isn't playing.
Let me know if there is anything else I can change to make things run smoother. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the set up.
didn't see any response so I kept digging and came up with this...
- Using stock 5.1.1 from the standard update. Waiting until M preview is in a more final state.
- Kodi installed from google play.
- Installed “http://fusion.tvaddons.ag” addon to help with installing/updating streams. Help link here.
- Installed Genesis and Phoenix right away for basic content.
- Saw an issue with constant buffering. Used the TV Addon program to "Clear Cache" and enabled "Zero Cache". This expands the space where the download is stored, allowing a longer buffer than default. So you can pause a slow loading tv show/movie and let it load so you dont have viewing issues.
This seemed to get content streaming pretty good, but I could use any additional tips to make it better.
mmgill said:
didn't see any response so I kept digging and came up with this...
- Using stock 5.1.1 from the standard update. Waiting until M preview is in a more final state.
- Kodi installed from google play.
- Installed “http://fusion.tvaddons.ag” addon to help with installing/updating streams. Help link here.
- Installed Genesis and Phoenix right away for basic content.
- Saw an issue with constant buffering. Used the TV Addon program to "Clear Cache" and enabled "Zero Cache". This expands the space where the download is stored, allowing a longer buffer than default. So you can pause a slow loading tv show/movie and let it load so you dont have viewing issues.
This seemed to get content streaming pretty good, but I could use any additional tips to make it better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently searching for some options as well. I will let you know what I find.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
I used TVAddons for a long time, on Ouya, an HTPC, and the Nexus Player. But I have recently been using The Beast by Chris B http://chrisbkodi.uk
I installed on my NP with this method: Install Kodi from the Play Store. Go to System>File Manager>Add Source type http://spartanpixel.net/repo click OK
Go to System>Addons>Install From Zip , select repo as the source, then select the zip and click OK. Wait about 10-15 seconds, you should see a message that the wizard has been installed.
Go to Programs, and select the config wizard. You should see the option of installing two different builds: The Beast or Spartan. I have tried both, I don't know what the major differences are other than the skin for Spartan is pretty cool. It's going to take a few minutes to install, so don't worry if it's slow and you will see another install progress bar after the first one finishes. After the entire process is done, you will get a message saying that installation is complete. So click OK, now THIS part is VERY important: The next message will say that you need to force shutdown Kodi, DO NOT click the button saying to go ahead and shut down. You will need to actually pull the power cord out from the back of the Nexus Player, and then plug it back in. Wait for it to boot up, go to Kodi and you should now see The Beast splash video. Everything will be configured for you, but you may want to go in and disable the adult stuff if you dont want it, and get rid of anything else that you dont want. I find some of the IPTV stuff is a little difficult to work with so I dont use much of it.
The only other thing I have done is go into Video settings, and set it to sync to my display refresh rate. You will also want to use ES File Explorer to upload a keymapping xml for the remote. https://www.dropbox.com/s/c1r944j93oj8sq6/nexus_remote.xml?dl=0
mmgill said:
didn't see any response so I kept digging and came up with this...
- Using stock 5.1.1 from the standard update. Waiting until M preview is in a more final state.
- Kodi installed from google play.
- Installed “http://fusion.tvaddons.ag” addon to help with installing/updating streams. Help link here.
- Installed Genesis and Phoenix right away for basic content.
- Saw an issue with constant buffering. Used the TV Addon program to "Clear Cache" and enabled "Zero Cache". This expands the space where the download is stored, allowing a longer buffer than default. So you can pause a slow loading tv show/movie and let it load so you dont have viewing issues.
This seemed to get content streaming pretty good, but I could use any additional tips to make it better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, I follows this and went with the xbmc repo, a lot of the channels are dead.
How do I install Genesis?
Also, how do I undo what I did? Uninstall fusion and start from scratch. I'd like to try some other builds above.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
mmgill said:
I am setting up a media streaming device for someone who isn't tech savvy but wants to use NP for movies/tv/Netflix.. What are the best basic settings/config for using NP with Kodi and Netflix? They may or may not use external usb or mouse/keyboard.
5.1.1? Android M preview 3?
Rooted?
TWRP?
Custom Rom? CM12 / other??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmgill said:
didn't see any response so I kept digging and came up with this...
- Using stock 5.1.1 from the standard update. Waiting until M preview is in a more final state.
- Kodi installed from google play.
- Installed “http://fusion.tvaddons.ag” addon to help with installing/updating streams. Help link here.
- Installed Genesis and Phoenix right away for basic content.
- Saw an issue with constant buffering. Used the TV Addon program to "Clear Cache" and enabled "Zero Cache". This expands the space where the download is stored, allowing a longer buffer than default. So you can pause a slow loading tv show/movie and let it load so you dont have viewing issues.
This seemed to get content streaming pretty good, but I could use any additional tips to make it better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cadillax02 said:
I'm currently searching for some options as well. I will let you know what I find.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wendellc said:
Guys, I follows this and went with the xbmc repo, a lot of the channels are dead.
How do I install Genesis?
Also, how do I undo what I did? Uninstall fusion and start from scratch. I'd like to try some other builds above.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to your Programs section in Kodi, there is a Fresh Start option that the fusion installer should have added. Run that and it should put you back to vanilla Kodi.
If you are able to side load, and you want the TV Addons build, maybe try side loading TVMC you should be able to put the APK on a thumb drive and access via ES File Explorer, be sure to enable Unknown Sources in Android.
One combo that worked well for me was side loading SPMC and then running the fusion installer.
wendellc said:
How do I install Genesis?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions above for Fusion.
Select Lambda repo zip for Genesis
Select XBMChub zip for TVAddons (Phoenix)
Setting up the pirate side of Kodi for somebody else with no knowledge of the world you are getting them into is a bad deal for you. These pirate addons are not for the uninitiated. They are unreliable at best. Make sure you are willing to be their continual tech support. In the past 45 days or so everything mentioned in the thread have undergone some catastrophic failure or complete relaunch. Make sure you teach your friend how this stuff works so there are no unrealistic expectations of availability or reliability.
pawdog said:
Setting up the pirate side of Kodi for somebody else with no knowledge of the world you are getting them into is a bad deal for you. These pirate addons are not for the uninitiated. They are unreliable at best. Make sure you are willing to be their continual tech support. In the past 45 days or so everything mentioned in the thread have undergone some catastrophic failure or complete relaunch. Make sure you teach your friend how this stuff works so there are no unrealistic expectations of availability or reliability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe with the Live TV feeds they are. But Genesis is fairly rock solid. I can do without the others (for the most part).
Loaded THE BEAST.
I really like the interface (large fonts; cool backdrop images) for KODI.
I just had to turn off every other section but the main MOVIES/SPORTS/LIVE TV sections though because it's so laden with adult content links.
I wish it would come more like stock (without all the adult) and a wizard to add on the adult stuff if people desire.
Otherwise, it has been stable.
The LIVE TV links are still very hit and miss with THE BEAST.
S4F4M said:
Maybe with the Live TV feeds they are. But Genesis is fairly rock solid. I can do without the others (for the most part).
Loaded THE BEAST.
I really like the interface (large fonts; cool backdrop images) for KODI.
I just had to turn off every other section but the main MOVIES/SPORTS/LIVE TV sections though because it's so laden with adult content links.
I wish it would come more like stock (without all the adult) and a wizard to add on the adult stuff if people desire.
Otherwise, it has been stable.
The LIVE TV links are still very hit and miss with THE BEAST.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still debating on rooting the nexus player, I downloaded the kodi app, and installed kodimaster? (not sure of exact repo) but I did read about the the beast repo being pretty solid as well. I think for the most part I'm happy with the nexus player at $24.98 and the kodi app does pretty much everything I need it to do with movies & shows. I still have more to learn with live tv, nfl network, and what else itll provide
osugsxr said:
still debating on rooting the nexus player, I downloaded the kodi app, and installed kodimaster? (not sure of exact repo) but I did read about the the beast repo being pretty solid as well. I think for the most part I'm happy with the nexus player at $24.98 and the kodi app does pretty much everything I need it to do with movies & shows. I still have more to learn with live tv, nfl network, and what else itll provide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is a toss-up.
If you want to keep 5.0, then you need to root.
If you want Marshmallow, then do not root right now.
Root and flashing to older images (if needed for whatever reason) is pretty straight-forward.
Tons of guides on the internet/Youtube.
Live TV is hit or miss.
With movies and shows on Genesis, play is fine unless I pick a bad stream. Then, the data feed is too slow to keep up and the show/movie pauses/buffers.
Last night, though, I wanted to check the score of the game, so I loaded ESPN from cCloudTV. It was buffering every 5 seconds. Basically unwatchable.
Not sure if it was due to the stream (# of people streaming = low data feed) and/or my connection speed (20 mbps). But live TV does not really "buffer" like movies/shows as it is not a DVR, so when it buffers, the live action wants to catch up, so you get skips/stutters, etc.
Likewise, I do not know if I'm missing addons or the streams are not reliable, but channel surfing is not really reliable. I get error messages that I need to check the log.
I got Kodi setup with all the 'free' stuff = thanks to this thread.
I am trying to add my own local content, but when I go to add the SMB share, I can see all the computers on my network, I can select my home server (windows 8.1), but after I select it, I get an error and I cannot connect to the share.
My windows based Kodi setup finds my server just fine and I can add the seperate shares with no issues. Anyone else experience this issue on the NP?
i definitely need to do the play/pause right click mod
I was able to setup a SQL server and one HTPC a firetv and my new nexus player are able to connect. no issues.
I gave up on garbage Kodi, everyone tells me how great it is well, if you mean about 30 minutes searching through dozens and dozens of stupid streams to get one that will actually play and not buffer, then yeah works great. I was told, use autoplay then you won't have that issue, well, I turned on autoplay and stupid POS still didn't work, either the video wouldn't play/buffer/stutter, or it just wouldn't load any streams at all. Also kept getting cache was full errors constantly so I gave up and went back to simple easier torrents.
S4F4M said:
Maybe with the Live TV feeds they are. But Genesis is fairly rock solid. I can do without the others (for the most part).
Loaded THE BEAST.
I really like the interface (large fonts; cool backdrop images) for KODI.
I just had to turn off every other section but the main MOVIES/SPORTS/LIVE TV sections though because it's so laden with adult content links.
I wish it would come more like stock (without all the adult) and a wizard to add on the adult stuff if people desire.
Otherwise, it has been stable.
The LIVE TV links are still very hit and miss with THE BEAST.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start out with a fresh copy of Kodi 15.2 then add all the sources for repos(srp.nu, tvaddons.ag, etc.). Then install all the repos. And Then install all the add-ons from the repos you just installed. Then load elmerohueso' s repo from fusion so you can use his helix ++ skin (it allows you to use "any" 7 icons under "any" of the main screen sections (pictures,videos,music,..etc). This way you have access to all the addons add-ons you want without any of the stuff you don't.
S4F4M said:
Rooting is a toss-up.
If you want to keep 5.0, then you need to root.
If you want Marshmallow, then do not root right now.
Root and flashing to older images (if needed for whatever reason) is pretty straight-forward.
Tons of guides on the internet/Youtube.
Live TV is hit or miss.
With movies and shows on Genesis, play is fine unless I pick a bad stream. Then, the data feed is too slow to keep up and the show/movie pauses/buffers.
Last night, though, I wanted to check the score of the game, so I loaded ESPN from cCloudTV. It was buffering every 5 seconds. Basically unwatchable.
Not sure if it was due to the stream (# of people streaming = low data feed) and/or my connection speed (20 mbps). But live TV does not really "buffer" like movies/shows as it is not a DVR, so when it buffers, the live action wants to catch up, so you get skips/stutters, etc.
Likewise, I do not know if I'm missing addons or the streams are not reliable, but channel surfing is not really reliable. I get error messages that I need to check the log.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives to ccloud: You need to install dextertv(plays live tv really well even on 3mbs time warner connection but you need to sign in with a valid email- I just use a temp email generator easily found on google search), and UFO stalker clone(youtube kraz inabox) or i4ATV which are both stalker clones and play over 800 channels really well without buffering. Google search, DexterTV, Kraz inabox, newtechevotution, Joenobody010101, husham memar, soloman for awesome turorials on the latest greatest add-ons
Shftup said:
I got Kodi setup with all the 'free' stuff = thanks to this thread.
I am trying to add my own local content, but when I go to add the SMB share, I can see all the computers on my network, I can select my home server (windows 8.1), but after I select it, I get an error and I cannot connect to the share.
My windows based Kodi setup finds my server just fine and I can add the seperate shares with no issues. Anyone else experience this issue on the NP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a micro usb to regular usb hub and insert a zip drive with the content you want and then transfer it from the zip drive to kodi by using file explorer you can download from the play store. With the hub you can also install a keyboard/track pad combo like the logitect k400 keyboard (ususally on sale for 19.99) and its makes using/navigating kodi or the nexus player much easier.
ninerpride said:
I gave up on garbage Kodi, everyone tells me how great it is well, if you mean about 30 minutes searching through dozens and dozens of stupid streams to get one that will actually play and not buffer, then yeah works great. I was told, use autoplay then you won't have that issue, well, I turned on autoplay and stupid POS still didn't work, either the video wouldn't play/buffer/stutter, or it just wouldn't load any streams at all. Also kept getting cache was full errors constantly so I gave up and went back to simple easier torrents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree about kodi being garbage. It's awesome software. If you were Genesis...make sure to clear cache and sources from within genesis tools section. Autoplay does work but you need to configure the streams you prefer from the information section of genesis. Also make sure you're on version 5.1.4. Some of rhe other great add-ons: phoenix, primewire/one channel, SALTS, projectfreetv, navix, movie night, movied hd, ...etc. With a decent connection all of these addons feature great content and have search functiions to find whatever you're looking for. STAY away from torrents. They provide way less anonymity than you might think...
ninerpride said:
I gave up on garbage Kodi, everyone tells me how great it is well, if you mean about 30 minutes searching through dozens and dozens of stupid streams to get one that will actually play and not buffer, then yeah works great. I was told, use autoplay then you won't have that issue, well, I turned on autoplay and stupid POS still didn't work, either the video wouldn't play/buffer/stutter, or it just wouldn't load any streams at all. Also kept getting cache was full errors constantly so I gave up and went back to simple easier torrents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't despair. I've some good news for you. Unlike cable companies, which you are obliged to subscribe to if you live in a certain area (Laissez-faire at its best), no one has to use the POS called Kodi. And no one will do bad things to you if you don't. You always have the choice of forking out a hundred bucks or more a month for the rubbish that would stream flawlessly on your tv (Freedom at its best - where you consistently get 15 minutes of consumerism-driven "information" out of a 25-minute program) if you can't stand the minimal work one has to put in for the stuff you get for free and whose content you totally control.
I'm sure the people who designed the POS (your opinion) did the best they could, and do not get justly compensated for it. What you said don't sound really appreciative of it to me.
Maybe can help
I using this ROM pure nexus 6.0 from dhacker29 http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/development/rom-pure-nexus-t3260232
As well after all done, download kodi from the play store and them follow this threat http://www.geek.com.do/mejores-fuentes-repositorios-kodi-xbmc/ ah sorry its is Spanish, use Google translate
I just did the whole Kodi install thing with the repos that the kids are selling these days on Ebay for like $80+ installed on a Amazon Firestick. Pretty funny that they are making money off of doing that. I only found out about that from my friend who actually paid $$ for one of those and decided to research it and attempted to do it on my NPlayer.
I agree with @ninerpride somewhat. While I don't think it's Kodi that is "garbage", its more the streams fault. It DOES get annoying attempting to go down the list to try and find a stream that actually plays. @graphdarnell, I concur with you, my Time Warner cable bill is over $100 USD and I get nothing for it. I'm always looking for ways to cut the cord and get out of this because the bill just keeps going up every year.
I heard that Genesis, etc is no longer being supported because the DEV found out about the "hacker kids" selling his work on Ebay pre-loaded onto those Amazon Firesticks. Anyone hear the same? Someone suggested to instead install "SALTS" but while it's much better, it's still annoying trying to find a stream that works.
Using the BEAST build installed from AresWizard.cok.uk/zip and it's been great so far. Phoenix based and most of the content is decent. Live TV is pretty good. Best I've used for KODI so far

Fire TV software update 5.2.1.0 is now rolling out!

Amazon has released yesterday a New software update 5.2.1.0, for all the FireTV units:
http://www.aftvnews.com/fire-tv-software-update-5-2-1-0-is-now-rolling-out/
Some FireTV users, are already complaining that some APPs like "HBO GO/HBO NOW" (if you have Kodi/SPMC installed), "Mouse-Toggle 1.04", "Wukong Remote 1.9.0EN" and "Firestopper" now do not work at all...
Fo Realz, has mentioned on www.aftvnews.com, that after the update he can’t use "HBO NOW", unless he uninstall Kodi... Because he always get the following message:
“For security reasons the following apps must be uninstalled to use this app: Kodi”
Luckily, KODI and SPMC are still working flawlessly!!
Others users, have noticed that it looks like Amazon has changed the FireOS Font, that now it looks a bit like “Trebuchet”... And that the Remote-Control, the Wifi-Direct version, got a new update too…
It is not known yet whether this 5.2.1.0 update is Rootable or not!
Someone who has received this 5.2.1.0 update, has noticed something new or any improvements?
I just got the update yesterday as well. Netflix doesn't load properly anymore, gets stuck at 99%. Amazon videos don't play they load the video and I just see like a screenshot of the video and it doesn't play. I've lost all audio. Tried resetting, clearing cache, data, reinstalling Netflix etc.
ulises.rodriguez said:
Amazon has released yesterday a New software update 5.2.1.0, for all the FireTV units:
http://www.aftvnews.com/fire-tv-software-update-5-2-1-0-is-now-rolling-out/
Some FireTV users, are already complaining that some APPs like "HBO GO/HBO NOW" (if you have Kodi/SPMC installed), "Mouse-Toggle 1.04", "Wukong Remote 1.9.0EN" and "Firestopper" now do not work at all...
Fo Realz, has mentioned on www.aftvnews.com, that after the update he can’t use "HBO NOW", unless he uninstall Kodi... Because he always get the following message:
“For security reasons the following apps must be uninstalled to use this app: Kodi”
Luckily, KODI and SPMC are still working flawlessly!!
Others users, have noticed that it looks like Amazon has changed the FireOS Font, that now it looks a bit like “Trebuchet”... And that the Remote-Control, the Wifi-Direct version, got a new update too…
It is not known yet whether this 5.2.1.0 update is Rootable or not!
Someone who has received this 5.2.1.0 update, has noticed something new or any improvements?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get a chance to grab the URL for this? I can start tearing apart the update to see what changed.
I'm very sceptical about the comment on my site claiming that HBO Now won't work with Kodi installed. I have not received the update myself yet, but a reader I trust has received the 5.2.1.0 update on his Fire TV 1 and says he can launch HBO Now with Kodi installed and with Kodi running in the background. He does not have an HBO Now subscription, so it's possible the message only appears when you try to play content, but he said he does not receive a message when launching the app and going to the login screen.
Wukong Mouse mode is dead on Firestick after latest OS update
Xfinity TV does not allow clicking after the update. Mouse mode is DOA. Maybe something to do with the prompt that comes up stating . "You don't have a controller" when you bring up the TVGo app. BTW I have not 'rooted' my FireStick.
Surprised you took it seriously in the first place. Obvious troll is obvious.
There's also a comment that ADBFire doesn't work. Not believing that either.
AFTVnews.com said:
I'm very sceptical about the comment on my site claiming that HBO Now won't work with Kodi installed. I have not received the update myself yet, but a reader I trust has received the 5.2.1.0 update on his Fire TV 1 and says he can launch HBO Now with Kodi installed and with Kodi running in the background. He does not have an HBO Now subscription, so it's possible the message only appears when you try to play content, but he said he does not receive a message when launching the app and going to the login screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Claude Koch said:
Surprised you took it seriously in the first place. Obvious troll is obvious.
There's also a comment that ADBFire doesn't work. Not believing that either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you never know. When the first couple comments started rolling in that 5.0.5.1 was removing FireStarter, my initial reaction was to assume it was a troll. I'm not going to go posting about something based on a comment or two, but I've learned my lesson to not dismiss anything entirely.
I'm curious... In theory, if I were to repack/recompile the Kodi APK into a different name and then installed on my Fire TV, would I survive an Amazon Kodi block if it were to happen? Is it really that simple to avoid a software block?
AFTVnews.com said:
Well you never know. When the first couple comments started rolling in that 5.0.5.1 was removing FireStarter, my initial reaction was to assume it was a troll. I'm not going to go posting about something based on a comment or two, but I've learned my lesson to not dismiss anything entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Elias, I understand your point of view and that is precipitated taken as certain some news only based on one or two comments... But, there are many users complaining about Adb-Fire problems (that not allows applications sideloading anymore) and also problems with the Mouse-Toggle1.04 and Wukong-Remote1.9.0EN APPs, that Amazon might have changed something in this new 5.2.1.0 update.
Maybe as you already said in aftvnews.com, the issues trying to run HBO-GO or HBO-Now, with Kodi installed or running, could be "a troll comment meant to stir up concern with a false statement", however I am very worried because I'm starting to see more complaints about Netflix and Amazon Video, that are not working well after installing this update:
1 - When I watch a movie with Netflix, it don't load completely and gets stuck on 99%.
With Amazon-Videos, movie loads, but the video does not play, and does not have audio"
2 - "I am having amazon issues, and Netflix Issues stuck 99% and no audio"
3 - “Netflix doesn’t load properly anymore, gets stuck at 99%.
Amazon videos don’t play they load the video and I just see like a screenshot of the video and it doesn’t play.
I’ve lost all audio”
Since I still have not received this new 5.2.1.0 update, I would appreciate if you could contact some users who have received it, to ask if they have experienced these strange behaviors with Netflix/Amazon-Videos, and to also confirm issues with adbfire and the sideload of apps.
Thank you Elias, for your Excellent comments, your Great AFTVnews site and always help with all our requests!!
ulises.rodriguez said:
... But, there are many users complaining about Adb-Fire problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adbFire worked for me on 5.2.1.0
trek70000 said:
I'm curious... In theory, if I were to repack/recompile the Kodi APK into a different name and then installed on my Fire TV, would I survive an Amazon Kodi block if it were to happen? Is it really that simple to avoid a software block?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, currently Amazon is only blacklisting apps by package name. FireStarter and FiredTV are the only two apps on the list as of the 5.0.5.1 updated. I haven't received the 5.2.1.0 update yet, so I don't know if the list has changed, but several people have said Kodi installs/runs fine on 5.2.1.0
---------- Post added at 11:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------
ulises.rodriguez said:
Elias, I understand your point of view and that is precipitated taken as certain some news only based on one or two comments... But, there are many users complaining about Adb-Fire problems (that not allows applications sideloading anymore) and also problems with the Mouse-Toggle1.04 and Wukong-Remote1.9.0EN APPs, that Amazon might have changed something in this new 5.2.1.0 update.
Maybe as you already said in aftvnews.com, the issues trying to run HBO-GO or HBO-Now, with Kodi installed or running, could be "a troll comment meant to stir up concern with a false statement", however I am very worried because I'm starting to see more complaints about Netflix and Amazon Video, that are not working well after installing this update:
1 - When I watch a movie with Netflix, it don't load completely and gets stuck on 99%.
With Amazon-Videos, movie loads, but the video does not play, and does not have audio"
2 - "I am having amazon issues, and Netflix Issues stuck 99% and no audio"
3 - “Netflix doesn’t load properly anymore, gets stuck at 99%.
Amazon videos don’t play they load the video and I just see like a screenshot of the video and it doesn’t play.
I’ve lost all audio”
Since I still have not received this new 5.2.1.0 update, I would appreciate if you could contact some users who have received it, to ask if they have experienced these strange behaviors with Netflix/Amazon-Videos, and to also confirm issues with adbfire and the sideload of apps.
Thank you Elias, for your Excellent comments, your Great AFTVnews site and always help with all our requests!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very tedious and slow to check/verify update changes by contacting people who have already received the update. I just keep a list of all the issues I've heard about and check them myself once I receive the update. I'd rather be a few days late with postings than be inaccurate because information is being relayed to me.
AFTVnews.com said:
Yes, currently Amazon is only blacklisting apps by package name. FireStarter and FiredTV are the only two apps on the list as of the 5.0.5.1 updated. I haven't received the 5.2.1.0 update yet, so I don't know if the list has changed, but several people have said Kodi installs/runs fine on 5.2.1.0
---------- Post added at 11:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------
It's very tedious and slow to check/verify update changes by contacting people who have already received the update. I just keep a list of all the issues I've heard about and check them myself once I receive the update. I'd rather be a few days late with postings than be inaccurate because information is being relayed to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree, it is very tedious and time consuming too, trying to contact users who already have received this 5.2.1.0.update.
I meant to get in contact with only known and trusted users, that have received the new update, as you already did with the user who confirmed that he had not received any safety message launching HBO-NOW, with Kodi installed or running.
However, maybe you're right, it is better to keep a list of all problems reported and once you receive the update, check to see if they are true or not...
I really hope that in a couple of days after receiving this update, you will have the time to write a full review in AFTVnews.com, about the negative things and also the new features of this 5.2.1.0 update.
Deleted post
I'm from Germany and I received the 5.2.1.0 update on my Fire TV Generation 1. After this Update the aftvnews.com Update blocking methode 2 isn't working anymore. No Feedback from adb when I send the command. My 2nd device, a Fire Stick hasn't got the update to 5.2.1.0, and there the blocking Methode works I think, because adb shows a Feedback after sending the command.
Gesendet von meinem E6653 mit Tapatalk
harlekinade said:
@aftvnews: Just as a small critique (well - thats how it started out, anyways... ) - when people looked at you in the past to provide context, this is what they got as first responses in return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, thank you for posting this long and detailed criticism. Feedback, even negative feedback, is always welcome. I'll respond inline.
- When Firestarter first stopped working - it was pronounced by you "probably just an incompatibility issue".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not say "probably." I said "one theory is." There's a distinct difference. At that point nobody knew why FireStarter wasn't working yet. I hadn't even received the software update yet (which I pointed out), but thought people would like to know sooner rather than later that the update was causing some unknown issue with FireStarter. I'd love to have weeks with an update to fully dissect it before posting anything about it, but by then it would be too late for many people to avoid the update if they suddenly want to.
- When Amazon started blacklisting apps and banning Firestarter you first repeated the same notion, then celebrated Amazon for providing "their own launcher" and therefore "making it easier for most people". And only afterwarts wrote about the issues it created, also for the company itself (reputation damage).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first thing I wrote about the 5.0.5.1 update was that sideloaded apps were added to the home screen and there was a quicker way to get to apps. That's what Amazon told us about the update so that's what I reported. Nobody had any idea apps were blacklisted at that point. I didn't first write about app banning and "then celebrate Amazon" like you say.
- When people asked you why to root Fire TVs, you "couldnt tell them, because everyone is different" - nfts support (circumventing the 4GB filesize limit), running a smb server, using VPN services (currently also possible without - but generally speaking), blocking software updates, using open APIs or a web interface to control the device -- are all usecases I'd argue most people should know about that are possible by now - even though Amazon put in extra effort to specifically take them out of base Android one by one. So by glancing over those - you actually follow Amazons product politics once more -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you're referring to when people ask about why they should root in the Q&A portion of my podcast. That question comes up nearly every week and if I listed all the reasons why someone would root in every episode it would not be interesting to the listeners. Heck, if I listed and talked about just the things you mention above, which is still just a small portion of the reasons to root, it would take up the entire time I allocate to Q&A. If you want to compile a full list of all the reasons to root and keep it up to date with links to guides, I'd love to point people to it every single time this question comes up. But nobody, including myself, has created such a list because it would be very time consuming to create and maintain.
- to put it out in the open, I have a problem with you having become the gatekeeper of most information in the Fire TV ecosystem.
Is saw german mainstream technology outlets copying your first statements on issues verbetum - even if they turned out to be beside the point (as in the blacklist issue case)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other websites not covering the Fire TV more or not doing their own research is out of my control.
and I ultimately hold you personally responsible for Amazon being able to --
Put blacklist routines into Android, uninstalling apps from their users devices - which they dont like because of anti competitive reasons - and allowing them to spin this feat to be just something thats "easier for the user".
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Holding me personally responsible for that is just plain stupid.
You maybe single handedly prevented the "Amazon uninstalls its users Apps" headline and made it a "Great new feature" story.
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You over estimate how much influence I have over other tech blogs. Every time Amazon does something negative to Fire TV owners, I contact numerous tech blogs to let them know. They simply don't care. It's not newsworthy to them. The issue isn't that the headlines were "Great new feature," it's that there were no headlines at all outside of my site.
I also hold you responsible for maintaining an atmosphere where every slight new feature, change, or tidbit Amazon "creates" gets received with unfiltered optimism first ("cheerleading"). Even down to overly detailed changelog analyses that are made to be seen as newsworthy - just because they are something new to report on. Something of general interest to your audience.
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I'm sorry everything I write about isn't newsworthy to you. I write about what I find interesting. It's not that I think everything Amazon does is worth cheering about, it's that I don't write about things I don't think are interesting. It might be a shock to you, but a headline like "Amazon did a thing that you shouldn't care about" is not at the top of my list of articles to write.
When you made them care more about ES File explorer (by pronouncing it "the easiest way") than if adb (which was first limited, then got puposely rewritten (?)) actually remains usable for things not predetermined by Amazon - you did this entire community a disservice.
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I didn't "make" anyone do anything. My sideloading guide lists 7 methods. The ES File Explorer method is by the the preferred method by most for obvious reasons. The fact is ADB is confusing to many people. A GUI, even if limited, is usually preferred by most. Hence the popularity of utilities like adbFire before ES File Explorer was even an option.
When you let tutorials regularly get pushed off of the front page of your blog by 12 times the "Amazon echo appreciation messages" - something important changed - combining the "how to tinker with the device" angle with the actual product messaging of the manufacturer - created a hybrid that I'd argue actually resembles a frankensteins monster that produced more harm than good.
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If you're saying I deliberately push guides off the front page, that's just stupid. I cannot control when something newsworthy happens. If something happens that results in a bunch of posts right after I release a guide, that's out of my control. I'm not going to hold back news just because I wrote a guide.
You managed to commercialize most aspects of device hacking, for - and mostly in the name of the company that produced the device - while Amazon itself promoted a purely anti right to modifications message at the same time. You tried to moderate this conflict - and somehow it never quite worked.
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If I didn't make money from the website through ads, it wouldn't exist. Not in the same capacity at least. The same way XDA wouldn't exists if it didn't have ads to make money off of device hacking. If you have an issue with me turning my hobby of tinkering into a means to support my family, then so be it.
When Amazon put the blacklist into the Fire TV firmwares - you werent the person that first discovered the database entries - they were reported (In here or on your comments section) and you picked it up - but now you are promoting yourself to be the person we should look at for a confirmation if Amazon has added new entries to their blacklist, or if they didn't.
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I never took credit for discovering the blacklist. I said "XDA forum member jkchr1s has discovered that FireStarter is being explicitly disabled by name" in my post and linked to his XDA post. jkchr1s and I were going back and forth via XDA private messages trying to locate the, at the time, theoretical blacklist. He explicitly asked me to not credit him with certain things, so I left some things vague.
I am not "promoting" myself to be "the person we should look at" for anything. It's simply a fact that I'm in a position to be the first one to know if the blacklist has been updated, since I know where to look and I have several Fire TVs and Fire TV Sticks dedicated for the sole purpose of capturing the update package to pass along to rbox.
Something about all of this just feels wrong. You were more a Steward of public opinion towards your cause (a world where a advertising message can stand eye to eye to a "how to intall Kodi" tutorial - ) and at least created an information silo - that kept out certain aspects of what is possible, or what happened in the past, and overemphasized others (I see ES File Explorer use as a real problem to people learning better ways of interacting with their devices, f.e.) at least I don't agree with.
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I agree that learning ADB is far superior to any GUI like ES File Explorer. The only guides where ES File Explorer comes up is when I write "no pc needed" guides for rooting and sideloading, since those two topics are the most popular types of guides. But for every "no pc needed" guide I have ever written, there was always first an equivalent guide posted that did everything with just ADB.
Now that the hype is mostly over, Firestarter is no more and we are gossiping whos next on Amazons in Android blacklist - where do we actually stand considering discoverability of methods or tutorials, do we understand the actions Amazon has taken, do we promote best practices - and do you - for example know - why not letting Amazon blacklist Kodi is actually important?
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Despite what you think, I don't control the future of FireStarter, the actions Amazon has or will take, or where the Fire TV community stands.
You take both sides on this issue as well - why? And when you, a few months from know - write your article about how it was actually necessary and beneficial to the average user - will you still be part of this community? Or do you just want to feature its work? And tell your readers to mostly use Alexa ("the service economy"), just because it is there by default.
Hey - and buy an "order from Amazon" WiFi button for 20USD while you are at it, because maybe one day you will be able to launch an App on the Fire TV with it. Great pitch.
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I don't "take both sides on an issue", but I do try to explain both sides of an issue. When Amazon does something the community thinks is negative, I don't blindly defend their actions. I do give my opinion on why I think they chose to do what they did, regardless of whether I agree or disagree with it. There is a distinct difference.
I've hid my reply to the comments that were deleted to help clean up this thread.
@harlekinade
So your old account was banned? And you decided to come right back in here with your obvious rants now directed at the main person who keeps this community going? Good job dude.
Biggest question (for us "pros") is actually: Is root (and downgrade) still possible on the fire tv 4ks that ship with that firmware?!
harlekinade said:
I'm glad to see that the posting got some kind of of recognition, I'll take some time reading through the responses and give another rebuttal in the following days.
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If you do reply, I encourage you to do it in a new thread and link to the posts in this thread as reference because discussions of your opinion of me and my site do not belong in a thread about a Fire TV software update. This is potentially an important thread (depending on what is discovered in the update), so it should not be cluttered with off-topic conversations. I absolutely will no longer reply to you in this thread regarding myself or my website.
zroice said:
Biggest question (for us "pros") is actually: Is root (and downgrade) still possible on the fire tv 4ks that ship with that firmware?!
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I don't know if anyone whos gotten it yet has confirmed if the preloader hack is still active.
harlekinade said:
@aftvnews:
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Dude, quit it. No one's reading your responses, you're acting like a sorry little git. If the mods bothered to read these, expect your second ban real soon. Quit starting fights and leave everyone alone.

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