Database Users

Compatible Apps

So far these apps are working for me:
-XBMC on Ouya
-Firefox
-ES File explorer
-BSPlayer
-BubbleIPNP
-Nova Launcher
Working but need a a different input device to manipulate:
-CNN
-IPlayer BBC
-HBO GO
-Puffin Browser (good if works since has flash embedded)
-Pushbullet (need google play services)
I will continue testing other apps until a root is published.

There are like 5 of these post now. We need a central post because people (myself included) keep testing apps that have already been tested by someone else.

DeVSS said:
There are like 5 of these post now. We need a central post because people (myself included) keep testing apps that have already been tested by someone else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. There is a "Fire TV Themes and Apps" forum, but no one has posted there yet.

sideload
Sideloaded hsdroid to access hockey streams. Works but needs alternative form of input. Used USB mouse and it works.

josetron said:
So far these apps are working for me:
-XBMC on Ouya
-Firefox
-ES File explorer
-BSPlayer
-BubbleIPNP
-Nova Launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it actually let you user Nova Launcher as the default Home launcher (when you click the Home button)?

elmerohueso said:
Did it actually let you user Nova Launcher as the default Home launcher (when you click the Home button)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, just shows as another program to run... the good thing is that you can see all the programs in one screen... but dont see any real usage, just testing.

josetron said:
No, just shows as another program to run... the good thing is that you can see all the programs in one screen... but dont see any real usage, just testing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this was suggested in another thread, and it definitely works for me: I simply open Nova Launcher once then with a wireless mini keyboard/trackpad unit I do ALT-TAB to move between apps which includes Nova Launcher. This is a good way to get back to Spotify too, though on the wireless unit I have the play/pause button will let me keep music running or pause it in the background.
I go back to Nova for the apps that I would have had to open via the Fire TV settings/apps page which I find to be a chore compared to ALT-TAB to Nova to a page where I have my key sideloaded apps on-screen and ready to open. It also works out of the box with the Settings.apk if you sideload that so you can just keep the Settings shortcut that is on one of the Nova screens by default. There are noted issues with some settings not working (and most obviously just aren't applicable to this unit which is why they won't work) via Settings.apk but that's covered in another thread too.

buscemi said:
I believe this was suggested in another thread, and it definitely works for me: I simply open Nova Launcher once then with a wireless mini keyboard/trackpad unit I do ALT-TAB to move between apps which includes Nova Launcher. This is a good way to get back to Spotify too, though on the wireless unit I have the play/pause button will let me keep music running or pause it in the background.
I go back to Nova for the apps that I would have had to open via the Fire TV settings/apps page which I find to be a chore compared to ALT-TAB to Nova to a page where I have my key sideloaded apps on-screen and ready to open. It also works out of the box with the Settings.apk if you sideload that so you can just keep the Settings shortcut that is on one of the Nova screens by default. There are noted issues with some settings not working (and most obviously just aren't applicable to this unit which is why they won't work) via Settings.apk but that's covered in another thread too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully we can find a way to do it with the remote control or joystick... having a keyboard in frond of the box is useful but inconvenient...

Was iplayer with HD video? Which version did you use? Also what version of the APK did you use for CNN?
josetron said:
So far these apps are working for me:
-XBMC on Ouya
-Firefox
-ES File explorer
-BSPlayer
-BubbleIPNP
-Nova Launcher
Working but need a a different input device to manipulate:
-CNN
-IPlayer BBC
-HBO GO
-Puffin Browser (good if works since has flash embedded)
-Pushbullet (need google play services)
I will continue testing other apps until a root is published.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

skanker said:
Was iplayer with HD video? Which version did you use? Also what version of the APK did you use for CNN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iplayer 3.1.0.748 CNN 1.4.2 Keep in mind both work ok but you can't navigate thru the menus given the lack of support from the input device. I don't think Iplayer was in full HD...keep in mind you need to be in UK to use it (or use any workaround)...

josetron said:
Hopefully we can find a way to do it with the remote control or joystick... having a keyboard in frond of the box is useful but inconvenient...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a very small handheld keyboard with touchpad that is convenient for me. It was recommended in another thread, and is this one: (oops I cannot post links yet to so it is Hausbell ® Mini H7 2.4GHz Wireless Entertainment Keyboard with Touchpad for PC, Pad, Andriod TV Box, Google TV Box, Xbox360, PS3 & HTPC/IPTV (Black))

buscemi said:
I use a very small handheld keyboard with touchpad that is convenient for me. It was recommended in another thread, and is this one: (oops I cannot post links yet to so it is Hausbell ® Mini H7 2.4GHz Wireless Entertainment Keyboard with Touchpad for PC, Pad, Andriod TV Box, Google TV Box, Xbox360, PS3 & HTPC/IPTV (Black))
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip, yes that looks very small and cheap too!

Best Launcher setup for XBMC and FTV use

I'm getting and hopefully rooting my new FTV tomorrow, and was checking out the launchers. I am going to primarily use it for XBMC, but I'm sure that my wife will want to use the FTV stock launcher. Which way should I go to easily switch between XBMC and stock FTV?

spyder03 said:
I'm getting and hopefully rooting my new FTV tomorrow, and was checking out the launchers. I am going to primarily use it for XBMC, but I'm sure that my wife will want to use the FTV stock launcher. Which way should I go to easily switch between XBMC and stock FTV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you can't root the FTV for now you could use llama in order to make a XBMC shortcut on your FTV homescreen.
edit: I don't know what firmware version you will get, rooting is impossible with the german FTVs for now. Maybe you are more lucky.

Ultraschorsch said:
Since you can't root the FTV for now you could use llama in order to make a XBMC shortcut on your FTV homescreen.
edit: I don't know what firmware version you will get, rooting is impossible with the german FTVs for now. Maybe you are more lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be able to root. Before you even plug your FTV in, you should read and follow the guides on AFTV News. Start here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/#more-1403.
ftv in

Thanks guys. Followed the guides and I have ROOOOOOOOT!
Now to install XBMC...
Is llama the preferred method? What exactly is llama anyway?

spyder03 said:
Thanks guys. Followed the guides and I have ROOOOOOOOT!
Now to install XBMC...
Is llama the preferred method? What exactly is llama anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my FTV isn't rooted I can only tell you they way on how to add XBMC to the homescreen with llama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMt8gtnCSx0
There are probably better ways on how to start XBMC while keeping access to the Fire TV homescreen but this works just fine here, even without root.

I find FiredTV to be a very decent launcher. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2782303

I second FiredTV...
I installed it so I have an icon for XBMC, Xfinity TV Go, the FireTV app, PBS, PBS Kids, Plex, Pluto.TV, and Settings. Everything else is hidden. If I want to watch something on Amazon Prime, I just launch the FireTV app, and I'm in the "default launcher". Hitting the Home button takes me back to FiredTV, no matter which of these I'm in.
Of all those, I think XBMC is our main use... I'm running Mythbuntu as my PVR back-end, and this makes getting to XBMC super easy, while still making it easy to get to other apps, and back to XBMC...

FiredTv for sure.
Easy interface for accessing sideloaded apps and also comes with an icon that takes you to the stock launcher if required.
This, combined with rbox's firetv xposed mods = perfection

gazdaman. said:
FiredTv for sure.
Easy interface for accessing sideloaded apps and also comes with an icon that takes you to the stock launcher if required.
This, combined with rbox's firetv xposed mods = perfection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i must say the same, i tried some asop style launchers.. and well i just cant get used to a phone interface on a TV.. i try but theres something not right about it. FiredTV is good to go over here.

I'm using the SPMC version of XBMC these days which is an Android launcher. Along the xposed and the rbox mods is what everyone else I know seems to prefer as well. I've built about 5 HTPC replacements for people and they are all happy with this setup as well.
1. Root
2. Custom recovery
3. Latest firmware
4. busybox
5. Stickmount
6. Lama (daily reboot)
7. SPMC
8. Xposed
9. Rbox xposed mods
10. Enjoy!

I have used FiredTV in the past. It was good. Nothing flashy but serves it's purpose. I had my FireTV rooted and thought I had Auto updating blocked but I guess I did it wrong. I lost my root so I guess I'm going back to FiredTV. What a bummer!

KarlP said:
I'm using the SPMC version of XBMC these days which is an Android launcher. Along the xposed and the rbox mods is what everyone else I know seems to prefer as well. I've built about 5 HTPC replacements for people and they are all happy with this setup as well.
1. Root
2. Custom recovery
3. Latest firmware
4. busybox
5. Stickmount
6. Lama (daily reboot)
7. SPMC
8. Xposed
9. Rbox xposed mods
10. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read the documentation on SPMC vs XBMC....mostly talks about the tweaks made...
From a user's perspective, what do you notice is the difference? Is it snappier? less crash prone? etc?
Could I install it next to XBMC and try it out? Or would I need to uninstall XBMC first?

spyder3 said:
I've read the documentation on SPMC vs XBMC....mostly talks about the tweaks made...
From a user's perspective, what do you notice is the difference? Is it snappier? less crash prone? etc?
Could I install it next to XBMC and try it out? Or would I need to uninstall XBMC first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't notice much difference between the two. I started out with xbmc and switched to spmc because it fixed a few issues I was having at the time. They both work pretty well. They can be installed along side each other as they use separate days folders.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

collindv said:
I didn't notice much difference between the two. I started out with xbmc and switched to spmc because it fixed a few issues I was having at the time. They both work pretty well. They can be installed along side each other as they use separate days folders.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
spmc is also in the amazon and google play app store so you can just download and install it from there and have a real icon on the amazon launcher without the need for anything else if you wish, i still use rbox exposed mod's and firedtv set to the alternate launcher but again, none of its really needed if you want to just use SPMC now since its in the app store.

My setup:
1. Root
2. Custom recovery
3. Latest firmware
4. busybox
5. Stickmount
6. XBMC/Kodi -- Helix Alpha 4
7. SPMC (non-launcher version)
8. Xposed
9. Rbox xposed mods
10. XBMC Launcher blunden - September 4, 2014 (from Google store). This latest version allows you to specify which version of XBMC you want to launch. You can easily go back and forth. It's important to have the non-launcher version of SPMC installed.

spyder3 said:
I've read the documentation on SPMC vs XBMC....mostly talks about the tweaks made...
From a user's perspective, what do you notice is the difference? Is it snappier? less crash prone? etc?
Could I install it next to XBMC and try it out? Or would I need to uninstall XBMC first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe a fluke, but less crashes with SPMC than when I was running XBMC. You could backup your XBMC config with the FIRE TV utility and restore it to SPMC and be done. They can exist together on the same box, but I found no reason.

I'll set it up and run it along side my current installation. Haven't done an XBMC backup/restore yet, so this will give me a reason to practice that as well.
Thanks guys!

Fire Tv Stick - Awesome setup and Must have apps

This is the Best Setup and Top apps for the Fire Tv / Stick for none rooted devices.
Here is the video how to, Enjoy
http://youtu.be/DZx3E6z6k6I
Also you can download the following apps, Please let me know if you have a question
Download using apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ :
Amazon App Store
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android/ref=mas_rw_ldg
Clean Master
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cleanmaster.mguard&hl=en
Winking Remote
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wukongtv.wkremote.client&hl=en
Amazon Fire Tv Remote
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.storm.lightning.client.aosp
TVMC (XBMC)
http://www.tvaddons.ag/tvmc-android/
Dolphin Browser
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.mgeek.TunnyBrowser&hl=en
ES File Explorer
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en
Watch how to video :
How to Sideload and Install XBMC or any other app
http://youtu.be/JGIgNaweISM
How to enable Screen Cast from android Phones & Tablets
http://youtu.be/jDS6U3HnITo

Is it possible to uninstall the other Amazon app store and go back to the original one? If so, how?

You can uninstall Amazon app store and restart your Fire Tv and everything will be back to normal.

How did you get your Apps screen to view like an app drawer. Mine is in like ribbon formatting, and doesn't show any sideloaded apps.
EDIT; I have the Fire TV Stick if that makes a difference.

Installed amazing store now my showtime app won't open.. Says Amazon appstore:internal failure

FatalIll said:
How did you get your Apps screen to view like an app drawer. Mine is in like ribbon formatting, and doesn't show any sideloaded apps.
EDIT; I have the Fire TV Stick if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1- Make sure you have Es File explorer is installed, by following (watching how to install xbmc any other app ) video
2- install Amazon App Store from Es file explorer
3- Enjoy
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I gave this a quick try and it does work, but I think the FiredTV launcher + Llama works better. Yeah, having all the apps on the main screen is nice, but using Llama and a sacrificial app (Classic TV) makes getting to all your apps only an extra button. What I don't like with the Appstore method is it changes the look of app info/purchase pages and is less remote-friendly.Both methods work well though.
I'm curious what would happen if you installed the tablet version of amazon videos. Would it alter the home screen too? Personally, I am annoyed with all the recommendations that saturate the home page. Give me a row of my apps, then a row of categories/genres, I like keeping it simple.

inwisso said:
1- Make sure you have Es File explorer is installed, by following (watching how to install xbmc any other app ) video
2- install Amazon App Store from Es file explorer
3- Enjoy
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TuneIn, Pandora and any else apps for Fire TV stick won't run using remote anymore

dony71 said:
TuneIn, Pandora and any else apps for Fire TV stick won't run using remote anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to get Winking Remote for your Android phone or Tablet to get the mouse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wukongtv.wkremote.client&hl=en

xm41907 said:
I gave this a quick try and it does work, but I think the FiredTV launcher + Llama works better. Yeah, having all the apps on the main screen is nice, but using Llama and a sacrificial app (Classic TV) makes getting to all your apps only an extra button. What I don't like with the Appstore method is it changes the look of app info/purchase pages and is less remote-friendly.Both methods work well though.
I'm curious what would happen if you installed the tablet version of amazon videos. Would it alter the home screen too? Personally, I am annoyed with all the recommendations that saturate the home page. Give me a row of my apps, then a row of categories/genres, I like keeping it simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes hopefully someone can try the tablet app, it might be better as you said

inwisso said:
Yes hopefully someone can try the tablet app, it might be better as you said
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave it a shot, it didn't do anything additional. I liked having all the apps under the home menu, but it messed up the app description/purchase screen, so I went back to my Fired launcher with llama/Classic TV method.

HOW do you get ES File explorer onto the Fire Stick?

fluidj said:
HOW do you get ES File explorer onto the Fire Stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the very first post there is this at the top
Here is the video how to, Enjoy
http://youtu.be/DZx3E6z6k6I

cbarth3 said:
in the very first post there is this at the top
Here is the video how to, Enjoy
http://youtu.be/DZx3E6z6k6I
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't show how to install it. It's already installed and he navigates to it. Decent video, but would be nice if he showed how to get the key app installed in the first place. After some googling, I figured it out and got it installed.

My bad fluidj the one I watched showed how to do it just figured this one did
you can use this on windows
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2736774
or look for AGK Fire in the amazon store on your phone

LAN video
My method for viewing movies.
I have a linksys smart wifi router which i have a 2tb backup drive attached to it full of movies.
To view movies off it, i sideloaded ES file explorer and MX video. I then hit network/scan on ES file explorer and use MX to watch the vids. All kinds: divx, xvid, mkv,avi....

Do be cautious if you install Clean Master or better yet do not install it at all. I ran the app & after a reboot, all my settings, files were gone.

using XBMC / Kodi as launcher ?

Is it possible to replace the default Google launcher with XBMC / Kodi? I'd like the NP to boot up to XBMC and return to XBMC anytime the home button on the remote is hit. Basically I just want to use this as a XBMC / Kodi device only. I haven't been able to find anything about if this is possible.

Yep. Sideload the app "xbmc launcher".

Lokke9191 said:
Yep. Sideload the app "xbmc launcher".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well that was good advice but now I am stuck. I installed xbmc launcher and set it up to take over as the main home screen. Problem is I can't get back to the old main screen at all. When I try to run xbmc launcher it crashes now. Is there an app I can point to that will launch the old home screen?

Kurto2021 said:
well that was good advice but now I am stuck. I installed xbmc launcher and set it up to take over as the main home screen. Problem is I can't get back to the old main screen at all. When I try to run xbmc launcher it crashes now. Is there an app I can point to that will launch the old home screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could sideload another launcher so it asks to be set again. I just looked and it seems kodi can't see the stock launcher. You could also use adb to uninstall the xbmc launcher

List of sideloaded games that work

Does anyone have a list of sideloaded games from Google play or Amazon that works with the Nvidia gamepad or any other one. Not sure if being rooted or not rooted is of importance!

I would like to see if FIFA 15 works!

I have yet to find a single game that WON'T work. I use Market Helper and then use the web installer so I don't have to sideload the APK files, and they all have worked with a mouse. You can also use droidmote to controll touch games, though I havent' done that I always have a mouse and keyboard at the ready.

They all work you just need a mouse to play the games they made for touch screen.
Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Has anyone tried any of the games from Nvidia Tegra Zone? I believe they are mostly for tegra 3 but should still work though the graphics might be a little lower?

I haverun games from both the play store, and nvidias own store, and they all work as intended. Even nvidias game stream worked pretty well. I was just playing Saints Row the Third, and set the game on ultimate, and it played with no noticable lag, and yes, I know it's not being run on my system, but mearly the fact that nvidia's servers will handle ultimate with no lag also. Great experience, and better in fact that it was on my PC.

kdb424 said:
I have yet to find a single game that WON'T work. I use Market Helper and then use the web installer so I don't have to sideload the APK files, and they all have worked with a mouse. You can also use droidmote to controll touch games, though I havent' done that I always have a mouse and keyboard at the ready.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do apps installed with market helper show in leanback launcher or are they hidden like sideloaded apps?

Sean09 said:
Do apps installed with market helper show in leanback launcher or are they hidden like sideloaded apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that they are hidden, but they don't have Android TV support. One of the biggest parts of "support" is having an icon that can display on the TV interface, so they won't show up. I suggest sideload launcher for any non supported apps.

I've been using xbmc/kodi as my launcher and am pretty happy so far.

Can you tell me how to get market helper working? I haven't had any luck getting it to work.

Coolin82 said:
Can you tell me how to get market helper working? I haven't had any luck getting it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it root permissions when it asks. Pick tablet, then nexus 7, hit apply, then ga to a web browser on any machine, go to the play store on the web, and install to the nexus 7 from that. Done.