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!
Related
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!
I had purchased a ton of Ouya games from the Ouya Store and i lets be honest, they have some games that both Google and Amazon dont have yet. I pulled these APKS from the Madcatz Mojo after the recent Ouya Everywhere update.
READ ALL THE STEPS FIRST BEFORE ATTEMPTING.
1.) If you have an Ouya Controller pair it to your Fire TV, Yes it works.
2.) Download and install all Ouya Apk Files HERE
I pulled newer APk from the mojo as of 031715 (I havent tested these yet) HERE
3.) You will probably notice an Ouya App in Setting - Applications, if you attempt to launch that application it will tell you theres nothing to do, so dont waste your time and dont launch it.
4.) Perform unknown sources mod HERE
5.) Install TitaniumBackup Pro and Freeze KFTV Launcher (You will need a USB mouse or something that emulates a mouse cursor)
6.) Hit the home key on your Fire TV Remote, it will launch Ouya Launcher
7.) Log in with your Ouya Account and you should see the normal Ouya Launcher screen Install whatever you want. If for whatever reason you click and it doesnt register your fire remote than use your mouse.
8.) Install any app/game from the Ouya Store
9.) Make - Software, launch TitaniumBackup Pro, unfreeze the KFTV Launcher
11.) Press Home again and you'll get the regular Fire Tv launcher. Launch any ouya app/game you installed from the Setting - Application.
post what games you've attempted and worked.
Works:
Age of Empire
Big Action Mega Fight!
Canabalt HD
Double Dragon
Fist Puncher
Ittle Dew
MiniGore 2: Zombies
Neon Shadow
Nostalgia
ShadowBlade
SuperGNES
TowerFall
Vector
You Dont Know Jack
Doesnt Work:
Amazing Frog!
BombSquad (Upon Launch it'll say hardware not supported)
The Cave
FPse For Ouya (Runs but Crashes when Rom is Loaded)
Do you have to use an ouya controller or will any controller compatible with the fire TV work?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bradr00lzd00d1 said:
Do you have to use an ouya controller or will any controller compatible with the fire TV work?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only have an Ouya and Mojo Controller (C.T.R.L.) both work
I got it to work without autopilot.
To get back to the KFTV Launcher, you just need to go to Make / Software, launch TitaniumBackup Pro, unfreeze the KFTV Launcher and hit the Home button. No reboot needed
lightning413 said:
I got it to work without autopilot.
To get back to the KFTV Launcher, you just need to go to Make / Software, launch TitaniumBackup Pro, unfreeze the KFTV Launcher and hit the Home button. No reboot needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt even think of that, i revised the steps. Thanks
So you were able to successfully reboot with the kftv launcher frozen with autopilot set to launch something? Reason i ask is i would like to disable the kftv launcher all together with package manager, but havnt had the balls fearing not being able to boot back up.
mastafunk said:
So you were able to successfully reboot with the kftv launcher frozen with autopilot set to launch something? Reason i ask is i would like to disable the kftv launcher all together with package manager, but havnt had the balls fearing not being able to boot back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you disable KFTV, what launcher are you planning on using? I disabled KFTV and installed a different launcher now i get this. I cant access Amazon Prime Video but i dont care.
Xbmc.. I have a version built to act as a launcher ...
mastafunk said:
Xbmc.. I have a version built to act as a launcher ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you provide me the apk i'll be happy to test it.
mejdam said:
if you provide me the apk i'll be happy to test it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.datafilehost.com/d/b703a710
Built this one myself adding launcher properties to the manifest and includes fusion/unity/superrepo as sources.
mastafunk said:
http://www.datafilehost.com/d/b703a710
Built this one myself adding launcher properties to the manifest and includes fusion/unity/superrepo as sources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, that worked.rebooted amazon fire tv and it boots directly to the xbmc launcher
mejdam said:
If you disable KFTV, what launcher are you planning on using? I disabled KFTV and installed a different launcher now i get this. I cant access Amazon Prime Video but i dont care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What launcher is that?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bradr00lzd00d1 said:
What launcher is that?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2798852
mejdam said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2798852
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help yesterday.. i got the balls to try it without autopilot and sure enough as long as you have activated the launcher once (getting its default settings as home) pressing the home key it will boot without any autoloading apps.
I did this with GO Launcher EX and with XBMC (my launcher version)
my procedure was as follows.
I installed GO Launcher EX
froze the kftv launcher with titanium,
pressed home on remote.. Go Launcher loaded. Then rebooted with play/select on remote.
Machine rebooted directly to go launcher
This will of course loose your access to prime videos and whatnot but im really just looking for XBMC myself.
Keep in mind if you choose a regular android launcher you will probably need an airmouse or keyboard/trackpad to get around.
If you use my modded XBMC from this thread it works fine with the ftv remote.
..
JJ-KwiK said:
K, so I just want to make sure I'm understanding you guys. You're setting an alt launcher without the need to use the xposed mod by rbox?
Are you accomplishing this by:
1- Installing an alt launcher
2- Freezing the FTV default (KFTV) launcher with titanium backup
3- success ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct.
video uploaded
game list updated as well
FPse works fine on it's own if you side load it or just use the play store hack and get it that way. I've been playing PSX all week this way.
mejdam said:
I had purchased a ton of Ouya games from the Ouya Store and i lets be honest, they have some games that both Google and Amazon dont have yet. I pulled these APKS from the Madcatz Mojo after the recent Ouya Everywhere update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that we have OUYA on the FireTV, has anyone had luck porting the FireTV's Netflix app to the OUYA?
Any chance someone could fix Amazing Frog to allow the Logitech K400r Keyboard to work with it?
I want to order 2 nexus players for someone only for Kodi.
Question#1
Is navigating using the remote working just fine like on Fire TV?(I own fire tv)
Question #2
Is there anyway to put kodi icon on the leanback launcher by google? instead of going to settings and viewing all apps ? I saw some people on youtube having Kodi on the default google launcher,I am aware I could use xbmc launcher to launch it instantly.
Thanks guys! hopefully someone can answer me by tomorrow so I can order
50 people saw this and no one can help me out before I buy it.. come on anyone lol
patt2k said:
50 people saw this and no one can help me out before I buy it.. come on anyone lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you join the Beta google + group for Kodi it is in the play store to be installed on the NP and it shows up in the lean back launcher by default.
I only use the NP remote,it works fine for the basic operations.
patt2k said:
I want to order 2 nexus players for someone only for Kodi.
Question#1
Is navigating using the remote working just fine like on Fire TV?(I own fire tv)
Question #2
Is there anyway to put kodi icon on the leanback launcher by google? instead of going to settings and viewing all apps ? I saw some people on youtube having Kodi on the default google launcher,I am aware I could use xbmc launcher to launch it instantly.
Thanks guys! hopefully someone can answer me by tomorrow so I can order
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question #1: Yes, with the current Kodi builds the remote and HDMI CEC works very well.
Question #2: With the current Kodi builds the Kodi Icon appears on the native NP menu system.
I am not in the beta program I just sideloaded the current Stable Kodi build (14.2 “Helix”). Just make sure you get the Intel (x86)Android build!
sschlosnagle said:
Question #1: Yes, with the current Kodi builds the remote and HDMI CEC works very well.
Question #2: With the current Kodi builds the Kodi Icon appears on the native NP menu system.
I am not in the beta program I just sideloaded the current Stable Kodi build (14.2 “Helix”). Just make sure you get the Intel (x86)Android build!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally someone looked at my post lmao.
Great thanks what about context menu ? fire tv has the menu button does the nexus remote also has same thing ?
also I read that with the 5.1.1 android build you can't easily send ES File Explorer (many people call it EZ for some reason lol) using browser to -> nexus.
One guy wrote a tip somewhere using app that creates a server between nexus and my pc. Is there any other way ? I guess after i get es file explorer I can do whatever I want.
Thanks once again!
Sleeepy2 said:
If you join the Beta google + group for Kodi it is in the play store to be installed on the NP and it shows up in the lean back launcher by default.
I only use the NP remote,it works fine for the basic operations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks as well for the answer. Look at my last question to the other guy if you can thanks
patt2k said:
Finally someone looked at my post lmao.
Great thanks what about context menu ? fire tv has the menu button does the nexus remote also has same thing ?
also I read that with the 5.1.1 android build you can't easily send ES File Explorer (many people call it EZ for some reason lol) using browser to -> nexus.
One guy wrote a tip somewhere using app that creates a server between nexus and my pc. Is there any other way ? I guess after i get es file explorer I can do whatever I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus remote does not have a context button, and that is mildly annoying. I have a BT keyboard connected to the NP, so I can use the context button there if I need to. I looked into remapping a CEC command so at least I could use a button from my TV's remote. Looks possible, but I haven't bothered pursuing it since the BT keyboard offer me a solution.
I sideloaded ES File Explorer and since then used it's built in update feature. Recent copies of ES also show up on the NP native menu.
There are lots of ways to get content to the NP, mine gets content from my NAS via SMB. Works fine from Kodi and ES.
sschlosnagle said:
The Nexus remote does not have a context button, and that is mildly annoying. I have a BT keyboard connected to the NP, so I can use the context button there if I need to. I looked into remapping a CEC command so at least I could use a button from my TV's remote. Looks possible, but I haven't bothered pursuing it since the BT keyboard offer me a solution.
I sideloaded ES File Explorer and since then used it's built in update feature. Recent copies of ES also show up on the NP native menu.
There are lots of ways to get content to the NP, mine gets content from my NAS via SMB. Works fine from Kodi and ES.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm any other way then BT keyboard? do you think pairing fire tv stick/tv remote would do the job? I will only need it to set it up with few things.
I wouldn't want to order BT keyboard just for that lol
I use the fire TV stick remote with mine and it works fine, u just have to add a couple keymap files
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=59770900
If u just need it to set some stuff up u shouldn't need the keymaps as they only help with the center button
pbanj said:
I use the fire TV stick remote with mine and it works fine, u just have to add a couple keymap files
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=59770900
If u just need it to set some stuff up u shouldn't need the keymaps as they only help with the center button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try without when I get them. I can also edit add-on settings by going to add-ons in settings so it may take little longer but maybe could be done.
These aren't for me though I will just need to set them up, fedex is delivering razer forge tv today.
any of you guys have working HBO GO app without using mouse? all I need to complete my setup is hbo go and showtime anytime (I know I can cast from my phone)
I do not plan to log in Amazon account on Fire TV Stick 2. I will try to stay away from Amazon as much as possible:
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=117855971&postcount=56
Question:
What is the best way to take full advantage of this device? Root or Sideload?
Handsome Jack said:
I do not plan to log in Amazon account on Fire TV Stick 2. I will try to stay away from Amazon as much as possible:
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=117855971&postcount=56
Question:
What is the best way to take full advantage of this device? Root or Sideload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the point of rooting the device - you won't be able to update it
Are you actually going to use apps that require root?
Just put whatever apps you want to use on it - I bet none of them require root
You don't need the playstore (there's alternatives) and there's no need to really change the launcher
Handsome Jack said:
I do not plan to log in Amazon account on Fire TV Stick 2. I will try to stay away from Amazon as much as possible:
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=117855971&postcount=56
Question:
What is the best way to take full advantage of this device? Root or Sideload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire TV Stick 2 cannot be rooted.
Look at the other thread about using a different launcher. You cant root it, but everything still works. Even home button in new launcher.
TimmyP said:
Look at the other thread about using a different launcher. You cant root it, but everything still works. Even home button in new launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheFixItMan said:
I don't see the point of rooting the device - you won't be able to update it
Are you actually going to use apps that require root?
Just put whatever apps you want to use on it - I bet none of them require root
You don't need the playstore (there's alternatives) and there's no need to really change the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there comparison between HA Launcher and Leanback Launcher?
I'm looking for launcher that uses the least resources.
They all are simple, minimal launchers. I would not worry about resource usage at all. Leanback is more official tho.
One reason i want to root mine is to link my ps3 controllers to it. Doesnt sixaxis require root?
I bought a Fire HD 8 (2018) for my mother, she basically uses her phone/tablet for YouTube, Gmail, browsing, pictures. What is she really going to miss out on if I give her the tablet with stock firmware? Is sideloading not an option at all on stock? I'm looking at the steps for modding the device, seems like too much trouble for how she would use it. Any insight is appreciated.
Rooting for her use sounds like it'd create more problems than it'd fix.
I'd recommend sideloading the playstore, and disabling any of the Amazon features she won't use that use system resources. You can see what's using memory in settings. I'd also recommend disabling the lockscreen ads. The windows fire toolbox can help get this all done quickly.
You could also use launcher hijack to use Nova Launcher instead of fire launcher to give a more familiar homescreen.
Sideloading works fine in the stock Fire OS. It just helps to have a file manager installed, but that can be done later.
I agree with just adding the Play Store to give her the apps not available in the Amazon App Store - like the YouTube app. Just follow the instructions for downloading through the Silk Browser and install from the notification pulldown.
In fact, I wouldn't bother doing anything else to the tablet related to the Amazon stuff. Just leave it as is. The interface, while not typical for android in general, is not difficult to navigate. It's really easy. In fact, I'm pretty sure you can add her Gmail account to the stock Amazon Email app.
My wife's HD8 (7th Gen) is stock Fire OS with just the Play Store added. Works fine.
Now, for my HD8 (8th Gen), I did add use LauncherHijack to use the Nova Launcher, but that's just me. I haven't disabled anything else Amazon related. I did add the BlackBerry Hub+ suite to use for my email, calendar, contacts and notes.
Thanks for the input. We have the Canadian model of the tablet which I believe is ad-free already. Installing Nova Launcher would be good since that's what she's used to on her phone.
fattest said:
Thanks for the input. We have the Canadian model of the tablet which I believe is ad-free already. Installing Nova Launcher would be good since that's what she's used to on her phone.
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Based on what you wrote, it seems the best solution is:
(1). Install Nova Launcher
(2). Disable Fire Launcher after obtaining a temporary root. After Fire Launcher is disabled, the newly install Nova Launcher will be the default launcher.
Here is the guide to obtain a temporary root:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd...xperimental-software-root-hd-8-hd-10-t3904595
All you really need is to install LauncherHijack and then set it for Nova Launcher. No need for any root... temporary or otherwise.
The thread on it is the following...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/launcher-root-launcher-hijack-v2-t3561026
Although, Amazon apparently sent updates to their tablets to block that app early last month, but it didn't go out all at once. It finally disabled mine just last weekend.
But, one user was able to rename the package to get it working again. Check post #395 in that thread to get the modified package app if the latest original doesn't work.
Thanks everyone, will try this today.