Hi all!
I recently bought a Nexus Player but between the bugs (boy oh boy the bugs) and the lack of key apps (HBO Go, Showtime Anytime etc), im debating returning it in favor of the Fire TV. Is it possible to sideload apps optimized for Android TV (leanback) such as Google Play Music, Songza, Play Movies etc if I install play services beforehand?
No idea, upload a few and we'll see
Yes. Search for GAPPS install fire tv.
I am also switching from Nexus Player to the AFTV
Good to know I can sideload Leanback/Android TV apps such as Songza...
Does the AFTV have to be on OS 5.0 or above in order for me to do this?
Does Youtube (Android TV/Leanback version) work on the AFTV too?
Related
After days of tweaking my brand new Amazon Fire TV to run XBMC. It's finally complete! I just finished installing Google Play Store. I installed a Custom XBMC Gotham 3.2 build. I installed Xbmchub's addons and settings ontop of that. FiredTV launcher. I set XBMC to launch when Amazon Fire TV starts up and by hitting the home button. Custom Splash and Wallpaper backgrounds. I'm so excited!
I'm familiar with XBMC from my pc and my G-Box MX2 android box but I'm loving this new Amazon Fire TV. It took sometime to figure out some stuff because I was not used to using adb and rooting devices so it was new to me.
I might uninstall the FiredTV launch screen. Don't really need it with XBMC starting right up now without having to go through the Amazon menu>Settings>Apps>XBMC.
I was having some buffering issues with running off of wifi so I wired the box last night. Video plays great now with no buffering issues.
Thanks to everyone for all of your hard work in customizing this great little machine!
I read about some people asking about Showbox on Fire TV. I sideloaded the apk for Showbox. The app itself works fine. You need a mouse to use it. Video play isn't working too good. I'm using an external player MX Player.
The app really isn't necessary if you have good add ons for XBMC. It's pretty pointless.
I also sideloaded Vudu onto the Amazon Fire TV. Vudu works great! But only allows you to watch movies in SD quality.
I installed the Chrome Beta web browser from Google Play. This way you can download and install .apks without having to sideload them.
I'm not an expert at this stuff but just sharing my experiences.
bobbym36 said:
After days of tweaking my brand new Amazon Fire TV to run XBMC. It's finally complete! I just finished installing Google Play Store. I installed a Custom XBMC Gotham 3.2 build. I installed Xbmchub's addons and settings ontop of that. FiredTV launcher. I set XBMC to launch when Amazon Fire TV starts up and by hitting the home button. Custom Splash and Wallpaper backgrounds. I'm so excited!
I'm familiar with XBMC from my pc and my G-Box MX2 android box but I'm loving this new Amazon Fire TV. It took sometime to figure out some stuff because I was not used to using adb and rooting devices so it was new to me.
I might uninstall the FiredTV launch screen. Don't really need it with XBMC starting right up now without having to go through the Amazon menu>Settings>Apps>XBMC.
I was having some buffering issues with running off of wifi so I wired the box last night. Video plays great now with no buffering issues.
Thanks to everyone for all of your hard work in customizing this great little machine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
keep on modifying bro!!
I run tvlauncher, xbmc 13.2, airplay support, allcast installed, firefox, google play, ouya store, modded version of pandora, MLB running through a VPN in Japan so i have no local blackouts and the rest of my apps going through a vpn in europe.
mejdam said:
keep on modifying bro!!
I run tvlauncher, xbmc 13.2, airplay support, allcast installed, firefox, google play, ouya store, modded version of pandora, MLB running through a VPN in Japan so i have no local blackouts and the rest of my apps going through a vpn in europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am android noob.. which app do you use to have this preferential VPN set.. so that some apps use europe vpn while others japan?
bobbym36 said:
I sideloaded the apk for Showbox. The app itself works fine. You need a mouse to use it. Video play isn't working too good. I'm using an external player MX Player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the media player that comes bundled in with EStrongs File Explorer when SB asks which external player to use.. Works perfectly every time.
mkhopper said:
I use the media player that comes bundled in with EStrongs File Explorer when SB asks which external player to use.. Works perfectly every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill have to try that. I want to test some emulators next when i get time.
In the midst of tweaking mine I found having moviebox on my ipad and just airplaying it solved all my content needs with nary a tweak. I don't even really need to keep root now.
Great brother...keep it going. I have a question. I am trying to get an app apk working on FireTV but not having any luck. would you know why? It works on tablets and any other android tv box, just not on firetv. let me know if you can help me in anyway. The app is on Google Playstore. It's called YuppTV. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xoom&hl=en
quick question
mejdam said:
keep on modifying bro!!
I run tvlauncher, xbmc 13.2, airplay support, allcast installed, firefox, google play, ouya store, modded version of pandora, MLB running through a VPN in Japan so i have no local blackouts and the rest of my apps going through a vpn in europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you tell me where you got your modded version of pandora so i could put that on mine as well...
willie2409 said:
Could you tell me where you got your modded version of pandora so i could put that on mine as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even better is to put Spotify on it and then use rotation manager to make it play in the right orientation
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spydiko.rotationmanager
and the tablet metrics xposed module to make it play in tablet mode
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/27-tabletmetrics-report-screen-7-v2-2-t2596603
soulassasin187 said:
Great brother...keep it going. I have a question. I am trying to get an app apk working on FireTV but not having any luck. would you know why? It works on tablets and any other android tv box, just not on firetv. let me know if you can help me in* anyway. The app is on Google Playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u have google play store on your fire tv? u trief installing the .apk file? I read that some apps from the play store just arent compatible with the fire tv. Not sure whar else you can do?
I tried to install Pandora as an Xbmc add on but it wouldnt work for me. iheart radio worked fine. Spotigly is a good one.
soulassasin187 said:
Great brother...keep it going. I have a question. I am trying to get an app apk working on FireTV but not having any luck. would you know why? It works on tablets and any other android tv box, just not on firetv. let me know if you can help me in anyway. The app is on Google Playstore. It's called YuppTV. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xoom&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Righ now, It's available on Amazon AppStore
http://www.amazon.com/YuppTV-for-fireTV/dp/B00L1C3300/
Thank you. It's a new app posted on 9/8/14. But the problem is that is asks you to activate with a code and I already have a couple of devices activated so I can't activate firetv. Anyway to modify it or install the tablet apk?
Sent from my iPad with XBMC
mejdam said:
keep on modifying bro!!
I run tvlauncher, xbmc 13.2, airplay support, allcast installed, firefox, google play, ouya store, modded version of pandora, MLB running through a VPN in Japan so i have no local blackouts and the rest of my apps going through a vpn in europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to load a modded version of Pandora a while back but I remember I had some problem with it. I don't remember if it would force close or if I couldn't get past the login screen.. Could you provide more info on what you have loaded?
Is it possible to get the WatchESPN APK from FireTV and have it work on ShieldTV?
If so, where and how?
It should work... Try installing / sideloading the Amazon Appstore APK and download & install the WatchESPN app from there... (I would tell you to use APK Downloader, but it can't seem to create a link for that particular app for some reason)
I was curious about this as well. I installed Amazon AppStore, and not all apps show up. For example, sonic 4 episode 1 and 2 both don't show up on shield TV. Also, it seems there are quite a few WATCH apps which i can't find such as watch ESPN, watch Disney. I'm wondering if there is an amazon fire TV amazon AppStore. My mom wants a streaming device, so maybe I'll pick up the fire tv stick today and see if i can pull the apks.
Yeah, I installed the Amazon App store but it barely works (needs mouse) and it's crippled, doesn't show many apps. Would be nice if APK downloader could grab it, but that only seems to work for Google Play Apps. Got to be a way...
I've tried it on the Nexus Player without any luck. It has some Amazon drm checks to make sure it is actually a fire TV/stick device. The farthest I've managed was to install it and get it to load. Once installed, all videos failed to play.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Got it to work...
xaudiblex said:
I've tried it on the Nexus Player without any luck. It has some Amazon drm checks to make sure it is actually a fire TV/stick device. The farthest I've managed was to install it and get it to load. Once installed, all videos failed to play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so I got the same thing all of you did with the Amazon Appstore app/k... But I was able to get the WatchESPN app to work using the APK I downloaded from here: http://www.apk4fun.com/share/6916/
Of course, you will need need a mouse or keyboard w/ trackpad (which I use since other apps like Dish Anywhere also require the same thing), but at least I was able to play Live streams and clips after I provided my satellite provider's info...
Yeah the "normal" phone/tablet version works. You can also download the newest apk from the play store. However, if you want a version that works with only the remote, only version available is the Fire TV version; this version does not work with any Android TV devices because of the DRM.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
You don't need the amazon app store for watch espn just sideload the apk it works on the Shield tv with a mouse it's the watch espn phone app. You can't get the fire tv android tv off the fire tv it want work on the Shield tv that app was made for the fire tv platform.
Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
I suppose you could also install Kodi and use a plugin for that.
Any update?
Looks like this thread is now closed..... Watch ESPN is now official an Shield TV!
I know Android TV's like Sony have these apps, but I can't seem to find them anywhere to use on the nVidia Shield TV
Any ideas?
I don't know that the TV's actually do. It's a shame they are dragging their heels over bringing these apps to android TV. You have a couple of options really...
1) Install SPMC (or KODI). There are 3rd party add-ons for BBC and ITV, FTV guide will give you live TV channels. Kodi can be customised nicely , I've set it to auto start and use it as a homescreen for the SHIELD.
2) You can "mod" your SHIELD TV and flash an android ROM on to it. This will mean you can then use the Android apps as you're no longer on Android TV. This might be a bit too extreme for you though.
How you can make shield to auto start kodi? Could you give us some step by step please..
Thanks..
zelduy said:
How you can make shield to auto start kodi? Could you give us some step by step please..
Thanks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autostart&hl=en
Install that...open it. Choose which app you want to autostart and no you don't need to root the SHIELD TV. I use SPMC as it's being tailored for the SHIELD TV but you can use KODI instead
any apps on demand?
the nvidia shield tv has chromecast (now google cast) built into it, casting all4 to it from another device works better than sideloading the all4 app. that's the best way to get all4 on it, as there's no all4 kodi add-on.
you can sideload My5 if you get an apk from another device, the demand 5 kodi add-on is dead. you need to use right stick mouse emulation, as it's a touchscreen app.
you can also sideload itv hub, but the kodi add-on is better.
Mr Creosote said:
the nvidia shield tv has chromecast (now google cast) built into it, casting all4 to it from another device works better than sideloading the all4 app. that's the best way to get all4 on it, as there's no all4 kodi add-on.
you can sideload My5 if you get an apk from another device, the demand 5 kodi add-on is dead. you need to use right stick mouse emulation, as it's a touchscreen app.
you can also sideload itv hub, but the kodi add-on is better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post!
I don't personally do the casting and I use Android not Apple stuff. However I do know Kodi has Airplay compatibility. I've never tried it but maybe that will help iphone/ipad users do the same trick?
I never thought of extracting the My5 apk from my molly...thank you! I might just give that a try
I believe that you can cast from the ios version of all4 as well, yes.
if anyone has a working my5 apk please direct it this way, have not found one apk that will work, always some issue.
Slayerkodi said:
if anyone has a working my5 apk please direct it this way, have not found one apk that will work, always some issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're probably finding that it's working as best as it's going to. you can only navigate with the right stick emulating a mouse, and it doesn't work great doing that either.
I got it by installing it on my phone then using es file explorer to back it up.
I've got it but it gives error message when trying to play any video, both on my phone and shield TV
To be fair regarding apps on demand try Pluto it's linking to youtube live channels and other sources,and also actually make a playlist once in youtube live to fill with playlists of the youtube live channels you want click the + next to playlist when it's open right top of the list.That's one set of live on demand you can use which is none commercial tv oriented.But for true tv on demand get a smart tv with it built in,or a tv box which is made to have the on demand services incorporated otherwise use kodi or spmc and add on demand channels from vido addons section.
ok somehow my5 decided to work on shield （still no luck on phone） so i have bbc iplayer, itv, all4 and my5. uk catch up services sorted!!
Slayerkodi said:
ok somehow my5 decided to work on shield （still no luck on phone） so i have bbc iplayer, itv, all4 and my5. uk catch up services sorted!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to post the apk's of the above apps? I'd love to be able to get the full line up of UK catchup apps in one box
Thanks!
+1
I'd like to get a copy of the APK's that work with the shield. Thanks
ok my5 i just downloaded from playstore on my phone then transferred the apk, same with 4od - if you dont have a phone or pc then just download on shield using aptoide or chrome. bbc iplayer already installed on shield but i use the kodi addon instead, itv player i installed through aptoide and it works but i use the kodi addon aswel with this one. there is actually catchup services for channels dave and really aswel as a kodi addon.
can you navigate with remote and press enter/select on these apps?
anhyone got channel 5 working?
I use the Nvidia game controller and it works on that, using the right analog as a mouse and A as the right click. Works perfect for me
My5 doesn't work on shield TV anymore since the update - just so you guys are aware.
So I just got a Fire HD 8 and I figured that if I installed all the google packages and services that I could just download Netflix and it would work with my chromecast. This doesn't appear to be the case though. I read on another site that Amazon patched Fire OS to disable chromecast support for Netflix even when using the app directly from the Play Store. Will I need to root the device in order to restore functionality of my chromecast to Netflix?
I am having the same issue. I can cast Google Play Movies all right, but cannot cast Netflix.
Is there any solution for this? Preferably with no rooting involved.
Is this a common issue with the Fire 10HD?
My tablet is not rooted but I used ADB to disable all the Amazon apps and use Evie as a launcher.
I've installed Google framework, Youtube and VLC. I have also installed Kodi.
Other than Kodi, I have not been able to play any video files locally. Youtube also would not work unless I play it through Kodi Youtube addon.
Is there something missing from the tablet basic installation that will allow it to play the video files and Youtube?
hieppo said:
Is this a common issue with the Fire 10HD?
My tablet is not rooted but I used ADB to disable all the Amazon apps and use Evie as a launcher.
I've installed Google framework, Youtube and VLC. I have also installed Kodi.
Other than Kodi, I have not been able to play any video files locally. Youtube also would not work unless I play it through Kodi Youtube addon.
Is there something missing from the tablet basic installation that will allow it to play the video files and Youtube?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NVM,
Turns out the tablet was buggy and stop playing video altogether. Anyway, a reboot seems to clear up whatever was causing the issue.