Backdrop settings not offering some sources - Shield Android TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I hope that some of the brilliant minds on here may be able to help me with this:
I have the Nvidia Shield Pro 2017 version and it is updated to the latest software.
I also have the Pixel 2 XL running the most current update. (Though this issue has been presenting itself regardless of what my software version has been)
When I go into backdrop settings in the Google home app to try to set the backdrop for my Shield TV I am given the option for Google Arts and Culture, Featured Photos, Earth and Space, Custom Speed, and Weather (as well as a toggle switch for Curated News)
Everything I have read everywhere has said that Google Photos and Play Newsstand should also be options, but they are not present.
Am I doing something wrong? I desperately want to get my Play Newsstand to show up in Backdrop. This Curated News mess is not cutting it. (If I have to look at a grilled steak or a plate of quinoa one more time because Curated News thinks I care about that, I'm gonna throw something! LOL)
Am I incorrect In believing that Play Newsstand and Google Photos are supposed to be available sources for Backdrop? Do I need to do something special to activate those options?
All of my devices are signed into the same Google account, so I cannot figure out what I'm doing wrong.
Help please!

Related

[Q] Substitute for Google apps?

I am coming over from blandroid and unfortunately have a lot of time invested in google services. I know of a few alternatives to google products but there are a few I need help with:
Google Music: free cloud music storage
Google Navigation
Google Translate
Thanks in advance for your help
zune, skydrive, bing maps (and a bunch of good turn by turn stuff in the market)
not sure aobut translate.. but, like on andriod, find an app in the market
Unfortunately Navigation doesn't really have a good substitute. There are some paid turn by turn navigation, but they use local maps instead of always having the latest data straight from Google. The bonus is you get to use them offline, though these were available on Android, too.
Google Talk also doesn't seem to have a good substitute. GChat is alright. It takes a bit of time to start up and sometimes doesn't connect.
Microsoft needs to rethink their stance on multi-tasking. Maybe manually giving applications permission to multi-task. They also need to let developers make plugins for the messaging application to integrate other messaging services.
Overall I'm happy with my Venue Pro, but I won't be selling my Android phone.
If you have a developer phone, check out waze (you can find it in the developer forums here)
You can go for the real thing (sort of),
Google Music - Go to browser. You can actually play songs from Google Music. A bit limited, but whatever.
Google Navigation - gMaps although I am not sure that it has turn-by-turn, it is Google Maps though.
Goolge Translate - Translator Pro. Uses Google Translator's API so should work the same.
For alternatives,
Google Music - Zune Pass is a pretty good thing if you want streaming music, Rdio got updated to Mango to support background streaming. I'm personally waiting for Spotify because my whole music collection is on it (I local filed the songs that weren't in Spotify's database).
Google Navigation - Maps (which is built in), haven't used it, but I heard that it is iffy. If you have the money, go with Garmin. If you have the time, wait until Nokia Maps comes out (not sure if it is restricted to Nokia phones, but I heard that they will build apps for other OEMs).
Google Translate - The real alternative is Bing Translate, but honestly, you can just go into the marketplace and type in translator.
Hope that's helpful!
Once again, the XDA community proves to be the most helpful. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I do like the Zune pass idea but my wife will make me choose between Zune pass and Netflix. The joys of marrying an teacher; never lets me have all the toys I want. Thanks again.

Military owner stationed in Korea - region restrictions

Wondering if any of you guys can help with this. I'm in the USAF stationed overseas. I had a friend coming TDY here bring a Nexus 7 over with him for me. I absolutely love this tablet, but the region restrictions are causing me tons of headaches. I can finally get the Market to show me music, books, and movies when using an American VPN and then clearing market data/cache and force stopping it, but other issues still continue to nag me.
For one, I never received my $25 Google Play credit. This is really just an annoyance, I've put an email in to Google about it but it's not a deal breaker if I never get it. Also, was the pre-loaded content supposed to be installed from the start? I don't have any of that content on my device (example: Transformers movie, etc.)
The main issue is getting around region restrictions for apps. Perfect example of this is the Google Play Books app. If I go to the store page in the Play Store, I can bring it up, but there's no Install, Open, or Uninstall buttons listed. If I go to the Apps settings page, it's listed there. But it's not listed in my App drawer, and if I add the Library widget to a homescreen and try to set it up, it just points me to the store page that I can't do anything on. If I try to install it from the Play store from my desktop PC...it says Installed there, but errors out saying the application already exists.
Is there any way to get around this? I mean, ****, I'm trying to be a legitimate customer here. I'm American FFS. With South Korea's complete non-enforcement of copyright laws, I'm starting to wonder why I even bother.
http://google.com/search?q=google+play+market+enabler
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28259205

[Q] remove my account from beta google play services?

I went to Google I/O 2014, and got the LG G watch. I also got an email with links to enable my google account as a tester of a few apps (google play services, and a couple of others) (a requirement to get the watch working immediately.)
Here's part of the emailSpeaking of 'what's next', you may recall that we've secured a watch powered by Android Wear for you to take home. You can choose either the LG G Watch or the Samsung Gear Live. To get the most out of your Android Wear device during Google I/O, follow these instructions to get the latest Google Play services and supporting apps for your devices running Android 4.3 or higher. Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to download the SDK and begin exploring here. Please pick up your watch from the Device Pickup stand on the 1st floor between 7am-5pm tomorrow, June 26.
Everything worked fine, but now I've seen Google Play Services crash on my phone several times over the last week, so I want to get off the beta/test track.
Problem is, the link in the email now just points to regular Wear documentation. Anyone know how I can see the list of apps I'm beta on, and how to change it?
I've googled everything I can think of.
Thanks in advance.

[Guide] Installing Google Play Service on Non-Rooted Firestick 2

Here is how to fix an error similar to this: App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device" on Firestick 2.
There was an older thread here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/installing-google-play-service-rooted-t3574088 that updated info from here http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-inst...amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick-without-root/ but both are outdated at least for the apps I am using. Also, they did not list the source for their working version for when the tutorial gets dated.
Only two steps are required.
For now, https://www.apkmirror.com/ has the most up to date version and seems to update daily. You can use a sideloaded Google Browser or the AFTV browser in the Downloader App (enable JavaScript in settings) that is provided in the Amazon Firestick Store.
1. Go to source website (they do not have an app) and search Google Play Store for ANDROID TV. Ensure you download the version that explicitly states (Android TV) in the title. The ones that were not titled did not work even though the description said for Android TV.
2. On the same website search and download Google Play Services for Android TV
That is it. No need to download anything else, no need to log in, or even click the apps you downloaded. Since the website does not have an app, it won't auto update but hopefully, your apps do not require a constantly updated store.
I did this and the play store never loads. Advice?
total7kaos said:
I did this and the play store never loads. Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The play store does not need to load. This guide is not for getting a functioning play store but to allow apps that require Google Play Services to function.
Thank you, bro. Last time I downloaded 4 files including a PlayStore, this is excellent.
velayo said:
Thank you, bro. Last time I downloaded 4 files including a PlayStore, this is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome. I know, it was much simpler than the older tutorials made it out to be. Also by listing the source, hopefully, this tutorial can be relevant for a very long time.
What do you mean source web site?
Nm I got it thanks bunches
You rock, thank you!
Just to clarify as I got a bit confused at the beginning.
1. From APK mirror download 2 APKS with these names in the title, get the latest version.
-1. Google Play Store (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store-android-tv
- 2. Google Play services (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services-android-tv
2. They can be downloaded from the device via a browser (enable java)) or side loaded.
3. Once you have them on the device, install them but no need to launch them. I installed 1 and then 2.
4. Launch your app that threw the error before and now it should work.
melonboy666 said:
You rock, thank you!
Just to clarify as I got a bit confused at the beginning.
1. From APK mirror download 2 APKS with these names in the title, get the latest version.
-1. Google Play Store (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-store-android-tv
- 2. Google Play services (Android TV)
apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services-android-tv
2. They can be downloaded from the device via a browser (enable java)) or side loaded.
3. Once you have them on the device, install them but no need to launch them. I installed 1 and then 2.
4. Launch your app that threw the error before and now it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is all I did and it worked.
Side note. I personally use the https://apkpure.com/ because it has an actual app store. I could not find the correct version on there but once I used the APK mirror one, the Pure store was able to find and update it and it worked. Maybe it was a one time deal but thought I would mention it. That might make it easier than continuing to use a browser. However, apps don't seem to require the newest version of Play, so no big deal either way.
Didn't work for me
Did not work for me. Any chance to confirm the working versions?
I'm on:
Fire TV Gen2 / Fire OS 5.2.6.0 (FireTV Home version 6.0.0.0-264)
I used-
Google Play Store (Android TV) v. 8.0.2.8 ( 8.0.28.R-xhdpi (8) (PR) 163004339)
Google Play Services (Android TV) 11.7.46 (836-175121617) (11746836)
^^- There were newer versions, but the new versions were all betas and I didn't want to fool with that.
I get same errors as the OP- "App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device"
For what it's worth I'm trying to use my (paid for) version of realMyst.
Any help? Thanks!
Racer_X_ said:
Did not work for me. Any chance to confirm the working versions?
I'm on:
Fire TV Gen2 / Fire OS 5.2.6.0 (FireTV Home version 6.0.0.0-264)
I used-
Google Play Store (Android TV) v. 8.0.2.8 ( 8.0.28.R-xhdpi (8) (PR) 163004339)
Google Play Services (Android TV) 11.7.46 (836-175121617) (11746836)
^^- There were newer versions, but the new versions were all betas and I didn't want to fool with that.
I get same errors as the OP- "App "Won't run without google play services which are not supported by your device"
For what it's worth I'm trying to use my (paid for) version of realMyst.
Any help? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
allusernamestaken said:
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the quick reply... and for your help, generally. So- some slight progress, I guess.....
The app starts to load, but now I get the error- "This app requires the latest version of the Google Play Games app." with the option to cancel or install. Install leads to the error- This version of the app isn't compatible with your device. To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app."
I guess I could try installing that next. I see there are (Android TV) versions of that app. Any suggestions which one(s) might be confirmed working for my OS?
Also- Is there not some way to modify an app so that it plays but doesn't need to reach out to google play? But that method probably wouldn't be the same method for all apps then (so not useful to try and figure out b/c limited use). These google apps eat up a lot of space on the very limited Amazon internal storage. Haven't tried to move them to external yet.
Also also- How did you get brakets ( ][) in your post? The site won't let me put them in, saying bbcode is forbidden.
allusernamestaken said:
Hmm, even if it is an older version, it should give you an “update error” not a “not supported error”
My apkpure app has updated the Google Play Store but not the Services.
Currently my Google Play Services is 11.5.09 (836-164803921) Try this first.
and my store which just updated now is 8.3.75.U-all [0] [FP] 173942022
This is what is working for me right now. Let me know if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I did go ahead and install a Google Play Games, just for fun. This one:
5.3.98 (174057789.174057789-046) (Not the most recent but only a couple weeks old)
Didn't work. Got a blank screen on loading realMyst. Then I tried something- I moved realMyst from the the SDdrive to internal storage. THAT seemed to help. For a bit.
With rM on internal storage, google play games started up. But it wanted me to log in:
x'ing out - went to a black screen permanently
choosing 'use an account' or 'login with account' somthing like that- went to a black screen permanently
choosing 'use google play services' - went to a black screen permanently.
I'm getting tired of that having to be on internal storage issue... The Fire TV has so little internal memory... what a hassle. Unless maybe if I move all 4 services out the sd drive......
And anyway it still doesn't work.
Any suggestions, generally, on google play games version, internal/sd location, etc. would be appreciated. But I'm coming up to my wall, at least for this round....
I bought this thing, secondarily, for the game capability. But their game selection stinks. (Chose this over shield b/c I only really want app games on tv, and I use it for tv/media as well. Seemed more solid. And less expensive.)
Anyway... les sigh.
The app starts to load, but now I get the error- "This app requires the latest version of the Google Play Games app." with the option to cancel or install. Install leads to the error- This version of the app isn't compatible with your device. To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it just start to work or did you wind up changing the versions? This would help future users. Slight progress but another snag for your issue I see.
Also- Is there not some way to modify an app so that it plays but doesn't neDidn't work. Got a blank screen on loading realMyst. Then I tried something- I moved realMyst from the the SDdrive to internal storage. THAT seemed to help. For a bit.ed to reach out to google play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way above my layman knowledge to answer that. It is stupid that apps even require Google Play unless needed to function.. There are many devices and stores that are not Google.
Now this method is really to fool apps that don’t really even need to use Google Play but for some reason require it. I am not familiar with Google Play Games but does your app actually need a FUNCTIONING Google service to work? If so than......
EDIT:
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
Also also- How did you get brakets ( ][) in your post? The site won't let me put them in, saying bbcode is forbidden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used the iPad and [][]
allusernamestaken said:
Did it just start to work or did you wind up changing the versions? Slight progress but another snag I see.
Now this method is really to fool apps that don’t really even need to use Google Play but for some reason require it. I am not familiar with Google Play Games but does your app actually need a FUNCTIONING Google service to work? If so than......
I just used the iPad and [][]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh no, I should have specified- I installed the versions you suggested. Restarted, and open rM (realMyst). That's when I got to the Google Play Games requirement. Looking back, other versions I tried may have said that (Need-Games) and I didn't notice the difference. Moot point, we're on this path now.
So that's when I installed the above version of Google Games. Restarted. Started rM. Got to the 'choose a way to log in' errors, above.
To the best of my knowledge, rM doesn't need google play store or games. I'm not sure why it ever would, actually.. But it's single player, I think it's 'coninuous save', but you don't have multiple save games/points. There is no multiplayer, and no in-app purchases (that I recall). realMyst is a port of an old pc game, called Myst. They had a sequel, called Riven. This is just an android version of that old game. It's a first person explore and puzzle-solve game. Had great graphics for back then. Same kinda deal as like Out of This World (which will run on my Fire.)
And ur lucky with the brackets, I had to edit all the file names to remove then. And also just figure out that it was the brackets that were the problem. I have no idea what bbcode is, lol...
Racer_X_ said:
Oh no, I should have specified- I installed the versions you suggested. Restarted, and open rM (realMyst). That's when I got to the Google Play Games requirement. Looking back, other versions I tried may have said that (Need-Games) and I didn't notice the difference. Moot point, we're on this path now.
in-app purchases (that I recall). a...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, I don’t see how an updated version of the correct file would error. Moot for you but not future users:angel:
I was editing my previous comment while you were apparently still here.
I added
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
allusernamestaken said:
Probably, I don’t see how an updated version of the correct file would error. Moot for you but not future users:angel:
From my quick review Google Play Games says “Games get more fun with the Google Play Games app. Browse and compete with friends, track your achievements, and pick up where you left off, on any device. As you master more games, show off your skills in your gamer profile. Record your gameplay and share it to YouTube. Play the world, anywhere in the world, all from one place“.
So from this description it appears you might need the real and not fictitious Google since it seems the game actually utilizes its framework or api to “compete with friends, track achievements and pick up where you left off on any device”. If that is the case.......not an easy fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My assumption was that newer versions would be better programmed to figure out that they were on a Fire and to stop working. Just like any kind of copy-protection. So that only older or 'adjusted' versions would work.
So I just loaded it up on my phone. First screen- permissions. Asks for camera, mic, other stuff, I forget what exactly. But I clicked 'don't ask again' and "Deny". The app says something about 'won't be able to save games without storage permissions'. Ok, fine for now, whatever.
Then, yes, Google Play does prompt me to create a Gamer ID (A google play account, I suppose.) My options are 'learn more' and 'Next'. This I've seen other apps do, sometime pretty insistently. But this time I can simply back out of it (The android back button on the phone). And this sends me straight to the game. The game opens, etc.
It does look like there are saved games (bookmarks). I can go back and play with the storage permissions (on my phone, at least.)
Many games will prompt to create a gamer ID. Some can be quite naggy. But at some point I can always back out and continue without.
Does that help at all? I kinda get that we're coming to the end of the road...
Racer_X_ said:
My assumption was that newer versions would be better programmed to figure out that they were on a Fire and to stop working. Just like any kind of copy-protection. So that only older or 'adjusted' versions would work.
So I just loaded it up on my phone. First screen- permissions. Asks for camera, mic, other stuff, I forget what exactly. But I clicked 'don't ask again' and "Deny". The app says something about 'won't be able to save games without storage permissions'. Ok, fine for now, whatever.
Then, yes, Google Play does prompt me to create a Gamer ID (A google play account, I suppose.) My options are 'learn more' and 'Next'. This I've seen other apps do, sometime pretty insistently. But this time I can simply back out of it (The android back button on the phone). And this sends me straight to the game. The game opens, etc.
It does look like there are saved games (bookmarks). I can go back and play with the storage permissions (on my phone, at least.)
Many games will prompt to create a gamer ID. Some can be quite naggy. But at some point I can always back out and continue without.
Does that help at all? I kinda get that we're coming to the end of the road...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to start a separate thread asking about the Google Play Games error. I am not that technically savvy but I decided to create an account and pay it forward since the other outdated thread which showed how to install Google Play Music pointed me in the right direction. I noticed that most people just needed the Play Store, so I basically cut the steps to make it easier and showed them where to always get the most up to date version.
This thread almost got you there, so maybe like Google Play Music, someone will be able to chime in.
THIS MIGHT HELP but again I am no expert and just speculating.
The Google Play Music Tutorial which I linked to on my first post had two extra steps which allowed you to log in with your Google Account credentials.
Maybe that login is what you need here to fool it and bypass the error.
So maybe try on the same APK site installing Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager
allusernamestaken said:
You might want to start a separate thread asking about the Google Play Games error....So maybe try on the same APK site installing Google Services Framework and Google Account Manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that sounds like a plan. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!
Rx
it works but not 100% - teamviewer but not youtube.tv --- really need a solution swtched from directvnow to youtube.tv and it only works on chromecast and phones.
Got it working
Success after some trial and error: My intention was to get Minecraft working on the FireStick since the Amazon version has no joystick support. So I bought version 1.2.8.0 from Google Play Store for $7 (downloaded and installed to Android compatible device), used SDMaid to backup the .apk file and then sideloaded it to the Firestick using ESExplorer over my network (there are dozens of ways to get the .apk file and sideload it to the FireStick). I then dowloaded the exact versions of Google packages from this tutorial https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
*I tried the newest versions and they do not work (as has been experienced in this thread), it has to be the older packages, regardless if the minimum API matches the Fire OS SDK 22 or whatever.
Again, there are dozens of ways to download the Google packages from apkmirror.com and install them to your Fire TV (no mystery).
Google Play version of MincraftPE 1.2.8.0 working with generic PS3 style bluetooth controller on Fire TV Stick 2 FireOS 5.2.6.1:fingers-crossed:

[GUIDE][NO ROOT] Installing YouTube (unblock), Play Music, Play Movies, and more!

Hello!
In light of the recent blocking of YouTube on Amazon devices by Google I have put together a list of steps to install Google Play Services and the Android TV suite of Google applications without root. In addition the Android TV YouTube app can view paid content (movies, TV shows, etc)!
This was tested on a Fire TV Stick 2.
Newer versions of these applications may work unless otherwise noted (but have not been tested obviously).
APKS:
Google Play Store (Android TV Version) (com.android.vending_8.5.39.W-xhdpi_8_PR_178322352-80853968_minAPI21)
Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms_11.9.75_230-182402865) [DO NOT USE THE ATV VERSION]
Google Accounts Manager (com.google.android.gsf.login_4.4.4-1227136-19)
- The KitKat (4.4.4) targeting branch is the only one to support Fire TV.​ - Other branches will crash (5.x, 6.x)​
Gmail 5.6 (com.google.android.gm-5.6.102685581.release-56008676)
- Newer versions may work but have stability issues and will crash or fail frequently.​
YouTube (com.google.android.youtube.tv_1.3.11-10311100) [OPTIONAL]
- Unfortunately the latest 2.x series utilizes an unknown, odd method of signing into Google accounts (not system standard) and I have not been able to get it to work. If you don't mind the cookie-cutter Android TV video app style of the 1.x series it works perfectly (update: actually, live videos don't work)! I suspect the 2.x breakage results from Google adapting their web version (youtube.com/tv) instead of making a native app. [UPDATE] You can install the 2.x series AFTER you login on the 1.x series and you will remain logged in. However, the 2.x series has several issues. Mainly purchases are not playable and it crashes occasionally.​
Google Play Movies & TV (com.google.android.videos_3.28.14-tv-32800144) [OPTIONAL]
Google Play Music (com.google.android.music_8.5.6561-3.Y-65613) [OPTIONAL]
Instructions:
1. Install Google Play Services
- Open this once!
2. Install Google Play Store (Android TV)
3. Install Google Accounts Manager
4. Install Gmail
5. Open Gmail
6. Add a Google Account
- This interface is navigable with the remote but easier with a cursor app/mouse.
- If you can't navigate the interface repeatedly press up and down until a shadow appears around the button.
7. All installed Google Apps should now recognize your account has been added.
There you have it!
You should now have access to all the Google content you've been missing, Play Services to allow side loading, and YouTube free of any nasty blocking by Google or Amazon
Credits: Thanks to Moose200 and AFTV News for locating the functioning Google Accounts Manager version.
Instead of of putting all these apps on your fire tv 2 just download an app called 'SMART YOUTUBE TV' and sideload it to the device ..the best thing about it is there are no ads..
atlkidz said:
Instead of of putting all these apps on your fire tv 2 just download an app called 'SMART YOUTUBE TV' and sideload it to the device ..the best thing about it is there are no ads..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The goal of this guide is to get access to the official Google applications. The official YouTube app allows you to view paid purchases which is not possible with simple wrapper applications. While I prefer to entrust my Google account to official sources, you are welcome to suggest alternative third party applications in another thread.
Tried this on my Fire TV 3, no luck. Sad.
Trying this now on my 1st gen fTV and it would be GREAT to get the google apps working - particularly Music, Movies, & TV.
- play services failed on the first install but working on the second attempt.
- gmail interface was very tricky. It kept looping back to the first screen if I didn't arrow down quickly to select "existing account".
**
Notes:
1) Youtube works but I can't cast to it from my laptop or phone. It doesn't show as an option.
2) Play Movies/TV starts movies but only the audio plays. Trailers play fine though. I only have problems with content I've purchased.
3) Play Music doesn't show "stations". I works great with my library of uploaded music but none of the streaming content works.
I guess the intent was to get Youtube to work so anything else is a bonus.
Thanks for this guide and the links to the working apks.
---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
One other thing that really isn't a fault of this guide but only you install PlayMusic it stays live in the back ground and grabs every press of the play/pause button on the remote. It doesn't matter what app you're in, if you press play/paus Google starts playing. Even if you are trying to reboot your fTV Playmusic jumps in there.
rcrh said:
Trying this now on my 1st gen fTV and it would be GREAT to get the google apps working - particularly Music, Movies, & TV.
- play services failed on the first install but working on the second attempt.
- gmail interface was very tricky. It kept looping back to the first screen if I didn't arrow down quickly to select "existing account".
**
Notes:
1) Youtube works but I can't cast to it from my laptop or phone. It doesn't show as an option.
2) Play Movies/TV starts movies but only the audio plays. Trailers play fine though. I only have problems with content I've purchased.
3) Play Music doesn't show "stations". I works great with my library of uploaded music but none of the streaming content works.
I guess the intent was to get Youtube to work so anything else is a bonus.
Thanks for this guide and the links to the working apks.
---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
One other thing that really isn't a fault of this guide but only you install PlayMusic it stays live in the back ground and grabs every press of the play/pause button on the remote. It doesn't matter what app you're in, if you press play/paus Google starts playing. Even if you are trying to reboot your fTV Playmusic jumps in there.
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Thanks for the feedback!
- Occasional failure is to be expected
- I'll look into casting, I'm assuming there is likely a missing library/application that the Android TV version depends on.
- Does purchased content still work in YouTube? On a 2nd Gen Stick I have (frankly) astounding video playback in Play Movies. I'll see if I can play around with this on my old 1st gen and see if another APK version works better.
- I'll also look into Gmail (it is the most stable on 2nd gen, but 1st gen might have some quirks that would necessitate a different version)
- On my FTV if the music is paused in the app it won't continue to run in the background, I'll see if my 1st gen stick operates like yours does.
rockon999 said:
Thanks for the feedback!
- Occasional failure is to be expected
- I'll look into casting, I'm assuming there is likely a missing library/application that the Android TV version depends on.
- Does purchased content still work in YouTube? On a 2nd Gen Stick I have (frankly) astounding video playback in Play Movies. I'll see if I can play around with this on my old 1st gen and see if another APK version works better.
- I'll also look into Gmail (it is the most stable on 2nd gen, but 1st gen might have some quirks that would necessitate a different version)
- On my FTV if the music is paused in the app it won't continue to run in the background, I'll see if my 1st gen stick operates like yours does.
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- wow, I didn't know Play purchases could be viewed in Youtube. And yes they work there. FANTASTIC!
- gmail mail isn't an issue. I was able to get through it. I'm assuming it's used just to get an account set up.
- To be clear the behavior for playmusic is: pause music, exit the app, hit play button, music resumes. This happens even if you're in another app that uses the play button.
Let me know if I can provide any additional info. BTW, I'm looking at YoutubeTV and it seems to also work with this set of playservice apks.
I can confim it works! Play store doesn't work of course, but you can use any playservices-dependent app with no issues. You can use yalp store as a replacement. Gmail app can be unistalled after you added the account if you want, it still works. Thanks a lot
Thank you it worked with me.
I need a working version of Youtube TV app for AFS. I tried phones app but couldn't locate the location of the device. I could not make pass the location check.
alsatea said:
Thank you it worked with me.
I need a working version of Youtube TV app for AFS. I tried phones app but couldn't locate the location of the device. I could not make pass the location check.
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You can use the old version, still works fine
Anybody get it to work on FTV 3 ? Thanks.
mijorus said:
You can use the old version, still works fine
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Could you please provide me with the a link for it?
alsatea said:
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?
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bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube
mijorus said:
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube
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Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.
alsatea said:
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.
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You mean the paid subscription to watch TV steams? Cause there is not that service in my country, I can't help you.
Hey, thanks for posting this method. got a 2nd gen AFTV and been looking online for a few days now and this was the first method that worked, but... like someone else here I can't cast from my phone/laptop. the devices won't see it. I looked everywhere in the app, I'm signed in, but there doesn't seem to be an option to give me a link code. if anyone can figure this out, please let us know. thanks!
Updated the 1.x version of YouTube with the latest 2.x version and remained signed in. got a code and now I'm able to cast to it from my phone. I've not tried live videos or purchased content. For regular uploaded videos it seems to be working fine.
iSlaker said:
Hey, thanks for posting this method. got a 2nd gen AFTV and been looking online for a few days now and this was the first method that worked, but... like someone else here I can't cast from my phone/laptop. the devices won't see it. I looked everywhere in the app, I'm signed in, but there doesn't seem to be an option to give me a link code. if anyone can figure this out, please let us know. thanks!
Updated the 1.x version of YouTube with the latest 2.x version and remained signed in. got a code and now I'm able to cast to it from my phone.
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Thanks for the hint! Now its working ;D
I find it odd that the version doesn't match the code name. Version is 5.1.1 but code name is Kit Kat version did Amazon seriously just make a device with a chopped up firmware?
Warrior1988 said:
I find it odd that the version doesn't match the code name. Version is 5.1.1 but code name is Kit Kat version did Amazon seriously just make a device with a chopped up firmware?
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Amazon's Fire OS is Android Lollipop with only *some* of Android TV's systems and no Google APIs. As a result Google apps tend to be finicky on it and generally the older you go for a Google app the less features they depend on (or expect) and thus they're more likely to work.
rockon999 said:
Amazon's Fire OS is Android Lollipop with only *some* of Android TV's systems and no Google APIs. As a result Google apps tend to be finicky on it and generally the older you go for a Google app the less features they depend on (or expect) and thus they're more likely to work.
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Really what it comes down to is Amazon wants their market place to be used for purchasing and can't blame them for wanting to make money.

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