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Not that everything on the Internet is gospel, but for some reason folks were advertising the Redbox app. available on the Kindle Fire.
http://fireapps.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-apps-redbox-and-lose-it.html
However, trying to install RedBox results in the message that the app. is incompatible with the Kindle Fire.
Anyone know why?
Redbox may not yet have support for it yet? I dunno. Asus claimed that netflix would be available for the eeepad, yet took several weeks for netflix to officially support the device let alone honeycomb tablets altogether. Don't take it like they're not going to support it as there is obviously a large user base already, it would seem they could only benefit by supporting the the kindle and its users.
Amazon on the other hand... Well I've got Netflix on mine atm and its working like a champ. I can't say that they won't allow redbox, but if they allow netflix there is no real reason for them to discriminate against redbox.
What do I know, I know nothing of the corporate powers that be.
Going to the Amazon page for the redbox app, it shows not compatible for my Fire.
Don't know why that is but possibly it uses location APIs that are blocked/unavailable on the Fire.
I remember reading that Amazon wouldn't allow apps on the Kindle Fire that utilized hardware not available on the device (i.e: GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, etc.).
In this case since the Redbox app utilizes (somewhat heavily) GPS that might be the reason. Only reason I could think of is because of the utilization of GPS in this app.
Redbox app won't install
Just in case someone else wants to try side-loading this app, I tried and it won't install.
I found a download site for com.redbox.android.activity.apk and tried installing it with appInstaller. No joy.
There is something about this app. that is definitely incompatible with the Fire. I'm hoping that Amazon isn't just blocking the app. Maybe Redbox will update their app so that it WILL run.
Hi ,
I have amazon Fire Tv2 with updated Fire Os 5.2.4. I just want to flash the custom kernel images into the fire tv 2, for that i need to root the device.
How to root the amazon fire tv2 with 5.2.4 version. I found methods for Fire OS 5.2.1 and lower versions, does those methods work for 5.2.4 version ?
Is it possible to root Fire Os 5.2.4 Version ?
Please direct me to the rooting methods links.
Thanks in advance.
rtfm
There is no known root method for 5.2.4.0, I wish there was
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk
No, it is not possible to root 5.2.4.0 on any device yet. I track all rooting methods for all Fire TV and Fire TV Stick models here: http://www.aftvnews.com/root
This is showing like this person found root...
I believe the hardware mod works. A bit of a nuisance.
JeffDC said:
I believe the hardware mod works. A bit of a nuisance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Team,
i want to root my new firetv, using emmc connecting method. i ordered the maximus low-volt adaptor and the transcent sd adapter.
i soldered the low-volt adapter ( really...really. small parts ! a very hard job....blue led is working )
then i opened the firetv and i am was wondering about the pcb layout .. it is completely different like on the pics in the net
.does anybody have the solder points for this ( Firetv Board DV83YW )
i am too new here for posting pictures links , sorry ..
greets
mike
Hello Mike,
i was surprised too when i take a look inside the new firetv2 box
I uploaded some pictures on gdrive.
can anyone help?
hppts..//drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BylaEM6wx1JOUjVVeGN3MWU5TDA
Same here. Waiting to see if anyone know of the new layout pins (if they are still exposed).
Here is my PCB....
AFTVnews.com said:
No, it is not possible to root 5.2.4.0 on any device yet. I track all rooting methods for all Fire TV and Fire TV Stick models here: http://www.aftvnews.com/root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love your site bro, thanks for all the great info!
anthonykash said:
Love your site bro, thanks for all the great info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome and thanks!
@AFTVnews.com
Also love your site. I have a question you could probably quickly answer:
I need to get stock amazon app "freetime" running on my firetv (box, not stick). I confirmed with Amazon that the freetime app is disabled from running on the current Fire TV firmware version (they couldn't confirm which version actually disabled it, just that it is a feature they have sunset on fire tv). I have the app installed, but it is not visible from app searches and not launchable from the "manage applications" menu in settings. (only force stop)
My current firmware is the latest version (Oct 19th, 5.2.something) and not rootable, but I don't have the skills to experiment with a new device anyway. (I've rooted my XT897 and SM-950F, but can barely handle that).
Let me know if you think it's possible:
1. That amazon's server side would allow freetime to function on a fire TV, despite amazon sunsetting the feature, assuming I could get the app to run locally.
Assuming #1, then
2. To sideload, modify, or otherwise get freetime working on my current Fire TV.
or
3. Downgrade my current firmware to a previous version that would run freetime.
or
4. To find for purchase a fire TV with a different firmware that would allow running freetime.
Thanks in advance. The motivation is that freetime lets me allow my young kids the ability to choose from a pre-selected library of videos and otherwise locks-down our TV for their safety etc.
scuba1999 said:
@AFTVnews.com
Also love your site. I have a question you could probably quickly answer:
I need to get stock amazon app "freetime" running on my firetv (box, not stick). I confirmed with Amazon that the freetime app is disabled from running on the current Fire TV firmware version (they couldn't confirm which version actually disabled it, just that it is a feature they have sunset on fire tv). I have the app installed, but it is not visible from app searches and not launchable from the "manage applications" menu in settings. (only force stop)
My current firmware is the latest version (Oct 19th, 5.2.something) and not rootable, but I don't have the skills to experiment with a new device anyway. (I've rooted my XT897 and SM-950F, but can barely handle that).
Let me know if you think it's possible:
1. That amazon's server side would allow freetime to function on a fire TV, despite amazon sunsetting the feature, assuming I could get the app to run locally.
Assuming #1, then
2. To sideload, modify, or otherwise get freetime working on my current Fire TV.
or
3. Downgrade my current firmware to a previous version that would run freetime.
or
4. To find for purchase a fire TV with a different firmware that would allow running freetime.
Thanks in advance. The motivation is that freetime lets me allow my young kids the ability to choose from a pre-selected library of videos and otherwise locks-down our TV for their safety etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew the newer devices didn't have Freetime, but I had no idea older devices/software disabled it also. I'll need to look into this further to fully undestand what is going on.
As for your questions, I doubt Freetime will work locally without Amazon's backend support. That's because the feature is reliant on child profiles created and stored on Amazon's servers. However, just because they say they have sunset the feature on Fire TV, that doesn't necessarily mean their servers are no longer replying to the requests from the Fire TV. So if you could get the app to run, I expect it would still work, but again, I need to look into it further.
There is no way to downgrade your firmware unless you root the device. Once rooted, it's simply a matter of selecting the pre-rooted version you want to use and installing it through TWRP.
I'll try to find time to test older firmware on a rooted device to see if Freetime works on it. That will tell us if finding a Fire TV running an older version will work for you.
AFTVnews.com said:
I knew the newer devices didn't have Freetime, but I had no idea older devices/software disabled it also. I'll need to look into this further to fully undestand what is going on.
As for your questions, I doubt Freetime will work locally without Amazon's backend support. That's because the feature is reliant on child profiles created and stored on Amazon's servers. However, just because they say they have sunset the feature on Fire TV, that doesn't necessarily mean their servers are no longer replying to the requests from the Fire TV. So if you could get the app to run, I expect it would still work, but again, I need to look into it further.
There is no way to downgrade your firmware unless you root the device. Once rooted, it's simply a matter of selecting the pre-rooted version you want to use and installing it through TWRP.
I'll try to find time to test older firmware on a rooted device to see if Freetime works on it. That will tell us if finding a Fire TV running an older version will work for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Let me know. And yes, by 'locally' I just meant 'assuming I could get the client app running' that the amazon servers would still talk to it and feed it the content I choose for the kids profile, etc.. I am hopeful on that front because freetime seems to be popular and remain supported on the fire tablet devices, so maybe the server side will remain device agnostic. Thanks in advance for your time in testing.
Greetings all
I've been sideloading fire OS that are not available for standard Android TV. After installing the Amazon app store I've been able to use MOST with hardly any problems. Except for one thing, many apps like NBC work. On playback however they don't fill my screen. Basically it's underscaning I'm aware that Amazon's developer guidelines are slightly different and that's the reason.
I'm curious if there's a way to fix this with a overscan correction in Android Studio or with a third-party app?
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- 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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?
alsatea said:
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube
mijorus said:
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.
alsatea said:
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Hi,
just having the Fire HD10 2021 Tablet here, debloated, google play services running, and sideloading HBOmax from apkmirror, issue as often with amazon devices as fire stick 4k too:
only some older hbomax apps are runnign, the others hbo automatically on first launch wants to be updated which isnt possible as their service isnt yet arrived to germany.
So older apk that runs fine on firestick 4k doesnt work on the tablet as there is no chance to scroll and navigate on the screen 50.0.40.224 is android tv version, with remote on stick alright, on tablet fail.
And the others fail to update after launch without any us american amazon or google account from what i guess?
Anyone here outside the states knowing a version of the hbomax app to work on the fire tablets?
thx a lot