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Software Updates — Fire TV v51.1.5.3 & Fire TV Stick v54.1.1.3

Fire TV software update version 51.1.5.3_user_515040320 and Fire TV Stick software update version 54.1.1.3_user_110045520 are starting to roll out now. Let us know if you get them and if you notice any changes.
Interestingly, Amazon pulled all 3 versions of 51.1.5.0's source code form their source code page. They've never done that before.

Any word on if they will restore ALT+TAB functionality?

Is it still Android 4.2.2? I am hoping they give us at least Android 4.4 soon. The system is still great, but the compatability issues with apps is getting old. Android 4.4 seems to be the requirement for more and more apps. There have been several apps that I was able to use before that now require Android 4.4. It seems like Amazon is making Android 4.2 their base for the Fire TV, but I hope thats not the case.

FireTV Stick, first impressions:
- Took 3-4 minutes to download
- Took 4-5 minutes to install and reboot
- No obvious difference on the Home screen (were there already Editor's Picks and Recently Watched sections in Movies and in TV?)
- When in the Games section, saw a popup ad in the upper right corner of the screen, I don't remember that from before
- The Recent row still shows my sideloaded and synced Kodi, SPMC and Curnchyroll, but still does not show other sideloaded apps
- Remote Mouse on my iPhone still works
- Ookla Speedtest app showed 18Mbps download, which is in the right range for my inconsistent router (I've seen as low as 2Mbps and as high as 52Mbps before)
- Seems to respond a little faster to remote button presses, but that might be wishful thinking
No big, obvious changes that I can find.

My Fire TV took the update yesterday I cant really see any difference so far. I still have all my apps working off external storage. Kodi and other sideloaded app still on my recent tab.

Looks like this update is just bug fixes. For anyone (e.g., @rbox ) interested, I've captured and added the URL download links for both the new Fire TV and Fire tV Stick updates to AFTVnews.com/software

AFTVnews.com said:
Looks like this update is just bug fixes. For anyone (e.g., @rbox ) interested, I've captured and added the URL download links for both the new Fire TV and Fire tV Stick updates to AFTVnews.com/software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's obscure, but all three Five Nights At Freddy's games sideloaded stopped working on the last update as soon as you move the mouse. I'm wondering if this one fixes that problem.

For me at least, I can longer add Kodi and SPMC to Recent Menu after I uninstall and reinstall/buy app/deregister firetv/register.
Am I the only one? If so, that's enough for me to stay locked in to the old version.

notreally said:
For me at least, I can longer add Kodi and SPMC to Recent Menu after I uninstall and reinstall/buy app/deregister firetv/register.
Am I the only one? If so, that's enough for me to stay locked in to the old version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Infact I just added kodi to the recents yesterday and it worked. Here are a few tips that may be overlooked.
Delete the app and readd it. Also ensure you are using helix. not the isengard or the nightlies. I'm not sure but I couldn't get kodi to the recents with the isengards.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-rest...loaded-app-to-the-recent-list-on-the-fire-tv/
By the way the good change I saw was that now the project from windows 8.1 to the firetv works. I use the extend desktop resolution and lower the extended resolution. So far no issues.

navigates said:
Infact I just added kodi to the recents yesterday and it worked. Here are a few tips that may be overlooked.
Delete the app and readd it. Also ensure you are using helix. not the isengard or the nightlies. I'm not sure but I couldn't get kodi to the recents with the isengards.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-rest...loaded-app-to-the-recent-list-on-the-fire-tv/
By the way the good change I saw was that now the project from windows 8.1 to the firetv works. I use the extend desktop resolution and lower the extended resolution. So far no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate on how you get project to work on Fire TV. I have a Microsoft Surface with 8.1 and it won't even see the Fire TV. Even when I have the fire tv in Mirroring Mode in Display settings.

dk1keith said:
Can you elaborate on how you get project to work on Fire TV. I have a Microsoft Surface with 8.1 and it won't even see the Fire TV. Even when I have the fire tv in Mirroring Mode in Display settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Search for devices and add the amazon firetv to the devices list. It should successfully get added if you have windows 8.1
2. then slide into the charms bar, then click on devices and then project and select extend or duplicate
Let us know how it goes.

[Root] How to Root Amazon Fire Tv 2 with Fire Os 5.2.4

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.

Spoofing/Modding - Device/apps Help

I am trying to get all4 on my shield, I've tried many things but failing to do it lol.
OK so I've tried installing the apk I got from someone who backed it up for me from a fire tv but it seems like the apk was just a wrapper so it didnt work.
I have the amazon appstore installed but it recognises my device is not a fire TV device and won't let me install.
Is there a way we could spoof the amazon appstore to see the device as a fire tv or maybe spoof the device so apps think its a fire TV (if that makes sense).
So spoofing the amazon appstore I have an idea -
Using "app cloner" it has a build prop option to where you can modify the apk to see the device as what you wish by filling in the right build prop details for the device you want to spoof to.
Only thing is - I don't have a fire TV device to get the details so I can't try this yet. (If anyone had the details please let me know so I can try - just need to install app cloner and it will show you the info)
Can anyone help with this?
I also have a second problem I've been trying to deal with for years now lol.
There is an app called "notifications for android TV", what it does, is it send notifications from apps on your phone and displays them on the TV in a way where when you install the app on android TV the app auto installs as a server, when you install the same app on phone it asks you if you want to set up this phone as a server or client.
I used to run full android custom ROM on my shield TV, when I did I used app cloner to install 2 versions of this app and installed one as server and one as client so all the notifications were handled by my shield TV and I did not need a phone connected to send notifications - this is ideal. I'm love look ing to try do the same thing on stock nvidia firmware but every time it detects the app as android TV and doesn't you the option to install as a client.
I just need a way to spoof/mod the app to think its installing on a phone instead of android TV.
Can anyone help with this stuff, been bugging me for soo long now lol.

I just side loaded the mobile all4 application from apkpure.
Sure, you need to use a mouse to navigate it, but it works fine for me.

I should have mentioned I am looking for the fire TV version specifically as it is remote friendly. I have the version you are using already.

Amazon Appstore FireOS only apps - any work arounds?

My son has a Fire HD 8 tablet that thanks to you all, I have installed LineageOS 7.1.2 on. It runs great now, but we'd like to install an application that is only available in the Amazon App store and designed to run only on stock FireOS. I think the app would run perfectly fine on the tablet with Lineage installed, but unfortunately the Amazon App store no longer recognizes the tablet as a Fire tablet and therefore blocks our ability to download the app.
Is there some sort of workaround that could be tried here? I've read about people modifying build.prop to spoof the device type and run "unsupported" apps, so perhaps that is the route we'd take here? I'm just sort of stumped here and really don't want to go buy another fire tablet just so we can run stock fire os for his game.
The apps in question are the Osmo kids learning series. Any help would be very much appreciated.
*edit - i have searched for .apks of the app online that would allow me to manually install, but i have been unable to turn any up.

ChrisULM said:
My son has a Fire HD 8 tablet that thanks to you all, I have installed LineageOS 7.1.2 on. It runs great now, but we'd like to install an application that is only available in the Amazon App store and designed to run only on stock FireOS. I think the app would run perfectly fine on the tablet with Lineage installed, but unfortunately the Amazon App store no longer recognizes the tablet as a Fire tablet and therefore blocks our ability to download the app.
Is there some sort of workaround that could be tried here? I've read about people modifying build.prop to spoof the device type and run "unsupported" apps, so perhaps that is the route we'd take here? I'm just sort of stumped here and really don't want to go buy another fire tablet just so we can run stock fire os for his game.
The apps in question are the Osmo kids learning series. Any help would be very much appreciated.
*edit - i have searched for .apks of the app online that would allow me to manually install, but i have been unable to turn any up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Amazon Appstore for Android on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get/amazonapp

Isolating HD 8 2018 2020 from everything Amazon - especially updates.

Hello everyone.
I have both a Kindle Fire 8 HD 2018 and a new 2020 available for this specific use.
I want to dedicate one tablet for one use only which needs to be kept secure. The only internet connection would be to banks etc - no other web use at all.
The question is how do I set this up. I am not looking to use any of the Amazon installed apps but I am happy just to put the icons in a folder & then ignore them.
I am looking at installing Libre Office, Firefox, a file manager, password encryption and document encryption both for security on the tablet and to enable back up.
My concern is about things going on of which I am not aware - in particular related to all the unwanted Amazon installed bits including the operating system.
I am not going to use an Amazon nor Google account nor will I ever open an Amazon web page but I suspect that this will not stop updates unless it also stops the tablet ringing home (???)
How do I isolate my tablet from everything Amazon whilst it is connected to the internet for other things?
If you see any other problems I would be pleased to know about them before I commit.
I am aware of the Fire Toolbox but I am not sure if it meets my needs.

xz6 said:
Hello everyone.
I have both a Kindle Fire 8 HD 2018 and a new 2020 available for this specific use.
I want to dedicate one tablet for one use only which needs to be kept secure. The only internet connection would be to banks etc - no other web use at all.
The question is how do I set this up. I am not looking to use any of the Amazon installed apps but I am happy just to put the icons in a folder & then ignore them.
I am looking at installing Libre Office, Firefox, a file manager, password encryption and document encryption both for security on the tablet and to enable back up.
My concern is about things going on of which I am not aware - in particular related to all the unwanted Amazon installed bits including the operating system.
I am not going to use an Amazon nor Google account nor will I ever open an Amazon web page but I suspect that this will not stop updates unless it also stops the tablet ringing home (???)
How do I isolate my tablet from everything Amazon whilst it is connected to the internet for other things?
If you see any other problems I would be pleased to know about them before I commit.
I am aware of the Fire Toolbox but I am not sure if it meets my needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to use a VPN firewall app such as NoRoot Firewall to block Amazon updates.