Related
I'm getting and hopefully rooting my new FTV tomorrow, and was checking out the launchers. I am going to primarily use it for XBMC, but I'm sure that my wife will want to use the FTV stock launcher. Which way should I go to easily switch between XBMC and stock FTV?
spyder03 said:
I'm getting and hopefully rooting my new FTV tomorrow, and was checking out the launchers. I am going to primarily use it for XBMC, but I'm sure that my wife will want to use the FTV stock launcher. Which way should I go to easily switch between XBMC and stock FTV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you can't root the FTV for now you could use llama in order to make a XBMC shortcut on your FTV homescreen.
edit: I don't know what firmware version you will get, rooting is impossible with the german FTVs for now. Maybe you are more lucky.
Ultraschorsch said:
Since you can't root the FTV for now you could use llama in order to make a XBMC shortcut on your FTV homescreen.
edit: I don't know what firmware version you will get, rooting is impossible with the german FTVs for now. Maybe you are more lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be able to root. Before you even plug your FTV in, you should read and follow the guides on AFTV News. Start here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/#more-1403.
ftv in
Thanks guys. Followed the guides and I have ROOOOOOOOT!
Now to install XBMC...
Is llama the preferred method? What exactly is llama anyway?
spyder03 said:
Thanks guys. Followed the guides and I have ROOOOOOOOT!
Now to install XBMC...
Is llama the preferred method? What exactly is llama anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my FTV isn't rooted I can only tell you they way on how to add XBMC to the homescreen with llama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMt8gtnCSx0
There are probably better ways on how to start XBMC while keeping access to the Fire TV homescreen but this works just fine here, even without root.
I find FiredTV to be a very decent launcher. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2782303
I second FiredTV...
I installed it so I have an icon for XBMC, Xfinity TV Go, the FireTV app, PBS, PBS Kids, Plex, Pluto.TV, and Settings. Everything else is hidden. If I want to watch something on Amazon Prime, I just launch the FireTV app, and I'm in the "default launcher". Hitting the Home button takes me back to FiredTV, no matter which of these I'm in.
Of all those, I think XBMC is our main use... I'm running Mythbuntu as my PVR back-end, and this makes getting to XBMC super easy, while still making it easy to get to other apps, and back to XBMC...
FiredTv for sure.
Easy interface for accessing sideloaded apps and also comes with an icon that takes you to the stock launcher if required.
This, combined with rbox's firetv xposed mods = perfection
gazdaman. said:
FiredTv for sure.
Easy interface for accessing sideloaded apps and also comes with an icon that takes you to the stock launcher if required.
This, combined with rbox's firetv xposed mods = perfection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i must say the same, i tried some asop style launchers.. and well i just cant get used to a phone interface on a TV.. i try but theres something not right about it. FiredTV is good to go over here.
I'm using the SPMC version of XBMC these days which is an Android launcher. Along the xposed and the rbox mods is what everyone else I know seems to prefer as well. I've built about 5 HTPC replacements for people and they are all happy with this setup as well.
1. Root
2. Custom recovery
3. Latest firmware
4. busybox
5. Stickmount
6. Lama (daily reboot)
7. SPMC
8. Xposed
9. Rbox xposed mods
10. Enjoy!
I have used FiredTV in the past. It was good. Nothing flashy but serves it's purpose. I had my FireTV rooted and thought I had Auto updating blocked but I guess I did it wrong. I lost my root so I guess I'm going back to FiredTV. What a bummer!
KarlP said:
I'm using the SPMC version of XBMC these days which is an Android launcher. Along the xposed and the rbox mods is what everyone else I know seems to prefer as well. I've built about 5 HTPC replacements for people and they are all happy with this setup as well.
1. Root
2. Custom recovery
3. Latest firmware
4. busybox
5. Stickmount
6. Lama (daily reboot)
7. SPMC
8. Xposed
9. Rbox xposed mods
10. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read the documentation on SPMC vs XBMC....mostly talks about the tweaks made...
From a user's perspective, what do you notice is the difference? Is it snappier? less crash prone? etc?
Could I install it next to XBMC and try it out? Or would I need to uninstall XBMC first?
spyder3 said:
I've read the documentation on SPMC vs XBMC....mostly talks about the tweaks made...
From a user's perspective, what do you notice is the difference? Is it snappier? less crash prone? etc?
Could I install it next to XBMC and try it out? Or would I need to uninstall XBMC first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't notice much difference between the two. I started out with xbmc and switched to spmc because it fixed a few issues I was having at the time. They both work pretty well. They can be installed along side each other as they use separate days folders.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
collindv said:
I didn't notice much difference between the two. I started out with xbmc and switched to spmc because it fixed a few issues I was having at the time. They both work pretty well. They can be installed along side each other as they use separate days folders.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
spmc is also in the amazon and google play app store so you can just download and install it from there and have a real icon on the amazon launcher without the need for anything else if you wish, i still use rbox exposed mod's and firedtv set to the alternate launcher but again, none of its really needed if you want to just use SPMC now since its in the app store.
My setup:
1. Root
2. Custom recovery
3. Latest firmware
4. busybox
5. Stickmount
6. XBMC/Kodi -- Helix Alpha 4
7. SPMC (non-launcher version)
8. Xposed
9. Rbox xposed mods
10. XBMC Launcher blunden - September 4, 2014 (from Google store). This latest version allows you to specify which version of XBMC you want to launch. You can easily go back and forth. It's important to have the non-launcher version of SPMC installed.
spyder3 said:
I've read the documentation on SPMC vs XBMC....mostly talks about the tweaks made...
From a user's perspective, what do you notice is the difference? Is it snappier? less crash prone? etc?
Could I install it next to XBMC and try it out? Or would I need to uninstall XBMC first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe a fluke, but less crashes with SPMC than when I was running XBMC. You could backup your XBMC config with the FIRE TV utility and restore it to SPMC and be done. They can exist together on the same box, but I found no reason.
I'll set it up and run it along side my current installation. Haven't done an XBMC backup/restore yet, so this will give me a reason to practice that as well.
Thanks guys!
Don't Update Fire TV as New Update Removes Sideloading (Unconfirmed Reports)
Fire TV 51.1.5.0_user_515020820. Fire Stick TV54.1.1.0_user_110035420.
"Just installed it folks. Fantastic upgrade. Love the new Shortcuts menu.
Only one hitch: you can’t run sideloaded apps anymore. So no Kodi."
Polly Wally McDougal
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire...-tv-stick-update-54-1-1-0-have-been-released/
my kodi 14.2 rc1 runs with the new firestick update
ISMADDER said:
Don't Update Fire TV as New Update Removes Sideloading (Unconfirmed Reports)
Fire TV 51.1.5.0_user_515020820. Fire Stick TV54.1.1.0_user_110035420.
"Just installed it folks. Fantastic upgrade. Love the new Shortcuts menu.
Only one hitch: you can’t run sideloaded apps anymore. So no Kodi."
Polly Wally McDougal
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire...-tv-stick-update-54-1-1-0-have-been-released/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got trolled brother.
ISMADDER said:
Don't Update Fire TV as New Update Removes Sideloading (Unconfirmed Reports)
Fire TV 51.1.5.0_user_515020820. Fire Stick TV54.1.1.0_user_110035420.
"Just installed it folks. Fantastic upgrade. Love the new Shortcuts menu.
Only one hitch: you can’t run sideloaded apps anymore. So no Kodi."
Polly Wally McDougal
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire...-tv-stick-update-54-1-1-0-have-been-released/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That commenter is definitely trolling. Several others confirmed that sideloading still works. I've delete the comment to prevent any further panic/confusion.
updating
I would like to remind you guys that Kodi is on the Amazon app store, therefore you don't need to panic in the case any of the previous comments is true.
this might be true, been trying with adbfire 1.22 keep getting loop install bar
nevermind was able to sidled still after update
I wish people would stop getting nervous about third party app support being taken away, cause that is never gonna happen. Amazon even went above and beyond to make it easy for us to have third party apps, and they are not gonna take it away. Amazon knows the Fire TV would be useless without third party apps and they are smart enough to know that they need to provide an easy way to let us install them. Stop being silly, we are never ever gonna lose the ability to install third party apps, PERIOD. Sure Amazon does not want us to use the third party launcher so disabled wallpapers, but if you made the Fire TV you would also want people to only use your lanchers that has all your media for sell on the home screen, cause thats how they make money, but third party apps are different, and Ammazon is not dumb enough to try and stop us from installing any app we want to install. The only reason people think this s because some people had a problem with one of the firmwares and reported XBMC stopped working on it, but it as just a bug and nothing Amazon did to block it and it was promply fixed. Stop being so paranoid, cause Kodi and any other app that will run on the Fire TV is here to stay. Do you honestly think that Amazon would have went to the trouble of giving us a button to turn on installing app from unknown sources if they did not want us to install third party apps? Hell no they wouldn't have. They could care less what we install or they would not have gave us the button in the first place. Put it to rest, sideloading apps will never never never never never never stop on the Fire TV.
It's also extremely hard to block sideloading yet still allow developers to test apps on the device - so it won't ever go away.
i just tried sideloading towel root to my fire tv now it has no adb connect, says no device connected, wont connect to adb shell either. any ideas or suggetions. thanks.
TowelRoot won´t work and concerning ADB you have to enable it first:
https://developer.amazon.com/appsandservices/solutions/devices/fire-tv/docs/connecting-adb
I got the new update and all my sideloaded apps still works.
Side load is still possible if you have dropbox
moeduss said:
i just tried sideloading towel root to my fire tv now it has no adb connect, says no device connected, wont connect to adb shell either. any ideas or suggetions. thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still side load apps on the Amazon FireStick or TV by using the method described in my video:
Check out NERDHACKS101 on youtube
(You need to have Dropbox on your Amazon FireTV or FireStick.)
moeduss said:
i just tried sideloading towel root to my fire tv now it has no adb connect, says no device connected, wont connect to adb shell either. any ideas or suggetions. thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only assume you didnt enable adb on your aftv
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Free mobile app
mods, I suggest you please delete or lock this thread. it wasn;t accurate 4 months ago and people bumping it will just cause more confusion and rumors.
tekweezle said:
mods, I suggest you please delete this thread. it wasn;t accurate 4 months ago and people bumping it will just cause more confusion and rumors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1 for this.
I might as well be a complete noob again because I haven't rooted an Android device since I had an HTC Rezound which had an application on the computer or phone, if I remember where all you did was click on the options and it did everything for you.
I just picked up a NVIDIA Shield TV (2017) yesterday and noticed that it doesn't have the full Google Play Store among other things that I miss.
I was just curious if there is an official way or a way that works to root it now? It would be awesome to add any app/apk that you want from the Google play Store or side loaf but yet still keep the important stuff from the Shield TV, like GeForce NOW. Full Android OS expirence. I've checked out the forums here for the Shield and I'm a little overwhelmed, don't know how to even start or where? If someone wouldn't mind helping me out and getting me started I would greatly appreciate it.
?
pensburgh said:
I might as well be a complete noob again because I haven't rooted an Android device since I had an HTC Rezound which had an application on the computer or phone, if I remember where all you did was click on the options and it did everything for you.
I just picked up a NVIDIA Shield TV (2017) yesterday and noticed that it doesn't have the full Google Play Store among other things that I miss.
I was just curious if there is an official way or a way that works to root it now? It would be awesome to add any app/apk that you want from the Google play Store or side loaf but yet still keep the important stuff from the Shield TV, like GeForce NOW. Full Android OS expirence. I've checked out the forums here for the Shield and I'm a little overwhelmed, don't know how to even start or where? If someone wouldn't mind helping me out and getting me started I would greatly appreciate it.
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can side load already out of the box. You'll need to install chainfires sideload launcher to open them. You'll also have problems when updating to New official updates. I personally can find everything I want without root or full Android os.
I can't help you root as I haven't done it yet. Just sharing my opinion.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Thank you for the quick response, I'll try some of the stuff you said. I just want to be able to sideload APK files that I download on my PC as well as to install all apps from the Google Store that currently I can't due to Shield limiting what you can install like Chrome, etc. I'm guessing I just place APK files on a USB drive, plug it into my Shield and use ESexplorer to install? Then some kind of Launcher to open the apps? I read that most sideloaded apks won't show up on the main screen?
Acid0057 said:
You can side load already out of the box. You'll need to install chainfires sideload launcher to open them. You'll also have problems when updating to New official updates. I personally can find everything I want without root or full Android os.
I can't help you root as I haven't done it yet. Just sharing my opinion.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is this? What does it do?
I've used my free time to create a noob friendly program to complete task. It can uninstall all Amazon Bloatware. It can also Install Google, Google Chrome, and Google photos. It can install Launcher hijack as well with Nova Launcher WITH widgets WORKING. This has been tested MANY times and confirmed to work on the Fire 7. This can also remove special offers
.
WARNING
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE. A FACTORY RESET WILL UNDO ALL CHANGES MADE.
Please do not PM me. Post in the forum and quote me if you need help. This way, everybody will receive the information.
Compatibility
This is for Windows only. I have no interest whatsoever do code this for Linux. If you want to port it, go ahead!
Please use Root Junky's Super Tool to install Amazon Drivers on Windows if it isn't working for you. I didn't need to install but you may need to. Click here to download it.
Why Google Photos and Google App?
This tool will install Google Photos because the remove Amazon Bloatware option will uninstall Amazon Photos. You will be using Google Photos instead. In the Camera app, in the bottom right corner where there is a preview, if you press it, it will go right to the Google Photos app if you used the uninstall Amazon Bloat Option.
This also installs the Google App too. Why? In Nova Launcher when you press the Quick Search bar, It will go to the Google App. Only if you use the uninstall Amazon Bloat option. How? It will uninstall the Unified Search package, so it will go to the Google app.
This no longer works on Fire OS 5.4.0.1 unfortunately, the uninstall method has been patched
Click here for the download link
There has been an article featuring my tool. If you want to check it out - link is here.
https://liliputing.com/2017/07/fire-tablet-tool-makes-hacking-amazons-2017-tablets-easier.html
Also I want you to know, if you choose to remove bloat, it will remove every Amazon app exept for the Camera, meaning you will be left with Camera and Settings left on your home screen.
Works, thanks.
Few comments:
If Windows doesn't have the amazon drivers, it won't work.
Installing Google Play Services and Chrome was expected, but it also added Google Photos and Google App.
Either mention it or don't include the last two.
Also, why are you saying to re-install Google Play Services even if they've been installed before?
worked on 5.4.0.0
thanks!
Robius said:
Works, thanks.
Few comments:
If Windows doesn't have the amazon drivers, it won't work.
Installing Google Play Services and Chrome was expected, but it also added Google Photos and Google App.
Either mention it or don't include the last two.
Also, why are you saying to re-install Google Play Services even if they've been installed before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry. It installes Google Photos because the camera app is still there after uninstall. It uninstalls Amazon Photos and you need a photos app to veiw the pictures you took.
It won't reinstall the Google Play apps but it will install Google for you
It installs the Google App because it removes unified search which means on Nova Launcher the Google Search bar actually goes to Google Now instead of the Amazon Search. I am sorry for not mentioning it. I will edit the post.
Thanks!!! used to install google play apps, and installed nova launcher, but the home button is broken though. I wonder if there's any fix for that...
(Gen 5 amazon fire 7, running 5.4.0)
ravenchaser210 said:
Thanks!!! used to install google play apps, and installed nova launcher, but the home button is broken though. I wonder if there's any fix for that...
(Gen 5 amazon fire 7, running 5.4.0)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I tested this and my homebutton is fine, Are you sure you are on the Fire 5th Generation?
Check in settings > device options > and find where it says device model.
Does it say "Fire (5th Generation" without quotes? it yes, please factory reset and try again.
savvytechwinner said:
Really? I tested this and my homebutton is fine, Are you sure you are on the Fire 5th Generation?
Check in settings > device options > and find where it says device model.
Does it say "Fire (5th Generation" without quotes? it yes, please factory reset and try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, factory reset and it's working perfectly now, thanks!!
savvytechwinner said:
What is this? What does it do?
I've used my free time to create a noob friendly program to complete task. It can uninstall all Amazon Bloatware. It can also Install Google, Google Chrome, and Google photos. It can install Launcher hijack as well with Nova Launcher WITH widgets WORKING. This has been tested MANY times and confirmed to work on the Fire 7. This can also remove special offers
.
WARNING
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE. A FACTORY RESET WILL UNDO ALL CHANGES MADE.
Please do not PM me. Post in the forum and quote me if you need help. This way, everybody will receive the information.
Compatibility
This is for Windows only. I have no interest whatsoever do code this for Linux. If you want to port it, go ahead!
Please use Root Junky's Super Tool to install Amazon Drivers on Windows if it isn't working for you. I didn't need to install but you may need to. Click here to download it.
Why Google Photos and Google App?
This tool will install Google Photos because the remove Amazon Bloatware option will uninstall Amazon Photos. You will be using Google Photos instead. In the Camera app, in the bottom right corner where there is a preview, if you press it, it will go right to the Google Photos app if you used the uninstall Amazon Bloat Option.
This also installs the Google App too. Why? In Nova Launcher when you press the Quick Search bar, It will go to the Google App. Only if you use the uninstall Amazon Bloat option. How? It will uninstall the Unified Search package, so it will go to the Google app.
Download Link
Since the Files are 101 MB I am posting a Google Drive Link shared to the public. Here is the link.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4GUCBOVtmvPeGtwQ3kxWjdHSWs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
v5.3.2.1 tested. Work ok, but go back to original after factory reset.
Just got my 8" with 5.4.0 in the mail yesterday. Updated 9 system updates first, then used this tool.
Everything worked fine. Nova works, google playstore and apps working. No ads on the lockscreen.
The bloat removal actually removed more things than I wanted it to, so I did a factory reset and went into the bat and took out some of the apps that I wanted to stay. Works like a charm.
theflathead said:
Just got my 8" with 5.4.0 in the mail yesterday. Updated 9 system updates first, then used this tool.
Everything worked fine. Nova works, google playstore and apps working. No ads on the lockscreen.
The bloat removal actually removed more things than I wanted it to, so I did a factory reset and went into the bat and took out some of the apps that I wanted to stay. Works like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind this tool doesn't actually remove system (most preinstalled) apps; it simply makes them unavailable and thus invisible to the current user. Akin to drawing the shades when you don't like the weather. The actions are reversible...albeit unlikely if OTA updates are blocked unless Amazon has another back-channel communication mechanism.
Davey126 said:
...albeit unlikely if OTA updates are blocked unless Amazon has another back-channel communication mechanism.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahem...Guest account
DragonFire1024 said:
Ahem...Guest account
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh...
On the Fire 7 there is no guest account, it listed the accounts, no guest one for me
You are using the FIRE 8 HD which does have it I think
I agree, as I say in the tool, OTA REMOVAL is not confirmed.
savvytechwinner said:
Boi...
On the Fire 7 there is no guest account, it listed the accounts, NO guest one.
YOU are using the FIRE 8 HD which does have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes no sense to not have one then and have one now.
DragonFire1024 said:
That makes no sense to not have one then and have one now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your Fire 8 HD there is a guess account
on the Fire 7 (5th Generation) there isn't a guest account
at least on my tablet, plus I don't even think the guest account is active. But it could be, no garentee
savvytechwinner said:
On your Fire 8 HD there is a guess account
on the Fire 7 (5th Generation) there isn't a guest account
at least on my tablet, plus I don't even think the guest account is active. But it could be, no garentee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's under settings, users in activity launcher. Something activated it and I don't know what. Perhaps it's only available before everything is disabled. Either way, I see it in the user list, but I haven't been able to activate it again or for that matter disable it. Im likely to do another reset in the next day or so now that the kinks are being worked out. Hopefully the last one for a bit.
Back to wallpapers...the permission to run live wallpapers is already active in at least my tablet, of course in the damn system. I don't get Amazon. They don't want us to use them, but give the permission to, just not the APKs. They basically consider widgets a sin, but give you the activation script in front of your face. Makes me wonder if they really are sloppy, or there's a silent revolt going on internally. Either way those are pretty lame mistakes. I wonder how they're taking this being able to disable their apps.
DragonFire1024 said:
Back to wallpapers...the permission to run live wallpapers is already active in at least my tablet, of course in the damn system. I don't get Amazon. They don't want us to use them, but give the permission to, just not the APKs. They basically consider widgets a sin, but give you the activation script in front of your face. Makes me wonder if they really are sloppy, or there's a silent revolt going on internally. Either way those are pretty lame mistakes. I wonder how they're taking this being able to disable their apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- this is an Amazon centric appliance - not a general purpose Android device
- 'good enough' probably comes into play (time/budget constraints)
- a minute sliver of Fire 7 owners will attempt to uninstall core Amazon apps unless it becomes bulletproof w/substantial advantages and no side effects
Love posts like this that pit a virtual army of heroic XDA script kiddies against evil Amazon engineers in an epic battle to control a dime store gizmo. Magnify the real business impact 1000X and you might score a footnote in some unread briefing.
Davey126 said:
- this is an Amazon centric appliance - not a general purpose Android device
- 'good enough' probably comes into play (time/budget constraints)
- a minute sliver of Fire 7 owners will attempt to uninstall core Amazon apps unless it becomes bulletproof w/substantial advantages and no side effects
Love posts like this that pit a virtual army of heroic XDA script kiddies against evil Amazon engineers in an epic battle to control a dime store gizmo. Magnify the real business impact 1000X and you might score a footnote in some unread briefing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who ever said anything about being a hero much less anything about Amazon being evil? Dime store or 5th Avenue...what difference does it make? I believe we should have the freedom to control what we rightfully own. Whatever comes of this, or that, or whatever we do, so be it. If it makes a dozen or so people a lot happier with a product they own, and that's considered 'heroic', then ok. Call it what you like. I can't count the times I've stated this is fun for me and a learning experience.
But hey, you have a good story line in a plot that goes beyond Amazon. Sounds like something I'd want to read about anyways. It's one of many battles. Small as it may be, a win is a win.
EDIT: Amazon just customized it. Within a matter of days, we've but thrown out much of that customization. When, or if we ever get root, I'd much like to spend time actually customizing it myself. Much of it can be undone by simple edits if you know where to make them. I've learned a lot in the past week, where many of those edits can be made.
theflathead, is your new Fire 8 the 7th Gen Fire HD 8?
theflathead said:
Just got my 8" with 5.4.0 in the mail yesterday. Updated 9 system updates first, then used this tool.
Everything worked fine. Nova works, google playstore and apps working. No ads on the lockscreen.
The bloat removal actually removed more things than I wanted it to, so I did a factory reset and went into the bat and took out some of the apps that I wanted to stay. Works like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do this on a NEW FIRE HD 8, 7th Generation???
You said you just got it, and so did I, got the OS upgrade to 5.4.0, and hoping I can use this approach. Thanks in advance. . .
Paul
I just did it on my 7th Gen, blue 7" Amazon Kindle and everything worked. You have to read the directions and go to accessbility settings and enable detecting home button press, otherwise the home button won't work on the launcher.
I bought a Fire HD 8 (2018) for my mother, she basically uses her phone/tablet for YouTube, Gmail, browsing, pictures. What is she really going to miss out on if I give her the tablet with stock firmware? Is sideloading not an option at all on stock? I'm looking at the steps for modding the device, seems like too much trouble for how she would use it. Any insight is appreciated.
Rooting for her use sounds like it'd create more problems than it'd fix.
I'd recommend sideloading the playstore, and disabling any of the Amazon features she won't use that use system resources. You can see what's using memory in settings. I'd also recommend disabling the lockscreen ads. The windows fire toolbox can help get this all done quickly.
You could also use launcher hijack to use Nova Launcher instead of fire launcher to give a more familiar homescreen.
Sideloading works fine in the stock Fire OS. It just helps to have a file manager installed, but that can be done later.
I agree with just adding the Play Store to give her the apps not available in the Amazon App Store - like the YouTube app. Just follow the instructions for downloading through the Silk Browser and install from the notification pulldown.
In fact, I wouldn't bother doing anything else to the tablet related to the Amazon stuff. Just leave it as is. The interface, while not typical for android in general, is not difficult to navigate. It's really easy. In fact, I'm pretty sure you can add her Gmail account to the stock Amazon Email app.
My wife's HD8 (7th Gen) is stock Fire OS with just the Play Store added. Works fine.
Now, for my HD8 (8th Gen), I did add use LauncherHijack to use the Nova Launcher, but that's just me. I haven't disabled anything else Amazon related. I did add the BlackBerry Hub+ suite to use for my email, calendar, contacts and notes.
Thanks for the input. We have the Canadian model of the tablet which I believe is ad-free already. Installing Nova Launcher would be good since that's what she's used to on her phone.
fattest said:
Thanks for the input. We have the Canadian model of the tablet which I believe is ad-free already. Installing Nova Launcher would be good since that's what she's used to on her phone.
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Based on what you wrote, it seems the best solution is:
(1). Install Nova Launcher
(2). Disable Fire Launcher after obtaining a temporary root. After Fire Launcher is disabled, the newly install Nova Launcher will be the default launcher.
Here is the guide to obtain a temporary root:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd...xperimental-software-root-hd-8-hd-10-t3904595
All you really need is to install LauncherHijack and then set it for Nova Launcher. No need for any root... temporary or otherwise.
The thread on it is the following...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/launcher-root-launcher-hijack-v2-t3561026
Although, Amazon apparently sent updates to their tablets to block that app early last month, but it didn't go out all at once. It finally disabled mine just last weekend.
But, one user was able to rename the package to get it working again. Check post #395 in that thread to get the modified package app if the latest original doesn't work.
Thanks everyone, will try this today.