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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!
Not sure if this is known already but i found a way to make my side loaded apps appear under apps on my fire stick main menu using agk fire app.
I download and installed the amazon store apk on my phone then side-loaded it on my fire tv stick, after that you will be able to see all the side-loaded apps under app section thus eliminating the need to use fired tv launcher or llama app,
I am not sure if it works with the fire tv but i guess someone can try and report back.
stress1ner said:
Not sure if this is known already but i found a way to make my side loaded apps appear under apps on my fire stick main menu using agk fire app.
I download and installed the amazon store apk on my phone then side-loaded it on my fire tv stick, after that you will be able to see all the side-loaded apps under app section thus eliminating the need to use fired tv launcher or llama app,
I am not sure if it works with the fire tv but i guess someone can try and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has been reported before. I believe it may stop some of the amazon services from working properly (installing apps, watching videos, etc.) I have never tried it personally though.
Applications Organizer Pro FireTV edition does this too. You can enable single click launch in the app settings last time I checked it was on sale for $0.99. It is native. I wish FiredTV was approved as native
Edit: link
http://www.amazon.com/Application-Organizer-Pro-Fire-Edition/dp/B00Q3907T6
Hey I did install the appstore apk and it did make all the apps appear on the main menu under apps. However it just goes away after the fire tv stick is restarted. Not sure what is wrong, is there any other option which needs to be changed?
goodhur said:
Applications Organizer Pro FireTV edition does this too. You can enable single click launch in the app settings last time I checked it was on sale for $0.99. It is native. I wish FiredTV was approved as native
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the app certainly makes things easier than going through settings etc.. . Since its a native app to FTV, it shows on the main apps homepage. Nice.. If the developer could add a "Dashboard View" that can be displayed on startup, and allow the user to tag specific apps to show on the dashboard, this would satisfy me. It would allow the most used apps to be launched with two clicks from the home page apps category.
I'm running vanilla FireTV, no root, no Organizer Pro, nothing special. I've noticed, as others have as well, that if you sideload an Amazon app store app it will show up in "Recent" on the main AFTV menu. Between this and the AGK Fire side-loading app on my Android phone this is good enough for me. Just install an app from Amazon on my phone, then with a few clicks AGK Fire pushes it to my AFTV and I'm good to go. Now if only Amazon would push out an update to let us use USB storage for apps or at least app data without rooting I'd be completely satisfied.
How are you guys able to sideload the amazon appstore apk onto the FireTV
I downloaded the Amazon appstore apk from the Amazon website onto my computer and tried sideloading using ADB. When trying to sideload, the command states "FAILURE [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY-EXISTS]"
Is it because the amazon appstore is currently installed on the firetv?
Edit: I just used the AGK Fire app and it worked perfectly. Is there anyway for Kodi to appear on the recents menu?
EFEXR said:
How are you guys able to sideload the amazon appstore apk onto the FireTV
I downloaded the Amazon appstore apk from the Amazon website onto my computer and tried sideloading using ADB. When trying to sideload, the command states "FAILURE [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY-EXISTS]"
Is it because the amazon appstore is currently installed on the firetv?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adb install -r [apk goes here]
goodhur said:
Applications Organizer Pro FireTV edition does this too. You can enable single click launch in the app settings last time I checked it was on sale for $0.99. It is native. I wish FiredTV was approved as native
Edit: link
http://www.amazon.com/Application-Organizer-Pro-Fire-Edition/dp/B00Q3907T6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep seeing people say the firedTV launcher should be a native app, but that will never happen. There is a better chance of Amazon sellling Fire TVs at buy one get two free than them approving another laucher to be a native app. They do not want other launchers to be used, and for good reason, they are a business that is selling entertainment and their product is incorporated in to their launcher, so why would they be dumb enough to approve a launcher that does nothing to help sell their products? Approving the fired TV launcher to be a native app would be beyond stupid for Amazon to do. I do not like the default launcher at all, but the day Amazon approves a third party launcher as a native app for the fire TV, is the day I lose respect for them as a business, and so would all their investors.
---------- Post added at 02:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:50 AM ----------
EFEXR said:
How are you guys able to sideload the amazon appstore apk onto the FireTV
I downloaded the Amazon appstore apk from the Amazon website onto my computer and tried sideloading using ADB. When trying to sideload, the command states "FAILURE [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY-EXISTS]"
Is it because the amazon appstore is currently installed on the firetv?
Edit: I just used the AGK Fire app and it worked perfectly. Is there anyway for Kodi to appear on the recents menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not really have to uuse adb to sideload apps, just download them from your browser and install em, cause its much easier. I have sideloaded two apps, a browser and a file manager, and if you have those to apps there is no need for using adb.
porkenhimer said:
I keep seeing people say the firedTV launcher should be a native app, but that will never happen. There is a better chance of Amazon sellling Fire TVs at buy one get two free than them approving another laucher to be a native app. They do not want other launchers to be used, and for good reason, they are a business that is selling entertainment and their product is incorporated in to their launcher, so why would they be dumb enough to approve a launcher that does nothing to help sell their products? Approving the fired TV launcher to be a native app would be beyond stupid for Amazon to do. I do not like the default launcher at all, but the day Amazon approves a third party launcher as a native app for the fire TV, is the day I lose respect for them as a business, and so would all their investors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is just wishful thinking. I agree with you and do not expect it to be approved in it's current design. A substitute launcher that hijacks the home button will not be approved by Amazon ever, even is just an option that is disabled. (I posted that in the Fired TV thread). It would interfere with the advertisement of paid content. All I want is simple grid "sublauncher" for sideloaded apps like chainfire did for the Nexus Player, but native. I think that fact that App Organizer was a passive app allowed it through.
I do not plan to log in Amazon account on Fire TV Stick 2. I will try to stay away from Amazon as much as possible:
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=117855971&postcount=56
Question:
What is the best way to take full advantage of this device? Root or Sideload?
Handsome Jack said:
I do not plan to log in Amazon account on Fire TV Stick 2. I will try to stay away from Amazon as much as possible:
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=117855971&postcount=56
Question:
What is the best way to take full advantage of this device? Root or Sideload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the point of rooting the device - you won't be able to update it
Are you actually going to use apps that require root?
Just put whatever apps you want to use on it - I bet none of them require root
You don't need the playstore (there's alternatives) and there's no need to really change the launcher
Handsome Jack said:
I do not plan to log in Amazon account on Fire TV Stick 2. I will try to stay away from Amazon as much as possible:
https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=117855971&postcount=56
Question:
What is the best way to take full advantage of this device? Root or Sideload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire TV Stick 2 cannot be rooted.
Look at the other thread about using a different launcher. You cant root it, but everything still works. Even home button in new launcher.
TimmyP said:
Look at the other thread about using a different launcher. You cant root it, but everything still works. Even home button in new launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheFixItMan said:
I don't see the point of rooting the device - you won't be able to update it
Are you actually going to use apps that require root?
Just put whatever apps you want to use on it - I bet none of them require root
You don't need the playstore (there's alternatives) and there's no need to really change the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there comparison between HA Launcher and Leanback Launcher?
I'm looking for launcher that uses the least resources.
They all are simple, minimal launchers. I would not worry about resource usage at all. Leanback is more official tho.
One reason i want to root mine is to link my ps3 controllers to it. Doesnt sixaxis require root?
I have a Fire HD 10 7th generation. My Fire OS says the build date is 11-12-18 running OS 5.3.6.4 (626533320), it also shows it checked for an update on 12-5-18. That seems odd to me because most everyone else including the tutorial video shows the OS as 5.6 and that was posted 1-2018. That doesn't make sense, an older system having a newer version of the OS even though mine checked for an update.
What I want to do is be able to run Nova Launcher as my default launcher. I have Google Play Store, ES Explorer & Nova Launcher installed. If I open Nova Launcher and go to the settings at the top it says it is not the default launcher, 'click here' to make it default. When I do that It takes me to the Fire Settings main menu. I can't anywhere within settings that allow me to do that. The only thing I have found the even mentions Nova Launcher is at the bottom of the Accessibility menu under Services it is listed and turned off, I turned it on.
It would be nice if I could disable Amazon for forcing updates as well but one step at a time.
Has what I wanted been done successfully with the same OS version? If so is there a tutorial? Is the LauncherHijackV3.apk & Launcher Hijack V4 outdated or is there a better way?
ryevick said:
I have a Fire HD 10 7th generation. My Fire OS says the build date is 11-12-18 running OS 5.3.6.4 (626533320), it also shows it checked for an update on 12-5-18. That seems odd to me because most everyone else including the tutorial video shows the OS as 5.6 and that was posted 1-2018. That doesn't make sense, an older system having a newer version of the OS even though mine checked for an update.
What I want to do is be able to run Nova Launcher as my default launcher. I have Google Play Store, ES Explorer & Nova Launcher installed. If I open Nova Launcher and go to the settings at the top it says it is not the default launcher, 'click here' to make it default. When I do that It takes me to the Fire Settings main menu. I can't anywhere within settings that allow me to do that. The only thing I have found the even mentions Nova Launcher is at the bottom of the Accessibility menu under Services it is listed and turned off, I turned it on.
It would be nice if I could disable Amazon for forcing updates as well but one step at a time.
Has what I wanted been done successfully with the same OS version? If so is there a tutorial? Is the LauncherHijackV3.apk & Launcher Hijack V4 outdated or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, as of now there is no way to disable OTA updates. Now the part about Nova. It seems that Amazon has locked down the tablets when it comes to changing launchers. For me the easiest way is indeed LauncherHijacker. Although its not the fastest method it definitely is very effective. Also, the accessiblity service for Nova doesn't have anything to do with the launcher being default, it just allows for gestures and taking the user to the recent apps screen, etc. Those were just my answers on the questions you had. I'm sorry if I couldn't answer your question to your satisfactory.
Datastream33 said:
Unfortunately, as of now there is no way to disable OTA updates. Now the part about Nova. It seems that Amazon has locked down the tablets when it comes to changing launchers. For me the easiest way is indeed LauncherHijacker. Although its not the fastest method it definitely is very effective. Also, the accessiblity service for Nova doesn't have anything to do with the launcher being default, it just allows for gestures and taking the user to the recent apps screen, etc. Those were just my answers on the questions you had. I'm sorry if I couldn't answer your question to your satisfactory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the latest LauncherHijacker or the one that works with my OS? Where do I find it?
ryevick said:
What is the latest LauncherHijacker or the one that works with my OS? Where do I find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find the latest versions for Launcher Hijack here. I believe the latest version is 4.0.2.
Datastream33 said:
Unfortunately, as of now there is no way to disable OTA updates. Now the part about Nova. It seems that Amazon has locked down the tablets when it comes to changing launchers. For me the easiest way is indeed LauncherHijacker. Although its not the fastest method it definitely is very effective. Also, the accessiblity service for Nova doesn't have anything to do with the launcher being default, it just allows for gestures and taking the user to the recent apps screen, etc. Those were just my answers on the questions you had. I'm sorry if I couldn't answer your question to your satisfactory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Datastream33 said:
You can find the latest versions for Launcher Hijack here. I believe the latest version is 4.0.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I find the best tutorial on how to install this? Preferably a video but either is appreciated.
ryevick said:
Where can I find the best tutorial on how to install this? Preferably a video but either is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can create a quick video for you if you want.
LauncherHijack BLOCKED
I know this is an old post, but I'm hoping someone will help me with this:
For me, the LauncherHijack had worked great at first! I was actually able to use Nova as the default launcher. Then I put the tablet aside and when I came back to it, a message popped up with something to the effect of "launcherhijack blocked." And now, I have reinstalled the LH twice and nothing. When I go to "Accessibility," at the bottom, it no longer lists that "home screen" option. It only shows "Nova Launcher: On" and I can use the Nova Launcher app, but it's still not my default launcher.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Download: mediafire.com/file/kqa89yndk468itf/Launcher.Hijack.v.4.0.3.b.43.Clone.apk
This comes from post #395 under the thread "Amazon Fire > Fire General>Any Launcher, No Root (Launcher Hijack V4)" by Baronkiko
I used it to activate the Nova Launcher after I accidentally updated my OS to 5.6.4.0 when I had to refresh my Fire HD10 (2017).
Thanks for workarround
new verson worked first try
thanks for launcher help.
yavapai
JackDN06 said:
Download: mediafire.com/file/kqa89yndk468itf/Launcher.Hijack.v.4.0.3.b.43.Clone.apk
This comes from post #395 under the thread "Amazon Fire > Fire General>Any Launcher, No Root (Launcher Hijack V4)" by Baronkiko
I used it to activate the Nova Launcher after I accidentally updated my OS to 5.6.4.0 when I had to refresh my Fire HD10 (2017).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked perfectly on OS 5.6.4.0. Very easy to setup.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.