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So apparently the fire phone sales are a bust, what are the chances that amazon will do a firesale? like $200 for it but unlocked and without a plan?
Already happened!
MGREX said:
So apparently the fire phone sales are a bust, what are the chances that amazon will do a firesale? like $200 for it but unlocked and without a plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's happened! $200 off so now it's actually a great value since you also get the free year of prime
Grizzlax said:
It's happened! $200 off so now it's actually a great value since you also get the free year of prime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh still $450 without a plan (which methinks its not really unlocked).
For that price I rather wait for Shamu
The Fire Phone Fire Sale is Here
You can buy a Fire Phone unlocked with a free year of Prime for $200 right now. There is also no limit to the number of free years of Prime that you can redeem. Redemption unfortunately requires you to register the device to the account that you want to receive the free year. I wonder if this will end up being like the HP Touchpad. The hardware is really impressive for such a low price. Get a good Android ROM on there and this would be the best deal around for phone with these specs or similar.
YeeHawGandalf said:
You can buy a Fire Phone unlocked with a free year of Prime for $200 right now. There is also no limit to the number of free years of Prime that you can redeem. Redemption unfortunately requires you to register the device to the account that you want to receive the free year. I wonder if this will end up being like the HP Touchpad. The hardware is really impressive for such a low price. Get a good Android ROM on there and this would be the best deal around for phone with these specs or similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My prime membership was up for renewal on DEC 3rd ...I jumped on this for what would be $99, Use your Discover Card and get 5% cash back (almost covered the Tax). If your planing on renewing your Prime membership soon this is a great deal.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OC0USA6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Without the play store it isn't even worth that. Still no bootloader Unlock means this is and always will be DOA.
Poke_N_PDA said:
Without the play store it isn't even worth that. Still no bootloader Unlock means this is and always will be DOA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/guide-make-fireos-looks-feel-normal-t2898921
clsA said:
My prime membership was up for renewal on DEC 3rd ...I jumped on this for what would be $99, Use your Discover Card and get 5% cash back (almost covered the Tax). If your planing on renewing your Prime membership soon this is a great deal.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OC0USA6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I jumped on it as well. I used my Chase card and basically got the phone or Prime for free. I'll take that any day since I was going to renew for school anyway. Now it gives me a chance to try the phone workout losing money.
Bought unlocked $199 firephone - got Play store without rooting
I have Amazon Prime, which needed to be extended, so instead I bought the unlocked phone with free same day in the Phoenix area yesterday. got my phone last evening (11/26). After unboxing, I didn't want to root it, so I followed the kindle fire forums to install (sideload) google play.
and Voila I have Google services, Play store, Gmail, youtube, maps, drive and Google now launcher -
Without rooting and without any problems - Just follow the steps on the kindle forum or how-to-install-google-play-on-kindle-fire - on epubor site / gizmag
Guide 1: http://www.epubor.com/how-to-install-google-play-on-kindle-fire.html
Guide 2: http://www.gizmag.com/how-to-install-google-apps-kindle-fire-hd-hdx/30736/
First and foremost - don't upgrade/downgrade the OS (I got the phone with Fire 3.6.8 - which corresponds to Jellybean)
Make sure the Play store version matches the Kernel version for the Jellybean 4.2.2 - remaining services can be latest I think
Temporarily Disable 2 factor authentication on Google login via browser (where Google asks you your phone etc)
Steps:
1) Enable Non Amazon app installation from Settings -> Applications
2) Install ES2 file explorer or any file viewer from Amazon App store (you can also install some batch APK installer apps)
3) Copy the Apks from the link above (see my attachment)
------ Google Service Framework
------ Google Login Service
------ Google Play Service
------ Google Play Store
(Skip Vending .apk as it has been superseded by play store)
4) Reboot after each apk above - allow Fire OS to acknowledge google login if prompted
5) You should see Google Play properly logged in to your google account - install gmail, youtube, drive, google search etc.
(Optional) If you hate the Amazon Carousel, Install Google Now launcher) - See last screenshot. There is another forum post where you can upgrade the carousel icons on sideloaded apps so that they appear large.
Once you have Googlify or Androidify the Fire phone, it actually runs pretty nice.
Fire Phone shortcuts:
Android Back button -> Swipe anywhere from bottom edge of visible screen
Android Home Button -> Single press main button
Android Task Switch -> Double press main button (I miss the close all apps shortcut here)
Voice Search -> long press main button (I wish this could be made to Google Voice search in 1 step)
Device Search -> Swipe down and use the search icon there
Android Menu -> Swipe from Left edge (in supported apps)
I ran Antutu benchmark and the phone performs pretty decently - compares to 1st gen Moto X, Nexus 5, HTC one M7, Galaxy S4.
For $199 unlocked this is unbeatable for a decent android phone - with 1 year prime.
Attached: ANTUTU benchmark shows this phone better than Galaxy S4 but not as good as S5/HTC
I have AT&T so I will be getting my free upgrade next spring, which I can sell unopened for 600$ keeping this fire phone.
Took me 30 minutes to get Google Play no need of rooting
Poke_N_PDA said:
Without the play store it isn't even worth that. Still no bootloader Unlock means this is and always will be DOA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my post in the subsection - You only need to sideload google play store, google login framework and match the version of the Fireos to the android kernel version and download the matching play store - 4 apks and one setting change to get Play store. Pretty slick for $199 IMHO.
Yeah but you have an black background...
Framework working well?
Aztecwarrior25 said:
See my post in the subsection - You only need to sideload google play store, google login framework and match the version of the Fireos to the android kernel version and download the matching play store - 4 apks and one setting change to get Play store. Pretty slick for $199 IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please try to download anything from PlayStore. Thank you.
Pretty sure it doesn't works.
ONYXis said:
Please try to download anything from PlayStore. Thank you.
Pretty sure it doesn't works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine for me. I'm using all the google apps. The Google now launcher was kinda wonky so I'm sticking with the fire OS launcher with the Google apps installed.
MGREX said:
So apparently the fire phone sales are a bust, what are the chances that amazon will do a firesale? like $200 for it but unlocked and without a plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously that's exactly what they did (how very prescient of you).
That said, with such a severely locked down OS (can't even get Google Maps), I don't think it's worth the price. Maybe if someone figures out how to root it and install Cyanogenmod it'd be a good deal. My Kindle Fire was basically useless until I got a proper Android OS on it. Now it's a very decent tablet.
B1ackByte said:
Yeah but you have an black background...
Framework working well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, framework is fine, all apps work except for the labels on Google maps (somehow the hardware rendering on the firephone is incapabale of aggregating the labels of streetnames and city names in google maps)
I am debugging that now ... I have black background if I use Google now launcher that is another issue which I dont care about.
So far the phone seems fine - it is running the early Jelly bean (4.2.2 version kernel) which isnt bad but not great. I will try to get custom bootloader next - didnt have time on long weekend as I was on call for work - AMZN
Followed the steps, and now i have google play store working on Fire phone. Thanks so much.
Now waiting for root, & custom rom.
Aztecwarrior25 said:
Yeah, framework is fine, all apps work except for the labels on Google maps (somehow the hardware rendering on the firephone is incapabale of aggregating the labels of streetnames and city names in google maps)
I am debugging that now ... I have black background if I use Google now launcher that is another issue which I dont care about.
So far the phone seems fine - it is running the early Jelly bean (4.2.2 version kernel) which isnt bad but not great. I will try to get custom bootloader next - didnt have time on long weekend as I was on call for work - AMZN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you achieve some progress. Bootloader is currently the main thing stopping Fire Phone custom roms and such. Its locked down tight, and we either need to find an exploit for it, or somehow replace it entirely, but that sounds just as difficult to do as exploiting it.
How to change the Launcher
Hi,
This works great.
Can you please explain me how to change the default launcher?
Thanks
Aztecwarrior25 said:
I have Amazon Prime, which needed to be extended, so instead I bought the unlocked phone with free same day in the Phoenix area yesterday. got my phone last evening (11/26). After unboxing, I didn't want to root it, so I followed the kindle fire forums to install (sideload) google play.
and Voila I have Google services, Play store, Gmail, youtube, maps, drive and Google now launcher -
Without rooting and without any problems - Just follow the steps on the kindle forum or how-to-install-google-play-on-kindle-fire - on epubor site
Make sure the Play store version matches the Kernel version for the Jellybean 4.2.2 - remaining services can be latest I think
Steps:
1) Enable Non Amazon app installation from Settings -> Applications
2) Install ES2 file explorer or any file viewer from Amazon App store (you can also install some batch APK installer apps)
3) Copy the Apks from the link above (see my attachment)
------ Google Service Framework
------ Google Login Service
------ Google Play Service
------ Google Play Store
5) Reboot after each apk above - allow Fire OS to acknowledge google login if prompted
6) You should see Google Play properly logged in to your google account - install gmail, youtube, drive, google search etc.
Optional) If you hate the Amazon Carousel, Install Google Now launcher) - See last screenshot
Once you have Googlify or Androidify the Fire phone, it actually runs pretty nice.
I ran Antutu benchmark and the phone performs pretty decently - compares to 1st gen Moto X, Nexus 5, HTC one M7, Galaxy S4.
For 199 unlocked this is unbeatable for a decent android phone.
I have AT&T so will be getting my free upgrade next spring, which I can sell unopened for 600$ keeping this fire phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you upload the apks!?!??!
Aztecwarrior25 said:
I have Amazon Prime, which needed to be extended, so instead I bought the unlocked phone with free same day in the Phoenix area yesterday. got my phone last evening (11/26). After unboxing, I didn't want to root it, so I followed the kindle fire forums to install (sideload) google play.
and Voila I have Google services, Play store, Gmail, youtube, maps, drive and Google now launcher -
Without rooting and without any problems - Just follow the steps on the kindle forum or how-to-install-google-play-on-kindle-fire - on epubor site
Make sure the Play store version matches the Kernel version for the Jellybean 4.2.2 - remaining services can be latest I think
Steps:
1) Enable Non Amazon app installation from Settings -> Applications
2) Install ES2 file explorer or any file viewer from Amazon App store (you can also install some batch APK installer apps)
3) Copy the Apks from the link above (see my attachment)
------ Google Service Framework
------ Google Login Service
------ Google Play Service
------ Google Play Store
5) Reboot after each apk above - allow Fire OS to acknowledge google login if prompted
6) You should see Google Play properly logged in to your google account - install gmail, youtube, drive, google search etc.
Optional) If you hate the Amazon Carousel, Install Google Now launcher) - See last screenshot
Once you have Googlify or Androidify the Fire phone, it actually runs pretty nice.
I ran Antutu benchmark and the phone performs pretty decently - compares to 1st gen Moto X, Nexus 5, HTC one M7, Galaxy S4.
For 199 unlocked this is unbeatable for a decent android phone.
I have AT&T so will be getting my free upgrade next spring, which I can sell unopened for 600$ keeping this fire phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adityagadre said:
Hi,
This works great.
Can you please explain me how to change the default launcher?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download Google Now (or any other launcher) - Complete installation from app store - Then Press the home button (bottom main button) - you should see complete action using - popup with Fire and new launcher as 2 options.
Then choose new launcher and choose always option. To undo the new launcher - uninstall the custom launcher and the homebutton will automatically revert to default fire launcher
Hi all.
I've gone through the regular build of my firetv. I usually let aptoide update all the apps automatically, however After the update (im not sure) the firetv is behaving with the following issues.
1. I cannot click on any of the apps from the recent or home screen.
2. I have to select the apps on the manage installed apps page.
3. The apps location looks different and has kodi in it. that shouldn't be the case as kodi is not an amazon sanctioned app.
Is there a utility that got installed?
really really appreciate your help. please see the screen shot
navigates said:
Hi all.
I've gone through the regular build of my firetv. I usually let aptoide update all the apps automatically, however After the update (im not sure) the firetv is behaving with the following issues.
1. I cannot click on any of the apps from the recent or home screen.
2. I have to select the apps on the manage installed apps page.
3. The apps location looks different and has kodi in it. that shouldn't be the case as kodi is not an amazon sanctioned app.
Is there a utility that got installed?
really really appreciate your help. please see the screen shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for rbox's recovery, I recovered by cleaning all data and back from scratch with keeping my root. I still am curious. how did this anomy happy. I believe aptoid updated some foundation libraries and my firetv was set to install from unknown sources.
It looks to me like the stock amazon app store was installed. Just a guess
collindv said:
It looks to me like the stock amazon app store was installed. Just a guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Don't know what is a stock amazon app store. I did the recovery and got back to where it should be. Had to redo all apps again but that is a smaller task. The only change I had done was to let aptoide update all updates which I usually don't let aptoide take over. it also updated supersu etc.
navigates said:
Really? Don't know what is a stock amazon app store. I did the recovery and got back to where it should be. Had to redo all apps again but that is a smaller task. The only change I had done was to let aptoide update all updates which I usually don't let aptoide take over. it also updated supersu etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app store was installed. Do not update all appps with any third party app store. Aptoide always has an update for the amazon app store and if you update it, it installs the actual app store. Pay attention to what apps you are updating and what the version number is, cause sometimes the apps are actually downgraded with third party app stores. I update all apps one at a time with third party app stores, and I check to make sure that the app is the right version by checking it in the google play store first. There are also a lot of fake apps on third party app stores. Lets say you have version 1.2 installed and the updated version is actually 1.3, third party app stores may say the version is 1.4 or 1.5, and that always means the app is fake. So basically, never batch update/auto update with third party app stores, and always check the version number and you will be fine. If the version number does not match, do not update, and if you do not want your apps displayed like an app drawer on the fire TV then never update the amazon app store. BTW, if you accidentally install the amazon app store again, simply uninstall and reboot and it will go back to normal.
porkenhimer said:
The app store was installed. Do not update all appps with any third party app store. Aptoide always has an update for the amazon app store and if you update it, it installs the actual app store. Pay attention to what apps you are updating and what the version number is, cause sometimes the apps are actually downgraded with third party app stores. I update all apps one at a time with third party app stores, and I check to make sure that the app is the right version by checking it in the google play store first. There are also a lot of fake apps on third party app stores. Lets say you have version 1.2 installed and the updated version is actually 1.3, third party app stores may say the version is 1.4 or 1.5, and that always means the app is fake. So basically, never batch update/auto update with third party app stores, and always check the version number and you will be fine. If the version number does not match, do not update, and if you do not want your apps displayed like an app drawer on the fire TV then never update the amazon app store. BTW, if you accidentally install the amazon app store again, simply uninstall and reboot and it will go back to normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I knew this earlier would have saved me loads of time redoing the box again, but that too is no biggie as most of my build is automated through batch files. I didn’t know there is an app store. I’ll be careful. I too typically don’t update all but do it one at a time. The good tip is to check the version number before updating which I will. I’m contemplating getting another rooted one for my self as a backup as those are getting hard to find and my local best buy has a few on hand.
navigates said:
I wish I knew this earlier would have saved me loads of time redoing the box again, but that too is no biggie as most of my build is automated through batch files. I didn’t know there is an app store. I’ll be careful. I too typically don’t update all but do it one at a time. The good tip is to check the version number before updating which I will. I’m contemplating getting another rooted one for my self as a backup as those are getting hard to find and my local best buy has a few on hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if they are not rootable, they are still worth the money. The only advantages I really see in rooting is having the play store, default lanchers and external drive support. I could care less about a launcher on the fire TV, cause none of them function correctly anyway, and not having the play store is even less of a care for me, cause I have all the apps I need or want without it. External drive support would be nice, but I am pretty sure it will come in a future update from amazon so no big deal. I guess I can say my only gripe about the Fire TV is that it does not support a lot of apps that are sideloaded, but that is not amazons fault and every device doesn't support all apps.
porkenhimer said:
Even if they are not rootable, they are still worth the money. The only advantages I really see in rooting is having the play store, default lanchers and external drive support. I could care less about a launcher on the fire TV, cause none of them function correctly anyway, and not having the play store is even less of a care for me, cause I have all the apps I need or want without it. External drive support would be nice, but I am pretty sure it will come in a future update from amazon so no big deal. I guess I can say my only gripe about the Fire TV is that it does not support a lot of apps that are sideloaded, but that is not amazons fault and every device doesn't support all apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. At the moment, the benefits of rooting is not outweighed at the moment, however, the custom rom is around the horizon. I specifically like the suspend feature on kodi. Another rooted feature I like is quicksupport/teamviewer, so I can help my family incase they need help. I may drive down to bestbuy on my way in and pick up one of the rootable units and keep it on the side for future need or family need.
Or should I get the nexus player.
navigates said:
Agreed. At the moment, the benefits of rooting is not outweighed at the moment, however, the custom rom is around the horizon. I specifically like the suspend feature on kodi. Another rooted feature I like is quicksupport/teamviewer, so I can help my family incase they need help. I may drive down to bestbuy on my way in and pick up one of the rootable units and keep it on the side for future need or family need.
Or should I get the nexus player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get the device you like. If you already know the Fire TV is good for you then why not get another? If you wanna different experience get the Nexus Player or another device of your choosing. Its all subjective, and no one can really answer that for you. Just my opinion, you will be hard pressed to find another android box that can compete with the Fire TV. There are a lot of devices that have great specs that do not compare to the Fire TV, even without root. There is a reason why there are thousands off videos comparing the Fire TV to the Roku and Apple TV, cause its is the top Android box, period.
porkenhimer said:
You should get the device you like. If you already know the Fire TV is good for you then why not get another? If you wanna different experience get the Nexus Player or another device of your choosing. Its all subjective, and no one can really answer that for you. Just my opinion, you will be hard pressed to find another android box that can compete with the Fire TV. There are a lot of devices that have great specs that do not compare to the Fire TV, even without root. There is a reason why there are thousands off videos comparing the Fire TV to the Roku and Apple TV, cause its is the top Android box, period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I've gotten myself another box as the serial number was in the series 3 and I would like to keep it rooted. I'm confident a custom rom is around the corner. So far I've given the firetv to my parents, inlaws, brother in law, 3 cousins and loads of friends. They all are super excited about it. the downside is that I'm getting tired of building one for friends as when people ask, they don't realize the effort that is put into building one, specially for rooting. I feel if building one, give the full honesty and build a good one/rooted as you never know what new is around the horizon.
Yes its stock amazon app store, i made the same mistake when apiode updated the amazon store for me. All you have to do is uninstall it.
go to settings apps click on amazon app store and clear data and cash uninstall then reboot.
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
While I welcome enthusiasm and sharing of knowledge, I can't help feel if your going all out Google there are better phones for the money or at least phones that will prove less problematic for you in the long run. I'm using this as my second phone because as a prime member I get free books etc.
Hi, can't agree more. I fully accept that getting the Play services on here is something of a fudge and something which no doubt could break at any time.
I probably like you bought this as a back-up device and something which failing all else I could use as a sort of media player for Amazon's services. I have managed to accumulate a lot of games for free through the regular free games/credits, so that helps.
Not in any way trying to knock Amazon, however the app store situation is pretty poor. As it is, without the Play store, I don't think I could really recommend this phone, but I do think it is a great bargain, nothing else for me comes close to the specs or build quality for similar money to what we paid.
As I say, just wanted to help anyone out who might have been in a similar situation and picked one of these up "on a punt".
Hi dampchimp,
I planning to order a fire phone but I can't use the O² network. Was the unlocking process so simple. I read earlier that many have problems with both amazon and O² to unlock their phones.
I can't see a 64GB but only 32 on amazon.co.uk
Thank you!
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
ratbags said:
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, for me anyway, I just done a web chat and got one in 2 minutes, obviously no guarantee, but seems like they just don't care any more.
Strangely, I put the code in and got a message along the lines of "unlock failed" but it worked anyway.
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone
dampchimp said:
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
I'm looking at the deal on this phone today in the US also - $159 for the phone with a year of Amazon Prime so $60 for this phone a backup if anything happens to my current Xperia Z1.
I think for $60 it's a great deal but not also not sure of the functionality of it with Google apps. That'd be key for me.
Suggestions?
Absolutely no problems with Google play etc and I've been using for a month or so. Follow the various guides on this forum like I did and you'll be ok. Phone isn't any slower since I deployed gapps.
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
sergio687 said:
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but don't you need older firmware? I ordered one tonight that I expect to be running a unrootable firmware. I'm hoping to root before updating by blocking domains then registering and rooting quick. Of course if its running the latest that doesn't matter. Or can I root this?
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Kingroot it (just to have it rooted and flash ROMs), flash CM11 and enjoy a phone with great specs and a great price, and a year of Amazon Prime. Heck, you can even download the Amazon Appstore after you have de-Amazon'ed it and continue to enjoy the free app of the day and all that stuff.
Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I didn't wait for this is fear that Amazon would patch the exploit via an update.
Sent from my Fire Phone using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
JetFan said:
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my Fire Phone using the XDA premium app.
Thanks
arunhtc said:
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked US version on Black Friday, sideloaded Google apps and activated on Net10 early December. Google Play Store tells you if an app is incompatible, I have sideloaded most of those from 1Mobile. That only works for free apps, so far I only have one paid app that I can't use (local commuter train).
Can't compare speed, didn't use it before sideloading Google but it seems pretty zippy to me.
Main problem will probably be Lollipop-only apps. I've run across a few incompatible apps, but nothing crucial yet. Looks like I have 123 apps in my grid, most from either Amazon or Google.
I'm using this as my main phone.
Okay thanks for info ...
Sent from my SD4930UR using Tapatalk
Issue started this week after HBO updated (Mar 8, 2017) the app.
It plays the 8 second HBO ad/ratings clip but it does not play the main video. I just get 3 blue dots at the bottom of screen rotating
HBOGO does work on 3 different Fire TV 1 units (rooted) and PCs
Here is what I've tried in order they were tried
Soft and hard reboot of the unit
Cleared data & cache
uninstalled and reinstalled HBOgo
Factory Reset using TWRP
Reflashed 5.2.4.0 Rom
Tried "Hide My Root" (https://goo.gl/brVjro)
having the same problem
krawhitham said:
Issue started this week after HBO updated (Mar 8, 2017) the app.
It plays the 8 second HBO ad/ratings clip but it does not play the main video. I just get 3 blue dots at the bottom of screen rotating
HBOGO does work on 3 different Fire TV 1 units (rooted) and PCs
Here is what I've tried in order they were tried
Soft and hard reboot of the unit
Cleared data & cache
uninstalled and reinstalled HBOgo
Factory Reset using TWRP
Reflashed 5.2.4.0 Rom
Tried "Hide My Root" (https://goo.gl/brVjro)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
theistus said:
having the same problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are your guys blocking some addresses thru OpenDNS or router ?
Some are reporting that they can not update/install some Apps with list blocking. You can try to see if that is the case after using both Method 5 & Method 1 on the update blocking guide.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-software-updates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
Or it could be that HBO updated their app or their servers to check for root in a different way that the old Hide my Root can't bypass. I know the ATT Uverse app was already doing that.
Not blocking anything on my end. Running the pre-rooted 5.2.4 image.
---------- Post added at 01:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 AM ----------
HBO GO works fine on my rooted phone, btw, no need to hide anything. One thing I noticed is that if i got into HBO's settings on the firetv, it seems to think I am on 5.1.1.
I think i am going to try sideloading the regular google apk and/or the older version of it that worked fine prior to this "update"
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:28 AM ----------
well neither of the current (9.2.0.4) apks (leanback or regular) I downloaded worked.
But, the 9.1.0.11 leanback apk is working like a charm.
Honestly this is the kind of **** that really pisses me off. I have legal access to a crapton of content. I have a cable sub with a couple of premium channels, hulu, netflix, and a Prime account.
But I end up using Kodi most of the time because I like having it all in ONE EASY TO NAVIGATE yet feature rich app that actually keeps track of all the shows across all the services. Plus it's far easier for the wife to use than ping ponging around across disparate applications. I swear to god, if content providers could ever get their **** together to unify and simplify services they would stop piracy. Is it even piracy if you have legal access to it, are paying for it, but you just despise the way they want to make you watch it on their broken ****?
/endrant
Same Issue
Did anyone figure out a workaround outside of installing the leanback edition?
I'm having the same issue, but the newest version of the app just crashes and gives a service error. Updating to the latest Fire TV firmware did not change anything. The info section of the app still reads 5.1.1 when it comes to firmware, which is strange.
I guess a better question is: does the app work for anyone who is rooted? If so it must be something those of us who are having problems did, in which case a factory reset might be in order.
this is interesting. I haven't used the hbogo app since game of thrones concluded. I'll check my rooted ftv2 when i get home later tonight to see.
Seph25 said:
Did anyone figure out a workaround outside of installing the leanback edition?
I'm having the same issue, but the newest version of the app just crashes and gives a service error. Updating to the latest Fire TV firmware did not change anything. The info section of the app still reads 5.1.1 when it comes to firmware, which is strange.
I guess a better question is: does the app work for anyone who is rooted? If so it must be something those of us who are having problems did, in which case a factory reset might be in order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, I did figure out why it says 5.1.1. It's because that's the version of Android that the current firetv os is based on.
That's right, still on goddam lollipop. This might be the problem right here.
In any case, the new april update changed nothing, and neither did the new rbox 5.2.4.1 image.
I still don't think it's root, because hbogo works just fine on my rooted nexus 7 and on my rooted vs985.
hbo go app on amazon store has a ton of people saying it broke after the march update, so it's not just us.
If I'm feeling motivated I may try to grab a logcat and see if i can work it out, but as it's working with the pre-march leanback apk I'm not in a rush.
It's been a minute since this thread was active, but thought I'd post a logcat I finally got around to grabbing.
the meat of the thing is toward the end, but i included the whole logcat in case I missed something
I'm not terribly good with logcats, but it looks like a drminfo error, starting with :
W/mediaErrorLogger( 202): MediaError:MMSW_Metrics5.2.4.2:com.HBO.DRM_CANNOT_HANDLE=-2006 from DECRYPT
E/MediaCodec(16612): queueCSDInputBuffer failed w/ error -2006
E/ExoPlayerImplInternal(16612): Internal runtime error.
E/ExoPlayerImplInternal(16612): android.media.MediaCodec$CryptoException: Unknown Error
Thought I'd post it here in case anyone wants to poke at it
I use HBO NOW which stopped working a few weeks ago. Did a lot of clearing, uninstalling, etc. The problem was that the newer versions of NOW no longer worked. My fix, thanks to one of the nice people here was:
1. Block Updates in Application > Settings
2. Download the FTV Apps in Themes section at the bottom of the forum.
3. Unzip it.
4. Sideload the HBO app you need. For me NOW. For you GO.
Anyway, that worked for me. My thinking is that HBO doesn't like my Root, Xposed, or something else.
Maybe time to move on to some sort of generic streamer that lets me live free.
Unfortunately that didn't work for me on HBO GO. I downloaded HBO_GO_v9.2.0.4.apk from the pack and although it doesn't give an error message, it simply doesn't play.
In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm keeping root anyways (other than the "fun" of rooting something).
LakersFan_73 said:
Unfortunately that didn't work for me on HBO GO. I downloaded HBO_GO_v9.2.0.4.apk from the pack and although it doesn't give an error message, it simply doesn't play.
In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm keeping root anyways (other than the "fun" of rooting something).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too was having this problem and FINALLY found out the problem as actually my prerooted image from rbox.
He has since released a fixed prerooted image, hopefully this is also the same issue you're having?
Link to the post with updated prerooted firmware from rbox
rbox said:
July 27, 2017 - 5.2.4.2_r2 (md5sum: a96e73478cdbe8659f6758a5d27b4738
This includes updated firmware to fix Hulu and HBO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it fixed it. Sorry I should have updated my post.
HBO GO account
Never mind
xmxmxm said:
anybody know how to access the data on fire tv? I want to retrieve my old hbo go log-in information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't post in multiple places
I already answered you
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fi...re-tv-copy-t3810493/post76947862#post76947862
Hi all,
I have a 2nd gen FireTV, live in the UK, and I'm trying to install directv (not directv now). I've installed the tablet version from 1mobile market and that opens ok, let's me accept disclaimer, but then tells me my version is out of date.. When downloading newest version (5.0.107) from aptoide, it just doesn't open. Sometimes the disclaimer page loads for a second, but then it just closes again
I not 100% sure I have the right version for the FireTV
I have a US VPN connected
Any ideas?
Tripledrop said:
Hi all,
I have a 2nd gen FireTV, live in the UK, and I'm trying to install directv (not directv now). I've installed the tablet version from 1mobile market and that opens ok, let's me accept disclaimer, but then tells me my version is out of date.. When downloading newest version (5.0.107) from aptoide, it just doesn't open. Sometimes the disclaimer page loads for a second, but then it just closes again
I not 100% sure I have the right version for the FireTV
I have a US VPN connected
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try APKPure &/or APKMirror. Make sure you pick the right ARM or compatible Android version.
Y314K said:
Never mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's for directv now?
Tripledrop said:
That's for directv now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated info above.
Y314K said:
Updated info above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So should I choose the one for tablets?
Tripledrop said:
So should I choose the one for tablets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would choose the tablets one just for the probably built-in landscape mode & the size of the channels guide alone.
Both versions seem to have been updated on the same day. Although they have different version numbers.
Y314K said:
I would choose the tablets one just for the probably built-in landscape mode & the size of the channels guide alone.
Both versions seem to have been updated on the same day. Although they have different version numbers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok tried that, seems exactly the same version that I got from aptoide, and closes just the same unfortunately ?
Tripledrop said:
Ok tried that, seems exactly the same version that I got from aptoide, and closes just the same unfortunately ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your device is rooted. You might wanna try the XPosed Holo Themer module. See if that helps to open the App.
Try the non-tablet one next.
Could also be related to not having the PlayStore Services on our FTV's.
I tried the APKMirror tablet APK since it suppose to be nodpi. But it crashes as soon as it tries to load the agreement.
Tried the phone version too. That one crashes quicker. Will try to see if Holo Themer helps the Tablet App load later.