Develop Bugs

[Q] Anyone get Amazon Instant Video to work?

Anyone able to stream Amazon Instant Video on the Galaxy Note 8? The usual side load flash and a compatible browser isn't working.
I have tried loading four different versions of Flash for ICS as well as Dolphin Browser 8.51 which supports Flash, the stock browser, Firefox HD with the Phony extension set to Desktop and Boat Browser. None of them work. Flash 11.1 loads but once you get past loading and connecting at Amazon, all you get is a black screen. The video never starts.
I'm still within my return period on the Note 8. I may jump ship to a Nexus 7 if I can't get this to work.

Same experience for me. I've tried stock and ×Scope Pro.
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Amazon must have altered something on their side. Its no longer working on my Nexus 7 or Nexus 4 either. This just started happening within the last week or so.

Wow. I guess Amazon doesn't want our business. If they did this on purpose I am canceling Prime and won't be buying anything else from them. I can't believe they would intentionally take away the means to sell their products with a healthy margin, in order to sell a product with little to no margin (Kindle). Stupid move. Whatever. I can buy stuff from Google and Newegg and others instead.
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I wonder how long Amazon will keep the iOS app around... And if they'll ever offer the same for android users... And why they don't.
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jntdroid said:
I wonder how long Amazon will keep the iOS app around... And if they'll ever offer the same for android users... And why they don't.
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Click to collapse
Everything worked fine until a few day ago.
The reason there is no app or official support is complicated. All of these things like Hulu+ & Amazon VOD have specific licensing agreements with greeeeedy networks. These networks messed up big time in their minds by not finding a way to restrict content on old PC, laptops & desktop PC's & now they are trying to make up for it.
Now they are trying to extort as much money in licensing from everybody they can. They want you to pay as a subscriber, they want the OEM manufacturer to pay & they want Google to pay. Now they have the chance to determine EXACTLY what type of device you are using & discriminate based on that info as a means to extort more money from everyone. If you use a tablet, you can watch SOME Hulu+ shows, if you have a PC, you can watch SOME Hulu+ shows, If you have a Hulu+ licensed device with the Hulu+ app, like a media streaming player, you can watch ALL of their shows.
SImilarly with Amazon now, if you are using a Windows PC or Tablet, you get full PC Flash support, which means you get Amazon VOD, if you have an Android device, you get nothing now, because Flash killed off support & Amazon never had official support.
Even worse, you can get Hulu on just about ANY browser in the world, unless it is a browser on a Google TV device. This is because of the licensing agreements between the middlemen like Amazon & Hulu & the greedy & scared networks, whom are losing advertising revenue because people would rather watch older shows that took thought over their current mindless, low budget reality TV. The networks think you should pay a subscription & everyone involved with a device, even a carrier if there is one, should pay licensing fees & you should be forced to watch commercials, which is why they are also suing Dish Network for their "Hopper" feature, which lets you easily hop past commercials.
There is an iOS app because there were a lot of iOS users & they are more active about complaining & petitioning people than Android users are. Technically, I think we should all be complaining about this because of the Net Neutrality Act. They are discriminating based on browser, limiting choice & options for consumers. They stream their shows to PC's, but tablets are different in their mind, just as they say streaming to a Google TV BluRay player is different than streaming to your TV from your windows PC. It is a common task, using the internet & I don't think they should be allowed to make the rules in regards to what is a PC (which stands for personal computer) & in my mind a tablet can most definitely fit into that category.
WOrse even yet, damn Amazon has made good money taking Google's hard work & forking Android, yet they crap on the Amazon customers that use true Android. Plain old browser discrimination, if you ask me.

Thanks for the well though out response.
What I still fail to understand is how Amazon can justify streaming to an Android based Kindle fire, but not to an Android tablet. This is why I have stopped my prime membership from automatically renewing. And without Prime, I will be MUCH less likely to order anything from Amazon. I can't find the business sense or logic in this decision. It seems counter productive to me.
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Amazon claims we can access Amazon Instant Video through XBMC. I will try this later when I have time. Their response to my complaint also sounds like they may be working on an app for Android? No promises or timeline, but I am definitely getting that impression(?). I've copied both their letter and my complaint below (names removed). It's a quickly thrown together complaint, not the best written, but gets the point across I think. I encourage you all to write to them as well, to indicate your interest in streaming to Android tablets. The more interest they see, the more likely for them to put effort into enabling content on Android devices.
Your AccountAmazon.com
Message From Customer Service
Hello ,
Thanks for writing to us with your query. I'll do my best to provide a thorough answer.
From your email, I've understood that you unhappy that you are not able to access Amazon Instant Videos on "Android" devices any more.
Unfortunately at this time, Amazon does not support Amazon/Prime Instant Videos on android devices.
However, customers were able to watch Amazon Instant Videos on their android devices using XBMC Player app. Amazon Instant Video utilizes the Adobe Flash Player but due to the recent changes/upgrade of the flash version made by Adobe, closed that loophole.
I also understand that having "AIV/PIV" feature on "Android" devices will provide additional convenience to our customers. However, please note that, the content we offer through Amazon Instant Video depends on our agreements with content owners. Device manufacturers has exclusive rights to the hardware and software that would not make it possible for Amazon.com to provide Amazon Instant Videos for these devices directly.
To make sure your feedback is heard by the right people in the Organization, I've forwarded your comments as a feedback to Amazon Instant Video Development Team, who will review your comments and will work on improvements to make these features better on Amazon.com
We've received many requests from the customers to release an Android app for Instant Video streaming and our development team is working on it
I also keep pushing for this feature myself. It is an important part of upcoming developments in our Amazon Instant Videos service. I appreciate that you wrote about this so that I can point out increasing demand for it. As this involves may teams and individuals, I'm unable to predict the current time-line.
It is always important for us to hear how customers react to all aspects. I appreciate that you wrote about this so that I can point out increased demand for Amazon/Prime Instant Videos on Android devices. Your valuable feedback will help us to improve the selection and service we provide and we're glad you took time to write to us. We do value the feedback of our customers and make every attempt to integrate their comments or suggestions into our stores and procedures.
Amazon Instant Video development team is regularly in touch with the manufacturers to make more devices (OR Models) compatible with Amazon/Prime Instant Videos. Devices not compatible now, may become compatible in future.
You may have noticed some major wins for our customers, now that XBox 360, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Wii & Wiiu became compatible recently with more to come based on customer requests. With that kind of proliferation there's a significant increase in pressure to get more devices/models added.* If there is any update it will be directly posted on our website.
-----If you still need any further assistance related to Amazon Instant Video, then please contact us via phone, chat or email by using the link below, so we can help you appropriately.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/contact-us/digital-video.html
Please know that our customer's satisfaction and their convenience is very important to us above all else, it's the foundation on which our company was built.
I would've really loved to have this resolved to your benefit if only there was another way however as I hope you'd understand, we do go through certain protocols and processes to hopefully meet your needs in the best and fastest way possible.
I am very sorry that we were not able to meet your expectations this time but be assured that we always endeavor to assist our valued customer like you with the best of our service and we'll continue working hard to ensure that we provide the quality support you expect from us.
Thank you for your interest in Amazon Instant Videos. We appreciate your patience in this matter and thanks for the time you took to write to us.
Best regards,
Did I solve your problem?
*
Your feedback is helping us build Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company.
Thank you.
Amazon.com
Original Message
---------------
04/23/13 15:45:48
Your Name:
Comments:I am an Amazon Prime member. I have ordered over $8,500 purchases in the last 6 months.
I have used my Prime account for a year and a half. During this time I have accessed Prime videos on my Android based tablet. This apparently is no longer available. Therefore I have stopped my Prime membership from automatically renewing. I'm sure you are aware that the Prime membership has encouraged me to make more of my purchases from Amazon. I'm sure you will understand that without Prime, I will be shopping elsewhere.
I am aware that Amazon Instant Video can be accessed on the Kindle Fire, which is another Android tablet. Not allowing the same access on competing Android tablets is alienating your customers. It gives an impression of discriminating in favor of your own device.
I am aware that Amazon Instant Video is available on IOS tablets. I have an iPad 3. However I do not like to watch videos on a 4:3 aspect ratio device. I have Amazon Instant Video available on my TV, my Roku, and on my Vizio Co-Star Google TV device. My preferred method of streaming videos when not sitting Iin my living room is still by using my Android tablet. The perception that Amazon is discriminating against competing Android products is why I will not be renewing my Prime account, and why Amazon will lose over $10,000 worth of business per year from just this one customer.
I ask you to ask your business development department just one question;
"Was disabling content from Android devices worth losing over $10,000 per year per customer worth it? Is loosing more than $10,000 per year per customer a good strategy?"
I am aware that Amazon never did officially support Amazon Instant Video on Android tablets. However, unofficial support was enough to encourage me and doubtless others to sign up for Prime and increase their spending. The loss of this unofficial support will result in not only the loss of the new business it has created, but loss of the limited business we have had with Amazon prior to Prime membership.
If I was a stock holder, I would have to question Amazon's business strategy and future.
As a customer, I only have to choose another supplier. It is a shame. I have enjoyed many Amazon products and services over the years.
Regards,
---------------
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WARNING about XBMC
Hey...be careful with installing XBMC. I did and now my system won't unlock.
I sideloaded the latest nightly of XMBC and was refreshing repository when it froze. Now I get to the lockscreen, there is an indication that "power saving mode is enabled" and it freezes within 10 seconds of unlocking/startup. May just be coincidental...
I am rooted via framaroot.apk.
EDIT: Ended up having to reboot into the stock recovery and reset the device to factory to get out the of loop. And I returned it to the store.

Thanks for the heads up, much appreciated. I will try it on an older tablet I don't mind resetting. I can't take that chance on the Note 8, I'm already heavily relying on it at work.
FYI I already tried Plex (which is similar to XBMC), but the Amazon plug in does not work. I also tried the Amazon plugin for Playon, and I can get further with that; I can see the list of categories of movies and tv shows, but I have not successfully streamed anything so far. I suspect it will not work, but I need to try some more before I give up.
PSsisterchick: wait with the purchase of the Nexus 7, Google is rumored to announce the next generation of the Nexus 7 in 3 weeks at Google I/O. It's only a rumor, but a likely one.
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kisrita said:
Thanks for the heads up, much appreciated. I will try it on an older tablet I don't mind resetting. I can't take that chance on the Note 8, I'm already heavily relying on it at work.
FYI I already tried Plex (which is similar to XBMC), but the Amazon plug in does not work. I also tried the Amazon plugin for Playon, and I can get further with that; I can see the list of categories of movies and tv shows, but I have not successfully streamed anything so far. I suspect it will not work, but I need to try some more before I give up.
PSsisterchick: wait with the purchase of the Nexus 7, Google is rumored to announce the next generation of the Nexus 7 in 3 weeks at Google I/O. It's only a rumor, but a likely one.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, kisirta. That's what I'm thinking too. Nightlies of CM 10.1 have just come out for my old modded Nook Color. I'll put the old girl back to work until we see what happens at Goodle I/O.

Well I can confirm that Amazon Instant Video does not work through XBMC either. In trying to install the Amazon Instant Video plugin for XBMC, I came across many, many forum posts and articles about how it used to work, but Amazon "fixed it" so it no longer works. It appears Amazon thought I was another XBMC user complaining about the access that was cut off. Since I had said nothing about XBMC, I thought they were telling me that some people were using XBMC to stream Amazon videos successfully, but it appears the reference just a cut and paste canned response to the XBMC users who previously had been streaming Amazon videos, and were complaining that they couldn't do so any more. And I actually thought Amazon was trying to do something about the loss of access. They apparently do not care. They are obviously receiving many complaints, and they can't do better than cut and paste responses aimed at a completely different group of people. I guess I had given them more credit than they deserve. No more Amazon for me. I'm thoroughly disgusted with them.
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I've been writing amazon for a long time asking for an app. I'd become accustomed to watching through the stock browser with mobile flash, but there was always a tiny loss of audio/video sync that was just bad enough to annoy that was never present when I had the old fire apk running on a Nook Tablet. I wasn't angry at the time, then they cut off browser access a few days ago, despite promising on their device page that any computer with an internet connection could access prime streaming. Well guess what, my transformer is a computer with an internet connection. Promise broken.
When I told them off for neglecting an android app and then actively and hostilely blocking perfectly capable browsers just because they were on android, they thanked me for my suggestion that android browser support be added to prime streaming :facepalm:

Puffin browser seems to work. At least it starts the video anyway. Some comments at the Nexus 7 forum indicate it is choppy, I don't know if it will play any better on our devices, I can't test it right now. But I can confirm that it is able to at least start the video.
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Interesting...curious to know if Puffin will work for you. I returned by Note 8 to the store because it was acting unstable and getting pretty hot in the process and I was within my 15-day window at Best Buy...but I miss it. I found I really liked the pen. I may have to give it another chance.

I tried it on both the Note 8 and my ancient original Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Puffin browser does stream the video, but it's choppy on both devices, though much much less so on the Note 8. The audio was badly out of synch on both devices, so much so that I only watched a few minutes of the video (Nemesis). This is not an acceptable alternative.
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I was able to stream a non HD Amazon Instant Video TV episode to the Note 8 using Playon. It is a little slow going at first and stuttered initially, but then was streaming good quality. I dont know if pause, rewind and FF work, I didnt test those. Just wanted to let everyone know there is this option. (Technicaly Puffin is another option, but it's not good enough to be worth it.) Neither app is free, but both come with a trial. You must have Playon installed and running on your PC to stream to your Android tablet.
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Install xbmc. Not only does it do amazon prime without problems, you get the benefit of much more content. Do a google search for xbmc and you will have to sideload. Enjoy...
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tremblayb said:
Install xbmc. Not only does it do amazon prime without problems, you get the benefit of much more content. Do a google search for xbmc and you will have to sideload. Enjoy...
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Click to collapse
Just to confirm...you installed XBMC on Note 8 and streamed Amazon Instant Video? When tried a couple of weeks ago it didn't work.

Wow, I stand corrected. I just went in and tried it again in xbmc and it appears that amazon is now blocking it. Bastards... oh well, back to drawing board. Sorry for the confusion but I had it working on ipad, samsung galaxy note and appletv. Sorry for the confusion...
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[Q] Buy Ouya for XMBC, Cheapcast and Emulators?

Ok, guys... Ouya is not available in my country, but I have one opportunity to buy this console, since my friend is in the USA atm.
I am not interested in Ouya games (some are too expensive for my taste). I'm thinking of buying the console for video playback (MX Player or XMBC), Cheapcast (to stream from my Nexus) and emulating some old gaming systems (GBA, NES, Sega, etc).
I don't like the fact that it's easily brickable (I know you don't like that, too).
Should I buy it for that? What's your opinion?

Go for it.
I am more than happy using mine for XBMC and emulators along with side loaded games and a few choice Ouya games.
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Corvus Corax said:
Ok, guys... Ouya is not available in my country, but I have one opportunity to buy this console, since my friend is in the USA atm.
I am not interested in Ouya games (some are too expensive for my taste). I'm thinking of buying the console for video playback (MX Player or XMBC), Cheapcast (to stream from my Nexus) and emulating some old gaming systems (GBA, NES, Sega, etc).
I don't like the fact that it's easily brickable (I know you don't like that, too).
Should I buy it for that? What's your opinion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its why i bought mine really.........really dissapointed that it wasnt the whole open console....but pleased with it to watch stuff on

hippopig said:
its why i bought mine really.........really dissapointed that it wasnt the whole open console....but pleased with it to watch stuff on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it for xbmc but to be honest, I think that i would have been better off doing more research. It was an impulse buy and if you are going tobe doing emulation and side loaded stuff you may as well spend the money elsewhere.

HT123 said:
I bought it for xbmc but to be honest, I think that i would have been better off doing more research. It was an impulse buy and if you are going tobe doing emulation and side loaded stuff you may as well spend the money elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK the xbmc part is debatable, personally i enjoy mine using xbmc but i can see others frustrated with it. However I'm curious about the emulation part, I am running the nes, genesis and a few other emulators on it without a hiccup and absolutely love it for that. It is probably only a matter of time before someone does a good port of mame to it and that will just add to it.
what the unit does and the form factor, or a better way to put it not having to have a full pc there to do these little things. and if i want to do something more powerful normally i'm at my desk for that anyway.

chewyboy said:
OK the xbmc part is debatable, personally i enjoy mine using xbmc but i can see others frustrated with it.
what the unit does and the form factor, or a better way to put it not having to have a full pc there to do these little things. and if i want to do something more powerful normally i'm at my desk for that anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think android and a small set top box are the correct OS and form factor for TV displayed emulation but i say money could be better spent elsewhere for the following reasons. For XBMC, the controller is horrible. It just is. If you want a decent remote to go with the Ouya it will run you at least $35 or $40. For most other stuff the Controller is not the best and a PS3 controller seems to be the current controller of choice for gaming. If you get an android HTPC it will still be able to pair a remote (or use flirc) as well as pair with a PS3 controller. The other selling point with a Non-ouya android device is that you are not given a version of the android OS which needs to be modded to use the Play store. My final complaint and the biggest is the wifi is just horrible, just. plain. horrible. Moving the wireless router or running a cable 35 feet to the living room are not options and it is the only device with such bad performance.
that is my rant... i just talked my self out of an Ouya... too bad i didn't write this $99 ago.

HT123 said:
I think android and a small set top box are the correct OS and form factor for TV displayed emulation but i say money could be better spent elsewhere for the following reasons. For XBMC, the controller is horrible. It just is. If you want a decent remote to go with the Ouya it will run you at least $35 or $40. For most other stuff the Controller is not the best and a PS3 controller seems to be the current controller of choice for gaming. If you get an android HTPC it will still be able to pair a remote (or use flirc) as well as pair with a PS3 controller. The other selling point with a Non-ouya android device is that you are not given a version of the android OS which needs to be modded to use the Play store. My final complaint and the biggest is the wifi is just horrible, just. plain. horrible. Moving the wireless router or running a cable 35 feet to the living room are not options and it is the only device with such bad performance.
that is my rant... i just talked my self out of an Ouya... too bad i didn't write this $99 ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK i have to argue about the controller part of this. if you are geeky enough to buy an ouya then you have at least 1 tablet laying around, dont say you do not because you do. the xbmc remote for android or ios devices works great for xbmc and the ouya so really that is not an excuse for complaining about the controller for controlling the ouya when in xbmc.
now setting it up sucks, but there is a way around that to, it's called plug in a usb keyboard for 10 minutes and setup your network shares and all.

chewyboy said:
OK i have to argue about the controller part of this....
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Click to collapse
I am geeky enough and currently use that solution at times although honestly, I dislike the XBMC remote on the phone and tablet. I like buttons that I can push. Aside from personal preference, that solution is only valid if the box stays in XBMC and XBMC is used as a launcher for android programs and another controller is handy and paired. The other issue is that solution is only valid if I am both home and willing to let the other people in the house use my phone or tablet as a remote so they can use XBMC.
So while I agree there are other solutions for controlling XBMC I don't think they justify the purchase of the Ouya simply because they are available, especially since they are generic apps and will be available regardless of the android based set top you buy. Why pay the price for the Ouya controller so you can immediately implement a solution that is suitable for the situation.

Sad news, guys. A friend went to BestBuy in NYC yesterday to buy me an Ouya. http://stores.bestbuy.com/1448/
They had 3 of them and all were sold yesterday during the day. The nearest BestBuy was 15 blocks away and he didn't have the time to go there. Today he is flying back home, so no Ouya for me... :/

It's a piece of sh***... Don't waste your money for this console or whatever it was supposed to be. I have it and I hate it... Waste of time and money... Get a real android or Linux device and that makes you happy
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What can i do with a fire tv box?

I am looking for a replacement to the mad catz m.o.j.o console i had a refund on it but i want open android with superb graphics really,but the thing is i don't want anything too expensive or too cheap either,the problem is i don't know what models are best,or more importantly for this section of the forum what i can do in relation to getting a fire tv gaming and web browsing etc?Can i play games can more importantly can i sideload and also can i sideload downloaded stuff? Or possibly flash a rom on it?

PHYSC-1 said:
I am looking for a replacement to the mad catz m.o.j.o console i had a refund on it but i want open android with superb graphics really,but the thing is i don't want anything too expensive or too cheap either,the problem is i don't know what models are best,or more importantly for this section of the forum what i can do in relation to getting a fire tv gaming and web browsing etc?Can i play games can more importantly can i sideload and also can i sideload downloaded stuff? Or possibly flash a rom on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont take this the wrong way, but to get everythihg you want you will need to custom build a HTPC with a computer. These android boxes are good and most are cheap, but they do have limitations and will not meeet all your expectations.
IMO, the FTV is the best box on the market in the under $150 category. If you are willing to comprimise, it should meet most of you expectations. All you questions are answered in this forum, so read up or use search.

byrdcfmma said:
Dont take this the wrong way, but to get everythihg you want you will need to custom build a HTPC with a computer. These android boxes are good and most are cheap, but they do have limitations and will not meeet all your expectations.
IMO, the FTV is the best box on the market in the under $150 category. If you are willing to comprimise, it should meet most of you expectations. All you questions are answered in this forum, so read up or use search.
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Click to collapse
Had enough of pc's i am a computer repair technician,i want it for the lower power consumption but with nearing or par with console level graphics.Pc's are too expensive to run they are rubbish in small form factors they tend to burn out on the bridge on the board, or they come with cheap [email protected] psu's that cost a bomb for good one's in small form factor.If there's one thing i learned quickly it was never buy small form factor pc's if you want it to last or not to overheat.
But on the other hand android tv box's don't push the same high level temps because they are only passively cooled quite often as apposed to actively cooled,besides if i really want i'll cooling mod it like my k-r42 with 80mm fan and shimmed.
But basically i want an android unit that has gaming power beyond a mali400 and closing in on if not better than a snapdragon 8xx chip.I've looked at the huwaei tron but it's yet again a 4.2x android system with no guarentee my tv will be supported over hdmi properly i learned that from my mad catz m.o.j.o not outputting 1080p on my 1080p tv.So i may just hang on until k1 touches down in shops but it looks like they are not in a hurry although there is the mipad rumor,i think i'll be waiting until 2015 at this rate before a god unit comes out that has kitkat on it,i was wondering if any rockchip 8 core cpu's are out in tv box form yet,and if they have a heightened gpu to the mali 400? And was also wondering where they fit in terms of graphical power?

Firetv is anything but open. IMO android boxes are all underpowered and frustratingly issue laden. Pity as I too am wanting to buy something good... I bought a s89 tronsmart and it's not as good as I'd hoped. I was interested in the MOJO... Why did you return it, it's a lot more open than Amazon firetv surely?
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I've bought it as replacement for raspberry pi and was disappointed. Yes Fire TV build perfectly and has a good hardware. But software is a crap and no way for root by now, only hopes and blocking of update server. It's not clear for now what improvements OTA brings and if root will be issued. If you looking for a good device that works and not for fun reverse engineering hours. Try to find alternative.
May be once it will be a good choice but not now, unfortunately.
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Rumored Android TV BOX... http://pulse.me/s/1jrW6M
God I hope that one IS true and GREAT!
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I was 100% happy with my ouya, with stock OS, and then even better with CM11. performance was never a problem.
really the only reason I went for firetv was that I watch prime video A LOT. and between flash-plugin + pick-your-favorite-browser being way-EOL and a bit buggy, and the fact that it took literally 6-8 clicks/actions to go to the next episode of a show, vs 1 (or at most 2) clicks/actions on firetv (yeah first-world problems...)
ouya sales on amazon for $60 would still be worth it (esp they want like 50 bucks for just an extra controller) but at the 100 point might as well firetv or something else.
but honestly it all comes down to what do you want to do with it. oh wait I don't have to re-ramble all this...
http://www.xbmchub.com/forums/threads/21722-Fire-TV-vs-Ouya?p=185275&viewfull=1#post185275

Anyone who bought Amazon-anything devices and expect openness is definitely going the wrong path. Amazon has some great devices but it has a pretty strict walled garden environment (which, granted, is kind of pretty) where they are expected to stay. Amazon is somewhat similar if not worse than Apple in this regard.
Amazon's latest devices such as the Fire HDX and the Fire TV are amazing devices on their own right, but if you are not getting them because of what they can do out of the box but instead of what they 'should be able to do' and expect to hack/mod them, you are in for a disappointment. This is what differentiate them to Google's devices, where it can be a gamble whether a product can be 10x better or 10x worse in the few months following its release (see: Google TV vs. Chromecast).
With Amazon devices it's extremely simple. You go to the product page and look at what it's offering. If you're wowed by those, then get it, if you think that 'it has potential', then don't get it.

Newcron said:
Anyone who bought Amazon-anything devices and expect openness is definitely going the wrong path. Amazon has some great devices but it has a pretty strict walled garden environment (which, granted, is kind of pretty) where they are expected to stay. Amazon is somewhat similar if not worse than Apple in this regard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no - I bought this box because I wanted one device that did both amazon video and Netflix. Met expectations there.
But I also wanted to be able to use it as a front-end for music stored on my NAS. This is why I was never interested in Roku, might've been interested in the Apple product but don't remember it having Prime support, and kept using my Western Digital Live Plus for as long as I did - the access to files inside the walls is important to me.
By day 2, I had enabled ADB and sideloaded XBMC. Yes, I don't have root, but I have Amazon, Netflix and local files all in one place, which I like a lot.
From what I've seen, on the Fire tablets amazon doesn't block sideloaded apps, or I wouldn't have bought this device. It makes a decent HTPC device for my purposes, though, and is open enough for me. Of course I'd prefer root, but in this instance, not if having root broke the Amazon Video stuff.
My biggest complaint so far is that amazon doesn't give us a preference setting for how much bandwidth the box should allocate to itself. So I needed to do that with my firewall instead.
I'll be interested to see if Amazon makes Prime available for the rumored Google TV box. My guess is they will not. But if they do, and I'm within my return window when the device is fully announced...

[Q] The Problem with Set Top Boxes

I am a very early adopter of the Fire TV. One issue with set top boxes that really sticks in MY CRAW is how they can market a device for gaming then provide no storage to keep them? At its release this was suppose to be added to Fire TV and unless I'm missing something still no support?
Fire TV is not alone Android TV devices , Madcatz Mojo, have slots for expansion then provide a OS that does not support it? I just can't see the Logic!!!! You ask me to buy games? Where am I suppose to put them do a uninstall daily or weekly? You should not have to modify the device?
Am I the only one who is missing something here? Can anyone explain the thought process behind this? There has to be a reason I JUST DONT SEE IT?
My fire TV sits in the closet

I agree. Terrible device. Just send it to me.

artkrime said:
I agree. Terrible device. Just send it to me.
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:laugh: Please dont get me wrong I am not saying Fire TV is bad ! Just want the ability to store my games local?

wastate2014 said:
:laugh: Please dont get me wrong I am not saying Fire TV is bad ! Just want the ability to store my games local?
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I didn't buy 2 of these boxes for gaming. But, yes I think you have a VERY legitimate gripe. The only reason I bring it up is the other nite I was watching the news and saw people were suing Apple over the new iPhone.
I didn't follow-up on it & 'really only just thought about it when I read your post, but they're basically mad because Apple promises x amount of storage without making it clear that the OS takes up a significant amount. I don't have a iPhone but I'll bet the provider has some immovable bloatware as well. THEN their only solution for you is to upgrade for a substantial fee or pay for cloud storage.
I've pointed out it seems like a crime to have such little space to start then take another 30% or so away from the user. (Yes that's almost exactly how I put it) Now we may find out if it IS a crime.
But I bought this to root it and attach external storage. To be honest, even if it came with double the advertised 8gb, it still wouldn't make a difference to me.

The current FireTV is unrootable though. So there iż no way to extend storage. I am slowly thinking of moving to Nexus Player - it's at least open although it has an awful remote.

Magnesus said:
The current FireTV is unrootable though. So there iż no way to extend storage. I am slowly thinking of moving to Nexus Player - it's at least open although it has an awful remote.
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I would wait for Razer's $99.00 upcoming Forge TV MUCH nicer specs same price:good:. Still don't know if it will support storage?
I know most on this forum have no issues modding a device which I am all for. Should it not come standard without the need to mod? Amazon needs to step up to the plate!

Nexus has no wired network unless I'm wrong. At the price they are I also would like to argue over storage but for now I just made my box a 1 trick pony Xbmc and some streamed TV etc and use something else for the rest. I can't buy any games or videos there's no room for paid apps

I recently bought the Oddworld: Stranger game for my AFTV. While my system is rooted, I am not currently using the best method for external storage (4TB drive to be here today), so it would download the game, but then tell me I didn't have enough room to install it.
I ended up resetting my AFTV because I it ended up I needed like an extra 300mb to install the software. Really stupid on Amazon's part. They need to put in usb storage for unrooted peeps.

I guess in my case I am looking at this device without a Mod whatsoever. I am trying to understand Amazon spending Hugh $$$$ + on developing games to market on Fire TV where am I suppose to put them??? I just cant wrap my head around how this is good business sense? Really this is more me venting with frustration as calling Amazon support is useless on this matter heck half of them did not understand what I meant about external storage
Example: Bard Tale alone can be 1.8GB at that rate you are out of space within a few large games?

You do have a very valid point regarding storage. With the current unrootability of newer FTVs it sucks not having the storage expansion. That should be something built into the system. I was lucky to get a new FTV that was rootable after Christmas and now I have it all hooked up. I have probably over 100 games installed on an external WD My Passport with 320GB storage. I installed the Ouya Everywhere apks, with a modded launcher, the Google Play Store, and Nova Launcher. It took some tweaking, but most everything works awesomely. The FTV is a great little device with enough power to make it a usable gaming system. The lack of storage and now unrootability may be its downfall though. The average user is not going to even bother with rooting, let alone the mods needed to expand the storage. Amazon should rethink this for its FTV2.

wastate2014 said:
I guess in my case I am looking at this device without a Mod whatsoever. I am trying to understand Amazon spending Hugh $$$$ + on developing games to market on Fire TV where am I suppose to put them???
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Amazon recently released a nice game made by their studio - Tales From Deep Space - but it's only available on Fire Tablets, not on Fire TV. I don't know what they are thinking, really.

Check out this guide for moving app data/obb files to external storage (requires root): http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-move-and-run-amazon-fire-tv-apps-from-an-external-usb-storage-drive/
This lets you have more than just one or two big games at a time.

just wondering, are any of those large games actually supported by the AFTV(as in downloaded directly from Amazon's limited Fire TV app store)? or are they ones that exist on other platforms(and not vetted to run on the AFTV) that you side loaded?

The big games (in terms of file size) I have from Amazon are all the GTA titles. I also installed KOTOR from Google Play.

tekweezle said:
just wondering, are any of those large games actually supported by the AFTV(as in downloaded directly from Amazon's limited Fire TV app store)? or are they ones that exist on other platforms(and not vetted to run on the AFTV) that you side loaded?
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Well, I got my 4TB drive that I hooked up to my aftv using the method that copies the /data folder over. Love it so far, but dang copying stuff from my computer to the aftv with that drive is slow. Thinking I should boot up a linux livecd, hook the usb HD to my computer and copy stuff over that way.
As for games, it depends. If I'm buying the game, i prefer an Amazon Fire TV version. Otherwise I'll try to located a pirated version of it (from a trusted uploader on torrent sites) to test out. And then generally I buy the paid version, but not always. Sort of hard to put money out for GTA SA when I've bought that game like 5 times for various systems so far. And still haven't finished it.
Anyways, Amazon was stupid to put only 8gb of ram in their system and needs to get rolling with usb storage support. While it's not necessarily a gaming machine, for android devices, it's actually a really nice gaming device.

Do you mean this method? http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/mounting-external-usb-to-data-t2889319
You all got me thinking about trying it, so I switched this evening. It seems like a better option because some games don't keep their bulk in the data/obb files so there's nothing for FileMount to move.

Mrreg said:
Do you mean this method? http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/general/mounting-external-usb-to-data-t2889319
You all got me thinking about trying it, so I switched this evening. It seems like a better option because some games don't keep their bulk in the data/obb files so there's nothing for FileMount to move.
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yes, did method 1, all the data. Got a fast drive, so only limitation is the usb speed. Seems to be okay so far. No complaints.

It is a joke what amazon did with the storage, they said 8bg but when you open the box you have 5.49 space and out of that you have only 4.85gb available to use.....what nonsense! They really didn't think AFTV was going to do well cuz they said gaming was just an added bonus for the AFTV but i suppose once they saw it was one of the hottest item selling on there site they decided add more games.
i use aftv just a media center to run xbmc, i am not prime member.
They are forcing auto updates on AFTV and the latest firmware are not root able as of today. At this point they have 4 options, either wait and see if user will pay for could storage or released a firmware updates which will allow user to use the external storage via USB or come out with AFTV2 with bigger hard drive or discontinue the AFTV.
I for one will not pay could storage or will pay for apps, why do i have to pay for the same app again if i already bought it on google play store, Amazon probably notice that user are not willing paying for the same apps 2x, which is why they offered that $220 free apps bundled during the holidays to keeps folks happy cuz most folks were probably going to return it cuz that $99 device will cost you more cuz u have to buy all the apps again.
Thank you

tekweezle said:
just wondering, are any of those large games actually supported by the AFTV(as in downloaded directly from Amazon's limited Fire TV app store)? or are they ones that exist on other platforms(and not vetted to run on the AFTV) that you side loaded?
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This is a very good point. I have not added any Mods to my Fire TV the only games come directly from Amazons Store. Little experiment: load all of your standard TV apps. Then go into the Amazon store and just see how many games (Amazon only) you can download and install? Many are rather large 500MB+? Then if you are not technical I would bet many would find it hard to dig down into settings to find how to uninstall? Yeah your games are in the cloud but the bandwidth to keep downloading these games is crazy? In addition I stream ALLOT about 1.2TB a month and I pay extra after 1 TB so every time I download it again its costing me money.

Mrreg said:
Check out this guide for moving app data/obb files to external storage (requires root): http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-move-and-run-amazon-fire-tv-apps-from-an-external-usb-storage-drive/
This lets you have more than just one or two big games at a time.
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I think your missing the point New boxes are un rootable by software alone and even so Jo Public should not have that necessity to buy games on a "games console" 1 or 2 big games and your stuffed. D
As it stands it does not fullfill the promise.

Hardware refresh??

How often with current trends would a hardware refresh be necessary on android streaming boxes . From a developers standpoint does this cause as many issues as it would on say a xbox or ps4? I see so many people reference that Fire TV is getting long in the tooth already? It seems to me that many of the set top boxes are outdated already at release to keep the cost down? In there current state can they really compete in the gaming arena with the likes of Microsoft or Sony? I am A laymen when it comes to development but would love to learn what a dev has to do to put a game on Fire TV or Google Play?

These days, most electronic devices are obsolete after a few months, but not to me. I use my electronics til they stop working or I get something new. I still have an original Apple TV that I use all the time. Do not ever let people tell you when you need to replace your device. If it works, use it. A good example of this is the Galaxy Note 4 on AT&T, I commented the other day that I never thought it would get root, cause it was already three months old and it had not happened yet, so everyday it does not happen is another day that someone is losing interest in hacking it, and that developers are always looking for the next big thing. Just me saying that got the thread closed, but its true. If the Fire TV 2 came out next week a lot of people would say our Fire TV was garbage even though it works just fine. If my Fire TV last five years then it will get used for five years, period. Don't let anyone ever tell you when your device is outdated, make that decision for yourself. Normal people would never be ready to buy a new car or home every six months, but when it comes to electronics, a lot of people wanna throw away their device every time the new thing comes out. Those people are lame as hell, and only want new phones, tablets etc, cause society tellls them its cool to have it. I am still using the first Galaxy Note and will continue to do so till it dies. I have replaced the screen and went through two batteries exploding, and its still works, so why upgade? These devices are for casual gaming, not hardcore gaming. Android boxes were never meant to compete with or replace gaming consoles. All the people that say that the Android boxes are taking over game consoles are unintelligent. Android boxes provide a different type of gaming experience then modern gaming consoles and til google decides to make an android gaming consoles they will never be able to compete with sony or microsoft. I also doubt google would ever turn Android into a big time gaming platform, but I do think google will release a gaming console in the future to compete with sony, microsoft and nintendo, just won't be an android console.

I'm actually with porkenheimer on this. I have good equipment but I've become sort of a hoarder of electronics. Lots of stuff is older than 8 years and whether it's an external hdd or an old laptop or even an iPod, I've had amazing luck fixing things and I DO find a purpose for it. I've used laptops from a decade ago as ubuntu servers, got xbmc running on some.
I actually benefitted from people discarding what they think is broken and/or obsolete.
As for aftv, I don't think the hardware is the reason development will slow down. It's more to do with Amazon's resistance to opening it up.
In fact, I have looked around, here & abroad and I've found some good possible replacements but not in the price range of aftv. The processor will be a tad less powerful with the same amount of ram or the processor and ram will be better but the price is over bloated. But for now, I don't think you'll find a faster experience for the price. Once it gets to the $200 range I'm thinking of building an htpc or investing the money elsewhere because I'm satisfied with what's happening on my TV.
Of course I think if cyanogenmod becomes a reality on aftv, the hardware will be put to better use. Fast is great but fire os, imho, is not a worthy os.

Thank you both I appreciate your words of wisdom. I agree its so easy to pile up old hardware. I don't know why the android media streamers have become such a point of interest. I currently own Fire TV, Ouya, Madcatz Mojo, Android TV ADT1, and in the end they all basically do the same thing So, yes maybe its time for me to stand back and say to myself "What exactly am I trying to do with these devices"? I do no I have been searching for that box that has all my streaming apps and games with extra power to spare? The closest I have come so far is a modified Madcatz Mojo which has HBO Go, Showtime, Starz, Encore, Netflix, Hulu, Etc. its far from perfect! I have been eyeing (though I need to Stop) the forthcoming Razer Forge or Snail Games Obox? I dont like how amazon has locked out root, and all the proprietor y parts of the OS. Eight gig of storage is a joke for anyone who likes games?
You developers out there when you release your code on a device does it have to be custom configured for each chipset you release it on? Say you upgraded fire TV to the Qualcomm 810 would each app require modification?