does the fire tv support "regular hulu" (NOT huluplus)? i.e., since hulu provides many tv series for free on android now, does that see the fire tv also as a regular android device and work? can someone confirm whether that works.
also, i would also like to know if apps like WatchABC, CBS, A&E etc show the full episodes that come free (without entering subscription info) on a regular android phone/device.
i use these apps greatly for catching up on TV and would like to know whether the behavior is same on fire tv as well.
thanks.
AFAIK most apps see the FireTV as an Android device unless the developer specifically has it work differently with FireTV.
thanks. it would be nice to get confirmation though.
i guess, once rooted, we can always change the build.prop to say it is a "nexus 7" etc?
my fire tv is stuck on the "we are unable to contact our servers, we will keep trying" thing.
i have rebooted like 20 times. also, using keyboard (logitech K400) to get into recovery like here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799779 doesn't work as well.
edit - ok after reading this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54976459&postcount=26 i had a better idea and was able to get to recovery and wipe.
but, still couldn't get past the above message.
finally, i put a keyword block for "51.1.2" on the router (removed other blocks) and let it ride. first it updated to 51.1.0.2_user_510058520 and then later after getting in to 51.1.1.0_user_511070220.
i now have root and xbmc. will update as i play with it.
thanks all.
For me the CBS app does work on my stock FTV. Since it isn't an official FTV app, I had to side load it and start it from the settings menu. It also requires a mouse to navigate in the app. That said it performs better and is less trouble to use than the alternatives I've tried (Plex or Playon server). Its a shame CBS doesn't revise their app to FTV, since they allow its use on most other android devices.
Sent from my TouchPad using XDA Premium HD app
Nomedias said:
For me the CBS app does work on my stock FTV. Since it isn't an official FTV app, I had to side load it and start it from the settings menu. It also requires a mouse to navigate in the app. That said it performs better and is less trouble to use than the alternatives I've tried (Plex or Playon server). Its a shame CBS doesn't revise their app to FTV, since they allow its use on most other android devices.
Sent from my TouchPad using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. hulu (checked for the FREE version), a&e and cbs are working for me now.
hope they don't start blocking this device .
Just a general question:
Do all android apps work on FireTV as long as I sideload them?
Can I assume that apps from the play store are the same as from the amazon store?
I bought the Plex App for android and I don't want to pay full price now for something that I already bought
A lot of apps work fine,but the 3.0.x Twitch does not work so you'd have to get the older 2.5.0 version.
The Amazon versions of Twitch and YouTube suck when compared to the real apps for anyone that has a K400r Keyboard to control the apps with.
Alternatively since the original YouTube app requires Play Services,you can get the YouTube HD MOD and install it on Fire TV without root.
It is on XDA itself.
All widgets do not work at all.
Only the Memory Booster rectangle and a few other things "widgety" will work.
Cirno5 said:
Just a general question:
Do all android apps work on FireTV as long as I sideload them?
Can I assume that apps from the play store are the same as from the amazon store?
I bought the Plex App for android and I don't want to pay full price now for something that I already bought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not all android apps work on the FireTV.
Some show up wrong because they are portrait mode. So show up fine, but doesn't seem to accept any types of input at all. Some just fail to load.
Guess I will have to try then
You can always get an app that forces the orientation to be landscape so you can run those portrait apps in landscape mode.
Screen Rotation Control from "jubo co" works well,but will need to be set again if you ctrl+alt+delete to reset your Fire TV or when anything else causes your Fire TV to go off like power outages.
Too bad this app don't have a "set on boot" option.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bong.android.androidlock
The latest Plex App works fine after sideloading
..
I've been hunting for an android box for over two months now. I never considered the Nvidia Shield because it comes with Android TV instead of regular Android. But I couldn't help not being enamored by the performance it offers. What I want is an Android box I can connect to my TV that will allow me to (1) run kodi (2) stream from an IPTV app (3) run emulators. I was about to pull the trigger on Minix U9, but the Tegra processor just sh*ts on everything out there. Today, I learned that I could actually run Android OS (Nougat) on the Shield. Why would anyone buy a Minix U9 for $160 when a much more powerful Shield goes for mere $40 extra ? I felt it was too good to be true. So, I'm here asking those of you that are running full Android on the Shield, is the full Android firmware stable in the sense that it's not just rife with bugs, and do I lose the ability to stream Netflix in 4k ?
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable. Another reason for rooting and installing full Android is that I use TWRP for Recovery. I have both stock 5.0.2 and rooted 5.0.2 on backup for Recovery if 1.3 goes south.
cjeman said:
After buying and configuring a few Android TV boxes, I decided on a Shield that would do 99% of what I want in a Android TV box that I would not have to root, etc. I found that the leanback launcher was less than desirable, the lack of Notification/Tool bars, Shield only apps on Playstore and some other annoying issues, I installed the developers copy of Shield TV (5.0.2) and found no way to have Notifications, etc. I have since installed full Android 1.0.3 and the box has everything that I need. I gave up automatic updates and some nVidia tools I was not using. I am not a gamer and I wanted the Shield for media. It does a nice job with Kodi on my 4K TV. I am Prime Video user and 4K works nicely. I would assume that Netflix would be the same. The install of full Android is tricky but doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried running console emulators ? Also, I'm thinking of getting the Minix A2 remote for having a keyboard and it's air mouse functionality. Have you tried any air mouse on the Shield ?
No. I use a Logitech K400 wireless keyboard/mouse pad combo. I have read that air mice are not an issue.
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
JohnRossJennings said:
You can do all three things you're after on Android TV. Is there something else that makes you want to have mobile Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with John here too. You can do all three of your requests on the stock shield TV without rooting and custom ROMs. In fact the .emu emulators from Robert work great and use the shield controller perfectly.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
abo_mara7 said:
I do all what you want to do with my shield, without even rooting. Go for it, it deserves every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can side load and then use chainfires sideload launcher to open them. Works pretty good. The sideload launcher is on the Android TV play store. Also es file explorer is available to help sideload apks. You can also transfer apks over your network using a computer or download from apkmirror. All with the stock out of the box os.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
techjunky90 said:
No point what so ever in using a crappy 3rd party launcher. There's an app in the play store to put side loaded apps on the lean back launcher home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Acid0057 said:
What app is that? Would love to try it!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
medwatt said:
I've made up my mind to go for the shield. For $40 extra (over the $160 priced Minix U9), I get a much more powerful system and is gets OS upgrades down the road. The only thing I was worried about was installing android apks and having to go through a very cumbersome path of launching them every time. Is there a way now to launch apps directly from the home screen ? If I can do that, I don't see a reason to even install full android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
abo_mara7 said:
First, install Opera browser (there's TV version from Opera, use this one if you use the remote, else use the regular version, better with the controller. Please note that the controller's right stick will work as a mouse)
TV Version:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/themes-apps/opera-tv-browser-2-0-t3543518
Regular version:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/opera-software-asa/opera/opera-42-8-2246-118317-release/
if you got opera, you can sideload any app from there.
After you've sideloaded your apps, install TV App Repo (
@Acid0057):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore
There you'll find all your sideloaded apps, and from there, you can create shortcuts for them in your main screen.
And I second your statement, no need for full Android OS.
To answer a previous question from you, I've installed the following emulators:
Play! (Too slow, still in early stage I guess)
Dolphin (Some games works pretty well, you just need to play with the settings)
PPSSPP (Works very well in HD)
FPSE (I've switched to OpenGL from settings and set the resolution to HD and it works greatly)
GPA.emu (work very well)
Those are the ones I tried, Arc Browser app is good to combine all emulator games in one place.
Also, some Android games although they're listed as not supporting Android TV, they indeed are. For example, LIMPO.
Also if you want to stream games from your PC and you don't meet Nvidia's GameStream requirements, you can try Remotr:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotrapp.remotr
Simple app, setup is the easiest, and the controller will work out of the box, actually all you need to do is to install the app on the shield and the server app on your pc.
Those are some of the tips to maximize your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for those tips. And on the plus side when you stay stock, update will be a lot easier!
shenzhou said:
I think its called WBS App Drawer. Its available on the Shield Google Playstore and its free.
Works very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
greevedogg said:
I disagree with @techjunky90, as I found the stock leanback launcher very lacking. The recommendations bar got really annoying, and even when I disabled it, it wouldn't go away. Also, only two rows of app icons and having to scroll to the right to find stuff wasn't the most ideal setup. I prefer the simplicity and customization capabilities of TV Launcher to be perfect for my needs. So I uninstalled the leanback launcher, and use use TV Launcher, and I couldn't be happier in regards to that.
I'm on unrooted stock Android TV 5.2, btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point but the original recommendation stands. There is no reason to install a custom recovery and full Android os. The stock unrooted shield os works fine in most use cases.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
If you are a gamer and love it to play mobile games on TV, the most Games wouldn't run, because NVidia has not implemented the from Shield Tablet well-known gamepad mapper. If this little Tool would be available for Shield TV, you really don't need a full Android.
Gesendet von meinem E6653 mit Tapatalk
Are the mobile games you are referring to games like family feud live?
I have the nvidia shield tv and I would really like to be able to play these games on there but do not know how. I search for them but they don't come up. Only can get them on my galaxy phone. Is it possible to get these on the tv? If so, How? Thanks in advance.
search for your wanted games in google, type the game then apk. do this on a pc or phone. download them. plug a usb drive into your computer or phone via otg and then plug the usb with apk onto the shield then browse for them via es file explorer. enjoy
I have an old HP 22 android monitor in my kitchen and love the "ok google" capability, the apps (250+ card game and Spectrum cable app) that don't work on stock shield. I am worried about it OS at 4.4.4 and want to update but Android TV seems to lack a lot of functionality I would want that full android would have. I have a shield and would like to use it but not sure the touch would work anymore if I usb the monitor back into the shield (I can use mouse and keyboard as alternative). This is why I would want full android.
I have sideloaded bunch of android (cellphone apps) apps to my Shield. Sometimes app called "set orientation" is needed. There is one app, that is official IPTV app from my internet provider. I have account for it, but that app is full optimized for cellphones and tablets... it wont boot in shield at all. Shows only white screen and crashes after 5 seconds. Is there some kind a 3rd party addons/apps that could help me with this. That app would be game changer, if i could use it with shield. App is called "Uusi DNA T" (version 1.1.7 is the newest)
Could someone please try tricks to it. Is there possibility to hack that app some way to make it compatible with Shield?
Corsten said:
I have sideloaded bunch of android (cellphone apps) apps to my Shield. Sometimes app called "set orientation" is needed. There is one app, that is official IPTV app from my internet provider. I have account for it, but that app is full optimized for cellphones and tablets... it wont boot in shield at all. Shows only white screen and crashes after 5 seconds. Is there some kind a 3rd party addons/apps that could help me with this. That app would be game changer, if i could use it with shield. App is called "Uusi DNA T" (version 1.1.7 is the newest)
Could someone please try tricks to it. Is there possibility to hack that app some way to make it compatible with Shield?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without knowing the app or running any logcats to see why why it crashes my best guess would be the app is not designed to run on large screens and has a dpi limit and will crash if you run it on a device that exceeds this limit
You have three options really
See if there's a version with no dpi limit (designed for android tv or firetv for example)
Change the dpi to something lower on the shield (may require root or use of adb & lowering it will effect device resolution)
But the easiest way is to chromecast the app to the shield
If the app itself doesn't support chromecast so you can't cast directly from the app to the tv just cast your entire phone to the tv
Download Google home app and then cast your device to the shield - results may vary based on your phone performance
TheFixItMan said:
Without knowing the app or running any logcats to see why why it crashes my best guess would be the app is not designed to run on large screens and has a dpi limit and will crash if you run it on a device that exceeds this limit
You have three options really
See if there's a version with no dpi limit (designed for android tv or firetv for example)
Change the dpi to something lower on the shield (may require root or use of adb & lowering it will effect device resolution)
But the easiest way is to chromecast the app to the shield
If the app itself doesn't support chromecast so you can't cast directly from the app to the tv just cast your entire phone to the tv
Download Google home app and then cast your device to the shield - results may vary based on your phone performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reply. I did contact dev and he sayed that app is compatitle with AndroidTV but there is such strict permissions to distribute IPTV, DVB and OTT material in one app, so it is about that. Google´s platform is rejecting that app to launch i understand. App is working great on iOS and Android. Dev promised to take those permissions to "do list" so meaby that app is going to be AndroidTV compatible in future.
Corsten said:
Thanks for reply. I did contact dev and he sayed that app is compatitle with AndroidTV but there is such strict permissions to distribute IPTV, DVB and OTT material in one app, so it is about that. Google´s platform is rejecting that app to launch i understand. App is working great on iOS and Android. Dev promised to take those permissions to "do list" so meaby that app is going to be AndroidTV compatible in future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at it in more detail it looks like it's crashing because it may be using an outdated firebase sdk (or it needs some patch applied) resulting in it not being able to handle the Google play services version on the shield