GPS Tether - Fire Themes and Apps

I often tether my Fire tablet to my phone's Hotspot Access Point. However sometimes I wanted to use it for navigation in the car, but alas, it has no built-in GPS!
So I developed GPS Tether that easily shares any Android phone's GPS location to the Fire tablet through the phone's Hotspot AP, simulating an actual built-in GPS in the Fire tablet. I originally developed and tested it for the HP Touchpad, but I found with a few tweaks it will work on almost any Android v4.2+. It works great for me and it's a pretty dependable and lightweight app, and I wanted to share it with all of you. Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD IT HERE
Note: If the Play Store says it is not compatible with the Fire tablet, or you do not have access to the Play Store at all, you can download the APK here
EDIT: Big update posted to the Play Store. New features included Bluetooth functionality and NMEA sharing! Check it out!

It worked without any problem (HTC One M9 + Amazon Fire). Thanks for the great work

AlwaysLucky said:
I often tether my Fire tablet to my phone's Hotspot Access Point. However sometimes I wanted to use it for navigation in the car, but alas, it has no built-in GPS!
So I developed GPS Tether that easily shares any Android phone's GPS location to the Fire tablet through the phone's Hotspot AP, simulating an actual built-in GPS in the Fire tablet. I originally developed and tested it for the HP Touchpad, but I found with a few tweaks it will work on almost any Android v4.2+. It works great for me and it's a pretty dependable and lightweight app, and I wanted to share it with all of you. Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD IT HERE
Note: If the Play Store says it is not compatible with the Fire tablet, or you do not have access to the Play Store at all, you can download the APK here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great i have been looking for something like this , but can you please elaborate on how to use this?
does the app need to be installed on the fire and on your phone? or just on your fire tablet?
i want to use this with a iphone so am i SOL ?

gdroid666 said:
great i have been looking for something like this , but can you please elaborate on how to use this?
does the app need to be installed on the fire and on your phone? or just on your fire tablet?
i want to use this with a iphone so am i SOL ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It must be installed on both devices. I unable to make an iOS version because of the restrictions Apple has on it's access to what the app needs to function properly.

Probably a stupid question but does this app use data from my phone or just GPS?

GartimusPrime said:
Probably a stupid question but does this app use data from my phone or just GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a stupid question at all! In fact, I am going to include this information in the app description. :good:
To get your location, GPS Tether uses the global default location setting you have on the sharing device in the Settings/Location menu in Android. If you have it set to "Device Only" for instance, GPS Tether will only use the signal from GPS satellites. If you have it set to "High Accuracy" on the other hand, GPS Tether will use Google's "fused" location service. (This service uses a combination of your GPS signal, WiFi APs, and cell tower triangulation. This "fused" service uses very little-to-no data to obtain your location. For technical info on the "fused" service, check this out.)
The GPS Tether app itself does not use any data to share or receive the GPS location from one device to another. However, when opening the app GUI (not the background services) it will check for an app update on the play store in the background. If you have no data connection at all, it will simply ignore the update check. Checking for an update uses a tiny amount of data (under 8kb), and the check is only run when opening the GUI.
Summary: GPS Tether can be used with no data connection at all, and imposes no significant data usage.

HUGE THANKS FOR THIS! I was about to make a thread asking how I can use this tablet as a GPS and then at the last second I saw your thread. This works perfectly!
Nexus 6P + Amazon Fire Tablet 2015 ($50 model) Booth rooted! =)

AlwaysLucky said:
It must be installed on both devices. I unable to make an iOS version because of the restrictions Apple has on it's access to what the app needs to function properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It´s a pity to hear that is not possible to use an iPhone. Can you provide more details about the limitation? Do you think it would be possible in the future? I´m currently integrating my Fire in my car's dashboard and GPS availability would be great.

aguedob said:
It´s a pity to hear that is not possible to use an iPhone. Can you provide more details about the limitation? Do you think it would be possible in the future? I´m currently integrating my Fire in my car's dashboard and GPS availability would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you bring up a good point. It would be possible to code it for iOS for location sharing only. And it sounds like even if it only had the sharing function, many people would use an iOS as the location sharing device. So I will explore that and see if I can code it in the near future. :good:
It will (most likely) never be possible to set the location manually in iOS (aka mock location). Android allows an app (with the given permission) to set a global mock location. This function was originally created for testing purposes, but they left it in for this kind of application. So iOS devices will never be able to be the receiver of the shared location.

AlwaysLucky said:
Well, you bring up a good point. It would be possible to code it for iOS for location sharing only. And it sounds like even if it only had the sharing function, many people would use an iOS as the location sharing device. So I will explore that and see if I can code it in the near future. :good:
It will (most likely) never be possible to set the location manually in iOS (aka mock location). Android allows an app (with the given permission) to set a global mock location. This function was originally created for testing purposes, but they left it in for this kind of application. So iOS devices will never be able to be the receiver of the shared location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android tablets like Fire are quite cheap compared to iOS devices so, I'm sure that there are more people like me interested in just location sharing from iOS to your Android tool. I have some experience developing for iOS, so feel to contact me if you need help with iOS side.

The link to your site doesn't load. Play store said it's incompatible.

Neffy27 said:
The link to your site doesn't load. Play store said it's incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link seems to be working now for me. Right now its just a redirect to: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=52823
Is anyone else having issues with the link?

working now, thanks a lot!
Apk doesn't parse for me, downloaded three times.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2.4.15

Neffy27 said:
working now, thanks a lot!
Apk doesn't parse for me, downloaded three times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a common issue with Android 4.x on 3rd party devices. Many different solutions can be found here. The GPS Tether APK is good to go.

Has anyone found an apk for Nokia Here? The playstore version won't load on the NexusFire AOSP ROM.
Since we can share a gps signal it would be nice to have an offline map app too.

I can't seem to be able to connect the fire with my oneplus one. I really don't understand how the two devices speak to each other, as no data connection is necessary and this is probably the reason why it doesn't work for me.
Can anyone help me, please?
Inviato dal mio KFFOWI utilizzando Tapatalk

fmc000 said:
I can't seem to be able to connect the fire with my oneplus one. I really don't understand how the two devices speak to each other, as no data connection is necessary and this is probably the reason why it doesn't work for me.
Can anyone help me, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be more specific, no internet connection is required. To share the GPS signal from your OnePlus One to your Fire:
- Make sure the location is enabled on your OnePlus One and that it is set to "High Accuracy" or "Device Only".
- Install GPS Tether on both devices. Use the APK download if you are unable to download GPS Tether to your Fire from the Play Store.
- Enable the Location Sharing on your OnePlus One in the GPS Tether app.
- Enable your WiFi hotspot on your OnePlus One.
- Enable Location Receiving on your Fire tablet in the GPS Tether app.
- Connect your Fire tablet wifi to your OnePlus One's hotspot.
And it should connect almost immediately... and done! Lemme know if you need further assistance.
EDIT: It should prompt you to enable Mock Locations on your Fire tablet when enabling the GPS Tether receiver for the first time. GPS Tether will attempt to guide you in doing this and this has to be done first.

It works just perfectly now, thanks. I had missed the "Portable hotspot" part.
Inviato dal mio KFFOWI utilizzando Tapatalk

Great idea
I'm going to test the apk
Thanks
Enviado desde mi KFFOWI mediante Tapatalk

Thanks you very much!

Related

[Q] [HELP] Can this app be tweaked to help my sons Minecraft addiction?

Due to my sons addiction to Minecraft I've been forced to install the "Screen Time Parental Control" app on his rooted Kindle. [play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.screentime.rc[/url] ... I'm a noob so it won't let me link!]
It does an excellent job EXCEPT for communicating with the accompanying Remote Control app that I have installed on my phone (so that I can grant him extra time / block his useage etc) [play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.screentime.rc][/url]
The Screen Time app on the kindle is obviously communicating to the Remote Control app on my phone because I can see exactly how long my son has been on his kindle and what programs/apps he's using. However, the reverse communication is not working ... I cannot grant extra time / stop his time.
I have contacted the app developed who says that they use Google Play Service to do the communicating, but that they do not currently support Kindles. I have Google Play Service installed and set as a system app, so does anyone know how I might go about getting this app to function properly.
Is it still on amazon is or a custom ROM? I could guess that if its while your phone is on data that it could be a port forwarding issue if the tablet is on WiFi and you are somewhere else trying to connect to it, but I am just guessing.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk
stunts513 said:
Is it still on amazon is or a custom ROM? I could guess that if its while your phone is on data that it could be a port forwarding issue if the tablet is on WiFi and you are somewhere else trying to connect to it, but I am just guessing.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help.
It's still on Amazon. I think you are right about port forwarding. It says this in the developers troubleshooting page ...
""Play", "Pause" messages are not getting to my child's device"
Make sure the system time, date and time zone on yours and your child's devices are correct. If you use a firewall that restricts the traffic to or from the Internet, you need to configure it to allow connectivity with Google's messaging servers (the ports to open are: 5228, 5229, and 5230).​Have you any idea what that means ... or how I ensure those ports are open?!!
You have to port forward the ports on your router that the kindle is on. It is really easy to do, there a site that tells how to do it: http://portforward.com/
I don't know if it has Google services listed as an app, but any game/app will work, just use the ports mentioned instead of what they would say for a different game/app and see if you can get it working.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk

[Q] Location Services / Settings.apk on non-rooted Fire TV sideloaded Android App

Hi folks,
I'm running a non-rooted Fire TV using the latest firmware (51.1.4.1_user_514013920) that is non Rootable.
I'm trying to run NHL Gamecenter, Global GO and other sideloaded android apps that require me to turn on Google's Location Services.
I understand that I can run NHL Gamecenter under XBMC and Ive gotten that to work but I would like to get other apps such as Global GO to work so I can get live TV streamlining working.
I sideloaded the Settings.apk that was referenced in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/how-to-enable-location-services-fire-tv-t2908270
but it doesn't work. The "Settings" app just closes when I attempt to check any of the check boxes under Location Services. If you go back into Location Services, the boxes remain unchecked.
I also found this thread but I couldn't find the specific of Settings.apk that was being used for Bluetooth.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714494
Does Settings.apk work on non-rooted Fire TVs? or only rooted Fire TVs?
If it does work, does anyone have a newer version of Settings.apk that will work a non-rooted Fire TV running the latest firmware (51.1.4.1_user_514013920)?
Thanks in advance for the help
bump! anyone???
im not 100 percent on this....but I'm pretty sure the problem is hardware related since location often relies on gps antenna and i see no such antenna in specs. my setting app simply crashes when i try to select location settings for foxsportsgo app.
m0nkeyf00t said:
im not 100 percent on this....but I'm pretty sure the problem is hardware related since location often relies on gps antenna and i see no such antenna in specs. my setting app simply crashes when i try to select location settings for foxsportsgo app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you make a good point m0nkeyf00t! However, location services can rely on WiFi if GPS is not enabled. With that said, I'm not sure if its crashing settings.apk because the GPS hardware is not even available. Based on the previous threads that I posted, others seemed to have gotten it working but I'm not sure if it requires root.
Here's a google reference to location services re: GPS, WiFi & cellular networks:
The Google Maps Coordinate mobile app uses the location information on your Android mobile device to provide an estimate of your location to your dispatcher and mobile team. To estimate your location, your mobile device can access GPS satellites, Wi-Fi networks, and mobile networks. GPS provides the most accurate location information, but you'll improve accuracy further if you also allow your device to access mobile networks and Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi improves location accuracy even if you're not connected to a network).
To use Wi-Fi, you'll need to make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your device.
hmmm interesting im on nonrootable stick I guess im stuck using kobi with sportsdevil or my wifes s5 with miracast for now. pm me if u ever find a fix.
I know the BT settings doesn't require root because I used it to add a BT keyboard to my FireTV Stick which cannot be rooted.
mvanzante said:
I know the BT settings doesn't require root because I used it to add a BT keyboard to my FireTV Stick which cannot be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks mvanzante! can you do me a favor and try to enable Location Service on your FireTV stick? Can you let me know if that works or doesn't?
Anyone able to get an updated settings.apk that will allow location services to be checked off?

Looking to use a VPN on a Firestick running KODI.

OK, I am new to VPNS, so please bare with me. I have an Amazon Firestick with KODI installed on it. Ideally, I would like to have a VPN on this device and all my other devices for that matter. What would be the best way to go about this? Thanks!
Quick question...Are wanting to use VPN for Privacy purposes or to unblock Geo restriction?
Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.
sandman512 said:
Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd set the client up on my router then, i'm not sure there is any "baked in" vpn client in the fire tv(stick) devices
Froggy,
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Being new to this, can you point me in the right direction? I am currently using an Airport Extreme Router. Thanks!
OpenVPN App
sandman512 said:
Froggy,
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Being new to this, can you point me in the right direction? I am currently using an Airport Extreme Router. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
C-Rooted said:
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
deanr1977 said:
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like there are two apps called "OpenVPN" for the FireTV/Stick...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=openvpn&sprefix=open,undefined,148
EDIT: Nevermind...looks like not compatible with Fire TV/Stick...sorry
deanr1977 said:
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search for openvpn APK (Site wouldn't let me post a link until I post more) this is what i found with a google search. I downloaded it from the play store on my Nexus 7 and used an apk extractor app.
2 notes.
1. It will require an openvpn config there are links within to private tunnel. I good choice for some because you pay by the data you use. not a good choice for me because I work on an offshore faucily where I live for a week at a time. The web is heavily monitored and blocks sites such as this one for some unknown reason. So I use VPN on all devices 24/7 while at work, it is more cost effective for me to pay for a service. There are also free vpn options seperate apps, not sure how they work on fire tv, you may have to experiment. popular choices are tunnel bear, vyprvpn & cyberghost.
2. The Netflix problem. Netflix put out an update a while back that causes Netflix not to work with some VPN. It has something to do with the DNS I'm still trying to find a solution for this myself. Maybe a pro can step in & fill us both in on that part of the equation. This is my 2nd time posting on this forum.
Hopefully something I said was helpful, and not to wordy. I am an XDA noob myself. playing with a rooted AFTV 2nd Gen trying to install youtube + playstore.
froggymike911 said:
I'd set the client up on my router then, i'm not sure there is any "baked in" vpn client in the fire tv(stick) devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A single router VPN or double router (vpn/non-vpn) setup was the best option under Fire OS 3 (For all 1st Gen FireTV's & FireTV Sticks).
https://vpntips.com/fire-tv-vpn-install/
https://vpntips.com/how-to-unblock-any-digital-media-player/
C-Rooted said:
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming this. I've been asking if Fire OS 5 fixed the VPN shortcomings in FireTV OS 3. Glad to know it has been resolved. Root shouldn't be a factor at all.
jbl0ggs said:
Looks like there are two apps called "OpenVPN" for the FireTV/Stick...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=openvpn&sprefix=open,undefined,148
EDIT: Nevermind...looks like not compatible with Fire TV/Stick...sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There won't be any FireTV listed app for OpenVPN. It's more of a universal device android app.
Found this link for the PlayStore version of one of the OpenVPN apk: http://plai.de/android/
(I would choose the latest non Pre version. Not sure why they charge for the exact same app on the Amazon Store when it's free on the PlayStore)
Here is a Amazon review with how to use a PIA setup on a Fire device with Fire OS 5 using the OpenVPN app above. Since PIA hasn't updated their PIA app in a long while. ( http://www.amazon.com/review/R29NVV...D=2350149011&store=mobile-apps#wasThisHelpful )
C-Rooted said:
Google search for openvpn APK (Site wouldn't let me post a link until I post more) this is what i found with a google search. I downloaded it from the play store on my Nexus 7 and used an apk extractor app.
2 notes.
1. It will require an openvpn config there are links within to private tunnel. I good choice for some because you pay by the data you use. not a good choice for me because I work on an offshore faucily where I live for a week at a time. The web is heavily monitored and blocks sites such as this one for some unknown reason. So I use VPN on all devices 24/7 while at work, it is more cost effective for me to pay for a service. There are also free vpn options seperate apps, not sure how they work on fire tv, you may have to experiment. popular choices are tunnel bear, vyprvpn & cyberghost.
2. The Netflix problem. Netflix put out an update a while back that causes Netflix not to work with some VPN. It has something to do with the DNS I'm still trying to find a solution for this myself. Maybe a pro can step in & fill us both in on that part of the equation. This is my 2nd time posting on this forum.
Hopefully something I said was helpful, and not to wordy. I am an XDA noob myself. playing with a rooted AFTV 2nd Gen trying to install youtube + playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone with a FireTV Stick with voice remote that comes pre-loaded with Fire OS 5 can test a VPN setup to let us know if 1st Gen devices wont have problems with VPN anymore. My best guess is that it wont. Thanks for the confirmation.
Can someone please confirm that a PIA OpenVPN setup works on FireTV or FireTV Sticks on Fire OS 5 ???
Running OpenVPN on the stick might not work, at least the way you hope. OpenVPN encryption is handled by the cpu which is really weak on the fire stick. Even if it does work you might not be able to get enough throughput to maintain a video stream.
Running OpenVPN on a router is a far better idea.
Thanks for the reply. The issue is that I have an Apple Airport Extreme which it seems like it 's going to be difficult to do. Thanks!
If its just a VPN for kodi then you can download a VPN addon through kodi. Ive not persoanlly used it but seen it mentioned a couple of times.
Heres a link http://www.dathovpn.com/index.html
Vpn
Anyone that can help set up vpn on netgear to access geoblocked streams on firestick please message me ....thanks in advance
Sideload this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.blinkt.openvpn
Works. (Tested with Kodi and other apps on 5.0.5.)
Also - this is an Open VPN client - so you have to get a VPN subscription elsewhere.
Also a thread full of people that have "heard things" but far and few between, that have actually tried out an app for themselves... Oh I'm sure the CPU is the issue here - not. *sigh*
What kind of errors are you getting here?
You can always do a double router setup. Running an APN through your router will slow your speeds but it will keep you safe. It will also give you the option on what devices to connect to what router.
If you're running a VPN for privacy reasons, running it on the fire is a bad idea. There's simply too many ways for something to go wrong. If the app crashes or the VPN disconnects, your connection will leak - and you might not notice in time. Or if the power blipped in the middle of the night, the fire would just reboot and you'd never realize the vpn app had gone down unless you make it a habit of checking it every single time. Which is a PITA.
This isn't an issue if you're running it for geo-unblocking, since a connection leak just means your video pauses. Not the end of the world.
It's much better to do this upstream in the network on a device that can implement firewall rules and keep your connection 100% secure and give yourself peace of mind. If your router supports OpenVPN natively (few do), you can probably do this with no problem at all. If it doesn't, you might be able to install OpenWrt, which can 100% do exactly this. I know that for a fact because it's what I have set up right now. My old ISP throttled youtube traffic. (Yeah. Youtube. I could watch 1080p through the VPN, but without it I could only occasionally watch 720p without buffering. I was mostly stuck on 480p. That sucked.)
Placing the tunnel upstream also makes it a snap to add additional devices to the "VPN only" group.
If your main router doesn't support either option you can use a networking device as a man in the middle between your fire and your router. To do this you can use an old router in your closest or a $15 one from craigslist that supports OpenWrt. Another good option is to use a raspberry pi. Worst case, a regular old computer can do the job, although it's not power-efficient and isn't elegant or pretty.
I have the firetv box as far as a VPN I adb linked ipvanish. Apk to the fireTv. Runs great.
TuSpockShakur said:
Running OpenVPN on the stick might not work, at least the way you hope. OpenVPN encryption is handled by the cpu which is really weak on the fire stick. Even if it does work you might not be able to get enough throughput to maintain a video stream.
Running OpenVPN on a router is a far better idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
canemaxx said:
Anyone that can help set up vpn on netgear to access geoblocked streams on firestick please message me ....thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What VPN are you using? Did you flash DD WRT I can send you a command script if your using PIA, copy, paste and reboot.

Native support for WiFi direct sharing

So I wanted to share some files with a friend of mine and I connected our phones through WiFi direct but the share button displayed no WiFi direct option either in solid Explorer or the built in file explorer. Is there a way to use WiFi direct without using apps?
I'm not sure if it works because it's 1:15 am and I don't have another device close to test, but if you enter the WiFi menu and click the 3 dot menu you'll find the Wi-Fi direct pairing UI. Once both devices are paired an option to share via Wi-Fi should appear, I'll confirm later on when I have another device to test it
DeadPotato said:
I'm not sure if it works because it's 1:15 am and I don't have another device close to test, but if you enter the WiFi menu and click the 3 dot menu you'll find the Wi-Fi direct pairing UI. Once both devices are paired an option to share via Wi-Fi should appear, I'll confirm later on when I have another device to test it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I tried. But didn't work. I am using viper though so maybe that affects something? Please test and share results. Thanks
jhadsfi said:
This is what I tried. But didn't work. I am using viper though so maybe that affects something? Please test and share results. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, it doesn't work, I tried with my friend's OnePlus 3 and they paired but there was no option to share on any phone. I usually have superbeam installed and some of my friends have too so I didn't bother about the native support.
After some research looks like android provides the protocol but has no native app to share via this method (like the android beam one which appeared in Lollipop if I recall right) in the past I used oem options like S-Beam for Samsung or Smart Share for LG devices but ironically and despite it being an open protocol, they worked fine just between phones of the same manufacturer (s beam or the Wifi Direct option working fine between Samsung devices only and smart share between LG devices) I don't know if that changed so far, I could try with my GF S7 to see if that changed but I don't think it would add to the topic.
Superbeam is like the general solution for me, but requires to be installed on both devices sadly
DeadPotato said:
You're right, it doesn't work, I tried with my friend's OnePlus 3 and they paired but there was no option to share on any phone. I usually have superbeam installed and some of my friends have too so I didn't bother about the native support.
After some research looks like android provides the protocol but has no native app to share via this method (like the android beam one which appeared in Lollipop if I recall right) in the past I used oem options like S-Beam for Samsung or Smart Share for LG devices but ironically and despite it being an open protocol, they worked fine just between phones of the same manufacturer (s beam or the Wifi Direct option working fine between Samsung devices only and smart share between LG devices) I don't know if that changed so far, I could try with my GF S7 to see if that changed but I don't think it would add to the topic.
Superbeam is like the general solution for me, but requires to be installed on both devices sadly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I would've preferred native support because having the same app is generally too much of a hassle for instant sharing. I wish they would've implemented it in the share functionality on the file explorer but oh well. Really crimps the power of WiFi direct. Thanks a lot for checking though.

FIOS Mobile on stick?

Has anyone actually gotten the FIOS Mobile app installed and working on a fire tv (or preferably stick)? I want a portable device so that I can watch my dvr when on the road. The current version (5.2) won't allow access to shows, the previous version (5.0) won't connect, and the modified version to avoid root didn't work either. I thought @aftvnews might have a post about it, but nothing there. I can't find any solutions through Google either. Anyone have anything?
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
ldeveraux said:
If anyone cares, the only way to run FIOS Mobile app is to unroot my stick. Root wasn't really necessary, so I did it an it's working now. Stupid Verizon appears to be blocking DVR access if it detects root, which is annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
RedBullet said:
How well does the FiOS Mobile app work on the FireTV? I've considered it, but figure it would be a pain since the app is designed for phones and not devices like FireTV which needs a remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works poorly at best, or it did last I checked. That was months ago, and VZ has pushed out a mandatory app update that renders it unusable unless you update. I should try it again though! Also a mouse was required, or an app that turns your remote into a mouse. And it would randomly force close while watching DVR. So really not worth it...
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
software_samurai said:
Coincidentally, I was just playing around with the FiOS Mobile app on my FireTV yesterday, since I'm interested in finding a way to stream my FiOS TV channels to my FireTV box in my computer room. I thought I'd share my experience with everyone here.
It's true that with the latest version of the OS and app, it just says it can't run without Google Play Services.
-However-
I side-loaded the v5.8 FiOS Mobile app, signed into my FiOS account, and what do you know, it worked*!
* Ahem. Well, it mostly, sorta works.
First, the app was designed for a touch screen, not the FireTV w/remote. So scrolling means using a BT keyboard w/touch pad, and holding down the "left mouse button" while swiping up on the touch pad. Bit of a pain, but at least I could scroll through the live TV channel list.
Second, not all the live TV channels have the "watch now" button. Remember, this app was primarily meant to be able to control your FiOS DVR, and so it's focus is on being able to get the DVR to record shows.
Third, streaming a live TV channel was...interesting. The video quality starts out very blocky, low-res. But after a few seconds it starts to gradually improve, until it eventually matches what you would normally see via a real decoder box. The HD channels actually looked very good, given a minute to "ramp up". (Oh, and I think I changed the video quality settings to the highest in the app - that may have helped.)
Fourth (and this is the most mysterious part), after some minutes playing around with the app, my network started to have...problems. First the FireTV suddenly said it couldn't access the network (it was attached via a wired ethernet cable). Then the web browser on my PC couldn't access the internet (some sort of DNS issue). I unplugged the power on the FireTV and within seconds my PC browser was all fine again. As a software engineer, I naturally decided to re-test just to see if it would happen again, which it did. Eventually I gave up and uninstalled the FiOS Mobile app.
<sigh>
I'm really hoping that Verizon will release something similar for Android boxes like some other cable systems have done. (e.g. DirecTV Now!) Wouldn't that be nice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
ldeveraux said:
You bumped a 5mo old thread! But I'm OP so here goes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
ldeveraux said:
The app is up to version 5.9 now but was working for me before. Apart from the logistical issues already mentioned, out should play fine. I have to test out 5.9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
software_samurai said:
I know, I know. But if I had started a new thread discussing the exact same thing, someone would have undoubtedly taken me to task for duplicating an already existing thread.
Please do, and let me know if it works for you without Google Play Services. I didn't feel like rooting it and installing it just to get one app to run.
What worried me so much about v5.8 was how it somehow wrecked my home's network somehow. I suspect the app started doing hundreds of DNS lookups which swamped my internet gateway box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.9 seems to work on my stick. I do have google play services installed on there, but I don't think it's working. The stick is on the newest firmware, so it's definitely not rooted. I don't think you can root on this firmware anyway. Regardless, I was able to watch FIOS on an unrooted stick..
I tried to install Google Play Services from this link:
https://flixed.io/install-google-play-fire-tv-stick/
Got it working with Alexa-enabled stick
Side loaded it onto new non-rooted stick that has alexa remote - not the latest 4K stick.
Followed multiple google hits to get it done. It kept wanting google play services, so i had to side load and start the right google play apks.
Am using an ethernet adapter to get best picture. Wifi was ok but panning shots jumped a bit too much for me.
Lastly, got an OTG cable for a Logitech dongle for a keyboard mouse that works great. Recognized at boot - no config. Mouse mandatory for fios app, keboard arrow & enter key drives stick. Reasonably spouse friendly. Lost my remote - nay not matter now!
I'm posting this because i couldn't find a recent confirmation that fios app works on current fire stick.
Good luck.
Two things for root users to try: There are two XPosed apps you should install. One hides your root status and the other emulates Google Play Services.
I also want to state that I got the latest version of Verizon FiOS Mobile working on a FireTV stick without root. First, I enabled Apps from Unknown Sources and ADB Debugging under Settings-Developer Options. It seems like the FiOS Mobile app requires the Google Play store to be installed, so I found a site with instructions on how to install it and completed that task. I needed to download and install four .apk files. Strangely, I can't seem to launch the Google Play Store on my stick, but the FiOS Mobile app no longer complains that it's missing.. Next, I installed the FiOS Mobile app via APPS2FIRE. That's all I needed to do to get the FiOS Moble app running on my stick.
As another poster noted, the FiOS Mobile app was designed to be used on a touch device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Because of this, you cannot easily navigate the app and do what you want it to do easily using the Fire Stick remote. Someone recommended connecting a bluetooth keyboard and I think that's probably a good suggestion. Instead, I downloaded an app called Mouse Toggle which, when activated, provides a cursor on the screen that you can move around with the Fire Stick remote. I can now select items and enter channel numbers when I previously couldn't do so. It's not a perfect solution, but it gets the job done.
- LKNY

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