Broken screen- can I remote in and still use the tablet via computer? - Kindle Fire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a kindle fire that is broken and not worth repairing the screen (cost of parts is almost what I paid for it, so I just bought another one).
I'd like to put this old model to good use- it still works aside from the screen being dead, I can it turn on and many of the pixels activate and try to display. I'm wondering if I can use it to run Android apps remotely for testing and/or ad related apps (swagbucks, perk, etc) by sideloading them onto it. Some of them had been previously sideloaded and work like a charm.
I've seen demonstrations of remote apps like VNC working on a Kindle Fire, but I don't know how I can install it without access to the screen!
I've read about people who broke their phone screen and used ADB and/or Google Play to force installation of an app so that they could remote in via the computer. But I haven't figured out yet if this is possible on a Kindle. I wish this thing had an HDMI out or something, but alas- its the 2015 edition Kindle Fire 7. No HDMI, just a usb port and card slot. Is such a thing possible, or is this destined for the trash heap?

Dishe said:
I have a kindle fire that is broken and not worth repairing the screen (cost of parts is almost what I paid for it, so I just bought another one).
I'd like to put this old model to good use- it still works aside from the screen being dead, I can it turn on and many of the pixels activate and try to display. I'm wondering if I can use it to run Android apps remotely for testing and/or ad related apps (swagbucks, perk, etc) by sideloading them onto it. Some of them had been previously sideloaded and work like a charm.
I've seen demonstrations of remote apps like VNC working on a Kindle Fire, but I don't know how I can install it without access to the screen!
I've read about people who broke their phone screen and used ADB and/or Google Play to force installation of an app so that they could remote in via the computer. But I haven't figured out yet if this is possible on a Kindle. I wish this thing had an HDMI out or something, but alas- its the 2015 edition Kindle Fire 7. No HDMI, just a usb port and card slot. Is such a thing possible, or is this destined for the trash heap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not the 5th gen forum
ask here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/help
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Labs

Related

[Q] Lightpack Prismatik for Rooted Anrdoid devices running on Fire TV

I'm hoping someone who has the Ambilight or Lightpack setup on their TV will root a Fire TV and test running Prismatik. Prismatik communicates with lightpack leds to let them know what color to change to match on-screen content. The android beta requires root access to screen grab. The big questions for me are:
1) Will rooting the FireTV disable any of its features (i.e. Amazon Instant Video)?
2) How does the lightpack connect to the FireTV (or OUYA for that matter)? It hooks to the PC via USB.
I imagine that it will work similarly to the way it works with the OUYA but I'd like to see someone else make it work before I buy one. I am an Amazon Prime customer and I love the idea of the Fire TV but I would like to be able to retire the laptop that is running Prismatik before introducing another box.
Fellow Lightpack owner here, seconding the OP. This looks like it has so much potential.
Not really..
If you already have a HTPC( which i guess you do - because lightpack) there's a work around for this..
If this ends up working without any negatives I'm buying this ASAP. Looks great!
Suhas_v said:
If you already have a HTPC( which i guess you do - because lightpack) there's a work around for this..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a HTPC but I've got an old laptop hooked up for that purpose. I am currently running everything through it via the workaround but I'd like to get the laptop out of the equation and just simplify with the Fire TV running XBMC, if it'll work.
I received my FireTV and can't seem to get the Lightpack to be detected. I tried on my Ouya and I am noticing that the popup screen that occurs when Pristmatik detects the Lightpack isn't happening on my FireTV; searching for a work around.

[app] How to Turn Fire TV into a Chromecast Receiver

You can download our free trial apk and install it to fire TV, all of sudden, your fire TV is also a Chromecast receiver.
Please refer to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...p-youmap-chromecast-receiver-android-t3161851
Download this apk: [apk, updated on Jan-17-2016, now version 1.4.0, it will expire on Feb-29-2016]
http://www.youmap.com/YouMapCastReceiver.apk
Instructions: (good for fire TV box and stick)
(1) Enable ADB and USB Debugging - go to Amazon TV, Settings, System, Developer Options > tun on ADB Debugging and USB Debugging
(2) Now, you need to find the ip address of the FireTV device, System > About
(3) Now from another PC, you can use adb command to install the YouMap Chromecast apk.
adb connect your-ip-address-of-firetv
adb install YouMapCastReceiver.apk
(4) reboot fire TV, and it's ready for casting.
Have fun !
Haven't had a chance to try but looking forward to it. I'll edit the post when I do...
Notice no option to buy full version yet. Is there an estimate on what it'll cost?
Update--Sorry. Got some questions right from the start. Usb debugging ejects the usb drive and makes it unusable. Lots of people use an external drive on aftv so this might be a problem.
It works for sure, however, I'm not sure if I'm utilizing it correctly? I was hoping it would mirror my display, but it doesn't appear to, not even if i enable mirroring on aftv. Maybe it's not suppose to...
But, so far the only thing I've gotten it to do is to cast youtube and we can already do that without losing usb functionality. Please correct me if I'm missing something. Thanks.
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
huisinro said:
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Works great BTW. Is it possible to set it up on multiple aftvs and AFTV stick?
yes, you can install it on multiple receivers, you may need to name them differently to differientiate them. Our app has a setting page to specify the name. However, on Fire TV, the setting page won't show up, we are working on a amazon version, that should install directly from Amazon store. it will take some time for that release though.
You can access the Youmap settings page on a Fire TV. From the home page scroll down to Settings, then goto Applications and down to Manage Installed Applications. Then scroll down to Youmap Chromecast Receiver, select it and then select Launch application. That will take you to the Youmap settings.
Ahh, Thanks, darren1. I didn't know that
Its a restriction on all sideloaded apps. they can't be launched straight from the Fire TV home screen. When you release an official version through their appstore anyone purchasing it would be able to launch it from the homescreen.
Well I like it. The chromecast app should be a welcome edition too except I need to reinstall play services. Forgot I had uninstalled it to fix play store crash on launch. But your app is working well. Its more reliable than normal YouTube casting because it doesn't care whether my AFTV is Ethernet, 2.4ghz or 5ghz. Normally I can't connect my phone if its on 2.4 while my AFTV is on 5. Not a lot of time testing but so far lag seems minimal.
It works on my firetv connected straight to router , but it doesnt work on my aftv stick ,complains about port 8008 and uses 8010, but chromecast on my sg3 still doesnt detect it and its on the same network
Sometimes, you need to use google chromecast app Screen Mirroring to search for the device, once it finds the device, it will work. Also try to reboot your router, and on your sending device, try to turn off/on the wifi.
Got play services reinstalled and very impressed with performance and ease of use once its set.
I did have one issue but not sure its related. Both times I used chromecast, my AFTV switched from 5 GHz to 2.4ghz. Doesn't usually drop the signal like that. And it wouldn't normally be an issue but I use mysql and that sometimes won't work properly if all my devices aren't hardwired or on 5ghz.
Do you think this is related to chromecast or should I troubleshoot elsewhere? I know normal screen casting doesn't work for me if the devices are on different frequencies. This one does but wonder if the reason for that is its somehow able to auto change it.
Our youmap receiver does NOT require google play services.
About wifi 2.4 vs 5GHz band, our app does not change that, it uses whatever wifi is currently on. Ethernet is usually much more stable, though.
This works great on my firestick and firetv! Before, I had a few apps that were cast ready (I originally had chromecast) that showed the cast icon. I could no longer cast once I got aftv, the icons didn't even show up in my apps anymore even though I knew it was available. I just watched on my phone only. I dl'd this app to my phone and sideloaded it to my ftvs and ftv via another useful app via my phone. I gave each device a separate name and rebooted. (Oh, and ticked the box to start up with device) Now, my cast icons show up in my favorite apps, and I am able to cast! I am Soo freaken happy!! It also shows both my cast channels.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I noticed in the other thread that it said the app listed would expire today. Since I don't have the play store installed how can I go about getting the paid version or at least continue to use this version?
Will post an update to keep this trial going
The apk has been updated, now expires on August-31-2015.
it fixed the chrome tab mirroring issue, and improved the device discovery. Please give it a try.
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
right, the licensing issue is the last thing we are working on for Amazon store. We are checking if Amazon has similar apis as google play app licensing, still no definite answer yet. If Amazon does not provide such api, we can do it ourselves by entering a license key, not the best way.
Rincewind2011 said:
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason we don't understand yet, chrome tab mirroring works only on fire TV box, not on fire TV stick, all other features are same on both.

DSLR controller app on kindle fire

I have a 5th generation fire 7 and found instructions to install the play store. Works fine, have installed several apps from the store and all work. But I bought the DSLR Controller App and it will not open. If I connect my Canon T1i to the fire through the USB port, when I turn the camera on it "sees" it because it asks what app I want to use. I select DSLR Controller, the screen goes blank for a second and comes back at the home page. If I select the app from the apps list, it does the same thing. Doesn't matter if the camera is disconnected, connected and off, or connected and on. Any idea what the problem is? Thanks
PS For some reason there are two icons for the app. If I uninstall the app by holding on one of the icons and then selecting uninstall, both go away. When I reinstall the app I again get two icons. Don't know if that is a clue to the problem or not.
Same problem for me. I've been scouring threads everywhere for an answer. Tried reaching out to DSLR controller developers but no response. On their compatibilities page they listed this: "Amazon Kindle Fire requires CyanogenMod 9 firmware and a kernel with USB host support. Not recommend for non-tech users." I asked what to do since CyanogenMod 9 no longer exists. I was also wondering if it was a payment verification thing that won't allow it to open. I think I remember reading something like that but could find no definitive solution based on that line of thinking. Let me know if you've had any luck since almost 2 years ago!

Possible to load apks to fire stick via usb (no root)?

It's been a while since i've loaded one of these and was wondering if any advancements have been made such as being able to simply load files directly to the stick 2nd gen without registering it and all that... and simply plug it directly into your computer and transfer the files. I know at one point this was possible with one of the fire boxes probably the 1st gen.
I guess i am going to ask why would you want to? it is far easier to sideload apps. Without being rooted you don't have many options. you might be able to load a flash drive with a on-the-go usb hub.
danknasty said:
It's been a while since i've loaded one of these and was wondering if any advancements have been made such as being able to simply load files directly to the stick 2nd gen without registering it and all that... and simply plug it directly into your computer and transfer the files. I know at one point this was possible with one of the fire boxes probably the 1st gen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without registering a Fire TV you won't have much fun with the device. You will then regularly see hints for certain actions, which you have to click away.
Amazon already registers every device on delivery and links it to an Amazon account (even if you log out, Amazon still knows the link). The device also reports regularly to Amazon, so you will never be on the go anonymously anyway.

Firestick will not allow sign in - remote will not pair

Hi everyone
This is NOT the normal posting about pairing a remote to the Amazon Fire Stick. I have a Firestick and at the sign in page (where you connect your user account to Amazon) it is completely stuck. The remote does nothing.
Note:
The remote works fine on another Firestick
The batteries have been replaced and are OK
The usual tips for pairing the remote to the Firestick have all failed.
No matter what I do the remote will note pair (the remote is fine). I cannot get past the sign-in screen.
Does anyone know a way to reset the Firestick?
Has the Firestick gone completely?
Will ADB Link or other such device reset it?
Does anyone have any ideas please?
Thank you
3 options I can think of.
1) Use an OTG adapter and plug in a keyboard. Finishing signing in then navigate to the settings and pair the remote in the settings.
2) Same as the above except use the fire tv remote app on your phone.
4) Root the stick (if possible on your version) factory reset/wipe in TWRP. If that doesn't fully reset the device you can flash the stock firmware and it will restore it to the same state as it was out of the box, meaning the first screen will be on remote pairing.
I suspect what happens is the stick was deregistered. That usually brings up the sign-in page, and somewhere either the pairing was lost or that isn't the remote that was paired with that stick when it was deregistered.
Dear Sir
Thank you for your excellent, extensive response. However, I am unsure what TWRP is?
Thank you
I would highly suggest trying option 1 or 2 first. Option 3 requires rooting the stick and you should have a good understanding of what TWRP is before going down that path. Also you may or may not even be able to root it, depending on which you have and the software version it's on.
Hello it would have to be option 3. I tried the fire TV app and it would not install on either my phone or fire tablet. The only thing I cannot understand using TWRP is the tutorials I have seen say the Android device needs to have ADB Debugging ON.
Hardly a chance of doing it as I cannot access the device in the first place!!!
I will have a go and see what comes up.
Cheers
Using TWRP requires unlocking the device, and unlocking the device requires an older firmware that is vulnerable to an exploit. I don't know which Stick you have or your firmware version, but if the Stick has received an update since March, then there is no way to unlock it currently.
If you had TWRP, you wouldn't need to enable ADB debugging in FireOS, because TWRP includes it's own ADB binary that it enables.
Have you already tried the FireTV app on a phone/tablet? When you choose setup a new device, I thought the phone communicated with the Stick via Bluetooth?
Hello Finnzz!
thank you for the input.
I did try and install FireTV on my kindle tablet but it won't install for some reason.
I am not aware of the phone or device connecting via bluetooth (I thought it was only the remote that came with it that did that) but if it does connect with bluetooth I cannot get into the Firestick to actually connect to wi-fi or to turn on bluetooth devices! So, I am stuck!
Just to clarify, I'm talking about the FireTV app for Android.
Amazon Fire TV - Apps on Google Play
Simple navigation, a keyboard, plus voice search for Fire TV.
play.google.com
When using that app on your phone, and selecting:
'set up new device'
Then:
'Fire TV'
This will search for FireTVs via Bluetooth. Bluetooth is turned on by default on the FireTV. The stock FireTV remote connects to the Stick using Bluetooth, so it has to be on.
If you are using a FireHD tablet download the FireTV app from the Amazon app store, don't sideload the Google Play Store version.
Amazon Fire TV:Amazon.com:Appstore for Android
Edit: Also, have you already tried resetting the remote?
Reset Your Fire TV Remote - Amazon Customer Service
If your remote isn't working, try resetting it.
www.amazon.com
Hello
Thank you for the reply. Just to make sure does the Firstick need to be connected to wi-fi in order for bluetooth to work because if that is the case I cannot turn on wi-fi.
Thank you
Aussie Shiraz said:
Just to make sure does the Firstick need to be connected to wi-fi in order for bluetooth to work because if that is the case I cannot turn on wi-fi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you already tried the remote reset procedure linked to above? This is the first thing you should try. Simply taking out or replacing the batteries does not reset it.
Did you already try using the FireTV app on another Android device? I wouldn't think that if the app is communicating via Bluetooth for setup that WiFi was needed. Try it and see
Bullseye!!!
Nailed it finally and the recommendation you put forward (Fire TV app) worked a treat. It amazed me how fast and responsive it was.
Without your assistance I thought the Firestick was ready for the bin.
I am very appreciative to the following contributors:
bnevets27​Finnzz​
Cheers!
Glad you got it sorted. Sorry for my misinformation, I wasn't aware the app commuted with the stick over Bluetooth.

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