Related
Hi Everyone,
A friend of mine was telling about the FTV and I thought I'd look into it. I currently have an ATV2 with XBMC installed. For the most part it works pretty good. Icefilms is hit and miss, but I don't use it very often. ATV2 is kinda getting slow and after reading about the FTV I want one. I was wondering if someone can sort me out.
First,
If I buy a unit from Amazon can it still be rooted? I heard there was a software update in June and wondering if it's been locked up like Apple does with their stuff?
Second,
I use a Harmony One remote and heard Flirc works with the Harmony Remote. Can anyone confirm this?
Third,
That same friend who told me bought the FTV said he watched a youtube video on the FTV with XBMC installed on it and said it ran really slow. Now the video was from April, so I'm hoping XBMC has made some big improvements so it works well with FTV.
Thanks,
Chevy
Yes
If you get a FireTV you will need to use URL blocking in your router to block the amazon URLs for updates before connecting the FireTV to your network. Then you will be able to use GeoHot's Towelroot to root it and disable the Amazon updater. You will want to look into SPMC (a modified version of XBMC with special patches for Android devices, etc.)
It general it is much better than ATV2......FLIRC works with Harmony remotes although I haven't got around to setting mine up yet.
All the necessary info is here on the forum. Just read through some of the the threads.
Since I don't wanna make a whole topic,here is something that makes Fire TV chug a little.
Try this expirimental WebGL thingy in Chrome for Android on Fire TV.
http://www.chromeexperiments.com/detail/eye-texture-raytracer/
It even makes my mouse controls lag a bit,but otherwise does a nice job considering how extreme the test is.
Edit:More things to look at on a Fire TV using Chrome or Opera browser.
http://www.threejs.org/
Thanks all. I'm going to get one. One question though, I was looking on eBay and found a bunch that were already rooted and had xbmc or spmc already installed. In the description they were saying "get them while you can as the new version is unrootable". Anyone think it's OK to buy from eBay or just go with Amazon?
Thanks,
Chevy
chevy2410 said:
Thanks all. I'm going to get one. One question though, I was looking on eBay and found a bunch that were already rooted and had xbmc or spmc already installed. In the description they were saying "get them while you can as the new version is unrootable". Anyone think it's OK to buy from eBay or just go with Amazon?
Thanks,
Chevy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it cheaper/more expensive? Definitely get it from amazon. That way it is fully warrantied under your name if you have any problems they will help you. I got mine from Best Buy and it had the firmware 51.1.1.0_user_511069920.. It downloaded the next update automatically which is 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 (the last rootable firmware). I even clicked "check for updates" and it never pushed the un-rootable version.
I think they sent out a limited roll out of the unrootable firmware since the according to amazon this is the same version I have.
sorry cant post the link since im a new user search google for "amazon fire tv firmware" should be the first link
I would recommend to block the updates either on the router by blocking the amazon domains or using adb and disabling the apk which updates the ftv
chevy2410 said:
Thanks all. I'm going to get one. One question though, I was looking on eBay and found a bunch that were already rooted and had xbmc or spmc already installed. In the description they were saying "get them while you can as the new version is unrootable". Anyone think it's OK to buy from eBay or just go with Amazon?
Thanks,
Chevy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was in the same boat as you couple of weeks ago, had a ATV2 got a FTV for someone else and realized how much faster and better it was so I sold my ATV for $250, and bought a FTV for myself. On top of that I bought 2 more to install xbmc and sell
Anyways, the FTV runs wicked fast with XBMC, not sure what you saw but there is a pretty good video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G23u1TtluE
I'd say just buy one from amazon, too bad they were just on sale for $84 a few days ago and staples even had them down as low as $65 after some coupon.
The rooting is simple and fast and to disable the updates is just 1 command you type in. I wouldn't pay more for a unit that's already rooted unless I didn't know wtf I was doing.
I would recommend to block the updates either on the router by blocking the amazon domains or using adb and disabling the apk which updates the ftv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what the URL is for blocking the updates?
The rooting is simple and fast and to disable the updates is just 1 command you type in. I wouldn't pay more for a unit that's already rooted unless I didn't know wtf I was doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty handy at rooting and so forth. I've rooted my wife and myself android phones over the last few years so this should be pretty straight forward. I think I'll just get it through Amazon, just in case I need warranty or something.
Thanks,
Chevy
chevy2410 said:
Do you know what the URL is for blocking the updates?
I'm pretty handy at rooting and so forth. I've rooted my wife and myself android phones over the last few years so this should be pretty straight forward. I think I'll just get it through Amazon, just in case I need warranty or something.
Thanks,
Chevy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are instructions here, http://www.aftvnews.com/ for taking a new box and installing without getting updates and then blocking updates.
Thanks to everyone for all the info. I bought one from Amazon and should have it on Tuesday.
Chevy
Hi guys,
My Fire TV already have updated the latest Fire OS version. root fails.
Is there has some solutions to get the root right now? Is it possibility that to root Fire TV in the latest Fire OS version, or is it possibility in the future.
Thanks,
Griffin
Nope
mag13 said:
Nope
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you give some details ? I am thinking is should to sell my Fire TV, and buy new one for root
griffinqiu said:
Could you give some details ? I am thinking is should to sell my Fire TV, and buy new one for root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the forum - everything is here
griffinqiu said:
Could you give some details ? I am thinking is should to sell my Fire TV, and buy new one for root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should work. I just received & rooted my 3rd AFTV tonight. Bought it online @ Staples last Thurs. I've bought 3 total from Staples. One last month & two last week. Been lucky to have never gotten an update nag screen on first setup. All of mine have come with FW 510055620. I have also heard BestBuy in-store AFTV's are rootable. I am finding it hard to find post about AFTV in the USA not being rootable if one follows the guides over at AFTVNews.com to the letter at the time of unboxing. I only know of one buyer from Staples that said he was not able to root 2 AFTV's.
Y314K said:
That should work. I just received & rooted my 3rd AFTV tonight. Bought it online @ Staples last Thurs. I've bought 3 total from Staples. One last month & two last week. Been lucky to have never gotten an update nag screen on first setup. All of mine have come with FW 510055620. I have also heard BestBuy in-store AFTV's are rootable. I am finding it hard to find post about AFTV in the USA not being rootable if one follows the guides over at AFTVNews.com to the letter at the time of unboxing. I only know of one buyer from Staples that said he was not able to root 2 AFTV's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My one (from staples) is unrootable as well.
So yes, unrootable fire tv are out there in the US.
wbc1228 said:
My one (from staples) is unrootable as well.
So yes, unrootable fire tv are out there in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right.. But so far they have been very rare. You are just the 2nd person out of dozens & dozens (participated in two threads over at SlickDeals regarding FireTV's) that have received unrootable FireTV's... Did you make a note of the serial on the box ?? What router where you using ?
I have bought new one, and rooted. thank you everyone
griffinqiu said:
I have bought new one, and rooted. thank you everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell us where you bought from to be able to see root this?
hi all,
currently live in uk and thinking of getting an aftv to replace my ageing shuttle htpc
the main use will be for xbmc but ive been reading through some posts and just want to confirm i can install this easily as rooting seems to be getting blocked.?
also, what are your thoughts about purchasing an aftv over another android box
thanks
ratski said:
hi all,
currently live in uk and thinking of getting an aftv to replace my ageing shuttle htpc
the main use will be for xbmc but ive been reading through some posts and just want to confirm i can install this easily as rooting seems to be getting blocked.?
also, what are your thoughts about purchasing an aftv over another android box
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no regrets whatsoever about purchasing my aftv, and my main use for it is xbmc/kodi as well. It plays everything I throw at it just fine. There are some limitations when playing certain rips, but the technicality of all that is beyond me and again I have yet to have any media that wouldn't play just fine.
I don't think anything is different in the UK as far as sideloading apps. Sideloading should be easily accomplished with one the community utilities here on XDA, or just by using ADB. I remember reading something a while ago about XBMC/Kodi not installing on aftv's outside the US, but I believe that has since been resolved....found it - http://www.aftvnews.com/xbmc-kodi-incompatible-with-fire-tv-software-version-51-1-40_user_514005520/.
My next htpc/android type box will most likely be a Chromebox mainly for the options to upgrade memory as well as dualboot options that are out there. I personally have no real desire for android apps on my tv, other than root specific apps. Right now aftv's are going on sale all the time, and the only reason I haven't gotten another is I picked up two Fire Sticks over the holiday and am holding out for a Chromebox build.
I am in the UK as well. XBMC works fine on it. However the UK Fire TV cannot be rooted. This means you cannot access media through the USB port. So it depends on where you store your files, the Fire TV is fine with network storage, but (without root) useless with an external drive.
It's a shame Amazon is clamping down on the fire tv's hackability. Otherwise it's a nice little box, very fast, bluetooth remote, wired network, optical audio out.
thanks for the replies.
my main use is xbmc, which definately looks like it can be sideloaded in uk without a problem so thats good news.
shame about usb media as have a few movies on my ext hard drive but i suppose nas storage is the way to go now days so maybe excuse to upgrade#
ill pick up an aftv in next few days then and look to find the latest guide for xbmc install, cheers
ratski said:
thanks for the replies.
my main use is xbmc, which definately looks like it can be sideloaded in uk without a problem so thats good news.
shame about usb media as have a few movies on my ext hard drive but i suppose nas storage is the way to go now days so maybe excuse to upgrade#
ill pick up an aftv in next few days then and look to find the latest guide for xbmc install, cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buy it from the US. you get rootable ones here. still
have one
picked up a stick for my old man and side loaded xmbc on it he enjoys it may pick up the game controller for some android and emulator games. none of these functions need root. as for usb storage it was never really meant for that anyways it was built as a hd video player to compete with roku and chromecast it just happens to do more. i many picked it up for wwe app as well due to his smart blueray player being to old for that app.
Some people will disagree but it would have to be rootable for me to buy another one. People complain about low memory issues but I've never experience that because I can store thumbnails on external. That's really my main reason for the hdd since I play my movies & tv from a nas device.
Maybe someone who owns one can say why not but if your going to get one without root--why not save some money & buy a fire tv stick?
navigates said:
buy it from the US. you get rootable ones here. still
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Frankly for me, the AFTV was my best purchase in a long time.
Before I got the box, i was running a massive Athlon 955 PC, watercooled, in a huge Antec case. It was still noisy, bulky (and my toddler loved poking it every chance she could get). I was running it just for XBMC, and didn't really have a good setup for accessing other content. The machine was falling apart, and while shopping for a new media PC, i ran across this box, and that it could support XBMC, along with native apps for amazon, netflix, and hulu...
Where i am getting.. a $75 (85 if you include the Nyko game pad) frankly handles XBMC better than the PC, and i don't have to do ridiculous crap to try to get Hulu and Netflix to integrate. It has played all my media perfectly, and the addition of some basic gaming is a real bonus. Keep in mind, most of the benefits are available without rooting.. you can still sideload apps, , you just cant change your launcher, etc.... If you are interested, give it a shot.
So purchased today :good:
Before I plug in and setup should I try and follow a guide to root by blocking updates or am I already screwed as from the uk (got it from a retail currys store)
It's a shame it looks like I won't be able to stream via usb but my main use is xbmc so to be honest I think I may just plug in and figure out how to side load as I'm not as clued up as some in here
MadFlava said:
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it depends from where are you picking up your stock from Amazon. I'm in LA and till date I have yet to see a non rootable version come through. I just did a friends who's firetv arrived on Thursday and it was purchased on prime on Tuesday. Infact it was the sweet first version which is an easy way up. I've also seen flavors where you have to put the rom in the sdcard instead of cache and or another flavor where the version is not the first where you have to downgrade to go up. The latest version needed a chmod 777 to be added as the file copy to folder was denied.
Essentially you still get rootable ones from amazon. I suggest if you have friends in LA and or the west coast, I suggest get it shipped there and then have them ship it out to you. Just trying to help.
navigates said:
Well it depends from where are you picking up your stock from Amazon. I'm in LA and till date I have yet to see a non rootable version come through. I just did a friends who's firetv arrived on Thursday and it was purchased on prime on Tuesday. Infact it was the sweet first version which is an easy way up. I've also seen flavors where you have to put the rom in the sdcard instead of cache and or another flavor where the version is not the first where you have to downgrade to go up. The latest version needed a chmod 777 to be added as the file copy to folder was denied.
Essentially you still get rootable ones from amazon. I suggest if you have friends in LA and or the west coast, I suggest get it shipped there and then have them ship it out to you. Just trying to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad there are still a few in the system. I think at this point Id be buying them from a big box store. I have one rooted and one that cant be rooted. Thankfully the non rootable is just the kid's unit so its not THAT big a deal.
MadFlava said:
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MadFlava said:
Glad there are still a few in the system. I think at this point Id be buying them from a big box store. I have one rooted and one that cant be rooted. Thankfully the non rootable is just the kid's unit so its not THAT big a deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure which bigbox still carry's the firetv. In LA I couldn't find them at staples or bestbuy. bestbuy used to carry it when it was launched. but I agree the big box stores would most likely have the old stock. I too have one non rooted one for my parents. but I'm gonna switch them out too for the rooted one.
navigates said:
Not sure which bigbox still carry's the firetv. In LA I couldn't find them at staples or bestbuy. bestbuy used to carry it when it was launched. but I agree the big box stores would most likely have the old stock. I too have one non rooted one for my parents. but I'm gonna switch them out too for the rooted one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive seen them at Best Buy and Staples but thats on the east coast.....
The BB in Culver city has loads of AFTV and the fire sticks. In NYC at the minute and 5th Ave and Astoria have AFTV but no sticks.
I picked up another one at Staples as a gift for my dad. It was rootable so Im keeping it and giving him the non rootable one. He doesnt need root and I think would prefer the simplicity of the Amazon launcher.
I had pretty much given up hope that i'd find anymore rooted units about a month ago until today when I walked into a store and bought 3. Is there still a supply of these rootable fire tv's?
danknasty said:
I had pretty much given up hope that i'd find anymore rooted units about a month ago until today when I walked into a store and bought 3. Is there still a supply of these rootable fire tv's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could get them on ebay. the key is to ask what is the serial. Its hard but a few give the serial and with that you can find out if its rootable. Did you find a few or are you still looking for it. If you did buy three. would you sell any one of them for the community?
Picked up one at staples from 7/14 so I can root it. Tech guy was nice enough to find one for me after bringing out a few from 3/15 so they're still out there. just have to sort through there inventory.
killerb777 said:
Picked up one at staples from 7/14 so I can root it. Tech guy was nice enough to find one for me after bringing out a few from 3/15 so they're still out there. just have to sort through there inventory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After making this post I have received 3 more rooted units in the mail today from staples. I am beginning to wonder if they stopped making these...
I've actually picked up 7 in the last 3 weeks all at staples....they still keep getting them in.
Most of them are 51.1.0.1 even...I think it'll still be a while you can easily pick these up. I have literally put forth no more than 5% effort in finding these
arunningpir8 said:
I've actually picked up 7 in the last 3 weeks all at staples....they still keep getting them in.
Most of them are 51.1.0.1 even...I think it'll still be a while you can easily pick these up. I have literally put forth no more than 5% effort in finding these
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually ordered like four a week ago and they were all unrootable so I basically gave up hope at that point but now seems like they are back.
danknasty said:
I actually ordered like four a week ago and they were all unrootable so I basically gave up hope at that point but now seems like they are back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your problem...you need to actually pick yourself up and walk into a store to get them
Seriously, what "normal" people think of going to a staples to buy something like a fire tv? That's why there are so many rootable units on the shelves there
arunningpir8 said:
There's your problem...you need to actually pick yourself up and walk into a store to get them
Seriously, what "normal" people think of going to a staples to buy something like a fire tv? That's why there are so many rootable units on the shelves there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I've honestly had better luck ordering from staples than going into one. The one time I did the manager actually told me without me asking these were not the rootable ones. Lol mabye it's just where I live.
Must be lol, although I've picked them up all over "congested" areas in Indiana ( I drive a lot for work ).
:shrug: who knows with these things i guess
I have a rooted unot and considering to update to the newest firware. Any benefits to keep it rooted? All I do is xbmc and amazon prime videos.
esxps said:
I have a rooted unot and considering to update to the newest firware. Any benefits to keep it rooted? All I do is xbmc and amazon prime videos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the ability of having a custom rom that is around the corner. The absolute imperative for me is SNES EMU and the Sega Masger System EMU that are charged on google play. and the Quicksupport teamviewer that only works on root for desktop sharing. I can always debug/tweak and help my friends/parents fix their firetv's. Rooted for me is very important.
Sucks living in Australia..
I wanna get another rootable Fire TV for my dad but I can only order online so my chances are slim.
I need a friend living in the States.
DN38416 said:
Sucks living in Australia..
I wanna get another rootable Fire TV for my dad but I can only order online so my chances are slim.
I need a friend living in the States.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you pay for shipping. I can help you. I'm in Los Angeles. Send me a PM. There is a seller on ebay that may have rooted ones brand new but I suggest you message the person directly. I've purchased one for myself and once it arrives I can confirm what version it is. If you need I can stop by at bestbuy to see if they have rootable ones but chances are slim. just trying to help out.
*** REMOVED LINK BY ME AS THE UNIT THEY SELL IS NOT ROOT ABLE ***
Reply from NPS/Ebay seller.
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
here is all the amazon fire tv ROOTED.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire-Tv-Digital-HD-Media-Streamer-CAN-BE-ROOTED-INSTALL-XBMC-SEALED-NEW-/141554629836?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f5503ccc
_u2pop_ said:
here is all the amazon fire tv ROOTED.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire-Tv-Digital-HD-Media-Streamer-CAN-BE-ROOTED-INSTALL-XBMC-SEALED-NEW-/141554629836?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f5503ccc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a tad expensive, but I suggest buying them from the seller auction_discount. I've bought two of them, and he did a great job rooting them. He sets up XBMC, Stick Mount, Busybox, and other essential apps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121570606665
shutterslaps said:
It's a tad expensive, but I suggest buying them from the seller auction_discount. I've bought two of them, and he did a great job rooting them. He sets up XBMC, Stick Mount, Busybox, and other essential apps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121570606665
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id rather pay slightly more to get a rootable sealed one vs someone else doing it for me. I just got one from the person in the link above.
The earlier link that I had purchased was a bad one as it seems someone had updated the firmware and repackaged it. The box came opened with plastic.
navigates said:
Id rather pay slightly more to get a rootable sealed one vs someone else doing it for me. I just got one from the person in the link above.
The earlier link that I had purchased was a bad one as it seems someone had updated the firmware and repackaged it. The box came opened with plastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah, I agree. I'd rather have one that was rootable as well. I made the mistake of ordering one off of amazon, and it the software was way too new. I returned it and set out for another AFTV. I don't why I didn't pick up a rootable one instead of one that was already rooted.
Yesterday I went into the Navy Exchange on the base I work at, and saw they finally put out AFTV's. I whipped out my phone and checked all of the serial numbers on the ones on the shelf. BOOM! ALL of them were rootable. I picked up three of them right away. I'll probably go back and buy more soon. They all come with 51.1.0.1_user_510055620.
esxps said:
I have a rooted unot and considering to update to the newest firware. Any benefits to keep it rooted? All I do is xbmc and amazon prime videos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat right now. It seems like the new updates are providing much of the same experience that rooted boxes originally had. Besides sixaxis and rbox's xposed module, I really don't utilize any of the advantages of a rooted unit over a stock one..
I'd just hate to kill a rooted box. It'd be like shooting a black rhino.
spyder3 said:
I'm in the same boat right now. It seems like the new updates are providing much of the same experience that rooted boxes originally had. Besides sixaxis and rbox's xposed module, I really don't utilize any of the advantages of a rooted unit over a stock one..
I'd just hate to kill a rooted box. It'd be like shooting a black rhino.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought rbox released the latest firmware pre-rooted?
spyder3 said:
I'm in the same boat right now. It seems like the new updates are providing much of the same experience that rooted boxes originally had. Besides sixaxis and rbox's xposed module, I really don't utilize any of the advantages of a rooted unit over a stock one..
I'd just hate to kill a rooted box. It'd be like shooting a black rhino.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are fundamental benefits to rooting and rBox has the latest one rooted. Its really simple to keep up with the rooted versions specially when you have the boot menu with recovery installed. For starters the latest version still does not allow ntfs mounts on usb. Then again remote quick support needs root for screen sharing remote as that is imperative if you build boxes for family and friends and if they need any software help.
I always land up helping my parents remotely. I have two sessions connected through teamviewer. one to the firetv and one on the pc and I'm golden. All tweaks updates and fixes work perfectly. except rom/firmware updates.
I ordered the 4K stick with TV remote control as a backup device to my 2nd gen Sloan box (still scared to try and root it by opening the actual box up, hell to the no. If anyone could maybe simplify or point me to a guide other than the one posted by the root OP thread, cuz that still confused me on how to do this without bricking /breaking it I’d appreciate it), but anyway, I noticed after all those Amazon prime deal sales they went out of stock until February 17th. So although it’s purchased and ordered it won’t be here for a few more weeks which makes me worried about which firmware it’ll come in as I’m guessing these new 4K sticks are being freshly made as we speak from the factory and will come with the latest firmware, right? Otherwise how else will they bring more devices to re-stock, I doubt they have older made ones layout around somewhere that they’re shipping in? Lol
I’m so pissed I didn’t order when they had prime deal as these must’ve been sitting in the warehouse for awhile on a lower and probably root-able firmware.
Also if anyone is interested in getting one I believe only the 4K stick at $49.99 will auto apply a $20 discount making it $39.99, works as of 2/10/21
G S W said:
I ordered the 4K stick with TV remote control
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I doubt that the stick is vulnerable, amaz. fixed it months ago.
Best is if you return that stick and then go for a vulnerable used/second hand one...