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Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?
seymour71 said:
Hi Guys, I've read a lot of stuff on here, and I'm a little confused.
I'm getting my Fire Tv to, with the intention of rooting it to use as an XBMC box.
I understand that it may come with frimware that can't be rooted (not without some soldering anyway) how could I check that?
Do I need to block the update sites in my router before switching it on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bugger. That's what I was afraid of.
Thanks for your reply mate.
Which firmware did your UK AFTV come installed with? Here's a list
http://www.aftvnews.com/software/
helicon9 said:
I'm in the UK and just received my Fire TV.
I blocked the updates at my router using the guide from aftvnews website.
However, my Fire TV won't complete the setup without updating.
It seems there is no way around this, so I either put it back in it's box and await some way to get around it, or I let it update and use it without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers
eskay993 said:
Thanks for the info. Still have my US bought one for ages ago, so will continue using that for now.
Out of curiosity, did you go through the install process anyway? If you did, just curious what firmware Uk ships with and what it attempts to download.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!
helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?
seymour71 said:
Oh, you can use XBMC without root? Even play media from a local usb drive?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.
helicon9 said:
Yes you can install and run xbmc without root, just sideload over adb.
Root just enables you to use it as a launcher, so you can skip the fire tv interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.
helicon9 said:
I went through the install process anyway as not too fussed about root as long as XBMC works.
I don't know what firmware it shipped with because I couldn't access it with letting the update run, but it asked me to select language on setup, so I assume it was one of the 51.1.3. versions.
Anyhow, it updated and firmware is now 51.1.4.0_user_514006420.
So looks like a brand new firmware. I won't hold my breath for root on this one!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
seymour71 said:
AHHHHHHHHH,RIIIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHT.
I'll do that then, not that I have another option at the mo anyway!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.
eskay993 said:
Cool thanks for the info. Wonder if new firmware is why I can't install Netflix from UK store on a US device. Time will tell!
---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------
Just one thing to note.. You also asked about playing media off an external usb device. I believe this does need root, but worth double checking that. XBMC works fine with media from a network share or NAS though without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm, yes, i thought I'd read that. All the media is on a usb drive, so i'll check. Thanks.
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?
fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen. There's a guide below (look at the "Semi Bypass" Section). Been using it for a while and works fine, as long as you don't mind clicking a random icon to launch kodi.
http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV#Llama_.28automation.29_Events
I'm using mine with a NAS. I think attaching USB hard drives does require root.
I use SPMC (non launcher version) and it shows up in recently used apps at the top of Fire TV main menu, so no having to dig through the settings sub menus.
This may be because it's also in Amazon App Store (though shows as not compatible with Fire TV).
fredphoesh said:
Hi
I got mine today too, unrootable
I have sideloaded Kodi, seems to work fine, though the Helix alpha did not work, so am using gotham 13.2.
Would be nice to have xbmc on the home screen... very lame having to tool through several menus to get to xbmc every time... hopefully some clever sod will hack this so it will work with android free from amazon's suffocation.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launcher, then when I click on xbmc to launch it looks like it's about to boot but then just comes straight back to the fire launcher.
Ive also installed plex with side load and that works ok?
Do you have any suggestions? thanks.
eskay993 said:
A half decent workaround is to use Llama and a "dummy" app to make xbmc/kodi launch when you click the dummy app on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, thanks... alas too late, I have boxed my FireTV and put it on Ebay... too few apps that I like & want will work properly on this box, so I'm going to wait for a proper Lollipop Android TV !
chowynatt said:
I've tried a few versions of xbmc, they all start up with the initial startup/config screen then instantly just boot back to the fire launche
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had that with the first two versions I tried. I also tried to clean the data/cache on the app, see if that works?
seymour71 said:
Are you able to play media from the usb at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I didn't try it and now my FireTV is in a box ready to be sold on ebay... I don't believe it will though, but don't know.
Mark
Hi ive just ordered a Fire TV here in the uk. I will be using mainly for XBMC
Is there any thing i should do install anything, upgrade, downgrade or root before i go online with it
Thxs
bornnslippy said:
Hi ive just ordered a Fire TV here in the uk. I will be using mainly for XBMC
Is there any thing i should do install anything, upgrade, downgrade or root before i go online with it
Thxs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odds are pretty much zero that you will be able to root. Without root, you can't downgrade. All you can do is sideload. You can still use this guide to determine if you can root: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-dete...ersion-and-rootability-on-first-setup-screen/
If you can't root, you can block updates to keep yourself on the oldest version possible to improve your chances of being compatible with a future root method. Update blocking guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/
what to do first? imo Return it or cancel your order then get one imported from the US (pre-rooted)
Works out roughly same price.
Unless of course you don't need root, but there is so much potential with this thing rooted.
AFTVnews.com said:
Odds are pretty much zero that you will be able to root. Without root, you can't downgrade. All you can do is sideload. You can still use this guide to determine if you can root: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-dete...ersion-and-rootability-on-first-setup-screen/
If you can't root, you can block updates to keep yourself on the oldest version possible to improve your chances of being compatible with a future root method. Update blocking guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-setup-a-new-fire-tv-without-blocking-root/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got mine in the mail today. It upgraded itself to the latest and "greatest" software. Shouldn't I be able to downgrade though?
The only real reason I want to root is expandable storage... and possibly being able to launch XBMC immediately.
Deusdies said:
I just got mine in the mail today. It upgraded itself to the latest and "greatest" software. Shouldn't I be able to downgrade though?
The only real reason I want to root is expandable storage... and possibly being able to launch XBMC immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need root for the storage side. But I think the XBMC launching immediately side you can just use the SPMC flavor of Kodi which comes with a launcher. And I think there are some other options for that too...
Sections 4 & 5 will be your best source... http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV#Bypassing_Amazon_Home
Thanks, but I got the XBMC/Kodi part installed. My question was about being able to downgrade the new and newly-udpated device.
Deusdies said:
Thanks, but I got the XBMC/Kodi part installed. My question was about being able to downgrade the new and newly-udpated device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I think I got two posts mixed up.. Need this info... Where did you buy the FTV from & did you try to block the IP's before it updated ??
Either way... US/UK/GER. If your FTV has upgraded to latest & greatest FW. You are all in the same boat. There is no downgrade or any other method to root at this time. But you should still be able to launch XBCM at the start of your FTV.
So here are my 2 cents as a "casual" user of the Fire TV. By casual I mean non-rooted.
I use my Fire TV every day. I use it to watch Netflix and I use it to watch streams on Twitch.TV via SPMC App.
If I ever want to watch a movie that I downloaded, I watch it via SMB. I have a folder on my computer where I put the movie files and stream it from there.
I don't feel like I'm missing much that I don't have root...
androidyeah said:
So here are my 2 cents as a "casual" user of the Fire TV. By casual I mean non-rooted.
I use my Fire TV every day. I use it to watch Netflix and I use it to watch streams on Twitch.TV via SPMC App.
If I ever want to watch a movie that I downloaded, I watch it via SMB. I have a folder on my computer where I put the movie files and stream it from there.
I don't feel like I'm missing much that I don't have root...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I don't really miss anything. Well booting directly into Kodi would be nice but I can live with starting it manually from FiredTV.
Hi,
One Question...
I have a new AFT with the Software Version: 51.1.4.0 user 514006420
is there any way to Root or Downgrade this Version?
I need the USB Funktion for Some Video or Musik Files... it sucks bad. -.-
And i miss Youtube too! I have installed latest YT APK by Sideload... it needs Google Play Services to (Have it Installed too) but it dont work... damn...
Sorry for the lil bad English...
Thanks for Help.
Greetings from Germany
Biosman87 said:
Hi,
One Question...
I have a new AFT with the Software Version: 51.1.4.0 user 514006420
is there any way to Root or Downgrade this Version?
I need the USB Funktion for Some Video or Musik Files... it sucks bad. -.-
And i miss Youtube too! I have installed latest YT APK by Sideload... it needs Google Play Services to (Have it Installed too) but it dont work... damn...
Sorry for the lil bad English...
Thanks for Help.
Greetings from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to downgrade or root that version of firmware currently, you could try network sharing your music and videos from a PC via SMB to xbmc, that works perfect.
Y314K said:
Sorry I think I got two posts mixed up.. Need this info... Where did you buy the FTV from & did you try to block the IP's before it updated ??
Either way... US/UK/GER. If your FTV has upgraded to latest & greatest FW. You are all in the same boat. There is no downgrade or any other method to root at this time. But you should still be able to launch XBCM at the start of your FTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Biosman87 said:
Hi,
One Question...
I have a new AFT with the Software Version: 51.1.4.0 user 514006420
is there any way to Root or Downgrade this Version?
I need the USB Funktion for Some Video or Musik Files... it sucks bad. -.-
And i miss Youtube too! I have installed latest YT APK by Sideload... it needs Google Play Services to (Have it Installed too) but it dont work... damn...
Sorry for the lil bad English...
Thanks for Help.
Greetings from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
51.1.4.0 user 514006420 = latest & greatest FW.
There is a 1080P HD YouTube MOD on xda which works very well on Fire TV especially when you have a keyboard like Logitech K400r.
No rooting required for either one.
OK thanks.
Now... i have block the Amazon Update service on my Router.
BTW: Youtube MOD on XDA?
Can i use the YT Version with Android app from my smartphone too share the Video on AFTV? Keyboard on my bedroom is lil bit Fail i think.
I doubt the extra features work properly on Fire TV,but the 1080P part worked fine since the last time I had it before rooting.
You may very likely have subscription and login issues.
If you just use the app to view videos,it will work out just fine.
Thanks for the replies guys
How much do u think i could get one imported from the us to the uk for?
Thxs
Link to the 1080p YT mod,?
Biosman87 said:
OK thanks.
Now... i have block the Amazon Update service on my Router.
BTW: Youtube MOD on XDA?
Can i use the YT Version with Android app from my smartphone too share the Video on AFTV? Keyboard on my bedroom is lil bit Fail i think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using this youtube app, it's pretty good.
http://www.amazon.de/youtube-com-Yo...e=UTF8&qid=1415794343&sr=8-2&keywords=youtube
I'd say that this keyboard works pretty well as a "bedroom keyboard". Its small, cheap and easy to use. It also has a trackpad.
http://www.amazon.de/Logitech-Wireless-Tastatur-deutsches-Tastaturlayout/dp/B005G16098/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415794424&sr=8-2&keywords=bluetooth+tastatur
People in reviews state that this keyboard is working really well with the Fire TV.
*sigh*
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529715
I found it by searching "youtube mod" in the main forum page for all forums.
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
While I welcome enthusiasm and sharing of knowledge, I can't help feel if your going all out Google there are better phones for the money or at least phones that will prove less problematic for you in the long run. I'm using this as my second phone because as a prime member I get free books etc.
Hi, can't agree more. I fully accept that getting the Play services on here is something of a fudge and something which no doubt could break at any time.
I probably like you bought this as a back-up device and something which failing all else I could use as a sort of media player for Amazon's services. I have managed to accumulate a lot of games for free through the regular free games/credits, so that helps.
Not in any way trying to knock Amazon, however the app store situation is pretty poor. As it is, without the Play store, I don't think I could really recommend this phone, but I do think it is a great bargain, nothing else for me comes close to the specs or build quality for similar money to what we paid.
As I say, just wanted to help anyone out who might have been in a similar situation and picked one of these up "on a punt".
Hi dampchimp,
I planning to order a fire phone but I can't use the O² network. Was the unlocking process so simple. I read earlier that many have problems with both amazon and O² to unlock their phones.
I can't see a 64GB but only 32 on amazon.co.uk
Thank you!
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
ratbags said:
You can get an unlock code very easily via email these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, for me anyway, I just done a web chat and got one in 2 minutes, obviously no guarantee, but seems like they just don't care any more.
Strangely, I put the code in and got a message along the lines of "unlock failed" but it worked anyway.
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone
dampchimp said:
So, I recently picked up a 64GB Fire phone in the latest fire sale on amazon.co.uk.
As such, I thought it might be useful to provide a very short "quick start" guide on the steps I took to get the phone unlocked and "Google'd up".
So, as soon as I got the phone, I contacted Amazon through the online chat system and asked for help to unlock the phone.
I was transfered straight away to someone else who took the serial number (found in Settings > Device >Get info about your Fire) or search and type in serial number and use that shortcut.
I was then able to put in a Three SIM and get the phone working with that straight away.
Next I ran the updates through the phone Settings > Device > Install System Updates, this found the 4.6.1 3320 update (not sure if you could skip this step). I ran this and then the updates to the various apps.
I then downloaded the 3820 download from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201607550, Fire phone (Unlocked GSM) link. I found I had to download this on PC as it kept timing out on the device itself.
I copied this from the PC to the downloads folder on the device and went to install system updates again in settings. It picked up the file as a system update and installed straight from the device (no need to ADB or whatever).
Now I was on 3820, I downloaded ES File explorer from the Amazon App store.
I then downloaded the files from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-phone/general/fire-phone-how-to-install-google-play-t2977237 and followed the instructions there for installing the Google Apps.
As I personally like and use Google's apps I was a lot more comfortable replacing the stock launcher with the Google Now launcher, replacing the keyboard with Google's version and Chrome for Silk etc.
And that was me, running the latest version, device unlocked, Google Apps working nicely Play Store and even connecting to my G-Watch R.
Got to say once I done the above, I am more than happy and at under £100 for a 64GB phone, I am even more over the moon. Once you replace the bulk of the Amazon "guff", I think the phone is more than useable and I think if it shipped in this state and at a decent price, it would have been a much bigger hit, but hey-ho, bargain for us now!
Hope the above is of some help to someone. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
I'm looking at the deal on this phone today in the US also - $159 for the phone with a year of Amazon Prime so $60 for this phone a backup if anything happens to my current Xperia Z1.
I think for $60 it's a great deal but not also not sure of the functionality of it with Google apps. That'd be key for me.
Suggestions?
Absolutely no problems with Google play etc and I've been using for a month or so. Follow the various guides on this forum like I did and you'll be ok. Phone isn't any slower since I deployed gapps.
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
sergio687 said:
And if you don't want to bother with FireOS shenanigans, you can switch to CM11 and make it a normal Android phone. Don't get me wrong, FireOS is pretty stable even after sideloading Google services and stuff, but why bothering to Google up a heavily modified OS when you can just get the real stuff
At the price Amazon is selling it, it's a steal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but don't you need older firmware? I ordered one tonight that I expect to be running a unrootable firmware. I'm hoping to root before updating by blocking domains then registering and rooting quick. Of course if its running the latest that doesn't matter. Or can I root this?
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Kingroot it (just to have it rooted and flash ROMs), flash CM11 and enjoy a phone with great specs and a great price, and a year of Amazon Prime. Heck, you can even download the Amazon Appstore after you have de-Amazon'ed it and continue to enjoy the free app of the day and all that stuff.
Bingo Bronson said:
No, the latest FireOS is rooted in less than 1 minute with KINGROOT 4.1 (⇐ download links and explanation included, READ it...)
Registering? You want to keep using FireOS? Meh, you can do it, until CM11 reaches gold status. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I didn't wait for this is fear that Amazon would patch the exploit via an update.
Sent from my Fire Phone using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
JetFan said:
Does running CM11 solve the various notification issues? For example do top taskbar notifications and icon notifications work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my Fire Phone using the XDA premium app.
Thanks
arunhtc said:
Hey I am planning to buy Fire phone, but I am skeptic about side loading Google play store... as you are actually using it.. can you shed some light ? I have some quick questions like
1) Are all Google store apps working did you face any problem while using them.
2) I heard that the phone is slow when used with Google apps.
3) As an honest reviewer and taking into account as an heavy mobile user who plays around with apps how likely is it buy this phone.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked US version on Black Friday, sideloaded Google apps and activated on Net10 early December. Google Play Store tells you if an app is incompatible, I have sideloaded most of those from 1Mobile. That only works for free apps, so far I only have one paid app that I can't use (local commuter train).
Can't compare speed, didn't use it before sideloading Google but it seems pretty zippy to me.
Main problem will probably be Lollipop-only apps. I've run across a few incompatible apps, but nothing crucial yet. Looks like I have 123 apps in my grid, most from either Amazon or Google.
I'm using this as my main phone.
Okay thanks for info ...
Sent from my SD4930UR using Tapatalk
Issue started this week after HBO updated (Mar 8, 2017) the app.
It plays the 8 second HBO ad/ratings clip but it does not play the main video. I just get 3 blue dots at the bottom of screen rotating
HBOGO does work on 3 different Fire TV 1 units (rooted) and PCs
Here is what I've tried in order they were tried
Soft and hard reboot of the unit
Cleared data & cache
uninstalled and reinstalled HBOgo
Factory Reset using TWRP
Reflashed 5.2.4.0 Rom
Tried "Hide My Root" (https://goo.gl/brVjro)
having the same problem
krawhitham said:
Issue started this week after HBO updated (Mar 8, 2017) the app.
It plays the 8 second HBO ad/ratings clip but it does not play the main video. I just get 3 blue dots at the bottom of screen rotating
HBOGO does work on 3 different Fire TV 1 units (rooted) and PCs
Here is what I've tried in order they were tried
Soft and hard reboot of the unit
Cleared data & cache
uninstalled and reinstalled HBOgo
Factory Reset using TWRP
Reflashed 5.2.4.0 Rom
Tried "Hide My Root" (https://goo.gl/brVjro)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
theistus said:
having the same problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are your guys blocking some addresses thru OpenDNS or router ?
Some are reporting that they can not update/install some Apps with list blocking. You can try to see if that is the case after using both Method 5 & Method 1 on the update blocking guide.
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-block-software-updates-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
Or it could be that HBO updated their app or their servers to check for root in a different way that the old Hide my Root can't bypass. I know the ATT Uverse app was already doing that.
Not blocking anything on my end. Running the pre-rooted 5.2.4 image.
---------- Post added at 01:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 AM ----------
HBO GO works fine on my rooted phone, btw, no need to hide anything. One thing I noticed is that if i got into HBO's settings on the firetv, it seems to think I am on 5.1.1.
I think i am going to try sideloading the regular google apk and/or the older version of it that worked fine prior to this "update"
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:28 AM ----------
well neither of the current (9.2.0.4) apks (leanback or regular) I downloaded worked.
But, the 9.1.0.11 leanback apk is working like a charm.
Honestly this is the kind of **** that really pisses me off. I have legal access to a crapton of content. I have a cable sub with a couple of premium channels, hulu, netflix, and a Prime account.
But I end up using Kodi most of the time because I like having it all in ONE EASY TO NAVIGATE yet feature rich app that actually keeps track of all the shows across all the services. Plus it's far easier for the wife to use than ping ponging around across disparate applications. I swear to god, if content providers could ever get their **** together to unify and simplify services they would stop piracy. Is it even piracy if you have legal access to it, are paying for it, but you just despise the way they want to make you watch it on their broken ****?
/endrant
Same Issue
Did anyone figure out a workaround outside of installing the leanback edition?
I'm having the same issue, but the newest version of the app just crashes and gives a service error. Updating to the latest Fire TV firmware did not change anything. The info section of the app still reads 5.1.1 when it comes to firmware, which is strange.
I guess a better question is: does the app work for anyone who is rooted? If so it must be something those of us who are having problems did, in which case a factory reset might be in order.
this is interesting. I haven't used the hbogo app since game of thrones concluded. I'll check my rooted ftv2 when i get home later tonight to see.
Seph25 said:
Did anyone figure out a workaround outside of installing the leanback edition?
I'm having the same issue, but the newest version of the app just crashes and gives a service error. Updating to the latest Fire TV firmware did not change anything. The info section of the app still reads 5.1.1 when it comes to firmware, which is strange.
I guess a better question is: does the app work for anyone who is rooted? If so it must be something those of us who are having problems did, in which case a factory reset might be in order.
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Click to collapse
well, I did figure out why it says 5.1.1. It's because that's the version of Android that the current firetv os is based on.
That's right, still on goddam lollipop. This might be the problem right here.
In any case, the new april update changed nothing, and neither did the new rbox 5.2.4.1 image.
I still don't think it's root, because hbogo works just fine on my rooted nexus 7 and on my rooted vs985.
hbo go app on amazon store has a ton of people saying it broke after the march update, so it's not just us.
If I'm feeling motivated I may try to grab a logcat and see if i can work it out, but as it's working with the pre-march leanback apk I'm not in a rush.
It's been a minute since this thread was active, but thought I'd post a logcat I finally got around to grabbing.
the meat of the thing is toward the end, but i included the whole logcat in case I missed something
I'm not terribly good with logcats, but it looks like a drminfo error, starting with :
W/mediaErrorLogger( 202): MediaError:MMSW_Metrics5.2.4.2:com.HBO.DRM_CANNOT_HANDLE=-2006 from DECRYPT
E/MediaCodec(16612): queueCSDInputBuffer failed w/ error -2006
E/ExoPlayerImplInternal(16612): Internal runtime error.
E/ExoPlayerImplInternal(16612): android.media.MediaCodec$CryptoException: Unknown Error
Thought I'd post it here in case anyone wants to poke at it
I use HBO NOW which stopped working a few weeks ago. Did a lot of clearing, uninstalling, etc. The problem was that the newer versions of NOW no longer worked. My fix, thanks to one of the nice people here was:
1. Block Updates in Application > Settings
2. Download the FTV Apps in Themes section at the bottom of the forum.
3. Unzip it.
4. Sideload the HBO app you need. For me NOW. For you GO.
Anyway, that worked for me. My thinking is that HBO doesn't like my Root, Xposed, or something else.
Maybe time to move on to some sort of generic streamer that lets me live free.
Unfortunately that didn't work for me on HBO GO. I downloaded HBO_GO_v9.2.0.4.apk from the pack and although it doesn't give an error message, it simply doesn't play.
In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm keeping root anyways (other than the "fun" of rooting something).
LakersFan_73 said:
Unfortunately that didn't work for me on HBO GO. I downloaded HBO_GO_v9.2.0.4.apk from the pack and although it doesn't give an error message, it simply doesn't play.
In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm keeping root anyways (other than the "fun" of rooting something).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too was having this problem and FINALLY found out the problem as actually my prerooted image from rbox.
He has since released a fixed prerooted image, hopefully this is also the same issue you're having?
Link to the post with updated prerooted firmware from rbox
rbox said:
July 27, 2017 - 5.2.4.2_r2 (md5sum: a96e73478cdbe8659f6758a5d27b4738
This includes updated firmware to fix Hulu and HBO.
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Yes, it fixed it. Sorry I should have updated my post.
HBO GO account
Never mind
xmxmxm said:
anybody know how to access the data on fire tv? I want to retrieve my old hbo go log-in information.
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Please don't post in multiple places
I already answered you
https://forum.xda-developers.com/fi...re-tv-copy-t3810493/post76947862#post76947862
Anyone get YouTube Module iYTBP for Magisk to work? I've never used this particular method before. I manually downloaded the latest ARM64 variant and tried the ones listed in Magisk downloads as well . I'm not sure if its just broken for our device at the moment or I'm doing something wrong. If some has another method for removing YouTube ads you be appreciated. Thanks
Try Youtube RED hahaha
Couple ways. YouTube Red of course which is what I use now. But I used to use pi-hole on my home network
Yea, their ads are getting out of hand.
Root it, then use an aggressive HOSTS file. This one is not bad http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Remember to convert the format of the hosts to Unix. In Notepadd++ that is EDIT --> EOL Conversion --> UNIX
If rooting is too much, go with a DNS blackhole. Raspberry Pi Hole is the easiest.
Or you can setup DNS on a Windows Server, then import the domains from the hosts file using this: https://cyber-defense.sans.org/blog/2010/08/31/windows-dns-server-blackhole-blacklist
Another benefit of a DNS server is that you can log all the DNS lookup requests from your Pixel 2, iPad, Smart TV, etc. Then block the **** out of them.
JeffBea said:
Anyone get YouTube Module iYTBP for Magisk to work? I've never used this particular method before. I manually downloaded the latest ARM64 variant and tried the ones listed in Magisk downloads as well . I'm not sure if its just broken for our device at the moment or I'm doing something wrong. If some has another method for removing YouTube ads you be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it and it works perfectly. Did you follow the instructions in the thread?
ilal2ielli said:
I'm using it and it works perfectly. Did you follow the instructions in the thread?
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Click to collapse
I thought I did. I disabled YouTube and then tried to install module in Magisk, but it failed to install. Maybe I wasn't reading the right thread.
JeffBea said:
I thought I did. I disabled YouTube and then tried to install module in Magisk, but it failed to install. Maybe I wasn't reading the right thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having issues too. What worked for me was uninstalling updates for YouTube, and when it prompted to return the app to the stock one that came with the phone, I said yes and it finally worked.
The best adfree solution to YouTube IMO is this:
https://www.official-plus.com/ogyoutube
Not only do you get YouTube adfree - you can do picture in picture without YouTube red AND you get an extra button to download the video in mp4 or just the audio in mp3 if you wanted to! AND ROOT NOT NEEDED! 1st install MicroG APK, then install OGyoutube APK, give permissions, and done lol.
Best YouTube experience yet. Please give this a try, you will forget all about the YouTube adaway module.
BTW, I'm on Oreo 8.1 developer preview 1, unrooted, locked bootloader, stock recovery and still works great. Has extra settings and options not originally in stock YouTube too. And they're all handy =-)
P.S. I been using this for YouTube all week (just got my pixel 2 xl) and haven't seen a single ad yet.
Honestly, pay for it or deal with it. A lot of these creators spend hours and hours creating content for you to enjoy. Those ads pay for that time. And not nearly enough I might add. It's 5 to 20 seconds of your life or 10 bucks a month.
Guys, I live in Russia, so there's no way to legally use YouTube Red. Here's what I did:
1. Rooted with Magisk.
2. Removed system app YouTube.apk.
3. Downloaded modified YouTube iYTBP and put it into the system folder.
Magic! Everything works fine including picture-in-picture mode. No ads!
JeffBea said:
Anyone get YouTube Module iYTBP for Magisk to work? I've never used this particular method before. I manually downloaded the latest ARM64 variant and tried the ones listed in Magisk downloads as well . I'm not sure if its just broken for our device at the moment or I'm doing something wrong. If some has another method for removing YouTube ads you be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use they're non root version and install apk and everything is fine. Doesn't matter if you're rooted or not.
zathus said:
Honestly, pay for it or deal with it. A lot of these creators spend hours and hours creating content for you to enjoy. Those ads pay for that time. And not nearly enough I might add. It's 5 to 20 seconds of your life or 10 bucks a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now the wall of "it's not supported in my country" and other excuses will come.
This is what society is now. Would rather rip everyone off to save themselves a 40 second ad
soapbox23 said:
I was having issues too. What worked for me was uninstalling updates for YouTube, and when it prompted to return the app to the stock one that came with the phone, I said yes and it finally worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it working, thanks for the tip.
Lawlrus said:
Now the wall of "it's not supported in my country" and other excuses will come.
This is what society is now. Would rather rip everyone off to save themselves a 40 second ad
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Click to collapse
Lol well it's a valid point. I live in Canada and pay for Google play music, which comes bundled with YouTube red for those in the States. Why should I pay the same amount of money to get less features than someone in the States?
Youngbloodx said:
Lol well it's a valid point. I live in Canada and pay for Google play music, which comes bundled with YouTube red for those in the States. Why should I pay the same amount of money to get less features than someone in the States?
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Click to collapse
Because that's the way life is some times? Move to America so you can save $15 a month. See if it's worth it lol
Taebom said:
Just use they're non root version and install apk and everything is fine. Doesn't matter if you're rooted or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind sending a link to the correct APK version to me for the Pixel 2 XL? I'm rooted with Magisk if that matters. I looked on their download site and there are like upwards of 8 files for just about every version of the APK.