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Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Just get both lol. That's what I did
Fire stick is closer to a tablet than anything
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, AFSTV is a tablet used for streaming. Chromecast needs more apps and a native browser; maybe chromecast II will be able to compete in the same league (if it ever shows up).
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. Most US FTV's from Amazon, Staples, BestBuy, Radio Shack can still be rooted.
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
gottahavit said:
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
I have both, and I never use my Chromecast. The only reason I could think of why I would use it is for my 2 movies in Google Play... The Fire Stick is just better in every way.
adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes neither works perfectly traveling, but having to bring remote just to get it to connect to phone sucks. The only thing chromecast did right was the private wifi setup with devices.
Both are good I'm leaning more to aftv just has more features.. But I also have chromecast connected as well it's good to have back up to send media to the tv with my phone
adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Although having just experienced this, you'll need to sideload a browser and some mouse mode (controller, mouse, phone mouse,etc) to actually navigate and accept terms.
What I do is tether to my phone and cast predownloaded movies using All cast.
Chromecast is great for basic stuff and used with a tablet. When using my phone, everything gets paused and occasionally locks up when getting calls and messages on my phone.
Fire TV stick is also a pretty good emulator player for retro gaming on the go.
Unless you need to stick with the small form factor or the budget doesn't allow, the correct answer if you can't decide between the two is to get a Nexus Player. If you are not in a hurry, wait until spring when I'm sure the market will be flooded with cheap Chinese Android TV boxes (Android TV version of Android, not just Android on a stick). Essentially the same as FireTV, but with Chromecast functionality built in.
If I had to choose between a Chomecast or AFTV stick I'd take AFTV stick every time.
Comes Down to Apps
You should research the App you know you want to use. I really just want a Chrome cast with a physical remote. I was excited when I grabbed a FireTV stick for $25. I was not excited that the Showtime Anytime app doesn't support on Dish on FireStickTV but does on Chrome cast?
I would tell you make a list of the apps you really want and see what platform has them.
thats what i did too
No brainer.. AFTV.
Maybe its just me, but i really dont have the urge to "cast" everything from various devices. A nice standalone box that can connect to networked drives on its own while having native streaming capability nicely beats a simple "casting" box...
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
ziddey said:
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen 1 person post that Miracast works from a PC to the Fire TV.
See this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/miracast-t2954237/
After using both for a few weeks apiece, the fire stick with xbmc and a remote >>>>>>>>>>>> the chromecast.
It gets tiresome having to keep turning my phone etc and having some files need transcoding with the chromecast. The stick, since they updated the firmware and fixed the video quality problems, is almost perfect and I love that remote
The only thing chromecast has over the fire tv is the ease of use with the phone with the little cast button but I can live without that
As soon as the fire sticks go on sale again, I'm picking up another 3!
The AFS seems to be a more flexible platform. It's essentially a Android Stick computer. Will be even better when someone figures out how to root it. For the most part you can sideload the same working apps that work on other Android devices. That's pretty useful.
The Chromecast seems to be more of a one trick pony. The casting feature is interesting but why would you not want to just run apps directly to control it?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
I have both.
I bought the Chromecast last year. The biggest use I got out of it was binge watching to catch up on Game of Thrones via HBO Go app. Video was definitely grainy, lower quality than the On-Demand HD from Comcast. Since then, I've rarely used it. Having to start everything via the phone or pad, then "casting" feels clunky. Casting videos/movies from my PC browser was choppy at best.
The Fire TV Stick is pretty smooth. I like having the physical remote and looking at the TV when I do things (i.e. not having to use/look at the phone). YouTube works (although I'm not able to play Purchases). Plex works well, as does SPMC (XBMC fork). NBC Live Extra app seems to work ok, but I'll get a better feel for that tonight watching football. HBO Go isn't officially available for the FireTV STICK yet. On my Fire TV (box) I am disappointed that HBO Go and Showtime Go (I would be there are some other apps too) do not have the ability to sign in for Comcast/Xfinity customers like the apps on iOs and Android do. I do realize that is a COMCAST limit, but it still stinks.
As @alton987 said earlier, it important to know the apps you want to use, and what is available on a particular device.
I bought a Fire TV Stick the day before Thanksgiving at Best Buy for $24.99. I bought it primarily for Amazon Prime.
So far, it's been working perfectly. Along with Prime movies and tv, I'm also using Prime music, Netflix, Crackle and AllCast. All work perfectly except for Netflix. On Netflix, video freezes about 10-15 minutes before the end of the movie, audio continues. I have to back out and then resume. Only takes a few seconds but it's annoying. It's the only app that's giving me a problem.
I also sideloaded BS Player and ES File Explorer. I wanted to use them for playing movies stored on my PC. Both are working just fine. I have mine connected to my A/V receiver (Yamaha). Picture quality is excellent, as is audio through my system.
I'm VERY pleased with the stick, and will buy another one for a second tv.
I have no experience with the Chromecast so I can't comment on it.
But the Fire tv stick is, for me, a no brainer if you subscribe to Amazon Prime. Terrific add-on to my system.
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.
I hate to create a new thread with similar questions as others but none of the other threads seem to specifically address my question.
Is there a way to use the android phone to emulate a bluetooth keyboard/mouse functionality that simply pairs with other devices. I know there are many client/server applications but with regards to Fire TV Stick I just want to use the setting.apk and pair my phone to it. I have searched high and low but can't seem to find anything which makes me believe there is something inherent to that feature I don't understand which makes it not possible.
I have several apps sideloaded to Fire stick (Xfinity TV) requiring mouse and keyboard functionality. I can't find an efficient way to do this with my phone instead of buying more hardware (bluetooth keyboard/mouse).
Thanks!
cabalauf said:
I hate to create a new thread with similar questions as others but none of the other threads seem to specifically address my question.
Is there a way to use the android phone to emulate a bluetooth keyboard/mouse functionality that simply pairs with other devices. I know there are many client/server applications but with regards to Fire TV Stick I just want to use the setting.apk and pair my phone to it. I have searched high and low but can't seem to find anything which makes me believe there is something inherent to that feature I don't understand which makes it not possible.
I have several apps sideloaded to Fire stick (Xfinity TV) requiring mouse and keyboard functionality. I can't find an efficient way to do this with my phone instead of buying more hardware (bluetooth keyboard/mouse).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe something like this will help....
http://www.aftvnews.com/remote-mouse-app-released-for-fire-tv-fire-tv-stick/
Its like 2 bucks. It has both KB and mouse functionality. Not sure how good it is, I have no experience with it.
If you just need keyboard functionality, you can get by with Amazon's official app which is free...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.storm.lightning.client.aosp&hl=en
EDIT: I re-read and understand you want native BT functionality to pair your android device. I have not come across anything like that. But, you can use the app which will let you ditch your hardware keyboard, but comes with extra steps of firing up the app and having your device and FTV on the same wireless network.
I just tried out the Free Wukong TV remote app from Google Play Store. It works to control the FTV Stick and has a mouse mode that lets you use the screen as a left click. I tried it in Xfinity To Go app and Old Slingplayer tablet app that needed a mouse to select options. It works but you need to switch between mouse mode and d pad mode. It's pretty easy to switch from the app.
The Wukong app once you install on your phone and then make sure you are on the same wifi network as the Stick and enter IP of Stick or press Scan network. It will install a Wukong Remote server app on the stick. Once that is installed restart your stick and try to connect. The on the upper right is a button to switch between remote styles ie keyboard, dpad, touchpad, mouse mode.
There is a Wukong keyboard app that you can install from the phone also which lets you input text in Stick using your phone virtual keyboard. I tried it and it works and is better than using the Stick remote. However I get scared of using that app to put usernames and passwords because this app is from China and who knows if they are keeping that information.
I ended up taking the Wukong of my daily use phone and put it on a a cheapie $10 Android phone. Works great and I feels safer that this app can't be logging my information.
You could try 'True Mouse/KB' in play store, it adds Bluetooth HID device profile to your phone.
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.z2software.btpluginhidd
Stupidly bought a FireTV Stick with the intention of putting it in the offpsrings room so they can watch stuff from my Plex server in their own rooms.
Installed Plex, it wants to activate, £3.99, fair enough, bought it, it then says I can't watch stuff until I activate it, so I try again and it just errors..
Plex forums are about as much use as a fart in a cullender, so ended up here..
Any root or custom ROM options for the stick so it actually becomes useful?
Same LAN network correct?
I've noticed that if Plex uses a WAN address it behaves differently and nags for money. If your on a local network and you've attached to the correct server than you should be good to go.
Maybe you've already done this but make sure you are connected to the correct server and on your local network. And also if the content is HD make sure you are using h.264 encoding. I've noticed the firetv stick struggles with MPEG2 HD.
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had that problem, ate you in the uk? Works gangbusters in the us. I'm also plexpass, so maybe that's why...
Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say much about plex. I tried it. It was good to very good, depending on my device, but kodi is better in my opinion. However, if that tedious navigation in getting to the app is really your only issue, you can use llama to put it right on the recent section, or boot right to it. Adbfire makes the setup simple. There's also firestarter that allows side loaded apps on the home screen.
I've been using Plex for years and I'm pretty regular on the forums, and I agree, the issue with the repeated activation requirement doesn't seem to fix itself. Here is the most complete thread on the subject (http://forums.plex.tv/discussion/151349/app-already-purchased-but-still-prompting-for-activation/p1), I seem to remember that the main suggestions are (1) do a factory reset on the stick, (2) contact Amazon, and (3) PM one of the Plex devs with your amazon account name and maybe the receipt info from the app purchase (I don't remember the details of that). Like ldeveraux I have a Plexpass membership, that seems to provide the magic to avoid the issue (but I'm not promoting the purchase, the price now is kind of high).
Kodi+PlexBMC+Amber Skin works very well and looks similar to Plex Home Theater, sideloading is pretty easy (http://sideloadfiretv.com/sideload-apps-amazon-fire-tv-windows), and I think it's just a better solution to avoid any issues with surround sound.
Firestarter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/themes-apps/app-root-home-launcher-replacement-app-t3118135) is an awesome app to easily access your sideloaded apps.
Ahh, llama might sort me out then if I can boot the stick straight to Kodi/XBMC, dont have a Plexpass here which might be why its working for you guys and not me..
Anyone know if the BTN2GO (Big Ten Network) app can be sideloaded onto the Fire TV Stick? They have the app for Android and Chromecast but haven't published it to the Amazon App Store and since I don't have Cable, I can't watch my team play football.
Thanks.
Just in case anyone has any ideas... I installed the app using the APK from my phone and it opens fine. However, I can't navigate well with the remote to be able to sign in or anything. Anyone ever tried this and gotten it to work well?
BTN2GO fail
I have tried 5 different versions of the BTN2GO app (phone and tablet) and all have either had your experience or have asked for location services to be enabled, meaning that it is not looking for the information that is already in the AFTV settings and there is no way that I have found to enable them for this app. Even tried settings.apk but when I tried to enable the location services in it, it just kicked me out to the main screen. Hopefully this is supported by next football season...
In the meantime, Playstation Vue has BTN (and a ton of others) for the $45/mo contract and has an official Fire TV app.
GBR!
Big Ten - GO!
I was able to I install the app using the APK from my phone and then I installed the Mouse Toggle for Fire TV from PlayStore for $2.99. Super easy install and setup. I then used the Mouse to maneuver around and signed into my Xfinity account.
NewbyOnFireTV said:
I was able to I install the app using the APK from my phone and then I installed the Mouse Toggle for Fire TV from PlayStore for $2.99. Super easy install and setup. I then used the Mouse to maneuver around and signed into my Xfinity account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you possibly provide the APK file you used for this? When I push the APK from my phone and use Mouse Toggle, it asks for location services, as previously mentioned.
It's that time of year again so I, too, would love to get thsi working since BTN hasn't bothered to support it.
BTN on Fox Sports Go
Fox bought a majority share of the Big Ten Network prior to last season and has now integrated Big Ten Network into their Fox Sports Go app on Fire TV. No need to install the phone apk and deal with that interface. Hope this helps other B1G fans with Fire TV.
BTN2 Go
I'm using version BTN2Go_v6.0831 works fine on my Fire Stick Need a Keyboard/Mouse
This is stupid BTN hasn't released this to the fire tv.