Develop Bugs

Uninstalled XBMC but now XBMC launcher app keeps me from accessing KFTV Home

I was trying to fix xbmc by uninstalling, I have xbmc launcher auto loading xbmc but now that I uninstalled it is stuck on a black screen giving me a message that it can't find xbmc. I can't load anything else now. Help, what can I do?

Zorak27 said:
I was trying to fix xbmc by uninstalling, I have xbmc launcher auto loading xbmc but now that I uninstalled it is stuck on a black screen giving me a message that it can't find xbmc. I can't load anything else now. Help, what can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is you need to do a factory restore. First post here tells you how:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799779
And here is my recommendation. Do NOT use XBMC as a launcher for your AFTV. While that saves you 1 click, the bad points seem to out weigh that bit of laziness. Use FiredTV as the laucher, move xbmc so it's the first icon.
good luck.

Is it not possible that you install XBMC via adb and then restart?

The problem is the launcher prevents the FTV from rebooting so ADB isn't going to help. You need to boot into recovery and then do a factory restore. Guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbr...nd-factory-reset-the-amazon-fire-tv/#more-898
I did this myself. Duh.
There is a newer version of XBMC Launcher available from Google Play (http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbr...nd-factory-reset-the-amazon-fire-tv/#more-898) which fixes this issue.
See What's New for info.

jmerrilljr2 said:
The problem is the launcher prevents the FTV from rebooting so ADB isn't going to help. You need to boot into recovery and then do a factory restore. Guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbr...nd-factory-reset-the-amazon-fire-tv/#more-898
I did this myself. Duh.
There is a newer version of XBMC Launcher available from Google Play (http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbr...nd-factory-reset-the-amazon-fire-tv/#more-898) which fixes this issue.
See What's New for info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blonde question of the day: if I have SPMC installed (which replaced the AFTV launcher as default) will I be able to install this launcher for the dreaded day when I mess up SPMC and can't get into a launcher? Ie...will it still install and possibly prompt me to chose a default launcher (again)?
I assume this would be similar to deleting the default preference in Settings.

Ipse_Tase said:
Blonde question of the day: if I have SPMC installed (which replaced the AFTV launcher as default) will I be able to install this launcher for the dreaded day when I mess up SPMC and can't get into a launcher? Ie...will it still install and possibly prompt me to chose a default launcher (again)?
I assume this would be similar to deleting the default preference in Settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well SPMC comes in two flavors -- with or without the built in launcher.. If you want to use the XBMC launcher you need to have the non-launcher version of SPMC installed. Otherwise when you use your Home button the system gets confused.
When you launch the XBMC Launcher, you get a screen asking you to select which flavor of XMBC is your default. That way you can toggle back and forth with no issues, as long as SPMC is the non-launcher version.

jmerrilljr2 said:
Well SPMC comes in two flavors -- with or without the built in launcher.. If you want to use the XBMC launcher you need to have the non-launcher version of SPMC installed. Otherwise when you use your Home button the system gets confused.
When you launch the XBMC Launcher, you get a screen asking you to select which flavor of XMBC is your default. That way you can toggle back and forth with no issues, as long as SPMC is the non-launcher version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah...now it makes sense. I must have taken for granted that SPMC only comes with built in launcher - I checked the semperpax page and see the difference.
Probably should try and change my install at some point, because I resisted putting the custom recovery (I just don't want to mess up Netflix SHD+DD....) therefore I have no system backup, just SPMC backup.

Zorak27 said:
I was trying to fix xbmc by uninstalling, I have xbmc launcher auto loading xbmc but now that I uninstalled it is stuck on a black screen giving me a message that it can't find xbmc. I can't load anything else now. Help, what can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm probably too late, but it it's getting to the point of saying it can't find XBMC, then ADB should be up. Simply uninstall XBMC Launcher via adb using "adb uninstall se.blunden.xbmclauncher".
nyder said:
And here is my recommendation. Do NOT use XBMC as a launcher for your AFTV. While that saves you 1 click, the bad points seem to out weigh that bit of laziness. Use FiredTV as the laucher, move xbmc so it's the first icon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bad points? It looks like the OP's problem was caused by a bug in a third party app (which appears to have since been fixed), not by XBMC itself. If you run my XBMC build or SPMC, both of which have launcher capabilities built in, you won't have this issue.

elmerohueso said:
I'm probably too late, but it it's getting to the point of saying it can't find XBMC, then ADB should be up. Simply uninstall XBMC Launcher via adb using "adb uninstall se.blunden.xbmclauncher".
What bad points? It looks like the OP's problem was caused by a bug in a third party app (which appears to have since been fixed), not by XBMC itself. If you run my XBMC build or SPMC, both of which have launcher capabilities built in, you won't have this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad points like:
XBMC takes up a bit of memory, so you can't always launch other apps (mostly games currently take up the big memory) from XBMC and if you are using it's launcher, then you are a bit sol there.
XBMC messing up and the launcher still takes you to it.
Uninstall XBMC without uninstalling the launcher messes you up (though I heard they fixed that, but people don't always upgrade to the latest version when it's not automatic).
You are missing out on other crap your AFTV can do if you just go into XBMC all the time.
Though I guess if you are a dev of an XBMC app, you might be more into selling the idea that the AFTV is a great XBMC machine and that is all you need it for.
But I understand, people just want it for a XBMC player, and they probably install the software and then leave it alone because it works. I don't blame them. Somethings when I get it to work, that is good enough. But that doesn't change my opinion that using a launcher to just load up the 1 program is silly and at the least, handicaps your system.
But tbh, I haven't used a xbmc launcher, so i don't know the specifics. What happens if you exit of out XBMC, does it just load it back up, or does it send you to the original amazon launcher? If the former, then crappy design, if it's the latter, then cool, that at least would clear up one or two of my bad points.
Okay, here's a bad point: http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/blocked-getting-settings-tabs-t2907505
Sounds to be that maybe a xbmc launcher wasn't really thought out by those who programmed it. Still going to say there isn't any bad points?

nyder said:
Bad points like:
XBMC takes up a bit of memory, so you can't always launch other apps (mostly games currently take up the big memory) from XBMC and if you are using it's launcher, then you are a bit sol there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to run into this every now and then, but some tweaking and setting my FTV to automatically reboot nightly seems to have cleared up the issue.
nyder said:
XBMC messing up and the launcher still takes you to it.
Uninstall XBMC without uninstalling the launcher messes you up (though I heard they fixed that, but people don't always upgrade to the latest version when it's not automatic).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The XBMC Launcher app is quite different from having XBMC with launcher intent built in.
If you have the XBMC Launcher app, that app itself is actually acting as your home launcher, and it then calls XBMC to launch. The OP's problem (and the issue in the other thread) is that the XBMC Launcher app had a bug where it would still try to act as the launcher and would freak out if it couldn't find XBMC (to the credit to that app's developer, that bug has been fixed).
If you have a build of XBMC that has launcher intent built in, there's no additional app needed, and there's no chance of a similar problem.
nyder said:
You are missing out on other crap your AFTV can do if you just go into XBMC all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still access the FTV launcher through the Apps/Programs menu in XBMC. Every other app is also accessible in XBMC's Apps/Program menu. So no, you're not missing out on "other crap". It's still there and easily accessible.
nyder said:
But that doesn't change my opinion that using a launcher to just load up the 1 program is silly and at the least, handicaps your system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What handicapped these systems was (an old version of) the XBMC Launcher app itself, not XBMC. Not even a version of XBMC with built-in launcher intent.
nyder said:
But tbh, I haven't used a xbmc launcher, so i don't know the specifics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't knock it 'till you try it. If you use XBMC a lot, I'd recommend trying XBMC for Fire TV (mine) or SPMC (made by Koying of team XBMC). No matter which version you run, though, you might like some of the tweaks in my XBMC repo.

elmerohueso said:
I used to run into this every now and then, but some tweaking and setting my FTV to automatically reboot nightly seems to have cleared up the issue.
The XBMC Launcher app is quite different from having XBMC with launcher intent built in.
If you have the XBMC Launcher app, that app itself is actually acting as your home launcher, and it then calls XBMC to launch. The OP's problem (and the issue in the other thread) is that the XBMC Launcher app had a bug where it would still try to act as the launcher and would freak out if it couldn't find XBMC (to the credit to that app's developer, that bug has been fixed).
If you have a build of XBMC that has launcher intent built in, there's no additional app needed, and there's no chance of a similar problem.
You can still access the FTV launcher through the Apps/Programs menu in XBMC. Every other app is also accessible in XBMC's Apps/Program menu. So no, you're not missing out on "other crap". It's still there and easily accessible.
What handicapped these systems was (an old version of) the XBMC Launcher app itself, not XBMC. Not even a version of XBMC with built-in launcher intent.
Don't knock it 'till you try it. If you use XBMC a lot, I'd recommend trying XBMC for Fire TV (mine) or SPMC (made by Koying of team XBMC). No matter which version you run, though, you might like some of the tweaks in my XBMC repo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the offer to try it, but no. I'm happy with my FireDTV launcher. I'm happy NOT running XBMC at the start, and I'm happy knowing that even if I uninstall XBMC (which i've done recently, to put in the kodi version), my system will still work right.
Anyways, I said my piece, I'm done with it. Hopefully we won't get many more post about the old launcher messing up peeps systems.

Thanks for all the useful info everyone, I ended up doing a factory reset, reroot, then installed a fresh xbmc. I was unable to connect to adb until the factory reset. Sticking with fired tv for now.

Uk Fire TV

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

SPMC 13.3.3 multiple crashes and restarts of the app

Guys
I had this setup since late August and it was fairly stable until (I guess) some plugins were updated. Now I have 3-4 crashes/day from Genesis and Yahoo plugins (could be others, but I use these 90%).
Nothing in the logs or any indication whatsoever, but I did notice that if I power cycle the device (I have it on a remote controlled switch) it lats a lot longer.
I'm on the last rootable stock ROM 51.1.1.0_user_51107022
Anyone else seeing this?

When i watch a serie in genesis it crashes to! Stops streaming the video and goes back where i opened the video. It does dis to in other addons. Tried reinstalling xbmc and different setups. Buffering is fine and network connection is fine to! I'm on the latest prerooted firmware. I think it started when i used sdmaid pro. Anyone got a suggestion?
Greetz VleeGske.

OK I thought I had a faulty unit. I'm relieved that this is not unique. I too would kindly appreciate any advice! Thanks!!
Sent from my LG-V510 using XDA Free mobile app

assumption said:
OK I thought I had a faulty unit. I'm relieved that this is not unique. I too would kindly appreciate any advice! Thanks!!
Sent from my LG-V510 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read, if you use SPMC 13.3.2 instead its a bit more stable. Also have you tried Kodi nighly? That seems stable as well.

I was using a modified version of the confluence theme. I switched back and things seem normal for now
Sent from my LG-V510 using XDA Free mobile app

assumption said:
I was using a modified version of the confluence theme. I switched back and things seem normal for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it Confluence++ with FTV specific tweaks? That's what I have.
As far as 13.3.3 vs 13.3.2 is concerned, I didn't see any improvement/worse behavior. I tend to blame the plugins rather than the core, but I might be wrong.

SPMC 13.4.0
@Koying released SPMC version 13.4.0 yesterday. Might want to try it out and see if it helps with any issues.

mjbxx said:
@Koying released SPMC version 13.4.0 yesterday. Might want to try it out and see if it helps with any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent a long time over this weekend trying to figure out the perfect configuration that works for me.
Why not move to Helix. My recommendation is try that out as elmerohueso has fixed all the confluence ++ skins along with the root script to check for the power options.
As a recommendation, if moving to helix, go with the nightlies of November 28th as the latest and the release candidate has a recent playback to not work right. I've seen the following fixes by moving to helix.
1. kodi does not crash at all. SPMC was good but used to crash about 2 times a day.
2. Confluence ++ skin is now fixed to work perfectly with kodi.
3. Power options for root script has been fixed.
4. .ts file playback is no longer choppy. I had to disable either lightscribe or media. I can't remember and reboot.
New Features
With bluray We can now see the menu which is nice.
hope this helps.

Yes it was!! Everything seems stable so far
Sent from my LG-V510 using XDA Free mobile app

I slapped 13.4.0 onto it...let's see how it fares. It was fine for 4hrs yesterday. I really wouldnt' give up Confluence++
Question for others here: how do I go about restoring FTV launcher? Do I just reset the defaults in Settings/Apps? Maybe having SPMC as a launcher is not the best idea.

I'll give 13.r a try
Sent from my LG-V510 using XDA Free mobile app

Ipse_Tase said:
Question for others here: how do I go about restoring FTV launcher? Do I just reset the defaults in Settings/Apps? Maybe having SPMC as a launcher is not the best idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...the worst happened: SPMC stopped loading up, and as it was set as launcher, I found myself stuck.
The only solution I found was to load Kodi from adbFIRE and it became the default launcher, thus allowing me to get in and delete cache (which fixed SPMC).
The question remains: how does one restore FTV launcher as default?

Ipse_Tase said:
The question remains: how does one restore FTV launcher as default?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one cares to help a fellow user?

Ipse_Tase said:
No one cares to help a fellow user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the best way to revert back to the Fire TV Launcher would be to uninstall any and all launchers.
Back up your SPMC settings→ Uninstall SPMC Launcher
Install non-launcher SPMC 13.4 APK → Restore SPMC settings.

mjbxx said:
I believe the best way to revert back to the Fire TV Launcher would be to uninstall any and all launchers.
Back up your SPMC settings→ Uninstall SPMC Launcher
Install non-launcher SPMC 13.4 APK → Restore SPMC settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mjbxx...my concern was that if I don't restore the original launcher I will find myself unable to boot. On a regular Android box I can go and change the default program, but that's not the case here. Any file I can edit to make the FTV launcher default?

Can rooted Fire TV 2 launch directly to Kodi?

I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.

It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate

deanr1977 said:
It maybe an option once Rbox gives us the recovery/custom rom which shouldnt be too far away now? But at the moment NO we cant.... But there is an option in Firestarter that once launched it will boot to any app you choose, so say you choose Kodi then once your Fire Tv device boots up after a little while (about roughly 5-10seconds) it will start to boot Kodi. For now this should surfice for what you what until the new stuff starts getting created after custom rom & recovery is released.
Hope this helps mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.

ks-man said:
Thanks for the idea. Is it worthwhile then for me to do anything else with my newfound root? The main thing I like the Fire TV for is to use Kodi so I'm guessing until we get Rbox's method there isn't anything else worthwile for me to do. I did disable updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a wired console or pc controller around the house you could install an emulator or 2 & play some old console games? Look in the Q&A section of this Fire TV thread & your see my compatible sideloaded apps & accessories thread if you need it & it will save you some time trying out different apps or accessories to see if they work or not?
Have fun & press that thanks button If this helped you
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

ks-man said:
I recently rooted my Fire TV 2 and wanted to have it launch straight to Kodi like my original Fire TV does (using either Elmerhueso version or SPMC). Just found out that Xposed isn't yet available for Fire TV 2 since there is no custom recovery yet.
Does that mean this feature isn't yet available? I know about Firestarter but would prefer to go straight to Kodi rather than having a bunch of apps on the screen first. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv

mejdam said:
uses titaium backup and freeze kftv launcher, after that you can switch the launcher.
obviously make sure you have another launcher already installed before you freeze kftv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
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deanr1977 said:
Wow I wouldn't wanna be the guinea pig doing that for the first time! Does this really work for the AFTV2?
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I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.

Dude360 said:
I cant remember if the official Kodi apk has the launcher intent or not to allow it to be set as default, I know SPMC does though but thats a little outdated I think as most of the Android specific changes were merged into the main Kodi branch.
I only quickly had a play the other week as its boxed back up till rbox's custom ROM and recovery.
I think I had to freeze the Kindle Launcher and use: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.blunden.xbmclauncher&hl=en to launch Kodi as default.
Be warned though, freezing KL will also stop a lot of other things working like the FTV settings page etc and you'll need to unfreeze to access them.
Better off waiting for Xposed and hopefully rbox kindly ports his modules to allow alternative launchers without freezing.
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This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392

I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)

ks-man said:
This is what I use on my 1st gen Fire TV to get launcher capabilities. I'm still on an old version (13.2 I think) but it appears he has updated it to 15.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
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Yeah this was the mod I was talking about (launcher intent). This is what the Xposed module will allow but without using a modded apk.
Nothing wrong with using elmerohueso builds but be aware you wont be able to use Firestarter to update Kodi as the modded apk has been signed differently. To update you'll have to use adb to sideload the new apk everytime theres an update.
Theres several ways to achieve Kodi as a launcher but like most things on the AFTV, for every upside theres also several downsides...
rp201 said:
I have used an app called autologin. works on rooted and non rooted devices. allows you to launch multiple apps with begining delay and delay between apps. easy to configure. I set it on firetvstick with 12 sec delay after statrup (firestarter) then 5 sec between apps (kodi)
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Not heard of that one but Ill take a looksy, especially if it works on unrooted!

How to freeze Amazon Launcher and use another one?

I have a ftv v2 with root and recovery. I want to change the default Launcher and use kodi instead.
Can i just freeze aftvlauncher and use xbmclauncher to use kodi? Will firestarter work normally if i set it to launch with 2 home button presses?
I am afraid to freeze aftvlauncher and don't be able to start any app. Bricking my ftv.
Thanks

Why freeze aftv launcher ? Just let firestarter/Kodi launch at startup and let the avtf launcher run in background...doesn't matter I think, you will not really recognize it...

KillerJoeBR said:
I have a ftv v2 with root and recovery. I want to change the default Launcher and use kodi instead.
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Try using the XBMC Launcher. This launcher works to perfection on a rooted first generation Fire TV. Not sure if it will work when updating to OS 5. May have to wait for a new release of [MOD][XPOSED]Fire TV Mods by rbox. I'll probably not update to OS 5 until I know for sure that this launcher will work with it.

I've disabled the stock launcher, along with some other things, details in this thread there are side effects of disabling the stock launcher but I'm ok with them:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/root-disabling-apps-services-bloat-t3325333
I can't say for certain if XBMC Launcher will work or not (not tried using it). I know you can't have the standard Kodi 16 as a 'launcher' as you cannot choose it from the launcher selection window you get when the AFTV launcher is disabled.
---------- Post added at 04:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------
Spotti said:
Why freeze aftv launcher ? Just let firestarter/Kodi launch at startup and let the avtf launcher run in background...doesn't matter I think, you will not really recognize it...
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The reason behind disable / freeze is that it will stop the launcher from consuming resources.
May not be entirely needed on AFTV2 but on the Stick (and maybe AFTV1) I'm sure it would help.

Ludacrisvp said:
I've disabled the stock launcher, along with some other things, details in this thread there are side effects of disabling the stock launcher but I'm ok with them:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/root-disabling-apps-services-bloat-t3325333
I can't say for certain if XBMC Launcher will work or not (not tried using it). I know you can't have the standard Kodi 16 as a 'launcher' as you cannot choose it from the launcher selection window you get when the AFTV launcher is disabled.
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Thanks for your answer. I saw your post but i thought it was a bit extreme. I only need to access kodi with the home button and firestarter with 2 presses so i can stop kodi when it sometimes freezes.
I used xbmclauncher before with FTV v1 OS3 and it worked great. But i didn't see anyone saying if it works with OS 5.X so i'm afraid of testing it myself. And i think it needs the rbox module to work and its outdated but i guess is still working? Rbox says it will update his module so i guess i should wait.

KillerJoeBR said:
Thanks for your answer. I saw your post but i thought it was a bit extreme. I only need to access kodi with the home button and firestarter with 2 presses so i can stop kodi when it sometimes freezes.
I used xbmclauncher before with FTV v1 OS3 and it worked great. But i didn't see anyone saying if it works with OS 5.X so i'm afraid of testing it myself. And i think it needs the rbox module to work and its outdated but i guess is still working? Rbox says it will update his module so i guess i should wait.
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Configure firestarter to start your "launcher" or Kodi with a single click. Set it to launch firestarter with a double click. You really can't brick doing this. If you find out you can't get back into the default Fire TV launcher for any reason, just side-uninstall firestarter via adb.

I had some issues when setting Kodi as launcher using XBMCLauncher on my Stick.
Kodi didn't seem to like it and moving back and forth to other apps like iPlayer etc it would reset its settings and act like it'd been reverted to default until I FC'd it. When it froze it could get itself into a loop as well as because it hasn't closed properly it try to 'launch itself again (if that makes sense)
I found it better to set Firestarter as Launcher, single click, start on boot and set Kodi as double click. Put Kodi in top left of app drawer as well so its always close if you click back to FireStarter by accident.
This way you always have FireStarter to fall back on if Kodi crashes.
You can also edit the Kodi keymap to have the 'Back' button on the Home screen open something else like favorites so that you don't accidentally back out of Kodi when navigating menus etc.
(Not knocking XBMCLauncher at all, I use it on my OUYA for exactly this and it works fine, just noting issues I've had on the AFTVS for others)

Dude360 said:
I had some issues when setting Kodi as launcher using XBMCLauncher on my Stick.
Kodi didn't seem to like it and moving back and forth to other apps like iPlayer etc it would reset its settings and act like it'd been reverted to default until I FC'd it. When it froze it could get itself into a loop as well as because it hasn't closed properly it try to 'launch itself again (if that makes sense)
I found it better to set Firestarter as Launcher, single click, start on boot and set Kodi as double click. Put Kodi in top left of app drawer as well so its always close if you click back to FireStarter by accident.
This way you always have FireStarter to fall back on if Kodi crashes.
You can also edit the Kodi keymap to have the 'Back' button on the Home screen open something else like favorites so that you don't accidentally back out of Kodi when navigating menus etc.
(Not knocking XBMCLauncher at all, I use it on my OUYA for exactly this and it works fine, just noting issues I've had on the AFTVS for others)
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Thanks for your input. Did you disable amazon launcher while doing this?
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KillerJoeBR said:
Thanks for your input. Did you disable amazon launcher while doing this?
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Yeah, froze using Titanium.
One thing to be aware of is if your using another/freezing AFTVLauncher and use the Android dialog to set the new Launcher as 'default' then there is no way to reset this like in normal Android. Theres no option in Amazon Settings or anywhere else in the GUI.
I think thees a way using SQL or by installing another Home Launcher which will prompt the Android dialog again.

Dude360 said:
I think thees a way using SQL or by installing another Home Launcher which will prompt the Android dialog again.
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Or maybe unfreezing the amazon launcher and deleting the other one?
Anyway I have another question. Do you set firestarter with adb detection? Cause I am afraid if activate this and something goes wrong I won't be able to access the firetv using wifi adb? Is that correct? And also does firestarter works without adb detection while also not having the amazon launcher?
Thanks again

KillerJoeBR said:
Or maybe unfreezing the amazon launcher and deleting the other one?
Anyway I have another question. Do you set firestarter with adb detection? Cause I am afraid if activate this and something goes wrong I won't be able to access the firetv using wifi adb? Is that correct? And also does firestarter works without adb detection while also not having the amazon launcher?
Thanks again
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Yup, unfreezing AFTVLauncher will do it but you have to be able to get to Firestarter to launch it, not good if everything is frozen
If I remember, FireStarter has the launcher intent so if its the only launcher available, Android will default to that anyway.
So, if its the default Launcher, you wont need to use adb detection as it will use the Home button and start on boot anyway.

Is it possible to set Firestarter as a default launcher without disabling a stock one? If so -- how?

I use Fs on fire tv on os5 and it works fine. Just setup your single and double click home buttons.