Related
Hello,
There have been a log of helpful posts on the forum about what you can do with the Amazon Fire TV, but they are all in separate threads. I create this thread to put all of those guides together, along with whatever tips/tricks you can do on the Fire TV. I will try to credit where I found all the information. If the mods can make this a sticky thread, it will be awesome. I will try to update it when I find new information.
1/ BASIC
First step is to allow ADB over internet. Go to Setting ---> System ---> Developter Options ---> ADB Debugging ON
Here are 2 commands that you will need for sideload all apps in FireTV
adb connect xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
(xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is your IP address. Go to Setting ---> System ---> About ---> Network to find it.
adb install name_of_your_apk
Remember when you use adb, try to be in the same folder where the apk is located, so you don't have to type in it path. Also, make sure there is no space in the name of the apk or the install command won't work. Please note that you can also sideload apps into Fire TV if you have an Android device (tablet, phone, whatever..) Install Terminal Emulator, type cd sdcard/Download to go the Download folder where all your downloads usually located.
Also, in this guide, there is a few part that I mention reboot the device. Either follow the reboot step, or manually press both the select and the play/pause button and your Fire TV will reboot.
2/ ROOT
taken from this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783805)
Go to: http://towelroot.com/ and click the red button to download the APK:
Download the Chainfire SU APK from the Playstore: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=eu.chainfire.supersu
Sideload both APKs.
Run Towelroot, hit "Make it Rain" and then your FTV will reboot.
After reboot, open SuperSU, install SU. Go to Setting and set default access to "Grant" if you don't want the prompt to appear asking for superuser for each app.
Download Busybox APK: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=stericson.busybox
Launch it and install busybox.
3/ DISABLE FIRE TV UPDATER
Type adb shell in your terminal
Type su to ask for root (a pop up will appear on your Fire TV asking for superuser if you did not set "Grant" as default)
Type pm disable com.amazon.dcp
4/ CONTROL AMAZON FIRE TV WITHOUT USING MOUSE/KEYBOARD
For certain apps to work in Fire TV, you might need a mouse/keyboard since the app is design for touch base environment. To work around this, what you can do is install a VNC server and control the Fire TV using VNC Viewer.
The VNC Server app that I used is called VMLite VNC Server. Here is its link in the Playstore:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vmlite.vncserver&hl=en
I will not post the apk to this link since it is a paid app and the developer has specifically asked me not to. So to get the apk, there are 2 ways.
A) Go to the developer website and buy the apk: http://www.vmlite.com/purchase.html
B) Install the apk on your Android device from the Play store. Here is how you can download the apk from the Play Store using Chrome extension (this will only work if you have bought the apk from the Play store)
Go to http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ in Chrome and scroll down.
Install the APK Downloader v2.1.3 extension.
Once install, go to the extension setting, fill out all that information ( username, password, and Google ID)
Go to this link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vmlite.vncserver&hl=en
Click Install, choose your Android device, and a symbol will appear in the URL bar allowing you to download the apk
Once you have the apk, sideload it. Open the app, press the Menu button on your remote, a bottom bar will appear.
Select Setting ---> VNC password to set your VNC Server password
Select Setting ---> VNC port to set your VNC Server port
Select Setting ---> Autostart Server at boot
Then press the big Green Start Server button
EDIT: there are several VNC server available for Android. Some are paid, some are free. As long as it is working with a password, you should use it. You don't have to use VMLite VNC Server. I use it because I have it for a long time and it works great on all my Neuxs 7, 10, and 5.
Once done, you can use a VNC viewer to control your Fire TV.
For Android device, use this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.realvnc.viewer.android&hl=en
For iOS device use this app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vnc-viewer/id352019548?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=4
For Desktop, go to this link and download the one for your OS https://www.realvnc.com/download/vnc/latest/
5/ INSTALL PLAY STORE
taken from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2787813
Download and install the "Xposed Framework" http://dl-count.xposed.info/modules/de.robv.android.xposed.installer_v32_de4f0d.apk
Download and install the "HDXPosed.apk" file. http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2538185&d=1390657381
Launch the "Xposed" application. Go to Framework and click Install. Don't reboot yet.
Go to modules and enable HDXPosed ( you need a mouse for this part or VNC server)
Go back to Framwork and click Reboot
Go download these apks
https://mega.co.nz/#F!8Q10yAiZ!4GVoGr7FJtXauVI3kvPSMQ
Mirror
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...4&authkey=!AIVXLFXAOWDeM0Q&ithint=folder,.apk
Sideload/Install all those apps (the apks for some of the apps contain space. Change the name or put the name in quotation mark to make it work)
Reboot. Play Store will appear in your application list.
WARNING: there is a bug in this step. For some people, first installation and reboot won't work. Don't panic. Sideload/Reinstall the app a second time will make it work, but use this command below
adb install -r name_of_your_apk
Remember to reboot your device.
6/ ENABLE INSTALLATION OF UNKNOWN SOURCES
taken from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784173
Install SQLite Editor https://code.google.com/p/xdroidx/downloads/detail?name=SQLite Editor-9.apk
Launch SQLite Editor, granting it SU access
Select "Settings Storage"
Select "settings.db"
Select the "global" table
Highlight the record "install_non_market_apps"
Hit the Menu button and select "Edit Record"
Change the Value to "1" and save the record (you will need a mouse/keyboard for this step)
Reboot
This is the only part in the guide that I have not tried yet. Some people say that by changing the internal database, you might mess up your Android device. I don't know this is true or not, but since I have not done it on any Android devices ever yet. I am still waiting for people result on this. The advantage of allowing installation of unknown sources is you can use ES File Explorer to install apps that are not in the Google Play store. No need to use adb to sideload apps and you don't have to open adb all the time, less vulnerability on your Fire TV.
7/ ACCESS YOUR AMAZON FIRE TV INTERNAL FILE STRUCTURE REMOTELY
If you choose to enable installation of unknown sources (the step above this), then you can use this step to install all apk from now on, without using adb ever again. There are two ways of doing this:
A) Install ES File Explorer from the Play Store or sideload it http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.estrongs.android.pop
Launch it. On the left side bar, select Remote Manager, select Turn On. Input the address on your PC and you can transfer any files from your PC to your Fire TV using WIFI. If you enable root in ES File Explorer, you can also copy/paste files from root but be careful about that.
B) Set up a SSH server.
Sideload SSH Daemon http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=web.oss.sshsftpDaemon
Configure password, and enable autostart on boot (this is the most frustrated part of the guide since the screen will be sideway. It might help if you have VNC server install since you can control it using VNC viewer)
SSH with username root and password abc123 (configurable in SSH Daemon)
You can also access the SSH server using ES File Explorer on your Android device. Select Network ---> FTP ---> New ----> choose SFTP ---> Username/Password
8/ ALTERNATIVE LAUNCHER FOR FIRE TV
Here is the link: https://github.com/Redth/FiredTVLauncher
Once install, when your press Home button, this launcher will launch instead of the default one.
Pros: since Amazon Fire TV won't show any apps that is not install from Amazon store. Using this launcher will display all your apps in normal Android device style. You can also rearrange them or show/hide certain apps.
Cons: lose the Amazon Fire TV default launcher. However, you can still access the default launcher, there is an icon to go back to the default launcher.
9/ INSTALL XBMC AND COPY OVER YOUR USERDATA FOLDER
Pretty self-explanatory, with XBMC, Amazon Fire TV turns into a "media box" beast that we all want.
Install from here (select ARM download link please) http://xbmc.org/download/
Launch XBMC. Exit. Then copy over all your userdata/addons folder.
If you have XBMC install on any other platforms and want to copy all of your settings/addons over to Fire TV, please remember that the best skin for Fire TV is Confluence. If you are using a touch-based skin, please switch it to Confluence or similar non-touch based skin.
This link tells where the default userdata folder is located:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=Userdata
This is where you will place your userdata folder on your Fire TV
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/
Please remember that this method works for all platform, if you are using XBMC on Windows, iOS, etc... you can just copy everything over and it will work.
Example:
I can copy over my userdata and addons folder from my Nexus 10. It is located at
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/addons/
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata/
Then I paste them to Fire TV here and replace the original folder
/sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/
Please remember to never copy over the temp folder. It might mess up your XBMC on Fire TV. If you do that, just delete it and launch XBMC.
10/ PLAY ANY VIDEO ON THE INTERNET USING CLOUDCAST ON ANOTHER ANDROID DEVICE
Install Cloudcast (it won't appear in Google Play store due to device restriction)
Download apkhere
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.appestry.cloudcast
Once install, you need to buy the in-app purchase (price is only $1.60, support the developer) to watch video longer than 10 minutes. The in-app purchase is authenticated through Google Play Store so only need to buy it once.
Once you have buy the in app purchase. Go to your other Android device, go to Play store and install the Cloudcast app in your other Android device
With both Fire TV and your Android device has Cloudcast, go to Devices --> Pair a new devices to link them up. From now on, any video you watch on your Android devices can be cast to the Fire TV. This app is based on Chromecast and it works great for me.
Here is a video of the developer explaining how his app work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ftqC1NvTPw
11/ OTHER LINKS AND THREADS
Spark : Desktop mirroring and web casting apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2766019
The Spark app is a hit/miss for me. It has a Chrome extension that will cast your Chrome tab to the Fire TV screen. Also, it has a Window/Mac program that supposedly mirror your entire desktop screen to the Fire TV. From my experience, the Chrome extension works for me in some way. The Chrome tab will appear in the Fire TV but it is not true mirroring. Certain videos won't load and the lag timing is around 3-5 seconds. The Window desktop program did not work for me. It will give me a black screen. If I play a video, sound will come out of the TV but no picture/image showing up. You can try it and let me know.
Airplay fully working and Mirroring too.. AndroidApple Tv allinOne
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2764848
Airplay to Fire TV. Did not try it since I don't have an iOS devices.
Working Sideloaded APK List - Updated Daily
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2756608
Self explanatory. Very good list of what app works on Fire TV and what not.
Links for Viki, Cruncyroll and Drama Fever for Google TV
http://www.4shared.com/zip/RlFwc6Ixce/gtv_apks.html
Dropbox Mirror:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/acilpqm3qbtub8v/gtv_apks.zip
The Google TV version of Viki, Crunchyroll and Drama Fever. Only Viki and Drama Fever works for me. Crunchyroll gives you a sideway screen. Please install the Google Play version below:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.crunchyroll.crunchyroid
Links for Dolphin Browser and Flash
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2267390
The thread above contains link to Dolphin browser which support Flash. You can also install Dolphin Jetpack (link below, which supposedly makes your Dolphin browser experience even faster. Warning: need mouse to navigate browser, remote control alone is not enough.
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=com.dolphin.browser.engine
Good stuff. Thanks.
There is a method in another topic that makes it easier to sideload apps while no longer needing a PC after installing certain apps.
Could you change the ADB part to tell people to sideload "terminal emulator" and a file explorer for easily sideloading any apk without a PC/straight from FTV storage then deleting the apk file,and a recommended web browser for downloading apk files to sideload via terminal emulator?
I got Opera as my first browser to sideload when it was a 21.x version and it ran decently,but the recent 22.x updates are unstable with flickering rendering.
If you pick Opera,I suggest you try and find a 21.x version from somewhere like Aptoide.
Just want to help make it easier when you can install apps without needing a PC after the first few sideloaded apps.
You have apps from 1Mobile,Appchina,Wandoujia,SlideME,Aptoide
(after sideloading Aptoide Market app from m.aptoide page),Voga360,and the free apps from Play Store via Evozi and APK Leecher.
All of these can be accessible from a sideloaded browser on your Fire TV for sideloading with the Terminal Emulator after finding out the name and directory (usually sdcard/Download/appname.apk) using a file explorer like ES File Explorer.
Yea, I am going to write more sideloading browsers and other apps. There are several methods for installing apk on the Fire TV once it is rooted. Using browser to download, then use ES File Explorer to install, or terminal emulator to install is fine also.
For the browser part, so far, I had installed a modified version of Dolphin browser that support Flash. It works great but you need a mouse to move around. I will add more stuff or link to other threads that contain useful info later on.
retroben said:
There is a method in another topic that makes it easier to sideload apps while no longer needing a PC after installing certain apps.
Could you change the ADB part to tell people to sideload "terminal emulator" and a file explorer for easily sideloading any apk without a PC/straight from FTV storage then deleting the apk file,and a recommended web browser for downloading apk files to sideload via terminal emulator?
I got Opera as my first browser to sideload when it was a 21.x version and it ran decently,but the recent 22.x updates are unstable with flickering rendering.
If you pick Opera,I suggest you try and find a 21.x version from somewhere like Aptoide.
Just want to help make it easier when you can install apps without needing a PC after the first few sideloaded apps.
You have apps from 1Mobile,Appchina,Wandoujia,SlideME,Aptoide
(after sideloading Aptoide Market app from m.aptoide page),Voga360,and the free apps from Play Store via Evozi and APK Leecher.
All of these can be accessible from a sideloaded browser on your Fire TV for sideloading with the Terminal Emulator after finding out the name and directory (usually sdcard/Download/appname.apk) using a file explorer like ES File Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cloudcast
i see cloudcast here
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appestry.cloudcast&hl=en
Has any one found a good alternative to VMLite VNC Server? I would like a free one or maybe one that does give you some trial period, I don't mind paying for it if it work but I'm not sure that I will work for what I'm trying to do.
I got terminal emulator working. All you need to do is change settings so that it uses word keyboard. Then, when you wanna type something, hit the 3 bars key. Then click 'toggle soft keyboard'.
cloning firestick
I am trying to take my "jailbroken" Firestick and copy it's info to a new firestick. So I will have two that have kodi and I can use one downstairs, I thought I could just back it up on perhaps my desktop and than restore on the new stick. Is this going to work or will I just crash the new one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am good with my comp, but can't write code or anything like that. Thanks!
kimoleary3 said:
I am trying to take my "jailbroken" Firestick and copy it's info to a new firestick. So I will have two that have kodi and I can use one downstairs, I thought I could just back it up on perhaps my desktop and than restore on the new stick. Is this going to work or will I just crash the new one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am good with my comp, but can't write code or anything like that. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't work mate, the only way to root is to solder mod it for root, think there is a guide on xda or aftv news or Google it? A soft mod root is not possible anymore
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Hello,
I want to remotely access an amazon fireTV from my PC. I try with TeamviewerQS but, 1) I cannot take control of the desktop of the FireTV to make changes. 2) I always need permission from the remote which is very complicated. Is there a way to use a different program to do this easier? Maybe I can pre-install the correct programs into all of the FireTV's before I ship them out? Please help. JR
I'm0.
Hi I have NewsOn apk working on my AFTS but I can't get the application to work on a coworkers AFTS. Can I copy and paste files from my device to another so that NewsOn will work the same as on my device?
The problem is NewsOn requires Google services, which I somehow was able to install on my device but can't get it to install and run on my buddy's.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
In the tech world - dependancies are nothing that you just shrug off.
If the app needs the Google Services Framework, it needs the google services framework. And it will always ask for it - ad nausium, and probably quit if it doesnt find it.
On Android in general - an easy way to copy apps and its settings ("save data") from one device to another one is Titanium Backup.
You need root to use it - btw. That are other "cloud backup solutions" that don't require root per se, all of those arent very good. Without root you run into severe limitations with restoring app data. Because of the android security framework (one app isn't allowed to write data into another apps data folder).
But that doesn't help you one bit - if the app requires a Google framework thats on your device, but not on your "buddies".
Theres no magic that will solve that.
harlekinwashere said:
In the tech world - dependancies are nothing that you just shrug off.
If the app needs the Google Services Framework, it needs the google services framework. And it will always ask for it - ad nausium, and probably quit if it doesnt find it.
On Android in general - an easy way to copy apps and its settings ("save data") from one device to another one is Titanium Backup.
You need root to use it - btw. That are other "cloud backup solutions" that don't require root per se, all of those arent very good. Without root you run into severe limitations with restoring app data. Because of the android security framework (one app isn't allowed to write data into another apps data folder).
But that doesn't help you one bit - if the app requires a Google framework thats on your device, but not on your "buddies".
Theres no magic that will solve that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your input.
It seems like there's always a catch or a road block to work around in the "Android World".
This problem I'm faced with, doesn't it seem like there has to be an achievable fix?
Im just not on that level to know exactly why or pin point what I did that gave me the ability
to use an app that from what I kind of understood isn't possible to install on a non rooted fire stick.
Isn't there a method I've must have unknowingly performed that enabled me to use NewsOn?
Or could it just be a glitch or fluke?
I haven't heard or found anything on the web indicating someone has installed an app on a non rooted fire stick that requires Google services in order to function.
What's your or anyone elses opinion on this?
Thank you for sharing.
I was able able to install and get working NewsOn on a Firestick Gen 2 without root. Installed NewsOn (Apps2fire) then dumped my Google Play and Play Services from my phone (apk manager +) and used apps2fire to install them on the Firestick too. BINGO! Unfortunately I can NOT get it working on Fire TV Box using the same method..
What works
Leanback Launcher
Leanback App Buttons (you may still want Sideload Launcher for some things)
Leanback Recommendations
HDMI-CEC (insofar as my TV supports it YMMV)
Shield Controller, including right thumbstick as mouse
Ten Foot experiences for applications that check for it
What doesn't work
Cast Receiver
Probably other things, this is a work in progress
What's needed
ADB access - If you don't have the Android SDK you can just use Minimal ADB and Fastboot
Stock 5.0 OTA (Android 7.0 Nougat) - I don't know how necessary this is but it's what I used.
Root
TWRP or some means of flashing a zip
Open GApps arm tvstock
Step 1 - Debloat
First we need to get rid of a number of things that we won't need, or will get in the way. Use debloat.zip for this. I actually like to run this initially, as well as after Gapps are installed. The script file inside is copied in the spoiler below.
Code:
mount("ext4", "EMMC", "/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/APP", "/system");
ui_print("System app removals");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/BackupRestoreConfirmation");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/BlockedNumberProvider");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/ConfigUpdater");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/CalendarProvider");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/Contacts");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/ContactsProvider");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/DocumentsUI");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GmsCore");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleBackupTransport");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleFeedback");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleLoginService");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleOneTimeInitializer");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GooglePartnerSetup");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/GoogleServicesFramework");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/MmsService");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/Phonesky");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/SetupWizard");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/TegraOTA");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/TeleService");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/Telecom");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/Velvet");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/NvLauncher");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/NvCustomize");
#delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/NvRpxService"); needed for controller pairing
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/nvlasso");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/shield_platform_analyzer");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/shieldcustomize");
delete_recursive("/system/priv-app/Katniss");
delete_recursive("/system/app/CalendarGoogle");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Chrome");
delete_recursive("/system/app/CloudPrint");
delete_recursive("/system/app/DeskClockGoogle");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Drive");
delete_recursive("/system/app/ExactCalculator");
delete_recursive("/system/app/FaceLock");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Gmail2");
delete_recursive("/system/app/GoogleContactsSyncAdapter");
delete_recursive("/system/app/GooglePrintRecommendationService");
delete_recursive("/system/app/GoogleTTS");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Hangouts");
delete_recursive("/system/app/JusWrite");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Maps");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Music2");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PlayGames");
delete_recursive("/system/app/PrintSpooler");
delete_recursive("/system/app/SoundRecorder");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Tn8Tdc");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Videos");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Write");
delete_recursive("/system/app/idsmonitor");
delete_recursive("/system/app/stylusmobile-oem");
delete_recursive("/system/app/talkback");
delete_recursive("/system/app/trine2");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Twitch");
delete_recursive("/system/app/YouTube");
delete_recursive("/system/app/Music2Pano");
delete_recursive("/system/app/VideosPano");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/CalibNotifier");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/ConsoleSplash");
#delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/ConsoleUI");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvAndroidOSC");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvBenchmarkBlocker");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvCPLUpdater");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvCamera");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvEsrd");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvGamecast");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/NvRegistration");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/Stats");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/TegraZone");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/Welcome");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/nvbatterymonitorservice");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/nvidiafeedback");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/nvpowerstats");
delete_recursive("/system/vendor/app/watercolor");
ui_print("Finish");
Step 2 - TV Permissions
Some apps with ten foot experiences are packaged and distributed separately from their mobile/tablet counterparts (like Twitch and ESPN). Others, package all experiences together and ask for permissions at runtime (like PBS Video and PBS Kids). The attached tv_permissions.zip file adds these, as well as android.software.picture_in_picture in order to prevent an exception when the home button is double tapped.
Step 3 - Settings activity is now broken
This is because our conflicted device is looking for the ribbon at the top of the settings activity, but it doesn't exist in the tv layout. fixes.zip patches Settings.apk to include the ribbon in the tv layout.
If you have issues with this, try running debloat and tv_permissions, boot the device, then go back to recovery and flash fixes.zip.
Step 4 - Open GApps tvstock
Big thanks to the Open GApps guys for this one. I cheated a bit here and instead of adding the packages one-by-one to be removed in the debloat script, I manually removed a number of tars from the zip file. I'll fix this, I promise but in the meantime open up the zip file and remove the following:
GApps/castreceiver-arm.tar.lz
GApps/gamepadpairing-arm.tar.lz
GApps/livechannels-arm.tar.lz
GApps/talkback-arm.tar.lz
GApps/tvmovies-arm.tar.lz
GApps/tvmusic-arm.tar.lz
GApps/tvplaygames-arm.tar.lz
Core/bugreport-all.tar.lz
Core/googlebackuptransport-all.tar.lz
Core/googlecontactssync-all.tar.lz
Core/gsfcore-all.tar.lz
Core/notouch-all.tar.lz
Core/setupwraith-all.tar.lz
...or don't if you want to experiment with Google Play Services, but that's not my cup of tea on a TV device. Early builds saw hangouts messages popping up while my wife and I were watching tv (ugh). By the way anything you do with any of this knowledge your sole responsibility.
Other Minutiae
Use the SPMC fork if you use Kodi. You will get recommendations/now playing, among other things.
Some apps may look for Play Services at runtime (I had this with Twitch, for example). If you don't want GPS/GSF I can verify that microG works for this. I used Lanchon's Haystack for signature spoofing. This required Linux and the Android SDK, but there are other ways to accomplish signature spoofing, I just didn't try them.
You'll need some means of downloading app packages without Play Store on your device. I used Raccoon and DummyDroid with the build.prop from Shield Android TV and this user agent string:
Code:
'Android-Finsky/6.5.08.D-all (versionCode=80650800,sdk=23,device=foster,hardware=foster_e,product=foster,build=NRD90M:user)'
Originally, I wanted to do this as a custom AOSP or Lineage-based rom. Some of the issues I ran into were beyond my reckoning and I decided to cut bait and use stock. Lineage does work though, you'll just be sacrificing HDMI-CEC and Granular HDMI audio volume (Steel01 got HDMI audio working though, so big props there).
One thing that was bugging me was that the Shield Controller won't wake the tablet when the tablet is on batter power, even if you have it set to leave wifi on when sleeping. The following setting will fix this:
Code:
adb shell settings put system com.nvidia.blakepairing.agoAlwaysOn 1
Edit 3/6
Guide skeleton, can't attach zips, screens, or post links
Setting to wake device on battery power
Edit 3/9
Screens and flashable zips added
tenFootPedal said:
Title seems sudden, but actually it's been a bit of a task. If anyone's interested I'll put some details and flashables up in here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put em up, I was just thinking about converting mine with my Chromecast for mobdro, TV portal, and terrarium app. I already have a roku box and a Chromecast, but I'm curious how you converted yours. Thanks!
tenFootPedal said:
Title seems sudden, but actually it's been a bit of a task. If anyone's interested I'll put some details and flashables up in here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a GOOD IDEA to add the method rather than just a passing comment...
Thanks
set my spare shield up with kodi and its fine, i even still game on it occasionally. it's always hooked up so, why not?
LenAsh said:
It's a GOOD IDEA to add the method rather than just a passing comment...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm planning on sharing but I wanted to gauge interest. Also I've never posted here and either I don't have permissions or I'm having PEBKAC issues with posting attachments.
Edit 3/6
Guide skeleton, can't attach zips, screens, or post links
Setting to wake device on battery power
Edit 3/9
Screens and flashable zips added
I'll be trying this with 5.1 OTA next
i have gotton the sheild game hub from the stock nvidia sheild tv firmware to install and work with this mod. i also use the ps4 controller via bluetooth for my remote in console mode. i cant figure out how to install the Google play store on this mod. can someone help me get it to install and work.
i have gotton the sheild game hub from the stock nvidia sheild tv firmware to install and work with this mod. i also use the ps4 controller via bluetooth for my remote in console mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice. Thanks for the feedback.
I haven't been down the play store road, but I would start by installing the tvstock gapps package without removing gsfcore (maybe others?) and don't run the debloat zip after you do so.
tenFootPedal said:
nice. Thanks for the feedback.
I haven't been down the play store road, but I would start by installing the tvstock gapps package without removing gsfcore (maybe others?) and don't run the debloat zip after you do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the tv gapps dont even have google play within the zip so we have too figure out how to install the android tv google play store on this mod we will be all set to go. i have all the system files from the stock nvidia shield tv on my pc trying to swap files to see what i can mimic. but the shield games for the nvidia shield tv works perfectly on this mod.im also trying to see if i can install the stock shield tv firmware on the shield k1. i can get the boot,recovery,system img's to flash successfully but it taking forever to boot. so it seems it dont work but i will keep trying.
So u can install stock Android shield TV games on this mod aye
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
also this mod works with the 5.1.1 OTA and the 6.0.1 OTA. and the lastest firmware but its a little buggy for me. aslo is there any way to make a uninstaller.zip for this mod. im also still having a hard time to get google play store installed
It would be so great if someone could pack this all up into a flashable ROM. That's something out of my abilities, could someone pretty please make it happen?
phuzznut said:
It would be so great if someone could pack this all up into a flashable ROM. That's something out of my abilities, could someone pretty please make it happen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this were an aosp-based build, I would do it. But since its stock, I didn't feel comfortable doing it. There are some things I should probably do to take some of the steps out and make it easier though.
@brandonlee96, since this deletes a number of stock apks, I'd need to pack them up to put them back to make an uninstaller, which I don't want to do for the same reasons as above. You can do what I do and just make a twrp backup of stock to go back to.
@brandonlee96 Here's your play store problem. TubeSky is missing when tvstock runs on a tablet device. So you need to change this line in your build.prop
Code:
ro.build.characteristics=tablet
to this
Code:
ro.build.characteristics=tv
before flashing tvstock.
After that, make sure you delete SetupWraith, because it will perpetually crash and restart on boot. I haven't tested it any further than that.
tenFootPedal said:
@brandonlee96 Here's your play store problem. TubeSky is missing when tvstock runs on a tablet device. So you need to change this line in your build.prop
Code:
ro.build.characteristics=tablet
to this
Code:
ro.build.characteristics=tv
before flashing tvstock.
After that, make sure you delete SetupWraith, because it will perpetually crash and restart on boot. I haven't tested it any further than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im doing that right now! i will let you know the results.
Apparently play store will auto update itself to the intended device's version. Getting the leanback (TubeSky) version to stay likely involves spoofing your device as an android tv to the play store (via build.prop and/or other means). I don't think I want to devote any more time to play store for now, when apks can be pulled from another device or via Raccoon.
tenFootPedal said:
Apparently play store will auto update itself to the intended device's version. Getting the leanback (TubeSky) version to stay likely involves spoofing your device as an android tv to the play store (via build.prop and/or other means). I don't think I want to devote any more time to play store for now, when apks can be pulled from another device or via Raccoon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the google play working thank you. i just wondering is there anyway we can beef up this mod? btw the recommendations does work it just didn't load up at this time!
brandonlee96 said:
i have the google play working thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you make it stop auto-updating/replacing the vending package?
brandonlee96 said:
is there anyway we can beef up this mod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you have in mind?
Hi, great thread! Will defenitly be trying this out in the next couple days... but i have a few questions. .
Does GFN work?
Does the system UI mimic ATV? Like the settings menu etc..?
Can we tell the battery level when unplugged?
Also, regarding build.prop edits to mimic the ShieldTV, i haven't changed build.prop to mimic anything in like 4 years haha! so I'm a little rusty, can you kindly show me what lines need changing to successfully spoof the STV?
Also, may be worth adding the Playstore is now working to the OP and credit @brandonlee96 haha
Great work guys! This looks amazing.
I've been searching for a couple of hours and there's no guides or even clarification about what is possible with regards to running non-tv apps on the shield / android TV.
I really need to install a custom internet browser, VoIP apps, syncthing, firewall, maybe libre office who knows etc.
So:
- How do you install Full Google PlayStore?
- Do you need to root? (guide 1)(guide 2)
- I heard you can alternatively sideload apps via ADB. So I guess you need TWRP, and root? And where do you get the apks from?
In general, are there any non-UX limitations of android TV that would cause apps to not run? Or does it have the same capabilities as plugging in a mouse & kb into my phone's OTG port and then casting its screen to a TV?
Well here's a few thoughts without going into too much detail as I'm at work:
Full google play will need a custom rom I believe and you'll need to give up the android tv version of play and leanback functionality (I think)
There may be another method (still losing androidtv but probably needing root)
You can sideload via ADB or via a sideloading app. Or using network shares, USB storage, USB transfer etc.
In the past I've used Titanium Backup (rooted naturally) installed a load of games to my phone then moved the backups to an SD/USB to restore on the SHIELD.
There are also dubious website and alternative stores you can install or visit on the SHIELD. Not a fan of those tbh.
You can get APK downloader addons for web browsers that allow you to download directly from Play Store website. Chrome android doesn't support these I am lead to believe... but installing Yandex broweser and installing the chrome addon to that apparently might work. So then load Play Store in Yandex browser and you can get your apps direct from google... just sadly not the paid ones.
I've been meaning to get on this again myself. I'm really quite pissed that most of my paid Rockstar android games won't install from AndroidTV Play store. These games run fine on SHIELD but are flagged as unsupported. Thus forcing you to download them from dubious sources to get running due to the DRM. The TV store is very disapointing, the layout is bad, there's no reviews and developers just don't seem interested in keeping their apps accessible on the platform when they otherwise should be. The Rockstar games in particular run fantastic on the SHIELD and if I were Google or Nvidia I'd actively be trying to encourage Rockstar to promote these games as SHIELD compatible or enhanced!
I don't know about any technical disadvantages to the platform that hold things back but I'm sure many people here will be far more knowledgable. I just assume an app has to be fully functional with just the remote or joypad to be ATV compliant. I'm not entirely sure on this last question but I will say this, every app I've sideloaded has worked as long as it doesn't require touch control in games. I use a 5way hub so I've always got mouse/keyboard and additional storage options etc. If it can be controlled with one finger you can use a mouse to facilitate that.
thanks for the input. Yeah it sucks for paid apps and games. First I'll see if I can get by with just root and these methods, because I couldn't find any good custom roms for the shield. There is one on another forum but I couldn't get it installed (got stuck at nvidia logo after a successful install)..
I'm a noob to android TV, what's "leanback functionality"?
Twodordan said:
thanks for the input. Yeah it sucks for paid apps and games. First I'll see if I can get by with just root and these methods, because I couldn't find any good custom roms for the shield. There is one on another forum but I couldn't get it installed (got stuck at nvidia logo after a successful install)..
I'm a noob to android TV, what's "leanback functionality"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sideload any apk to the shield if rooted but there are apk's made for android tv and just mobile apk's with mobile apl's you lose some functionality of android tv however a keyboard mouse combo or even nvidia shield tv app will help you navigate through those apk's that are not made for android tv
As far as I know, sideloading apps means finding an apk, placing it on the device, and then running it (and allowing installation from unknown sources).
So at what point in this process do I require root? Do I need the root if it's an apk not made for Android TV? What is that process exactly?
Twodordan said:
As far as I know, sideloading apps means finding an apk, placing it on the device, and then running it (and allowing installation from unknown sources).
So at what point in this process do I require root? Do I need the root if it's an apk not made for Android TV? What is that process exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I side load stuff to my non rooted shield all the time its true not all apps will work but a majority of them will for some apps that have only a vertical view you can use apps like set orientation to have it in landscape mode just allow install of unknown apps for the file browser you use on the shield.
https://apkpure.com/set-orientation/com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation
You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine.
Yeah I always keep my SHIELD rooted for this reason. I don't know what the situation is with TWRP recovery at the moment but I know it stopped working in one of the recent updates. By being rooted you can use Flashfire app to flash zips to the SHIELD if you need to flash let's say GLTools or something like that. I mainly use that to force antialiasing for certain games. One thing you will want is either Sideload Launcher (on Play Store) or TV App Repo. Sideload launcher just loads a launcher that includes your non TV apps (They don't all work with the leanback launcher) or you can use TV App Repo to make shortcuts to them on the leanback launcher. TV App Repo will also need root to work, so yeah that's a great reason to have root when sideloading.
I could adb install the sideload launcher apk (got it from apkpure) to my 16gb shield tv 2017, via a usb-to-usb cable, and it works just fine without root.
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
[Edit] Installed TV Launcher instead of sideload launcher. It can replace the default launcher and it is also so much nicer: https://apkpure.com/tvlauncher/com.awe.dev.pro.tv
[Edit] So a custom launcher like TV Launcher will insert itself as a suggestion whenever you press the home screen, and you can set it to Always use this launcher, however in many situations, like restarting your shield, it will default back to the stock launcher. You can read this but it's still fine to always have a prompt whenever you press home: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndr...hange_default_launcher_on_shield_2017_nougat/
I use Yalp store and set it up as different device (in my case Samsung Galaxy Tab S3). Works really fine for 95% of the time.
Question Please?
Can you please say which shield TV you have? I am thinking of buying one but am put off by the lack of full play store. Being able to install any apk from a USB stick may sway me (but still not sure). What I plan to do is install any apps I want on my phone, use an apk extractor to get the apk, put it on USB then use CX file explorer to click and install. Does that sound all possible on non-rooted latest full Shield?
Cheers.
Eric.
"You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine."
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:44 AM ----------
PS Since you can install apk's easily did you ever try to sideload the Google play store apk (along with Google Play Services apk to see if they will install?
That would be interesting.
Gaps download for HUAWEI Chinese phones would be easy to obtain.
DBCAB said:
I side load stuff to my non rooted shield all the time its true not all apps will work but a majority of them will for some apps that have only a vertical view you can use apps like set orientation to have it in landscape mode just allow install of unknown apps for the file browser you use on the shield.
https://apkpure.com/set-orientation/com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation
You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twodordan said:
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need the developer image to get root.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tv/development/kernel-overclock-kernel-2-22-ghz-t3943079
And if you don't flash twrp, getting updates will work fine, you will just have to root again.
Twodordan said:
I could adb install the sideload launcher apk (got it from apkpure) to my 16gb shield tv 2017, via a usb-to-usb cable, and it works just fine without root.
Installing root is such a goddamn nightmare. You have to flash a full developer stock image for which you have to sign up to get from nvidia, then install magisk etc, and the killer is you gotta do this manual developer whole-image flashing nonsense every time there's an update from nvidia. Seriously why the hell can't we android users just get a proper version of the full opensource debloated OS that updates itself like a sane person? X_X
[Edit] Installed TV Launcher instead of sideload launcher. It can replace the default launcher and it is also so much nicer: https://apkpure.com/tvlauncher/com.awe.dev.pro.tv
[Edit] So a custom launcher like TV Launcher will insert itself as a suggestion whenever you press the home screen, and you can set it to Always use this launcher, however in many situations, like restarting your shield, it will default back to the stock launcher. You can read this but it's still fine to always have a prompt whenever you press home: https://www.reddit.com/r/ShieldAndr...hange_default_launcher_on_shield_2017_nougat/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is rooting a nightmare ? Once your bootloader is unlocked it literally takes 5 minutes to root..
Unlock bootloader
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
install magisk zip
Reboot , you're rooted..
I don't understand why people suggest any other file explorer besides "x-plore". By far the best file explorer out there, 100% crap free. You can install any APK from any location using x-plore.. Most of the time I leave the APK on my network , that network drive is mapped in the shield settings, I simply browse to it with x-plore , and install any APK. If it doesn't make a shortcut in the android tv menu , then simply use "sideload launcher" by chainfire to launch whichever app doesn'T show up on the main menu.
ericritou said:
Can you please say which shield TV you have? I am thinking of buying one but am put off by the lack of full play store. Being able to install any apk from a USB stick may sway me (but still not sure). What I plan to do is install any apps I want on my phone, use an apk extractor to get the apk, put it on USB then use CX file explorer to click and install. Does that sound all possible on non-rooted latest full Shield?
Cheers.
Eric.
"You can simply place the apk into your downloads folder or wherever you like on the shield tv then install it from there using a file browser I personally use FX file explorer on shield but any should work. You can also use a file browser to add your cloud like google drive or one drive or whatever and install directly from there or browse to a shared folder on pc and install it that way too whatever is easier for you.
Apps that require root to run will not of course work properly on a non rooted device, however there are plenty of apps that do not require root that install and run just fine."
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:44 AM ----------
PS Since you can install apk's easily did you ever try to sideload the Google play store apk (along with Google Play Services apk to see if they will install?
That would be interesting.
Gaps download for HUAWEI Chinese phones would be easy to obtain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Roamin64 said:
How is rooting a nightmare ? Once your bootloader is unlocked it literally takes 5 minutes to root..
Unlock bootloader
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
install magisk zip
Reboot , you're rooted..
I don't understand why people suggest any other file explorer besides "x-plore". By far the best file explorer out there, 100% crap free. You can install any APK from any location using x-plore.. Most of the time I leave the APK on my network , that network drive is mapped in the shield settings, I simply browse to it with x-plore , and install any APK. If it doesn't make a shortcut in the android tv menu , then simply use "sideload launcher" by chainfire to launch whichever app doesn'T show up on the main menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont understand y ppl think their preferred app is the same or should be everyones preference.. never really used xplore so cant comment on it but this is bcuz i use fx file explorer.. it has been good to me for years and still counting.. you can access network and more if u get an fx license which is cheap.. u can set up windows, ftp, ssh, webdav over network... set up cloud storage... bluetooth... web access.... fx connect and other means using it.. root installer.. text editor... binary viewer... deals with archives... themes... multiple root settings and other settings... diagnostic tools... has builtin busybox or u can use any other busybox you have installed and more
agreed though, roots easy if you dont have troubles.. not sure what ur runnin but nstv pro 2019 unless its been updated since i last checked cannot simply install magisk.. u need modified magisk.zip which is an older version then need to do some trickery in twrp to get it to flash right then still might need some trickery to get it to boot.. i have to use adb root to change bootstate to orange before itll load and if u dont got adb authorized yet then i use twrp to set a script tochange bootstate on boot.. tyen if u still have problems might need towipe and/or mess with vbmetaand/or dtb partitions.. and im an experienced person when it comes to root, exploits, twrp utilization and fastboot (not claiming to b pro or anything crazy, just know how to use them fairly well and general idea of how things work) so i can imagine some ppl that maybe arent as experienced or new to this particular device would have a difficult time indeed.
DBCAB said:
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks.
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:01 PM ----------
DBCAB said:
I have the 2015 pro model NVIDIA shield, but do have access to a 2017 model at my brother in laws, anyway extracting apks or getting them from places like apk mirror then using a usb to install will work you can even install them over your network from your pc or laptop using a file explorer program that supports it. I have never tried installing the full play store on my shield as it comes with one, however I have tried to install things using a pc browser and the google play site to the shield and had some luck installing a few apps that are not available on the shields version of play store. So basically doesn't matter where u get the apk you can usually install it to the shield some apps wont display properly which is why I suggested an orientation type program to correctly display and use also be aware some apps might need a mouse or keyboard to function properly when you do this depending on what you install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
have you tried the Aurora store? i find stuff there ibcant find in tv play store
elliwigy said:
have you tried the Aurora store? i find stuff there ibcant find in tv play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elliwigy suggested the best way to have full playstore, Aurora is a frontend for the real playstore, you are not downloading from an unknown source and also allow to install and validate the apps that you have purchased, also it's possible to spoof your shield as other devices making possible to install apps that in other ways aren't available for your device
Hi
it is a long time ago.
Lastweek I got the fireTV update on the Amazon echo show 15. Without this change/update no chance for me to sideload apks. Funny is before the update the firmware is V7.5.5.5 and after firetv installation it is V7.5.0.1. Don't ask me why. Maybe they drunk to much.
But it took me 20 min to find a workaround to sidekoade apks.
@Amazon_Devs: Stop reading here. DO NOT BLOCK this workaround, make the launcher selectable again and bring the same Dev functions like on fireTV! THANK YOU!
I am not responsible for any damage or warranty loss
So end of the political messages.
For the first apk i would install Firefox apk(with it you can download more apps more comfortable)
1. Open FireTV Icon
2. Open appstore
3. Get Downloader, Totalus (launcher) and Total comander from Amazon fireTV appstore
(All the Apps do not work with touch.)
4. Open App Downloader
5. Select with onscreenremote "Browser"
6. Look for a page where you can get Firefox apk. I used uptodown
7. Download the apk (i recomend Firefox)
9. Go to total comander
10.Move with total comander the downloaded file from path Downloader to Downloads
11. Open totalus launcher
12. Open the blue folder (system file explorer)
13.Klick on Downloads
14. There should be your downloaded apk.
15. Install it
Ok done
When you install Firefox nextime you will have a browser which support touch functionality and when you download the next APK it will be directly stored in the Folder Downloads
Then just repeat the last steps 11-15.
Limitations:
Getting permissions is like Russian roulette storage is no problem. Special rights or higher permission can't confirmed in the system settings.
Dev options are available but it is the same **** as before.
Ok so now to the use cases:
I use this (now) awsome 15.6 zoll screen in my citchen to controll everything via homeassistant.
If you a owner of a Fritzbox Cable you can install Fritz TV apk direktly from AVM and you get a nice TV.
Homeassistant (you can enable in the app settings stay activ)
Spotify
Firefox
Total comander as an apk (not the Amazon appstore version. Remove it and install total comamder apk and you can controll it with the touchscreen)
I tired Nova launcher and Microsoft launcher
F DROID Can't install apks
Playstore (I think they have put playstore on a apk blacklist)
Uptodown can't install apks
There is some days ago another manual the suggested using Makrodroid for automations. May Tasker as well.
Also a APK which creates a storage via wifi. So with it you can transfere files from a PC to the echo show and the other way round.
Open Points:
I installed Wolf Launcher aka launcher Manager for FireTV. This launcher request the standard app for Settings.
When someone here is able to create a app which request the standard settings app and will open a selectable app like a launcher or whatever. The settings button can converted to a custom shortcut.
A custom linageOS ROM would be nice but I think
the kernel source for CPU AZ2 (some informations about processor) is not released and there is no way right now to install twrp. Correct me if I am wrong.
Some more blabla:
Echo Show 15 opened: teardown echo show 15
Her is written the hardware price is 309 Dollar. I bought it during blackweek for 199 and if you have a old echo you can make a trade in and you can get 25% discount on top.
Sideloaded apks listed in firetv as grey/black fields so you don't know which app is the correct one.
This could a workaround: Workaround icons
I also bought the usb network adapter to connect the device by LAN and I am thinking about a POE powersupply it.
There are two more guides out there:
Guide 1
Guide 2
Appdownloader became unavailable yesterday morning - if you try to install it the icon doesnt say GET - it just says unavailable. Any other workarounds for adb?
Hi
May the wifi ftp app could work or the other Downloader App but both are not for free or do it like in Guide2
I used the WiFi Transfer app in the store - then you can use the built in File Manager thats on the Show to install the APK's - Since they removed Downloader, this way is the second way to do it - and a little tougher to disable without a firmware update, assuming they remove the built in File Manager to install apps.
Robotica72 said:
I used the WiFi Transfer app in the store - then you can use the built in File Manager thats on the Show to install the APK's - Since they removed Downloader, this way is the second way to do it - and a little tougher to disable without a firmware update, assuming they remove the built in File Manager to install apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I am really new at this for the Show 15, but I am learning.
The wifi transfer app worked to get my apk on the show 15 and I used Total Commander to move it to the Downloads folder.
When I install it though it doesn't show up, as if it didn't install.
I don't remember what other app I used to try to install it, but at some point I got a message saying that I didn't have permission to install apps from unknown sources.
What am I doing wrong?
You need to use an app that is a trusted installer - the original method worked since Downloader has this, but all the other file managers do not. So, using Total Commander and go to system apps (scroll down a bit on the left side) - Open system apps and then on the right hand side, scroll down to File Manager (it may just say file). Then Click the virtual remote enter button and hold it for a bit, after about 2 seconds the upper right hand corner will show a new icon, it will be the first icon in the 4 icons in the upper right. Using the remote clik the new click and it will open up the File Manager - Install from there
Robotica72 said:
You need to use an app that is a trusted installer - the original method worked since Downloader has this, but all the other file managers do not. So, using Total Commander and go to system apps (scroll down a bit on the left side) - Open system apps and then on the right hand side, scroll down to File Manager (it may just say file). Then Click the virtual remote enter button and hold it for a bit, after about 2 seconds the upper right hand corner will show a new icon, it will be the first icon in the 4 icons in the upper right. Using the remote clik the new click and it will open up the File Manager - Install from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for working with me on this.
When I open Total Commander there is a list on the left.
The last one is - Installed apps
In that folder there is a File Explorer 1.681A and one that I think I downloaded - File Explorer for Fire Tablets & TV (File Manager App) 1.0
Using my Fire TV remote and holding down the ENTER button a menu pops up:
Launch app(main function)
Copy via bluetooth
Delete
Properties
Copy to clipboard
Sent to
Open with...
What am I doping wrong?
No Problem - this is the part you need - Use TV File Manager - That has the systems app option, its the in the play store...
It will have the system files on the left
Robotica72 said:
No Problem - this is the part you need - Use TV File Manager - That has the systems app option, its the in the play store...
It will have the system files on the left
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With TV File manager I get "For your security your tablet is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source". There is a "settings" that shows up with the message, but when I click that it just goes back to the TV File Manager screen. Ugh
Any other suggestions?
HypnoticGuy said:
With TV File manager I get "For your security your tablet is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source". There is a "settings" that shows up with the message, but when I click that it just goes back to the TV File Manager screen. Ugh
Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wait. Still trying something.
HypnoticGuy said:
Oh wait. Still trying something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, when I go to "System Apps" in TV File manager, then "Files" it
HypnoticGuy said:
Oh wait. Still trying something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it!! Thank you soooo much!
You're my hero! This is great!
Excellent - Glad you got it working... I ordered another one since this works, hoping it gets here quickly before Amazon figures this one out and disables it in some update. I think it would require an entire system update to disable since its a system app.
Hi,
I've try to install something since Downloader is KO but.... how what dit you (@HypnoticGuy ) do to install it ?
tried installing the same way but there is a new message "unable to install apps from unknown source".
Is there any way around this? seems like Amazon blocked it all.
need to know before sending it back as it is useless for me if I cannot side load anything on this...
When do you get the error that you cant install apps from an unknown source? I can still sideload apps using the built in, system file manager, but I havent updated since it worked (assuming Amazon did updates)
Amazon updated and removed the built in file manager so you can no longer install APKs by opening them with it. I’m not sure what to do now and may just return mine until this gets sorted out. Wish I could downgrade the OS, but it seems unlikely
adb sideloading may be one idea, but enabling developer options does not show adb debugging menu anymore.
Hello everyone,
I got an Echo Show 15 as a gift for Christmas and then brought it to the software version at the time. So Firetv was on it but I didn't do anything else and since I still haven't tackled the wall mounting with cabling, it hasn't been switched on since then.
My question would be: Is there a way to block it so that I can install the kiosk browser or will it still force the update on me?
I have Pi Hole but have no idea what to set there!
Of course, I don't dare to put the device into operation now either
does anyone know?