Database Users

Alternative to AdFree/AdAway for Xposed Users and those without WP-off)

Another informational thread for those of you using Xposed.
So I haven't seen any info about this in the Moto X section, and since many of us are using Xposed I wanted to bring this to your attention.
Unlike AdFree / AdAway (see edit near bottom) this method is superior (in my opinion) because not only does it block ads like the popular ad-block solutions, but it ALSO removes all the "white-space" taken up by those ads. It works on every app (that has ads) that I have tried so far.
The only MINOR drawback to using this Xposed module is that you must place a checkmark next to each app that you want to block/remove ads for, and a reboot is required for the changes to take effect.
It's really great! No more empty space where the ads are supposed to be!
Ok, so you have gotten this far....the Xposed module is called "MinMinGuard" (strange name for an ad-blocker, huh?). I'm not going to mention the DEV because they would like to remain anonymous, as they have had second thoughts about taking away other DEVs rights to place ads in their apps. Now there may be something to be said about that, but since XDA supports other AD-block apps, I don't see how this one is any different.
Nonetheless, the Module is still available in the Xposed repository. Simply download, and activate it, reboot, then open "MinMinGuard" and place a checkmark next to any app that you want to completely remove ADs on.
I think you'll just love it!
Also, this is an excellent option/alternative for those of you who are using TEMP-ROOT with Xposed and cannot use ADAWAY due to no write access to /system.
Enjoy guys. I've been using this for several weeks and it's just great being able to open all of my apps without those annoying ads, OR losing the screen space that they take up...
BELOW is a before and after of an app that contains ads. First shows the ad, second has the ad completely removed with MinMinGuard, AND screen space extended where the ad used to be....
EDIT 8/23/14: It has been brought to my attention that "AdAway" also removes 'white space' taken up by ads. I have tested and confirmed this to be true. As a result, I would only recommend this to those of you who do not have write-protect disabled (and hence can not use AdAway), but are still able to use Xposed (temp-root users). Since AdAway is also capable of blocking ads in Chrome, pop-up ads, etc., I would consider it the superior option IF you have write protect disabled.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

IMO MinMinGuard is great, but it should be used in conjunction with a hosts blocker [like AdAway.] If you've only got temp root, you can use UnbelovedHosts [here and in the xposed repo] instead of AdAway, as it doesn't touch the actual hosts file.

iSecks said:
IMO MinMinGuard is great, but it should be used in conjunction with a hosts blocker [like AdAway.] If you've only got temp root, you can use UnbelovedHosts [here and in the xposed repo] instead of AdAway, as it doesn't touch the actual hosts file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious why you recommend that you use it in conjunction with a hosts blocker? Are you recommending it for redundancy? Like just in case MinMinGuard doesn't work for a particular app?
Because according to the dev: "I actually block the api call before the ad download and this way can block all the ads from supported ad networks."
With that in mind, so long as it works for all of your apps, a hosts-blocker is completely unnecessary as the ads never get downloaded form the host in the first place...
Redundancy I can understand, but can you clarify your reasoning? Personally, I never cared for host-based ad blocking. They can break legitimate sites, and the hosts files quickly become outdated if you don't update regularly.

Been using minminguard for a long time and I can say its worked out great! Now whenever i see ads in other peoples phones I get so annoyed because I'm used to an adfree experience, even in free apps.
Definitely recommended!

I'm not positive, but I don't think minminguard blocks popup ads in chrome. Maybe someone else can verify

APeaceofStrange said:
I'm not positive, but I don't think minminguard blocks popup ads in chrome. Maybe someone else can verify
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not. It blocks APIs from downloading the ads. In the case of a web browser there is no api controlling said ads. Perhaps it's just the sites I visit (or rather, don't visit), but I don't have any issues with pop ups in chrome...

Gone give it a try and post review later
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app

samwathegreat said:
I'm curious why you recommend that you use it in conjunction with a hosts blocker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samwathegreat said:
It does not. It blocks APIs from downloading the ads. In the case of a web browser there is no api controlling said ads. Perhaps it's just the sites I visit (or rather, don't visit), but I don't have any issues with pop ups in chrome...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly why. MinMinGuard is great for apps, but hosts file blocking will work in any browser, webview, and block ads for ad networks MinMinGuard doesn't support [though that last one is likely a non-issue]

Thanks for informing about this, have not really heard about it before. However as a AdAway user for pretty long now I can say that it also removes the white space occupied by an ad.
There is also another ad blocker, which is referred as the mother of ad blocking , http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098
But don't really wanna try it, as it might disable the localized sponsored ads in a browser which I would like to see enabled.

devilsdouble said:
Thanks for informing about this, have not really heard about it before. However as a AdAway user for pretty long now I can say that it also removes the white space occupied by an ad.
There is also another ad blocker, which is referred as the mother of ad blocking , http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098
But don't really wanna try it, as it might disable the localized sponsored ads in a browser which I would like to see enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea adaway does. Though I've had problems getting it to work on a write-protected motox, so I've been using minminguard.
Xposed is great for this, I just hate adding in modules as the more I've got, the faster my battery drains. On top of Tasker and power controls running...
tapa'd on my moto x

1. Is AdFree still "available"? The last I checked their website/tried to perform an update, all signs pointed to "defunct".
2. Sam, are you from the Cincinnati area?

640k said:
1. Is AdFree still "available"? The last I checked their website/tried to perform an update, all signs pointed to "defunct".
2. Sam, are you from the Cincinnati area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Haven't used AdFree, but AdAway is available at f-droid
2. Nope, but not too far....

How to switch youtube accounts

how to have seperate youtube accounts
1. First follow directions here to create multiple accounts
http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tv/general/dual-google-accounts-t3206669
2. Google up youtube apk. (install the one for android I can provide an upload if you cant find one)
3. After installing youtube just go to the one for android tv (not the one you just installed) you will now notice at the sign in option at the bottom it lets you switch accounts...
4. Congrats!!!! Enjoy
UPDATE: For users that have version 1.1.16 youtube must go into google play store and type in youtube into the search at the top then select uninstall to revert back to stock 1.0.5.5 youtube
...................................COMING SOON.....................................................
Amazon prime videos that fluently work with nvidia controller(google tv's got one why not us?)
Modified Youtube apk for Android Tv that would look like google tv's version
Know how to decompile, modify then recompile .apks?? I could use help with these projects message me...

Let's get this in our AOSP, too, so star this issue while you're here
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=170121

I use two google account on me shield
I was find a tuto on internet, it's very simple.
install gmail apk, and launch it, at this step you are able to add google account.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uijd1KtCROU
404

I'll try this later thanks for the tip
_________
check out my new Android game https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pgviews.kobesadventure

it worked I just wished there was an youtube upload option
_________
check out my new Android game https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pgviews.kobesadventure

Any Way to Stop BBC Iplayer from Disabling Itself (I'm outside UK)

I have the 2017 Shield.
I have used BBCIplayer in the US on many Android devices over the years. I usually install from apk or a British Google Play account, and then use a smart DNS service (smart DNS sends the proper signals through a VPN so the BBC server sees me as being in the UK, but the actual video is not sent through the VPN. Except for the limited purpose, the device has a US ip address.)
For every device except the Shield, once the Iplayer app is installed, it stays installed and visible.
The Shield has its own Nvidia made version of Iplayer (the regular version does not work with Google TV.) I installed this once from the Google Play store with a UK Google Play account. It worked fine, then disappeared after a while. I can now get it to work by using a copy of the Nvidia Iplayer apk that I downloaded from the internet - I click on the apk in file manager and then click on the "market" option rather than the "install" option. I am then given a screen where I can "enable" the Iplayer, and it then appears again as a usable app.
If I go into settings when the app is enabled it shows as a system app, rather than a downloaded app (as does the proprietary version of the Amazon video player.)
One of the reasons that I like Android is that it has less of the "big brothery" stuff than IOS (or a Roku, for that matter.) So it pisses me off that the device I paid for is actively frustrating my watching what I want to watch with an app which is on the machine. I'm not saying that Nvidia should be providing me with a VPN connection, but on the other hand it shouldn't be actively blocking me from what I want to do.
Short of hooking up to a VPN 24/7,any ideas as to how to stop this disabling of the app?

I want to try this.. Brit now in Germany. I installed express vpn on my shield but didn't look for iplayer yet.
I assumed I would need vpn set to UK all the time I wish to use BBC then disconnect vpn for normal use.
Sent from my Hauwai P9 EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

From Nvidia :
The BBC iPlayer app is only available inside the UK. If you are not located in that location or have recently moved out of the UK then the app will no longer be available from the main menu of SHIELD Android TV.
If you are located in the UK, please ensure that Location Services is enabled. To do so, navigate to the Settings menu and then into the Personal->Location menu and ensure it is enabled.
If you prefer not to use Location Services, please ensure that the device language selection is set to "English (United Kingdom) (GB)". To do so, navigate to the Settings menu and then into the Preferences->Language menu and select the language from the list.
----
so:
Disabled Location
Set English UK Language
Reboot
Enjoy
Tested

install kodi then install the iplayer plugin

afgok said:
install kodi then install the iplayer plugin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are outside the UK it still won't work without VPN - at least not from Germany

shaunydub said:
if you are outside the UK it still won't work without VPN - at least not from Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read the OP its pretty obvious he is using vpn hes in the USA what he wants is a work around for the app being disabled because its not licesensed for use outside the UK hence my post:good:

Hi, after battling with the same issue for some time on the 2015 shield, I've been able to work out a solution;
I've posted the solution up here;
https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/1011733/shield-tv/how-to-fix-the-disappearing-bbc-iplayer-app-for-out-of-region-/
In-case it gets taken down for any reason, the solution is to extract out the APK of the iplayer system app (using ES file explorer on the shield TV), then pull the resulting APK into "APK Editor Pro" and then modify the app name and package name to create a new APK (making sure the package name doesn't have iplayer in it) and then sideload it onto the shield TV.
This way when the shield is booted, only the inbuilt iplayer app is disabled, but not the modified cloned app.
I expect this same process to work with many other inbuilt apps on the shield TV that might be disabling out of region.
Hope this helps someone!

Hi Watsonash, I scanned the apk you've kindly shared for the disappearing iplayer & it's infected with malware; I checked it with both VirusTotal and NVISO APKScan...

chainfire3356 said:
Hi Watsonash, I scanned the apk you've kindly shared for the disappearing iplayer & it's infected with malware; I checked it with both VirusTotal and NVISO APKScan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, those products must be reporting false positives. As said I simply used "APK Editor Pro" to change the information, so unless this in injecting malware (which I'd say is most definitely not the case). I described the process so there is nothing stopping you from taking the exact same approach yourself and generating the modified apk yourself. I just installed Virustotal and it said the apk simply wasn't in its database (which is correct as APK Editor Pro has to resign the app as part of the packaging process).

Hi Watsonash, I aplogize, I should have clarified in my original comment that I didn't think you were purposely putting that apk out there with malware; I was just trying to be brief in my comment, which isn't something that comes naturally, as you'll see... My reasons for posting were to let you know that a scan dectected malware so you could look into why that was & fix it - that being said, every day is a new school day for me, because I wasn't aware of the false positive thing until you mentioned it. Now I understand that it's not something that you can"fix"and it isn't likely infected. I don't know how to modify anything - the only knowledge I have is knowing where to look to find clever people like you who do the work to fix annoying issues like the iplayer disappearing. I am eternally grateful for people like you who figure these things out for people like me & to have learned something new about the false positive issue; I was stupidly thinking that since two different websites showed positives that something was there, but now that I've read into a bit, I've clued in that the majority of the actual antivirus programs on both sites marked it clear. I see now that there are many variables taken into account when these programs come up with a result that doesn't look good.
Again, I apologize; this is why I usually just read & then research & never post comments - I should stick to doing that! Thank you for figuring out this fix; it's very much appreciated!

ronwi2 said:
I have the 2017 Shield.
I have used BBC Iplayer in the US on many Android devices over the years. I usually install from apk or a British Google Play account, and then use a smart DNS service (smart DNS sends the proper signals through a VPN so the BBC server sees me as being in the UK, but the actual video is not sent through the VPN. Except for the limited purpose, the device has a US ip address.)
For every device except the Shield, once the Iplayer app is installed, it stays installed and visible.
The Shield has its own Nvidia made version of Iplayer (the regular version does not work with Google TV.) I installed this once from the Google Play store with a UK Google Play account. It worked fine, then disappeared after a while. I can now get it to work by using a copy of the Nvidia Iplayer apk that I downloaded from the internet - I click on the apk in file manager and then click on the "market" option rather than the "install" option. I am then given a screen where I can "enable" the Iplayer, and it then appears again as a usable app.
If I go into settings when the app is enabled it shows as a system app, rather than a downloaded app (as does the proprietary version of the Amazon video player.)
One of the reasons that I like Android is that it has less of the "big brothery" stuff than IOS (or a Roku, for that matter.) So it pisses me off that the device I paid for is actively frustrating my watching what I want to watch with an app which is on the machine. I'm not saying that Nvidia should be providing me with a VPN connection, but on the other hand it shouldn't be actively blocking me from what I want to do.
Short of hooking up to a VPN 24/7,any ideas as to how to stop this disabling of the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for bringing up an old topic. Anyone use smart dns for BBC iPlayer on smart TV?
I want to stream it to my TV without VPN. Also how to install BBC iPlayer application to smart TV if iam outside UK now?

Is the Fire HD 10 worth it? How locked down is it?

I rarely purchase Amazon products to begin with so I barely know much about them or their OS systems. The only other device I have experience with is the Fire TV and I recall it having a crap ton of unnecessary bloatware, I also recall it being a pain in the ass to get Google Play on there as well. I have no idea why they insist so hard on using only their apps but whatever.
I also would like to know if rooting is possible at this time? Is the bootloader locked too in case I want to install my own custom rom? How about installing an Android OS that isnt from Amazon?

I just got a 2017 blue 64 GB Fire HD 10 the day before yesterday.
It appears that the bootloader is locked (so no custom ROMs), and I have not seen any successful rooting methods for the stock ROM.
Having said that, after enabling unknown sources and ADB access, I managed to:
- Add the Google Play store.
- Add the Google Play services.
- Change the (normally locked) Amazon launcher to Nova Launcher.
- Enable widget support in Nova Launcher, again, the Amazon system interfered with, but did not prevent widget support.
- Add a modded YouTube apk that skips ads, allows background play, and video/audio downloads. (iYTBP)
Other Google apps, such as Gmail, Calendar, and Maps work as expected.
Be aware that the HD 10 does not have GPS, and does location services through Wi-Fi SSID locating. If needed, bluetooth GPS receivers do exist, and the tablet's bluetooth support seems unaffected.
Firefox (from the Google Play store) with the uBlock Origin add-on handles ad removal during web browsing.
I'm not yet sure how to block ads for applications system wide, but what I have so far is "good enough".

Where do you get the "modded Youtube APK" ?
SweetBearCub said:
I just got a 2017 blue 64 GB Fire HD 10 the day before yesterday.
- Add a modded YouTube apk that skips ads, allows background play, and video/audio downloads. (iYTBP)
I'm not yet sure how to block ads for applications system wide, but what I have so far is "good enough".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you get the "modded YouTube APK" ?
Regarding block ads, try the following :
Or u can try to remove it via ADB.
1. Enable ADB on device & install ADB on computer
2. Connect and verify on computer that device is connected with "adb devices"
3. adb shell
4. pm clear --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso
5. Restart the device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd...le-fire-hd-t3690921/post74582829#post74582829

Thank you SweetBearCub for that in-depth review on the item. I really appreciate the input.
I know the tablet has expandable storage with microSD cards but is it worth the extra $40 for 32GB more of internal storage? I know SD cards have more space per dollar but still.

Dan_firehd said:
Where do you get the "modded YouTube APK" ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need for that, just install firefox and ublock extension on the tablet - and directly watch youtube vids without ads in the browser - can even request desktop version of the page (which i prefer)

Harakiri23 said:
There is no need for that, just install firefox and ublock extension on the tablet - and directly watch youtube vids without ads in the browser - can even request desktop version of the page (which i prefer)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a joke right? The youtube app has a much more intuitive interface and easily accessible menus to go through. If I remember where I got the modded apk I would post it but its definitely better than watching from the browser and having to pinch the screen to zoom in to access everything.

SweetBearCub said:
I just got a 2017 blue 64 GB Fire HD 10 the day before yesterday.
It appears that the bootloader is locked (so no custom ROMs), and I have not seen any successful rooting methods for the stock ROM.
Having said that, after enabling unknown sources and ADB access, I managed to:
- Add the Google Play store.
- Add the Google Play services.
- Change the (normally locked) Amazon launcher to Nova Launcher.
- Enable widget support in Nova Launcher, again, the Amazon system interfered with, but did not prevent widget support.
- Add a modded YouTube apk that skips ads, allows background play, and video/audio downloads. (iYTBP)
Other Google apps, such as Gmail, Calendar, and Maps work as expected.
Be aware that the HD 10 does not have GPS, and does location services through Wi-Fi SSID locating. If needed, bluetooth GPS receivers do exist, and the tablet's bluetooth support seems unaffected.
Firefox (from the Google Play store) with the uBlock Origin add-on handles ad removal during web browsing.
I'm not yet sure how to block ads for applications system wide, but what I have so far is "good enough".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you set nova to default?
Edit. Never mind figured it out

Blaiser47 said:
How did you set nova to default?
Edit. Never mind figured it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be fantastic if you posted the guide for the rest of us to know. This is gonna be my first and only tablet I ever owned so this would be useful to know.
Also looking for the modded youtube apk. Please and thank you.

Might sound silly, but whe I run pm clear.... , I get "success" message, and the ads disappear, but they seem to pop-up again. Tried this a couple of times. What am I missing?
Or u can try to remove it via ADB.
1. Enable ADB on device & install ADB on computer
2. Connect and verify on computer that device is connected with "adb devices"
3. adb shell
4. pm clear --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso
5. Restart the device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 05:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:02 PM ----------
LauncherHijacker seem to do the trick, but it doesn't seem to hold across reboots/restarts.
https://liliputing.com/2017/07/maki...googley-play-store-third-party-launchers.html
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/launcher-root-launcher-hijack-v2-t3561026
RemixDeluxe said:
Would be fantastic if you posted the guide for the rest of us to know. This is gonna be my first and only tablet I ever owned so this would be useful to know.
Also looking for the modded youtube apk. Please and thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:06 PM ----------

As someone who has gotten tired of all modding/rooting etc and left the 'scene' 5 years ago, i ended up buying a firehd10 just a few days ago.
It's very locked down, especially the lack of youtube/proper browser is very , very bad imho - if this is for you, and you're a geek like us, knock yourself out, sideload a bunch of apks and prepare to deal with the innevitable 'did the upgrade break my customization' cycle. If this is for kids, it's a great toy. If this is for non-technical adults, it's hard to recommend as they will probably wonder why they can't use all the wonderful apps their friends have on their ipads/pixels/sammy tablets.
my two cents. On the plus side, it's super cheap and makes for a great portable media player.

@ Legolas2
I followed the guide that you linked and I got Nova Launcher to show up on boot up with the caveat of Amazon's launcher briefly appearing when you press the home button. Do you know if there's a permanent way of scrapping it once you got Nova Launcher set as your default? I'm asking to be careful so I don't cause any potential bricks or worse.
P.S. The ads also kept showing up despite me running that kill code. I just did it again and it seemed to go away for the moment. If it shows up again I'm gonna call Amazon to request it gone.

RemixDeluxe said:
@ Legolas2
I followed the guide that you linked and I got Nova Launcher to show up on boot up with the caveat of Amazon's launcher briefly appearing when you press the home button. Do you know if there's a permanent way of scrapping it once you got Nova Launcher set as your default? I'm asking to be careful so I don't cause any potential bricks or worse.
P.S. The ads also kept showing up despite me running that kill code. I just did it again and it seemed to go away for the moment. If it shows up again I'm gonna call Amazon to request it gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Remix
FYI, I am new to the Fire HD world too.
Yes, I seem to have the same issue as you. The below command gives me the SUCCESS message, but the ads reappeared.
PHP:
adb> pm clear --user 0 com.amazon.kindle.kso
I originally used Nova, and later switched to Google Now. I had/have the fireLauncher popup briefly too. Originally I didn't have the "Detect Home Button Press" enabled, but after enabling it, I THINK it is a lot better.
Ensure home button detection is enabled: "Settings -> Accessibility -> To detect home button press"
Hope that helps (a bit)

RemixDeluxe said:
This is a joke right? The youtube app has a much more intuitive interface and easily accessible menus to go through. If I remember where I got the modded apk I would post it but its definitely better than watching from the browser and having to pinch the screen to zoom in to access everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OGYouTube+v3.5U_Black.apk and MicroG-for-OGYT-v2.0 .apk[ ,,, https://youtu.be/caYqeI3WVSY this worked great for me just picked up a new New Fire HD 10 Tablet Black theme no ads and you can download videos and MP3s right through the YouTube app https://i.imgur.com/mrUeeB3.jpg ,,, https://i.imgur.com/u4NvnxQ.jpg

[GUIDE][NO ROOT] Installing YouTube (unblock), Play Music, Play Movies, and more!

Hello!
In light of the recent blocking of YouTube on Amazon devices by Google I have put together a list of steps to install Google Play Services and the Android TV suite of Google applications without root. In addition the Android TV YouTube app can view paid content (movies, TV shows, etc)!
This was tested on a Fire TV Stick 2.
Newer versions of these applications may work unless otherwise noted (but have not been tested obviously).
APKS:
Google Play Store (Android TV Version) (com.android.vending_8.5.39.W-xhdpi_8_PR_178322352-80853968_minAPI21)
Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms_11.9.75_230-182402865) [DO NOT USE THE ATV VERSION]
Google Accounts Manager (com.google.android.gsf.login_4.4.4-1227136-19)
- The KitKat (4.4.4) targeting branch is the only one to support Fire TV.​ - Other branches will crash (5.x, 6.x)​
Gmail 5.6 (com.google.android.gm-5.6.102685581.release-56008676)
- Newer versions may work but have stability issues and will crash or fail frequently.​
YouTube (com.google.android.youtube.tv_1.3.11-10311100) [OPTIONAL]
- Unfortunately the latest 2.x series utilizes an unknown, odd method of signing into Google accounts (not system standard) and I have not been able to get it to work. If you don't mind the cookie-cutter Android TV video app style of the 1.x series it works perfectly (update: actually, live videos don't work)! I suspect the 2.x breakage results from Google adapting their web version (youtube.com/tv) instead of making a native app. [UPDATE] You can install the 2.x series AFTER you login on the 1.x series and you will remain logged in. However, the 2.x series has several issues. Mainly purchases are not playable and it crashes occasionally.​
Google Play Movies & TV (com.google.android.videos_3.28.14-tv-32800144) [OPTIONAL]
Google Play Music (com.google.android.music_8.5.6561-3.Y-65613) [OPTIONAL]
Instructions:
1. Install Google Play Services
- Open this once!
2. Install Google Play Store (Android TV)
3. Install Google Accounts Manager
4. Install Gmail
5. Open Gmail
6. Add a Google Account
- This interface is navigable with the remote but easier with a cursor app/mouse.
- If you can't navigate the interface repeatedly press up and down until a shadow appears around the button.
7. All installed Google Apps should now recognize your account has been added.
There you have it!
You should now have access to all the Google content you've been missing, Play Services to allow side loading, and YouTube free of any nasty blocking by Google or Amazon
Credits: Thanks to Moose200 and AFTV News for locating the functioning Google Accounts Manager version.

Instead of of putting all these apps on your fire tv 2 just download an app called 'SMART YOUTUBE TV' and sideload it to the device ..the best thing about it is there are no ads..

atlkidz said:
Instead of of putting all these apps on your fire tv 2 just download an app called 'SMART YOUTUBE TV' and sideload it to the device ..the best thing about it is there are no ads..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The goal of this guide is to get access to the official Google applications. The official YouTube app allows you to view paid purchases which is not possible with simple wrapper applications. While I prefer to entrust my Google account to official sources, you are welcome to suggest alternative third party applications in another thread.

Tried this on my Fire TV 3, no luck. Sad.

Trying this now on my 1st gen fTV and it would be GREAT to get the google apps working - particularly Music, Movies, & TV.
- play services failed on the first install but working on the second attempt.
- gmail interface was very tricky. It kept looping back to the first screen if I didn't arrow down quickly to select "existing account".
**
Notes:
1) Youtube works but I can't cast to it from my laptop or phone. It doesn't show as an option.
2) Play Movies/TV starts movies but only the audio plays. Trailers play fine though. I only have problems with content I've purchased.
3) Play Music doesn't show "stations". I works great with my library of uploaded music but none of the streaming content works.
I guess the intent was to get Youtube to work so anything else is a bonus.
Thanks for this guide and the links to the working apks.
---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
One other thing that really isn't a fault of this guide but only you install PlayMusic it stays live in the back ground and grabs every press of the play/pause button on the remote. It doesn't matter what app you're in, if you press play/paus Google starts playing. Even if you are trying to reboot your fTV Playmusic jumps in there.

rcrh said:
Trying this now on my 1st gen fTV and it would be GREAT to get the google apps working - particularly Music, Movies, & TV.
- play services failed on the first install but working on the second attempt.
- gmail interface was very tricky. It kept looping back to the first screen if I didn't arrow down quickly to select "existing account".
**
Notes:
1) Youtube works but I can't cast to it from my laptop or phone. It doesn't show as an option.
2) Play Movies/TV starts movies but only the audio plays. Trailers play fine though. I only have problems with content I've purchased.
3) Play Music doesn't show "stations". I works great with my library of uploaded music but none of the streaming content works.
I guess the intent was to get Youtube to work so anything else is a bonus.
Thanks for this guide and the links to the working apks.
---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
One other thing that really isn't a fault of this guide but only you install PlayMusic it stays live in the back ground and grabs every press of the play/pause button on the remote. It doesn't matter what app you're in, if you press play/paus Google starts playing. Even if you are trying to reboot your fTV Playmusic jumps in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback!
- Occasional failure is to be expected
- I'll look into casting, I'm assuming there is likely a missing library/application that the Android TV version depends on.
- Does purchased content still work in YouTube? On a 2nd Gen Stick I have (frankly) astounding video playback in Play Movies. I'll see if I can play around with this on my old 1st gen and see if another APK version works better.
- I'll also look into Gmail (it is the most stable on 2nd gen, but 1st gen might have some quirks that would necessitate a different version)
- On my FTV if the music is paused in the app it won't continue to run in the background, I'll see if my 1st gen stick operates like yours does.

rockon999 said:
Thanks for the feedback!
- Occasional failure is to be expected
- I'll look into casting, I'm assuming there is likely a missing library/application that the Android TV version depends on.
- Does purchased content still work in YouTube? On a 2nd Gen Stick I have (frankly) astounding video playback in Play Movies. I'll see if I can play around with this on my old 1st gen and see if another APK version works better.
- I'll also look into Gmail (it is the most stable on 2nd gen, but 1st gen might have some quirks that would necessitate a different version)
- On my FTV if the music is paused in the app it won't continue to run in the background, I'll see if my 1st gen stick operates like yours does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- wow, I didn't know Play purchases could be viewed in Youtube. And yes they work there. FANTASTIC!
- gmail mail isn't an issue. I was able to get through it. I'm assuming it's used just to get an account set up.
- To be clear the behavior for playmusic is: pause music, exit the app, hit play button, music resumes. This happens even if you're in another app that uses the play button.
Let me know if I can provide any additional info. BTW, I'm looking at YoutubeTV and it seems to also work with this set of playservice apks.

I can confim it works! Play store doesn't work of course, but you can use any playservices-dependent app with no issues. You can use yalp store as a replacement. Gmail app can be unistalled after you added the account if you want, it still works. Thanks a lot

Thank you it worked with me.
I need a working version of Youtube TV app for AFS. I tried phones app but couldn't locate the location of the device. I could not make pass the location check.

alsatea said:
Thank you it worked with me.
I need a working version of Youtube TV app for AFS. I tried phones app but couldn't locate the location of the device. I could not make pass the location check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the old version, still works fine

Anybody get it to work on FTV 3 ? Thanks.

mijorus said:
You can use the old version, still works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?

alsatea said:
Could you please provide me with the a link for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube

mijorus said:
bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.

alsatea said:
Thank you but I need YouTube TV Live app not YouTube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the paid subscription to watch TV steams? Cause there is not that service in my country, I can't help you.

Hey, thanks for posting this method. got a 2nd gen AFTV and been looking online for a few days now and this was the first method that worked, but... like someone else here I can't cast from my phone/laptop. the devices won't see it. I looked everywhere in the app, I'm signed in, but there doesn't seem to be an option to give me a link code. if anyone can figure this out, please let us know. thanks!
Updated the 1.x version of YouTube with the latest 2.x version and remained signed in. got a code and now I'm able to cast to it from my phone. I've not tried live videos or purchased content. For regular uploaded videos it seems to be working fine.

iSlaker said:
Hey, thanks for posting this method. got a 2nd gen AFTV and been looking online for a few days now and this was the first method that worked, but... like someone else here I can't cast from my phone/laptop. the devices won't see it. I looked everywhere in the app, I'm signed in, but there doesn't seem to be an option to give me a link code. if anyone can figure this out, please let us know. thanks!
Updated the 1.x version of YouTube with the latest 2.x version and remained signed in. got a code and now I'm able to cast to it from my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hint! Now its working ;D

I find it odd that the version doesn't match the code name. Version is 5.1.1 but code name is Kit Kat version did Amazon seriously just make a device with a chopped up firmware?

Warrior1988 said:
I find it odd that the version doesn't match the code name. Version is 5.1.1 but code name is Kit Kat version did Amazon seriously just make a device with a chopped up firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon's Fire OS is Android Lollipop with only *some* of Android TV's systems and no Google APIs. As a result Google apps tend to be finicky on it and generally the older you go for a Google app the less features they depend on (or expect) and thus they're more likely to work.

rockon999 said:
Amazon's Fire OS is Android Lollipop with only *some* of Android TV's systems and no Google APIs. As a result Google apps tend to be finicky on it and generally the older you go for a Google app the less features they depend on (or expect) and thus they're more likely to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really what it comes down to is Amazon wants their market place to be used for purchasing and can't blame them for wanting to make money.