Amazon Fire TV

decmatt · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:31

supergt said:
Mine just arrived. I really wouldn't recommend updating it at all if you want to hack it and install xbmc etc as I'm sure the updates stop you from rooting it etc.

The FW already stops root, XBMC should be able to be installed without root

Cosimo · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:34

The controller paired with my Note 4 and works on Goat Simulator.

PicassoPigeon · 23 Oct 2014 at 16:50

Apps can be sideloaded with a bit of a fashion. I've got xbmc running, just not played any content yet.

Cosimo · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:00

XDA have a very useful section for Fire TV:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv

KIA · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:22

PicassoPigeon said:
Apps can be sideloaded with a bit of a fashion. I've got xbmc running, just not played any content yet.

How does XBMC perform?

docsonic · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:34

My xbox controller for windows works with it - wasn't expecting that so very pleased

PicassoPigeon · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:42

KIA said:
How does XBMC perform?

The menus all zip along nicely, I'll be trying some content when I've sorted out file organisation/collections :/

Raymond Lin · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:46

Wait, you can install XBMC on this?

PicassoPigeon · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:47

And the spotify app is awful. I have to use my mobile or tablet to control it!! What's the point of a device with a remote if I have to start some other device as well!!

PicassoPigeon · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:48

Raymond Lin said:
Wait, you can install XBMC on this?

Yes, you can install XBMC without root

Flying_Hellfish · 23 Oct 2014 at 17:52

Anyone using PLEX on one of these with 1080p playback?

azza1989 · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:19

i would suggest anyone wanting one of these to get one off ebay pre-rooted.
People selling them brand new at a similar price to amazon uk

You can do much more with it rooted.
The nexus player looks interesting, but also says "not available in your country" pfffff

Raymond Lin · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:27

PicassoPigeon said:
Yes, you can install XBMC without root

So XBMC is an official app on it ?

That's awesome !

PicassoPigeon · 23 Oct 2014 at 20:49

It's not an official app as such. It's a dirty way around to get it installed and does not appear on the main screen.

qqg3 · 24 Oct 2014 at 00:24

azza1989 said:
You can do much more with it rooted.
The nexus player looks interesting, but also says "not available in your country" pfffff

Yeah, I'm much more embedded in the Google ecosystem but its not clear if the Nexus Player will make it over here.

Tempted to get the Amazon FTV but not 100% sold just yet. Someone tell me why I should get it... I need something more the living room to watch movies/tv and some of the stuff I have downloaded from, ahem, the internet.

Raymond Lin · 24 Oct 2014 at 00:38

PicassoPigeon said:
It's not an official app as such. It's a dirty way around to get it installed and does not appear on the main screen.

I am really tempted now, it means i can do away with Plex server and get the decoding done on the Amazon Fire.

docsonic · 24 Oct 2014 at 08:20

They didn't announce it in advance but it does ship with iplayer in case anyone is wondering.

A comment on the remote - the voice function works pretty well but the buttons make audible clicking noises which isn't great.

spudbynight · 24 Oct 2014 at 09:08

I am pretty happy with mine so far. It does seem pretty responsive. I found Netflix a pain to install - it really was hidden away in the list of available applications.

Hopefully this will include more UK apps - needs 4OD, ITV player, NOW TV etc

RoyMi6 · 24 Oct 2014 at 10:22

Anyone tried "limelight", the Android app for streaming games from your PC with an Nvidia card?

UberTiger · 24 Oct 2014 at 10:37

Ohh, just had mine delivered. Will get it set up later. Box feels surprisingly heavy.

What's the consensus on applying updates out of the box. Will that prevent any optional rooting or other jailbreak like functionality?

Not sure if I'll need to root, but would rather keep the option open if it makes a difference.