The Almost Official Fire TV Thread

[tubemonkey]

Our very own thread for all things Fire TV. Tips, updates, apps, blogs, tricks, hacks, root, how-to's, accessories, etc.

Just after the Fire TV (FTV) was released (Apr 2014), I started downloading free apps that were FTV specific only, even though I didn't have a FTV. I figured one day I'll be glad I did. Well, that day has arrived now that I've ordered a Fire TV Stick (FTVS). The website I use to get the heads up on free apps is -- AFTVnews. It used to be known as fireTVnews, but Amazon slapped it down last Jul. Anyway, this blog is full of cool info about the Fire TV.

BTW, this FTV compatible app is currently free -- BombSquad. It's normally $4.99 according to AFTVnews. It has a 4.8 rating. No idea how long it'll remain free.
.

[sirmaru]

I purchased a Fire TV from Amazon and it locked when it found my WIFI network. I tried to install it twice and never got to the place I could enter my password.

I sent it back for a refund.

[nynaevelan]

Ok for $19 I will try it, especially since I have a tv that needs one. But is this any better than a Roku??

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by nynaevelan

Ok for $19 I will try it, especially since I have a tv that needs one. But is this any better than a Roku??

It is better than the Roku stick, yes. I'm getting the Amazon stick to replace the Roku stick.

I'm sure it's not better than the top of the line $100 Roku 3 that my DH has.

[mewmartigan]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Our very own thread for all things Fire TV. Tips, updates, apps, blogs, tricks, hacks, root, how-to's, accessories, etc.

Just after the Fire TV (FTV) was released (Apr 2014), I started downloading free apps that were FTV specific only, even though I didn't have a FTV. I figured one day I'll be glad I did. Well, that day has arrived now that I've ordered a Fire TV Stick (FTVS). The website I use to get the heads up on free apps is -- AFTVnews. It used to be known as fireTVnews, but Amazon slapped it down last Jul. Anyway, this blog is full of cool info about the Fire TV.

BTW, this FTV compatible app is currently free -- BombSquad. It's normally $4.99 according to AFTVnews. It has a 4.8 rating. No idea how long it'll remain free.
.

You are probably already aware of this, but I figured I would mention it anyway. Games like the "BombSquad" freebie you posted require either the $40 amazon game controller or at the very least the "voice controlled" remote that comes with the Fire TV. I don't think the "non-voice controlled" remote that comes with the Fire Stick will work. (and I can't really image any remote providing a good game experience).

[Jessica Lares]

There are third party controllers that'd work too. Apparently a regular bluetooth keyboard will do fine too (someone will have to confirm that though, I was just reading some SDK notes from a game engine).

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by mewmartigan

You are probably already aware of this, but I figured I would mention it anyway. Games like the "BombSquad" freebie you posted require either the $40 amazon game controller or at the very least the "voice controlled" remote that comes with the Fire TV. I don't think the "non-voice controlled" remote that comes with the Fire Stick will work. (and I can't really image any remote providing a good game experience).

Thanks, I wasn't aware of it because I hadn't looked into it.

But now that you bring this point up, it's probably a good idea to post hardware requirements anytime someone alerts us to an app or game; in addition to compatibility issues. There are some apps that'll work for the console, but not for the stick.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Jessica Lares

There are third party controllers that'd work too. Apparently a regular bluetooth keyboard will do fine too (someone will have to confirm that though, I was just reading some SDK notes from a game engine).

I remember reading somewhere that Xbox 360 controllers work; in addition to others.

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by booklover6

It is better than the Roku stick, yes. I'm getting the Amazon stick to replace the Roku stick.

I'm sure it's not better than the top of the line $100 Roku 3 that my DH has.

I ordered the Amazon stick and have a Roku stick also. I'm curious why you think this will be better. Just wondering if I missed something.

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I remember reading somewhere that Xbox 360 controllers work; in addition to others.

From the comments on the free app you posted they said that you could download a controller app for your phone. Don't know if that only works with this game.

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by sadievan

I ordered the Amazon stick and have a Roku stick also. I'm curious why you think this will be better. Just wondering if I missed something.

Check the Comparison Chart.

Processor, Memory, Flash Storage are all MUCH better on the Fire Stick. Plus it has Dolby Digital Plus certified surround sound, although I have no idea how that affects the sound coming out of the TV.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by sadievan

I ordered the Amazon stick and have a Roku stick also. I'm curious why you think this will be better. Just wondering if I missed something.

It's better hardware-wise, but not content-wise.

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

It's better hardware-wise, but not content-wise.

In what way is it lacking, content-wise?

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by booklover6

In what way is it lacking, content-wise?

HBO GO is the biggie for most people. Plus it lags far behind in the number of non-game apps Roku has.

For videos, it lacks: Blockbuster, Vudu, Fox, Syfy, CBS, TMZ, Time Life, TV Guide.

For music, it lacks: Slacker, rdio, Sirius XM, AccuRadio, Live365, ShoutCast Radio, Soma FM.

...plus quite a bit more in other categories. There are quite a few of the above apps that I'd love to have on the Fire TV.

[Scarpad]

can Android apps be sideloaded, I just got one yesterday and their Plex app is kinda old, can I sideload the app ?