CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER SITES:
See Help4ANvidiaShield that has similar features and products to those featured here,
as well as Help4AmazonEchos that deals specifically with these Alexa devices.
This site was originally developed to help users with a Fire Stick / TV but since then another group of interesting Apps have come along that make it possible to change the look and feel of your Fire Stick / TV device so that it operates more like Stock Android [without annoying Amazon Ads] or like a Nvidia Shield Mk II.
If this is something that appeals to you it may be worth taking a look at the information in the next paragraphs before proceeding with anything else.
Fire TV - make it look like more a standard Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Mi Box etc.
The LeanbackLauncher is a great way to change the default skin for the Amazon Firestick:
Stock Android:
You can 'make it more like Android' by easily switching to Nova Launcher etc. ...
https://www.howtogeek.com/270382/how-to-make-the-amazon-fire-tablet-more-like-stock-android/
Android TV Launcher on FireStick:
Change your Fire TV Stick’s interface so your apps show in a more personalised way.
Many users complain about the home screen being not too handy to use. But there’s good news. When using an Android device, you have the ability to replace the launcher.
Inside the article you will find guides on how to install two different custom launchers.
Read on and choose the one that fits you better!
Nvidia Shield:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=H7sUvvt7Dec
This launcher provides a user interface more like that of the Nvidia Shield TV and the Mi Box.
using Downloader <> LeanbackLauncher <> LauncherHiJack
Click here to see a video that shows you how to get all the Apps [listed below] that you need to modify your Firestick 4K * so that the interface looks like that used by the Nvidia Shield.
N.B. The processes may not work entirely correctly on earlier versions but some of the feedback beneath the video indicates people having partial success.
Models: The first 'basic' Fire TV Stick was updated to the '2nd generation' model that supports Alexa and voice commands. After those the '4K' model was released and it is the one used in the video.
Here are some notes about the video that the presenter refers to during the installations.
www.docsquiffy.com/downloads {loads to explore sometime}
scroll down to Amazon Firestick Launcher section
need to install 4 apps ...
leanback launcher
launcher hijacker
settings test
remote adb shell
values you will need to enter are 127.0.0.1 and 5555
Click here to see a DocSquiffy video that introduces the changes brought about in Q4/2020 together with some 'hidden extras'.
Click here for another by FreeTech guy.
Make things easier:
If you want to learn how to simplify the maintenance of your device, and explore some of the latest Apps [APKs] that are available, then probably the best place to start is with a free App called FileLinked, the earlier versions of which were known as DroidAdmin.
About FileLinked:
This user friendly App has been developed as a template for 'stores' that Youtubers copy and customise [with a unique PIN] then populate with their favourite APKs to promote popular streaming Apps and make the installation process as easy as possible.
Lots of help:
If you search Youtube for FileLinked connections you will find many video clips available where these 'store holders' list their recommendations.
You get access to these 'stores' using an 8 digit numeric PIN code [unique to each 'store holder'] and quite often you find they also require a secondary PIN [of '0000', '1234' or similar] that is normally found in the text accompanying video clips. Each 'store' features a list from which you select / download / install Apps to your device with a just couple of clicks - it really could not be easier.
However remembering the codes for all of these different ‘stores’ can be a bit of a nuisance - to get round this they have come up with a solution - should click here for advice on the latest features and other goodies.
Great introductory video:
Click here to see a video by a regular vlogger called Adam [strange Yorkshireman, with an even weirder sense of humour, but you get used to him !] where he demonstrates an 'out of the box' method for beginners to get a Firestick up and running quickly. It features some useful tips, including how to install and run Apps like Downloader and Filelinked [using his code 56001333] with much more to be seen at his personal website that includes some other useful 'tools' that anyone can use.
Hardware compatibility:
Although FileLinked is often associated with the Fire TV products it is of course "Android compatible" and therefore runs across a wide range of equipment from conventional tablets to smartphones as well as purpose built streaming devices such as the Nvidia Shield and other Android TV Boxes.
You can also learn more about FileLinked at the official DroidAdmin site.
Update Firestick with the Latest Version
The Amazon Firestick needs to be regularly updated and this latest update will help to significantly improve your streaming experience.
It’s crucial to know how to update your device, and the guide below will save you time and effort!
Amazon Firestick Latest Update is Now Available
Fix Amazon Fire TV Stick Sound Issues
We have to accept that the Amazon Fire TV Stick isn’t perfect. Many users have reported sound issues.
If you have faced any issue with your Fire TV sound system lately, don’t worry!
Take a look at these ten steps that WebSafetyTips experts have prepared for you, as they lead to a quick, hassle-free fix for your device!
How to Fix Amazon Firestick Sound Issues: 10 Tips
Hide Cords & Improve Your Firestick Power Consumption
Is your TV located too far from the plug or nearest wall socket? This forces you to use an extension cord.
Eliminate extra cords and plugs with the trick explained inside the article!
Note: It’s an energy-saving solution too!
How to Improve Your Firestick and Hide Cords
Get Free Internet
Are you concerned that there is a way to get absolutely free Internet for your Amazon Firestick, smartphone, laptop and computer?
This method works for everyone but unfortunately it is not yet available in all markets!
How to Get Free Internet with a MIFI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Latest news: Plex new streaming service is here
Earlier this year, Plex announced that it would be launching a new, ad-supported streaming service with no subscription fee.
Recently this service went live globally and you can now stream thousands of titles across a variety of genres.
Check the article below to discover what broad range of content Plex offers!
Plex Ad-Supported Streaming Service is Finally Here
Assure Your Privacy with the SafetyDot App
We are here to help you out and discover the best apps to protect your privacy while streaming online.
Saying this, allow us to suggest you an app called VPNSafetyDot that monitors the connection status of your VPN regularly and gives you a visual feedback on whether you are safe or not.
Give this app a try now and if you encounter any issue, feel free to ask the developers via their official Facebook support group. They will be more than happy to help you!
Like the VPNSafetyDot Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest features.
Once you have the FileLinked App installed you can use it to visit as many different 'stores' as you want to find out what the Youtubers are offering as their latest recommendations.
You may find all this searching can be a bit time consuming so to give you a quick start here are a few Apps that feature in a number of the 'stores' and are known to work well.
"Crackle" "HDstreamz" "Live Lounge" "Streams R Us" "TeaTV" "TVTap"
The above list is by no means exhaustive but at least it's something to get you going :-))
Remember the performance of streaming Apps can vary depending upon a lot of factors - look out for the tips often suggested by the Youtubers either in their videos or in the text that usually accompanies them.
Click here to read a Digital Trend article from July 2023 called "How to Install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire Tablet".
Click here to read a HowToGeek article from July 2021 called "How to Install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire Tablet".
See also this Youtube clip from Feb 2019 that shows you how to get the full Play Store library on your devices.
After you have installed Apps etc. you might find that the free space on your device [Fire TV or Stick] is starting to run out. If so you may need to take action and do a bit of housekeeping. See this Youtube clip where the presenter shows you a couple of methods to tidy up, but as he says "it works for me".
Click here for a video called "5 Tips To Make Your Amazon Fire Stick Feel Like New Again - 5 Tips to improve Performance" that may help you get a better all round experience.
Click here for a for a more comprehensive video about the "Developer Tools Menu" that you can use to boost the performance of your Amazon Fire Stick.
The presenter goes through the list of features and highlights the ones he thinks are most beneficial to the average user. [These include System X-Ray, List Background Apps {a RAM manager}, Notifications Centre and Applist Manager]
He also recommends another video called Easyfire Tools that makes managing your Firestick easier.
Click here to learn how to manage / remove data that Amazon amasses from recording your use of a Fire TV / Stick.
Click here for changes requiring attention. [Requires 'read' permission from owner.]