yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Soon! I've been alpha testing the newest builds on various Linux VM's to find the problems that most Linux users will face.

Linux is not like Windows. There are many versions of it and they all behave differently. Even when V4.0 drops, remember that it's a beta release. You chose to run Linux and you will experience more difficulties than a standard Windows installation. That's part of choosing to run Linux.

I know that @Datastream33 is really chomping at the bit, wanting to release his latest work. You can blame the delay on me for nit-picking at all the details to make it work for most people. I just want it to be a favorable experience, not a nightmare.

If you're waiting for V4.0, you'll likely have it very soon. In the meantime, you can use a VM and run the Windows version of Toolbox. The Windows version is the most stable release of Toolbox. Because of the variety of distributions of Linux that all have different package managers and different versions of Python and other variations, it's only possible to make a release that will handle the most popular distros. If you chose to run a more obscure distro, most likely you will need to go though extra steps to make Toolbox work.

Being Windows-free is a journey. It's well worth it, but it requires some learning and some adaptation. Myself, I've learned so much more than I knew before about GNU/Linux just trying out the release candidates and reporting various errors to Datastream so he can release the most trouble-free software. If you chose to run Linux, you are most likely someone who has already accepted this.

The newest Linux version is right around the corner. If you can't wait, run the Windows version in a VM or use a friend's laptop or desktop to run it. Blame any delays on me. Making the installer work for most versions of Linux is a chore. Also, remember that it's written primarily for Debian-based distros. There are many variations of package managers and different philosophies of architectures that need to be accounted for. Arch-based distros require additional steps. (You already know that if you chose to install Arch.) If you've got V3 installed and working, you'll already know what you need to do to install V4.

TLDR - It'll be out soon. I suppose I'm the one causing any delay. Please direct any complaints directly to me! o_O Datastream has done a bang-up job of keeping us all happy and addressing our problems. I can't stress enough all the work he has put into this project. If you feel that he's helped you turn a commodity tablet into a reasonably functional Android tablet, let him know by donating some $$. I think he's done way more than most developers. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jhford:
@Jumbo100 my HD 7 12th Gen is already running 8.3.2.0, Should I upgrade to a newer version? If so, which one, and where can I find it?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Whether you choose to update or not, always remember that any OS updates are not removable and you can't go back. They are permanent. Don't rush. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Just laying out the "base case" OOTB options for the folks unboxing their new 13th Gen Fire HD10s.

f/w 8.3.1.9 will require FTB "workaround" processes to install an alternate launcher or block OTA updates. Some Fire OS /Amazon apps probably can't be "debloated"/diabled.

f/w 8.3.2.0 appears to be a more stable platform for apps using Google Play Services infrastructure.

For the moment, f/w 8.3.2.0 is only available by OTA update; Amazon has not yet posted this f/w version for manual update.

Amazon has just posted f/w 8.3.2.1 release notices, so it should be available by OTA update soon. No idea how it will affect FTB mods, for better or worse.

As always, users should be aware of how FTB mods work for their FireOS version and choose their options carefully.

FTB protocol still recommends "locking down" Fire tablets after making mods to preclude any "surprise" adverse outcomes from future OTA f/w updates. Updates can always be installed later, but on your choice, not by "blind" OTAs.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] berserk.samurai:
is there a way to undo the wallpaper? turns out that every now and then automate's flowchart for the wallpaper crashes, causing my SD card to be labeled as unreadable, albeit only temporarily -- then it goes back to normal and have access to its contents properly
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] тотето:
I have the Fire 11 with 8.3.2.0, and while many others report more stable applications that relly on the Google services, the case for me is that most of these apps are crashing often or not working correctly. As example YouTube often shows "No internet connection" and after that it crashes.

Is there some preferences or settings or workaround I can do to improve the stability of apps?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] kubaikhan4042:
Hi Guys,

Thanks for this amazing tool. I have a Fire max 11 still in it's package and has not been turned on yet. What is the best thing to do here so that I can get the most out of this tablet. Should I turn it on and connect it to WIFI to update since google play services seem to be better with the latest update or immediately run fire toolbox right out the box?

Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] HaplessK:
Anyone know how I can check what version of Fire OS my tablet is running? I've installed RethinkDNS so when I try to open 'Device Updates', the page just crashes.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] feerlessleadr:
If you go to check for updates, the fire os version is listed in there (you don't actually need to be connected too the Internet for this to work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] HaplessK:
The page just closes when I try to open "system updates". The page that lists the version of Fire OS just crashes. I'm not sure if this is because of turning off updates in the Fire ToolBox or if its because of RethinkDNS.

Any other suggestions?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] feerlessleadr:
Sorry, I got nothing. I'm sure others will know though.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It sounds like you don't need RethinkDNS because you've already disabled the updater app and it can't update. It just crashes.

If you want to know which firmware version you have, just launch Toolbox and connect your tablet. Then click on your tablet's name in the lower-left. That brings up an info screen that lists your tablet's firmware and a whole lot of other information about it. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SeanLake1986:
I have used Fire Toolbox on my Fire 11 Max to disable a few systems apps. Mostly Goodreads, Auible, Amazon Kids, Amazon Muic, Alexa, and FreeVee. This worked at first but later after I turned the tablet off, it froze at the start up screen when I tried to turn it back on. I ended up having to factory reset it o get it to work. I did the same thing with the Fire Toolbox again and got the same results. So be careful if you decide to use fire toolbox to remove any system apps on the 11Max.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jake01756:
That’s quite odd as I have the YouTube application working just fine on the 8.3.2.0 firmware. I am on a fire 10 though so that MIGHT have something to do with it 🤷🏼‍♂️🤔.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jake01756:
What if you try keeping the Alexa app as it has some components baked into the OS (like show mode)?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Good information!

Just to clarify ... which part of the boot sequence did your Fire Max 11 lockup ? ... the Amazon post or the FireOS startup?

Of the apps you disabled, I suspect that Alexa may be the culprit; nowadays, it's so tightly integrated into Fire tablets for core functions like Show mode, home automation and the Echo device management.

The other apps are more "stand alone".

All the more reason not to execute a standarrd "full debloat" of Amazon apps. With a more cautious manual disabling of apps, you at least have a better idea where any problems areas are.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
The Fire Max 11 probably has FireOS 8.3.1.5 installed OOTB.

Good news/bad news.

f/w 8.3.1.5 is fully accessible to ADB commands so that FTB mods like disabling OTA updates, disabling Fire Launcher and replacing with an alternative launcher, are are straightforward. But apps requiring Google Play Services processes (especially the Google-branded apps) have some degree of instability/incompatabity and are not fully reliable.

Upgrading to f/w 8.3.2.0 provides a more stable platform for Google apps. But Amazon has locked down and "system protected" some apps like OTA Updates and Fire Launcher (among others) so that FTB "workarounds" are needed. The workarounds require additional software setup and use up previous system resources.

The effort you expend on FTB mods comes down to choosing between Android form vs Goggle Play Services apps functionally.

Your choice ... Choose wisely.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SASSBS:
apologies if I have missed it, I have been away for ages, I have the Max 11 8.3.2.0 but I still have the crashing apps both Google and Amazon apps crash. For example last night I was reading a book on the Kindle app and selected a name to look it up in Wikipedia, the app crashed to the desktop and lost it's place in the book.

Has anyone found a solution yet to stop the crashing? If so what do I need to do?

Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Stepsie:
This is very interesting as I was just going to put a post on to see if it was worth my while giving FTB another try as it seemed from the posts that 8.3.2.0 was much more stable than 8.3.1.9, but it seems there may still be issues...

I was thinking of backing up my current setup to FTB, then starting fresh using FTB to get Google services and apps and then if it started playing up I could revert back to my non Google setup..... I am hoping that would work?

Currently I am running my Fire Max 11 getting all the additional apps I need from the Uptodown App Store and it has been rock solid for a few moths now. This means I do not have Google Services/App, but I am getting along fine without them, but I would like to try FTB again to be able to get Google Photos and the Play Store.

With my previous tries using FTB/Google I never had any issue with Google Apps not working, just totally random apps crashing on startup.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Random crashes are almost always traceable to a borked Google Play Services installation, aggressive disabling of Amazon apps/services or some other homebrew 'tuning' gone bad.

Suggest factory resetting your device which will retain 8.3.2.0. Remain connected to WiFi for several day to adsorb cumulative updates from Amazon. Reboot daily. Then use the FTB to install GPS. Be prepared for a period of instability as GPS updates are detected/applied. Once things seem ok you can then use the FTB to carefully make additional tweaks.

There are certainly shortcuts to the above. I do not always follow my own Rx. That said, above outline will generally yield a happier experience vs rushing through steps.

Good luck!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
It'd curious that you're having problems with Amazon-branded apps.

By any chance did you diable the native Amazon apps (as part of FTB "debloating" ) and then reinstalling them from Google Play Store ?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SASSBS:
Thanks I will try another factory reset later, this will be the 8th I have done for this issue. all this for 2 apps that aren't on the Amazon store.

I haven't disabled any Amazon apps and haven't done any homebrew tuning which is what annoys me so much!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SASSBS:
Nope I never disable Amazon apps and I never update from the play store any Amazon app
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
If the 2 Android apps you need have a "web app" equivalent, they can run from a browser (in the "cloud") without need of Goggle Play Services at the tablet level.

May be grasping at straws.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Yep - 90% of the 'apps' I run are web based and generally functionally equivalent if notifications aren't a priority.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Given that FireOS generally doesn't display Android/Goggle Play app notifications (in the foreground nor bacckground) and doesn't update/sync Google account apps in the background anyways, web-based apps are the effortless way to go ... assuming you have access to decent internet bandwidth.

Accounts for your "stressless" approach to Fire tablets ... Must have added years to your longevity ! 🙃
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Lol. I have seen the enemy and he is us. While many focus their ire on Amazon, Google or others unseen, it really boils down to going with the grain when using a hybrid gizmo outside the designed use case. Especially given the aggressive price point.

BTW - most Google apps do successfully sync provided there is a viable network connection. FireOS disables radios by default during screen off as a power saving measure. This behavior is easily toggled in settings. I personal retain the default a syncs happen quickly once the device reconnects.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I agree. We really shouldn't complain too much when we aggressively modify Amazon tablets and try to run things on them that they were never designed to run, and they misbehave. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] emmakins:
Thank you for this fantastic tool! Even on my 11th gen Fire HD 10 running 7.3.2.8, I'm mostly having success with everything I wanted to do, including using Nova instead of Fire Launcher.

I do, however, have one issue - split screen doesn't work. It appears as an option at the top of each app in the recents page, and clicking on it seems initially to split the screen, but when trying to select the "other half" of the screen, it flashes up and down a few times (like I'm dragging the size bar up and down even though I'm not), then the app reverts to full screen.

I've checked and believe that the adb setting that needs to be enabled is global enable_freeform_support, but according to the toolbox this is already set to 1. So I don't know what I've done to cause this to stop working and what I need to disable or enable! Can anyone help? Thanks in advance!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

Freeform support doesn't work with all apps and is somewhat hit or miss on Fire tablets. For best results, if you've got your tablet set to 'global enable_freeform_support 1', then you might just need to also set 'Force activities to be resizable' to 'On' under Settings > Device Options > Developer Options. It's the second-last setting on the page. Make sure it's on. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Split screen mode seems to work consistently on Fire tablets on later f/w 7.3.2.x versions when using native Fire Launcher. On the Nav bar, the Overview icon (right-hand square) switches from a solid square to to a split square which can "force" screen splitting.

Your problem behaviour may be related to using an alternative launcher with an FTB "workaround", since Fire Launcher is not disabled and and may cause issues when trying to execute split screen mode calls from another launcher . YMMV.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hmm. I tried using split screen on my HD8 (2020) v7.3.2.7 with Nova launcher installed. It seemed to try to work even with the launcher workaround. The main problem I had was getting rid of the upper app. I had to swipe down to make it full screen, then it would go away with the home button. Because of resources being so limited, I never really tried messing with it much. I had just read about the 'resizable' tip when I did some Googling. I always set that anyway. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] SeanLake1986:
It locked up.on the start up screen that just says "fire". I think you're right I think it was removing the Alexa that did it I'm going to try again this afternoon leaving Alexa alone and just ditching goodreads, audible, and the like.

Has anyone noticed any difference If you use the fire toolbox before initial setup? I'm wondering if I should do that before complaining this up or if I should set it up 1st and then try to remove the apps. It probably doesn't make any difference but just thought.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] scnscn:
Long time lurker, first time poster.

Amazon sent a replacement HD8 12th gen (2022) with FireOS 8.3.1.1. When I checked for updates, System updates shows 8.3.2.0 which I don't want. Without going through this update, I cleared the cache and reset to factory setting. I have downloaded FireOS 8.3.1.3 from blaacksheep's site. Is there way to update to this FireOS without going through System updates in settings? Any help much appreciated. Thank you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Phonneo:
Edit:

OMG! finally i found the problem..

My Pihole was blocking rentry.co

Now i whitelisted it, and all is fine.. ;-)

Hi!

Im new to FTB32.2, but im trying hard...

My device:

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2019)

Codename: maverick

FireOS Version: 7.3.1.9

Android Version: 9.0

Security Patch: 2018-10-05

Chipset: MT8183

My problem is, i cant install Google Services, FTB crashes immediately when I click on "Execute Tool"

I (think) i followed exactly all instructions... :-(

Im using Win11

Could anyone give me a hint, whats wrong... THX!!!!!

BR

Phonneo
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

The only way to get an update that is not the current one available through OTA is to install it from a file that someone downloaded while it was available. I saved the 8.3.1.3 oem updates because they fixed some things without breaking the ability to turn off OTA updates and the ability to replace your launcher. I think 8.3.1.5 is the last 'good' update for that, but I don't have it. Your best hope is to find out exactly which FireOS version you want and request it here. Someone will likely have it because I'm not the only one here who keeps such stuff. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

I'm glad you found the trouble. I'm sure if you went through the bother of setting up a PiHole that you use it for more than blocking Amazon Updates. Ads are ridiculous these days. Your tablet doesn't need OTA updates blocked because you can just disable the updater app. :) You could have other Amazon devices that do need it though.

You have one of the 'golden' version of FireOS that don't need any workarounds to replace your launcher or block OTA updates. If you need any of the built-in apps like Shop Amazon, Prime Video, or some of the Kindle apps, you've likely discovered they won't update because of OTA being the only way to get them.

I've got a few of the updated apps in my signature, but the more comprehensive collection has been gathered by braveheartleo in his collection. Just grab the ones you need and install them over the top of the built-in ones.

I hope you enjoy the extra freedom and flexibility of your tablet that Toolbox gives you. Always remember that Fire devices are low end hardware with minimal memory. They won't run some software that requires more resources, but they do work quite well as media viewing devices and running simple games. Enjoy your journey!! :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Take another read of the initial Fire Toolbox install protocols in a OP#1.

The initial process objective is to block OTA updates to give a user the most options for making FTB mods. f/w updates may restrict FTB to make mods, or make more mods difficult.

Note that FTB/ADB can't remove Amazon apps in most current f/w versions , and in most cases, can only diable them. As you have experienced, agressive "debloating" of Amazon apps can have unintentional adverse consequences on Fire tablet functions. Be cautious.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Attention all Fire OS 8 users , especially 13th Gen Fire Max 11 and new Fire HD10 (2023) folk !

Pay attention to @Datastream33 's new FTB v32.3 release notes immediately above :

Google Services and Battery Optimizations

Your days of of random app crashes and instability may be ending ! 😀
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Tyrantt23:
Is it possible to run the Fire Toolbox on a M1 Mac?

Alternatively, is there any way to set up Nova as the default launcher / disable Fire launcher via ADB?

I tried installing the Linux version with 3.11 Python (I have 3.11 python installed) and can't get it to work.

I tried the Windows version with Wine64 and can't get it to work.

I won the Fire HD8 (12th generation) at a photo competition, and desperately wanting to have Nova as my default launcher. Couldn't remove the default Fire launcher via ADB, and it seems that Fire Toolbox would work. Alas, I don't have a Windows or Linux machine currently.

Thanks so much for the help!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] :
Amazon FreeVee.... I'm trying to disable/delete it because it keeps appearing in Play Store as an update. It appears to be a system app so I can't delete it. From adb shell....

pm disable com.amazon.imdb.tv.mobile.app

returns...

Security exception: Shell cannot change component state for com.amazon.imdb.tv.mobile.app/null to 2

...I presume that means I'm unable to disable because it's a system app? Any ideas how I can get rid of this pesky little blighter (i.e. remove it from Play store available updates)

Edit: sorted. The app is now disabled disabled despite the error message. Sometimes I don't care why, I'm just happy it's solved!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] JLPDA:
Even though Fire Toolbox has worked great, I have some apps now that require Android 10x. Does anyone know if the Fire HD 10 (11th gen) will ever get Fire OS 8.x (Android 11)?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I believe the correct adb command to disable an app using ADB is

pm disable-user --user 0 appname

I'm glad you got it working. Toolbox has an option to remove unlisted or unusual apps by using the Manage Amazon Apps subtool and using the Manual tab > Advanced selection. Once it loads (it takes several seconds) it will list all of the apps on your tablet and will attempt to disable anything you check on the list. I don't know how the list is sorted, but it doesn't appear to be in any particular order so you'll have to look through the whole list to find your app. Be very careful here as it could force a reset if you disable the wrong system app(s). (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Amazon doesn't usually update FireOS to the next generation (Android version) with the exception of I think FireOS 5 got updated on some earlier model tablets to FireOS 7. It's not a common thing and I don't think it's likely. You could always look through older versions of the apps you want to see if any of the older versions support Android 9. 🤷
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Wow. The silence on the new Linux port is deafening!! 😮 I would have thought that someone would have made a comment, whether good or bad, about it in 2 days. I hope that means that everyone who has downloaded it was successful installing it. The installer was the focus of the 12 or so release candidates that I tried out on various Linux distros. I was trying to make sure everything worked for the most popular distros out there, and I probably caused a lot of frustration on the part of @Datastream33 and the Linux users. If you've downloaded it, please speak up on how it works for your flavor of Linux. :)