yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@trapperjohn @froli13 @tjuma

Amazon hadn't done anything to counter Launch Manager in close to 1.5 years, but that changed with this update. It was bound to happen eventually. Blocking updates was the only safeguard.

Rolling back to a previous OS version is not an option, you'd need to unlock the bootloader and have a copy of the previous ROM for your device to flash. The 4k stick (2018) was the last device with a known way to accomplish that, and Amazon patched that method a year ago.

Using a custom launcher with the new update will require a new software method. Who and when someone develops it is unknown, and not guaranteed.

For now, you can still use a custom launcher, but you can't use the remote home button to take you there. If you have a remote with channel apps, you can reprogram one of them to open a custom launcher (wolf launcher, leanback etc). For some this may be better than nothing, while waiting for something better.

How to remap the App Buttons on Fire TV Remotes with Remapper — Updated January 2023

The app buttons at the bottom of the newest Fire TV Remotes and Fire TV Smart TV remotes can either be fantastic or useless. They're great if it's an app that you use often, but they're a complete waste if you don't even have the app that they're for installed.

www.aftvnews.com

EDIT: Launcher Manager 1.1.6 beta has an ADB option, including ADB on boot. You may be able to use that to open your custom launcher on boot? That will just hide the Amazon eyesore for a moment.

Another potential option is finding a fully programmable AndroidTV remote, where even the home button can be reprogrammed through it's own software. I don't know if this exists.
[Fire TV General] Nathaniel9:
Here you will find the version 1.1.6(beta3).
[Fire TV General] trapperjohn:
Hi thanks for the quick update!!

I uninstall the older version 1.1.5

Installed file you supplied 1.1.6

Same problem I have attached pics of what I am seeing:
[Fire TV General] Nathaniel9:
I'll have to test it myself first when the OS update arrives. Actually, the Wolf Launcher doesn't need an active LM handler since it's already a launcher.

But the standard method probably doesn't work anymore either. Could you tell me the package name of the stock launcher (if this might have changedso) I can try it manually via ADB to see if the terminal gives any errors?

I hate Amazon's restriction polity.
[Fire TV General] Jerri1240:
Assume this still works on the shield. Think it's time to get rid of the fire cube as I really can't stand the launcher, and more to the point, I can't stand not being able to chose for myself.
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
You can try https://xdaforums.com/attachments/lm-fos5-1-0-7-apk.5529819/

on your device, it was mainly for FireOS 5 but it should work on 6 and 7 as well.

Its not reliable, will this the launcher will not boot straight away but will take some time.

On home press you'll have to wait 5 seconds, then it will open the custom launcher.

I had a new way to prevent the 5 second delay but since OTAs cannot be blocked anymore, I will not waste my time there as it will also be blocked in few days.
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
These are/were some ways for Bypassing Stock Launcher.

LM Custom Launcher Handler handles the launcher differently depending on System State, (It can Hook custom launcher without disabling stock launcher, but this mode will not work on your device). so it needs the stock launcher to be disabled on your device.

NOTE: Most of the methods are patched by Amazon and no longer works.
[Fire TV General] Nathaniel9:
This shows once again why I switched from Fire OS to Android TV.
[Fire TV General] froli13:
I does work thank you very much. Although no in the way you predicted. The home button always brings to the amazon launcher BUT the custom launcher does open after 5 seconds or so after boot and without delay after waking up from sleep.
[Fire TV General] froli13:
I'm about to do the same. What box did you go for? And how is Android TV as far as customization goes? Does it try to block things like amazon is doing? I mostly care about using a launcher that doesn't contain any ads. Disable/delete useless apps and preventing some from running in the background. I use Jellyfin, TiviMate, ExpressVPN and Wireguard.
[Fire TV General] Nathaniel9:
I was fed up with Amazon's restriction polity back in 2015 and then I googled which is the fastest Android TV box in the world and he recommended the Nvidia Shield TV to me. I now own the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 as my main device, on which thanks to SweenWolf's tireless work I installed the Launcher Manager for ATV to be able to use my favorite launcher because I generally don't like the Google TV launcher.

However, as far as the apps you use are concerned, I can't help you because I don't use them.

At the moment, the only thing that bothers me on the Nvidia Shield is that after upgrading to Android 11, voice input in Kodi no longer works. But if I were you, I would research and then decide. In any case, Android TV is better than Fire OS.
[Fire TV General] Alekos:
ShieldTV is the way to go but its expensive. But its worth it, the model from 2015 is still getting updated and it allows for customization. TiviMate will work on any AndroidTV/GoogleTV/FireStick. (ExpressVPN, Wireguard and JellyFin for ATV are all available on the play store on the Shield)

Next option would be Google's new ChromeCast with GoogleTV. same apps as the shieldtv so you're good. I usually recommend for your main tv, a shield (if you can) and other tv's, CCWGTV (or a cheaper shield if money is no object).
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
I think there has always been an unspoken understanding, or should be, that Amazon is selling FireTV devices at close to cost, and sometimes at a loss. And that Amazon's intent is to use FireTVs as an information gathering tool and advertising platform.

Amazon didn't invent this, there were the cheap e-computers loaded with adware long before FireTV.

Amazon takes advantage of people that value price over privacy and control. Tools like Launcher Manager try to take advantage back. I don't know if I can legitimately be angry at Amazon.

Times like this there is a lot of schadenfreude and annoyance. By those that blocked updates, by those that bought more expensive devices not subsidized by ads, and of course by those that just lost their custom launchers.

I'm a little annoyed myself at people that reacted to the change in update protection a month ago, with the cavalier attitude of who cares, if Amazon breaks custom launchers, someone will just release a new work around.

Launcher Manager was a great loop hole to take advantage of a large company that makes a business of taking advantage of us. It worked great for 1.5years+, and is still working great for thousands of users (I hope).

Whatever it's future is, I'm grateful for that time it's given me so far. And whether it survives FireOS or not, it looks like it has a future on AndroidTV for a long while given that it even works on AndroidTV 11.
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
Hello @SweenWolf ,

For the current users with blocked update (thousands of us)is LM 1.6 stable version still coming or you canceled the project.

Or you postponed to find away to block updates again.

Thanks
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
To all those who now have the evil forced update on it.

You can still try the following, factory reset.

@SweenWolf

The first forced update can still be prevented, even after a factory reset.

See the following steps.

Block Amazon System Updates

Up to you. You don’t have to do anything. It’s all speculation on if/when Amazon starts blocking stuff. Once they push an update there’s probably no going back though. That being said, I did discover a way to bypass the automatic update when you register a new device. So if Amazon ever does get...

troypointinsider.com

I have done this myself only 3 days ago with my 4k stick successfully.
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
What kind of update blocker you used
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
Follow the link on and they just read the post I linked and follow the steps given.

I do not want to adorn myself with other feathers.

Block Amazon System Updates

Up to you. You don’t have to do anything. It’s all speculation on if/when Amazon starts blocking stuff. Once they push an update there’s probably no going back though. That being said, I did discover a way to bypass the automatic update when you register a new device. So if Amazon ever does get...

troypointinsider.com

Furthermore, if you run the Fire tv stick only via usb-cable to the tv, so without extra power supply, the update downloads but can not be installed because of low power supply. At least there is an error message.

This is virtually a low cost update blocker.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Thank you, that's definitely good to know if I ever have to do a factory reset, bookmarked :)

I'm not sure it will help anyone that is already on the new update? Factory resetting won't revert you to the previous version.

@Alza3eeem the betas have all been very stable on my Cube, no problems.

EDIT: @fire_cuber what FireOS version / build were you on last time you successfully factory reset with that method?
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
@fire_cuber

What FireOS version/build was your 4KFS when you did a factory reset using this method?
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
@SweenWolf I'm new to downloading the launcher manager and wolf launcher. I have gotten everything set up good and looks tidy on my home screen fire tv stick.

Question tho, I made a section on the launcher but I try to remove it and nothing happens.. Maybe you aware of this already and is it a bug or just my end? I know that you can unshow and show a section but removing is not working. Thanks in advance!

Note: I did clean the launcher cache option under wolf launcher other settings, still nothing. Also a fresh reboot.
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
FireOS 6.2.8.1/4812

You can no longer deactivate updates via ADB on this version, but the Wolf launcher at least still works via the home button.

However, my stick cannot install the update to 6.2.8.7 (6287/3768) because the stick is only connected to the TV via USB and this is an insufficient power supply for an update.

The modules can no longer be deactivated

com.amazon.device.software.ota

com.amazon.device.software.ota.override

Only the module can be disabled by debload tool

com.amazon.tv.forceotaupdater.v2

But I have additionally blocked the update URLs in my WLAN router.

And then as I said the low power supply for an update via USB.
[Fire TV General] Sus_i:
My 4k stick did some updates even powered via usb2 TV port.
[Fire TV General] SweenWolf:
I don't know about other TV's but my Samsung TV provides enough power for Firestick 4k as well as a hub attached to it, with a pen drive, a mouse and a keyboard. While running heavy programs.
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
If they were 6.2.8.1/4812 before the reset, what version/build are they now that you successfully did a factory reset?
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
OK, then it seems that newer TVs have enough power via USB.

My Samsung TV in the bedroom is a bit older.

It still has USB2 :)

If I e.g. under Settings/myFiretv on the point Updates drive, there is still that I should connect an external power supply to be able to perform the update.

Of course, I don't do that.:D
[Fire TV General] Sus_i:
My two plasma TVs are from 2012 ;)

I see such a message too, but if you just press the circle button on the remote, the update will install.

At some point the fireTV will update nontheless, regardless of the power supply.

Maybe you should run:

adb shell pm clear com.amazon.device.software.ota

in order to delete all downloaded update files.
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
Launcher Manager won't let me enable custom launcher on my android tv. Help me thanks
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
Thank you, I did not know this command.
[Fire TV General] Powerfader:
Need more info to be able to help. Describe your steps and what buttons you are pushing that don't take to your custom page. What is being displayed when you press enable or disable on the Launcher Manager>
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
@fire_cuber

So basically; that method of "factory reset" that you referenced from Jayhawks659 at troypointinsider did not actually work successfully for you since you were at 6.2.8.1/4812 (or higher) and you ended up with 6.2.8.1/4812 after the completed reset which is the same build/version that I have and the two updates cannot be blocked by adb-command.

Is that correct?
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
So basically I would use the home launcher and turn on custom launcher option but it just keeps going back to the stock atv launcher. Maybe my tv has blocked custom launcher for making it default? I can use the wolf launcher but it won't set it has default. I have turned on handler service mode so when I do press on home button it should pop up with which launcher I would like to use and press always but it doesn't either.

If that makes sense. I have downloaded button remapper as well but still doesn't work like it should on the firestick
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
What version of Launcher Manager are you using? Did you download the version for Android TV? LM ATV 1.0.4

https://xdaforums.com/attachments/lm-atv-1-0-4-apk.5498333/

What TV / AndroidTV version are you on?
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
My first try was 1.1.5,. That was bugging for me then I tried the 1.1.6 beta and that was the same. Ok yeah I used the wrong one then haha. Yeah I used LM (FOS)
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
It works now thanks. I forgot there was a different launcher for operating system. Cos yesterday I was busy setting up the fire tv stick and forgot to change launcher for my android tv
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
Anyone know if there's a app for android shortcuts to put on the main page like the fire tv stick settings?
[Fire TV General] Bashar20:
I blocked updates on my 4K max last month. Is it normal that it keeps showing: Checking now.... under last checked.
[Fire TV General] tweakradje:
I have sheldonp (Fire OS 7.2.4.2) running Wolf Launcher with these packages disabled:

Spoiler content hidden.

Have not received any OS updates in months.

Cheers
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
That is correct.

Note to 6.2.8.1/4812 on which I am also.

com.amazon.device.software.ota (can no longer be disabled via ADB)

com.amazon.tv.forceotaupdater.v2 (can still be disabled via ADB)

com.amazon.device.software.ota.override (can no longer be disabled by ADB)

So the updates have to be blocked via DNS or in the router or via Blockada APP.

But the Wolf Launcher still works via home button.

This no longer works from the Fire OS 6.2.8.7 NS6287/3768.

It is important to delete the downloaded update in any case before a restart!

pm clear com.amazon.device.software.ota

This is a temporal fix.
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
Is this command alone, actually blocking anything?

The other two commands that no longer work are the only one's that I know block updates as I have two older FS with those two commands enabled for over a year with no updates.
[Fire TV General] EngineerMind:
How would you block updates with that app?

Does that app act as a VPN or use the devices VPN service?
[Fire TV General] johnsmith0123:
I have Fire TV Cube 2nd gen. Running on Fire OS 7.2.4.2.

Have Installed Launcher Manager 1.1.5. It takes long time to boot up.

Is there any way to stop getting updates. Use Firestick Debloat Tool. It don't work

Many thanks
[Fire TV General] Powerfader:
Hey there Mr. Wolf, Don't want to sound ungrateful, because you truly do have a GREAT app! I use it all the time.

But if you could write a code to allow Live Wallpapers, or at least to allow multiple rotating backgrounds that would be great!
[Fire TV General] seacamel:
Just install the Update blocker 1.3 you can find at the end of post #1 of this thread..

I have 7.2.4.2 on my Fire Lite but with different build and it works as expected.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Shortcut Maker (Google Play Store) or ActivityLauncher

GitHub - butzist/ActivityLauncher: Activity launcher creates shortcuts for any installed app and hidden activities to launch them with ease

Activity launcher creates shortcuts for any installed app and hidden activities to launch them with ease - butzist/ActivityLauncher

github.com

I like ActivityLauncher because it's compact, but Shortcut Maker has many more options.
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
Questions. After amazon batches and prevent us for now to stop their updates... is there will be away to block it in the future or that's the end....
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
Or may be we can block the port they use to access the internet to get the updates
[Fire TV General] EngineerMind:
Do a search, there are ways to block the amazon domains that the updates are downloaded from (via your router), so that is a work around.
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
Many thanks. I did that using open DNS with my router.

But my question if that can achive using the same previous way with updates block within the device it self. As there is some apps using virtual VNP to block it locally but it interfere with my tivimate service.
[Fire TV General] EngineerMind:
When you can block inside the device, then you can connect that device to any network. But when you block the domains using your router, but then in the future you connect the device to a different network/router that does not block those domains, then the device will be able to do an update.
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
I agree with you on that that is why my question what the best way to block it locally without interfere with streaming as I tried netguard but it makes my tivimate lagging every 5 minutes

And if @SweenWolf will have away in the future to block it
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@trapperjohn @froli13 @tjuma or anyone else on the latest February FireOS update.

Can one of you guys try Launcher Manager 1.1.2 to see if it makes any difference for you?

Marsing on Reddit is on 7.2.7.3 and is using Launcher Manager / Wolf Launcher. I don't know if his device is a fluke or if there is something different about LM 1.1.2 that makes a difference?

https://www.reddit.com/r/fireTV/comments/szsj7k
[Fire TV General] Mary1989:
Thank you very much.

But I can't find the Git link
[Fire TV General] QuiDC96:
Is there any solution about the long boot time with my 4k Max?

I see that ota update is not a option anymore 🙃
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
There is no GitHub page for Launcher Manager. This is the development thread, and all app versions are attached to the original post:

[APP][FIRETV][NOROOT] Launcher Manager (Change Launcher without Root)

LAUNCHER MANAGER (FOS 6+) BLOCKED BY AMAZON, USE LAUNCHER MANAGER (MINI) STEPS TO ENABLE CUSTOM LAUNCHER: Before installing version 1.1.8 uninstall any previous version. 1. Download Launcher Manager by clicking or by using short link and...

xdaforums.com
[Fire TV General] DJDamaux:
Thank you!
[Fire TV General] dieg00:
@Finnzz

AT MAX with 7.2.5.5 PS7255/2465 with LM 1.1.2 the same thing happens, it takes a minute and a half or so to boot.

Greetings.
[Fire TV General] tjuma:
@Finnzz

Tried it and it's the same sadly.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Thanks for checking. This update is rolling out very slowly, there is little to no information. Have you noticed any changes? Do you know if there is an option to turn off HDR on the Cube? @nabilyo was asking about it.

Settings / Display & Sounds / Display / Dynamic Range Settings
[Fire TV General] tjuma:
Only 2 settings in dynamic range: always hdr and adaptive, so I don't think anything changed there.
[Fire TV General] Bashar20:
My 4K max always had 3 settings.

Always HDR

Adaptive (which is what I use)

HDR off.
[Fire TV General] fire_cuber:
Software Needed

Adguard

Permission Manager

Here is the link to the needed tools on techdoctoruk.

Block Updates On Amazon Devices (New Method) | TechDoctorUK

www.techdoctoruk.com

Here, step by step, for those who do not want to watch videos ^^

1. Install Permission Manager

2. iinstall Adguard.

3. open Permission Manager and click on Adguard, scroll down to the 3rd entry from the bottom "android.permission.PACKAGE_USAGE_SSTATS and go right to allow

4. go to the home screen and open Adguard

5. click on the 3 line menu in the upper left corner

6. click on app management

7. click on search in the upper right corner

8. type ota as search term

9. click on first entry "DeviceSoftwareOTA, the same for the entry System update

10. scroll down to Mobile data and WLAN data and click.

11. go back to Home/Settings/myFire TV/Info and test search for updates ^^
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
AFTVNews is saying that another change with 7.2.7.3/2622 and 6.2.8.7/3768 is that it broke the channel button remapping apps he had made.

EDIT: the old button remapping works for a little bit, and then eventually starts redirecting you to the Amazon app store to get the official app, instead of the remapper app.

There is a workaround that involves downloading the remapping apps to FireTV device, and then using the following ADB command to install them. This example is for the Netflix button

```

pm install -i com.amazon.venezia /sdcard/Downloader/remapnetflix.apk

```

'-i com.amazon.venezia' sets the vendor of remapNetflix.apk to the Amazon App Store. And setting the app vendor to Amazon seems to be enough to keep the apps working.

How to remap the App Buttons on Fire TV Remotes with Remapper — Updated January 2023

The app buttons at the bottom of the newest Fire TV Remotes and Fire TV Smart TV remotes can either be fantastic or useless. They're great if it's an app that you use often, but they're a complete waste if you don't even have the app that they're for installed.

www.aftvnews.com

I'm not sure what the security change was in the new update, but this makes it look like there are now some restrictions on sideloaded apps.

I'm wondering if it would make any difference if Launcher Manager was installed with Amazon as the vendor? Would that grant LM any more privelages, to enable the custom launcher, or to block the update packages with the integrated update blocker in 1.1.6?

To try this, first uninstall Launcher Manager, then download LM 1.1.6 to the FireTV device (don't install). Then use ADB (Remote ADB Shell) to run this command:

```

pm install -i com.amazon.venezia /sdcard/Download/LM1.1.6.apk

```

I renamed the LM package file here for simplicity

Download LM 1.1.6 from here

https://xdaforums.com/t/app-firetv-...e-launcher-without-root.4176349/post-86385741

We still don't know if the permissions of the FTV Launcher were changed/protected on the lastest update.

If someone with on 7.2.7.3/2622 or 6.2.8.7/3768 could run this command and report back the results / error, it would help in moving forward.

pm disable --user 0 com.amazon.tv.launcher
[Fire TV General] Alza3eeem:
Hello I am in 6.2.8.1/4812

Only broken is update block. I tried this way to see if I can block the update by using update block built in LM1.1.6

it didn't work

Thanks
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
Thank you for trying, it was a bit of wishful thinking on my part.
[Fire TV General] froli13:
@Finnzz

I'm having success with Launcher Manager 1.0.7 as SweenWolf suggested. The firestick boots and wakes up from sleep into the custom launcher but the home button brings to FOS launcher. Better than nothing.
[Fire TV General] linuxlad:
@Finnzz

I tried that command on a 6.2.8.7/3768 with LM-1.1.6(beta3) and it output the following error message:

Error: java.lang.SecurityException: Cannot disable a protected package: com.amazon.tv.launcher

It appears to be protected just like the ota packages.

The package permissions need to be changed before any changes will take effect on any of these protected packages.
[Fire TV General] Finnzz:
@linuxlad Thank you for checking and confirming.

@froli13 that's a better than none solution I guess. It just doesn't give the resource benefit of disabling the FireLauncher and not having to dedicate RAM to that hunkin dumpster fire :)