Fire TV Stick / Fire TV Cube - Mega Thread

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Mar 18th, 2022 2:44 pm

umadbrah [OP]: Penalty Box; Nov 27, 2011; 5016 posts; 4512 upvotes; Calgary

Mar 18th, 2022 2:44 pm

Fire TV Stick / Fire TV Cube - Mega Thread

Discussion thread for Amazon Fire TV products

List of devices in order of slowest to fastest:
https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... table.html

Fire TV Stick Lite (2020)
Price: $49.99 (retail), $16.99 (all time low)
- 1080p
- Quad-core 1.7GHz processor (MT8695D)
- 8 GB storage
- 1 GB DDR4 RAM
- Dolby Atmos (HDMI passthrough only)
- Fire OS 7
- Full specs: https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... vsticklite

Fire TV Stick (gen 3) (2020)
Price: $59.99 (retail), $24.99 (all time low)
- 1080p
- Quad-core 1.7GHz processor (MT8695D)
- 8 GB storage
- 1 GB DDR4 RAM
- Dolby Atmos
- Fire OS 7
- Full specs: https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... vstickgen3

Fire TV Stick 4K (2018)
Price: $69.99 (retail), $34.99 (all time low)
- 4K / 2160p (UHD)
- Quad-core 1.7GHz processor (MTK8695+MT7668)
- 8 GB storage
- 1.5 GB DDR4 RAM
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos (Prime, certain titles only)
- Fire OS 6
- Full specs: https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... ftvstick4k

Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2021)
Price: $74.99 (retail), $44.99 (all time low)
- 4K / 2160p (UHD)
- Quad-core 1.8GHz processor (Mediatek MT8696)
- 8 GB storage
- 2 GB DDR4 RAM
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos (Netflix, Prime, Disney+)
- Wifi 6
- Fire OS 7
- Full specs: https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... stick4kmax

Fire TV Cube (gen 2) (2019)
Price: $149.99 (retail), $84.99 (all time low)
- 4K / 2160p (UHD)
- Hexa-core 2.2GHz processor (AMLogic S922Z)
- GPU: ARM Mali G52-MP2, 800MHz
- 16 GB storage
- 2GB DDR4-2400 Mbps
- Hands free voice controls
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos (Netflix, Prime, Disney+)
- Ethernet adapter
- Fire OS 7
- Full specs: https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... tvcubegen2

Fire TV Cube (gen 3) (2022)
Price: $189.99 (retail), $169.99 (all time low)
- 4K / 2160p (UHD)
- Hexa-core ARM 4xCA73 @ 2.2GHz (Amlogic POP1-G)
- GPU: ARM G52 MP8, 800MHz
- 16 GB storage
- 2GB, LPDDR4 RAM
- Hands free voice controls
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
- Built-in rear Ethernet (10/100) and USB 2.0 Type-A port
- Wifi 6e
- Fire OS 7
- Full specs: https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire- ... tvcubegen3

CPU Benchmarks

OTG USB adapter for external drive:

3 Pack OTG Cable - $9.97
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08DQVKGZ5/

Cheap Backlit Keyboard:

- Cheap Backlit Keyboard - $29.99, Sometimes on sale for $18.99 - $21.99
- ARTECK20POFF promo code for extra 20% off
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00X5P8BJO/

Quick Reboot
Press & Hold the Enter button + Play Button for 8 seconds

How to Factory-Reset
Press and Hold the Back button and Right Button for 10 seconds

Recommended Apps:

Launcher Manager
https://troypoint.com/wolf-launcher/#In ... er_Manager
- Downloader URL: troypoint.com/launchmger
Wolf Launcher
https://troypoint.com/wolf-launcher/#In ... uncher_App
- Downloader URL: troypoint.com/wolf

**AMAZON BLOCKING CUSTOM LAUNCHERS IN LATEST UPDATES**
https://www.androidpolice.com/amazon-ap ... v-updates/

How to disable updates:
https://troypoint.com/block-amazon-fire ... c-updates/

Update versions to avoid
- Fire OS 6.2.8.1
- Fire OS 7.2.4.2

Send files to TV
- Downloader URL: https://sendfilestotv.app/
- Also available through the Aptoide app
This makes it much easier to search for APKs using your phone, and then wirelessly transferring it to the Fire TV. You may have to rename the file from .zip to .apk using MiXplorer, and then installing it from there.

APKTime
- Downloader App code: 072207

SmartTubeNext
https://troypoint.com/smarttubenext/#Sm ... ee_YouTube
- Downloader URL: https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTubeNext
- Downloader App code: 79040

TiviMate IPTV Player
https://troypoint.com/tivimate/#Install ... ndroid_Box
- Premium unlock costs $29.99 one-time fee or $9.49 per year, registers 5 devices
- Downloader URL: troypoint.com/tivi
- Downloader App code: 72816
** DON'T ASK FOR IPTV SERVICE HOSTING **

RetroArch Emulator
- Downloader URL: https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/1. ... roArch.apk

Lemuroid Emulator
- Downloader URL: https://f-droid.org/packages/com.swordfish.lemuroid/

DuckStation Emulator
- Downloader URL: https://www.duckstation.org/android/duc ... ndroid.apk

Kodi 19.4 matrix
https://troypoint.com/how-to-install-ko ... t_Tutorial
- Downloader URL: troypoint.com/kodistable
- Recommended skin: AuraMod - https://prototyperepo.github.io/
- Recommended Video (free) Add-ons: The Crew
- Recommended Video (premium) Add-ons: Seren, Fen, Ezra, Umbrella
- Recommended Anime Add-ons: Kaito, Gogo
- Recommended Sports Add-ons: Rising Tide, Mad Titan, The Crew

Kodinerds (Maven Build with Dolby Vision enabled)
I was finally able to get this build displaying DV sources properly on my Fire TV Cube.
https://repo.kodinerds.net/index.php?ac ... ion=nexus/

VLC Player
- Downloader App code: 78283

Cinema HD
- Downloader URL: https://cinemahdapkapp.com/dl/
- Downloader App code: 59745

BeeTV
- Downloader URL: https://beetvapk.me/
- Downloader App code: 82614

Stremio
- Downloader URL: https://www.stremio.com/downloads
- Downloader App code: 16735

FilmPlus
- Downloader App code: 41290

Cyberflix TV
- Downloader URL: https://cyberflix.me/dl/
- Downloader App code: 59601

MiXplorer (best file manager on Firestick)
- Downloader URL: https://reviewvpn.com/mix

ES File Explorer
- Downloader URL: troypoint.com/es

Last edited by umadbrah on Jan 24th, 2023 12:44 pm, edited 29 times in total.

teksavvy sucks

64 replies

Mar 18th, 2022 2:45 pm

BensonNV: Deal Addict; Feb 19, 2010; 1752 posts; 846 upvotes; YYC

Mar 18th, 2022 2:45 pm

nice thread! subscribing

Mar 18th, 2022 4:19 pm

lead: Deal Guru; Nov 21, 2002; 11618 posts; 4004 upvotes; Winnipeg

Mar 18th, 2022 4:19 pm

all the sticks are the same speed same soc and mhz except the 1st,2nd and 4kmax gen sticks. The original 4k stick runs an older version of the same soc as the lites. So it won't get higher kernel support hence why it runs an older build than the newer lites and max. So the reason all those scores on same soc devices is different? Perhaps kernel support and build optimizations is newer and grants faster benchmarks slightly for all devices. So...its kinda a crap shoot when you look at those charts.

The 2nd generation firesticks still work fine but....they lack hvec 10bit. They only do hvec 8bit. Many like to encode in 10bit for better vivid color but if you do they won't work on the 2nd gen sticks and they are clocked at 1.3ghz so too slow to emulate it either even at 720phvec10bit.

The 3rd gen sticks/lites and 4kmax and 4kstick all support Hi10p. None of the others do and basically no other device off hand does either?

Mar 18th, 2022 6:52 pm

insync44: Deal Addict; Dec 22, 2010; 1847 posts; 427 upvotes; BC

Mar 18th, 2022 6:52 pm

I would still consider the shield a far more versatile streamer. Handles my 5 External HD plus Plex Media server & all the Apps.

we are all just one bad day away from losing everything

Mar 18th, 2022 7:08 pm

aaron158: Deal Addict; Nov 25, 2004; 4015 posts; 2787 upvotes; London

Mar 18th, 2022 7:08 pm

couple other remote shortcuts are hold the circle button and play button for a few seconds for a stick reboot. also hold circle button for a few seconds keep holding it then start holding the down button hold those for like 5 or 10 seconds then let go and hit the 3 dash button then u can bring up the advanced menu that lets u turn on overlays that show u things like cpu and memory usage or another that brings up rendering info.

+2

Mar 19th, 2022 1:55 pm

lead: Deal Guru; Nov 21, 2002; 11618 posts; 4004 upvotes; Winnipeg

Mar 19th, 2022 1:55 pm

insync44 wrote: ↑ I would still consider the shield a far more versatile streamer. Handles my 5 External HD plus Plex Media server & all the Apps.

it doesn't handle youtube or google movies better than 1080p

expand storage 2 pack for 8 bucks
https://www.amazon.ca/Compatible-Firest ... 18&sr=8-18

Mar 19th, 2022 2:09 pm

WetCoastGuy: Deal Addict; Dec 24, 2007; 1707 posts; 2176 upvotes; BC

Mar 19th, 2022 2:09 pm

Firestick upgrades had also added a shortcut to Smart Home. Now by tapping on the Alexa button on your Fire TV remote, users will get access to a shortcut panel at the bottom of their screen. This will provide quick access to smart home controls, weather, and news, If you have Wyze cameras added to your devices, you can now jump right into viewing the cameras.

+1

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:17 am

insync44: Deal Addict; Dec 22, 2010; 1847 posts; 427 upvotes; BC

Mar 23rd, 2022 10:17 am

lead wrote: ↑ it doesn't handle youtube or google movies better than 1080p

expand storage 2 pack for 8 bucks
https://www.amazon.ca/Compatible-Firest ... 18&sr=8-18

At the moment I still have my 1080p 70inch Panasonic Plasma. Not upgrading till the picture tube busts.

I like watching my videos from attached hard drives.

we are all just one bad day away from losing everything

Mar 23rd, 2022 3:41 pm

megsoak: Banned; Mar 8, 2022; 52 posts; 53 upvotes

Mar 23rd, 2022 3:41 pm

Great thread, thanks!

+1

Apr 13th, 2022 4:09 pm

Counut: Jr. Member; Oct 6, 2017; 115 posts; 67 upvotes

Apr 13th, 2022 4:09 pm

Are Amazon Fire Sticks still viable if i dont want to do any of that "sideloading"/"custom launcher"/enabling and disabling updates and keeping up with all that nerd stuff?

With chromecast with google tv, we dont do any extra stuff except maybe put it in Apps Only mode.

Apr 13th, 2022 6:50 pm

Phils: Deal Fanatic; Sep 29, 2005; 6528 posts; 1663 upvotes; Montreal

Apr 13th, 2022 6:50 pm

I never bothered with alternate launchers. I find my 4K and my 4K Max very snappy. In fact, I rather like the features of Fire OS. I find the extra crap they add doesn't get in the way and I simply ignore it.

Phils

+3

Apr 15th, 2022 12:07 pm

Canuck_TO: Deal Addict; Dec 11, 2008; 1553 posts; 946 upvotes; Toronto

Apr 15th, 2022 12:07 pm

Counut wrote: ↑ Are Amazon Fire Sticks still viable if i dont want to do any of that "sideloading"/"custom launcher"/enabling and disabling updates and keeping up with all that nerd stuff?

With chromecast with google tv, we dont do any extra stuff except maybe put it in Apps Only mode.

You can use a Fire TV stick to access all of your streaming content (Prime Video, Netflix, Disney, Apple TV+, Youtube ...) plus the regular channels that offer apps like CTV ...
Sure, you can add apps like Kodi, that aren't in the Amazon app store but, it's not like you need to do a traditional sideload via adb. You can just install an app through a browser or an app like Downloader.

+1

May 28th, 2022 7:46 pm

Canada_7: Deal Fanatic; Dec 30, 2006; 6108 posts; 1351 upvotes

May 28th, 2022 7:46 pm

Ugghhh... Not happy that although the original Firestick 4K supports Dolby Atmos, Netflix does not as it runs on Fire OS 6. Will only do so on the 4k Max or the Fire Cube.

Jun 12th, 2022 9:52 pm

DougO: Deal Expert; Dec 26, 2010; 23963 posts; 8661 upvotes

Jun 12th, 2022 9:52 pm

OT but trying to migrate from STBemu to Tivimate and other than the Portal URL, which under STBemu includes the guide, no such thing exists for Tivimate and you need a separate URL for an EPG? Wish there was a better video on this on YouTube but there isn't a clear installation guide. At least my provider has guides for STBemu for every device imaginable but they have no instructions for Tivimate...

Might go for the lifetime sub since I can afford it but not until I get the ins and outs as to how this will work with my various devices...

Jun 13th, 2022 11:53 am

umadbrah [OP]: Penalty Box; Nov 27, 2011; 5016 posts; 4512 upvotes; Calgary

Jun 13th, 2022 11:53 am

DougO wrote: ↑OT but trying to migrate from STBemu to Tivimate and other than the Portal URL, which under STBemu includes the guide, no such thing exists for Tivimate and you need a separate URL for an EPG? Wish there was a better video on this on YouTube but there isn't a clear installation guide. At least my provider has guides for STBemu for every device imaginable but they have no instructions for Tivimate...

Might go for the lifetime sub since I can afford it but not until I get the ins and outs as to how this will work with my various devices...

I'm not familiar with STBemu, but the URL (M3U, I think) should be provided by your IPTV service/host.

I've tried a bunch of IPTVs and they all provided it.

You just open the app, add playlist, and then the URL and account info. It was pretty easy from what I remember.

teksavvy sucks

Jun 13th, 2022 9:53 pm

DougO: Deal Expert; Dec 26, 2010; 23963 posts; 8661 upvotes

Jun 13th, 2022 9:53 pm

umadbrah wrote: ↑ I'm not familiar with STBemu, but the URL (M3U, I think) should be provided by your IPTV service/host.

I've tried a bunch of IPTVs and they all provided it.

You just open the app, add playlist, and then the URL and account info. It was pretty easy from what I remember.

Okay, so I bought a different service to the one I normally use expressly to test this and the only URL I got was a portal URL. But time and again, videos say that you need an EPG URL as well. Well, one isn't provided. I asked a few of the YouTubers about this and got silence from them.
And what is this playlist? Never had that either. In STBemu you make a profile but the only things that are necessary are the portal URL and PW and maybe setting the player and giving the profile a name as well as the box you are emulating. That's it. May have to throw away TiviMate and just use STBemu as it's more familiar...

Jun 13th, 2022 11:11 pm

DougO: Deal Expert; Dec 26, 2010; 23963 posts; 8661 upvotes

Jun 13th, 2022 11:11 pm

I see...TiviMate CAN use Stalker portals but the developer is using another code so is uninterested in Stalker. It MAY or MAY NOT work with your provider. From Reddit, I was able to gleam some info that STBemu generates some code automatically that you would need from your provider to use TiviMate. There MIGHT be a way to generate the code yourself but it seems complicated. My provider does not use TiviMate so they don't have the codes you would need to use that program though others have said that a single portal URL does work...but it will depend on the provider. If it works, great, if not, go back to STBemu or something that DOES work...

Jun 15th, 2022 12:02 am

DougO: Deal Expert; Dec 26, 2010; 23963 posts; 8661 upvotes

Jun 15th, 2022 12:02 am

The OP on Reddit's IPTV forum tried for me and he could not get it to work with a straight stalker URL and PW. So, though I will try this with my own provider, I'm not confident it will work at this point...

Jun 15th, 2022 9:40 pm

DougO: Deal Expert; Dec 26, 2010; 23963 posts; 8661 upvotes

Jun 15th, 2022 9:40 pm

Nope, no Cando. Tivimate would require me to change my provider. Tried also with Kodi on my Xbox and the stalker client is missing from the PVR client list, so that won't work either. They aren't making this easy that's for sure...

Jun 16th, 2022 11:08 pm

DougO: Deal Expert; Dec 26, 2010; 23963 posts; 8661 upvotes

Jun 16th, 2022 11:08 pm

Also just learned that the Cube will not work if connected to an HDMI switch. Since all the ports are occupied and the switch is on one port I though I could add that to my TV but I was wrong. Once again, Amazon makes things difficult...

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