💬 Amazon Luna drops stand-alone Windows and Mac desktop apps
💬 Amazon to discontinue Alexa celebrity voices — Refunds available to those that ask for them
Adam says:
I am going to miss the !)*@$&!@#$ Samuel L. Jackson voice on this @#(*(%^!!&$* Amazon Echo!
💬 Amazon Luna drops stand-alone Windows and Mac desktop apps
John says:
PWAs are the future, where updates are handled on their side rather than the user to update the app. I see this as a development plus so any bugs can be fixed and not specific to one client on one specific OS
💬 3rd-gen Fire TV Cube Benchmark Scores: A new King is Crowned — Comparison against Shield TV Pro, Cube 2, Firestick 4K Max, Chromecast 4K, Onn 4K, and more
James says:
If they didn't send you the updates to slow your device, you'd never buy a new one. Updates that slow your device are absolutely a real, purposeful thing.
Except there is no new shield
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Pippo says:
Good luck, if the complainants will respond they will start a court action (even if they won't) Google will keep the app down. It is the same thing which happened with most of the IPTv apps which did not contains any channels but they were take down anyway
💬 Amazon to discontinue Alexa celebrity voices — Refunds available to those that ask for them
Patricia Beach says:
These voices are fun. I will miss them. I will ask for a refund.
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Gaston says:
Hi, I'm from Latin America and I can't download the downloader from google play, how can I download it on my xiami stick
💬 Amazon to discontinue Alexa celebrity voices — Refunds available to those that ask for them
Roger says:
They were fun while they lasted.
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Elias Saba (AFTVnews) says:
Hello Elias,Have you considered doing a "Downloader Lite" variant, that only does the basics: take in url, download, install, cleanup. Or with just the browser removed. I would personally prefer that regardless.Cheers!
I have exactly that primed and ready to go if the app isn't reinstated after the 10-day deadline. I don't want to release it now and create confusion for no reason if the regular app does come back.
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
David Fleetwood says:
How is this in itself not illegal, or flagged instantly as a bad claim?
It's a flaw in the DMCA itself as written into law. And the platform provider has zero choice but to comply. It's in desperate need of an update.
💬 How to find/show/unhide/reveal Developer Options on an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, or Fire TV Smart TV
Digimonteur says:
I need INFORMER App as a Download. Can someone please help me
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Ujn Hunter says:
The worst part is that they may choose to follow Scientology tactics, withdraw their claim at the last minute, then file another takedown request one day later. Google would be forced to comply legally. Scientology uses this method to keep anti-scientology websites offline indefinitely. The result is that most of the long running ones are hosted in eastern Europe in countries that are not signatories to copyright agreements with the United States.Hopefully that does not occur with Downloader.
How is this in itself not illegal, or flagged instantly as a bad claim?
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
JuniorJun says:
Hello Elias,Have you considered doing a "Downloader Lite" variant, that only does the basics: take in url, download, install, cleanup. Or with just the browser removed. I would personally prefer that regardless.Cheers!
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
The worst part is that they may choose to follow Scientology tactics, withdraw their claim at the last minute, then file another takedown request one day later. Google would be forced to comply legally. Scientology uses this method to keep anti-scientology websites offline indefinitely. The result is that most of the long running ones are hosted in eastern Europe in countries that are not signatories to copyright agreements with the United States.Hopefully that does not occur with Downloader.
💬 Amazon blocks custom Home Launchers with latest Fire TV software update
Don Bentley says:
Has this update also affected your button remapper apps? Ever since my Fire Stick 4K Max got the update the remaps don't work. I've tried resetting them and they still don't work. If I go under applications and launch the individual remapper apps the app I have remapped them to launches, but pressing the actual buttons on the remote does nothing.
Best advice is to see if your device is one that can still be hardware unlocked , flashed , and with pre rooted rom. It also has to be able to run an older firmware version before Amazon got crazy with its malicious updates.How old the firmware and which one exactly depends on doing your research and seeing which older compatible firmwares , or Roms had those extreme updates not yet added .Remember , if your device is hardware locked , your pretty much screwed because you can't even get root usually on locked devices.
💬 Amazon blocks custom Home Launchers with latest Fire TV software update
Will Fire tablets be getting the same blocking?
Fire tablets have been mostly blocked already since 2020 . After the first production run of the 2019 fire tablet 7 gen 9 , they all been hardware locked down ,There's nothing you can do to them to hardware unlock them and root is almost impossible also .Exceptions are like I said , gen 9 model , made in 2019 , or get used fire tablet 7 , gen 5 , or gen 9 You can unlock those , flash regular Android on them .
💬 Amazon blocks custom Home Launchers with latest Fire TV software update
IM happy with my unlocked , flashed , recovery partitioned Pre rooted ROM , fire tv 2 Sloane.I even just recently found out that I can force the updates to all the Amazon streaming apps without the need to force update to a newer firmware.I can't ask for anything more , updates are pre blocked with the pre rooted rom installed and nothing Amazon can do will ever change my device to the point its fully in their control.matter of fact , everything is still working for me even with an extremely old outdated firmware .I even still have custom launchers working .You know , when I bought my fire tv 2_Sloane the terms of sale back then weren't Amazon has the right to change how your device functions with malicious updates,I guess that changed right after they made the next device after fire tv 2 .
💬 Explanation of the new Frame Rate Matching feature on the Amazon Fire TV and how it works
Hugh Mc Bride says:
It’s as valuable today as it was when first written. Thank you.Looking forward to the return of Downloader on google play store too.Thanks for all that you do, much appreciated.
💬 How to bypass the Parental Controls PIN Lock Code and Factory Reset a Fire TV or Firestick without the PIN
Nick says:
For those of us who own airbnb's where guests regularly reprogram your firestick with their account... this help is priceless. Thank you!
Precisely , exactly what we have been faced with (remotely) over the last 2 days and the current guest is unable to unlock it. Very much not only thieves who need to find solutions to issues like this .
💬 How to fix the Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick if the screen display is zoomed in with an orange box
Wilma says:
Thank you so much..im going mental trying to get rid of the yellow rectangle...these updates have a lot to answer for.
💬 Pre-Rooted 5.2.6.8 ROM for Amazon Fire TV 2 is now available
Gonna double post (I don't like doing this). By far my favorite reason for rooting an Amazon device is the ability to install ANY version of FireOS old or new. I use FireOS 5.0.5 on all my devices because it sports the old menu layout AND FireStopper works perfectly. Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc all work perfectly too. Literally found no downsides to using an older firmware!
I read your comments about running original 5.0 and its menus on rooted and unlocked fire 2 Sloane box .Do you have any advice you can give me to make it work and install .Someone told me it now can't work anymore because when I was on current firmware , supposedly Amazon made a one way fuse where the box can now never go back to a low original 5.0 stock firmware .Have you heard this also .I flashed pre rooted 5.6 and that's the Lowest I can run.It won't allow me even being hardware unlocked to do it .
💬 Pre-Rooted 5.2.6.8 ROM for Amazon Fire TV 2 is now available
I don't need a rooted AFTV2, it doesn't offer me anything
Pre rooted roms are important because it usually blocks Amazon from regaining full firmware control . Its also important to retain root and makes sure malicious Amazon updates can't change the way your box runs .
💬 3rd-gen Fire TV Cube available used from Amazon Warehouse for the first time — Starting at $104.99
gleb says:
No, I don't doubt that Amazon claimed to have improved the super-resolution feature, but I didn't notice any difference and haven't seen any actual comparisons.
Here is the direct upscaling comparison "shield vs cube 3": https://www.avforums.com/threads/amazon-fire-tv-cube-3rd-generation.2428777/page-9#post-31387244
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Edward Turner says:
uve been readibg its not commong nack
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Giovanni says:
Che fesserie e come successe per i masterizzatori sia CD che DVD e Bluray, “ti compri il masterizzatore perché cosi copi i film e i CD Musicali?, no mi compro il masterizzatore perché cosi posso fare le mie copie di backup di tutto ciò che ho sul mio PC”. Quindi etichettare un applicazione illecita perché molti altri ne fanno uso illecito non ha senso, quindi banniamo i browser web perché ci sono siti pirata che trasmettono in streaming, oppure banniamo le chat perché ci sono i pedofili, ma andate a fan…. , e lasciate vivere le persone.
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Greg says:
OK. Thank you for the information. Now we know why the difference versions in the Amazon Store and the Google Play Store.
💬 How to enable Apps from Unknown Sources on an Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick
Sandra O'Neill says:
I've done this and downloaded the app file successfully, but the app just won't download "App not downloaded" just keeps appearing
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Hi Elias. You are a credit to all of us . Your enthusiasm in helping users is fantastic. Pity Google would not take the time to clear up the music icon that is continuously popping up on notification’s on Firestick. This would be just a walk in the park for you to fix,Google have been trying for past 3 months reporting that it has been fixed a no of times. We’re all are 100% behind you .
Thanks, I appreciate the support!
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Is it the New Version 1.4.4. Or is it the old version 1.4.3. Like the one in the Amazon store. If it is and you want the latest version of Downloader then follow the videos in YouTube like tech doctor UK or similar videos and or Google search howvto get it.
The newest version for Android TV is v1.4.4 which can be downloaded at https://www.aftvnews.com/downloader.apkThe only difference between v1.4.4 in Google Play and v1.4.3 in the Amazon Appstore are some changes to how file access permissions are handled, to be compatible with Android 11 and Android 12 devices. There are no Amazon devices running Android 11/12, so I didn't bother updating the Amazon Appstore version for no reason. The two versions are functionally the same.
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Is it the New Version 1.4.4. Or is it the old version 1.4.3. Like the one in the Amazon store. If it is and you want the latest version of Downloader then follow the videos in YouTube like tech doctor UK or similar videos and or Google search howvto get it.
💬 My Downloader app should return to Google Play in 2 weeks, no thanks to Google
Louie Dunphy says:
Hi Elias. You are a credit to all of us . Your enthusiasm in helping users is fantastic. Pity Google would not take the time to clear up the music icon that is continuously popping up on notification’s on Firestick. This would be just a walk in the park for you to fix,Google have been trying for past 3 months reporting that it has been fixed a no of times. We’re all are 100% behind you .
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
badbob001 says:
How about submitted a DMCA for Chrome with the exact same evidence and reference this case?
💬 New startup wants to give you a free 55″ Smart TV in exchange for always displaying ads on a second screen
joe blow says:
Great, just put a mirror in front of that camera and a speaker with music on the front of that mike!
In soviet America, TV watches you!
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
FREE PALESTINE!
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
SamNYC says:
Yeah, they did a great job and I'm very thankful for it. I think my situation would have already been dead in the water without TorrentFreak's article. Now Ars Technica wrote about it and others are also picking it up. It sucks that it comes down to rallying as many people behind me as I can instead of being able to have a simple logical conversation with someone at Google, but that's my only choice right now.
CNN's tech reporter is Brian Fung. He seems like the perfect person to contact since his specialty is the intersection of Business, Technology and Public Policy. Here's his Twitter page:https://twitter.com/b_fung?
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
SamNYC says:
Yeah, they did a great job and I'm very thankful for it. I think my situation would have already been dead in the water without TorrentFreak's article. Now Ars Technica wrote about it and others are also picking it up. It sucks that it comes down to rallying as many people behind me as I can instead of being able to have a simple logical conversation with someone at Google, but that's my only choice right now.
I know almost nothing about the topic, I don't own Fire or Google TV, and I've never heard of Downloader. But for reasons unknown, the Cordcutter article popped up in my Google news feed. That led me down a 3 hr rabbit hole which ended here. Cordcutter sent me to TorrentFreak, whose articles are filled with related links. I clicked on every one of them and even did some Google searches on relevant terms (including your name -- I never realized that "Elias Saba" is such a popular name!). I think I'm now caught up now, and I'm outraged. Both by the Israeli lawsuit and Google's [in]action.As others have said, do contact the EEF. I don't have much influence, but I'm a news junkie. I'm pretty sure the NY Times and CNN would be interested in this story. I'll contact both but you should too. David and Goliath stories have a human interest side that even non-techies like.Finally, shoot an email to Kim Kardashian! She apparently has millions of followers who will lobby for her whims. I'm only half-kidding. While most of her followers are likely airheads, she's supposedly studying for some law certificate. And she's already promoted a few high profile legal causes. This could be a interesting case for her to promote, given its novelty and relatability. I have no connection to her but you might seriously consider piquing her interest.Best of luck. I'll be following this case closely.
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
Alex says:
Que tal estimado, soy desarrollador de apps, subí frecuentemente muchas apps a Google playstore, te comento que el desafío más grande viene por lo siguiente, su quieres subir una nueva app te toparas con la traba de que tú manifiesto incluye la actividad REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGE prohibido por Google playstore y seguramente tú app ya lo incluía por ser un app de muchos años, y además hoy día están revisando apps viejas y botandolas
💬 Amazon Echo Wall Clock Overview and Video Demo
David Steiner says:
I’m almost 88 years old. Are use Alexa to set up all kinds of reminders. I live alone, and I cook I can set timers for almost anything with my microwave and I can ask Alexa to set more tan one timer, but let’s face it, my short term memory ain’t what it used to be. The minute LEDs are very helpful, as is the one minute countdown, which really gets my attention. It has saved me many undercooked or over cooked things. It may be very limited in what it does, but for me, it does it very well.
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
Manabi says:
Google has to restore your app in 10 to 14 days after your filed your counter notice unless the Israeli lawyers notify Google they've filed a lawsuit against you over the app. From here: https://www.copyright.gov/512/
Counter-notice — User may submit a counter-notice requesting the reinstatement of the material, if the user believes the removal was due to a mistake or misidentification.Restore Access or Initiate Court Action — Online service provider must restore access to the material after no less than 10 and no more than 14 business days, unless the original notice sender informs the service provider that it has filed a court action against the user.
If they don't put it back up as required, you should contact the EFF and the ACLU, because at that point your rights are being violated.
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
I have downloader installed on my fire 7 9th gen tablet. Today it says that it's not available. That it was based on an older fire os. And, that developer has been notified to update downloader. Is this a coincidence?
I've never released Downloader for Fire tablets, so you're probably seeing that message because you sideload the app. Amazon should correctly mark all Fire tablets as incompatible until I make some changes. The app mostly works on tablets but I've purposely kept it off until I have the time to make some minor adjustments to ensure everything works well on tablets.
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
Mick says:
I have downloader installed on my fire 7 9th gen tablet. Today it says that it's not available. That it was based on an older fire os. And, that developer has been notified to update downloader. Is this a coincidence?
💬 New MediaTek rooting method for Fire HD 8 tablet may lead to rooting the Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 2, and Fire TV 2
Babbitt says:
So this. Want NTFS support badly.
why would you want ntfs?
💬 Amazon announces Fire Max 11, it’s largest and most powerful tablet yet
Charles Hinkle says:
Why the hell would they get rid of the headphone jack?! Like, seriously!
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
Nate says:
Yeah, they did a great job and I'm very thankful for it. I think my situation would have already been dead in the water without TorrentFreak's article. Now Ars Technica wrote about it and others are also picking it up. It sucks that it comes down to rallying as many people behind me as I can instead of being able to have a simple logical conversation with someone at Google, but that's my only choice right now.
For those interested, here is the link to the Ars Technica article: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/05/google-bans-downloader-app-after-tv-firms-complain-it-can-load-a-pirate-website/Elias, I am seeing that Cord Cutters News also picked up your story? Great to see!https://cordcuttersnews.com/a-popular-cord-cutting-app-is-being-removed-from-google-tv-androids-app-store-because-it-has-a-browser/
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
KraziJoe says:
We all will, Walk With Elias
💬 Amazon announces Fire Max 11, it’s largest and most powerful tablet yet
Christopher Loughrey says:
They need to work on shrinking the bezels of their tablets.
Yeah, but it's the same as any tablet. Even Apple's most expensive iPad Pro have the same size bezels.
💬 Amazon announces Fire Max 11, it’s largest and most powerful tablet yet
Point of correction: bumping up to 128GB for 50 dollars does not drop the ads. The 128GB model also has ads. You need to pay 15 dollars on top of the 50 dollars to have them removed.
It seems that in the UK, ads are included in the 128GB model but not in the US.
💬 Amazon announces Fire Max 11, it’s largest and most powerful tablet yet
I think it would be worth holding off for Prime Day in July. The last time Amazon released the HD 10 in 2021, the knocked 40% off the price for Prime Day that year so waiting an extra month is wise to see what savings Amazon might offer. They have a tradition of offing aggressive sales on their new Fire and Alexa products on Prime Day as a way to keep people in the Prime ecosystem.
💬 My Downloader app was absurdly removed from the Google Play Store because the built-in browser can load a piracy website
Gotact says:
Someone likely penned an article detailing how to circumvent the injunction by utilizing your application, and you were caught in the crossfire. It is the same as this browser and is still accessible on iOS and Android. Similarity exists. https://www.puffin.com/secure-browser. If I were you, I would use this as an example.
💬 Amazon announces Fire Max 11, it’s largest and most powerful tablet yet
Point of correction: bumping up to 128GB for 50 dollars does not drop the ads. The 128GB model also has ads. You need to pay 15 dollars on top of the 50 dollars to have them removed.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
The reason luna windows and Mac support was removed and people where fired was due to it being used as a backdoor hack into all androids, iPhones, macs and almost all other devices running kernels, bootstraps or bios. unfortunately your apps have a flaw and they let someone unknown into my firestick then from there into my amazon account them into every device i own. has cost me well over 1000$ and i still had to replace all my devices at my expense because i was told “I rooted them” and that voided all warranty and guarantee.