The first update to my Downloader app for the Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick has just gone live. To add features quicker than I can, I hired Johannes Bramauer (a.k.a. superkoal on XDA), who has created some interesting Fire TV apps and modules for the community in the past. He has done a great job adding my requested features to the app. While this update does include some highly requested features, like basic file management, it’s mostly laying down the framework for more advanced features I hope to have added in the near future.
I made sure to keep the core function of the app, which is to easily download and install APKs, front and center. I’ve intentionally made it so you can ignore everything that has been added to the app if you want, and the app still works the exact same way as before. You can of course still enter the URL of an APK, hit the download button, and it will be downloaded and automatically installed. The only real difference in that regard is that there is now better URL handling and the app now displays the file size progress while downloading.
I’ve added in-app purchase donation buttons to the app’s “Home” screen if you want to support future development of the app. I want the app to remain free and without ads, but I’m now paying for its development, so all donations will go directly back into the app for new features. Amazon Coins are accepted in the app, so if you’ve got some collecting virtual dust in your account, that maybe you received for free through my posts, you can use them to support the app.
The new “Files” section allows you to open/install/reinstall files you’ve downloaded through the app. It also lets you delete files, once you have no more use for them, to regain that precious internal storage space without having to use a separate file manager. Highlight a file and select it to open/install or highlight and press the remote’s menu button to delete a file. I hope to add more advanced file management features in future versions, like batch deletion, directory navigation, and external storage support.
The app now has two options you can configure in a new “Settings” section. First, you can now set the folder name in the /sdcard directory where you want downloaded files to be stored. If you enter a folder name that does not exists, the folder will be created. I hope to add support for storing downloaded files in places other than /sdcard, like external storage, in the future. The folder set here is also the folder that is displayed in the “Files” section. The other option is the ability to enable/disable auto-installation of APK files. This feature is on by default, but if you prefer downloading several files first and then installing them all at once through the “Files” section, you can do so by disabling auto-install so you don’t have to cancel installation after every download.
I have many additional features planned for the app that should help alleviate many of the annoyances with the Fire TV, specifically related to dealing with ES File Explorer and ADB. Rest assured that keeping things simple and easy will always be the focus of the app, so I won’t be bloating it with features just for the sake of adding something new. The app is of course still available directly from Amazon’s Fire TV appstore by simply searching for “Downloader”, but if you want, download the APK directly from the app’s new home at http://AFTVnews.com/Downloader. You can also find the full change log on that page.
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Nice app… would there be any way of adding cloud access, such as a DropBox?
Try putting your file in the Dropbox public folder, then type that link into the field.
Yes but since there is now a File Manager wouldn’t it be nice if you could just make your way to the file and click as opposed to having to enter a url?
Yes, I definitely want to add cloud access like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon Cloud. Ultimately I’d like the app to be able to receive files from every imaginable source, e.g., cloud, local network (NAS), FTP, external storage, mobile transfer, etc…
The speed at which features like that, and all other requested features, are added will be dictated by donations. Since I don’t want to charge for the app or clutter it with ads, I unfortunately can’t just fund it indefinitely out of my own pocket.
That be great just don’t make it like the es explorer cloud support it’s horrible.
So kodi v 16.1 is
Bit.ly/kodi161arm
For kodi RC3 17 is??
Thanks bro!
Use http://bit.ly/kodi17rc3
I’ve also added it to the guide.
Can we access a local file via the URL? Any password support for password protected LAN storage?
No, access to files on a local network are not supported yet, but I’d definitely like to add it.
The reason I still use AppStarter, it is makes it easier to check for and install Kodi/SPMC updates. I assume this app can’t add similar functionality without risking a app store ban.
BTW – I am not crapping on this app. This is still a great one to add to the arsenal, and great work by Elias and his henchman.
I have some ideas on how the Downloader app can update Kodi/SPMC with a single click, without compromising its Amazon appstore approval. Hopefully I’ll get to add that in.
I haven’t had the need to use this yet but it is looking to be quite a valuable tool. Keep up the good work man!
I have been getting a parser error trying to install Kodi file on fire tv version 1 Kodi 17rc3
Are you using the link I posted above or a different one?
the one you posted, I have been having this problem on all older version 1 firetv’s. I have not seen this problem on no ther device. could it be the firmware version I am using. They are on a old firmware, for the sake of losing root. I probably will try to update with new firmware and see if that will work.
Hey, throw some branding on the app, to pull traffic back here to the site.
I’m sure it won’t be long until many guides are referring to this app, and it’ll raise awareness of this site. [If they aren’t already referring to it in guides.]
I do mention the site in the about section. I was thinking of adding a “Downloader” logo or something to the menu bar in the next version, but perhaps I’ll also add “Brought to you by AFTVnews.com” under it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Can this be used to download the google play store?
If you can find an apk of the google play store on the internet.
Not really. For that see this guide.
Do you have uninstall the old Downloader to get the
updated one.
I have the same question. I have the old Downloader and was looking for an option to update it.
By default, the Fire TV will automatically install the update eventually. There’s no harm in uninstalling and then reinstalling the app to get the new version though.
Elias, is there anyway you can add the ability to push or copy a URL from a browser or app on the same network into your program to help get to the apps to side load? Even if directly from the side loaded chrome browser? The Downloader app is amazing except for having to manually enter the URL perfectly. Also do you have a list of “safe” sites to download apk’s from?
How do you download to root of storage and not create a folder?
What happens if your not able to download the app?… it says that my billing address is invalid n to correct it.. but I double checked everything n it’s all correct