BS

To the folks using Showb*x, etc you are stealing from folk such as Tom Hanks, hope you feel good about that, he is a lovely man

Mind you I watched the first ten minutes of Sully on it last week and glad I didn't bother paying in this case.

It's a two way thing, Tom Hanks.

if you are getting this for kodi i wouldn't waste your money. Spend a little extra and get an andriod box. https://www.amazon.co.uk/MOBIE-A95X-Android-Loaded-Streaming/dp/B01N0BFEEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481801419&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=android+box+kodi&psc=1

No versions of the Chromecast allow apps to run on it, it's just a HDMI streaming device only.

Expired

Back up to £34.95 now.

If you want a good android experience you need an official Google TV OS device, i.e: Android that is designed for a TV box and menus that are designed to be navigatred with a standard IR remote control. The majority of android boxes all use a modified android OS that is intended for smartphones and tablets with touchscreens not for usage with IR remotes, hence they are difficult to use without a air mouse and keyboard.

These are devices such as the new Xiaomi Mi Box which is an officialy supported Google Android TV box, not officiallty released for the UK yet, you can get an American import version though.

The Nvidia shield is the other android box with the best support, but it has a price tag to match.

You're simply wrong about that. Try the latest Mobdro (2.0.28) and you'll revise your opinion I'm sure. Mobdro is the only place I go to for live TV for free. If I was paying then I'd get an IPTV sub in Kodi or Plex and I'd try to get it in Plex, but I'm happy with free.

I am using Kodi now, but mainly as a front end for kodi on my server, so playing videos in my collection. For that it's great.

while I agree Kodi is overrated and major pain in the back to maintain functional,Mobdro is absolutely rubbish,very unreliable and usually very poor quality.should be avoided.

I have Rupa M8S Pro Android 5 S905 and Droibox Ares S905X Android 6. The Droibox Ares is the better machine. The issue with these cheap Android units is the completely bodged Android OS. Android is bad enough without being bodged, and ROM support is almost non existent, so unless you want to learn how to create your own ROM and spend a lot of time you won't get any updates. The Android launcher these boxes use are awful as well. Anyway having said that, they are very fast, web browsing is very fast on them, I've installed most apks I've needed and they've worked. Showbox doesn't work on the Rupa even with version 4.82. It came with 4.08 installed which worked.

Another limitation of Android is the disaster which is app compatibility, this is really bad on Android, IOS thrashes it, on IOS every app works on every device where supported. What this means is with these bodged Android boxes you'll find many apps will only work with portrait display and not landscape which just doesn't work. The Android boxes are useless with the supplied remote, you can't navigate most apps as the mouse emulation is hopeless. You can use RemoteIME on them or get a physical keyboard/touchpad controller.

Kodi isn't the best, but if u install kodi and put the 'sky Q' build on it, its really user friendly!

Depends on your needs, if you want a device mainly for video playback and Kodi usage Amlogic S905/S905X is superior to Amazon Firestick in terms of price, spec, performance, features etc etc..Especially when running LibreElec, but also when running standard android. Android on the Firestick is heavily locked down Amazon dont want you to be able to install Kodi easily hence why yhey keep making countermeasures.
Amlogic boxes have vanilla android, your free to install whatever you want. You can also run dual boot for the best of both worlds. I.E: Standard Android on the internal flash, LibreElec on MicroSD card. This is the solution that I use, so when I want android I eject the Micro SD card and the box boots into Android, when I want a superior Kodi experience I insert the Micro SD card and the box boots into LibreElec.
Not to mention Amlogic boxes have physical ethernet ports too and USB ports, Micro SD card clots so you have a lot more possibilities for add on devices than a firestick. Amlogic boxes can also be picked up for the same price (often cheaper) than a firestick with superior specs i.e: 2GB RAM, 16Gb Flash, Amlogic S905X . I picked up my Mini M8S device for 25 quid delivered when it was on promotion at GearBest.
The amazon fire TV stick and box are good if you want to use Amazon prime video ot DRM content like netflix etc, but otherwise they are no comparision to Amlogic S905/S905X devices...even the Amazon 4k Fire TV box...

its £28 direct from amazon???

I'm confused. What are you saying is untrue as you stated "not true at all" which implies all of my post is untrue and yet we agree on many things. I said in my experience Android 5 isn't as good as Android 6 on these boxes, we agree about the chipsets.

Also I'd prefer to run even a bodged version of Android rather than LibreElec, unless LibreElec can run Android apps.

Not..true at all the Amlogic S905 and S905X are very capable SOC's capable of video acceleration and playback of the majority of formats available including full HD 1080P, 3D, H264, H265, HEVC, 4K etc etc. The S905X adds VP9 Support. the remotes are a bit rubbish thats true, so you need to invest in a aurmouse or cheap bluetooth / wifi mini keyboard/trackpad. I use a Rii wireless keyboard.
Yes Android is not the best platform for Amlogic devices because a lot of features are broken, like HD audio passthrough, auto resolution and frame rate switching etc. On these boxes Android 5.1 is actually a lot more stable that Android 6 ...
But...If you stick on LibreElec onto on of these Amlogic S905 devices they are fantastic Kodi devices, very fast, play anything you throw at them, all the bugs that exist in android are fixed in LibreElec. A Firestick is rubbish in comparison, even the new Gen 2 firestick cant playback 4K content..
Have a read over on the LibreElec forums under the Amlogic subforum and see Kszaqs builds... Nothing can come anywhere close to these devices in this price bracket....completely blows a Amazon firestick out of the water...no comparison. The S912 is the newest chipset but best off avoided for now, no LibreElec support...Stick to S905 or S905X.

I got one of these and don't use my chromecast anymore. All you can do is stream to the chromecast. I used to stream Showbox and Cartoon HD, from my phone, to chromecast but the Firestick cuts that all out as you can install Kodi and other apps to it.

Thankfully I can find mine in the "recents" tab at the top.

the problem with amazon fire (both stick and the box) is that amazon recently started to block Fire Startter App (and I think the new version which is called something else).
so now running Kodi is really pain in the backside.
they used to be relaxed about it but for some reason with every update which is automatic they eliminate that app.
so have to go through settings, apps,other apps to just select Kodi (or other non approved apps).it's so annoying and for that reason I do not recommend Fire TV to anyone anymore and I'm looking for a different product.

Any suggestion of a cheap setup with freeview - I need something for my retired Father to use on a spare tv that's only currently used when hooked up to a laptop. I was looking at the Nowtv smart boxes, but I'd like the ability to connect to netflix (if I can get him to use it)

Had an android box, now have a firestick. For me I much prefer the firestick because my tv is mounted on the wall with no visible cables. The catch up apps became a nightmare on the andriod box, even iplayer. On the firestick they just work.

You can get the TX3 pro for the same price and kodi pre-installed, plus Ethernet.
At least that's what I've told the mates that come to me asking me to set these things up with Kodi.

Can I use this stick outside the UK and if so which services would I receive?

Why so hot? They were £25 and under less than a month ago. I don't understand this place.

I have to agree that Kodi is crap on these. One of my sticks was forever crashing once I installed Kodi and several addons. The streams are not reliable either.

Maybe on some there are, but two I mentioned earlier that I tested are fine.

Awww boohoo

If you are using kodi in general you are doing it wrong. Get an IPTV.

Android boxes are full of junk software, Firestick or even better fire tv box. If you get buffering all the time or non HD content it's because you are using a **** prebuild off YouTube, With 70 other add ons running that are now defunct.

****

Need a decent Samba app for this so I can stream from my NAS without using something like Plex/Kodi to build a database. Neither the VLC app, nor the ES File Explorer will do it.

Just tether it to your phone via a personal hotspot, that's what we do when camping etc, works like a charm.

Massive BS, didn't happen

I'd recommend using the plug included with the firestick so it's always on. If you power it from the TV, it needs to boot up each time you switch the TV on which can take a wee while - this also messed with my Kodi setup several times, leaving it ON seemed to fix it.

Firestick is laggy and is only wifi, those are two significant limitations. Android boxes unless they're on Android 6.0 and use one of these chipsets > S905, S905X or S912 then they aren't worth using. There's hardly any support for them as well, they are effectively a bodged phone OS connected to your TV and they all vary in quality. When they do work they're very fast and Internet browsing is usually excellent on them. The ones that do work have absolutely useless remote controls so you need a decent keyboard touchpad controller to use them properly. I have a couple of Android boxes I got to review one is a Rupa M8S Pro and the other a Droibox Ares, the Droibox is the better box, the Rupa won't run Showbox properly maybe because it's on Android 5.0. Anyway all this stuff is becoming common knowledge so enjoy whilst it lasts as it won't last.

Don't use Kodi it's crap. Use direct streaming apps which are Mobdro and the obvious ones on rawapk.com (showbox, cinemabox etc etc). If you want a reliable nearly always working service then you need an IPTV subscription. Time is limited on all of this stuff, the content providers will find a way to block it and then something new will come along, they'll block it and then something new will come along. For free there's nothing better than direct streaming apps that I mentioned and stay away from Kodi unless you enjoy wasting time.

More fool you then.

I've got an Android box - prefer the Fire stick and selling the Android box.

WTF is wrong with people in this thread constantly quoting an image?

I'd recommend the Fire TV box. Kodi is quite clunky on these sticks but I don't like the Chinese Android boxes at all.

Bought from Amazon on Friday night for £28.45, arrived Sunday morning 10am. Impressive for delivery at this time of year near to xmas.

Create new video specifically for Fire stick, takes about 5mins and automatically installs all the best addons.

You can see the new video (Dec 2016) here

When exactly is the new version coming out?

Yep, but I haven't seen the new version for sale in the UK. This works right now for people that need it right now. They can always upgrade at a later date, and keep this as a backup, or use it on a second TV, for for travelling, whatever.

Good price but it's discounted because a new 4 core version was released last month, it looks like stock of new one is being held back while they clear out the old one.

Will use my £10 Argos gift voucher which i won on HUDK and get this for £19.95 :smile:

I ordered one for £24.99 just before black Friday but I used PayPal and the order still hasn't been processed by Argos. I went in to collect my order without giving it a second thought and they were unable to honour the deal. Anyone else had anything similar happen?

Still waiting for the newer firestick model with quad core and dual wifi, voice control . Together with the Google home box.

Just set 2 up for a customer. Can't see the appeal of these things, other than TV series and the odd film they are ****. Or a poor mans way of watching stuttery late footy.

To the folks using Showb*x, etc you are stealing from folk such as Tom Hanks, hope you feel good about that, he is a lovely man

Mind you I watched the first ten minutes of Sully on it last week and glad I didn't bother paying in this case.

It's a two way thing, Tom Hanks.

That video is for the Windows install. For the firestick, there a few settings you need to enable on the firestick to allow ES file explorer to be installed, then from ES file explorer you install kodi as an app on the firestick. Then you can enable addons following your tutorial as the interface is the same independent of base OS. There are videos on youtube showing the whole process.

Yeah, i saw the video too. The reason I recommended my one was because its about 5mins long and only requires you to add 1 repository to get all the addons automatically configured.


5mins Kodi install

There are kodi builds out there that you can install on top of the base kodi build. These have most popular add-ons already installed. For example the Beast build and Pulse CCM lite to name a few.

It's selling for 29.99 at Argos now. Worth a try to return it and see if they refund. Otherwise return it as faulty, and get a refumd then buy again at lower price.

thanks installed mobdro, and found it is much better performance than some of the kodi addons. I can get HD on some channels in mobdro.

Exodus let's you add movies/series to fav list to watch whenever you like, if that's what you were talking about...well it's part of Kodi to let you add to your fav list

Thanks. I used the top result that came up on YouTube that's about 39mins long.
Added the four sources as advised on this video and then added exodus.
Do you know of any apps that lets me add movies etc to a watch list so I don't have to search for a program everytime I want to watch it again. Cheers.

How can people be voting this so hot when it is often cheaper than this. This is hotter than posts that have it cheaper. Its been £24.99 several times and i got mine when it was £19.99.
I then sold it a few weeks later at CEX for more than i paid after buying a Roku and realising it was so much better as it can do the same as the Fire stick and so much more.

Kodi step by step guide for December 2016 with best addons video here

Either use EZ file Explorer or apps2fire to get the apk on to your fire stick then use the above guide to configure it. Takes about 5 mins

Why is this so hot when it was £25 on Black Friday? It will probably be that price again on Boxing Day

It is cold because it may be cheapest today but at some point it will go further down, so expect price to be £20 for this device ! it is not worth more than that

Apart from casting, are there any other uses for the google chrome?

anyone else had issues with bbc iPlayer on the fire stick? video lags until a point it speeds up to catch up and the sound goes off. I'm sure there's a technical term for this but it only ever happened on the fire stick and never ever on my smart TV or Chromecast. obviously retuned it for a refund but really disappointed as was going to use this over all other options and add Kodi. back to the old faithful Chromecast! never let me down!

Just wondering if i should buy, i have chromecast n showbox movie hd sky tv etc so is this worth me buying it ????

Just got mine delivered now :smiley:



Now to go on YouTube and find out what is Kodi.

is there anyone kind enough to help me out possibly pm me. I wanted to know how to set up iptv on kodi I don't mind paying

Will it cost you more than £5 to take it back?

That's exactly what I meant - cheers bud.

so if I want Kodi im best to buy an android box? But can I access Netflix through an android box?

great price - thanks OP

Will try and find some Youtube guides

I just used this: Kodi guide with best addons DEC 2016 and was up and running in 5mins !

Bought for £35 from Argos on Tuesday, would they refund the difference if I took back?

I use a combo of showbox, cartoon hd and modbro for films, TV shows and sport. If you have the apps on your phone can send them to your firestick with an app called apps2fire or you can dl them straight onto your stick using es Explorer. Theres tutorials on YouTube very easy to follow.

You can watch certain sports channels. Rarely cut out. Only sd tho so if you have a 4k TV can be poor picture quality, not so bad on a 1080p set.

yes, on the base amazon stick you can download free apps for iplayer, 5 on demand, itv player etc

What does mobdro do differently from Kodi?

why should it be cold because you found a deal that no longer exists? We don't have a time machine - therefore HOT

not sure what you mean by CEC, is it when the channel switches over automatically when you power up the stick, then yes, it does on my TV anyway.

£28.45 from Amazon inc delivery. I ordered mine, and received within 2 days.

bought two from Tesco yesterday for £33 grrrr now reduced to £28 there

even cheaper at Tesco only £28

Good price.

what you can do with a smart TV is set up an IPTV which will enable you to watch TV through the internet at a small charge usually around £60 a year.. all sports films etc.. if you are that way inclined.

Sorry to be a div, but I have smart TV will this give me any extra facilities?? Cheers

Cheers mate, most kind of you. Have a good Christmas!

Would this work abroad, e.g. New Zealand? I have NordVPN which I use when I am down there. Thanks.

£28.45 at Amazon.

So much heat for a £5 saving?

Don't bother going near kodi if you want to watch football. Invest in an IPTV.

I got this for 19.90 a year ago and it works like a gem. So don't think this is a deal

PM me for kodi setups.

I agree with a few others in that kodi isn't what it used to be.

So if we want to get the stick fully loaded, streaming football, sports, movies, TV shows what is the consensus? Also need to get mine working with a vpn.

Yes, use ES explorer app within Firestick after grabbing the Modbro apk from the developer site (find it with Google on the Firestick browser).

don't know why so hot cheaper at Amazon and Tesco

Same price on amazon and maplin

Yes

Yeh. If you need any help feel free to drop me a message.

I tried to get mobdro on my firetv but it wouldn't work..Is there a new way to get it on? Really struggling to get football matches with all links keep going down

rid..e

Can anyone tell me if this works overseas ie Spain as long as wifi etc ??

My advice is don't start. Kodi is for n00bs.I suppose if you really must then Paradox build is as good as any.

Yeh same day I picked up my Ferrari.

Can you get the usual catch up on there [iplayer,All4, etc]

Can you run kodi or showbox on chromecast?

None left in any Northern Ireland stores, but got one for £28.45 on Amazon

If I could just win an Argos voucheroO

Kodi is awful lately. Too many dead links and dwindling sources. Mobdro all the way on the Firestick for me.

I am all new to the Android TV Boxes - is this one which you'd recommend? I keep looking on Ebay and there is just literally hundreds of them to choose from. This one looks very new and get's good reviews.

What's the best add on for football games now that premier league pass has gone?

I love my Fire Stick but it simply refuses to play in HD.

In short ...​If your TV supports CEC you can use your TV remote to control the firestick

That nasty o-zone destroying stuff in aerosols. /s

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=what+is+CEC

What is CEC?

​yes it supports CEC !

Can anyone tell me whether the Fire TV stick supports CEC?

I know the Fire TV does but can't find any info about the stick. Also - it's cheaper right now on Amazon at £28.45.

£28.45 on Amazon

A lot of people are fixated on Kodi. What they do realize is that SMPC is a version of Kodi specifically for Android. I find it to be faster than kodi. It uses the exact same builds as kodi.

Best add on or build?

Yes they are from the amazon store. Many free ones. It doesn't require a separate controller. The games have an indicator of which controllers you can use. For the stick it'll be a remote.

Which games can you install on the firestick? Are they from Amazon appstore?
Do you need to buy a seperate game controller?

Anyone know what the best add on is for Kodi on the Firestick? Since the processor on the stick itself aint the best and fastest. Thanks

So many different versions of kodi I don't know where to start!

if you are getting this for kodi i wouldn't waste your money. Spend a little extra and get an andriod box. https://www.amazon.co.uk/MOBIE-A95X-Android-Loaded-Streaming/dp/B01N0BFEEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481801419&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=android+box+kodi&psc=1

Voting cold as everywhere you look they are this price.

got it free from my gf lmho lol

I think OP means builds.

£28.45 from Tesco Direct

Same price most places. Maplin is 29.99

Got for £12.50 on black friday @ very

Is this better than Chrome Cast?

Got for £12.50 on black friday @ very

I find this faster & more reliable to use than my the inbuilt smart functions of my Sony TV. I power it from a USB on the TV so it's always on (when the TV is). No need to have Prime to get good use out of it.

Yep a sell off of the old version before the new one is released in the UK. That doesn't mean it's bad, and the new one will be a more expensive.

cold for me, i got it from maplin for £22 on black Friday, also got cashback from quidco on it

The Amazon Firestick can also be used for plenty of other tasks other than Kodi.

If you sign up for a free Prime Now trial (certain areas only) and use code NOWFIVE it'll take another fiver off the order. Just remember to cancel your free trial :wink:

Isn't this the old version and old stock. I'm sure I've read it somewhere

Bought for 19.95 when it was for sale for 24.95 and I applied the Prime now 5 quid promo voucher on top of it :smiley:

Good price

Got 2. Love them, have amazon prime and kodi. Great combination.

Same price on Amazon..Fire TV Stick | Streaming Media Player https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KAKUN3E/

Anyone know when the Gen 2 will be released over here? Can't find much about the release date, was released in America a couple of months ago, would prefer the faster version.

Ah ok - then they are different beasts indeed. The only thing I use chromecast is for casting the chrome tabs and to latch on to the offers they keep coming up with. To be fair the latter itself in the year or so since I have had them has more than paid for it.

No versions of the Chromecast allow apps to run on it, it's just a HDMI streaming device only.