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[Kacho]

My wife and I decided to order one of these and the damn controller has an April 30th delivery estimate. Can't believe the demand is so high. :/

This is the first set-top-box that I've had any interest in and the potential for games has me excited. I'd love for Square Enix to port some of their RPGs to this thing. Would make for a cool little RPG box.

 

[Xis]

I'd love for Square Enix to port some of their RPGs to this thing. Would make for a cool little RPG box.

The Kindle Fire (the tablet) currently has FFIII, FFIV, and Chaos Rings. I wouldn't be too surprised if any of those show up on their set-top box eventually.

 

[PhlivoSong]

For those who didn't order a controller before the shipping dates started slipping...

- Wired Xbox 360 controller works nicely
- Wireless Xbox 360 controller with the wireless receiver plugged into the USB port also works nicely.
- The guide button maps to amazon's home button, the back button maps to amazon's back button, and the start button maps to amazon's... button with 3 lines on it.
- When you're not in games, the controller can control the entire interface in the same manner that it controls the interface on the Xbox 360. Green button selects something, and red button goes back.
- With the wireless controller, the guide button on the controller blinks the entire time, which can be really distracting and annoying.

In summary, if you have one of these two options available, don't worry too much about missing out on the Amazon controller.

 

[Storm Chamber]

The walking dead, GTA Vice City, MAX PAYNE,Crazy Taxi, Sonic adventure, Dead trigger, modern combat (which came to PS3) Deus EX: The fall(coming to other game platforms) are cell phone games?


Got it.

This was an awful post

 

[vatstep]

The Kindle Fire (the tablet) currently has FFIII, FFIV, and Chaos Rings. I wouldn't be too surprised if any of those show up on their set-top box eventually.

I would bet that all games available on the Kindle Fire will eventually be on the Fire TV. Amazon said "thousands" of games will be available. As of now, there's still only around a hundred.

 

[Slambot6]

Is there a reason to get the Ouya over Fire TV? They're both the same price, but the Fire TV has better specs.

There's no reason to get an Ouya. I say this despite owning one. Personally, I'd wait and see what Google shows with The Verge's leaked Android TV thing. Not sure how close that is to being announced.

Does the Fire TV have local multiplayer support, and software? That is what sold me on the Ouya. Bombsquad is legendary with 5 people playing, and it supports up to 8.

 

[anchorman128]

My wife and I decided to order one of these and the damn controller has an April 30th delivery estimate. Can't believe the demand is so high. :/

This is the first set-top-box that I've had any interest in and the potential for games has me excited. I'd love for Square Enix to port some of their RPGs to this thing. Would make for a cool little RPG box.

Only time will tell what the support will be truly be like. But given Amazon is acquiring new studios, and that the specs will be stable for at least some time, means we may see a good amount of fire specific games.

 

[outunderthestars]

Does the Fire TV have local multiplayer support, and software? That is what sold me on the Ouya. Bombsquad is legendary with 5 people playing, and it supports up to 8.

It doesn't have real split screen or local multiplayer support:

"Fire TV can even support multiplayer gaming for up to five players, but only one player can actually play on the screen at a time, using either the Fire TV remote or dedicated game controller. Split-screen isn't an option for multiplayer-supported Fire TV games, so the other four potential gamers would have to join and play via their smartphones or (Kindle Fire) tablets, which connect to Fire TV over Wi-Fi."

 

[BuzzJive]

It doesn't have real split screen or local multiplayer support:

"Fire TV can even support multiplayer gaming for up to five players, but only one player can actually play on the screen at a time, using either the Fire TV remote or dedicated game controller. Split-screen isn't an option for multiplayer-supported Fire TV games, so the other four potential gamers would have to join and play via their smartphones or (Kindle Fire) tablets, which connect to Fire TV over Wi-Fi."

Where is that quote from? That seems like a stupid oversight.


BTW - We ordered within the first hour and chose free non-prime shipping. It shipped yesterday and should be here tomorrow (with a controller).

 

[tensuke]

It doesn't have real split screen or local multiplayer support:

"Fire TV can even support multiplayer gaming for up to five players, but only one player can actually play on the screen at a time, using either the Fire TV remote or dedicated game controller. Split-screen isn't an option for multiplayer-supported Fire TV games, so the other four potential gamers would have to join and play via their smartphones or (Kindle Fire) tablets, which connect to Fire TV over Wi-Fi."

That's not true at all, Riptide has splitscreen multiplayer up to 4 controllers, I've tried it. Is that in the description for a specific game or something?

 

[Grief.exe]

- Wireless Xbox 360 controller with the wireless receiver plugged into the USB port also works nicely.

I couldn't get it to work, I'll try again.

 

[JesseZao]

Downloaded Quiet, Please with coins. Really made me wish the sierra adventure games were ported to android. Xbox indies have a home on this. It just needs more games in general to support it. I"be got a huge collection of games mostly because of the free ones' but hardly any support the firetv ATM.

 

[thepotatoman]

Is there a reason to get the Ouya over Fire TV? They're both the same price, but the Fire TV has better specs.

Well right now Ouya has a better app library. Ouya even has a Audible app where Amazon does not yet as far as I can tell.

Of course that's likely to change over time. I wonder how many developers even knew this thing existed before launch.

 

[tensuke]

Downloaded Quiet, Please with coins. Really made me wish the sierra adventure games were ported to android. Xbox indies have a home on this. It just needs more games in general to support it. I"be got a huge collection of games mostly because of the free ones' but hardly any support the firetv ATM.

I loved Quiet, Please when I played it on Vita. Saw some of his other games on there too, awesome that indies are seeing some love on this thing right out the gate!

 

[vatstep]

Looks like World at Arms was just added (it's free). I don't really know much about Android games, but it's apparently a fairly popular Gameloft strategy title.

http://amzn.com/B00HZ6SQZ8

 

[Grief.exe]

So I own Crazy Taxi on Google Play, what is the best way to get the apk in order to side load?

 

[Slambot6]

That's not true at all, Riptide has splitscreen multiplayer up to 4 controllers, I've tried it. Is that in the description for a specific game or something?

Hmm... Weird. Maybe they just list that because only one input can affect the console outside of games? You just put a multi-tap USB hub in the Fire HD to support multiple controls right?

 

[Nabs]

I sideloaded XBMC (SPMC 12.3.3) and it seems fine so far. I'm just going through that vanilla xbmc phase where I feel like a complete idiot, so I can't test too much right now.

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

Been messing around with mine, but I think I'm going to send it back. It's nice, but it's also pretty limited. Someone pointed out the MINIX NEO X7 to me, which is around $40 more, but also offers quite a bit more as far as storage expansion and is a more open OS.

 

[Grief.exe]

Been messing around with mine, but I think I'm going to send it back. It's nice, but it's also pretty limited. Someone pointed out the MINIX NEO X7 to me, which is around $40 more, but also offers quite a bit more as far as storage expansion and is a more open OS.

Does that function as a cable box as well? Or is that an output I am seeing?

 

[JesseZao]

Anyone else have an issue of it not going to sleep? I don't want to have to unplug it all the time. Currently, it just starts the screen saver and remains in that state indefinitely. I want to say it did enter sleep mode after my first use (black screen), but not since then.

 

[vatstep]

Anyone else have an issue of it not going to sleep? I don't want to have to unplug it all the time. Currently, it just starts the screen saver and remains in that state indefinitely. I want to say it did enter sleep mode after my first use (black screen), but not since then.

I turned the screen saver off entirely, and mine goes to a black screen after 30 minutes. I think if you choose to use the screensaver at all, it stays in that state indefinitely.

 

[JesseZao]

I turned the screen saver off entirely, and mine goes to a black screen after 30 minutes. I think if you choose to use the screensaver at all, it stays in that state indefinitely.

I'll check that later. Only real annoyance I've had so far besides meager content support.

 

[Nabs]

I sideloaded XBMC (SPMC 12.3.3) and it seems fine so far. I'm just going through that vanilla xbmc phase where I feel like a complete idiot, so I can't test too much right now.

This is working out well. I initially tried UPnP, but that limits you to just browsing via File Manager. I now set up the SMB share, and everything is smooth. If XBMC is this good now, I can't wait to see what happens in the future.

 

[MercuryLS]

Can you flash this thing with stock Android? Do you think it would be possible to flash this with Android TV that should be coming out later this year?

I like the hardware but I don't want to use Amazon's software. Just want a powerful Android media box that I can sideload media apps to.

 

[Somnid]

Can you flash this thing with stock Android? Do you think it would be possible to flash this with Android TV that should be coming out later this year?

I like the hardware but I don't want to use Amazon's software. Just want a powerful Android media box that I can sideload media apps to.

Maybe somewhere down the line but that's kinda defeating the point (root hacks apparently exist but no Android build for it). Nothing about your wants is out of line with what this is other than an implied political desire to not use Amazon software.

 

[MercuryLS]

Maybe somewhere down the line but that's kinda defeating the point (root hacks apparently exist but no Android build for it). Nothing about your wants is out of line with what this is other than an implied political desire to not use Amazon software.

I'm in Canada, so I probably wouldn't be able to use their software here even if I wanted to.

 

[Somnid]

I'm in Canada, so I probably wouldn't be able to use their software here even if I wanted to.

Are Amazon apps a problem in Canada? I've never heard of it except most VOD services are IP locked.

 

[JesseZao]

If you sideload, does the firetv interface recognize it and list it in your apps or is it meatier than that?

I have apps from the play store I want to add that aren't on the amazon store yet, or I have the paid version from play already.

I suppose it might not be compatible if it's not on the fourth store yet, but it's worth a shot.

 

[Grief.exe]

If you sideload, does the firetv interface recognize it and list it in your apps or is it meatier than that?

I have apps from the play store I want to add that aren't on the amazon store yet, or I have the paid version from play already.

I suppose it might not be compatible if it's not on the fourth store yet, but it's worth a shot.

Sideloaded apps are in a separate menu rather than the main page.

How do you get the apk files for apps you own on the Google Play Store?

 

[JesseZao]

Sideloaded apps are in a separate menu rather than the main page.

How do you get the apk files for apps you own on the Google Play Store?

I guess I didn't think about that. Idk. I got minecraft and a few others for 10 cents on the play store and thought I could copy them from my phone or something. I've only downloaded .apk files for pdanet and a game called alchemy. Maybe it's pointless.

Edit: I could put the cyanogenmod firmware on it once there's a RC, but then I wouldn't be able to stream the amazon content and I like their UI generally.

 

[WAR recon zero]

in order to get the APK files from your Play Store apps, back them up from your phone using ES File Explorer.

YMMV. SOme games will not be backed up

 

[Tak3n]

I feel so stupid


how do you turn the bloody thing off?

 

[JesseZao]

I feel so stupid


how do you turn the bloody thing off?

Can't unless you unplug it. They made it so it just goes to sleep after 30min. If it only runs the screen saver and doesn't sleep, just disable the screen saver. I had to watch an intro vid on it to learn this since it wasn't in the "manual".

 

[Tak3n]

Can't unless you unplug it. They made it so it just goes to sleep after 30min. If it only runs the screen saver and doesn't sleep, just disable the screen saver. I had to watch an intro vid on it to learn this since it wasn't in the "manual".

thanks mate

was doing my head in!

 

[Elixist]

Been messing around with mine, but I think I'm going to send it back. It's nice, but it's also pretty limited. Someone pointed out the MINIX NEO X7 to me, which is around $40 more, but also offers quite a bit more as far as storage expansion and is a more open OS.

ya i think im in the send it back camp too, already had it lock up a few times or stall on apps, i dont like that i cant close apps without going to the bottom menu, cant turn off the machine completely without unplugging it bleh. voice commands work well but are ultimately useless right now with no way to navigate youtube or netflix with it. im sure with updates and more content it will be alot better, but for now I think I'll just wait for the second gen of hardware and games.

 

[RobbieNick]

I got mine in the mail today and I'm trying to set it up tonight, but it won't update. It says to unplug for a few seconds and replug it or try again later. Is something wrong?

EDIT: It's connecting, but saying my connection speed is shit. Funny, I steam video in HD wirelessly all the time, so why would it be slow now?

 

[Metal Gear?!]

Sideloaded apps are in a separate menu rather than the main page.

How do you get the apk files for apps you own on the Google Play Store?

in order to get the APK files from your Play Store apps, back them up from your phone using ES File Explorer.

YMMV. SOme games will not be backed up

Astro File Explorer has a function that makes backing up apps on your phone/tablet super easy.

http://www.techdrug.com/android/back-up-your-android-apps-and-games-using-astro-file-manager/1133/

And yeah, games that need Play Store authentication won't work until you install the Google Play Store and whatever else it needs to function, however.

 

[TAJ]

Damn, it doesn't have VUDU? That's something they should add asap. Pretty good service and allows you (through a PC) to convert your Blu-rays and DVDs to digital copies to own for about $2.00.

$1 if you do 10 or more at a time, and why wouldn't you? ($2.50 from DVD to HDX)

 

[cookie-monster]

It probably draws less power when it's awake than a normal console does when it's asleep hehe.

 

[RobbieNick]

Okay, I've been fiddling around with the device for about two hours, My Impressions.

Took forever to get the original update. Kept telling me to unplug and replug the system. Finally started to download, but took an hour just to do that.

For some reason, my download speeds were really slow. I tried moving the system a little bit and that seemed to have solved the problem. Seems any little thing block it from the wireless modem in the same freaking room as the system can have an effect.

Rayman Fiesta Run doesn't seem to want to download correctly. Starts downloading, then kicks me out of the game.

1500 points ($15) to spend on anything in the store? Woo-Hoo!

Sonic 4-2 was originally purchased on my old kindle fire and it showed up as part of my game collection. Cool. Downloading Sonic 4-2 took forever. Not cool.

Hulu Plus streams much sharper in this room then on my PS4 in my bedroom.

The Jet Moto-like game downloaded fairly fast and looks/plays pretty good.

I was able to connect my Ouya controller easily and flawlessly to the Fire TV.

A remote with so few buttons, even my elderly mother should have no trouble using it.

Automatically connected to my account. Both convenient and scary.

If I already have Netflix, is Prime video worth getting?

Where's Vudu? WWE Network? IGN video? They say the video apps are it's strength, but there's few of them on here really. Hope the amount of apps grows very soon.

As far as games go, this is what I wanted out of my Ouya to begin with. Not a bunch of sprite-based indy shit.

So far, I'd say 7/10. Slow to start, but working good now. Not a lot there right now, but nothing but potential for this thing.

 

[WAR recon zero]

any update regarding storage?

 

[Tak3n]

I got mine to work in Europe with USA prime and all it's goodness.... I wont list how in case I break any forum rules, if any fellow Europeans want to ask any questions please PM me

I do nothing illegal BTW (just to make that clear)

 

[jooey]

Is it powerful enough to play HD files smoothly? are you having the FireTV decoding the video files or its it your PC/NAS doing the decoding?

thank you

I'm not sure the Fire can or should decode anything. Re: video, just be sure your local traffic is small as possible -- I was playing a 1080p video that kept having to buffer every 2 seconds until I realized I should close a couple VNC sessions I had running, then it was much smoother (my Fire is on my wireless-n)

 

[Somnid]

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1919841&highlight=

Amazon has updates about future improvements:

As with all Amazon products, the team is already working hard to make Fire TV even better:

Voice search is expanding—Hulu Plus, Crackle, and SHOWTIME ANYTIME will be integrating voice search for their full catalogs starting this summer.
Selection keeps growing—There’s a big pipeline of great developers working to make their services and games available for Fire TV. New selection is coming from developers like Telltale Games, Halfbrick, Pixowl, Disney Interactive, Minority Media, Paradox Interactive, Gaiam, AllRecipes, and Twitch.
New features are also already in the works for Fire TV, including:

New Prime browse will make it even easier to discover movies and TV shows that are included in Prime Instant Video.
Amazon FreeTime and Amazon MP3 integration coming as part of a free, over-the-air software update.
More Games coming soon. In addition to the over one hundred games available on Fire TV, you will be able to play touch-enabled games with the upcoming Fire TV app for your phone or tablet.

 

[Mairu]

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1919841&highlight=

Amazon has updates about future improvements:

No voice search for Netflix and no HBO Go mention makes me sad. Hopefully the Twitch app isn't too far off

 

[BuzzJive]

So my buddy just put his game on the Fire TV. I think it'll appeal to the arcade GAF crowd. It's a challenging puzzle platformer called Bullet Train Hell. I promise it's worth the $1.99.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQ4DJGS/?tag=neogaf0e-20


(it's also available on iOS F2P with IAP, but it's definitely better with a controller)

 

[vatstep]

Amazon has updates about future improvements:

More Games coming soon. In addition to the over one hundred games available on Fire TV, you will be able to play touch-enabled games with the upcoming Fire TV app for your phone or tablet.

I don't like the sound of this... I bet this is what they meant all along when they said "thousands" of games would be available. They're not being ported, in a sense, and they won't have controller support — you can just play them on your TV by using the phone/tablet that you already have.

I actually got my controller in the mail the other day. It's not bad, considering that the $17 of free content makes the price more palatable. It feels pretty well-built, and is comfortable, but the sticks are much looser than I'd like them to be (my only real complaint).

 

[ThatsMytrunks]

I've been talking with some Amazon people a bit here and there, and my game Love is on the Fire TV now (and runs oh so well with a controller). They seem excited about it as a gaming platform, and they weren't aware how well it could do as that.

Game Maker Studio's Android support is enough to get games up and running (and I documented the controller bindings here) with minimal effort. Beats the hell outta the Ouya, in my opinion. I just hope I can get RetroArch on mine soon.

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

So this has ultimate emulator box written all over it..
Is there anything preventing this from being true?

I'm also looking for something to replace my apple tv 2 for running XBMC and am convinced the Fire TV is the one.

(apple tv 2 is still selling at insane prices on ebay, so it'll actually be a *free* upgrade.)