Yeah it does. As I said the Homekey works if I press the Square key first.
[WINDOWS][TOOL]Fire Toolbox V30.2
- Thread starter Datastream33
- Start date
Weird, that shouldn't be happening.
Just in case you want to restore the home button back to defaults, run this command in an ADB Shell:
Code:
settings delete secure sysui_nav_barI gotta hit the hay, are you ok if we pick this up tomorrow?
lol thanks but I wasnt joking when i said I'm going to trash it. So I have no need for this.
I appreciate the conversation though.
Alright then. Can't say I blame you to be honest. It was fun chatting.lol thanks but I wasnt joking when i said I'm going to trash it. So I have no need for this.
I appreciate the conversation though.
Have a good day/night my friend.
Sleep well!Alright then. Can't say I blame you to be honest. It was fun chatting.
Have a good day/night my friend.
Fire Toolbox as Android App (local running), with usage of ADB WIFI?Can't wait to share with you all what we've been cooking!
That would be next level ****
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@blaacksheep words cannot express just how helpful you've been during the testing phase! The reports were eye opening and really helped catch some issues I would of missed. Again, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to help test the port!
Progress has been going along quite rapidly. Fixed all the issues you kindly reported, and just recently got the Welcome Screen, Splash screen, Setup Tour, ADB Start screen, etc finished. All that's left is the Updater and then it should be ready to be tested one last time before public release. I'm excited! Can't wait to share with you all what we've been cooking!
Almost there! Updated project progress tracker @ 2023.02.05
Fire Toolbox – Port Tracker
For the longest time, the Toolbox has been a Windows only application. The language it’s programmed in (Visual Basic) isn’t really known for being very “port friendly”. In a…
datastream33.wordpress.com
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Has anybody else run into a strange little bug that I find while running Google Maps on my 12th-gen fire HD 8 running 8.3.1.3? I did find a workaround though.
It seems that Google Maps is unable to calculate any route from wherever my current location may be to any destination anywhere. Maps can indicate where my current location may be on the map but apparently can't pass that information to whatever algorithm may be used for calculating a route.
The workaround is to change one of the end-points from "Your location" to "Choose on map". Tap on the cross-hair icon towards the lower-right-hand corner used for centering the map around your current location. This will automatically place the red location icon directly on top of this location. Tap "OK" and a route will now quickly be found.
Very strange. I suspect that whatever misstep happening here may be responsible for the problems I've found with a number of map apps.
Turns out the map apps that I've found to work well are those that can be found both on Amazon's App Store and on Google Play Store.
I've been trying to avoid both amazon AND Google when possible and use Aurora Store only if I can't find what I need on F-Droid.
It seems that Google Maps is unable to calculate any route from wherever my current location may be to any destination anywhere. Maps can indicate where my current location may be on the map but apparently can't pass that information to whatever algorithm may be used for calculating a route.
The workaround is to change one of the end-points from "Your location" to "Choose on map". Tap on the cross-hair icon towards the lower-right-hand corner used for centering the map around your current location. This will automatically place the red location icon directly on top of this location. Tap "OK" and a route will now quickly be found.
Very strange. I suspect that whatever misstep happening here may be responsible for the problems I've found with a number of map apps.
Turns out the map apps that I've found to work well are those that can be found both on Amazon's App Store and on Google Play Store.
I've been trying to avoid both amazon AND Google when possible and use Aurora Store only if I can't find what I need on F-Droid.
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When I revisited this issue with another Firestick yesterday I noticed a comment concerning the DNS server method of blocking updates. In that method the static IP that you give your Fire tablet or a stick must use a DNS lookup that blocks the updates.
This is fine until a VPN kicks in and the same issue of Amazon's servers pushing an update while on VPN ruins the blocking method. However, I read also that some VPN services (Nord VPN was mentioned) allow the user to designate a specific DNS lookup server.
So the double barreled DNS designation on your device's connection to your own router plus a DNS. designation on your chosen VPN should block the updates.
See the DNS method here.
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Just remember that once you activate an actual VPN, you've just punched a hole through your router's filtering of websites and anything you've blocked at your router will now become accessible again.
You are right and that is how one of my Firesticks was updated behind my back - so to speak. And it is also the reason I kept looking for a way to block the updates with a VPN.
The generous guy running this DNS claims to be blocking Amazon successfully. For the 4K Firestick with the accidental update I want to continue to run a VPN AND I think this is my best shot at preventing further updates. This method only works if the VPN used allows the user to designate the DNS.
Hi friends, can anybody help me with parental control on tablet fire?
Is it possible to sync and use Google Family Link on it?
Wanna make tablet with some restrictions for kids.
I registered kid's google account on Google Play market but when it's trying to chk updates, it fails and closes google play app. any ideas what to do?
Is it possible to sync and use Google Family Link on it?
Wanna make tablet with some restrictions for kids.
I registered kid's google account on Google Play market but when it's trying to chk updates, it fails and closes google play app. any ideas what to do?
Sorry to disappoint ... Google Family Link (and much of Google parental controls) won't work on Fire tablets. The necessary code is "missing" from FireOS to function properly. A lasting legacy the the Amazon/Google corporate wars ca. 2017-2019 .
Ref @Datastream33's FTB FAQ OP#1:
Google Family Link won't work on my tablet?
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, we still haven't been able to get Family Link to work correctly on the tablets. The Family Link app fails to install, and the Child account refuses to login. No matter what we tried, we couldn't get a Child account to work on the tablets.
We believe this has to do with missing dependecies, and the tablets not being certified through Google's Play Protect platform. We're still activly looking into getting the issue resolved. Until then, it's recommended that you use an alternative such as Amazon's FreeTime, Eyezy, or another third-party family managing software.
... so you think Amazon Fire tablets have a lot of blostwrare?!
www.androidauthority.com
Bloatware on the Galaxy S23 series inflates Android 13 to 60GB (Updated)
Reports suggest Samsung's version of Android 13 on the Galaxy S23 is four times bigger than Android 13 on the Pixel 7.
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Quick query if that's okay, got refurbed Fire HD this week, all went well with Fire Toolbox (thank you!).
If I connect to my girlfriend's wifi (rather than my own) will that likely let in the updates?
If yes would that matter much, given the changes have been made, although I do appreciate anyting can happen in the future...
Many thanks
Scott
If I connect to my girlfriend's wifi (rather than my own) will that likely let in the updates?
If yes would that matter much, given the changes have been made, although I do appreciate anyting can happen in the future...
Many thanks
Scott
Hi, and welcome to XDA!
That all depends on what version of FireOS you are running. You can find out through Toolbox by running it, and clicking on the description of your tablet in the lower-left.
If your FireOS version in the 3rd line down on the right is 7.3.2.1 or below, and you disabled OTA updates with Toolbox, then you have one of the "golden" versions and you are safe from unwanted updating no matter what network you are on.
If you are on 7.3.2.2 or later, then it depends on what you did to prevent further updates. If you ran RethinkDNS or DNS66, then you could be safe from updates on any network. If you added the Amazon blocklist to your firewall in your router then you are only safe on your home network.
If you have a Fire HD 7 or 8 (2012), and you have FireOS version 8.3.1.4 or below, and you disabled OTA Updates, then you are also safe.
If you have an older Fire tablet with FireOS v5.x.x.x then I think you are safe because I don't beleive they are updating these anymore.
I think that covers it.
Edit: To answer the second question, updates can always revert changes you've made with Toolbox and remove features you've added. They can also block your ability to reapply those changes so it's a good idea to block or disable them.
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Very much appreciate the response!Hi, and welcome to XDA!
That all depends on what version of FireOS you are running. You can find out through Toolbox by running it, and clicking on the description of your tablet in the lower-left.
View attachment 5830985
If your FireOS version in the 3rd line down on the right is 7.3.2.1 or below, and you disabled OTA updates with Toolbox, then you have one of the "golden" versions and you are safe from unwanted updating no matter what network you are on.
If you are on 7.3.2.2 or later, then it depends on what you did to prevent further updates. If you ran RethinkDNS or DNS66, then you could be safe from updates on any network. If you added the Amazon blocklist to your firewall in your router then you are only safe on your home network.
If you have a Fire HD 7 or 8 (2012), and you have FireOS version 8.3.1.4 or below, and you disabled OTA Updates, then you are also safe.
If you have an older Fire tablet with FireOS v5.x.x.x then I think you are safe because I don't beleive they are updating these anymore.
I think that covers it.
Edit: To answer the second question, updates can always revert changes you've made with Toolbox and remove features you've added. They can also block your ability to reapply those changes so it's a good idea to block or disable them.
I have 7.3.2.3, automatic updates disabled and OTA updates 'restricted'. It looked like the Toolbox restriction routine marked my connection as metered (I think - maybe it was more complicated than that?) and presumably thus less likely to update on the sly. I'm guessing my girl's wifi won't be tagged as metered and so OTA might indeed kick in. Not a deal-breaker, I bought it mostly as an ereader and typically have my laptop at my girl's house so I'll play safe / stay off her wifi.
Loving everything else though, great work and super-pleased with the Fire!
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3If this has been addressed, I apologize, but I did a cursory search with no results. I've noticed that two of my devices - Fire HD 8 Plus 12th gen (8.3.1.3) and a Fire 7 12th gen (8.3.1.4) - both wil not run Youtube TV. Youtube is fine but the Youtube TV fails with the dreaded "Youtube TV won't run without Google Play services, which are missing from your device."
Google Play and all of the other apps work just fine. So far, I've only noticed Youtube TV suffering from this. My 10th gen tablets are all running different versions of 7.3.X.X and Youtube TV works fine on those. It appears that Amazon OS8 is the culprit. I'll try running that in a browser but figured I'd toss this out in hopes there was a fix for it.
Thanks all for all that you do.2A 10.1" inch Linux tablet @ Fire HD10 price points !?
Linux Tablet PineTab2 Estimated To Launch In April From $159
Linux Tablet PineTab2 Estimated To Launch In...tabletmonkeys.com
2Been using FTB for years with older fire tablets. Never had anything to contribute before this though.
Not an overly helpful tip, but might help some of you. I currently am using a golden age HD 10 plus that I haven't screwed up yet. I primarily use it for the larger form factor (vs phone) when sitting watching TV to browse the web, check e-mail, respond to texts, etc. The fact that I couldn't get notifications from google apps was driving me nuts. I'd hear the notification on my phone across the room, but then have to pick up the AFT and check each app to find out which one caused the notification. Just stupid (-oh, btw, why do google calendar notifcations work but not text or gmail? grrr...)
I use a Fire Stick for watching TV and found something called Notifications for Fire TV. You load the app on your phone (from play store), and install the app on the firestick (from appstore). When your phone gets a notification, a little box pops up on the TV to let you know which app got the notification. It's free to try and you can unlock total functionality for a modest fee (like getting the first line of an e-mail or text and getting rid of ads). You can set it up to work on any/all fire tv's connected to the same network. I haven't noticed any major battery drain on the phone with it running in the background, and the app has been mostly set-it-and-forget-it and stable.
Not the solution to notifications that I was hoping for, but better than nothing for my use. Hopefully this helps some of you as well2Warning to those who have SD card formatted as internal storage (instead of portable storage)
Move playstore and its dependencies back to internal storage, else you lose it should your SD card become corrupt. Also worthwhile making sure your default launcher is also on Internal
You can see which apps are on the SD card by going to
Settings > Storage > SD Card and selecting “Apps.”
Select the following apps one by one
- play store
- play services
- Google account manager
- Google services framework
WARNING : The above is confirmed correct for FireOS 8.3.1.3
However, older versions may not be able to differentiate your SD card from internal storage, once you go down the adoptable route.2
Ongoing incompatibility issues with YouTube TV and FireOS 8 on 12th Gen (2022) Fire tablets. No reported solution yet.
Only immediate workaround is accessing YouTube TV from a web browser
@ https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/.
Possible solution would be for a clever dev to code a PWA (Progressive Web App) ie "hybrid app" for YtTV .
A similar situation for YouTube Kids was partially resolved by installing a specific older YtK version. -
354
Fire Toolbox V30.2
All-In-One Toolbox for Fire Tablets!
The Fire Toolbox is a collection of useful ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tweaks that can be applied to Amazon's Fire Tablets. The Toolbox project aims to help users fully customize and unlock the full potential of their tablets by putting all the power into their hands.The Toolbox doesn't touch the system partition meaning all changes made can be reversed either through the tools/subtools themselves or through a factory reset. This means the Toolbox does NOT void your warranty.
Device Name: Generation:Amazon Fire 7 (2022) 12Amazon Fire 10/10+ (2021) 11Amazon Fire 8/8+ (2020) 10Amazon Fire 10 (2019) 9Amazon Fire 7 (2019) 9Amazon Fire 8 (2018) 8Amazon Fire 10 (2017) 7Amazon Fire 8 (2017) 7Amazon Fire 7 (2017) 7Amazon Fire HD8 (2016) 6Amazon Fire HD10 (2015) 5Amazon Fire HD8 (2015) 5Amazon Fire HD7 (2015) 5Amazon Fire HD7 (2014) 4Amazon Fire HD6 (2014) 4
In this forum, you may hear the word "generation" being used when talking about Fire Tablets. Just know that "generation" effectively means the same as "what year was the tablet manufactured?". This may seem confusing and as a result a reference table has been provided for you below.
Getting the Toolbox up and running with your tablet is surprisingly a very easy procedure. The only thing required is for you to enable Developer Options and ADB on your tablet. So, without further ado, let's get started.
At this point, please read the section below, and make sure to follow the correct guide that is made for your tablet on how to set up the device so it works with the Toolbox.
FIRE HD 7, 8, 10 (2018 - 2022) Guide:Before purchasing the tablet:- Make sure you uncheck the "Link device to your Amazon account to simplify setup" box before Adding to Cart. (See this screenshot, credits go to @ancientrael)
if the box remains checked, your tablet will automatically update to the latest version of FireOS the second it auto-connects to your wifi.
Booting the tablet for the first time:- Wait for your tablet to fully boot up for the first time (may take a few seconds to minutes).
- When it boots, it will ask you for the language you'd like the OS to use. Select your prefered language.
- Tapping the blue arrow at the bottom of the screen, you'll be asked to connect to a WIFI network.
- Select ANY network from the list (even if you don't know the password).
- Once it asks for the password, tap the "Cancel" button and it will take you to the previous screen with the Wifi networks.
- At the bottom of the screen, you should now see a "Skip Setup" button, go ahead and tap that.
- It will now ask if you're sure you want to skip fire setup. Just tap "Skip" once more.
- You should immeditely be thrown into Fire Launcher. You're now ready to enable USB/ADB Debugging.
Enabling USB Debugging:- Turn on your tablet and go to Settings > Device Options > About Fire Tablet and tap on the Serial Number until you unlock Developer Options.
- Press the back button and find the new Developer Options and toggle it on.
- Scroll down till you find USB Debugging and enable it.
Setting up the drivers:If you are on Windows 10 or Windows 11 you do NOT need to following this guide because Windows will setup the needed drivers by default automatically. All you need to do is plug your tablet in and Windows will take care of the rest. Please wait until these drivers are fully installed before laucnhing the Toolbox for the first time. - Download the latest version of the Toolbox from the Downloads section of this page and install it onto your PC.
- Plug your tablet into the computer, and Windows will start installing the MTP drivers. It will also attempt to install the ADB driver but will fail. (This is normal and to be expected)
- Launch the Toolbox, and it should detect your Windows version and inform you that further driver setup is required. It will then ask you if you'd like the Toolbox to download and install the drivers.
- Click the "Yes" button, wait for the download to finish and follow the driver setup. If this for some reason doesn't work, please follow this guide to manually install the drivers.
- At this point, If drivers are setup properly... the Toolbox will inform you that the "device isn't authorized. Please authorize your device now."
- On your tablet, you should see a new prompt asking if you want to Allow USB Debugging and should show the computer's RSA key fingerprint. Tick the box that says "Always allow from the computer" and hit ok.
That's it, the Toolbox should recognize your tablet and will take you to the main menu. Enjoy!
FIRE HD 6, 7, 8, 10 (2014 - 2017) Guide:Before purchasing the tablet:- Make sure you uncheck the "Link device to your Amazon account to simplify setup" box before Adding to Cart. (See this screenshot, credits go to @ancientrael)
if the box remains checked, your tablet will automatically update to the latest version of FireOS the second it auto-connects to your wifi.
Booting the tablet for the first time:- Wait for your tablet to fully boot up for the first time (may take a few seconds to minutes).
- When it boots, it will ask you for the language you'd like the OS to use. Select your prefered language.
- Tapping the blue arrow at the bottom of the screen, you'll be asked to connect to a WIFI network.
- Select ANY network from the list (even if you don't know the password).
- Once it asks for the password, tap the "Cancel" button and it will take you to the previous screen with the Wifi networks.
- At the bottom of the screen, you should now see a "Skip Setup" button, go ahead and tap that.
- It will now ask if you're sure you want to skip fire setup. Just tap "Skip" once more.
- You should immeditely be thrown into Fire Launcher. You're now ready to enable ADB Debugging.
Enabling ADB Debugging:- Turn on your tablet and go to Settings > Device Options and tap on the Serial Number until you unlock Developer Options.
- Find the new Developer Options and toggle it on.
- Scroll down till you find ADB Debugging and enable it.
Setting up the drivers:If you are on Windows 10 or Windows 11 you do NOT need to following this guide because Windows will setup the needed drivers by default automatically. All you need to do is plug your tablet in and Windows will take care of the rest. Please wait until these drivers are fully installed before laucnhing the Toolbox for the first time. - Download the latest version of the Toolbox from the Downloads section of this page and install it onto your PC.
- Plug your tablet into the computer, and Windows will start installing the MTP drivers. It will also attempt to install the ADB driver but will fail. (This is normal and to be expected)
- Launch the Toolbox, and it should detect your Windows version and inform you that further driver setup is required. It will then ask you if you'd like the Toolbox to download and install the drivers.
- Click the "Yes" button, wait for the download to finish and follow the driver setup. If this for some reason doesn't work, please follow this guide to manually install the drivers.
- At this point, If drivers are setup properly... the Toolbox will inform you that the "device isn't authorized. Please authorize your device now."
- On your tablet, you should see a new prompt asking if you want to Allow USB Debugging and should show the computer's RSA key fingerprint. Tick the box that says "Always allow from the computer" and hit ok.
That's it, the Toolbox should recognize your tablet and will take you to the main menu. Enjoy!
• ADB Shell - Spawn a Unix shell that can be used to communicate with the device and execute commands.• Custom Launcher - Replace Fire Launcher with a custom launcher.• Enable Widget Support - Enable widgets on supported launchers.• Custom Sounds - Set custom sounds for notifications, lock/unlock events, low battery, and more!• Density Modifier - Change the value of pixels per inch to either decrease or increase resolution.• Restore Default Density - Restore the factory default density.• Google Assistant - Replace Amazon Alexa with Google Assistant.• Google Services - Install Google Services and the Play Store.• Google Services (Manage)• Add/Remove Google Accounts• Clear Data/Cache for Play Services• Uninstall Play Services• Hybrid Apps - Sideload Amazon Appstore apps without having the Appstore enabled.• Keyboard and Input - Manage other input methods and install custom keyboards.• Lockscreen Wallpaper - Replace the lockscreen's wallpaper with a custom one. • Manage Amazon Apps - Manage the Amazon apps installed on your tablet.• Hide/disable Amazon Apps - Hide and Disable Amazon apps through presets or manually select apps.• Restore Amazon Apps - Completely restore every Amazon app or manually select apps to restore.• Modify System Settings - • Power Options - Reboot, shutdown, reboot into recovery, or reboot the tablet into bootloader mode.• Parental Controls Hide - Installs a service that auto-dismisses messages from Parental Controls.• Privacy Controls - Disable telemetry collection of app usage data, interest based ads, etc. • Push and Pull• Push - Transfer files from your computer to your tablet.• Pull - Retrieve files from your tablet and transfer them to your computer.• Remove Lockscreen Ads - Remove ads from the lockscreen.• Screen Capturing - Record the device's screen, or capture a screenshot.• Sideload Apps - Install APKs from sources outside of the Amazon Appstore.• System Backup • Backup - Create a backup of the current system configuration.• Restore - Restore system configuration from a previously created backup.• User Management (8th gen and above)• Create a User - Create a new user.• Delete a User - Delete a toolbox created user.• Switch Users - Switch the current user to a different Toolbox created user.• YouTube Clients - Install third-party Youtube clients.
Toolbox:
Other Downloads:
ResourceResource LinkApplicable ToolsCustom Navigation Bar IconsNavigation Bar ModifierToolbox ChangelogsN/A
VersionInstaller (.exe)Portable (.zip)Update PostVirusTotalV30.1PostLinkV30.0PostLinkV29.0PostLinkV28.9DownloadPostLinkV27.0PostLinkV26.1PostLinkV25.2PostLinkV24.0DownloadPostLink*Halloween EditionDownload*Bug FixLinkV23.0DownloadPostLinkV22.0DownloadPostLinkV21.0DownloadPostLinkV20.0DownloadPostLinkV19.0DownloadPostLinkV18.0DownloadPostLinkV17.0DownloadPostLinkV16.0PostLinkv15.0PostLinkV13.0PostLinkV12.0PostLinkV11.1PostLinkV11.0PostLinkV10.2PostLinkV10.1PostLinkV10.0PostLinkV9.2PostLinkV9.1PostLinkV9.0PostLinkV8.2PostLinkV8.1PostLinkV7.2.1DownloadPostLinkV7.1PostLinkV7.0PostLinkV6.56PostLinkV6.55PostLinkV6.54DownloadPostLink
If you like my work and would like to support me feel free to Donate. Thank you!69
The Toolbox is being marked as a virus?This is likely because the Toolbox (and it's installer) aren't signed with a software license. This freaks Windows out because it sees that there is no publisher, and as a result it displays a warning (smartscreen). In addition, some anti-viruses might also flag the Toolbox as a virus simply because the build is relatively new and there is no record of it in the anti-viruses database, resulting in a false positve.As always, I take your security and privacy VERY seriously! If you do not feel safe with installing the Toolbox due to virus concerns, I respect and support your decision. It is always up to the user and their judgment!32I'd also like to take the time to acknowledge today as a very special day for this project! Today marks the 3RD YEAR anniversary of the project!!!
It seems like only yesterday, that the first version of the Toolbox was released! It's just crazy to think that it all started in 2019, as a very simple batch file program designed solemnly to remove lock screen ads, and has grown into what it is today! If you're interested in what started it all, I'd highly recommend checking out this post. It dives a little more into the Toolbox's background and it's beginnings!
I just wanted to THANK YOU all from the bottom of my heart for making the last 3 years so memorable! If it wasn't for the amazing support and this wonderful community, the project would've died a long time ago! You guys are the fuel that feeds the Toolbox's development!
Through this project, I've gotten to meet some wonderful people that I'd consider to be good friends:
@Davy49, @Tailborn, @Falcon342, @blaacksheep, and of course you (the one reading this)!
So, where does the Toolbox go from here? Well, I suppose the next step would be to bring the Toolbox to more platforms! Currently, the Toolbox is being ported to other platforms using the Python programming language, and PySimpleGUI. I've also been asked if the Toolbox Python port will ever become open-source, and I think the answer is most likely yes. Big things are planned for the Toolbox this year, and I hope you'll join me on this journey!
HERE'S TO THE TOOLBOX'S 3RD YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!
28Last edited 9-30-2022
A lot has changed since I first posted this. Toolbox has been updated to v29.0 and now has a new method of replacing the Fire Launcher, DNS66 is only a delaying tactic and doesn't stop updates in all cases, and the Lockscreen Ad removal process in the old FTB v9.2 still works to remove the ads. I leave the post up, but understand that it's just for reference as a starting point for you to explore these things.
What to do about F/W v. 7.3.2.2
So your Fire tablet has the latest firmware update on it (v7.3.2.2) and Fire Toolbox won't do what it's supposed to. All is not lost. I've collected some workarounds that will keep Amazon at bay. The three main problems are:
1) You can't stop Automatic updates.
2) You can't get rid of the lockscreen ads.
3) You hate the Amazon Launcher, but Amazon won't let you change it permanently.
Once those three problems are addressed, you pretty much have your tablet back. The Toolbox will still work for all the other things you want modify. First, get your tablet set up with Toolbox, install Google Services, and install the launcher you want. (Make sure to select "Enable Widget Support".) We'll take care of the Amazon Launcher later. So let's get started with the 3 main problems.
1) Automatic updates.
This method is far from perfect and has sometimes allowed updates to somehow slip by. The only other way to do this that I know is to use an app blocking firewall and block the update apps. I chose this method because it doesn't require a 'training period' to train the app on what to block and what to let through. Also, if you've already got lockscreen ads in your tablet's cache, this will not remove them. This method must be in place before you first connect to WiFi for the lockscreen ad blocking to work.
We need to stop the tablet from contacting Amazon to update it's firmware. We can no longer disable the service that does this, BUT, we can interfere with it's ability to contact the server from which it gets its updates. On a computer, we would modify the hosts file and block the addresses of the update servers. On an Android device, we need root access to do that, but there is an alternate way of adding things to the hosts file - with a VPN. We'll use a free and open source ad blocking VPN app to do this. The app is called DNS66 and it's available through F-Droid. You need to make sure this is always running to be protected from updates.Luckily, android has a feature to assist us in this. It's called "Always On VPN" and we need another app to access the hidden setting for this. We'll use "Activity Launcher" to get to this setting. Activity Launcher is available from Google's Play Store.
It turns out that using Activity Launcher to change this hidden setting does nothing more than give you an extra notification that your VPN is off. It doesn't stop traffic, so it's useless. Besides, my tablet has taken to turning the "Always On VPN" setting back off every time I boot. (Thanks Amazon!) Activity Launcher is still useful for finding settings that Amazon doesn't see fit to include. It also makes desktop shortcuts to those settings if you wish.
Download DNS66 to your computer from f-droid.org or from the attached file, copy it to your tablet and install it.Also go to the Play Store and install Activity Launcher.Finally, get the Amzn_Blcklist.txt that's attached to this post and copy that to your tablet. The blocklist file must remain on your tablet, so put it somewhere where it won't get deleted. I suggest in the root of your internal storage. (/storage/emulated/0)
Open DNS66. There are a couple settings that must be changed. On the Start tab, turn on "Watch Connection". (All 3 switches should now be on.)
Now go to the Hosts tab. Tap the "+" in the lower-right. Under Title, type "Amazon Blocklist". Tap the paper clip on the next line. Navigate to the Amzn_Blocklist.txt file you downloaded earlier and select it. Now tap "Done" in the upper-right. You should now have the first and last entry on the displayed list selected.
Now go to the Apps tab. Turn on "Show System Apps". Tap the gear under the Show System Apps switch and select "No Apps". All the switches below that should now be off.
You can optionally set your own DNS servers on the next screen if you'd like. I like to turn on Custom DNS Servers, deselect the German ones that are pre-selected, and then turn on the last two servers (CloudFlare).
This can also be done with Toolbox making this step unnecessary. Now go back to the Start tab. Tap "Start". It will notify you that it wants to connect to a VPN. Tap Yes or OK and allow it.
Quick note: Do not use the Toolbox DNS changer in Modify System Settings AND the DNS66 Custom DNS setting together. This will cause connectivity to fail. I use DNS66 and not Toolbox's DNS changer. Having the Custom DNS Servers set ins DNS66, and using the Toolbox DNS changer simultaneously caused me hours of grief trying to figure out why Google couldn't connect!
Now Launch Activity Launcher. Tap the magnifying glass in the upper-right. Enter "VPN". One setting should appear called "VPN". Tap it. Tap the gear on the end of the DNS66 line. Turn on Always-on VPN. Turning on the other switch makes Google Services think you are disconnected, so leave that one off. Step one accomplished.
Notes:
DNS66 takes several seconds before it gets started when you first boot, so it is possible that the tablet will make a DNS query for the update server or the lockscreen ad server before it loads. Best practice is to turn off WiFi before you power down or reboot.
----------
2) Lockscreen Ads.
Toolbox v29.0 now takes care of lockscreen ads!
It turns out, that blocking those update servers also blocks your tablet from getting any lockscreen
ads! No further action is needed. I stopped investigating this because I chose to disable the lockscreen completely. If you want to do that, you can do it in Toolbox, or in Activity Launcher that you just installed. Launch Activity Launcher. Tap the magnifying glass. Type in "screenlock". Now tap the last item (.password.ScreenLockSuggestionActivity). Select None and you're done.
Notes:
It has come to my attention that when disabling your PIN, it may still ask you for a PIN by Parental Controls for some settings or activities. I would suggest if you're going to disable your PIN, to first set it to something simple like 0000, reboot it, and then disable the PIN. That way you'll know what PIN you set if it suddenly asks you next month for your PIN.
Another way to disable lockscreen ads is detailedHere.
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3) Amazon Launcher.
New: Toolbox v29 has remediated most of the difficulties in replacing the launcher. Always check that you have the latest version of Toolbox. I'll leave the rest of the post up to inspire ideas.
The latest version of Toolbox (v 28.1) has a new tool called 'Custom Navbar Key'. This method uses Automate to automatically replace the Home button every time you reboot. It works rather nicely. I leave this section posted for completeness and to facilitate experimentation on other choices.
The way we're going to get rid of the Amazon Launcher is by not calling it! We're going to replace the Home button with another button that we can map to any launcher we'd like. This isn't a perfect solution, but it is FREE. If you're willing to spend a couple bucks, you can purchase a more configurable gesture navigation app with more features, but this is FREE, so maybe you can accept it's shortcomings. I'll keep this post updated with other navbar replacements that people suggest.
Go to the Play Store. Get and install "One Button Navigation". Launch it. It will want you to turn on Accessability Service for it. Follow the on-screen instructions and turn on "One Button Navigation Bar". You'll see your new nav button at the bottom of the screen. I like to adjust the width down to a dot, like the button it's replacing, but that's up to you. I also like to make the background black and the botton bright yellow so that I'm reminded it's running. Set up the background and button colors as you like them. Yeah, I know the ads in this are obtrusive, but you'll never see them once it's set up. Also DNS66 will block the ads if you install that first.
Next tap the Action tab. Tap "Single Click". Scroll down and select "Launch Application...". Select the launcher that you installed with Toolbox here. In my case, it was Nova 7. (Google updated the Nova version that Toolbox installed.) Now you can set any other actions you'd like for the new button.
I didn't want anything additional, so I made the gestures similar to the original buttons. This is all up to you. You can reverse them or set additional functionality to the button. I ended up with a new navbar that covers the original navbar (the one with the home button that brings up the Amazon Launcher). I now have a button that when pressed, takes me to my launcher. When I swipe it left, it goes back a screen. When I swipe it right, it shows the recents. I spent a lot of time with other navbar replacements and this is the minimalist replacement that works best for me. YMMV. Before someone complains that it doesn't work in landscape mode, I'm not the developer. You should rate it and leave a comment for him! This is the best I could find that does what I want for FREE.
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I'll edit this post with your suggestions for better solutions to these problems and keep a list of navbar replacements that people suggest at the end so you can find what works best for you.
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Some Suggested Navigation Bar replacements:
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One Button Navigation Bar by Nu-Kob (PlayStore)
Pie Control by coolAce (PlayStore)
Simple Control by coolAce (PlayStore)
DNS66 is available from F-Droid.org (dated March 26, 2021)
Activity Launcher is available from APKMirror.com (dated March 21,2022)21What's going on, guys?
I sincerely hope everyone is doing good, and having a wonderful December so far!
Today marks the release of V26.0 of the Toolbox! So, without further ado... let's take a look at what this release has to offer!
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome... Screen!
You know, every time I run a build for the first time I go through the Theme Selector, then the Tour, and then the Welcome Screen. I just think to myself "this is just a mess" - so in this update I thought I'd focus on improving it and making it better. I started by re-designing the Welcome Screen and doing my best to link all three tools into something that looked visually appealing. Now, in a tabbed interface you'll find the Setup Tour in the very first tab, Theme Selection (with a new UI) in the second, Installation Management in the third, and finally in the fourth the Changelog.
Now let's talk specifically about the Installation Management tool. This bad boy now has the ability to read installations from directories other than the default (localappdata\Datastream). So, if you've got your installations in a custom location, and you'd like to manage them, it's now possible to point the path to that location. This should help make managing installations a lot easier!
Custom Launchers on FireOS 7.3.2.2
As some of you may know, I bit the bullet and updated my tablet to the latest version of FireOS... to the dreaded 7.3.2.2. This update, from what I heard, caused the Custom Launcher and disabling OTAs tools to no longer function and after updating, I soon discovered that it was indeed the case. I then tried everything I could think and well really didn't turn up any valuable workarounds... until I tried the method we'd been using on older gen devices... and it worked! Of course, just like on the older gens, it has the drawback of being removed every time the device is rebooted. However, it's the only method I could find, so it's better than nothing, right?
Anyway, while coding it in I decided to take the liberty of also clean up the code, and the UI a bit. What's cool is the tool will now read what generation your tablet is, and display what methods are available to use. You'll also find that the initial method selection UI is a lot more usable compared to its previous iteration.
Change the Timeout for the Display?
Ah, the latest addition to the General group in the Modify System Settings tool. This subtool not only allows you to alter the timeout to traditional values, but also allows you to set a custom timeout. Want your screen to sleep after 24 hours of inactivity? This one's for you folks who want to extend the timeout as much as you can. Just be careful, it may cause a burn-in if your tablet's screen remains on the same screen for too long!
Let's Talk Linux Port Stuff
I guess the point of this section is to ask you guys if you're ok with updates to the VB version being slowed down, so I can focus more on the port? I'd also like to address a common question I get asked about it being open-source. Right now, I'm planning on it being closed-source for now. However, I am planning on making it open-source when I feel like the time is right. Please be patient! So, let's get back to the original question... are you guy's ok if I shift primary focus to the port?
Wait, that's not everything! If you're interested in everything that's changed... please take a look at the changelog below:
Ready to download V26.0? Head on over to the Download's section of the OP. By the way, because of some directory changes to the bin folder... the update will not show up in the Updater. It must be installed via the Installer or extracted from the Portable release.
Ok, my favorite part about of these release posts... sharing appreciation for you awesome folks! I just wanted to say I'm so blessed to be a part of the wonderful community over here on XDA. You guys are incredible people and in fact... this is perhaps the one place I've been on that I don't see negativity or people bullying one another. You guys are just AMAZING and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate everyone's support! Furthermore, you guys are what keep this project going, and it wouldn't be where it is today without you guys! So please pat yourself on the back - you deserve it!
Also, I'd like to place the limelight on my good friends @blaacksheep, and of course @Falcon342. I just can't express how much I appreciate all you've done for this thread! I haven't had the time to get on here because of work and when I come on the forum I see you guys helping out and answering questions. I really do appreciate the time and effort you two have put into being so freaking helpful! However, I've got to be honest, I'm extremely sad because I feel like I'm not doing enough. I'm sure you guys would like a little help (I'm gonna try harder to be more active on here when I can to hopefully help you guys out). Anyway, thank you guys again!! I really do appreciate it!!!!
Also, don't think I forgot about you donators! I just want to say I'm so honored that you'd donate your hard-earned cash. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve it. Guys and gals, THANK YOU so much for donating! I really do appreciate every penny!
This year has flown by and Christmas is right around the corner, so I just wanted to say MERRY CHRISTMAS and I hope you all had a remarkable 2021! Let's hope 2022 is an even better year!
Well, that's all I've got for now! Have a good one, guys, and until next time... Peace!
- Make sure you uncheck the "Link device to your Amazon account to simplify setup" box before Adding to Cart. (See this screenshot, credits go to @ancientrael)
