Install Tilecast Player

Install Tilecast Player

Tilecast Player is one Android TV application with package ID org.tilecast.player. It targets Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV without Google Play Services.

Choose an APK

Published release

For a published release, download tilecast-player.apk from the repository's Releases page.

Release assets used by Tilecast's update system are:

• tilecast-player.apk
• tilecast-player-update.json
• tilecast-player-update.json.sig

Only the APK is installed directly on the TV. The JSON and signature are used by Tilecast Server to verify a release before deployment.

Local development build

From the repository root:

cd apps/player-android
./gradlew assembleDebug

The debug APK is written to:

apps/player-android/app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk

A debug build is for testing. Production update compatibility depends on preserving the Android signing identity used for the installed application.

Fire TV

Enable Developer Options and ADB debugging, note the Fire TV's LAN address, then run:

adb connect FIRE_TV_ADDRESS:5555
adb install -r tilecast-player.apk
adb shell monkey -p org.tilecast.player 1

For a local debug build, replace tilecast-player.apk with the path to app-debug.apk.

Fire OS menus and supported management features vary by model and firmware. Consumer Fire TV firmware commonly supports Standard Reliability but may not support device-owner Managed Kiosk.

Google TV and Android TV

Use wireless debugging, USB debugging, or another manufacturer-supported ADB connection:

adb devices
adb install -r tilecast-player.apk
adb shell monkey -p org.tilecast.player 1

Every action in Tilecast Player is designed for D-pad navigation. Verify focus and Back behavior with the actual remote.

First launch

On first launch, the player:

1. Creates a stable local installation identity.
2. Lets you select a discovered Tilecast server or enter one manually.
3. Verifies the server installation identity.
4. Creates a short-lived pairing request.
5. Displays a six-character code.

Continue with Pair a Screen.

Server address rules

• Public hostnames require HTTPS.
• Plain HTTP is accepted only for private IPv4 addresses, link-local addresses, localhost, and .local names.
• Explicit ports are preserved.
• The player never silently downgrades HTTPS to HTTP.

If LAN discovery fails, enter the URL manually. Discovery is only a convenience.

Permission for future updates

Android and Fire OS normally require local approval before an app can install an APK.

After pairing, the commissioning wizard opens the appropriate Install unknown apps screen when update support is configured. Approve Tilecast Player, then return to the app.

Tilecast does not use ADB, simulated clicks, root, or hidden APIs to bypass the system installer.

Do not claim support from installation alone

Installing successfully does not verify:

• launch after power restoration
• Managed Kiosk
• Accessibility Control
• TV standby or wake
• HDMI input selection
• unattended updates
• firmware-specific recovery

Complete Reliability and Kiosk on every device model and firmware family.