[Question] Support for older devices like Firestick 2nd Gen (Fire OS 5.2.9.5. / Android 5.1)

[deledpathshala]

Steps to reproduce

1. Take an old device, specifically a Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen).
2. Ensure it is running its latest available software, Fire OS 5.2.9.5.
3. Try to install the latest version of CloudStream (v4.x).
4. A "Parse Error" occurs and the installation fails.

Expected behavior

Ideally, the app would install, or there would be a "lite" version available for older devices. Alternatively, a working solution for the older CloudStream v3.5 would be a great outcome.

Actual behavior

The latest CloudStream v4.x fails to install with a "Parse Error". The older CloudStream v3.5 installs successfully, but is unusable because all repositories are now incompatible and no longer work with it.

Cloudstream version and commit hash

Cannot get this for v4.7.0 as it fails to install. The version that does install is CloudStream 3.5.0

Android version

Fire OS 5.2.9.5 (based on Android 5.1)

Logcat

N/A (Not Applicable) - Cannot get a logcat for an app that fails to parse/install.

Other details

Hello, and thank you for this amazing app.

I am trying to set up an old Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) for my parents so they can watch some classic Indian family TV shows (like Jodha Akbar, Jhansi Ki Rani, etc.).

I understand that supporting legacy operating systems is extremely difficult. My issue is that v4 fails to install due to the old OS, and v3.5 is unusable without working repositories.

I wanted to humbly ask if there is any possibility for a solution for users on older hardware. Even a pointer to the last known working repository for v3.5 would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you for your hard work and for reading this.

Acknowledgements

• I am sure my issue is related to the app and NOT some extension.
• I have searched the existing issues and this is a new ticket, NOT a duplicate or related to another open issue.
• I have written a short but informative title.
• I have updated the app to pre-release version Latest.
• I will fill out all of the requested information in this form.

[fire-light42]

I have tried to delay the bump to the minimum supported Android version as long as possible. This was primarily due to old TVs such as yours, but we could not do so indefinitely. We were forced to switch when the core libraries (including the video player) required us to to update.

The last commit before the change is: 76728d8
Setting up a builder/computer to compile from this commit would not be that difficult.

We are not able to support Android 5 any longer. Any release using that commit would quickly be outdated. Keeping a fork up to date is feasible, but not something we have time for ourselves.

Unfortunately my recommendation is that you save up the money for a newer Android TV, Android 5 was released more than 10 years ago.

[deledpathshala]

Thank you so much for the quick, detailed, and honest response. I completely understand the technical limitations with the core libraries and why supporting Android 5 is no longer feasible.

I really appreciate you taking the time to find and provide the last working commit hash (76728d8). That is incredibly helpful.

I will take your suggestion and try to set up a build environment to compile it myself as a learning project.

Since you've answered my question completely, I will go ahead and close this issue. Thanks again for your amazing work on this project!

[fire-light42]

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

If you ever need assistance setting up or programming CloudStream I recommend you visit our Discord server. There are many people who can help with programming and troubleshooting on there. Good luck!

[autofool]

First of all thank you for supporting this amazing app on lollipop till now. To be honest, app itself is pretty stable and dont need any more development. I'm wondering what is yout policy on extension support. Currently 4.5.6 version works good. As long as extensions don't break then app can be still be considered partially supported. What are the chances of extension format changing in future? Are there any major chnages planned in roadmap? If it is possible can a 4.5.6 branch that solely focused on supporting extensions would be possible or considered if new extensions are developed in future?

PS: @duaimtiyaz14 Good luck. Android developememt is horrendous, at least for me.

[Luna712]

First of all thank you for supporting this amazing app on lollipop till now. To be honest, app itself is pretty stable and dont need any more development. I'm wondering what is yout policy on extension support. Currently 4.5.6 version works good. As long as extensions don't break then app can be still be considered partially supported. What are the chances of extension format changing in future? Are there any major chnages planned in roadmap? If it is possible can a 4.5.6 branch that solely focused on supporting extensions would be possible or considered if new extensions are developed in future?

PS: @duaimtiyaz14 Good luck. Android developememt is horrendous, at least for me.

@autofool

This depends on extensions themselves. CS3 is intentionally keeping support for A5 for extensions for as long as it possibly can. But they still won't be guaranteed to work should extensions bump their own dependencies or minSdk above what supports minSdk 21.