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[Q] Should I buy Kindle Fire HD?

It seems that Kindle Fire HD is the best Android tablet at this moment. I was hoping purchase a kindle fire HD, while travelling to US. Now, I am having second thoughts. I am from India and Amazon marketplace for Android is not available here. So, the only hope for me to completely utilize the Kindle Fire HD is to flash it with a custom/vanilla ROM.
However, based on the comments here and in the developers section, it seems Kindle fire HD is completely locked down and I have not seen any custom ROM yet. Will custom ROMs show up any time soon? What is your opinion on this purchase?

brkumar said:
It seems that Kindle Fire HD is the best Android tablet at this moment. I was hoping purchase a kindle fire HD, while travelling to US. Now, I am having second thoughts. I am from India and Amazon marketplace for Android is not available here. So, the only hope for me to completely utilize the Kindle Fire HD is to flash it with a custom/vanilla ROM.
However, based on the comments here and in the developers section, it seems Kindle fire HD is completely locked down and I have not seen any custom ROM yet. Will custom ROMs show up any time soon? What is your opinion on this purchase?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are always alternative app markets out there (I dont know any off my head at the moment.) The Kindle fire speakers, Display in my opinion make the FIre better then the Nexus. But the nexus is more advanced in rom stages already. So if you don't wanna wait, go with the lesser of devices, and don't buy something hoping it gets roms really fast. It could still be awhile. But I perfer the KFHD if your willing to wait it out, and just have fun with it as it is.

iMJets said:
There are always alternative app markets out there (I dont know any off my head at the moment.) The Kindle fire speakers, Display in my opinion make the FIre better then the Nexus. But the nexus is more advanced in rom stages already. So if you don't wanna wait, go with the lesser of devices, and don't buy something hoping it gets roms really fast. It could still be awhile. But I perfer the KFHD if your willing to wait it out, and just have fun with it as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, you don't want to buy something hoping for developer support that doesn't exist. With no Amazon Video Prime available in India the Nexus is a better fit.

danscxda said:
I agree, you don't want to buy something hoping for developer support that doesn't exist. With no Amazon Video Prime available in India the Nexus is a better fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree. Having the Google Play store on your device isn't that difficult, but you will learn that many of the apps refuse to install so you have to side load most of them. If you can't access any of the Amazon content, there is little value in the Kindle over the Nexus.

I would not purchase the KFHD in dreams of getting a custom rom. I pre-ordered mine knowing what I was getting into but I hated it, even after rooting and running gapps, to an extent. The KFHD is nothing but a gimped version of android and won't be where I like it until the bootloader is unlocked and custom roms made, similar to what you are wishing.
The KFHD traffic on android forums are SLOW. I returned my KFHD for a Nexus 7 and I loved it the second I took it out of the box. The only reason I'd keep the KFHD is if I had amazon prime and loved their ecosystem, except I don't.
I do have to say, I loved the hardware, it was great. Screen is colorful, vibrant and the sound was fantastic but that was it. The software killed the device for me. I have not seen any updates on bootloader status, so it could either be tomorrow, six months, a year or never. I wouldn't bank on it. I wasn't happy and wanted a fully functional device which I got in the Nexus.

I have had the KFHD for a couple days. I have to say I like my OG Fire better. I also have a Nexus 7. I am probably returning the KFHD. It is too locked up for me. IT also ticked me off when I pulled it out of the box and saw the ads on the lockscreen. The suggested apps instead of my favorite apps on the home page also made me mad. Also the lack of a native camera app. There is a hidden system camera app but you can't add it to favorites. At least someone made a app so the Nexus 7 can use its native camera app. Stick with the N7 for now. There is a update for the KFHD but I do not know when. I was talking to a Amazon rep and they said it will be soon.

alkemist80 said:
The only reason I'd keep the KFHD is if I had amazon prime and loved their ecosystem, except I don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in India and I thought the same when I started handling the KFHD... However, after rooting and getting my favorite apps on (dolphin, gapps, mxplayer, etc, am pretty happy with it.. I know a nexus would be better(open vvs locked, more compatible apps) but for $50 for the 16g and better speakers, I will stick with the KFHD. Also it gives me a chance to display my "hacking" skills... Lol...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I bought Kindle Fire HD for what it is:
Best Speakers in class
Best Wi-Fi in class
Best format and weight for one-handed handling
Best Video Conference device (combination of excellent quality front camera, very good microphone, clear and loud speakers, bright screen)
Best tablet for Amazon Prime users
Amazon App Market is very good, not as diverse as Google Play, of course, but most of top games and content consumption apps are there. Now I only need to add Google Music and Youtube and I'll be all set. Rest of Google Apps are better fit for location aware devices, like smartphones.
The Kinfle Fire HD to me is a home companion device, not a road warrior. I can now finally stream Amazom Prime video in HD resolution ~ 100 yards away from my router at the edge of the property outside and still see and hear everything perfect without constant caching. No other tablet can even pretend to be able to do this. I still have my Google Galaxy Nexus phone for all custom ROMs and customizations till the cows come home.
P.S. Oh, and I don't mind special offers that Amazon puts on this device. Who can refuse freebies like $10 Gift card or $3 in Amazon Music? Many offers are Amazon Store specific and once you realize that Amazon is already the best eCommerce site in US with best variety, lowest prices, fastest shipping and best product review system, this is like a cherry on your pudding.

I'll put my two cents here. I'll summarize my feelings after owning a Kindle Fire HD for a week.
Pros:
Great Sound (Dolby audio)
One of the best 7" displays out there
Amazon Prime benefits including discounts on books, videos, and music.
Descent specifications (1GB RAM, 16GB, and 720p)
Competitively Priced $199 US
Cons:
Clumsy Launcher and ROM compared to stock Android:
"Carousel" likes to reload apps you don't want after reboots
Carousel is a bit large and obnoxious
No changing wallpapers or any other UI elements
Opt-out of Ads is $15 (without Root)
Amazon's App Store isn't nearly as large as Google Play (50,000 vs 500,000)
Locked Bootloader = no custom ROMs anytime soon (most likely not in 2012, but I'm still optimistic)
Limited Development/Support currently (Note: it's only a month old right now)
I would give it 85/100 right now.
With that said, this is a great device. The major limitation right now is the software, Amazon goofed up there.
Rooting opens up a lot of doors for this device e.g. Play Store, non-stock Launchers, and permission capabilities. Though everyone needs to be careful about this because there is no backup/restore mechanism for potential mistakes.
Summary
I'm hopeful that future developments for this device are more promising than the current environment.
I don't want to discourage anyone about getting this device if you like or use Amazon's stuff like Kindle, Prime, or other services.
But I think if you are looking here (XDA) you probably want something stock or not locked down like the Nexus 7 if you want to tweak to your hearts content.

Hello . Will rooting the KFHD will allow us to buy ebooks at later point of time thru amazon services. i may be interested as a android tablet which will allow freedom to user on downloading apps and games and also to read ebooks. will rooting would help . if so i can think of buying one. please let me know.

Yes, even on a rooted KFHD you can buy and read amazon ebooks. Or you can use another source for paid or free books!
Sent from my KFTT using xda app-developers app

If you want great sound for games and movies yes not to forget about the great screen it has trust me its worth getting
Im using mine right now
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium

Kindle Fire HD vs ?
brkumar said:
It seems that Kindle Fire HD is the best Android tablet at this moment. I was hoping purchase a kindle fire HD, while travelling to US. Now, I am having second thoughts. I am from India and Amazon marketplace for Android is not available here. So, the only hope for me to completely utilize the Kindle Fire HD is to flash it with a custom/vanilla ROM.
However, based on the comments here and in the developers section, it seems Kindle fire HD is completely locked down and I have not seen any custom ROM yet. Will custom ROMs show up any time soon? What is your opinion on this purchase?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brkumar,
Really the answer is a mixed bag as you are seeing with the responses.
As a developer, we like the Kindle Fire HD 7" since everything has been
a challenge. We have successfully piped over Jelly Bean on the Fire HD
but it was by no means easy and Buggy, well let's just say we need
another year. Then you have to ask yourself, is the time better spent
on the Asus Transformer, Nexus 7 or 10? The quick answer is yes,
the long term answer is probably no. Really, the Kindle Fire HD 7"
is a great piece of hardware and it is based on a solid TI Chipset
OMAP4460. I have found the sound to be better than the Nexus 7,
the screen clarity is not bad either. We run HD Videos on the
Kindle Fire HD 7" and really notice that Dolby is running, very
nice audio. The Kindle Fire HD 7" also "feels" solid in the hand.
The Kindle is responsive and is quite smooth when transitioning
from application to application. They did a great job on the screen
outdoor glare is almost non-existent. The unit is sturdy, we have
dropped it several times without damage. Finally at $199, not bad.
Amazon Store is nothing to highlight, so you are not missing
out. Just Root the device and install Google Play, you will have
plenty of options.
My complaints are a few. The mini output jack does not support
a mic. The volume up and down keys feel flimsy with little
tactile feedback. No rear facing Camera. You have to buy
a charger, they do not include one. Most of the VoIP applications
seem to have a problem with internal Mic, although Skype
does work.
These are my personal opinions, so take it
as just this, a XDA User opinion.
That is my ten cents.
Oh by the way, we do own 12 other tablets, so we have
been able to do a side by side comparison.

Thanks for the information, much appreciated!
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda premium

Kindle Fire HD 7" Pro's and Con's
gitlygit said:
Thanks for the information, much appreciated!
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gitlygit,
So are you going to get one and add to the ever growing XDA Kindle Community?
We would love to have you here adding to this wonderful community!
Keep us posted.

[Q] Reason(s) to keep a Kindle Fire HD 7"

Hey Guys,
I've always been reluctant to buy a Tablet because I personally do not see a reason to own a Tablet, Laptop, and a smartphone. However, I recently found out that I will be getting a new Kindle Fire HD 7" for free through my cable company.
My first intent was to get it, sell it, and keep the money. However, after much consideration I figure I would just keep it. Needless to say, I began doing some research, and still researching, on the KF HD 7" as well as the Nexus 7 and am considering to sell it again. However, this time I want to sell it and use the money to purchase a Nexus 7.
Now my question to you, I have read the pros and cons of both devices on a technical level and would like to know your thoughts.
Having owned a KF HD 7, would you do what I am considering?
From a user perspective, why should I or should I not keep the device?

Anyone?
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

keep
I personally would keep it because i enjoy tinkering so much, the kindle fire is a bit of a challenge because of its locked bootloader but ive managed to get quite a few things working, and im continually able to tweak it. However if your not the type of person to tinker like that? Id consider another tablet.
Aloupha said:
Anyone?
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nexus 7, android os is better. More apps and custom roms
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

tylerholbrook said:
Nexus 7, android os is better. More apps and custom roms
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^ that.
The locked bootloader (even though it's now been fixed) is a big minus (why encourage this kind of behavior?). I use the n7 constantly. It's the bees knees.

I got the Kindle Fire HD free through First Bank. If I had the choice between both devices free, I certainly would have chosen the Nexus.
However, when I took into consideration the fact that I had the KFHD in my hand for free and didn't want to go through the hassle of selling it and buying a Nexus + tax, I simply kept the Kindle and rooted it. This is assuming I would have gotten full value for the KFHD, not paid selling fees, postage, driving etc. I would have rooted the Nexus anyway, so I consider time spent doing that with the Kindle a wash.
As a matter of principle though, I'm not a fan of how locked down Amazon made the device and don't want to support that in the future. I can understand why they did this and how it impacts the price point, but it's also something I would reconsider if given another opportunity.
All things considered, it's a great device (now) and I love it.
cheers

Enjoy the Kindle for what it is, tinkering makes things fun.

thank you so much

Thanks guys for your input. It seems that the Nexus will be the better choice for me especially since I am a flashing junkie.
I already have two people that want to buy the Kindle from me for 200.00 (not sire why, but I am not complaining).
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Personally, I much prefer the Amazon launcher over just a bunch of icons and widgets on a screen. I hate iCon devices because they're all just icon interfaces with no widgets. I like Android much better. But the Amazon is an evolvement. If I want to, I can put on a Go Launcher, or something - without rooting - and get all the widgets and little icons I want with the click of a button from the Amazon interface. I had the 16gb version of the HD 7" and rooted it, added ADW Launcher EX, and tricked it all out. It was cool, but... it was the same as all my other Android tablets and phones I've had, and have. I like the Amazon theme throughout the HD. I like the big icons and the fact that, for once, someone actually created an interface for a 7" tablet, and didn't - like Apple did - just shrink the tablet into a 7" factor and scaled it down so you can't even read the text under the icon-ville of their interface.

just remember, if you do watch any of your own videos you most likely will not be able to on the kindle fire HD. Even with outsidfe media players (which I believe there are a few of in the amazon app store) I have heard that the codec support is very limited

ClarkSt said:
Personally, I much prefer the Amazon launcher over just a bunch of icons and widgets on a screen. I hate iCon devices because they're all just icon interfaces with no widgets. I like Android much better. But the Amazon is an evolvement. If I want to, I can put on a Go Launcher, or something - without rooting - and get all the widgets and little icons I want with the click of a button from the Amazon interface. I had the 16gb version of the HD 7" and rooted it, added ADW Launcher EX, and tricked it all out. It was cool, but... it was the same as all my other Android tablets and phones I've had, and have. I like the Amazon theme throughout the HD. I like the big icons and the fact that, for once, someone actually created an interface for a 7" tablet, and didn't - like Apple did - just shrink the tablet into a 7" factor and scaled it down so you can't even read the text under the icon-ville of their interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. We seem to be the minority, but when using a device like the Kindle Fire.. My wife and I find it easier to use the full Amazon ecosystem with the way they have it setup. Its very convenient to have the category bar across the top for videos and books and it takes you right to the videos or books area embedded into the tab. You don't have to "open" a program persay.
I find normal Android for tablets to be pointless. I have the N7 as well and I've just left the home screens empty. No need for widgets as I do all my widget stuff from my phone... I will have the tablet in front of me and subconsciously find myself pulling out my phone to check email, clock, calendar, and even browse the web. On my other Android devices I usually install the iPad-esque UI because its simpler for the kids and for a tablet is makes more sense to have a simpler interface.
I would really love to port the KF launcher to my N7

DssTrainer said:
I find normal Android for tablets to be pointless. I have the N7 as well and I've just left the home screens empty. No need for widgets as I do all my widget stuff from my phone... I will have the tablet in front of me and subconsciously find myself pulling out my phone to check email, clock, calendar, and even browse the web. On my other Android devices I usually install the iPad-esque UI because its simpler for the kids and for a tablet is makes more sense to have a simpler interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way you do when it comes to having an Android Tablet and an Android smartphone. I am now leaning toward getting the HP Envy X2 instead.
I got my kindle fire HD yesterday and sold it today for 200.00 bucks.

[Q] What can't I do with this device in various states?

I recently was gifted a Kindle fire hd 7". I have a little experience in rooting and flashing OS's from an HTC tilt from maybe 5 or 6 years ago. I'm wondering what I can't do with my device in it's previous states, as in, what am I missing out on? So for Stock, Rooted, and I'm not familiar with what the choices are from their but I assume a small(or large?) variety of both homebrew and corporate OS's(like running windows on it) that people have tailored for this device. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site for how to do these things but I want to be more familiar with what I can do with all of the different states. Also, what are the limitations of Amazon's(or is it amazon's?) OS? It seems that even though it was open source this is a protected OS lacking a lot of customization not much different from an Apple OS.
Thanks in advance.

Locked kfhd is like a bigwheel. Rooted kfhd is like a Harley. I got mine as a gift too and when I first turned it on, I was disgusted by the ugly presentation of the launcher. Then I didn't like how much crap was funneling through Amazon for a price. I knew within 5 minutes of owning it that I would be looking to root it. Now, I have go launcher on here and it works great. Waiting for cm10.

Krsmqn said:
...I knew within 5 minutes of owning it that I would be looking to root it. Now, I have go launcher on here and it works great. Waiting for cm10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Literally rooted mine right out of the box. Never knew what true "stock" felt like, but I don't think I missed much.

Poor launcher, but most importantly google play store...
If you dont mind acquiring the apks and side loading them all and the carousel wheel, really all you lose out on is root ability thus far ive only needed that for google apps, launchers and the moga app...root gives you the ability to disable updates and ads...
Sent from my KFTT using xda app-developers app

How well does the KFHD works in the eco-system?

I have been using Nook HD+(10inch) running Carbon rom in EMMC. It works pretty well. That and my GN2. When I originally brought the HD+ I was looking at the screen resolution as my primary concern as I use my tablet mainly for reading manga and watching movie. And it does that perfectly well. Now that the 7inch have just updated(Nexus 7 and assuming the new KFHD will follow) to have at least FHD resolution, I'm thinking maybe getting 7-inch tablet to replace the 10-inch is not such a bad idea. While I still concern about the resolution being so cram that any manga reading would be terrible, but I can try doing so simulation to experience with that. And that would be just any HD 7-inch tablet in general. My concern in choosing the variant of 7-inch would be the eco-system since it would look like either the new 2013 Nexus 7 or the new KFHD would be 2 obvious choice. Right now I have app in both Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, but since neither of my phone or tablet is Kindle based it's hard to judge. The problem I have right now is the Amazon App Store, for many time it seem after each update of Amazon App Store it force me to re-login. That alone isn't so bad, but combining the fact that Amazon App Store now doesn't allow you to paste the password in, this is a big issue for me as I use(and should be using) a long complex password. So this brought me to the questions.
1. How does the KFHD work in regarding the app management and the app store service? Does it work as well as normal android using Google Play Store?
2. Does the KF experience allow you to have Google Play Store work in conjunction with? I know the Nook UI was terrible with this prior to the official support.
3. Since I also have Prime, I know I could use watch FHD content on the KFHD, but IF say custom rom on the new KFHD is possible(still not sure is that a good idea yet nor would the new device be a total lock down) would an Amazon video would still works? I know this is more like education guess at this point, but I think the better question would be; based on the past experience how does Amazon support or restrict the mod community effect the experience? I know that was one of the problem comparing Nook HD to the KFHD, since the Nook HD hardware was more open than the KFHD, meaning easier to get custom rom running.
Any constructive advices are also appreciated.
Thanks,

someone0 said:
I have been using Nook HD+(10inch) running Carbon rom in EMMC. It works pretty well. That and my GN2. When I originally brought the HD+ I was looking at the screen resolution as my primary concern as I use my tablet mainly for reading manga and watching movie. And it does that perfectly well. Now that the 7inch have just updated(Nexus 7 and assuming the new KFHD will follow) to have at least FHD resolution, I'm thinking maybe getting 7-inch tablet to replace the 10-inch is not such a bad idea. While I still concern about the resolution being so cram that any manga reading would be terrible, but I can try doing so simulation to experience with that. And that would be just any HD 7-inch tablet in general. My concern in choosing the variant of 7-inch would be the eco-system since it would look like either the new 2013 Nexus 7 or the new KFHD would be 2 obvious choice. Right now I have app in both Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, but since neither of my phone or tablet is Kindle based it's hard to judge. The problem I have right now is the Amazon App Store, for many time it seem after each update of Amazon App Store it force me to re-login. That alone isn't so bad, but combining the fact that Amazon App Store now doesn't allow you to paste the password in, this is a big issue for me as I use(and should be using) a long complex password. So this brought me to the questions.
1. How does the KFHD work in regarding the app management and the app store service? Does it work as well as normal android using Google Play Store?
2. Does the KF experience allow you to have Google Play Store work in conjunction with? I know the Nook UI was terrible with this prior to the official support.
3. Since I also have Prime, I know I could use watch FHD content on the KFHD, but IF say custom rom on the new KFHD is possible(still not sure is that a good idea yet nor would the new device be a total lock down) would an Amazon video would still works? I know this is more like education guess at this point, but I think the better question would be; based on the past experience how does Amazon support or restrict the mod community effect the experience? I know that was one of the problem comparing Nook HD to the KFHD, since the Nook HD hardware was more open than the KFHD, meaning easier to get custom rom running.
Any constructive advices are also appreciated.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK lemme try to answer this to the best of my abilities:
1. If you are asking does the amazon store work decently then yes it works pretty well, and everything u buy will show up in your cloud so u don't have to go to the store and search for it to reinstall it, u just goto ur cloud to do so. Personally I don't like the amazon store as much because IMHO it seems like I could sometimes find newer versions of apps I bought there in the Google store, but that was only in some cases.
2.Google play store works just fine. The Google play store does work in conjunction with the amazon store in a sense, as far as I know if it recognizes an app from the Amazon store and let's say its a free app and the Google store has a more up to date version it will let u update it, but in terms of using both at once they work fine, just don't ever update amazon apps that show up in Google play store as they mess up when updated, and u have to uninstall them.
3. We indeed have custom roms, I am currently on one myself, jesters tablet ui of hashcode's cm10.1. Unfortunately as far as I know there is no way to watch amazon movies on a alternate ROM outside of using flash player on their site, and keep in mind flash player is quite buggy on jb since adobe decided to stop supporting android... My flash player tends to crash when watching videos online if I click inside the flash player more than around 8 times.
Also thought I'd mention from experience I enjoy reading tons of manga on my kindle HD 7”, don't know if u have have been using a web browser for it, but if u have I highly suggest getting a free app called quick manga from the Google play store, it supports a lot of sites and only dl's the picture and displays it while preloading the next few pages. It allows you to bookmark them, keeps track of your current chapter and page, and download chapters if u want for off line viewing as well. I love me some manga! I have over 227 manga total in my library, not all that are ongoing though. If you ever need manga suggestions feel free to pm me!
Hope I answered your questions, I was falling asleep reading manga and got on the forum to wake myself up so I wasn't exactly in the best condition while reading and replying to your questions.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app

Thanks for the quick response. So KFHD won't just ask you to re-login every time there is the app store update? And say, when the next KFHD come out and your current one broke, would you buy the new one or the Nexus 7 considering if the new KFHD has FHD resolution also?

someone0 said:
Thanks for the quick response. So KFHD won't just ask you to re-login every time there is the app store update? And say, when the next KFHD come out and your current one broke, would you buy the new one or the Nexus 7 considering if the new KFHD has FHD resolution also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK to clear one thing up, on the amazon os, the amazon app store doesn't update, and if it does it does it with the is updates. The kindles linked to your account and always stays signed in unless you unlink it, or for some reason if you clear your cache and dalvik cache , that will also usually unlink it for me.
As to your other question I am not very sure, I have never had an android device before my kindle, I haven't had a cellphone in 2 years since I lost mine outside. The kindle I have is a gift and I am jobless, and after having experience using a kindle and flashing a new is on it I find it fun to do because I'm a PC tech. But I look at it this way, if a new kindle comes out, we will first have to find out how to root it, this may be the easier part. Second we would have to determine if its even feasible to be able to put a custom or 2nd boot loader on it like the past 3(not counting first gen because it was already unlocked). So if the new one came out and u wanted to get one right away the nexus would probably be a better idea unless you want to wait and see how the new one would be in terms of rooting and flashing. But personally since I haven't used any other tablets, the kindle has grown on me, so I would probably get the new one if I could assuming the conditions above could be met.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app

someone0 said:
And say, when the next KFHD come out and your current one broke, would you buy the new one or the Nexus 7 considering if the new KFHD has FHD resolution also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a former Nexus 7 (2012 version) owner for 10 months, I have an opinion
Assuming the new KFHD has FHD like the new Nexus 7, I would buy a new KFHD. Once rooted, the Kindle offers the full Amazon content and UI that I enjoy since I am a prime member, and the minimal UI that a third-party launcher (like Nova) offers. This is how I have my current KFHD configured. All the Google apps like Hangouts, Google+, etc, plus Amazon content.
The Nexus 7 offers a pure Android experience, but to be honest, I like do not like Google Play Books, nor do I like Google Play Movies. Since I am Prime, Google cannot compete with Amazon Prime books and instant video streaming. Oh, and I love Kindle Free Time unlimited kids's content for $3 per month.
But... if I were not Prime, then I would get a new Nexus 7 (2013) instead of a new KFHD FHD tablet.
Just one guy's opinion.
-T

If you want the benefits of the Amazon side of things AND those of the Google side of things, go for the custom ROM called Kinology. It's the stock OS with the Google services stack installed, along with some of the annoyances fixed and a few extra features.

Thank you, I will keep an eye out for that custom rom. I would not have known that if I didn't post the question nor dig deeply in the KFHD scene.
JulianPaoloThiry said:
If you want the benefits of the Amazon side of things AND those of the Google side of things, go for the custom ROM called Kinology. It's the stock OS with the Google services stack installed, along with some of the annoyances fixed and a few extra features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty much like you, T-Bone, while I'm using Nook HD+, ,y launcher of choice has always been Nova. And generally, I would not install the additional google store myself. Never touch those book/music/etc store and sometime I even use Titanium backup and force remove those stuff myself.
T-BoneFL said:
As a former Nexus 7 (2012 version) owner for 10 months, I have an opinion
Assuming the new KFHD has FHD like the new Nexus 7, I would buy a new KFHD. Once rooted, the Kindle offers the full Amazon content and UI that I enjoy since I am a prime member, and the minimal UI that a third-party launcher (like Nova) offers. This is how I have my current KFHD configured. All the Google apps like Hangouts, Google+, etc, plus Amazon content.
The Nexus 7 offers a pure Android experience, but to be honest, I like do not like Google Play Books, nor do I like Google Play Movies. Since I am Prime, Google cannot compete with Amazon Prime books and instant video streaming. Oh, and I love Kindle Free Time unlimited kids's content for $3 per month.
But... if I were not Prime, then I would get a new Nexus 7 (2013) instead of a new KFHD FHD tablet.
Just one guy's opinion.
-T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that mean, I'll wait for Amazon announcement and pre-order the new KFHD if the apec goes according to the rumor. Thank you for all your insightful input.

[Q] Is it possible to amazon prime video and freetime with custom rom?

Just got my X43Z60 yesterday.
I am trying to take advantage of Amazon Prime Video which works very well on this device, but I also would like to get google play content so I was wondering, if I flash a custom rom, will I still be able to watch prime videos and if anybody has any suggestion on a kid friendly app that will limit the usage similar to free time?

You can't watch amazon prime on a custom ROM, it might be possible with flash on kitkat but I have never tried, I heard the functionality broke a while back to use it with flash. If you just got the kindle you might wanna mention what the os version is, because the 2013 kindles are not flashable with custom ROMs outside of the kindle water ROM that just reuses the stock kernel.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk

stunts513 said:
You can't watch amazon prime on a custom ROM, it might be possible with flash on kitkat but I have never tried, I heard the functionality broke a while back to use it with flash. If you just got the kindle you might wanna mention what the os version is, because the 2013 kindles are not flashable with custom ROMs outside of the kindle water ROM that just reuses the stock kernel.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk
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Thank you.
I am using 7.4.8
My son is used to Playbook, which is really excellent in terms of functionality & ease of use, however lack of apps that he likes, and games is making it a bit outdated. Youtube and all that stuff is actually great on Playbook, no ads, good interface, and I can let him play with it anyway he wants, but with this Kindle, it's a little weird. Even in Kids freetime mode you can uninstall apps.
I really like the idea of freetime unlimited and I think I am going to go with that for now.

OK yea yours is the 2012 then, completely flashable.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk

hydeah said:
Thank you.
I am using 7.4.8
My son is used to Playbook, which is really excellent in terms of functionality & ease of use, however lack of apps that he likes, and games is making it a bit outdated. Youtube and all that stuff is actually great on Playbook, no ads, good interface, and I can let him play with it anyway he wants, but with this Kindle, it's a little weird. Even in Kids freetime mode you can uninstall apps.
I really like the idea of freetime unlimited and I think I am going to go with that for now.
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Click to collapse
You can watch Amazon Instant Videos (rented/bought movies and shows) with flash but you cannot watch Prime Videos unless you are running Amazon firmware. You can't even access them. I have a Prime account and it's just not possible.
Sent from my Nexus 7 Flo running CM 11 4.4.2 with ElementalX Kernel using XDA Premium 4 mobile app