I am no stranger to rooting and installing custom ROMs on phones. But I am a new KFHD 7" tablet owner. Bought it for $129 on sale at Staples and now I'd like to customize it (for the price, it can't be beat). So, I'd like some opinions/feedback because I am not sure if I can achieve what I am after. So... my requirements:
- I'd like to keep the Amazon Instant Videos feature
- I'd like to install Play Store, Google+, Google Hangouts, GMail, Google Voice, Google Maps, Play Music, You Tube, Google Voice Search
Based on my preliminary browsing of the Kindle forums, it seems like I can root, then install some Google apps... but if I do that, will these particular Google apps be fully functional and not FC frequently?
I am trying to strike a balance between Amazon content and the Google Apps I use daily. I've had the Nexus 7 tablet for 9 months (gave it to family member) and while the pure Android experience is okay, I really would like to keep Amazon's streaming video capability on my KFHD.
Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!
-T
EDIT: I hope that installing a custom ROM is not the only way to get the Google Apps I listed.
If you want to go the ROM route, check out Kinology. It has both amazon framework and Google. Also you can install 3rd party launchers without copying them to system.
Sent from my Nook HD+ using Tapatalk 2
To keep Amazon video and get the google apps, you will need a kindle hd based rom that has been rooted and google apps added or you will have to root and do this yourself. Off the top of my head like the previous poster said Kinology I believe has the features you are looking for...
Thanks guys, for the information.
-T
Related
I was looking at getting this, but then I heard that, even though its Android based, it doesn't have the standard apps (maps, gmail, etc.) and it doesn't have Google Play allowing you to download apps...? Thanks.
Legaleye3000 said:
I was looking at getting this, but then I heard that, even though its Android based, it doesn't have the standard apps (maps, gmail, etc.) and it doesn't have Google Play allowing you to download apps...? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon wants you to stay in their own ecosystem. You will need to root your kindle fire HD in order install the google play store and to properly install some of the other google apps. The play store however is not a 100% sure way that all apps can be downloaded because it will still tell you on some apps that "this device isn't supported" so you will still have to side load anyways.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1895040
Hi everyone. I am planning to buy a noble Hd but I live in Europe and I have a couple of questions.
Will I be able to fully use it or will i loose any features? I plan to istall cyanogenmod. I mainly need it to read so will i be able to insert ebooks and read them?
The most important is that need to read from the web.does the crome browser support article view?
Does it worth to buy it or not?will i have access to all android apps?
Thank you in advance!
If you install Cyanogenmod you will lose the Nook app store, which isn't a great loss. You will still be able to buy/read Nook books if you install the Nook app, but you will need to either find the apk or install the 1mobile app store, as the Play store will say the app is incompatible if you're running Cyanogenmod. CM11 (Android 4.4) will give you vastly better performance than the stock ROM, though, which is a heavily customized and somewhat locked down Android 4.1. As long as you install a gapps package you will have Play store access on CM. Play store and various Google apps are built into the latest stock ROMs, so either way you can have Play store access. If your books are DRM-free there are many choices for epub readers. I prefer Overdrive Media Console, Readmill and Play Books (note that while Overdrive and Readmill can load locally stored epubs, Play Books requires you to first upload the book you want to read to the Play Books site and then re-download the book through the app). Those are just my personal favorites, though; there are a ton of epub readers out there. Fabrik is also another outstanding epub reader, but I don't use it because it's very slow to load. If you are using the mobi format you can use the Amazon Kindle app. I can't tell you much of anything regarding the capabilities of the Chrome browser, as I prefer Opera or UC Browser, nor can I vouch for article view, as I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean exactly. You might investigate the Readability app if Chrome doesn't do it for you, but the capabilities are the same as any other Android phone or tablet, so if you have an Android phone you can test out Chrome in advance, before you buy the tablet.
Darrian said:
If you install Cyanogenmod you will lose the Nook app store, which isn't a great loss. You will still be able to buy/read Nook books if you install the Nook app, but you will need to either find the apk or install the 1mobile app store, as the Play store will say the app is incompatible if you're running Cyanogenmod. CM11 (Android 4.4) will give you vastly better performance than the stock ROM, though, which is a heavily customized and somewhat locked down Android 4.1. As long as you install a gapps package you will have Play store access on CM. Play store and various Google apps are built into the latest stock ROMs, so either way you can have Play store access. If your books are DRM-free there are many choices for epub readers. I prefer Overdrive Media Console, Readmill and Play Books (note that while Overdrive and Readmill can load locally stored epubs, Play Books requires you to first upload the book you want to read to the Play Books site and then re-download the book through the app). Those are just my personal favorites, though; there are a ton of epub readers out there. Fabrik is also another outstanding epub reader, but I don't use it because it's very slow to load. If you are using the mobi format you can use the Amazon Kindle app. I can't tell you much of anything regarding the capabilities of the Chrome browser, as I prefer Opera or UC Browser, nor can I vouch for article view, as I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean exactly. You might investigate the Readability app if Chrome doesn't do it for you, but the capabilities are the same as any other Android phone or tablet, so if you have an Android phone you can test out Chrome in advance, before you buy the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the immediate and full of content response. I am about to buy the Noble, I just have to check for the article view. It is actually a mode on mobile browsers witch remove all unnecessary content in order to read articles,opinions , actually anything written in the web.
Ah, well, that sounds pretty much like what Readability does. Like I said, I don't know if Chrome does that or not, but if it doesn't you should be able to share the page to Readability and then it'll do it.
Barnes and Noble in the US only ships within the US. You'd need to use a reshipping company to received the nook in the US and forward it to you. shipito.com will do this for about €35. Alternatively B&N's UK store currently has all Nook accessories for £5 (http://www.nook.com/gb/store/accessories). Again, if you're not in the UK you'll have to get it reshipped.
The latest Nook firmware doesn't have the Nook Browser, and it was this that had ArticleView. Anyway when you install CyanogenMod all the Nook apps will be removed, but you'll be able to install almost any Android app. As such you may want to ask the visually impaired community if there is an Android browser that fits the bill.
[Q] KFHD 7" 2nd - Rooting & General Questions:(Prime Instant Video, Google Music...)
Hello community,
I am planning to get the KFHD 7" 2nd Generation (Soho) device basically because it is available for only 79 EUR right now.
I would like a device to watch Amazon straming video, listen to my music on Google and anwer my mails (GMail). Before I buy the KF I have a couple questions which are related to my future usage.
I would like to run all of the following apps together:
- Amazon Prime Instant Video (German Version)
- Google Play Music
- Gmail
As far as I understand rooting the device is pretty risky. Nevertheless root seems to be necessary in order to install and run the Google apps.
Will Prime Instant Video still work after rooting and / or installing the google apps? Maybe even after installing the Google Play store?
Do I have to change the appstore first to Google (Install Google and other Apps) and then back to Amazon (for Video streaming)?
Will Google Play Music work if I set the appstore to be Amazon?
What procedure / method should I use? I found the rooting guide at: kfsowi.com
Thanks for your help...
BUMP
Anyone?
Brainsenhh said:
Hello community,
I am planning to get the KFHD 7" 2nd Generation (Soho) device basically because it is available for only 79 EUR right now.
I would like a device to watch Amazon straming video, listen to my music on Google and anwer my mails (GMail). Before I buy the KF I have a couple questions which are related to my future usage.
I would like to run all of the following apps together:
- Amazon Prime Instant Video (German Version)
- Google Play Music
- Gmail
As far as I understand rooting the device is pretty risky. Nevertheless root seems to be necessary in order to install and run the Google apps.
Will Prime Instant Video still work after rooting and / or installing the google apps? Maybe even after installing the Google Play store?
Do I have to change the appstore first to Google (Install Google and other Apps) and then back to Amazon (for Video streaming)?
Will Google Play Music work if I set the appstore to be Amazon?
What procedure / method should I use? I found the rooting guide at: kfsowi.com
Thanks for your help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting gives you access to the roots. It will allow you to uninstalled bloat and add Google Play. Rooting does not effect the features that are stock with the tablet. It's custom ROM's that will remove Amazon Prime playback abilities. Your fine to root and keep all the goodies afforded by Amazon and add some of your own. That said, rooting is becoming harder for this tablet. I would message Gran PC and make sure a root exploit still exists. Only his firerooter has worked on the 2013 KFHD. good luck.
LinearEquation said:
Rooting gives you access to the roots. It will allow you to uninstalled bloat and add Google Play. Rooting does not effect the features that are stock with the tablet. It's custom ROM's that will remove Amazon Prime playback abilities. Your fine to root and keep all the goodies afforded by Amazon and add some of your own. That said, rooting is becoming harder for this tablet. I would message Gran PC and make sure a root exploit still exists. Only his firerooter has worked on the 2013 KFHD. good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the answer. That's good to hear...
Did you actually test root and Amazon streaming video together?
I read somewhere else that it doesn't work together. (http://www.geek.com/gadgets/amazon-video-broken-on-rooted-kindle-fire-1442047/)
It might be a different version / firmeware /etc...
[NEW OFFICIAL METHOD TO GET LATEST]Amazon Instant Video & Store app working no APK's!
Hello everyone have you been trying to get Amazon Instant Video working on your device and the APK and Dolphin browser method have failed you? Well I spent about an hour figuring this out and man now this is legit and a way to get the latest updates on the Amazon Store app on tablet and the Amazon Instant video app working on any Android device flawlessly without errors.
Step One: First you can Google ; amazon app store download android, the first one on a Google search should be
Install Amazon Appstore - Amazon.com once you click it it will take you to a download page for the Amazon app store. Just make sure you have
unknown sources checked in security to install it.
Amazon App Store Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android/ref=mas_rw_ldg
Step Two: Log in to the Amazon account you use preferably the one with Prime and Amazon Instant video(for those with multiple Amazon accounts, you can easily switch Amazon accounts in the App settings. )
Step Three: Once logged in search Amazon store app , then select and click get and then install the "Amazon" titled app not the Amazon for Tablets that wont activate Instant Video for some dumb reason. It must be the Amazon app store application officially.
Step Four: Go back or stay in the Amazon app store app and then search for Amazon Instant Video, tap to install it.
Step Five: First go to the Amazon store app (my preference/ recommendation) then it should say welcome your name and continue for the account you signed in with on the Amazon App Store application. If you click sign in as a different user it well on all of the Amazon applications. (In the settings of the Amazon App store you can switch accounts just scroll to the bottom of its menu.)
Step Six: Now do the same as step five for the Instant Video app! Just click continue or sign in as a different user (thus changing your log in on all three of these Amazon apps. Most likely all amazon apps.)
Step Seven: Finally a LEGIT FREAKING way to watch Amazon Instant Video on any device especially incompatible Android devices like my Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
Note: My Galaxy Note 4 came with the Amazon store app so you just needed to then download the Amazon app store app and then Instant video and BOOM!
If I solved your problem click that Thanks button!
This method should work on any Android device absolutely any Android device.
Sadly I think I am the first person to figure this out just on a side note, I was like hmm and thought that the Amazon app store app should have other amazon apps without device incompatibility issues because that's a stupid Play Store issue. Btw Amazon Instant video and media in full screen on the Tab S 10.5 are amazing in full screen!
My current signature is outdated:
Current devices:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T)
Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (I found out how to get Android 5.0.2 working on the wi fi model with the Bliss stalk rom via Blisspop! some minor bugs like recent apps capacitative button doesnt work but in settings you can go to buttons and assign home button double tap to recents also pure aosp so no Samsung dual window etc. bloat free 100%, need to use the Philz touch recovey port doesnt work with TWRP need a clean rom install wipe.)Current rom is ThunderRom800 V3 with SkyHigh kernel 2.2.0 and philz recovery. I need dual window ..
Sorry for typos 12:01 AM and did this quick well clean up later.
I figured the same thing out during Xmas vacation.
I already had the Amazon appstore app (orange icon with word app) installed to get their free app of the day. The trickiest part was to realize I had to get the Amazon shopping app (the one with the shopping cart icon) but NOT the one for tablets. (They don't call it the shopping app, though, just Amazon.) This is the app that lets you log into your prime account. The instant video app is just there to play video. Without the shopping app, the instant video app just sends you to a web page with a bunch of apps and you get to figure out which one you actually need. It's so stupid that it must be deliberate. I think they want you to give up and buy a kindle fire instead.
Ironically, on iOS, you just get the Amazon instant video app and you're done. It's one app like everything else.
Note that you cannot get the Amazon appstore app from Google play store (understandably since Amazon is competing directly with the play store). You cannot get the Amazon shopping app for phones from the play store either, because Google so helpfully figures that since you have a tablet, it will direct you to the app for tablet instead.
Anyway, with that all done, does anyone else think the video quality is noticeably inferior to Netflix? I've seen nothing that looks wow on the OLED.
barth2 said:
I figured the same thing out during Xmas vacation.
I already had the Amazon appstore app (orange icon with word app) installed to get their free app of the day. The trickiest part was to realize I had to get the Amazon shopping app (the one with the shopping cart icon) but NOT the one for tablets. (They don't call it the shopping app, though, just Amazon.) This is the app that lets you log into your prime account. The instant video app is just there to play video. Without the shopping app, the instant video app just sends you to a web page with a bunch of apps and you get to figure out which one you actually need. It's so stupid that it must be deliberate. I think they want you to give up and buy a kindle fire instead.
Ironically, on iOS, you just get the Amazon instant video app and you're done. It's one app like everything else.
Note that you cannot get the Amazon appstore app from Google play store (understandably since Amazon is competing directly with the play store). You cannot get the Amazon shopping app for phones from the play store either, because Google so helpfully figures that since you have a tablet, it will direct you to the app for tablet instead.
Anyway, with that all done, does anyone else think the video quality is noticeably inferior to Netflix? I've seen nothing that looks wow on the OLED.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that about the iOS and Android instant video differences because I'm the only Android user in my entire family. But yea it is ridiculous that we need 2 - 3 apps just for instant video. But hey at least people that use instant video usually use the Amazon app already. Amazon just wants both apps to be installed on the users devices. While Google play has limitations on apps per device such as the app is incompatible with this device message meaning we then have to hope there is an apk that works with your device which is stupid but nothing can be done about it because Google app developers have to try to support so many devices and many different screen sizes. Sorry for the typos again sent from my tablet laying down just finished watching Dexter on Instant video on my 10.5 hd super amoled screen. At 3:05 Am.
fantastic works a treat - thanks
was really bugging me that I was paying a monthly sub for Instant Video and could only use it on the kids Ipads and not on my Tab S without installing a 3rd party app (ok this is still sort of 3rd party - but I trust amazon)
great
Techinstein said:
Hello everyone have you been trying to get Amazon Instant Video working on your device and the APK and Dolphin browser method have failed you? Well I spent about an hour figuring this out and man now this is legit and a way to get the latest updates on the Amazon Store app on tablet and the Amazon Instant video app working on any Android device flawlessly without errors.
Step One: First you can Google ; amazon app store download android, the first one on a Google search should be
Install Amazon Appstore - Amazon.com once you click it it will take you to a download page for the Amazon app store. Just make sure you have
unknown sources checked in security to install it.
Amazon App Store Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android/ref=mas_rw_ldg
Step Two: Log in to the Amazon account you use preferably the one with Prime and Amazon Instant video(for those with multiple Amazon accounts, you can easily switch Amazon accounts in the App settings. )
Step Three: Once logged in search Amazon store app , then select and click get and then install the "Amazon" titled app not the Amazon for Tablets that wont activate Instant Video for some dumb reason. It must be the Amazon app store application officially.
Step Four: Go back or stay in the Amazon app store app and then search for Amazon Instant Video, tap to install it.
Step Five: First go to the Amazon store app (my preference/ recommendation) then it should say welcome your name and continue for the account you signed in with on the Amazon App Store application. If you click sign in as a different user it well on all of the Amazon applications. (In the settings of the Amazon App store you can switch accounts just scroll to the bottom of its menu.)
Step Six: Now do the same as step five for the Instant Video app! Just click continue or sign in as a different user (thus changing your log in on all three of these Amazon apps. Most likely all amazon apps.)
Step Seven: Finally a LEGIT FREAKING way to watch Amazon Instant Video on any device especially incompatible Android devices like my Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
Note: My Galaxy Note 4 came with the Amazon store app so you just needed to then download the Amazon app store app and then Instant video and BOOM!
If I solved your problem click that Thanks button!
This method should work on any Android device absolutely any Android device.
Sadly I think I am the first person to figure this out just on a side note, I was like hmm and thought that the Amazon app store app should have other amazon apps without device incompatibility issues because that's a stupid Play Store issue. Btw Amazon Instant video and media in full screen on the Tab S 10.5 are amazing in full screen!
My current signature is outdated:
Current devices:
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T)
Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (I found out how to get Android 5.0.2 working on the wi fi model with the Bliss stalk rom via Blisspop! some minor bugs like recent apps capacitative button doesnt work but in settings you can go to buttons and assign home button double tap to recents also pure aosp so no Samsung dual window etc. bloat free 100%, need to use the Philz touch recovey port doesnt work with TWRP need a clean rom install wipe.)Current rom is ThunderRom800 V3 with SkyHigh kernel 2.2.0 and philz recovery. I need dual window ..
Sorry for typos 12:01 AM and did this quick well clean up later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much. I just followed these easy steps and now have Amazon Instant Video on my Galaxy S5 (not rooted).
Buckster76 said:
fantastic works a treat - thanks
was really bugging me that I was paying a monthly sub for Instant Video and could only use it on the kids Ipads and not on my Tab S without installing a 3rd party app (ok this is still sort of 3rd party - but I trust amazon)
great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
masterhaides said:
Thanks so much. I just followed these easy steps and now have Amazon Instant Video on my Galaxy S5 (not rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help you both! If you know anyone else with this issue , link them here.
I used apk extractor to pull both apps from my phone and installed them on my Tab S 10.5. Worked like a charm.
Confirmed working on a rooted Tab S 10.5. No hacks, no problems.
* Install amazon appstore from amazon web site.
* Within amazon appstore, install "Amazon" app, not "Amazon for Tablets".
* Log in to new amazon app.
* App has instant video in it's menu, try to watch a video.
* App sends you right to the place to install the instant video app automatically.
* Now you can watch videos.
* Finally, you can uninstall the amazon appstore app if you want. It's no longer needed. You have to keep both "Amazon" and "Prime Instant Video".
FYI, Amazon app store has a free app every day. Most days it's pretty crappy but I've gotten some good stuff like Swype, wolfram, and monument valley. On holidays, they have a bunch of free stuff.
When I try and install the app, the INSTALL button is nonresponsive. CANCEL works though. I have UNKNOWN SOURCES checked.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
PaulQ602 said:
When I try and install the app, the INSTALL button is nonresponsive. CANCEL works though. I have UNKNOWN SOURCES checked.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any other amazon apps installed they could be interfering with the install or make sure you have unknown sources checked in security.
PaulQ602 said:
When I try and install the app, the INSTALL button is nonresponsive. CANCEL works though. I have UNKNOWN SOURCES checked.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you running any app that filters the screen? Like a screen dimmer, for example.
Techinstein said:
Do you have any other amazon apps installed they could be interfering with the install or make sure you have unknown sources checked in security.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the problem. I uninstalled Amazon for Tablets and followed all these steps. It worked. What a pain!
Thanks!
This didnt work for me with my ADT-1 and comcast. But I was able to use dolphin browser just fine.
I hate this crazy dichotomy of streaming devices. There is no true 10 ft/lean back/ whatever u wanna call it launcher that works with android. I gotta say, a fire TV, or even better a xbox 360 or ONE is basically the only way to get Amazon Instant, Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, xfinity TVgo, etc with no modifications or tinkering.
Why does this have to be so friggin difficult?
I may as well just keep using my firetv stick and miracasting my nexus 7 2013 to it as needed to supplement. My adt-1 is fast, does a good job with everything. But theres no true easy way to get the Amazon Prime Instant with continuous play except for a firetv. Even the Roku 3 has a crappy launcher.
Hi,
I am looking for the following setup, use Kindle reader app and a Amazon Video on Demand, I would like to have just a per-app login/sign-in, and not the system-wide
Couple of questions:
- if I install CM 12.1, can I still install Amazon Video on Demand app from the Amazon Appstore, does it have a per-app login?
- Is it possible, with the FireOS? I hid all the "amazon" apps, but it looks like I still need to have system-wide amazon profile
Thanks!
UPDATE 1: All good!
Ok. Everything seems to be good.
- Installed SlimLP custom ROM
- Installed Amazon App
- Installed Amazon Instant Video
- I can sign into Amazon App w/ a different account than Instant video
JupoozunEd3 said:
Hi,
I am looking for the following setup, use Kindle reader app and a Amazon Video on Demand, I would like to have just a per-app login/sign-in, and not the system-wide
Couple of questions:
- if I install CM 12.1, can I still install Amazon Video on Demand app from the Amazon Appstore, does it have a per-app login?
- Is it possible, with the FireOS? I hid all the "amazon" apps, but it looks like I still need to have system-wide amazon profile
Thanks!
Oops. Need to move to Q&A. Looks like I can't delete my own post...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can download the apps from the play store
2. I believe so
1) Looks like I need to find a person w/ Fire and custom rom, and with the appstore installed to test fully
2) I've got everything disabled, but when I try to you prime instant video, I still have to go thru a system-wide login process and Amazon/Kindle registration
Ok. Everything seems to be good.
- Installed SlimLP custom ROM
- Installed Amazon App
- Installed Amazon Instant Video
- I can sign into Amazon App w/ a different account than Instant video