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.
I would like to put the CM 10.1 ROM on my Kindle Fire, but I don't want to lose Amazon Video. I'm assuming that Amazon Video doesn't work if I put a different ROM on my Fire. Is that assumption correct? Is there a way around this?
Thanks for any insight.
Funny I just installed it yesterday(amazon video)... I'm on the tablet version of cm 10.1, and I installed a version of amazon video I found laying around in the forums that is said to work on other android devices, here's the catch, the device can't be rooted, or so I have heard just like on kindles once you root it the instant video won't work, though k thought that was only prime so I am not completely sure how this affects it. So my answer that needs to be improves on is yes the app will work, as to actually watching the videos I am not sure, you may have to de-root the cm os, which I am not sure if that is a good idea. That's my 2 cents, see if anybody else can be of more use.
Edit: ever time I try to watch a free video I get a "unfortunately this program has stopped working" error
Seems like a stupid move for them to not release an android app for us to use their services, they'd rather we buy a kindle, or in this case not flash our kindle if we want to use it.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
My Kindle is already rooted and prime videos work. I have the stock rom with the play store. I want to use cm 10.1, but don't want to lose amazon prime videos. It's disappointing that this is even an issue.
Sent from my Nook HD+ using Tapatalk 2
dmullens said:
My Kindle is already rooted and prime videos work. I have the stock rom with the play store. I want to use cm 10.1, but don't want to lose amazon prime videos. It's disappointing that this is even an issue.
Sent from my Nook HD+ using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have CM10.1 on my Kindle now and live abroad so I cannot even use the Amazon video store. I'm curious though - can you access the videos by logging into Amazon in the tablet's browser instead, like you would if you were on a desktop?
calkenneth said:
I have CM10.1 on my Kindle now and live abroad so I cannot even use the Amazon video store. I'm curious though - can you access the videos by logging into Amazon in the tablet's browser instead, like you would if you were on a desktop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can if you have flash installed and working.
I just discovered that the Kinology ROM allows the use of Amazon Video, plus all the google framework and 3rd party launchers. It's not CM 10.1, but it is better than stock.
I have CM 10.1 and live abroad, I use a VPN and Firefox to watch Amazon Prime Videos.
Has anyone considered or know if it is possible to build a rom for this based on the stock kindle fire hd? If so I would be interested in trying.
onemeila said:
Has anyone considered or know if it is possible to build a rom for this based on the stock kindle fire hd? If so I would be interested in trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read this and thought it was sort of a goofy question at first but now you've got me thinking...
What happens if you install a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 ROM on the Nook HD+? For that matter, has anyone tried a stock Kindle Fire HD 8.9 restore? I know there are boot loader differences but I'm thinking leave the Nook HD+ bootloader or (working) custom recovery intact. Just the ROM itself. They're both OMAP 4 based - granted the Kindle has cameras and the Nook has the micro SD slot but they're pretty close to the same hardware-wise.
I'm intrigued to think I might be able to have my Nook think it's actually a Kindle Fire HD 8.9...
Thoughts?
Browsing around on the Kindle 8.9 Dev forum found this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41301028
It mentions there being some secret data related to Amazon registration, along with serial # of the device. Given that, its probably not nearly as simple as getting a stock KF 8.9 ROM running on the Nook. You'd likely need a backup of the partition that post is referencing too. Also, could be that the Nook is using that area for something.
Very complex mess ... If you did happen to own both devices I guess you might be able to make your Nook spoof being your Kindle. Otherwise your best case I can imagine is your Nook is spoofing being someone else's Kindle which Amazon & that other Kindle's actual owner might not appreciate...
Sent from my BN NookHD+ using Tapatalk 2
Ive been searching for a way to download Kindle Fire specific apps from the Amazon store to my Nook HD plus running cyanogen. Ive been "purchasing" the free Amazon app of the day for weeks, but a lot of them will only run on the kindle fire. You can purchase the app, but you cant download the kindle specific app unless you have a kindle fire.
As an alternative, has anyone tested downloading a kindle fire specific app, and copying the files over to another android device? Would the app still run?
Hi everyone,
I'm a total n00b to these forums and I apologize in advance if I am breaking any rules or if I'm not following the proper protocol for this type of post.
I got an Amazon Fire HD 7 as a gift and I just put the latest version of KingRoot on it. I installed it and ran it ...and it says it was a success so I believe my device is rooted at this point.
My goal is to strip all the Amazon software from the device and install Google Play Store + Apps so that it becomes a pure Android-only device.
Any links or information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
shamkeem said:
I got an Amazon Fire HD 7 as a gift and I just put the latest version of KingRoot on it. I installed it and ran it ...and it says it was a success so I believe my device is rooted at this point.
My goal is to strip all the Amazon software from the device and install Google Play Store + Apps so that it becomes a pure Android-only device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want to be in the Fire HD 6 and 7 forum.. (BTW: You can get rid of some Amazon stuff and install Play Store but nothing can make a Fire HD pure Android .)
.
Try going to www.tekify.co.uk His info helped me... not work on other versions of kindle fire hd
bjbirch said:
Try going to www.tekify.co.uk His info helped me...nt from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link I have given worked for my 2nd generation kindle fire hd( it has front camera,HDMI port,power and volume buttons on the side and a black strip with two speakers on the back)my kindle fire uses the code name Tate,the 1st generation kindle fire hd uses the code name otter and the 3rd generation kindle fire hd uses the code name soho
I am currently looking to buy Kindle Fire Hdx - 7" - 64gb and have lots of questions on purchase,
Should I wait to buy a different tablet which will be used mainly as an ereader of my color pdf books and magazines running my apps but I want a tablet good for gaming and watching movies as well so how is the Kindle in that regard?
The tablet I looking at has ads and how hard would be to totally remove the ads once rooted.
I want to be able to use the upcoming Fire OS 5.0 with a Lollipop ROM.
Is that possible now and how would it work as a dual boot or would the ROM and OS run concurrently?
Any words of wisdom on getting the right root and ROM for Kindle Fire Hdx?
I dont have tablet yet but seeing there are some conflicts with newest 4.5.3 or 7.5.1 firmwares. The number maybe higher that the ones I listed I just grabbed to numbers from YouTube posters.
Why 2 different numbers I am guessing 4.5.3 is for Kindle Fire Hdx what the other number mentioned?
I want to be able to use this tablet as a converted setup using google play store so how hard is that to add to tablet and what would it break in the process?
I want to purchase this tablet soon so posting now to get some feedback started. If this thread should be placed somewhere else for better coverage feel free to do so.
TIA!
techmanc said:
I am currently looking to buy Kindle Fire Hdx - 7" - 64gb and have lots of questions on purchase,
Should I wait to buy a different tablet which will be used mainly as an ereader of my color pdf books and magazines running my apps but I want a tablet good for gaming and watching movies as well so how is the Kindle in that regard?
The tablet I looking at has ads and how hard would be to totally remove the ads once rooted.
I want to be able to use the upcoming Fire OS 5.0 with a Lollipop ROM.
Is that possible now and how would it work as a dual boot or would the ROM and OS run concurrently?
Any words of wisdom on getting the right root and ROM for Kindle Fire Hdx?
I dont have tablet yet but seeing there are some conflicts with newest 4.5.3 or 7.5.1 firmwares. The number maybe higher that the ones I listed I just grabbed to numbers from YouTube posters.
Why 2 different numbers I am guessing 4.5.3 is for Kindle Fire Hdx what the other number mentioned?
I want to be able to use this tablet as a converted setup using google play store so how hard is that to add to tablet and what would it break in the process?
I want to purchase this tablet soon so posting now to get some feedback started. If this thread should be placed somewhere else for better coverage feel free to do so.
TIA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I bought my Kindle Fire HDX 7 and after updating the tablet its now version 4.5.4
I now want to root tablet and use a Lollipop ROM and if needed install I guessing I need to install GAPPS to add google play store and other google apps from what I been reading here or are the google apps installed when I install the new ROM?
So what ROM and Root method should I use and where do I get GAPPS if needed?