Database Develop

[Q] To ROM or Not to ROM. That is the Question.

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

[Q] KFHD 7" 2nd - Rooting & General Questions:(Prime Instant Video, Google Music...)

[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...

Amazon Instant Video App Works with Galaxy Tab S

As most folks know (at least if you're an Amazon Prime member) The Amazon Instant Video App does not work with most Android Tablets (except, of course, the Kindle Fire). Well, it works fine on my new Galaxy Tab S (SM-T800) that I just purchased today. (At least I can verify that it runs on the stock ROM, build KOT49H.T800XXU1ANJ6 - Oct 24, 2014) All you have to do is download the two Apps below and install them. No other alterations are necessary and no Flash conflicts appeared. Neither of these Apps are available from the Google Play Store.
Here are the simple instructions to get Amazon Instant Video working....
1. If you have already installed the Amazon Shopping app (the one without "Amazon Instant Video" on the menu), first uninstall it. The version below has a menu that links to the the Amazon video add-on.
2. Download these two apps from "The Digital Reader" site, and install them...
Amazon Shopping
Amazon Instant Video
3. Open the Shopping app, log into your Amazon account, and then click on the menu icon in the upper left corner. Then select "Amazon Instant Video". That's all there is to it.​

Robin M said:
As most folks know (at least if you're an Amazon Prime member) The Amazon Instant Video App does not work with most Android Tablets (except, of course, the Kindle Fire). Well, it works fine on my new Galaxy Tab S (SM-T800) that I just purchased today. (At least I can verify that it runs on the stock ROM, build KOT49H.T800XXU1ANJ6 - Oct 24, 2014) All you have to do is download the two Apps below and install them. No other alterations are necessary and no Flash conflicts appeared. Neither of these Apps are available from the Google Play Store.
Here are the simple instructions to get Amazon Instant Video working....
1. If you have already installed the Amazon Shopping app (the one without "Amazon Instant Video" on the menu), first uninstall it. The version below has a menu that links to the the Amazon video add-on.
2. Download these two apps from "The Digital Reader" site, and install them...
Amazon Shopping
Amazon Instant Video
3. Open the Shopping app and click on the menu icon in the upper left corner. Then select "Amazon Instant Video". That's all there is to it.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WORKED PERFECTLY! Thanks you so much. Just called Amazon last week about this issue after I purchased my table from Sprint. They told me it was nothing they could do. It was a Samsung issue. Then I called again they said they didnt support the GTS

Thanks very much Robin!
Works a treat here in the UK.

Is there a way to download the prime videos? On my kindle I could download 4-5 shows and watch them later. On the tab s, I can't seem to find this feature.

I thought the idea behind Prime instant video was that you stream videos for free if you're an Amazon Prime member. There doesn't seem to be a way to DL them unless you buy or rent the video. I didn't know you could do that on the Kindle.

Robin M said:
I thought the idea behind Prime instant video was that you stream videos for free if you're an Amazon Prime member. There doesn't seem to be a way to DL them unless you buy or rent the video. I didn't know you could do that on the Kindle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the Kindle certain shows can be downloaded for offline availability.

Adding offline ability would be great
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thanks!
Robin you are THE MAN!!! Worked perfectly on my retarded Fujitsu M532. The only reason ama-a-zon chooses not fix this or redo their files/apps must be because they don't want it to work for people. That sucks.

FINALLY, prime instant video on my Tab S 10.5! thanks

Just a quick note on this. I just went through it. If you have the amazon shopping app for tablets installed from the play store, you will go around in circles trying to get it to work. What clicked for me was the reference to phones only in the amazon documentation. The play store will not show the amazon shopping app for phones if you have a tablet. The key is to first uninstall the shopping app for tablets then load the amazon app store then load the shopping app for the phone and the instant video app from the amazon app store. Then it all works. I am guessing if I loaded the apks here in post 1 it would do the same.
FYI, YMMV

Sadly the app crashes on the lollipop rom. App install fine but once start playing a movie the player crash. Hopefully there will be a lollipop version out :victory:
To the OP thanks for posting the apk links

Worked on my rooted stock Tab Pro 8.4
Thanks, I have been trying to get this to work for 2 weeks. This solution worked!

Thanks much. I also have it working on a SM-T707V but can not download my purchased movies on Amazon Instant video like I can do on my Kindle Fire HD.
Anyone find a source that can do that?

I was playing them with dolphin browser and the flash apk. Worked fine. So does this app but I think quality is a bit better with flash and dolphin

If you have a rooted phone, you can just make a backup and install the amazon phone app beside the tablet app. The instant video app will then start working.

Awesome. Thanks for its tip!

You are welcome.

Marcenzeichen said:
If you have a rooted phone, you can just make a backup and install the amazon phone app beside the tablet app. The instant video app will then start working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works well, for those of us that don't want to remove any apps and whatnot, I simply added the amazon app from the app store, while still having the tablet one enabled and then instant video started working

Regarding the Amazon appstore itself - how to get it first
Sorry for the slightly off-topic swerve.
Brand new Galaxy Tab S 8.4 owner. I've tried installing 2 different version of the appstore apk that I have from other Android devices with no success - keep getting prompted to enter a valid email and password (which are definitely correct because they do work with regular Amazon site via Chrome). Installing the tablet shopping app from Google Play didn't give me an option for the appstore.
So -- how do I install the appstore itself? I have a bunch of purchased apps that I want to install on my Tab S so that I can retire my old semi-reliable Xyboard. This is a dealbreaker because if I can't install these apps on the Galaxy Tab, it's useless to me. Thanks for any advice.

"Slightly" off-topic?!?
This thread is about the instant video app. The shop app is anot other story.
But long story short: Get in touch with amazon support, the shop app should work without any tricks on the Tab S.

[NEW OFFICIAL METHOD TO GET LATEST]Amazon Instant Video & Store app working no APK's!

[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.

Fire HD 8 (8th Gen) - Make Chrome the Default Browser

I successfully selected Chrome as the default browser on my new Fire HD 8 (8th Gen) running Fire OS 6.3.0.1.
I used the following posts to get the Play Store loaded (my thanks to the OPs and contributors):
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/installing-google-framework-playstore-t3216122
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/help/fire-os-6-3-x-play-store-fire-hd-8-t3850363
1. Use adb to install Google Play Store
2. On your Fire HD 8 (8th Gen) download the Chrome Browser from the Play Store, it should automatically install
3. go to Settings (pull down the shade and click on the gear icon)
- Apps & Notifications
- Default Applications
- Browser app
4. Click on Browser App and you should see Silk and Chrome as available browsers
5. Select the radio button next to Chrome - if it works you'll see Chrome listed as the Browser app
Just to be sure: I restarted the Fire HD to confirm the browser change survived. It did and I've been able to download, install and run even finicky apps such as SmartThings Classic.

That's a treat. And you don't see that in any other fire OS versions. Unfortunately I don't think it can be ported to anything less than that os version. It will likely disappear in a future update.

Can you set the Chrome as a default from chooser. Just tap ALWAYS to set.
See screenshot below:

AmznUser444 Dev said:
Can you set the Chrome as a default from chooser. Just tap ALWAYS to set.
See screenshot below:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the HD 10 Amazon's activity resolver is tied into managed profiles. Inside the system UI there are a couple of intents that launch when you open an application. Two of those intents launch applications to the managed profile. You can disable them with various activity disablers but it just comes back after a certain amount of time. Since I have removed the permission for managed profiles on the device and removed parental controls and device owner the intent no longer launches to the manage profiles and when you click on always at actually means always. I'm not sure if the same applies the HD 8 but here's what I did for the HD 10 https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/root-remove-parental-control-t3932831
Sent from my Amazon KFSUWI using XDA Labs