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.
Hey everyone!!!
Great forum, so informative!! I think I've figured out how to root my new Nook HD. I do have a quick question though. I'm basically looking to root my Nook HD to be able to access my Kindle account and Amazon apps (I wanted a Kindle but I got the Nook as a gift).
Will the universal root work so that I can get Amazon apps & the Kindle reader? Also will that allow for videos from Amazon Prime as well?
Thanks
Maggie
Maggiep67 said:
Hey everyone!!!
Great forum, so informative!! I think I've figured out how to root my new Nook HD. I do have a quick question though. I'm basically looking to root my Nook HD to be able to access my Kindle account and Amazon apps (I wanted a Kindle but I got the Nook as a gift).
Will the universal root work so that I can get Amazon apps & the Kindle reader? Also will that allow for videos from Amazon Prime as well?
Thanks
Maggie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes on kindle reader and Amazon apps. Not sure about Amazon Prime. Maybe.
Sent from my Nook HD+ Running CM10 on SD
leapinlar said:
Yes on kindle reader and Amazon apps. Not sure about Amazon Prime. Maybe.
Sent from my Nook HD+ Running CM10 on SD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!!! I'll let you know what I find out about that, planning the root in the next couple of days!
I have an older tablet (gtab) running 10.1 that my kid uses, while I use the kindle 8.9. It'd be nice to use Amazon's "Kindle FreeTime" on the gtab, but to do so I imagine I'd have to use Kindle's launcher. After rooting, installing CM 10/9 is it possible to simulate a kindle on another tablet? Would it be equivalent to making a Kindle ROM?
meyert11 said:
I have an older tablet (gtab) running 10.1 that my kid uses, while I use the kindle 8.9. It'd be nice to use Amazon's "Kindle FreeTime" on the gtab, but to do so I imagine I'd have to use Kindle's launcher. After rooting, installing CM 10/9 is it possible to simulate a kindle on another tablet? Would it be equivalent to making a Kindle ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025908
Is it worth the trouble to port it to your device? I guess that's up to whoever would be willing to put the work into it.
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?
Hiya XDA,
I have done a fair bit of googling, but a lot of info is confusing, old, or from poor sources.
I'm trying to sort a few questions out, regarding whether or not the Kindle Fire HD is a good option, and would really appreciate someone familiar with them to assist me.
My Nexus 7 screen recently broke, and I'm looking for a good alternative. I don't want to spend more than $250.
1. Can the 7" Kindle fire HD use the google store still be used by way of rooting, and also use the Amazon store?
2. Can the Kindle fire HD transfer my google store apps to it? I'm not worried about the data, just the purchases.
3. Can I tether my windows 7.8 phone GPS to the kindle, either by way of wifi or cord.
4. Is there finally bluetooth for the Kindle fire HD, or a dongle that can provide that?
5. How is the durability? My Nexus 7 cracked the touch portion (LCD is fine), while in an otterbox defender, and it fell from less than 2 ft. onto a basic wooden floor. I'd like to get something more rugged.
/I'm very familiar with rooting, and Android, but aside from the wife owning a Kindle, I know nothing about them. She isn't the type to get into rooting, so I leave her tablet alone. It's also a 1st gen, so it would not be relevant to my replacement options.
Regards,
--bb
bladebarrier said:
Hiya XDA,
I have done a fair bit of googling, but a lot of info is confusing, old, or from poor sources.
I'm trying to sort a few questions out, regarding whether or not the Kindle Fire HD is a good option, and would really appreciate someone familiar with them to assist me.
My Nexus 7 screen recently broke, and I'm looking for a good alternative. I don't want to spend more than $250.
1. Can the 7" Kindle fire HD use the google store still be used by way of rooting, and also use the Amazon store?
2. Can the Kindle fire HD transfer my google store apps to it? I'm not worried about the data, just the purchases.
3. Can I tether my windows 7.8 phone GPS to the kindle, either by way of wifi or cord.
4. Is there finally bluetooth for the Kindle fire HD, or a dongle that can provide that?
5. How is the durability? My Nexus 7 cracked the touch portion (LCD is fine), while in an otterbox defender, and it fell from less than 2 ft. onto a basic wooden floor. I'd like to get something more rugged.
/I'm very familiar with rooting, and Android, but aside from the wife owning a Kindle, I know nothing about them. She isn't the type to get into rooting, so I leave her tablet alone. It's also a 1st gen, so it would not be relevant to my replacement options.
Regards,
--bb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK lemme give a shot at what I can answer.
1. Yes after you root it you can use the Google play store and at the same time use the amazon store.
2. As far as I know this is a yes, unless the app is incompatible.
3. This is a bit of an unknown to me, I have seen a thread where people were discussing different GPS dongles they were using with their hd's.yes this in the 8” section but it should be useful if u are curious. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2251882
4. Kindle fire he's come with built in Bluetooth, but I don't know what all profiles work with it, last I checked it couldn't pair my earpiece to use with Skype.
5. I am not very sure about this, I have a fold over rotation case and I don't take my kindle out of the house too often, though I did ride my bike a few miles with it in my pocket(yes somehow I managed to get it to fit in my pocket.)
On a few personal notes, I would recommend flashing it with cm10.1 after getting it, I know it has Bluetooth working with more if not all Bluetooth profiles, and I noticed a lot better compatibility with apps I previously couldn't install from the Google play store.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
stunts513 said:
OK lemme give a shot at what I can answer.
1. Yes after you root it you can use the Google play store and at the same time use the amazon store.
2. As far as I know this is a yes, unless the app is incompatible.
3. This is a bit of an unknown to me, I have seen a thread where people were discussing different GPS dongles they were using with their hd's.yes this in the 8” section but it should be useful if u are curious. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2251882
4. Kindle fire he's come with built in Bluetooth, but I don't know what all profiles work with it, last I checked it couldn't pair my earpiece to use with Skype.
5. I am not very sure about this, I have a fold over rotation case and I don't take my kindle out of the house too often, though I did ride my bike a few miles with it in my pocket(yes somehow I managed to get it to fit in my pocket.)
On a few personal notes, I would recommend flashing it with cm10.1 after getting it, I know it has Bluetooth working with more if not all Bluetooth profiles, and I noticed a lot better compatibility with apps I previously couldn't install from the Google play store.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You, sir, are a great help. Thank you very much for your time responding!
Hello.
First of all, Google apps don't come installed on the Kindle, obviously, as Google is the rival to Amazon business.
You need to root and install them, but there are a few tutorials about that, even an automatic program that makes easily the process(http://forum.xda-developers.com)./showthread.php?t=2096888.
Then, is a bit confusing, but your account of Google Play is like the hat of Marvin Gaye, your home is where you put your password(even you can have different homes.....). Other thing is compatibility, but all your good earned apps go with you. You only have to enter the Market and look at a symbol like a "_" and an arrow pointing over to it. That's where you can download your apps again or update them easily. On the Amazon side, the account can coexist with the Google one, but it can only be active on one Kindle, as the Amazon apps are signed and they check if you've purchased them.
About tethering GPS from a Windows phone, you need an app that transforms it into a GPS dongle. I don't know if it exist yet, but you can test with a friend's android phone. Apps like "GPS Bluetooth output"(Meowbox)(paid but they have a demo that works a minute...). Then you must pair your phone with the tablet. Yes, the Kindle has fully working bluetooth.
A tricky part of the process is to allow "Mock locations" inside the Dev Settings, the only way to cheat the Kindle system with "foreign" coordinates. It is achieved easily with an app called "Kindle Fire HD Extended Settings" that you can pick here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2124384 and install an app in the Kindle side called "Bluetooth GPS Provider"(Michael Chourdakis). This is a very basic program that refuses to connect, but the only method actually working.
For durability, see the videos......... if you dare....:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WETTX2tGxk
http://cnettv.cnet.com/torture-testing-new-kindle-fire-hd/9742-1_53-50132749.html
I've dropped my kindle fire hd 7 inch down stairs and nothing happened I've done so many drop tests
sent from Google chrome
Thank you for the responses!
It sounds like it will be an excellent fit for me!