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
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
My daughter just got a Kindle Fire HD, and it's great for her, except for that horrible carousel (books sent to my iPad show up on her Kindle) and the parental controls are lacking -- no way to block or password-protect cloud content in the reading app. Is there any way around these limitations without rooting? The main reason I don't want to root is so she doesn't lose access to Prime streaming video and purchased music.
Um you don't lose access to prime video unless you are on a first gen kindle fire if I remember right, and I have never heard of losing access to your music though. Though when I did use Amazon's os, I used Google and its cloud for music because amazon has a way lower limit for the mp3 cloud that's free compared to Google, I believe they measure theirs in hours instead of songs now, whereas Google gives me 20,000 songs storage space in the cloud for free. Not sure how things stand as of now though since I haven't been running Amazon's os in months.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD using xda app-developers app
You need to have root access to get rid of the carousel. The only way to get rid of it is to install a second launcher to "/system/app," such as Nova or Apex. Also, deleting the carousel may not be a good idea. I think the Kindle's software kind of depends on it (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). The carousel is the only way to access the Kindle reading app (unless you're rooted, in which case the command "am start -a com.amazon.kindle.otter.action.SHOW_BOOKS" will launch the Kindle app).
Short answer is no, you can't get rid of the carousel without rooting.
[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.
I picked up a Fire 10 HD 2017 version, and followed guides here to add Google Play (and other 3 associated APK files), which works great. - I was able to installed several Google apps and other apps from the Google Play store.
However, I have hit a roadblock with YouTube TV (not regular YouTube) - Google's streaming TV service. They have a free trial if anyone wants to test this out, but I get an error screen on launch that says "We can't determine your device's location" - and I can't get it to load. All the settings for Location-Based Services are toggled on (overall and specific to the app, and all apps). I have tried with option for Google Play as a Device Administrator both checked and unchecked. Google Maps detects my location and works fine. I am not running any VPN or similar apps, so this is purely GPS based. Tried to use a fake GPS location app (and allow that in developer settings) but that didn't help.
From what I have read, others have had GPS problems - some sort of conflict between the Amazon GPS and the Google GPS expectations. Something about "AGPS" being limited in some ways on the Fire 10 HD.
Has anyone seen this issue and found a workaround or solution? Could be for a related app maybe. I was also unable to get streams to play in the Chrome browser, which would be a fine workaround, so I need something to work here. One of the main purposes of a tablet for me will be YouTube TV. Thanks - appreciate any help.
I'm having the same issue with the Hulu app and the Maps app that comes with the Fire HD 10. I installed Google Play Store and Google Maps (using the APKs like you). Google Maps didn't work at first, however after DISabling the tablet's location services and trying Google Maps again, I got a prompt for enabling current location for Google to which I clicked on yes. Now Google Maps is working!! Sadly, the generic Maps app and Hulu are still not working. Have you had any more luck?
P.S. after speaking with an Amazon tier 2 support rep, they said they are going to get in touch with a developer and get Hulu working. I'll believe it when I see it!