Related
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.
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!
I have been using Nook HD+(10inch) running Carbon rom in EMMC. It works pretty well. That and my GN2. When I originally brought the HD+ I was looking at the screen resolution as my primary concern as I use my tablet mainly for reading manga and watching movie. And it does that perfectly well. Now that the 7inch have just updated(Nexus 7 and assuming the new KFHD will follow) to have at least FHD resolution, I'm thinking maybe getting 7-inch tablet to replace the 10-inch is not such a bad idea. While I still concern about the resolution being so cram that any manga reading would be terrible, but I can try doing so simulation to experience with that. And that would be just any HD 7-inch tablet in general. My concern in choosing the variant of 7-inch would be the eco-system since it would look like either the new 2013 Nexus 7 or the new KFHD would be 2 obvious choice. Right now I have app in both Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, but since neither of my phone or tablet is Kindle based it's hard to judge. The problem I have right now is the Amazon App Store, for many time it seem after each update of Amazon App Store it force me to re-login. That alone isn't so bad, but combining the fact that Amazon App Store now doesn't allow you to paste the password in, this is a big issue for me as I use(and should be using) a long complex password. So this brought me to the questions.
1. How does the KFHD work in regarding the app management and the app store service? Does it work as well as normal android using Google Play Store?
2. Does the KF experience allow you to have Google Play Store work in conjunction with? I know the Nook UI was terrible with this prior to the official support.
3. Since I also have Prime, I know I could use watch FHD content on the KFHD, but IF say custom rom on the new KFHD is possible(still not sure is that a good idea yet nor would the new device be a total lock down) would an Amazon video would still works? I know this is more like education guess at this point, but I think the better question would be; based on the past experience how does Amazon support or restrict the mod community effect the experience? I know that was one of the problem comparing Nook HD to the KFHD, since the Nook HD hardware was more open than the KFHD, meaning easier to get custom rom running.
Any constructive advices are also appreciated.
Thanks,
someone0 said:
I have been using Nook HD+(10inch) running Carbon rom in EMMC. It works pretty well. That and my GN2. When I originally brought the HD+ I was looking at the screen resolution as my primary concern as I use my tablet mainly for reading manga and watching movie. And it does that perfectly well. Now that the 7inch have just updated(Nexus 7 and assuming the new KFHD will follow) to have at least FHD resolution, I'm thinking maybe getting 7-inch tablet to replace the 10-inch is not such a bad idea. While I still concern about the resolution being so cram that any manga reading would be terrible, but I can try doing so simulation to experience with that. And that would be just any HD 7-inch tablet in general. My concern in choosing the variant of 7-inch would be the eco-system since it would look like either the new 2013 Nexus 7 or the new KFHD would be 2 obvious choice. Right now I have app in both Google Play Store and Amazon App Store, but since neither of my phone or tablet is Kindle based it's hard to judge. The problem I have right now is the Amazon App Store, for many time it seem after each update of Amazon App Store it force me to re-login. That alone isn't so bad, but combining the fact that Amazon App Store now doesn't allow you to paste the password in, this is a big issue for me as I use(and should be using) a long complex password. So this brought me to the questions.
1. How does the KFHD work in regarding the app management and the app store service? Does it work as well as normal android using Google Play Store?
2. Does the KF experience allow you to have Google Play Store work in conjunction with? I know the Nook UI was terrible with this prior to the official support.
3. Since I also have Prime, I know I could use watch FHD content on the KFHD, but IF say custom rom on the new KFHD is possible(still not sure is that a good idea yet nor would the new device be a total lock down) would an Amazon video would still works? I know this is more like education guess at this point, but I think the better question would be; based on the past experience how does Amazon support or restrict the mod community effect the experience? I know that was one of the problem comparing Nook HD to the KFHD, since the Nook HD hardware was more open than the KFHD, meaning easier to get custom rom running.
Any constructive advices are also appreciated.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK lemme try to answer this to the best of my abilities:
1. If you are asking does the amazon store work decently then yes it works pretty well, and everything u buy will show up in your cloud so u don't have to go to the store and search for it to reinstall it, u just goto ur cloud to do so. Personally I don't like the amazon store as much because IMHO it seems like I could sometimes find newer versions of apps I bought there in the Google store, but that was only in some cases.
2.Google play store works just fine. The Google play store does work in conjunction with the amazon store in a sense, as far as I know if it recognizes an app from the Amazon store and let's say its a free app and the Google store has a more up to date version it will let u update it, but in terms of using both at once they work fine, just don't ever update amazon apps that show up in Google play store as they mess up when updated, and u have to uninstall them.
3. We indeed have custom roms, I am currently on one myself, jesters tablet ui of hashcode's cm10.1. Unfortunately as far as I know there is no way to watch amazon movies on a alternate ROM outside of using flash player on their site, and keep in mind flash player is quite buggy on jb since adobe decided to stop supporting android... My flash player tends to crash when watching videos online if I click inside the flash player more than around 8 times.
Also thought I'd mention from experience I enjoy reading tons of manga on my kindle HD 7”, don't know if u have have been using a web browser for it, but if u have I highly suggest getting a free app called quick manga from the Google play store, it supports a lot of sites and only dl's the picture and displays it while preloading the next few pages. It allows you to bookmark them, keeps track of your current chapter and page, and download chapters if u want for off line viewing as well. I love me some manga! I have over 227 manga total in my library, not all that are ongoing though. If you ever need manga suggestions feel free to pm me!
Hope I answered your questions, I was falling asleep reading manga and got on the forum to wake myself up so I wasn't exactly in the best condition while reading and replying to your questions.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
Thanks for the quick response. So KFHD won't just ask you to re-login every time there is the app store update? And say, when the next KFHD come out and your current one broke, would you buy the new one or the Nexus 7 considering if the new KFHD has FHD resolution also?
someone0 said:
Thanks for the quick response. So KFHD won't just ask you to re-login every time there is the app store update? And say, when the next KFHD come out and your current one broke, would you buy the new one or the Nexus 7 considering if the new KFHD has FHD resolution also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK to clear one thing up, on the amazon os, the amazon app store doesn't update, and if it does it does it with the is updates. The kindles linked to your account and always stays signed in unless you unlink it, or for some reason if you clear your cache and dalvik cache , that will also usually unlink it for me.
As to your other question I am not very sure, I have never had an android device before my kindle, I haven't had a cellphone in 2 years since I lost mine outside. The kindle I have is a gift and I am jobless, and after having experience using a kindle and flashing a new is on it I find it fun to do because I'm a PC tech. But I look at it this way, if a new kindle comes out, we will first have to find out how to root it, this may be the easier part. Second we would have to determine if its even feasible to be able to put a custom or 2nd boot loader on it like the past 3(not counting first gen because it was already unlocked). So if the new one came out and u wanted to get one right away the nexus would probably be a better idea unless you want to wait and see how the new one would be in terms of rooting and flashing. But personally since I haven't used any other tablets, the kindle has grown on me, so I would probably get the new one if I could assuming the conditions above could be met.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
someone0 said:
And say, when the next KFHD come out and your current one broke, would you buy the new one or the Nexus 7 considering if the new KFHD has FHD resolution also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a former Nexus 7 (2012 version) owner for 10 months, I have an opinion
Assuming the new KFHD has FHD like the new Nexus 7, I would buy a new KFHD. Once rooted, the Kindle offers the full Amazon content and UI that I enjoy since I am a prime member, and the minimal UI that a third-party launcher (like Nova) offers. This is how I have my current KFHD configured. All the Google apps like Hangouts, Google+, etc, plus Amazon content.
The Nexus 7 offers a pure Android experience, but to be honest, I like do not like Google Play Books, nor do I like Google Play Movies. Since I am Prime, Google cannot compete with Amazon Prime books and instant video streaming. Oh, and I love Kindle Free Time unlimited kids's content for $3 per month.
But... if I were not Prime, then I would get a new Nexus 7 (2013) instead of a new KFHD FHD tablet.
Just one guy's opinion.
-T
If you want the benefits of the Amazon side of things AND those of the Google side of things, go for the custom ROM called Kinology. It's the stock OS with the Google services stack installed, along with some of the annoyances fixed and a few extra features.
Thank you, I will keep an eye out for that custom rom. I would not have known that if I didn't post the question nor dig deeply in the KFHD scene.
JulianPaoloThiry said:
If you want the benefits of the Amazon side of things AND those of the Google side of things, go for the custom ROM called Kinology. It's the stock OS with the Google services stack installed, along with some of the annoyances fixed and a few extra features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty much like you, T-Bone, while I'm using Nook HD+, ,y launcher of choice has always been Nova. And generally, I would not install the additional google store myself. Never touch those book/music/etc store and sometime I even use Titanium backup and force remove those stuff myself.
T-BoneFL said:
As a former Nexus 7 (2012 version) owner for 10 months, I have an opinion
Assuming the new KFHD has FHD like the new Nexus 7, I would buy a new KFHD. Once rooted, the Kindle offers the full Amazon content and UI that I enjoy since I am a prime member, and the minimal UI that a third-party launcher (like Nova) offers. This is how I have my current KFHD configured. All the Google apps like Hangouts, Google+, etc, plus Amazon content.
The Nexus 7 offers a pure Android experience, but to be honest, I like do not like Google Play Books, nor do I like Google Play Movies. Since I am Prime, Google cannot compete with Amazon Prime books and instant video streaming. Oh, and I love Kindle Free Time unlimited kids's content for $3 per month.
But... if I were not Prime, then I would get a new Nexus 7 (2013) instead of a new KFHD FHD tablet.
Just one guy's opinion.
-T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that mean, I'll wait for Amazon announcement and pre-order the new KFHD if the apec goes according to the rumor. Thank you for all your insightful input.
Hi all,
I would like to buy a Fire 7 (no HD, 2017 model) through the current offer on Amazon, to be exclusively used by my parents for Skype videocalling. Unfortunately, the reviews on amazon.de based on its Skype ability are shared (from "works excellent" to "does not work at all") and all I found here was a thread from 2015 compalining about poor microfone reception.
So I would like to ask about your experiences with Skype in it, like how easy it is to install it, how is the camera, speakerphone and mic during a videocall etc. Please do share, it will be thoroughly appreciated.
Cheers!
billgs said:
Hi all,
I would like to buy a Fire 7 (no HD, 2017 model) through the current offer on Amazon, to be exclusively used by my parents for Skype videocalling. Unfortunately, the reviews on amazon.de based on its Skype ability are shared (from "works excellent" to "does not work at all") and all I found here was a thread from 2015 compalining about poor microfone reception.
So I would like to ask about your experiences with Skype in it, like how easy it is to install it, how is the camera, speakerphone and mic during a videocall etc. Please do share, it will be thoroughly appreciated.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend a Kindle Fire HD 8.9, the JEM version. You can root it, which unlocks the bootloader and you can flash a custom ROM. I don't use skype, even on my Fire 7, but the phone extension with Google Hangouts works really well with good WiFi connections on all my Fires, rooted or not. However on my 8.9, I can't get Hangouts Messages to work, but the phone extension works. Weird.
DragonFire1024 said:
I would recommend a Kindle Fire HD 8.9, the JEM version. You can root it, which unlocks the bootloader and you can flash a custom ROM. I don't use skype, even on my Fire 7, but the phone extension with Google Hangouts works really well with good WiFi connections on all my Fires, rooted or not. However on my 8.9, I can't get Hangouts Messages to work, but the phone extension works. Weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, however I have ATM no choice of hardware because of time restrictions, I can only have the Fire 7 2017 variant which sells for Amazon Prime members for 45 Euros. Since you mentioned that you have a Fire 7, could you please check if Skype is working? That would be really cool!
billgs said:
Thanks for the reply, however I have ATM no choice of hardware because of time restrictions, I can only have the Fire 7 2017 variant which sells for Amazon Prime members for 45 Euros. Since you mentioned that you have a Fire 7, could you please check if Skype is working? That would be really cool!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A quick look a reviews from the (badly outdated) Skype app in the Amazon store suggests a less than satisfying experience. I suspect Skype will perform poorly on FireOS reinforced by Microsoft's lack of interest in maintaining an Amazon specific variant. FireOS is loosely based on Android 5.1 (lollipop) which is getting long in the tooth. Think you are heading into choppy waters for the intended use.
I installed Skype 7.46.0.596 (from apkmirror, as usual) on my Fire 5th (LinOS 12.1), reactivated my almost-dead account, and ran a few basic tests (echo service), only to find that all my friends have moved to other services. Thus I didn't pursue this any further, but I vaguely remember the echo stuttering - may have been my uplink though. Not sure whether this helps at all...
(I've been called on Telegram by someone owning a Fire7 5th, running an older LinOS, and there were no audio issues.)
steve8x8 said:
I installed Skype 7.46.0.596 (from apkmirror, as usual) on my Fire 5th (LinOS 12.1), reactivated my almost-dead account, and ran a few basic tests (echo service), only to find that all my friends have moved to other services. Thus I didn't pursue this any further, but I vaguely remember the echo stuttering - may have been my uplink though. Not sure whether this helps at all...
(I've been called on Telegram by someone owning a Fire7 5th, running an older LinOS, and there were no audio issues.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon makes some really great tablets, but a not so great OS. Blows my mind why they restrict so much on these things. I have a custom ROM on my 8.9. it went from Android 4.0 to 6.0. I tested a 5.1 ROM and there is a 7.1 to which I've not gone to get. I'm really loving this Temasek CM13 ROM.
DragonFire1024 said:
Amazon makes some really great tablets, but a not so great OS. Blows my mind why they restrict so much on these things. I have a custom ROM on my 8.9. it went from Android 4.0 to 6.0. I tested a 5.1 ROM and there is a 7.1 to which I've not gone to get. I'm really loving this Temasek CM13 ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You already know the answer. Amazon isn't marketing a general purpose tablet. Fire branded gadgets are designed to be captive portals to Amazon's expansive ecosystem. Nothing more.
My kids have a fire 7 5th and 7th gen. Someone suggested you can remove the Fire OS via a rom. But looking around that doesn't seem possible for many variants.
The tablets have got super slow and the kids just aren't using them as much as they used to be, also they want the Google Play stuff (and I want family link to keep an eye on their apps!) So it seems a win win situation albeit not possible...?
Am I out of luck? Thanks
Lothaen said:
My kids have a fire 7 5th and 7th gen. Someone suggested you can remove the Fire OS via a rom. But looking around that doesn't seem possible for many variants.
The tablets have got super slow and the kids just aren't using them as much as they used to be, also they want the Google Play stuff (and I want family link to keep an eye on their apps!) So it seems a win win situation albeit not possible...?
Am I out of luck? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROMs exist for both variants but you'll have some geeky prep work to do (unlocking bootloader) which can easily consume a weekend if you're new to the game. A more expeditious path is to simply reinstall FireOS which will restore speed (for awhile) but not bring Google Play access. Alternatively, look at the $64 USD 8" Onn tablet from Walmart which runs the latest version of (almost) pure Android and is highly usable out of the box. That said, most kids shy away from clunky tablets once in school. Give some thought to a prepaid phone which are heavily discounted at most retailers. Just don't activate it which yields a great WiFi only gizmo for Junior which can be turned into a 'real' phone when s(he) is ready. Good luck.
It's a fair point. The kids play Pokémon go on old phones as the tablets don't so much.