Noob advice: The current state of Kindle fire custom ROMs - Kindle Fire General

Hi,
(I already have experience with rooting and installing custom roms on my HTC desire.)
A colleague of mine will travel to the US in a few days, and we where thinking of having him buy and bring back two Kindle Fires from there.
I have a few questions about the feasibility of this, and would be very grateful for some info, to avoid spending .
The infos in this forum are very extensive, and it is very difficult to keep the overview (especially since things change so rapidly).
1. How well are the custom roms working at the moment? Are they ready to be used in actual work environments, or are they still too experimental for this?
2. I want a very minimalist rom, the vanilla Google experience (my favourite on the HTC was Oxygen ROM). Any recommendations? ICS would be great, but Gingerbread would be okay, too. Most important is stability.
3. When I will try rooting and flashing the devices that will take place in Europe. Could this cause problems? E.g., the Amazon Marketplace is inaccessible from here (blocks non-US IPs). I assume that wont matter, just wanted to make sure.
Thanks for your help in advance!
rhhd

1:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1533001
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1556910
2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475054
3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1519456
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1547252
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1393862
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1288862
maybe this one is also interesting for you:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1382360

CM7 is nice. Completely stable. You'd probably like Barebones CM7. I was using Standing on the Shoulders of Giants CM7 ROM and loved it.
But...I really wanted ICS, so I flashed CM9. It's beautiful, and very stable, however due to no hardware acceleration (yet) you won't have flash and some games seem to not work.
With all that said, stick to flashing a CM7 Rom and you'll be happy, IMO.

Thanks for the responses.
ChicagoGOBLUE said:
due to no hardware acceleration (yet) you won't have flash and some games seem to not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this also means no hi-res video support, right?
Or do is just need to have the right app for that?

right - allthrough you can do hi res video with software like mx player does
but this will result in low framerates (stuttering depending on the source) and high battery usage

Thanks again!
One more question: I just noticed the Kindle Fire has only one physical button (power). The Nook Color has at least a few more (Power, Home, Vol+, Vol-).
Is that an annoyance in everyday life on the Kindle? On my HTC I am kind of glad about the Home, Back, Menu and Volume buttons...
(We haven't yet made a final decision between Kindle and Nook.)

there are softbuttons for all this functions and i learned to live with it
in the meantime it is a bit strange for me when i take the gtab from my wife with the hardbuttons
no problem at all ...

rhhd said:
Thanks again!
One more question: I just noticed the Kindle Fire has only one physical button (power). The Nook Color has at least a few more (Power, Home, Vol+, Vol-).
Is that an annoyance in everyday life on the Kindle? On my HTC I am kind of glad about the Home, Back, Menu and Volume buttons...
(We haven't yet made a final decision between Kindle and Nook.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not gonna lie, the lack of physical volume buttons drives me crazy. Livable now that I have CM9, but if using CM7 the 'volume control' app/widget/whatever, is a good option.

The lack of physical buttons on the kindle fire is a lucky break for developers as ICS is built with soft buttons in mind for the major functions of the OS so the one button isn't really a big problem. If google decides to go back to relying on physical buttons in jelly bean then the kindles custom rom future will be up in the air. For now if I were you i'd stick with CM7 until the developers have a chance to perfect the new kernel they're working on that will allow for better graphics among many other improvements.

I bought and registered my Kindle while I was in the states and I haven't had any problems with it here in Europe. I used the stock ROM for a few months and was only able to access the US Amazon, though I'm American so I don't know how that will effect you.
As for the soft buttons, I didn't have any problems with it. I thought the KF's stock ROM organized it pretty well; it was really easy to access the volume and brightness controls. The only thing I didn't like was that the bottom task bar was really big and, although it shrinks when you have full screen on, I was still annoyed by it. CM7 doesn't have that problem, though as someone else mentioned, apps are necessary to comfortably access volume control.
To sumarize, I think it was worth getting. I'm happy with it.

Related

Huawei s7 slim wins... my weekend with Nook color, Acer A500 and the new S7 slim

I will revisit this soon with a full comparison... but in the end I kept the s7 slim
in the end..the a500 is going back....the nook color is going back...and of all three that I tried over the weekend...I am actually keeping the s7 slim. The screen though not as bright had much deeper colors and was much crisper. The UI is fantastic and I didn't get all of the choppiness and lag that was present on web pages and videos on the a500.
the really cool thing about the a500 is that usb port...I could see many people using that for photography etc...but I do caution you...compared to other screen side by side the a500 just didn't display depth and color well at all.
I also had some issues with wacky things like That wifi issue some are having is really odd...mine may have been doing it as well ..all I know is the screen kept waking...over an hour period just sitting there it would occasionally wake ..then sleep..then wake...about every 10 minutes or so it would wake to the lockscreen for 5 minutes.
The external sd card cannot be read via a computer, you have to remove it and add etc via a reader
Stupid Short power cord, and the lack of USB charging of the unit
Ridiculously bad about finger prints and smudges (I know I know..a screen protector would help here..but this was just out of the box comparison of the three)
I am sure some of the issue with the a500 will be solved over time if the Devs can get a working recovery on it.
All three were ridiculously easy to root...but there really is no good recovery option for the a500 or s7 slim yet. I am sure this will be solved over time.
The rooted nook had a real "neato" factor..but hardly practical for my use. After an hour or two navigating through the menus and hitting softkeys and downloading some apps I knew it would be going back.
Well...I am torn now...I figured out how to fully root 1.2 on the Nook and I have to say...this thing rocks!!!!!
Wish I had read this first
Rooting the NC 1.2 is basically worthless. I spent most of a day getting a CM7 mod running on it, and while this is kind of cool, its underpowered compared to a huawei out of the box. The only benefit that I found when rooting / flashing the NC, is that its really easy to restore to stock. I have another 10 days or so to return it, but I've basically come to the decision that the S7 seems well worth an extra $50. You mention the lack of a good recovery option... does this mean the S7 slim is easy to brick?
I'm new to rooting android devices... and I don't really want a $300 paperweight.
Well...I jacked with mine for 2 weeks and didn't brick it...I was always able to get into the system settings menu and restore it.
It is possible though...with lack of a recovery there is no way to run custom roms etc ...
the nook was cool but I couldn't get everything working. I almost changed my mind and kept the nook... but in the end I actually took all 3 back. I found that I was doing far tooo much work to make any one of the three operate the way I wanted.
The s7 and the iconia have no recovery option...and there doesn't seem to be much development
I will give it a few months and see what else is out there and what progress has been made in development
Actually I have the nook and will return the slim tommorow to best buy.
Nook has the best display from every viewing angle and tons of developers (I run with cyanogenmod 7.0.3) fully stable no problem whatsoever. And with the new nook apps I can read magazine now.
the Slim 7 has problem from the start
1. google account (like market) cant connect to the server with wifi and the work around you need to factory reset.
2. You cant install any 3rd party launcher without soft bricking the device after reboot.
3. the speaker keep making chirp sound whenever you touch the screen or home,setting and back button.
4. the stock launcher eat so much memory, only set in landscape mode and so buggy.
Unless someone start developing a custom rom the s7 not ready for primetime.
i have to admit it has killer hardware specs.

Pros and Cons of CM7 on KF?

Hi, the reasons I've bought the Kindle Fire was that I wanted a cheap tablet on one hand (whilst it's quite capable HW-wise) and it's ability to be customized (it's capacity to have 3rd party roms on it, etc) on the other. On that second point I'm sure that the community will work its magic in the coming months: my dilemma however is with what I should do with the Fire I *currently* have...
I've received it a couple of days ago and I found out that the vanilla ROM seems quite alright on in itself. It seems limited, but as long as one roots and installs the Market (almost) the whole of Android force is unleashed. The UI is not always functional but it does feel as a breath of fresh air in a landscape which is tatterered with clones of the same thing (Google's UI)...
Anyhow the purpose of this thread -as the topic title states- is to weigh whether the installation of CM7 on KF is a justifiable move (given what we have at hand) for everyday use. I do own other android devices as well and installing CM flavours there was -often- an easy move given the benefits (more hardware capabilities, cleaner/faster UI, etc).
But on KF things seem to be less clear cut. For one CM7 doesn't seem to do more than what the stock rom already achieves in either the hardware side of things (no new "function" is enabled) *or* the software side (the lag is still there, and Amazon has/had already done an admirable job to keep her device working without the need of any physical buttons).
So my question is to those who already made the move to CM7 for daily usage. Was it worth it for any non experimental purposes? Were there any discernable benefits compared to stock? (I mean considering how the situation is right *now*, not how things *can* be).
Thanks for your attention and sorry for the length of this post, it's only that this is the first time that I find myself in front of such a dilemma. Before KF I would often install CM on my device no questions asked, but now things seem less clear cut. Your opinions will be valued - again, thank you.
For everyday use i find CM7 more useful simply because the Fire launcher is convoluted. Nothing you cant achieve with a launcher, however launchers tend make pior use of the sceeen real estate. Also no need to worry aboit the root removing OTA updates.
The only downside i have with CM7 right now is the lacl of volume softkeys
The Anthem said:
For everyday use i find CM7 more useful simply because the Fire launcher is convoluted. Nothing you cant achieve with a launcher, however launchers tend make pior use of the sceeen real estate. Also no need to worry aboit the root removing OTA updates.
The only downside i have with CM7 right now is the lacl of volume softkeys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, but how can a mere launcher be the whole reason to change a Rom? Why can't -one- siimply install one from the market?
The Anthem said:
Also no need to worry aboit the root removing OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO, this is the main reason to install CM7.
The Anthem said:
The only downside i have with CM7 right now is the lacl of volume softkeys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is workaround for this, I do not remember, but somewhere in the forum
gett said:
IMHO, this is the main reason to install CM7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I haven't tried CM7 is that I have had Amazon Prime for a long time and like to use Amazon's services.
Originally Posted by The Anthem
The only downside i have with CM7 right now is the lacl of volume softkeys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is workaround for this, I do not remember, but somewhere in the forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Volume Control" from the Android Market is great - it puts a volume slider that auto-hides on the edge of the screen.
Pros: It does everything the kindle does at stock and then more (If you want to use emulators and games, I would recommend it).
Cons: It is hard to set up the stock amazon apps on CM7, although possible. There is also a small chance of bricking your device if you do everything totally wrong and for some reason (like not following directions) cannot unbrick using the known methods.
The main difference for me has been that I can use different PDF software to read PDFs more clearly and that I can play emulators on it.
A con for cm7 right now is the CPU constantly being at 1008mhz when wifi is on...at least for me. I tried the mac address fix but it didn't work.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
For me I feel CM7 gives you that tablet feel more so than the Amazon UI. Having customization is always one of the main things I look for. I do have Amazon Prime however I hardly use any of their services besides the shipping. (Netflix > Amazon Instant Video)
Also if you do everything right and make a back up of your stock, you can always revert back to it if you don't like what you see.
The browser is smother on cm7 silk loads a bit faster, but the scrolling feels smoother on cm7, also in stock firmware when you go full screen you cant get rid of the gray bar, on cm you can hide it and show it as much as you want.
How ever... i feel that battery life is a bit shorter, but not much, I don't know if anyone else has that feeling.
there are no cons to CM7. ITS THE GREATEST software. I just got finished with ice cream sammich and that is boring as heck. Flashing back to CM7 and leaving my Vision in the ice cream.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
there are no cons to CM7. ITS THE GREATEST software. I just got finished with ice cream sammich and that is boring as heck. Flashing back to CM7 and leaving my Vision in the ice cream.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got to be kidding me...
Winglerw28 said:
Pros: It does everything the kindle does at stock and then more (If you want to use emulators and games, I would recommend it).
Cons: It is hard to set up the stock amazon apps on CM7, although possible. There is also a small chance of bricking your device if you do everything totally wrong and for some reason (like not following directions) cannot unbrick using the known methods.
The main difference for me has been that I can use different PDF software to read PDFs more clearly and that I can play emulators on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I got chrono cross working so its been great. I agree with the pdfs as well studying for some it certs so its been really helpful.
androidcues said:
there are no cons to CM7. ITS THE GREATEST software. I just got finished with ice cream sammich and that is boring as heck. Flashing back to CM7 and leaving my Vision in the ice cream.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... this is your brain on drugs.
GBH2 said:
"Volume Control" from the Android Market is great - it puts a volume slider that auto-hides on the edge of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which volume control, there are seven of them?
THX
cuban11182 said:
Which volume control, there are seven of them?
THX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://market.android.com/details?id=rubberbigpepper.VolumeControl
imo this should be included with the rom
I am running CM7 as a daily ROM at the moment, and I can say that it is much better than the Amazon stock ROM. When running stock you have to worry about OTA updates that can potentially remove root access and prevent it from being acquired again (until a workaround is found). Also, for me at least, CM7 seems to run much better than the stock ROM did, with little to no lag.
GBH2 said:
The only reason I haven't tried CM7 is that I have had Amazon Prime for a long time and like to use Amazon's services.
"Volume Control" from the Android Market is great - it puts a volume slider that auto-hides on the edge of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you have Amazon Prime you can use Amazon services still. You just have to download the apps onto CM7. I have done this, but I forgot where I got the apk files.
A couple more notes on CM7 v Stock
I no longer have the issue where the Fire wont wake and I have to hold power for a reboot.
Inputs seem more responsive, I no longer have to press things multiple times or them to work, mainly back button was problematic.
Much greater app compatibility in the Marketplace.
Also, thanks for he volume control, just what I needed.
ragul40 said:
Even if you have Amazon Prime you can use Amazon services still. You just have to download the apps onto CM7. I have done this, but I forgot where I got the apk files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I may have been misinformed. I have Amazon Prime, have for years. I realize that I can still install the Kindle app and other Amazon apps, but can I still receive Amazon Prime free Streaming videos and free Kindle owners lending library, etc. if I switch over to CM7?
I rooted just the other day, I run cm7 on all my other devices, I do not have interest in it beyond the app swap option and swipe lock screen. The stock build + market is all I need at this point. When cm7 develops into a fully stable option I will certainly switch but for now I don't reccomend it.

The Two ICS ROMs

So, there's Kindle Zone (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1430160), and there's the ICS for Kindle (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1411895).
If there's anyone here that uses either, I have a lot of questions.
1. What are their pros/cons?
2. Do both have working audio/video and wifi?
3. Which one crashes more?
4. I know that the ICS for Kindle ROM is based on CM9, but what about Kindle Zone?
And finally, which one would BEST be used as a daily driver?
Thanks!
Thats an easy question to answer , the one by JackpotCalvin , It easily has more features than that of kindle zone because one kindle zone doesn't even have working video and the things that JC is starting to integrate into the rom are processing the rom along to become an official rom of CM
Doesn't Kindle Zone have audio/video, just not HD?
So what you're saying is, if I use JC's, I'll have better support in the future?
The reported random SoD crashes seem to be scaring me a bit.
The thread itself warning not to use it as a daily driver is a bit unnerving as well.
EDIT: This (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1411895) is JC's ROM, right?
clichename122 said:
Doesn't Kindle Zone have audio/video, just not HD?
So what you're saying is, if I use JC's, I'll have better support in the future?
The reported random SoD crashes seem to be scaring me a bit.
EDIT: This (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1411895) is JC's ROM, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea Thats it and honestly i have never gotten the SoD and i think this only happened to people that were messing with it and effecting the base settings overall ive been watching this rom for some time now and i think it has progressed nicely in this short amount of time
ZzHacks said:
Yea Thats it and honestly i have never gotten the SoD and i think this only happened to people that were messing with it and effecting the base settings overall ive been watching this rom for some time now and i think it has progressed nicely in this short amount of time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All right, I'll go give it a whirl.
This is a bit unrelated, but can CWM and TWRP use the same flash file format, right? I see a lot of "TWRP" being used around here, but since I'm used to the galaxy nexus, I'd rather use CWM.
clichename122 said:
All right, I'll go give it a whirl.
This is a bit unrelated, but can CWM and TWRP use the same flash file format, right? I see a lot of "TWRP" being used around here, but since I'm used to the galaxy nexus, I'd rather use CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea honestly i would stick would CWM but on my kindle fire im using TWRP because since the kindle fire only has one hardware button CWM might be confusing for a few people but TWRP is all touch screen so its easy to use and easy to function. If you want I think there starting to make CWM Fucntion on Kindle Fire by using on screen buttons i think i might give it a whirl too
*Sources*
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1454241
ZzHacks said:
...TWRP because since the kindle fire only has one hardware button CWM might be confusing for a few people but TWRP is all touch screen so its easy to use and easy to function. If you want I think there starting to make CWM Fucntion on Kindle Fire by using on screen buttons i think i might give it a whirl too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) TWRP has been discontinued.
2) There is a CWM that has touch control. Works great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1454241
krelvinaz said:
1) TWRP has been discontinued.
2) There is a CWM that has touch control. Works great.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1454241
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i shall flash A.S.A.P
Zone is based on JackpotCalvin's rom
Kindle Zone is based on JackpotCalvin's rom, even it is mentioned there.
Zone is made from Jackpots source. Icons look nice but but the updates will probably come slower to zone. Everything seems to be going well with the newest JC build for me. Wifi works, no FCs sound is good. Occasionally its hard to wake the device but its pretty solid. I like the interface better than the CM7 one so I'm going to stick with it for my DD. I only have my KF to tinker with though so my requirements for a DD are a little low
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda premium

Rooted Stock vs ICS

I've been playing around with several of the great ICS Roms for the Kindle Fire, especially once the 3.0 kernel really got rolling. Since this is the only device I currently have that can run any type of ICS, it's still fairly new to me. I was wondering what advantages people saw to ICS on the KF vs. using a rooted version of stock (like MoDaCo), and vice versa.
Please note, this isn't in any way meant to disparage the great work all the devs are doing with the kernel and different ICS Roms.
Here's my initial take (and please note, these are just my opinions), but would love more opinions.
Rooted stock
1. Stock reader: To me, the reader on the stock (or rooter stock) rom is much better than the Kindle for Android app
2. Kindle Fire apps: If you bought any, like I did before I started changing roms around, than you can still use these. Haven't been able to do so (yet) with any of the ICS roms
3. Market: Because it's rooted, I still have access to Google Play as well (limited to Gingerbread apps I'm sure) (don't know if this is really an advantage per se, but I thought it was a worthwhile point)
4. Battery: I had better battery life with the stock rom than with any of the ICS roms (*Note*: I know this item is likely temporary, since a lot of work is going into the 3.0 kernel)
5. Stability: Obviously, the ICS/3.0 items are still being worked on, so for now, the stock is likely going to experience fewer things like FCs and dropped WiFi (*Note*: Again, i'm sure this is temporary)
ICS
1. Interface: Likely a big reason many people switch over, the ICS interface is (to me) much cleaner and more user-friendly. Also, more customizable
1a. Tablet specific: Since ICS was created for for phones and tablets, the interface also works really well for a tablet, instead of just being a port of a phone interface.
2. USB OTG: I know this is a big point for a lot of people with the 3.0 kernel development, but having this even working a little is definitely a bonus
Thanks all.
The modaco rooted stock also has kindle owners lending library and amazon instant video. The ics doesn't.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
ICS is faster and more customizable. I think that's reason enough for me.
Dropped wifi is damn annoying but I'll live with it until something can be done.
Battery life for me has been about the same for me with stock and ICS though.
In the end, it's all about the apps for me so stock wins out over ICS. But the interface is so much smoother on ICS, and because hardware acceleration works it's now a much tougher choice to make.
Aesrys said:
I've been playing around with several of the great ICS Roms for the Kindle Fire, especially once the 3.0 kernel really got rolling. Since this is the only device I currently have that can run any type of ICS, it's still fairly new to me. I was wondering what advantages people saw to ICS on the KF vs. using a rooted version of stock (like MoDaCo), and vice versa.
Please note, this isn't in any way meant to disparage the great work all the devs are doing with the kernel and different ICS Roms.
Here's my initial take (and please note, these are just my opinions), but would love more opinions.
Rooted stock
1. Stock reader: To me, the reader on the stock (or rooter stock) rom is much better than the Kindle for Android app
2. Kindle Fire apps: If you bought any, like I did before I started changing roms around, than you can still use these. Haven't been able to do so (yet) with any of the ICS roms
3. Market: Because it's rooted, I still have access to Google Play as well (limited to Gingerbread apps I'm sure) (don't know if this is really an advantage per se, but I thought it was a worthwhile point)
4. Battery: I had better battery life with the stock rom than with any of the ICS roms (*Note*: I know this item is likely temporary, since a lot of work is going into the 3.0 kernel)
5. Stability: Obviously, the ICS/3.0 items are still being worked on, so for now, the stock is likely going to experience fewer things like FCs and dropped WiFi (*Note*: Again, i'm sure this is temporary)
ICS
1. Interface: Likely a big reason many people switch over, the ICS interface is (to me) much cleaner and more user-friendly. Also, more customizable
1a. Tablet specific: Since ICS was created for for phones and tablets, the interface also works really well for a tablet, instead of just being a port of a phone interface.
2. USB OTG: I know this is a big point for a lot of people with the 3.0 kernel development, but having this even working a little is definitely a bonus
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooted stock.
1. It's actually the same all behind the scenes.. could be placebo that makes stock feel nicer.
2. Just download the amazon app store and any app you bought on amazon will be available on an device or os.
3. Google play is google play. Not sure about it being limited to anything though. I think it uses galaxy tab 10.1 build.prop.
4. Seems about the same to mee. Unles you are pre 4/28 kernel and your unit wad not deep sleeping right.
5. On energy ics with 4/28 kernel I have not yet dropped WiFi or had a single FC. But.on previous builds it was pretty unstable.
ICS.
1. It is nice, but not having the full screen for icons sucks. Is like an asop build at some point. Still better than stock 6.3 with go launcher.
2.USB host is kick ass..
Bottom line.
If you need book borrowing or amazon streaming then stock non rooted is really the best way to go. Of you could care leas about borrowing or streaming (srsly, netflix and hulu have twice the content and its not a dollar f-ing 99 PER episode!! wtf amazon.. 80 bucks a year for prime and that's how you do me? 1.99 per episode of New Girl? Die in a fire amazon...)
Ics on kindle is amazing I like to bring it to best buy and WoW the retarded pc sales guys.. lol.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Serinety said:
Rooted stock.
1. It's actually the same all behind the scenes.. could be placebo that makes stock feel nicer.
2. Just download the amazon app store and any app you bought on amazon will be available on an device or os.
3. Google play is google play. Not sure about it being limited to anything though. I think it uses galaxy tab 10.1 build.prop.
4. Seems about the same to mee. Unles you are pre 4/28 kernel and your unit wad not deep sleeping right.
5. On energy ics with 4/28 kernel I have not yet dropped WiFi or had a single FC. But.on previous builds it was pretty unstable.
ICS.
1. It is nice, but not having the full screen for icons sucks. Is like an asop build at some point. Still better than stock 6.3 with go launcher.
2.USB host is kick ass..
Bottom line.
If you need book borrowing or amazon streaming then stock non rooted is really the best way to go. Of you could care leas about borrowing or streaming (srsly, netflix and hulu have twice the content and its not a dollar f-ing 99 PER episode!! wtf amazon.. 80 bucks a year for prime and that's how you do me? 1.99 per episode of New Girl? Die in a fire amazon...)
Ics on kindle is amazing I like to bring it to best buy and WoW the retarded pc sales guys.. lol.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. A couple of counter-points to yours:
1. The stock reader is actually a bit different from the Kindle App. The stock reader handles things like margins and line spacing better than the android app. I tested this out with the same book on both. I think the ICS android app still needs some work, as the Gingerbread/CM7 version also looks better than than ICS one (my opinion).
2. Actually, even installing the Amazon App store will typically not let you install games/apps with the Kindle Fire Edition moniker. Most apps will work just fine, you're correct, but any of those specific ones (I think mostly games, but could be others) won't even show up, much less install. Folks have even tried the full titanium backup/restore with mixed results. So, if you don't have any of these kinds of apps, this is really a non-issue.
Thanks.
I was staying away from ICS due to lack of hw accel, but I switched over recently.
However, I saw that Wired magazine app doesn't work on ICS so I had to return back to stock.
Now, I'm considering dualbooting ICS with stock. It seems to be the most viable option.
Aesrys said:
1. Stock reader: To me, the reader on the stock (or rooter stock) rom is much better than the Kindle for Android app
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Click to collapse
Have you checked out an app called FBReader? Personally, I prefer it over the Kindle Reader app, and it could negate one of stock's "good points"...
Dasanko said:
Have you checked out an app called FBReader? Personally, I prefer it over the Kindle Reader app, and it could negate one of stock's "good points"...
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Click to collapse
No, I haven't heard of it, but I'll give it a look, thanks.
I've tried both and found ICS slower on calling up web pages.
I really don't see what it adds to the party over and above Modaco.
I would describe ICS as more like tossed salad as in it's all over the place.
Also Amazon Appstore wouldn't install or me on ICS. Maybe because I am outside the US
Any app that is designated as [Kindle Fire Edition] will only work on the stock KF. So that's something to think about when buying apps from Amazon Appstore. I really hate the KF UI and much prefer ICS. The home page carousel is the worst.
Android Cowboy said:
Any app that is designated as [Kindle Fire Edition] will only work on the stock KF. So that's something to think about when buying apps from Amazon Appstore. I really hate the KF UI and much prefer ICS. The home page carousel is the worst.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually able to get one Kindle Fire Edition app to work on ICS, Dead Space. Had to to a backup using Titanium Backup from MoDaCo and then restore to ICS. Of course, I likely won't get any updates. Funny thing is, this same process wouldn't work for 2 Gameloft games (DH2 and Asphalt 6).

Probably dumb questions

Not new to Android, the forum, etc... Just new to THIS device.
I am looking to get solid opinions on two things...
The best ROM for this tablet. But something stable, working properly, not a lot of bugs. There is a lot of cool development going on for this device, but trying to wade through it all can be a bit of a handful. I don't care about overclocked kernels and things like that. I just want something fast, stable, full featured, etc... Taking the stock ROM, and making it even better.
In the past, Cyanogen was the go to ROM for my DroidX. Blew me away. On the Rezound, my current fav is ViperREZ. Maybe that gives an indication of what I am looking for?
Second question, the launcher. My main goals are speed, eye candy and features. I have used Go, Apex and Nova on my phones, and Sense 4,0 is actually pretty slick. ADW was nice as well.
But are any of those really optimized for a tablet? I am looking for something that is very functional, but that also makes me say WOW! every time I use it.
Suggestions?
Sigh. So many threads asking about the "best" ROM.... why don't you just try them all and see which one you prefer. All have faults some more than others. You'll get different answers from everyone because everyone has different preferences on what's good.
It takes all of 1 minute to flash a ROM... you could quickly sift through the available ROM's to see which one catches your eye at first.
im using paranoid android. its based off of cm10 plus you can change switch between tablet mode, phone mode, and phablet mode on any app you have installed. until there is a full version of cm10 or aokp this looks like it will be my rom of choice. i agree with the post above, just flash some and see what you like i just chose to answer your question an not be a d about it. good luck and happy flashing
Well, playing with all of them, if there are known issues, which most of them have, can be like finding a needle in a hay stack, you know?
I will say though, that this launcher is impressive. I used it on my phone awhile back, but it had some glitches back then. It has been updated since then and on a tablet it makes a lot more sense.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spb.shell3d&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd
For now, hell, the ROM may not matter much as the UI is completely revamped and very cool.
I did say that it might be a dumb question. LOL
I wish CM10 was fully baked for this device, that would rock.
Bugless beast ROM is very smooth and stable with trinity kernel, mainly is AOSP
azoller1 said:
Bugless beast ROM is very smooth and stable with trinity kernel, mainly is AOSP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I will check that one out.
Anyone know how to take a screen cap with this device, on the stock ROM?
Is this app even working on tablets? Btw its cool but u will loose a lot of stock android features, at least i miss them there.
You could wait for charmeleon app, thats kind of a launcher app. You could google it. It will be released in september i think. It was a kickstarter project and i am a backer so i will get it this week already, i can report later if u want.
Zilol said:
Is this app even working on tablets? Btw its cool but u will loose a lot of stock android features, at least i miss them there.
You could wait for charmeleon app, thats kind of a launcher app. You could google it. It will be released in september i think. It was a kickstarter project and i am a backer so i will get it this week already, i can report later if u want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually working pretty well. The 3D effects really come alive on a larger screen. If I could take screen caps, I would, but have not figured that out yet on this thing. hehe
Power+Volume Down should take a screenshot.
I've flashed 3 or 4 roms, and always restore my stock backup.. I haven't found any that are as smooth as the stock build as of yet.
asawoszc said:
Sigh. So many threads asking about the "best" ROM.... why don't you just try them all and see which one you prefer. All have faults some more than others. You'll get different answers from everyone because everyone has different preferences on what's good.
It takes all of 1 minute to flash a ROM... you could quickly sift through the available ROM's to see which one catches your eye at first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this post, the only way to find out what's best for you is to try them all. I did that I came to conclusion that the Jellybro nightly kang is what's best for me with 170 DPI mod to bring out tablet UI. Loving it now. I tried the other "hybrid" ROM but didn't like it because I naturally love the big (or small) resolution which give me a more virtual screen estate at all times.
Good luck
vboyz103 said:
I agree with this post, the only way to find out what's best for you is to try them all. I did that I came to conclusion that the Jellybro nightly kang is what's best for me with 170 DPI mod to bring out tablet UI. Loving it now. I tried the other "hybrid" ROM but didn't like it because I naturally love the big (or small) resolution which give me a more virtual screen estate at all times.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... what is this 170dpi mod you speak of?
Vol down and power does not screen cap like it does on my phone. Weird.
And last thing... How does one get into Recovery? I can do it from the OS with Quickboot, and selecting Bootloader or Recovery, etc... I just backed up the phone to a Nandroid using CWM, the one that is touch screen.
on my Rezound, I can pull the battery, hold vol down and power for a few seconds and get into Recovery in the event that a Flash is wonky and bootlooping or whatever...
How does one do that on this device?
If your not 'new' to this forum then surely you would know "best ROM?" threads aren't really tolerated..
Harry GT-S5830 said:
If your not 'new' to this forum then surely you would know "best ROM?" threads aren't really tolerated..
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Click to collapse
1) I am not new.
2) And had I just asked for the "best ROM", I would expect your non-helpful reply. I felt that if I explained the criteria of what I was after, then perhaps some other people that went through the selection process could point me in the right direction rather than trusting to trial and error.
See, I apply the same standards to others that I apply to myself. In the 17 or so years that I have been on forums(going back to Tom's Hardware Guide on the original Delphi forums), and even having moderated several over the years... I have never once told someone to use the search button, or "just figure it out", etc...
I always answer questions, perhaps in more detail and length than most would, and so I guess that I sorta expect the same courtesy of others.
If someone says that they are looking for X,Y,Z, I don't tell them to go try dozens of ROMs and hope that sooner or later they stumble across the one that has X,Y and Z. I try to say, "Hey, ROM's are all subjective, but here are 2 or 3 that are exactly what you are asking for"... or something to that effect.
Regards,
Dave
4.1.1 stock sorry have not gotten sick of it yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I find that cwm won't open up for me if I power off then volume down then select recovery and all that. It just hangs on the black screen. So I just use adb or ROM manager. Or then advanced power menu.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

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