Related
Hello
I just have bought this device which looked great over the internet
But after using it, my old Asus transformer is way better
Is there a way to root this new os is or to use chromecast or to make it just as useful as any other tablet
Sorry to tell you not rootable
mrewen said:
Hello
I just have bought this device which looked great over the internet
But after using it, my old Asus transformer is way better
Is there a way to root this new os is or to use chromecast or to make it just as useful as any other tablet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire os 4.x is not rootable, while 3.x is. BTW, bootloader of this device is locked, and the unblock method has been discovered but won't be released for legal issues.
You can contact Amazon to rollback to 3.x to get rooted.
I wonder if we have any chance to get root on new 4.5.2 without roll back?
The waiting game
veaceslav said:
I wonder if we have any chance to get root on new 4.5.2 without roll back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its going to be a waiting game buddy...my kindle is sat in a drawer with my older tablets,pads and phones doing nothing but gathering dust till a forum notification pops up saying "look what I have done" and we all bow down before him/her.......seems like I wasted money on this ****ty thing though and an option of rollback os would be nice. :crying:
Why did you buy it in the first place? The only reason for purchasing a Kindle is to take advantage of Amazon Prime content. That stuff is not available on any other tablet. Amazon Instant Video, alone, makes the Kindle a great tablet if (again) you are a member of Amazon Prime. If not, the Nexus is a far superior tablet.
---------- Post added at 11:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 PM ----------
Did you try the built-in screen cast? Works perfectly with my Roku.
Hear ye Hear ye
Thanks to the poster above, totally agree on the Prime.
The only thing that irks me on the Kindle is Amazons much smaller app and often out dated selection compared to google / other stores.
I got boned into the 4.5.2 update, can you confirm this cannot be rolled back by Amazon Support.
I started with 4.2.0 on this Saturn so I think I was boned to begin with.
Strapples said:
Thanks to the poster above, totally agree on the Prime.
The only thing that irks me on the Kindle is Amazons much smaller app and often out dated selection compared to google / other stores.
I got boned into the 4.5.2 update, can you confirm this cannot be rolled back by Amazon Support.
I started with 4.2.0 on this Saturn so I think I was boned to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many (if not most) GPlay apps work fine on the Kindle with sideloading. As far as I know Amazon will not roll back updates. Suppose they would. Do you really want to go from Kit-Kat back back to (I'm not certain) Ice-Cream-Sandwich (possibly with some leftover Gingerbread)?
I would like to root this device. The reason is that I want to use the Google Now launcher. It actually works fine now except that it cannot be set as a permanent default. I also want to install BubbleUPnP. Bubble works but the paid license requires GPlay. However, there is no way in hell that I would roll back my O/S to do so.
Doesn't look like there's many custom roms for this device. Black Friday 4g £119 couldn't resist the spec
May be a long wait for the next exploit.
Just out of curiosity, can anyone point me in the direction of a good tutorial on using another ROM slot?
eyeconic said:
Why did you buy it in the first place? The only reason for purchasing a Kindle is to take advantage of Amazon Prime content. That stuff is not available on any other tablet. Amazon Instant Video, alone, makes the Kindle a great tablet if (again) you are a member of Amazon Prime. If not, the Nexus is a far superior tablet.
---------- Post added at 11:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 PM ----------
Did you try the built-in screen cast? Works perfectly with my Roku.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I bought it for its superior specs and cheap price I didnt know that itd thst limited also I thought it was rootable :/
Regarding roku, you know misery loves company, I bought google chromecast with my kindle so I am suffering to get it working
Thanks for your reply
Why did you buy it in the first place? The only reason for purchasing a Kindle is to take advantage of Amazon Prime content. That stuff is not available on any other tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree with that statement. I subscribe to Amazon Prime and I can watch my vids on anything with a browser just so long as I'm within the UK.
alib_15 said:
I have to disagree with that statement. I subscribe to Amazon Prime and I can watch my vids on anything with a browser just so long as I'm within the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That works im the rest of Europe too, at least in germany... And no, amazon prime is not the only reason to buy a quadcore fullhd 7" tablet for around 130 euros... My NAS has much better content than amazon prime Video.. So i use kodi to watch movies, not the Browser...
The Hardware is great, after really bypassing the bootloader issue, i am sure lollipop is just around the corner and we will get a real good device with recent and usable OS...
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Free mobile app
Well, at least I won my tablet, would definitely go for nexus, if I had choice.
I'm not a gamer, but still miss some pure Android features...
@openWeb74 - I can't view my Amazon Prime video in the Republic of Ireland which is a bit odd considering Amazon has various offices & distribution centres here. I've tried changing my location .. probably some bureaucracy or tax issue
Suppose I could try a proxy or vpn. Any suggestions?
Play Store, sideloading
Hi guys,
Has anyone had luck with side loading gaps on 4.5.2 on 3 gen fire HDX 7?
I have tried to install basicly all versions of Playstore, play services and google framework but store still not working
PS: i am able to add google account and gmail works, but play store won't connect
Kibonster said:
Hi guys,
Has anyone had luck with side loading gaps on 4.5.2 on 3 gen fire HDX 7?
I have tried to install basicly all versions of Playstore, play services and google framework but store still not working
PS: i am able to add google account and gmail works, but play store won't connect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the play store will not work without root. You can however pull some play store apps off a device that has a working version of google play and side load them onto the kindle hdx. I have been testing this recently and a good number of my apps work but unfortunately some do not.
Your card,residential address and location (determined via IP address) will be the factor for availability or unavailability of videos.
Every site of Amazon has geographical restriction, be it .UK .COM or .De
---------- Post added at 03:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:18 AM ----------
alib_15 said:
@openWeb74 - I can't view my Amazon Prime video in the Republic of Ireland which is a bit odd considering Amazon has various offices & distribution centres here. I've tried changing my location .. probably some bureaucracy or tax issue
Suppose I could try a proxy or vpn. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does having fulfilment centers and / or offices determine the content availability ?
Well they are for physical items not digital content and if you ate a member of this forum then you can understand the digital age access, licensing, encryption and tracking mechanisms as well
VPN can help you.
awinston said:
Unfortunately the play store will not work without root. You can however pull some play store apps off a device that has a working version of google play and side load them onto the kindle hdx. I have been testing this recently and a good number of my apps work but unfortunately some do not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what i was afraid of: no root - no store...
Sideloading from other device works well on other hand so not that big problem - not that comfortable but works
Thanks for clarifying it for me!
PS: In case someone needs some guidance with whole produre of sideloading and list of GApps working without root i found great post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58475282&postcount=72
someone with 4.5.2 on hdx 8.9 can post the file produced by
adb shell dmesg > dmesg.4.5.2.log?
thankou
dpeddi said:
someone with 4.5.2 on hdx 8.9 can post the file produced by
adb shell dmesg > dmesg.4.5.2.log?
thankou
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would, but I have the 7" running 4.5.3.
Could someone help me understand some of the Kindle lingo? When folk refer to Thor and Apollo are they referring to the bootloader firmware?
alib_15 said:
I would, but I have the 7" running 4.5.3.
Could someone help me understand some of the Kindle lingo? When folk refer to Thor and Apollo are they referring to the bootloader firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That refers to the model.
7" is Thor
8.9" is Apollo
New 8.9" is Saturn
Come and get it:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U3FPN4U/
Any idea if this is worldwide or only for the US?
freezer2k said:
Any idea if this is worldwide or only for the US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not official (reliable source though) so I doubt anyone knows. Based on history Id say US only but I dont follow every amazon product. Should know in around 24 hours.
freezer2k said:
Any idea if this is worldwide or only for the US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen decent hints that it's world wide, but couldn't get it confirmed so I didn't mention it in the article.
Any infos about the hardware specification?
AFTVnews.com said:
I've seen decent hints that it's world wide, but couldn't get it confirmed so I didn't mention it in the article.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now showing unavailable in UK and German stores (that was before the new one came out!)
You cant find it on the german amazon store
Gesendet von meinem LG-H815 mit Tapatalk
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U3...ds=fire+tv&dpPl=1&dpID=31t3CwdjAXL&ref=plSrch
---------- Post added at 02:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:29 PM ----------
4k and 75% more processing power.
---------- Post added at 02:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:34 PM ----------
Not in UK or EU stores yet.
I wish they would have held off a bit longer and based the OS on Android M for the external storage improvements. Maybe an update or a future model? All in all, looks like a nice upgrade. 4k video, faster cpu and Alexa voice control. Honestly though, if they release an upgrade for the original FireTV that has Alexa then that's all I really care about.
Well now I am glad I don't feel any pressure on my wallet to upgrade!
Nothing that grabs me in the new list as "must buy".
I ordered the gamer model, should be a decent upgrade from the stick. Plus the stick with tvaddons might pay half of I sell it right
Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
The real specs... (no GPU clock speed,dammit)
Processor: MediaTek Quad-core up to 2 Ghz Dual-core @ 2.0 GHz + Dual-core @ 1.6 GHz
GPU: Power VR GX6250
Could this run Dolphin emulator,or Yabause (OpenGL ES 3.x plugin),or not crash with Reicast?
What will the results be in Mupen64Plus AE's latest alpha build and GLideN64,I wonder.
Damn... disappointing upgrade specs for sure. I understand budget constraints, but i really was craving more umph. The 6250 is already an older chip, matching the Adreno 330 from 2013.
Before you jump on me, i know it is an upgrade from the OG FTV, but that doesn't mean they couldn't do better than that.
REally considering upgrading to an Nvidia box in the future now.. bummer...
Did anyone find a side by side comparison of first and second generation tvs? I can check the status myself, but thought it might have been done before.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
No Thank you, I decide go for Nivdia Shield Pro (Android TV), They are most powerful, available TWRP recovery, and unlocked boot-loader and already have custom ROM available. Only difference is Price cheaper in Amazon Fire TV compare to Nivdia Shield Pro but HEY the Nivdia Shield Pro is a worth to have it!
http://shield.nvidia.com/android-tv/shield-androidtv-vs-appletv-vs-roku-vs-firetv
I am getting tired of Amazon locked down boot-loader, and recovery. I still have my original Fire TV with unlocked boot-loader, and rooted, and It still lackluster development except @rbox pre-rooted ROM.
ldeveraux said:
Did anyone find a side by side comparison of first and second generation tvs? I can check the status myself, but thought it might have been done before.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://developer.amazon.com/public...re-tv/docs/device-and-platform-specifications
jpeg42 said:
https://developer.amazon.com/public...re-tv/docs/device-and-platform-specifications
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome! So 4k, New cpu, New gpu, sd card and better Wi-Fi.
Still not worth the upgrade...
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
USB:
FTV 2: USB 2.0 Type A (Accessories only)
FTV Stick: Micro USB 2.0 (Power only)
FTV (1st gen): USB 2.0 Type A (Accessories and storage)
So ... no connecting external HDs on the new one then since it doesn't mention storage?
So what is the chance of the new fire tv accepting exfat sdcards or usb sticks? The 4gb limit of fat32 is bollocks.
And what about the original firetv by software update with the fireOs5?
It can play TV episodes and movies in 4K Ultra HD on Amazon Video.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U3FPN4U?gwSec=1&ref_=ods_gw_d_LG9_JL_SMP_AFTV4K
But can it play titles in 4K Ultra HD with HDR on Amazon Video?
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=11652987011
It should have HDMI 2.0a for playing HDR titles.
Fire (7"), Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10
Amazon Fire (7")
Specs: microSD slot...
Price: $49.99
For only $50 it looks pretty good.
Already pre-ordered, that is some cheap hardware.
Interesting price, very curious about the bootloader status.
Sent from my LG-H950
Yes, already pre-ordered but $50 has sponsored screen-saver
paarkhi said:
Yes, already pre-ordered but $50 has sponsored screen-saver
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that can be disabled, if a root method is found.
sd_shadow said:
Fire (7"), Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10
Amazon Fire (7")
Specs: microSD slot...
Price: $49.99
For only $50 it looks pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I placed my order today. I was looking for a cheap tablet to play my second Clash of Clans account on. I haven't looked into rooting and putting custom RoMs on Kindle Fires, or even if it's possible.
New Kindle
I'd really like to see the following:
1 - Root.
2 - Some way of either completely unlocking the new Fire OS or better yet, replacing it with a clean Lollipop or Marshmallow load
Yes, there are certainly cheap $50 Android devices out there, but I'd rather (given the chance) use a more supported hardware platform that more people will buy (Amazon Kindle vs. "YumCha Tablets, LLC"), thereby expanding the ecosystem and making the platform more attractive to the people that can DO development for it. Which, unfortunately, isn't me. Wish it was. I'd be all over this if I knew WTF I was doing.
---------- Post added at 08:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------
sd_shadow said:
Fire (7"), Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10
Amazon Fire (7")
Specs: microSD slot...
Price: $49.99
For only $50 it looks pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spec also includes Bluetooth, which will make it a definite contender for my shop as a media player/general purpose internet lookup device. I've really set my expectations low so that they'll be easy to exceed - after all, it's going to be replacing a rather arthritic gTablet running Vegan Tab Gingerbread that's due to be put out to pasture, so this should be a marked improvement.
Preorderd as soon as I found out about it.
---------- Post added at 08:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:01 PM ----------
paarkhi said:
Yes, already pre-ordered but $50 has sponsored screen-saver
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sponsored screen saver won't bother me, as it'll (hopefully) be spending most of it time in a cabinet as a media player.
---------- Post added at 08:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:11 PM ----------
Just Jack said:
I'd really like to see the following:
1 - Root.
2 - Some way of either completely unlocking the new Fire OS or better yet, replacing it with a clean Lollipop or Marshmallow load
Yes, there are certainly cheap $50 Android devices out there, but I'd rather (given the chance) use a more supported hardware platform that more people will buy (Amazon Kindle vs. "YumCha Tablets, LLC"), thereby expanding the ecosystem and making the platform more attractive to the people that can DO development for it. Which, unfortunately, isn't me. Wish it was. I'd be all over this if I knew WTF I was doing.
---------- Post added at 08:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------
Spec also includes Bluetooth, which will make it a definite contender for my shop as a media player/general purpose internet lookup device. I've really set my expectations low so that they'll be easy to exceed - after all, it's going to be replacing a rather arthritic gTablet running Vegan Tab Gingerbread that's due to be put out to pasture, so this should be a marked improvement.
Preorderd as soon as I found out about it.
---------- Post added at 08:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:01 PM ----------
Sponsored screen saver won't bother me, as it'll (hopefully) be spending most of it time in a cabinet as a media player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question to admins - Why do three separate, discrete replies to three different messages count as a single post? There aren't any "me too!" posts in there, I was responding to three different messages and my post count hasn't increased at all. Not trying to post pad or anything, just wondering.
Just Jack said:
Question to admins - Why do three separate, discrete replies to three different messages count as a single post? There aren't any "me too!" posts in there, I was responding to three different messages and my post count hasn't increased at all. Not trying to post pad or anything, just wondering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a time and space thing.
If you reply within a certain time, and no one else has replied, often post is added to your first post.
It's not very consistent though.
I is kind of assumed, that is you are posting in the same thread, it is a reply to the same subject.
If each post was kept separate, I would have well over 12,000 posts...maybe.
I don't think discrete is the right word, this is a public forum, and visible to anyone on the web.
sd_shadow said:
It's a time and space thing.
If you reply within a certain time, and no one else has replied, often post is added to your first post.
It's not very consistent though.
I is kind of assumed, that is you are posting in the same thread, it is a reply to the same subject.
If each post was kept separate, I would have well over 12,000 posts...maybe.
I don't think discrete is the right word, this is a public forum, and visible to anyone on the web.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Just felt it odd that as I was replying to separate messages (albeit in the same thread, yes) that they'd all be counted as a single response. Weird.
Re: Discrete
Discrete is singular, standalone or unique (unique was the intended meaning), while discreet = Stealthy, private or hidden (what I think you were referring to)
Appreciate the feedback, though. Thanks for responding.
I've talked to a dev that is planing on trying to get it safestrapped with CM running.
Given my experience with the Fire Phone, I have no use for a FireOS device unless I can get CM running.
Moogagot said:
I've talked to a dev that is planing on trying to get it safestrapped with CM running.
Given my experience with the Fire Phone, I have no use for a FireOS device unless I can get CM running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noob here, is FireOS that limited? Because I've heard people saying that they won't get it just because of FireOS
Sent from my Xperia SP using XDA Free mobile app
looks nice
just got mine and for a $50.00 tablet it's pretty smooth. of course I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. But still pretty good.
Received mine today. It seems to have lots of light bleed though, and the screen feels very 'sticky' (finger doesn't run across screen smoothly). I know it's a cheap tablet but had expected more as I'd heard Amazon devices generally had good build quality.
I'm playing around with the Fire 8 right now. Terrible bleed on the top left and right corners of the screen. Other than that, the build quality is good and it's a smooth experience. Really hoping to see CM on these, Fire OS is gross.
Does anyone know when/how the XDA boards for these devices will be set up? I'm willing to test root methods/bootloader unlocks/recovery flashes/OS flashes.
thekroof said:
I'm playing around with the Fire 8 right now. Terrible bleed on the top left and right corners of the screen. Other than that, the build quality is good and it's a smooth experience. Really hoping to see CM on these, Fire OS is gross.
Does anyone know when/how the XDA boards for these devices will be set up? I'm willing to test root methods/bootloader unlocks/recovery flashes/OS flashes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3205450
For the 8" & 10"
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk
Yup. Also received all six of mine today. I agree the glass doesn't feel smooth, but I'm going to put a screen protector on them anyway. There is light bleed on the bottom (portrait) of the one I opened, but its not terrible. Just noticeable. The most noticeable thing is the extremely cheap plastic back/housing. Wow, it is super cheap feeling. BUT I'm not surprised or complaining. It runs smoothly and has decent specs and cost me $50 plus I got one free. Can't complain.
I'm keeping one for me to play with since my Nexus 7 2013 is acting all wonky lately. The other four will be Christmas gifts for our kids, and the last one I'll put back as a spare.
I'm happy as is, but if we can unlock the bootloader and/or root and install an AOSP ROM, then I'm golden.
Received Mine!
Live in the Seattle area and received mine today.
Seems pretty smooth functionality wise, and quick when I open/switch between apps. Can take a little bit of time to download and install applications. I would advise against trying to put Facebook on this tablet. It bogs it down terribly. If you have to have Facebook, I would find the Facebook Lite APK and side load.
Hoping that someone roots and makes a cool or ASOP for this tablet. Can't wait!
apart from rooting there's a way just to have the Play store?
thanks
New to this
thekroof said:
i'm playing around with the fire 8 right now. Terrible bleed on the top left and right corners of the screen. Other than that, the build quality is good and it's a smooth experience. Really hoping to see cm on these, fire os is gross.
Does anyone know when/how the xda boards for these devices will be set up? I'm willing to test root methods/bootloader unlocks/recovery flashes/os flashes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very new to this but would like to know when a cm or root is available for kindle fire 5th gen. Thank you
Play store
Got play store Woking on mine by following the guide in the fire phone forum here on xda
I've seen some leaked information that Amazon is preparing, and that they will release new Fire Tablets and also a New FireTV-Stick, next week!
I have also noticed that several weeks ago, some colors of the FireHD8 sometimes are unavailable, in very short supply or are also offered Used-Like-New/Used-Very-Good, what could be a sign that Amazon is preparing to launch some new models with some enhanced features.
Does anyone know if this information is true and what we can expect in these new Fire HD 8 tablet (2015) models?
The new Fire HD 8 is here! What's new?
All-new Fire HD 8, now with up to 12 hours of battery life, 2X the storage, and 50% more RAM for faster performance - made for all day entertainment.
Last year's model had 8 hours of battery life, now 12 hours; 8 GB and 16 GB choices vs now 16 & 32 GB; 1 GB RAM now 1.5 GB same processor speed; microSD card storage old model 128Gb now 200GB; price is lower then old model 16Gb $90 32GB $120 same colors: black, magenta, blue, and tangerine. The big deal for this tablet is the addition of Alexa, but the same goes for the old model but you will need to update your software to get it.
I would like to add, that after checking the product description at Amazon.com, I have noticed that this newer model is also much thicker than the previous 2015 models, because this newer model now has 0.4 inches thick.
All-new Fire HD 8 (2016):
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
Old Fire HD 8 (2015):
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
This could perhaps be because this new model now comes with a higher capacity battery, which is larger and heavier.
I do not know if this information is correct, but if it is true, the new FireHD8 (2016) Model will be thicker (0.4" instead of 0.3" of the Old 2015 model), but it will be also heavier !
The Bad news is that Amazon just to keep lower the product cost and the final sale price, decided to stuck with almost the same processor instead of raise it speed a little bit, so that this NEW fire tablet could work with less lagging and more efficiently...
The good news is that Amazon finally decided to add 50% more RAM and also doubled (2X) the storage Memory !
The Best thing is that now the price is much lower, which makes these new Fire Tablets more affordable and appealing than other tablets brands !!
I already have an HD8 Fire (2015), but unfortunately due to a weaker CPU, the poorest Camera and Slower WiFi, compared with the last year model... I do not think I'll change my FireHD8 (2015) by this new 2016, because aside from memory and battery, I really can not find such big differences or improvements...
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazons-tablet-strategy-of-less-is-more/
ulises.rodriguez said:
same processor speed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ulises.rodriguez said:
but unfortunately due to a weaker CPU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be noted that this is actually a new CPU, not the same as last years.
MediaTek MT8163
Here are the details:
https://developer.amazon.com/appsan...ications/01-device-and-feature-specifications
SiXiam said:
It should be noted that this is actually a new CPU, not the same as last years.
MediaTek MT8163
Here are the details:
https://developer.amazon.com/appsan...ications/01-device-and-feature-specifications
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree on your comments about the processor, but what I meant was that Amazon must've taken advantage of this new hardware upgrade, to upgrade also the processor with a higher-speed, to help a little with the performance and operation of the NEW FireHD8 Tablet...
I already know that for watching or streaming videos, is not necessary to have a very fast processor, because all the newest tablets now bring hardware decoders and others separate components to help and accelerate these functions...
I am very happy with the new lower price, with the bigger Battery (12 hours), and with the addition of more RAM and Storage Memory, but I am very disappointed and don't understand why Amazon decided to lower the Front/Rear Cameras to 2MP/VGA, that was 5MP/720P on the previous 2016 model.
Another thing I do not understand is, why if most cheap Chinese tablets have GPS, none of the new Amazon Fire Tablets comes with GPS ?
Maybe this GPS function is not so necessary to some users, but it would be a very important addition !
However I think, as Elias already has mentioned on his excellent review in*www.aftvnews.com, that Amazon seems to now focus on selling best low-end tablets, at the lowest possible price:
"Amazon’s tablet strategy of Less is More"
"Amazon just announced their new Fire HD 8 tablet and in doing so, have dove deeper into their tablet strategy of: less is more. Amazon’s Fire Phone failure marks a turning point where the company stopped trying to go after the upper-end flagship hardware market, and started dominating the lower-end of the hardware spectrum. Last year’sline of new tablets reduced hardware specs across the board and cut prices by more than half. In doing so, they became Amazon’s best selling tablets to date, and include Amazon’s single best-selling device ever, the $49.99 Fire 7″ tablet, which incidentaly took the title of best-selling device from Amazon’s other budget device, the Fire TV Stick. This year’s new Fire HD 8 continues the trend of less is more."
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazons-tablet-strategy-of-less-is-more/
ulises.rodriguez said:
I totally agree on your comments about the processor, but what I meant was that Amazon must've taken advantage of this new hardware upgrade, to upgrade also the processor with a higher-speed, to help a little with the performance and operation of the NEW FireHD8 Tablet...
I already know that for watching or streaming videos, is not necessary to have a very fast processor, because all the newest tablets now bring hardware decoders and others separate components to help and accelerate these functions...
I am very happy with the new lower price, with the bigger Battery (12 hours), and with the addition of more RAM and Storage Memory, but I am very disappointed and don't understand why Amazon decided to lower the Front/Rear Cameras to 2MP/VGA, that was 5MP/720P on the previous 2016 model.
Another thing I do not understand is, why if most cheap Chinese tablets have GPS, none of the new Amazon Fire Tablets comes with GPS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we can say with certainty that the camera is a cost issue. Last years model was a lot more money. GPS though in addition to cost may be that because it doesn't have a cellular version, so having GPS is useless on the go. You you could tether with a phone, but that device always has GPS anyway, so it becomes pointless to have it on the Fire.
Very unusual, except the first gen (2011)
Amazon has released 3 new versions every Oct
link to new 2016 Fire HD 8
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018SZT3BK/ref=fs_ods_fs_tab_FDAY
specs
[url]https://developer.amazon.com/appsandservices/solutions/devices/kindle-fire/specifications/01-device-and-feature-specifications
---------- Post added at 07:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 PM ----------
and it is shipping with
Fire OS 5.3—based on Android 5.1.1, API level 22
Lollipop not Marshmellow
---------- Post added at 07:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:48 PM ----------
Hopefully someone that owns both the 2015 & 2016 models
reports back the exterior differences, so we can know how to tell them apart.
sd_shadow said:
Lollipop not Marshmellow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind there is going to be an update soon after release to enable Alexa, which may update much more.
I have the new device here and looking forward to install google services/play store.
It's my first device with Fire Os so I am wondering if the tutorials for the 2015 model will apply for the new generation?
psyote said:
I have the new device here and looking forward to install google services/play store.
It's my first device with Fire Os so I am wondering if the tutorials for the 2015 model will apply for the new generation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the non root method for installing Google framework should work fine
on the 2016 Fire
but that is just a guess
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
I received my HD 8 6th gen last night.
---------- Post added 23rd September 2016 at 12:00 AM ---------- Previous post was 22nd September 2016 at 11:46 PM ----------
SiXiam said:
Keep in mind there is going to be an update soon after release to enable Alexa, which may update much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Any updates on its eta would be appreciated!
sd_shadow said:
the non root method for installing Google framework should work fine
on the 2016 Fire
but that is just a guess
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine yesterday and was able to install the Play store using the method. I'm not yet able to posts links on here, but there's a good tutorial on YouTube called "Amazon Fire Tablet - Google Play Store without root (Fast & Easy)".
I hadn't thought I would want to install the Play Store, but the Amazon "Appstore" is missing one of the two apps I need to be able to run for work. (It used to be on Amazon, but is no longer supported.)
General impressions of the tablet: It's light enough, feels solid (but a little cheap), and has a display that is completely adequate for the price. I'm a teacher and I'm using it at school with my students and it's great for that. Good screen size.
sd_shadow said:
the non root method for installing Google framework should work fine
on the 2016 Fire
but that is just a guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that works fine using rootjunky tool. I have the 2016 version, got play store up and running fine without any errors. Just need a root hack now
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
ahac85 said:
Yes that works fine using rootjunky tool. I have the 2016 version, got play store up and running fine without any errors. Just need a root hack now
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the old root method not working?
I think there is root for 5.3.1.0 firmware available.
Davidavdav said:
Is the old root method not working?
I think there is root for 5.3.1.0 firmware available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No this version is not rootable
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
I got the new Fire HD 8 6th Gen and in the developer options it has the OEM Unlocking option to unlock the bootloader.
Edit: I was able to turn it on and it stayed on, but after the update and going through setting up the tablet up, now its disabled and I cant turn it back on.
Danny1976 said:
I got the new Fire HD 8 6th Gen and in the developer options it has the OEM Unlocking option to unlock the bootloader.
Edit: I was able to turn it on and it stayed on, but after the update and going through setting up the tablet up, now its disabled and I cant turn it back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the unlock option is part of stock android, but that doesn't mean it will do anything
...
Interestingly, the Mediatek chip supports FM radio, does anybody know if Amazon uses it? There's nothing in the specs...
Another thing I noticed on my German language version Fire HD8 is that I kept searching for the Blutooth sttings, which are hidden under "WLAN". Is this also true for the English language versions?
Jackie78 said:
Interestingly, the Mediatek chip supports FM radio, does anybody know if Amazon uses it? There's nothing in the specs...
Another thing I noticed on my German language version Fire HD8 is that I kept searching for the Blutooth sttings, which are hidden under "WLAN". Is this also true for the English language versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FM didn't work on the 2015 models, but 2016's could be different
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Labs
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Primary uses will be to watch kodi, amazon prime tv, netflix, and general social media.
mine comes with the advertisements, but $15 charge to get rid of em, i will have to see how annoying that is.
Appreciate the feedback!
boadicea said:
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Primary uses will be to watch kodi, amazon prime tv, netflix, and general social media.
mine comes with the advertisements, but $15 charge to get rid of em, i will have to see how annoying that is.
Appreciate the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the same, I've got one coming Saturday and I'm kinda scared to update or connect in case I miss an opportunity to root. Hopefully the older methods will work for Play Store and such.
---------- Post added at 08:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 PM ----------
@boadicea I did find this, a post with apks for sideloading Playstore on the 7th Gen. Hope it works and helps!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603
No root, but google play works
boadicea said:
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody's really cracked root on the 2016 or 2017 versions yet, as far as I can tell. There are some folks at LineageOS working on getting a version of that rom onto this device, but not a lot of word so far.
I got Google Play sideloaded successfully by using this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603
NOTE: When you enable the installing of apps from unknown sources, make sure you restart the device before attempting to open any of the downloaded apks. Otherwise, the install button just won't work and you might go crazy trying to figure out why. For whatever reason, Amazon's device settings need a fresh restart after you tick that box.
NOTE 2: If you just bought these, you likely have the 2017 edition. If that's the case, you'll want to pay attention to the red letters in that guide marked "Note (3)".
SOURCE: Just got mine today.
So far there is no root for any Amazon tablet at this time, unless you have an OS earlier than 5.3.2.1. There may not be root at all for these tablets. Amazon offers a 30 day refund policy on them. If you find they aren't for you, that's how long you have to return them
Thank you all for the responses! just unpacked, screen protected, and turned it on. Looks like its running 5.3.3.0 so looks like im SOL for now.
No worries either way, sideloading stuff is all i need. was just meant to allow me to save battery on my phone/usage and not have to be bent over on a laptop.
Will follow the aforementioned guides to install google play
Appreciate the help!
I can suggest three apps to help in the battery, space and memory saving department. 'All In One Toolbox,' 'Brevent' and 'NetGuard.' All available in Google Play Store. If you need help giving All In One Toolbox it's usage access, let me know and I'll link you to a few threads i wrote on how to give apps proper usage access that need it and to revoke the access to some Amazon apps.
I just bought a new 2017 7th generation Fire HD 8 for $50 during prime day sale. I jumped the gun not realizing that there is no root. I have the previous generation fire 7 with Slim Rom installed that I rooted back on Christmas of 2015. It still works great and my kids use it everyday. I'm impressed with the older fire 7 as I have daydream on displaying the weather while it's charging and the daily abuse it gets from the kids. I really would like to have a bigger, better screen with dual audio for the kids, hence why I bought the HD 8. I might return it, or hold on to it till root and custom Rom becomes available... Hopefully in the near future.
having fun
boadicea said:
I have 2 of the new 2017 HD 8's, one for me and my gf. Im wondering if anyone has been able to find stable root or has any issues for side loading google play?
Primary uses will be to watch kodi, amazon prime tv, netflix, and general social media.
mine comes with the advertisements, but $15 charge to get rid of em, i will have to see how annoying that is.
Appreciate the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi boadicea,
apart from my feedback on Gmail that you can read here,
there is no issue at all at installing (side loading)Google Play.
I just bought my first tablet, and installed Google Play in few seconds following the link above
Only thing where I have been spending some time is to make sure to disable the OTA updates. (my post here)
Happy tweak.
Anyone has been able to root fire hd 8 and install lineage os ?
finwefeanor said:
Anyone has been able to root fire hd 8 and install lineage os ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.