Related
Hey guys, I am considering whether or not buying a KF. Honestly, it will not be used as a reader or used with any of Amazon's services. Rather I am buying it to have a solid piece of hardware that runs the Android operating system and hoping to see Kindle specific roms in the future (CM7 gives me hope). This will be a toy to use for media and occasionally on the go. Is it worth buying in hopes of future developing and tinkering?
Anyone have any input?
Just got mine yesterday and I would say yes it is worth the price tag for what you want to do. I rooted mine and put cm7 on it within minutes of opening it and haven't looked back.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
What is the status of CM7 at this point? Is it fully functional?
I'd want to install CM7 and use SetCPU (if anyone has overclocked this thing yet).
I think the Kindle Fire is a great device for the cheap price.
I have my Kindle Fire for about 2 Weeks. At first i rooted the device and used Go Launcher Ex for a while, but I didn't like it. Then i decided to use CM7. It is very usable I think. There some problems with the MAC address and some forced closes sometimes.
Today i flashed the early Version of ICS from JackpotClavin. It is very smooth and with ICS the Kindle Fire feels like a Tablet. With CM7 the Kindle Fire feels like a big smartphone for me. ICS isn't finished yet and there are some problems with sdcard and forced closes.
If you can wait until the Custom Roms are more perfect I think the Kindle Fire is a good decision to buy.
I bought mine to use solely as a tablet. I installed cm7 as soon as it was avaliable and haven't looked back. i bought it without any intention if using any of amazon's services. it's a great tablet plus it fits in a pocket. dual core, so it can run 720p h264 very well. plus with the overclock it'll be even better. the only complaint i have is it doesn't have an sd card slot, so you only have like 8-10 gigs of space to put stuff on, but it's not a big problem for me. cm7 is very stable. I have no fc's that i can remember, video works, sound works, plus there's a cifs module compiled so you can even mount samba shares. definately worth it in my opinion.
Matt V said:
Hey guys, I am considering whether or not buying a KF. Honestly, it will not be used as a reader or used with any of Amazon's services. Rather I am buying it to have a solid piece of hardware that runs the Android operating system and hoping to see Kindle specific roms in the future (CM7 gives me hope). This will be a toy to use for media and occasionally on the go. Is it worth buying in hopes of future developing and tinkering?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have put four of these on my network at home everyone always waiting for workstation time. Now more than enough browsers for everyone. They have been rock solid so far. Running CM7 rom on all of them.
Yes, it's the best tablet you can buy for 200 dollars. An iPad is not 2.5 times better than it. I honestly think if you know your way around adb it is a magical device, with endless possibilities. Buy one, you won't regret it.
Using splashtop and orb to stream, I haven't put the thing down. I never need to leave the couch. Best thing I ever bought for light browsing, massive media, and email. I'm always around wifi so the 5.5 gig memory constraint is not a problem. ymmv with what you intend to do with it.
Edit: Orb has a beta apk on their website if you don't want to buy. It works great on the fire, worth the money if you decide to buy since no memory card.
Sent from my Epic (sleeper rom) using XDA App.
Buy it!
It's great value for money. I've put CM7 on mine and now it's a pretty nifty tablet. In any case, I couldn't use any of Amazon's services (apart from buying books) being outside the US.
I own a few other tablets and the only features I miss on the Fire are the lack of hardware volume controls and mic. Otherwise, the performance of the tab (with CM7) is great and the size is pretty convenient too. It definitely doesn't feel like a cheap tablet.
Thanks for the replies guys, I decided to pull the trigger on one and it will be here Friday.
CM7 appears to not have functioning sound so I'm just gonna root it for now and wait until a fully functional ROM is released, shouldn't be long. ICS looks promising as well.
Read the "Standing on the shoulders of giants" CM7 thread. Sound and hardware acceleration are working just fine.
Sent from my Gingervolt-ed VS910 4G using xda premium
Oh, I guess I watched an older video then that said it didn't work.
Love mine! Just got it for christmas. get it!
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
I'm looking to get my first Android tablet. I've always rooted and run custom firmware on my Android phones, so I need a "cheap" Android tablet with a healthy developer community and a lot of support.
My first thought was to go for the $250 Nook Tablet, spec for spec it's better than the Kindle Fire; but didn't an update come out for it recently that made rooting it near impossible or so highly difficult that it hasn't been done yet?
Then the $200 Kindle Fire came to mind, very popular tablet must mean a very healthy/active hacking/dev community right? But isn't it also locked down in such a way it can't be rooted or modified anymore? I need a working Android Market (Oh I'm sorry, I mean <sarcasm>Play Store</sarcasm>) and good custom ROM's including ICS.
Then I see a $189 Lenovo A1 Tablet at Best Buy with decent specs. It's running Android 2.3 which I'd normally prefer over Android 3.0/Honeycomb but now that ICS/Android 4.0 is out, I'd definately want to run that on my tablet.
So is ICS running very good/stable on any sub $300 Android tablet? I wonder when the $250 Tegra3 based tablet from Asus (or is it Acer...) comes out. Suggestions on which route to go?
I'm interested in this too. Are you not interested in going the used route though?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
sdc177 said:
I'm interested in this too. Are you not interested in going the used route though?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no issues with going used, in fact it could even be preferred. I can get a used Kindle Fire from the local Craigslist for $140-$160.
I can get a $250 Nook Tablet (not the new cheaper one) for about $195 on Craigslist.
I wonder what the status is of Android on the HP TouchPad's are, did they get Android 4.0/ICS running on it? The HW specs are quite good.
I am very happy with CM9 on my HP Touch pad..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
kaungmyataung said:
I am very happy with CM9 on my HP Touch pad..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to hijack this thread, I know I'm in a Kindle Fire forum, but what are the known issues with CM9 on the HP Touchpad? The HP Touchpads specs are superior to the Kindle Fire's (naturally considering the Touchpad is originally a $500 tablet), but CM9 on the Kindle Fire only has 3 known issues (HW Acceleration, 720p video and Bluetooth); Doesn't CM9 on the HP Touchpad have a lot more known issues "HD Video/codecs not working, Speaker farting noise when screen is off, Wifi hit or miss, Sound still has some major issues to be worked on, Camera doesn't work yet (therefore no skype and what not), Reboot to recovery hit or miss, No Mic"?
glitchsys said:
Suggestions on which route to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are in KF forum, so probably most common answer will be Kindle Fire
Anyway, IMHO
KF pros
Very good build quality
Powerful proc
Gorilla glass & good screen
Price
Existence of excellent CM7 ROM (see my sig)
ICS on the way
KF contra
No SD card slot
No bluetooth and never will be
No USB support (as far as I know there are theoretical possibilities to hack this).
Personaly I am very pleased with KF for $200
I thing you would get a better Tablet for 350 $. Maybe the huwei Mediapad wich is pretty awsome.
But the Kindle had a very good dev community.
I dont like the Lenovo A1, of course the community is ok, but hardware is not so good as the fire one is. Take a look at the Display its awfull and the CPU is a single core.
I buy a used Fire in germany for about 190$ and they sell a new A1 for about 180$ here.
Look at the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1545172 Hashcode is in development for a 3.0 kernel, dont know if somwone does for Lenevo.
no matter ICS is tunning very well with the 2.6 kernel
My only con with kf is connecting to wifi. I heard it was a kernel thing and it may also be my router. Hopefully it gets fixed with the new 3.0 kernel, if not I'm thinking of selling my kf. It's a good device, but it gets really annoying when I can't connect, makes it pointless
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
It is actually super easy to root the kindle fire
paranoid android85 said:
My only con with kf is connecting to wifi. I heard it was a kernel thing and it may also be my router. Hopefully it gets fixed with the new 3.0 kernel, if not I'm thinking of selling my kf. It's a good device, but it gets really annoying when I can't connect, makes it pointless
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never had a problem to connect to any wifi. Explain your issue.
paranoid android85 said:
My only con with kf is connecting to wifi. I heard it was a kernel thing and it may also be my router. Hopefully it gets fixed with the new 3.0 kernel, if not I'm thinking of selling my kf. It's a good device, but it gets really annoying when I can't connect, makes it pointless
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used to have the same problem i started using raven's kernal now no problems it actually will now connect to my home and work and switch between the 2 without doing anything. this may or maynot help but worth a try
I wouldn't recommend the fire unless you plan on using it as Amazon intended with prime. Most apps do not behave right on CM7 and the lack of volume controls make it even worse.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
I'd hold out for the "Nexus Tablet" that is supposedly launching very soon. It's rumored to be like the Kindle Fire size-wise, run Tegra 3, and be $150!
I'm on cm9 from bl1nk thread and if one of my rooms in my house has a weak wifi signal I'll lose connection. I noticed in a few days of flashing a rom it gets worse and worse. I'm going to try another kernel like someone suggested, see if that helps
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
schleppy said:
I'd hold out for the "Nexus Tablet" that is supposedly launching very soon. It's rumored to be like the Kindle Fire size-wise, run Tegra 3, and be $150!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will be pretty sweet if it's true
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Kindle can be rooted easily
glitchsys said:
Then the $200 Kindle Fire came to mind, very popular tablet must mean a very healthy/active hacking/dev community right? But isn't it also locked down in such a way it can't be rooted or modified anymore? I need a working Android Market (Oh I'm sorry, I mean <sarcasm>Play Store</sarcasm>) and good custom ROM's including ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually rooted my Kindle fire on the newest 6.2.2 update (it did take me a little while cause it's the first time ive used a computer to root) and I even got ICS to work on it swimmingly... but i took it off because it's still in beta. As for the market every single app ive downloaded from there works too.
kingsway8605 said:
I wouldn't recommend the fire unless you plan on using it as Amazon intended with prime. Most apps do not behave right on CM7 and the lack of volume controls make it even worse.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disagree completely. I have had CM7 on two Kindles for months now with absolutely zero problems. If you experienced problems with "most apps" then I am guessing you had serious user errors, not CM or KF errors. Plus, having an onscreen volume slider with the Volume Control app works beautifully.
glitchsys said:
Not to hijack this thread, I know I'm in a Kindle Fire forum, but what are the known issues with CM9 on the HP Touchpad? The HP Touchpads specs are superior to the Kindle Fire's (naturally considering the Touchpad is originally a $500 tablet), but CM9 on the Kindle Fire only has 3 known issues (HW Acceleration, 720p video and Bluetooth); Doesn't CM9 on the HP Touchpad have a lot more known issues "HD Video/codecs not working, Speaker farting noise when screen is off, Wifi hit or miss, Sound still has some major issues to be worked on, Camera doesn't work yet (therefore no skype and what not), Reboot to recovery hit or miss, No Mic"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TouchPad's version of CM9 took a few revisions for hardware acceleration for HD video content, but alpha 2 fixed that. I've been using the TouchPad's since alpha 0.5 as a daily driver. In all those revisions and ROMs I have never had the speaker issue you mention in android. Before CM9 I would get that occasionally in webOS. I have only had wifi issues with CM7, CM9 and webOS have had solid stable wifi. From what I understand its more about the router channel than anything else. Overlapping SSIDs on the same channel causes the issue, and changing the channel on the router usually fixes it. My sound is great. Now that HW accel works HD YouTube looks and sounds great. Hulu+ and Netflix look great and sound perfect. There is no camera support, and I think that's very low on the priority list. You can always switch to webOS for video chat. Note that you cannot remove webOS, you dual boot. That's part of the issue with reboot to recovery. You cannot boot directly into recovery. When you power up you get a boot menu, after 5 seconds android boots. But, from that menu you can select recovery or webOS. I use a delay of 1 second because its very rare for me to need to boot to recovery or webOS. I have never checked the mic, so I can't comment on that, again though, it will work in webOS. With the TP don't discount webOS. Its stable, snappy, elegant, and intuitive. I thought it was better than CM7. The only thing it lacks is apps. The browser is great, and supports flash.
On Black Friday I had a Kindle Fire in my cart on Amazon, hoping for a black Friday deal. I saw an ad for the TouchPad for $99, and after 30 seconds of research I knew I wanted that instead. I ended up getting one for $195 NIB. To me a tablet is mainly an internet device, and a web browsing device. The 10" vs 7" screen makes a world of difference. Its still just as portable, but that extra screen makes web browsing basically desktop class. The TouchPad also has the TouchStone, the inductive charger. I never have to mess with cables, and never see battery below 75% because after a few hours of use I put it on the charger. Those sold for $90 new, but you can get then $40 easy. Plus the HP case is really nice for $15 usually. To me is was a no brainer. But I'm someone that has been on xda for years, flashing a ROM every week. When my family ask what to get I always recommend the Kindle Fire over the nook, and over the TP. The Amazon app store alone tips the scales over any nook advantage. But, those are users that need the device to work out of box, and consistently, without any hacking. I would still bet on the Kindle Fire getting more support here.
Sorry to derail the thread ...
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
ive got a Kindle Fire and for 200 bucks, you cant beat it. i rooted mine before the update, so i dont know how difficult it is to root on 6.2.2 (which i believe is the newest firmware), but i believe someone has gotten it done
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
btonetbone said:
Disagree completely. I have had CM7 on two Kindles for months now with absolutely zero problems. If you experienced problems with "most apps" then I am guessing you had serious user errors, not CM or KF errors. Plus, having an onscreen volume slider with the Volume Control app works beautifully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right lol...If your intention is rooting and using cm, buying a first gen android tablet for about the same price makes much more sense. It is something with the aspect ratio, I had numerous apps not behave correctly when going from landscape to portrait, and the software volume control options on cm7 were hideous. The tablet is great if you intend on using it in conjunction with prime as amazon intended though.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
I just made the switch from the Nexus 7 to a Kindle Fire HD. I'm not totally sure it's the best decision, but so far I don't feel bad for making the switch.
I love the Nexus 7, it's speedy, feels great in my hand, and I just love having a stock Android tablet with Jelly Bean. But I'm disappointed with the hardware quality, after several RMAs I still have loose glass on the left side, washed out colors, the speaker is almost unusable in some situations, and the wifi isn't that good. ASUS says they had to rush to redesign this for Google and I feel like it shows. I'm pretty disappointed because I so wanted to love the tablet and there are not any other good true Android tablets in this price range (Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is not an option because of it's 1024x600 resolution).
Google was kind enough to give me a refund. And I really appreciate that, because I bought the Nexus 7 two months ago. So I picked up a Kindle Fire HD today.
The main reason why I decided to give the Kindle Fire HD a chance is because I'm an Amazon Prime subscriber, I have bought quite a few ebooks from them, I use their Instant Video service, and I do a lot of other shopping with them. So I figure even if I don't really love it as a tablet, at least it'll hopefully be a nice device from finding new content on Amazon.
My first impressions of the Kindle Fire HD after a few hours of use...
The build quality just feels excellent. The glass is where it should be and isn't moving and that's always a good start. The back side feels slightly more premium. It's wider than my Nexus 7 so not as comfortable to hold like a giant cell phone like I do with the Nexus 7, but it has a wider bezel so easier to hold on one edge. Nexus 7 does win in comfort to hold though because of it's lighter weight as well. But the Fire HD is comfortable enough as well, so no complaints.
My next concern area was the display quality. The colors on the Fire HD are warmer and look much better. The screen also seems to be brighter, so that should help outdoors.
Wifi was not really a concern on my Nexus 7, but my signal strength was a bit weak when I was in the back yard, the wifi connection would drop to 2 bars and 13Mbps strength. The Fire HD remains at excellent strength 4 bars and 130Mbps. I love the dual band and MIMO on this.
Speakers are a vast improvement too. They are louder and clearer on the Fire HD. With my Nexus 7 when I watched YouTube podcasts I'd have to wear headphones because it was difficult to hear dialog clearly sometimes, but everything comes out loud and clear on the Fire HD. Heck I have to turn the volume down a bit even.
I miss having a real home screen, being able able to arrange icons and customize the look. But Kindle OS doesn't seem too bad. And since I'm an Amazon Prime customer, I do like the suggestions they present me with. The OS is where the Nexus 7 shines very brightly and the Fire HD doesn't as I expected. But the OS performance on the Fire HD actually seems pretty good so far.
I had no trouble side loading my favorite Android apps and YouTube. I'm not rooting and loading Google Play at this time. Just in case I decide to return it, I want to be able to return it to stock easily. YouTube runs fine and all my side loaded apps seem to be working. So it seems everything I'd been using my Nexus 7 for I should be able to do on the Fire HD.
In summary I'm happy with the Kindle Fire HD so far. The only nagging concern is should I stick with this 7.0 model or wait for the 8.9 inch model. I like the smaller size, but am missing out on higher DPI and a faster processor, it's pretty tempting.
Once(if) it gets a custom recovery and bootloader, and gets jellybean ROMs, its going to be awesome.
Sent from my Kindle Fire
:good: Good Decision
I also have a Nexus 7, last week it started having whiteout and washed out screen/collor issues. Its been over a month so not sure what to do with it now, but I have really been loving my rooted kindle fire hd with google play store and apps
Josepho1997 said:
Once(if) it gets a custom recovery and bootloader, and gets jellybean ROMs, its going to be awesome.
Sent from my Kindle Fire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I'm going to buy one
I sold my original Kindle Fire to get the Nexus 7. But after going through 2 units, I finally returned it due to hardware failure issues and decided to wait. When the new Kindle Fire HD was announced, I was so excited I ordered the 7 inch model even though I also ordered the 8.9 inch model. For some reason, possibly due to how well they are built, the Kindle Fires hold their value very well. I'm not worried at all about re selling the 7 once I get the 8.9.
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2
Ravynmagi said:
I just made the switch from the Nexus 7 to a Kindle Fire HD. I'm not totally sure it's the best decision, but so far I don't feel bad for making the switch.
I love the Nexus 7, it's speedy, feels great in my hand, and I just love having a stock Android tablet with Jelly Bean. But I'm disappointed with the hardware quality, after several RMAs I still have loose glass on the left side, washed out colors, the speaker is almost unusable in some situations, and the wifi isn't that good. ASUS says they had to rush to redesign this for Google and I feel like it shows. I'm pretty disappointed because I so wanted to love the tablet and there are not any other good true Android tablets in this price range (Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is not an option because of it's 1024x600 resolution).
Google was kind enough to give me a refund. And I really appreciate that, because I bought the Nexus 7 two months ago. So I picked up a Kindle Fire HD today.
The main reason why I decided to give the Kindle Fire HD a chance is because I'm an Amazon Prime subscriber, I have bought quite a few ebooks from them, I use their Instant Video service, and I do a lot of other shopping with them. So I figure even if I don't really love it as a tablet, at least it'll hopefully be a nice device from finding new content on Amazon.
My first impressions of the Kindle Fire HD after a few hours of use...
The build quality just feels excellent. The glass is where it should be and isn't moving and that's always a good start. The back side feels slightly more premium. It's wider than my Nexus 7 so not as comfortable to hold like a giant cell phone like I do with the Nexus 7, but it has a wider bezel so easier to hold on one edge. Nexus 7 does win in comfort to hold though because of it's lighter weight as well. But the Fire HD is comfortable enough as well, so no complaints.
My next concern area was the display quality. The colors on the Fire HD are warmer and look much better. The screen also seems to be brighter, so that should help outdoors.
Wifi was not really a concern on my Nexus 7, but my signal strength was a bit weak when I was in the back yard, the wifi connection would drop to 2 bars and 13Mbps strength. The Fire HD remains at excellent strength 4 bars and 130Mbps. I love the dual band and MIMO on this.
Speakers are a vast improvement too. They are louder and clearer on the Fire HD. With my Nexus 7 when I watched YouTube podcasts I'd have to wear headphones because it was difficult to hear dialog clearly sometimes, but everything comes out loud and clear on the Fire HD. Heck I have to turn the volume down a bit even.
I miss having a real home screen, being able able to arrange icons and customize the look. But Kindle OS doesn't seem too bad. And since I'm an Amazon Prime customer, I do like the suggestions they present me with. The OS is where the Nexus 7 shines very brightly and the Fire HD doesn't as I expected. But the OS performance on the Fire HD actually seems pretty good so far.
I had no trouble side loading my favorite Android apps and YouTube. I'm not rooting and loading Google Play at this time. Just in case I decide to return it, I want to be able to return it to stock easily. YouTube runs fine and all my side loaded apps seem to be working. So it seems everything I'd been using my Nexus 7 for I should be able to do on the Fire HD.
In summary I'm happy with the Kindle Fire HD so far. The only nagging concern is should I stick with this 7.0 model or wait for the 8.9 inch model. I like the smaller size, but am missing out on higher DPI and a faster processor, it's pretty tempting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This applies to me also. I just traded my Nexus 7 for an unopened Fire HD plus $40. My Nexus had similar issues to yours. So far I'm very pleased with my decision. You can have a home screen if you install ADW launcher. It's the only launcher I could get to work. If you hit the home button it does not give you the option to choose a new launcher, it defaults to the Amazon launcher. Also, the Kindle app won't open from ADW. I made ADW a favorite and avoid the home button unless I need to get to my Kindle App. Not the ideal situation but gives you the option to not use the carousel, change the wallpaper, use widgets, etc.
Once CM10 is out for the Fire HD it will make things even better.
vzwty said:
This applies to me also. I just traded my Nexus 7 for an unopened Fire HD plus $40. My Nexus had similar issues to yours. So far I'm very pleased with my decision. You can have a home screen if you install ADW launcher. It's the only launcher I could get to work. If you hit the home button it does not give you the option to choose a new launcher, it defaults to the Amazon launcher. Also, the Kindle app won't open from ADW. I made ADW a favorite and avoid the home button unless I need to get to my Kindle App. Not the ideal situation but gives you the option to not use the carousel, change the wallpaper, use widgets, etc.
Once CM10 is out for the Fire HD it will make things even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good!
Thank you for your sharing, I need it!
Another thing I'm liking about the Kindle Fire HD is it's soft keys. I side loaded Dolphin and enabled full screen mode and I really have FULL SCREEN. I love how the soft keys minimize to a small little overlapping tab on the edge. I have so much screen space for viewing pages. The Nexus 7 has those huge honking ever present soft keys that rarely go away.
I am on the same boat. Nexus 7 would be awesome it it wasn't for the build quality. I am thinking about the nook HD+, it sounds awesome.
KFHD = locked. N7 = unlockable
Good luck with CM10 on the KFHD. The bootloader is locked. It's not necessarily impossible to work around it, but will be a major headache/inconvenience, and many CM folk I know are steering clear just on principal.
fattire said:
Good luck with CM10 on the KFHD. The bootloader is locked. It's not necessarily impossible to work around it, but will be a major headache/inconvenience, and many CM folk I know are steering clear just on principal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not impossible for amazon to do it. But there's no chance they will.
Sent from my Kindle Fire
vzwty said:
This applies to me also. I just traded my Nexus 7 for an unopened Fire HD plus $40. My Nexus had similar issues to yours. So far I'm very pleased with my decision. You can have a home screen if you install ADW launcher. It's the only launcher I could get to work. If you hit the home button it does not give you the option to choose a new launcher, it defaults to the Amazon launcher. Also, the Kindle app won't open from ADW. I made ADW a favorite and avoid the home button unless I need to get to my Kindle App. Not the ideal situation but gives you the option to not use the carousel, change the wallpaper, use widgets, etc.
Once CM10 is out for the Fire HD it will make things even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im trying to do something similar to what u did.is there a way i can side load google music w/o rooting?
Tswig said:
im trying to do something similar to what u did.is there a way i can side load google music w/o rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I backed up the Google Music app from my Nexus 7 using ES File Manager. Then copied it to my Fire HD and installed it. It seems to be working just fine, I'm streaming my music from Google.
I was on the same boat as you. After returning two nexus 7s due to raised screen, I was hoping for a better build 7 inch tablet. I end up buying an excite 7.7. I was able to get the excite for 360$. I think it is a good deal considering the superb screen, build quality and features....
Sent from my AT270 using xda app-developers app
Hi! I did get my KFHD a week ago. I wanted to buy Nexus 7, but Fire HD looks better for the same price. Rooted, G Play, all work awesome! The only problem is - I can't start any launcher from the google market. It is downloaded, installed, but there is NO open button and it doesn't show up in apps... What am i doing wrong?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Melodycd said:
Hi! I did get my KFHD a week ago. I wanted to buy Nexus 7, but Fire HD looks better for the same price. Rooted, G Play, all work awesome! The only problem is - I can't start any launcher from the google market. It is downloaded, installed, but there is NO open button and it doesn't show up in apps... What am i doing wrong?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard only ADW Launcher seems to work. And if you press the Home button you'll go back to the Amazon launcher instead, so I guess you need to put ADW Launcher in your favorites and avoid hitting the home buttons. That sounds like a PITA to me, so I haven't messed with it myself.
Ravynmagi said:
I've heard only ADW Launcher seems to work. And if you press the Home button you'll go back to the Amazon launcher instead, so I guess you need to put ADW Launcher in your favorites and avoid hitting the home buttons. That sounds like a PITA to me, so I haven't messed with it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do root, you can put go launcher ex apk in the system/app folder, install and reboot. Go launcher will work and you can set it to default, the kindle will ask what you want to use when it boots from that restart. Then you'll be good to go. I had it working perfect on my KFHD but its back in the box and going to UPS tomorrow.
Ravynmagi said:
I've heard only ADW Launcher seems to work. And if you press the Home button you'll go back to the Amazon launcher instead, so I guess you need to put ADW Launcher in your favorites and avoid hitting the home buttons. That sounds like a PITA to me, so I haven't messed with it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its really not that big of a pain
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2
How does the operation of the device compare to the Nexus 7 after you have rooted it and changed the launcher?
Curious to those that have done.
I completely changed the look and feel of the Kindle Fire HD. It is a better looking and longer battery lasting tablet than the tablets being compared to it. The HD picture is vibrant and the colors are warm. With the new launcher, it feels like a bigger version of my Galaxy S III without the Phone and Messaging. I could NOT be happier that I grabbed this KFHD, rather than settling for the Nexus7.
caponea6 said:
I completely changed the look and feel of the Kindle Fire HD. It is a better looking and longer battery lasting tablet than the tablets being compared to it. The HD picture is vibrant and the colors are warm. With the new launcher, it feels like a bigger version of my Galaxy S III without the Phone and Messaging. I could NOT be happier that I grabbed this KFHD, rather than settling for the Nexus7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the type of information I was looking for. Thank you! :good: :laugh: :highfive:
Rooted KFHD with alternative launcher is still nothing compared to a stock nexus 7, if you want fully functional google services. Amazon took out code that is in a full fledged android device. Such as if you side load google talk, you can't get video and voice. There is no voice search functions because Amazon took out components even though the possibility is there. Its a pain if you want another keyboard or even to customize your interface. Google play can be side loaded but not everything will recognize the KFHD.
It honestly depends on what you want. If you have Amazon prime and love entertainment, the KFHD is a great device. If you want an all rounded tablet, then you want the N7. In my honest opinion, I loved the KFHD hardware but the software killed the device for me. I wasn't going to wait and hope one day the bootloader will be cracked and custom roms made. I did not like the feeling of having a half gimped device.
I returned the KFHD and kept the N7.
alkemist80 said:
Rooted KFHD with alternative launcher is still nothing compared to a stock nexus 7, if you want fully functional google services. Amazon took out code that is in a full fledged android device. Such as if you side load google talk, you can't get video and voice. There is no voice search functions because Amazon took out components even though the possibility is there. Its a pain if you want another keyboard or even to customize your interface. Google play can be side loaded but not everything will recognize the KFHD.
It honestly depends on what you want. If you have Amazon prime and love entertainment, the KFHD is a great device. If you want an all rounded tablet, then you want the N7. In my honest opinion, I loved the KFHD hardware but the software killed the device for me. I wasn't going to wait and hope one day the bootloader will be cracked and custom roms made. I did not like the feeling of having a half gimped device.
I returned the KFHD and kept the N7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a very insightful response haha. Really. I figured as much but its cool to know that these things are true - instead of wondering what the hell is wrong with the apps. I will use my KFHD with what I've got for now and Ill just wait for that day that we can crack these bootloaders and get custom roms. Praise allaaaaahhhhhh.
caponea6 said:
I will use my KFHD with what I've got for now and Ill just wait for that day that we can crack these bootloaders and get custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll kick myself the day that happens but right now I'm happy with my decision.
On a side note for the OP, If anything, you can purchase both devices, play test and return what you don't want. I felt bad doing that but it's still hard to find the N7 let alone having it on display. I thought I would be happy with the KFHD when I pre-ordered and then after using it, I started to have more and more doubts after digging around and playing with it.
To all members involved in this thread:
Discussions on XDA are to take place in a respectful manner. I've been watching this thread all day today and what started as a misunderstanding, escalated into some bickering and then seemed to get resolved on its own, so I've left it alone.
Do not let the discussions take another wrong turn.
EDIT: Upon further reflection, I decided that this thread did need to be cleansed of all the rancor. I advise all parties to think about how such a small thing turned into this nonsense requiring moderator intervention. Let's all bring it back to the discussion at hand.
If anybody here has questions or concerns regarding the moderating decisions, send me a PM.
I spent about 2 weeks debating this same question. finally managed to get my hands on both devices and it really comes down to what you plan on using it for. For multimedia the KF HD was the clear winner for me and as thats what most my use is going to be. In terms of options the nexus 7 seems to have more currently.
What settled it for me was the screen was nicer, the sound was much better and overall the KFHD is able to meet my needs.
I forgot to mention that I found the KFHD battery to be very finicky. It didn't like to have the wifi location services on all the time. It drained my batter like no tomorrow. Also I had to be careful on what I installed. Even something as a pandora widget (that never has been used) will keep the device from deep sleep. I got power issues right off the bat.
Also if you use anything to alter the hidden battery settings, such as using spare parts to keep wifi on all the time (even though it should be unless you turn wifi off), there is no way to set it back to normal without a reset.
I had battery problems right away with the KFHD but I noticed that my N7 out of the box was doing pretty good. I really had to dig around and babysit everything but once I figured out my issues, battery life on standby was much better, but these are issues that we shouldn't have to worry about from the get go.
ADW and Go launcher did not seem to cause me any battery issues, so they should be safe to use.
I did not root, just sideloaded adw launcher ex to the kfhd.
Longer story shorter, I use the kfhd more than the Nexus 7 which I also own.
robertc88 said:
I did not root, just sideloaded adw launcher ex to the kfhd.
Longer story shorter, I use the kfhd more than the Nexus 7 which I also own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May try this as I'm not sure I want to fool with rooting the KFHD.
I can't decide which one I like better, I haven't been able to go hands on with the Fire HD yet though. I love my transformer Infinity, and I loved the TF101 I had before it, my friend has the nexus 7, and from what I've played with it I like it a lot. Asus is a great company and bar none has the best update record of any manufacturer. If you're interested in a futureproof google device, get the nexus, if you want a 7" iPad's usability and family features that the Fire HD offers, go that route.
alkemist80 said:
Rooted KFHD with alternative launcher is still nothing compared to a stock nexus 7, if you want fully functional google services. Amazon took out code that is in a full fledged android device. Such as if you side load google talk, you can't get video and voice. There is no voice search functions because Amazon took out components even though the possibility is there. Its a pain if you want another keyboard or even to customize your interface. Google play can be side loaded but not everything will recognize the KFHD.
It honestly depends on what you want. If you have Amazon prime and love entertainment, the KFHD is a great device. If you want an all rounded tablet, then you want the N7. In my honest opinion, I loved the KFHD hardware but the software killed the device for me. I wasn't going to wait and hope one day the bootloader will be cracked and custom roms made. I did not like the feeling of having a half gimped device.
I returned the KFHD and kept the N7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I'm in love with my N7 now because of the Google Now integration and amazing voice command/search response among many other elements.
Also, the GPU in the N7 is really something special. Couple that with the Tegra 3 and it's a reassuring element of knowing it will be a very long time before this tablet is out of date. Feels good having something that will continue to be the cream of the crop (in the $200 price range) for a very very long time.
If your someone that likes the newest software, the nexus devices will see it first being pure google devices. Right now I'm enjoying my jelly bean and can't wait to see what 4.2 will hold, while Amazon will be.. Amazon.
I got a Kindle Fire HD the other day - at first I loved it but the mods amazon have done to android are starting to annoy me now. I've rooted it and installed another home screen (go launcher HD) but getting simple things done involves messing about and hacking that I would rather not have to do. I'm considering buying a Nexus7 now - not sure if i'll be able to take the kindle back for a refund or just have to take a financial hit there. My question is, is it worth doing? Is the Nexus a lot better?
Cheers
Dean
I went from the regular Kindle Fire to the Nexus 7 [gave the Fire to my mom...]. I was torn between the Fire HD and the Nexus, but decided on the Nexus to give me a full Android experience. I can still use the Kindle app to read books and Amazon's MP3 app to give me access to my music which is all stored on Amazon's cloud. For me, this was the right choice.
PromaneX said:
I got a Kindle Fire HD the other day - at first I loved it but the mods amazon have done to android are starting to annoy me now. I've rooted it and installed another home screen (go launcher HD) but getting simple things done involves messing about and hacking that I would rather not have to do. I'm considering buying a Nexus7 now - not sure if i'll be able to take the kindle back for a refund or just have to take a financial hit there. My question is, is it worth doing? Is the Nexus a lot better?
Cheers
Dean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 7 will give you all the pure Android experience, and all the freedom that goes with it, but you may find the screen on the Kindle Fire HD to be better:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33755719&postcount=68
I have a Nexus 7 and it was a no-brainer for me. The kindle HD is nice, but I like the full Google experience. Plus you're more likely to see updates because you won't have to go through proprietary companies before Google pushes an update. I got my wife the HD and she loves it. But she reads mostly and she likes Amazon Prime's free book per month thing. We compared video playback using Netflix. The HD was just a tad brighter, but the colors and resolution looked better in the Nexus. The HD is a nice tablet...but if you like customization and care about updates - the Nexus is the way to go.
There may be someone like you that had a Nexus and wants the HD...try CL to see if someone will trade. Otherwise, sell the HD (you should still be able to get a good price) and if you have some Xbox out PlayStation games you don't want, trade them in at GameStop and use the credit towards a Nexus. Yes, they sell the Nexus there. That's where I got mine and used the game credit to get the 16GB version.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Thanks everyone - I think I'll go for the Nexus and either sell the kindle or give it to a family member - Guess you'll be seeing a lot more of me around this section once I get it
Been comparing these two for ages.
Differences are:
1. Build quality. Kindle appears to be a better build (I've used both).
2. Screen. Kindle is better, especially for reading and at different angles
3. WiFi. Kindle is dual band and is faster
4. Sound. Kindle is dolby stereo and better
5. Innards / CPU. Nexus has a faster CPU and GPU, with some games specifically optimised for it. Kindle I used appeared to have significant lag at times.
6. OS. Kindle uses a skinned version of an earlier version of Android. It cannot do everything the Nexus can and is not as compatible with things the Nexus is. The Nexus is likely to get the latest android updates, the kindle may never get them.
7. Play Store: The Kindle uses its own store and has less apps in it. Many apps will not work with the Kindle.
8. Google Play Music: This is not supported currently on the Kindle
9. Camera. The camera on the Kindle cannot be used as a camera as no app currently exists for it. This is not the case with the Nexus
10. GPS. The Kindle does not have a GPS in it (Kindle Fire HD does, but has no apps to use it as yet)
11. HDMI Out: The Kindle has this. The Nexus does not.
12. Charger. The Nexus comes with a charger. The kindle you have to buy one seperatley or use a slower USB to microusb charger.
13. Size. The Kindle is a little larger. This makes it harder to hold in one hand or pocket easily. However, it gives a nice bezel to hold while reading
14. Battery. Kindle battery life is on paper slightly better than the Nexus. (11.5 vs 9.5 hrs)
15. NFC. Nexus has it. Kindle does not.
16. Magnetometer. Nexus has it. Kindle does not
17. Bluetooth. Nexus has it. Kindle does not - bit odd leaving that out.
So... the Nexus is better, but possibly not as well built and does not have as good sound or screen. Its also possibly going to be stuck on its current OS level and not get all the new and nice upgrades. Your favourite apps may not work on it.
If it annoys you, then you will be happy with the N7!!!!
I was in the exact same shoes and I'm extremely happy I made the switch. No matter how you say it, the KFHD is nothing but a gimped android device with the amazon system running, including using custom launcher.
Dev's are working on a boot strap for the KFHD but it's still in early development and not to mention waiting for (stable) rom.
You'll be happy with the N7 out of the box.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Went out and got the 32gb n7 today and gave the kidnle to the gf. I LOVE the nexus! Really happy that I got it! Thanks to everyone who helped me make the choice