Database Users

Hate myself for asking but - should i buy?

Hey guys, like i said in in the title (and having been on xda for a while) I hate myself for posting a "should i buy" thread, but i think i must have missed something.
As far as i see it the vega has pretty much the same spec as tablets double its price (thinking xoom / eee transforma) and yet the only difference i can see is the shipped android version and 1.2ghs processor vs 1.0ghz in the vega.
I have a HD2 and am happy flashing and running custom roms (running Android on my HD2) so as far as I see it i can get honeycomb flashed in the not too distant future when the boys finish the ROM build and just overclock to 1.4ghz and I am away.
And here in lies my question really, is the touchscreen nice to use? Whats the viewing angle like? HDMI out actually any good in the real world? Anyone use the tablet for work and not just media?
I would like to be able to use an openoffice / MS application on my tablet and if i could connect it up to projectors/tvs via hdmi for presentations and media that would be a real bonus - but only if it actually looks decent and works well.
Thanks for the time taken to read this, I am serious about buying but dont want to waste cash on the vega if people think the eee transforma would be more suitable.
Thanks;
Andy

is the touchscreen nice to use?
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Yes
Whats the viewing angle like?
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Not enough
HDMI out actually any good in the real world?
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Click to collapse
Yes, it's good
I would like to be able to use an openoffice / MS application on my tablet and if i could connect it up to projectors/tvs via hdmi for presentations and media that would be a real bonus - but only if it actually looks decent and works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no OO (or LibreOffice or MS office) at all/ There is Google Docs and Pixel Office

Thanks for such a quick reply. Google docs is fine i think but does it work offline on the tablet ok? Whats pixcel office like?
Battery life about as advertised (8hours)
Sorry for rippling questions in, i guess im just trying to work out what i would get extra for over twice the cash in a xoom / eee.

The key difference in price seems to be tied to screen quality and what the big names think they can get away with charging. Clearly the Motorola has a much better screen display than the Vega. However, for the price, the Vega is great for trying things out. There are a number of different user ROM's available and you can see how to push the technology without worrying about messing up your 'expensive' tablet. Also the Vega is UNBRICKABLE.
I use QuickOffice HD on the Vega and find it able to cope with MS Office 2010 Docs and Spreadsheets with no major issues.

I usee quickoffice works a treat also corvus and newbe5 have created a honeycomb port which is still in progress but something to look towards to if you buy one

Thanks for the answers guys. Im actually in a position to buy one vat free at the moment so with the latest dixons price thats £160 for a 10in tablet. Im kind of finding it hard to tell myself the xoom screen would be worth the extra £300 but you guys have the advent what do you think?
Also, whats the max internal storage i can get 16gb microsd? Will USB thumb drives autmount when inserted?
And can you charge the advent via usb?
(I should say im out of the uk at the moment hence why i cant see the advent but can get vat free - gives with one hand..)
Thanks

I have an old-batch Vega, with a worse screen, and I'm not unhappy with it (it can be testy, but it works). The new batch has better screens, more responsive, so the main qualm against the device is partially deflected. For 160 punds you cannot go wrong: it's a super-budget price for a quite capable tablet. Right now there are new smartphones which are not up to the horsepower of an Advent Vega. And if you overclock it... oh boy. 1,4 Ghz at your service. Believe me, the Advent Vega is a steal.

I am running with a 32GB Micro SDHC which I think is the max it can take. You need to get the system into USB Host mode, which needs some changes either to the stock rom, or use one of the very good alternate roms, if you want to plug a USB Stick onto it, but you shouldn't have the need.
I don't think the Xoom is worth the extra at the moment while I am still assessing whether the tablet is an indispensable device for daily use. I do use the Vega daily though and find the screen fine if a little tight on brightness and viewing angle.
There is an over-clock kernel available here now that also gets the Vega to out-perform the Xoom.

32gb would be perfect - and im pretty much mind made up.
Custom ROM
32GB Micro
Overclock to 1.2 as a starter for 10
Android 3 when the boys get round to finishing it.
Thanks for all of your help / comments

I´m sorry to borrow your topic but I´m also considering buying this device (or POV Mobii since they pretty much share the same hardware) and no doubt that all this replies help make me rest assured that this is the best low budget tablet around, however I just cannot find a way to order this to Portugal.
I tried Amazon (only shows POV Mobii and for 280 pounds (!) which makes me feel like i´m being robbed) Ebay and other known on-line shops to no success.
Can anyone tell me where can I order this device (and identical ones as told before) on-line within EU? The ones I come across with at Ebay are from UK and none of them ship to Portugal, which is a shame.
Although I have the possibility I refuse to pay 500€+ for a device that otherwise would cost half if there was none of this tablet hype thingy messing with the markets (Shame on you Mr. Jobs).
Any help is appreciated guys.
Thank you,
Mix

Hi Badmix.
You can try to order the PoV Mobii Tegra from Amazon.de .. I don't know about the shipping to Portugal, but the Price in DE is 280€. Just try it if the price is ok for you
best regards

£160 !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
JUST BUY it... just buy it now... don't waste the chance!!!
It's an absolutely steal!!!
32Gb - no problem (I have 16gb and don't use it all)
overclock? - Corvus 1.5Ghz done.
USB drive, mouse n keyboard? - custom kernel (needs reboot) or use the dock station (as I do)

BadMix said:
I´m sorry to borrow your topic but I´m also considering buying this device (or POV Mobii since they pretty much share the same hardware) and no doubt that all this replies help make me rest assured that this is the best low budget tablet around, however I just cannot find a way to order this to Portugal.
I tried Amazon (only shows POV Mobii and for 280 pounds (!) which makes me feel like i´m being robbed) Ebay and other known on-line shops to no success.
Can anyone tell me where can I order this device (and identical ones as told before) on-line within EU? The ones I come across with at Ebay are from UK and none of them ship to Portugal, which is a shame.
Although I have the possibility I refuse to pay 500€+ for a device that otherwise would cost half if there was none of this tablet hype thingy messing with the markets (Shame on you Mr. Jobs).
Any help is appreciated guys.
Thank you,
Mix
Click to expand...
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If you are still unclear, Advent are a firm under the Currys/PCWorld brand and only operate in the UK.
If you can find someone who is willing to buy for you (for a 'fee' maybe), then that is prob the best way to go.
Hope this helps.

Thank you for the helpful replies.
I just ordered from a German shop the POV Mobii Tegra for 236£ (270€) and I am pretty sure that I could not have done a better deal for the amount of money i was willing to spend.
Next step: buying a decent case to give my new investment the biggest life spawn possible.
Cheers guys once again.
Mix

Anyone know where to get this less then £200 in the UK
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

Ebay have a fair few if you want nearly new.
Other than that dixons group have the monopoly on this item sadly.

Okay thanks, another question that is keeping me from buying this is that I'm wondering whether the Vega has multitouch problems like the desire and nexus one, also has anyone played games like Nova and how does it run and is it playable with the multitouch.

Logseman said:
I have an old-batch Vega, with a worse screen
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Is there a way to tell whether a Vega is of the old or the new batch with the nicer screen?
Asking because there is a used one that I am considering.
Thank you!

Kobo VOX Nice Kindle fire alternative?

This Tablet Im looking at costs the same and has twice the features. Granted the processor isnt quite as strong. But wouldnt this have been a nice alternative to what I bought I think after christmas once I can save some money I might pick one of these babies up its called theKobo Vox. If anyone does pick one up as an alternative, Let me know how it runs I would like to know wether or not its worth it. I would post the link but It wont let me because I dont have that ability yet. Im working though trust me.

It has a slower processor, but it has an sd card slot. What are these other features that the Fire lacks?

Was just looking at specs and think I would rather stay with the kindle fire
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

victimofcanada said:
This Tablet Im looking at costs the same and has twice the features. Granted the processor isnt quite as strong. But wouldnt this have been a nice alternative to what I bought I think after christmas once I can save some money I might pick one of these babies up its called theKobo Vox. If anyone does pick one up as an alternative, Let me know how it runs I would like to know wether or not its worth it. I would post the link but It wont let me because I dont have that ability yet. Im working though trust me.
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How is the kobo vox better than the nook color (which at least has a small developer community)?
Don't get me wrong, I would like to see kobo/borders succeed (ie I was at some point interested in buying one of their eInk readers), but the kobo vox (like the eInk device I was interested in) was too little too late.
12 months ago the Kobo Vox might have had a chance ... now though?

Nook Tablet cant even get kexec because they have a locked and signed bootloader. Meaning no chance for custom kernels or a way to load a custom kernel on top of the standard one. The Kobo Vox has volume buttons. which is nice. easier recovery navigation/button combos

grvthang said:
It has a slower processor, but it has an sd card slot. What are these other features that the Fire lacks?
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It also has a camera and It seems to have volume buttons also physical navigation menu.
death2all110 said:
Nook Tablet cant even get kexec because they have a locked and signed bootloader. Meaning no chance for custom kernels or a way to load a custom kernel on top of the standard one. The Kobo Vox has volume buttons. which is nice. easier recovery navigation/button combos
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andTab said:
How is the kobo vox better than the nook color (which at least has a small developer community)?
Don't get me wrong, I would like to see kobo/borders succeed (ie I was at some point interested in buying one of their eInk readers), but the kobo vox (like the eInk device I was interested in) was too little too late.
12 months ago the Kobo Vox might have had a chance ... now though?
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The VOX already has hardware features that the kindle and nook are both lacking. Also, it is running almost clean android so its a familiar interface we all know. Granted if this tablet survives (which I hope it does) The next logical step would be huge updates to the processor and ram in the device. while the nook and kindle both would have minor adjustments to the processor and ram and adding features that should have been included in the initial release. I do love my Kindle don't get me wrong I feel like the community here can do some great things with it but its just lacking some major features and Amazon came on a little apple-esque with it. It felt like if there was no root it was almost entirely proprietary.

victimofcanada said:
It also has a camera and It seems to have volume buttons also physical navigation menu.
The VOX already has hardware features that the kindle and nook are both lacking. Also, it is running almost clean android so its a familiar interface we all know. Granted if this tablet survives (which I hope it does) The next logical step would be huge updates to the processor and ram in the device. while the nook and kindle both would have minor adjustments to the processor and ram and adding features that should have been included in the initial release. I do love my Kindle don't get me wrong I feel like the community here can do some great things with it but its just lacking some major features and Amazon came on a little apple-esque with it. It felt like if there was no root it was almost entirely proprietary.
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Reading comprehension = zero.
It is essentially the SAME HARDWARE as the Nook COLOR!!!!!! But without a dev community.
Too little, too late.

I think the biggest advantage the Fire has over this device (and many others) is the sheer number of them on the market.
Many of the (real, lol) developers I know are getting orders for applications directed at the Fire. With the amount of market segmentation for android devices, finding a 'target' is a big deal for people.

andTab said:
Reading comprehension = zero.
It is essentially the SAME HARDWARE as the Nook COLOR!!!!!! But without a dev community.
Too little, too late.
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Only way to get a nook color outside the US is importing it afaik
This is the same price (against the price charged by an importer) and you can just buy it on the high street (UK).

unrandomsam said:
Only way to get a nook color outside the US is importing it afaik
This is the same price (against the price charged by an importer) and you can just buy it on the high street (UK).
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Click to collapse
Which still proves my point: same price, same hardware but no dev community.
And the OP seems to be from Canada ... where he can get the Nook Color for $150 or less (depending on the available deals).

Advantages of Kindle Fire over the HTC Evo View?

HTC Evo View is available for $220, so for $20 extra, you get:
Standard Android OS, and Snapdragon (vs. forked Android and custom PowerVR) for far greater compatibility with apps in Market
GPS, Bluetooth, microphone, camera, hardware buttons
32GB internal storage with microSD expansion
As well as other optional features (use of Sprint's network for 4G, digitizer pen for note taking), but you do lose out on:
Dual core processor (it's single core, but clocked at 1.5GHz vs. 1.0GHz)*
Simplistic, intuitive, design of the GUI (more of an opinion)
Access of direct Prime content, and access to borrowing books from Amazon
I'm leaning more towards the HTC Evo View, and returning this device >.>. Are there reasons not to?
*I don't know if you can compare clock speed directly with different architectures (Snapdragon vs. PowerVR), so take that clockspeed comparison with a grain of salt.

I have both and the View destroys the Fire. I haven't used the Fire in a week now since getting my view. HTC Sense makes a world of difference on this thing, its really nice. Don't discount the cpu either just because it is single core, it is really fast.
If you havea choice, get the View.

I have the Flyer (basically wifi only version of View) and a Fire. The only advantage of a the Fire over the View, in my opinion, is the Amazon video app. I put the amazon app on my Flyer and video stutters. However, I can watch Amazon video in Dolphin browser.
Also, not a lot of development on View at this time (more dev on Flyer). With low prices on View, more devs may get involved. I'm not a dev, but I ordered a View yesterday and will probably keep my Flyer as a backup.
If I had to choose between Fire and View, I would get the View.

The Flyer's bootloader can be unlocked; the View can't.
http://htcdev.com/bootloader (click on Supported Devices List)

Revolutionary supports HTC View (express) 1.09.0000 and 1.13.0000

I thought the HTC Evo View was discontinued.

krelvinaz said:
I thought the HTC Evo View was discontinued.
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Do believe that is why it is so cheap.

I just bought the view. For the price point right now I think its a good way to go. I have played with my fathers fire and Im glad I chose the view. We bought a couple more view over the fire for both of my sister's christmas gifts. I can't seem to get Amazon instant video to play through the browser though. It looks like it buffers the fails. Any thoughts? (post written from my view.)

sleepycharlie said:
I just bought the view. For the price point right now I think its a good way to go. I have played with my fathers fire and Im glad I chose the view. We bought a couple more view over the fire for both of my sister's christmas gifts. I can't seem to get Amazon instant video to play through the browser though. It looks like it buffers the fails. Any thoughts? (post written from my view.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon instant video works best for me using dolphin hd browser on my Flyer.

sleepycharlie said:
I just bought the view. For the price point right now I think its a good way to go. I have played with my fathers fire and Im glad I chose the view. We bought a couple more view over the fire for both of my sister's christmas gifts. I can't seem to get Amazon instant video to play through the browser though. It looks like it buffers the fails. Any thoughts? (post written from my view.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting comparison. Couple of questions:
1. How's Bens Outlet? Reputable?
2. Will View be able to be upgraded to ICS?
Right now I have KF and while I like it, the lack of physical buttons and memory are not great. I think that ICS will fix button issue, but memory is still a concern long term. If upgrade path to ICS on View is feasible, I would consider it.
Thanks.

KF owner right now but thinking of getting one after Christmas to see it goes down to $200. I think the Evo View is a better deal. GPS, Cameras, far more memory, and Honeycomb on it's way (hopefully), plus the optional 4G is much more for only $20 and if you wait it may go down to $200. either way, Evo View sounds better.

i don't know, i'd still get the kindle fire just because it's going to get a lot more developer support.
the view is discontinued and it's single cored, i'm not sure on the dev-scene for it but i know it has honeycomb ports.
EDIT: not ports, i mean actual leaked builds of honeycomb from HTC
but a lot of people are working on ICS for the fire which is going to be awesome.
however, the view has the pen feature so if youre going to do a lot of writing you should get that. but also HTC sense tends to slow down and youre going to be on a single core as well so it really depends what you're going to do with it.
i'd still just get the kindle fire.

Htc slashed prices for Flyer in India to a lot less and even I was in dilemma to whether go for it or buy fire which I had to get shipped from US.
But with all the development here and seeing Fire is a new device with dual core processor, I bought Fire. Still to get it though, one more week.

e.mote said:
The Flyer's bootloader can be unlocked; the View can't.
http://htcdev.com/bootloader (click on Supported Devices List)
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It may not be officially supported but it's possible with Revolutionary. I literally just did mine like 10 minutes ago.
Basically development & some of the Amazon features are the only real advantages to the Kindle Fire, IMO.
I've played with the KF a few times & it seemed pretty good aside from the lack of buttons. I kept finding myself 'stuck' with no visible way to get back to the main menu. I was still ready to buy one until I found out it has no bluetooth & no sd slot. Those are dealbreakers for me. I shopped around more & decided on the Flyer but everywhere was sold out of that. I finally ended up with the View today & after having played with it all day, I definitely made the right choice. You just get so much more with the View. The KF is still more ereader than tablet, despite how they market it. The only things I don't like about the View are Sense(the first thing I installed was ADW), lack of a camera flash, Sprint's craptastic 3g, longish boot times, and the lack of a search button. All pretty minor things, IMO, when you look at everything else it offers. I was initially concerned about it being only a single core, but it is 1.5ghz & it's plenty fast. Easily one of the zippiest tablets I've ever used. Lack of development is a bit of a downer, but I'm happy with just being rooted.
And the pen just rocks. It may be a gimmick, but I love it. I use it all the time

esoh said:
Interesting comparison. Couple of questions:
1. How's Bens Outlet? Reputable?
2. Will View be able to be upgraded to ICS?
Right now I have KF and while I like it, the lack of physical buttons and memory are not great. I think that ICS will fix button issue, but memory is still a concern long term. If upgrade path to ICS on View is feasible, I would consider it.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Don't know, but they take paypal, so I should be protected.
2. I doubt it will get official ICS, maybe from dev community, but I wouldn't count on it.

Where are you guys getting the info that the View and Flyer is discontinued? It's still on HTC's main site (as their only 7" tablet), and Google search shows that tis only a rumor, based off of Best Buy not listing it on their site anymore.
HTC did promise Honeycomb on the View/Flyer, and ICS for HTC Evo series of phones; maybe HTC Evo View might be included in the latter.

Other that a few video apps pretty much nothing takes advantage of dual core processors on Android. The View (and Flyer) are noticeably faster than my Fire. The screen isn't as nice but it's still a good screen not one of those cheaper ones that only look good from one location. Add in 4x the memory, a GPS, SDHC card slot, real buttons and so on. If you want a great ereader that can play some games and run some apps get the Fire. If you want an Android tablet get the View or even the Flyer.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P512 using Tapatalk

Damn I wish. I could have found that deal. Lol I would have bought that instead of Amazon Fire.
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium

amrn4s said:
Damn I wish. I could have found that deal. Lol I would have bought that instead of Amazon Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still return the Amazon Fire for full price (minus shipping*) 'till January 31st 2012.
I plan to, after my View comes in the mail.
*Buyer's remorse is covered at 100% minus shipping; you could lie and brick the device and say its broken for 100% recovery (including recovery shipping), if you so desire .

butterflygirl said:
Amazon instant video works best for me using dolphin hd browser on my Flyer.
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Click to collapse
Thanks! That's a cool browser and I'll probably continue to use it. However I still can't get Amazon instant video to play through either Dolphin or the stock browser on my view at the moment. I'm surprised there isn't an app for it yet. Anyone else able to play Amazon instant video on the HTC evo view?
Also I was under the impression there was a micro hdmi out when I bought this but no big deal for me. Has everything else!

Still in production?

Thinking of getting one of these as a mess-around device as it has good community support and is cheap. Are they still in production, or is it just left over stock?

I myself have an archos A70s for nearly 2 years now and it is still a good device for some things.
But it is in no way capable of the things you need now.
If you want samething cheap why not get something like "Ainol Novo 7 Elf II" and get a real dualcore device that has 1 GB of ram and comes with ICS.
You can get that for less than 100 stearling on ebay.
And the Ainol community is growing every day ( and is active atm ).
ATM there are so many cheap r3066 or 8726-mx out there that i personaly wouldn't decide for the Archos.

fzelle said:
I myself have an archos A70s for nearly 2 years now and it is still a good device for some things.
But it is in no way capable of the things you need now.
If you want samething cheap why not get something like "Ainol Novo 7 Elf II" and get a real dualcore device that has 1 GB of ram and comes with ICS.
You can get that for less than 100 stearling on ebay.
And the Ainol community is growing every day ( and is active atm ).
ATM there are so many cheap r3066 or 8726-mx out there that i personaly wouldn't decide for the Archos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds stupid but it was either this or the Arnova range. The Arnova range has little to no dev support but this tablet does, and is available at £130 in the UK. It's just a tinkering device that I don't really have to worry about making non-functional because I have a Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Although, what draws me to the Arnova is the more powerful hardware.

Arnova and more Powerfull?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-Ainol-N...=UK_iPad_Tablets_eReaders&hash=item27c9cce1e3

Code:
fzelle said:
Arnova and more Powerfull?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-Ainol-N...=UK_iPad_Tablets_eReaders&hash=item27c9cce1e3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not Arnova. It's Ainol.
Also, are they still being made? Do Archos provide fixes?
What tasks does it struggle with?
I just want a hacking device.

Hacking? As far as I know this device is good for development and hacking, a developer should answer your question. Anyway, if you are good developer (or developer at all) you are welcome to join the community. I dont know if the device is stil being made but the firmware support by the manufacturer is stopped as it seems.

@mr.fast:
That link was for you to compare the "Arnova is the more powerful hardware" to something that really is.

fzelle said:
@mr.fast:
That link was for you to compare the "Arnova is the more powerful hardware" to something that really is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok'ay, thanks...

I am still unsure if they are still being manufactured. Archos don't seem to sell them directly anymore but Carphone Warehouse in the UK have them for £150.
It's either this or an Arnova 10 G2. Is the Rockchip RK2918 more powerful than the OMAP in the Archos 101 G8?
It's just that the Arnova doesn't have any or little dev support and has more restrictive firmware.
Thanks.

Arnova users often come here and ask for help, so I think Archos community is better.

I'm selling my A101 G8 16G....
PM me for details. It has the ACC H264 codec already installed and paid for too. Nice case and HDMI cable.

sublimejosh2000 said:
PM me for details. It has the ACC H264 codec already installed and paid for too. Nice case and HDMI cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I live in the UK.

Looks like it's been removed from the Archos website.

Amazon will release new Fire HD 8 Tablets models, next week?

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
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ulises.rodriguez said:
but unfortunately due to a weaker CPU
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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