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Hi all,
i wrote an article about the Kindle Fire for non-US customers, explaining what works out of the box and what kind of options you have if you want to make use of the full potential of the device.
http://smartphoneblogging.com/2012/03/review-kindle-fire-how-usable-is-it-outside-of-the-us/
this is not meant as an faq for technical stuff like rooting, but more of a overview of whats possible with this tablet. this is hopefully interesting for people thinking about getting a kindle fire which don't live in the USA and are not familiar with Androids possibilities.
Please let me know if there are any questions...
Edited first post as the URL has changed...
Hi
That is a very good article, and something I have been looking for as I live in UK.
You state:
Amazon pushes out updates to the Kindle Fire pretty often, which would normally be a great thing, but not so much if you are using a rooted device with the stock ROM. Updates are forced and there is no way to deny them, other than using the Kindle Fire only offline which of course makes no sense. The problem is that each update will break your root access so you have to wait for the community to again root the new version and provide an walkthrough for it. This cat and mouse play can get very annoying. Chances are that you don’t really need to stick with the stock Kindle Fire ROM anyway as most Amazon services can’t be used outside of the US. This is where custom ROMs come in handy
Does this mean that if you keep the stock ROM updates can still be pushed to the device but by changing the ROM it will freeze the pushed updates or is there no way that these can be stopped currently?
meso100 said:
Does this mean that if you keep the stock ROM updates can still be pushed to the device but by changing the ROM it will freeze the pushed updates or is there no way that these can be stopped currently?
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Click to collapse
Yes, that's right. Keeping the stock ROM will mean OTA updates will be pushed to your device, and you might lose root.
With a custom ROM like the CM7 or CM9 Rom this will not happen, as you basically have a different device with that ROMs.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Thanks for your help.
I have bookmarked your website for future reference and liked it on G+
Nice one!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Thanks for the feedback!
meso100 said:
Thanks for your help.
I have bookmarked your website for future reference and liked it on G+
Nice one!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much for writing this article. =]
This will come in handy when I move out of the states shortly. lol
Cheshire.Love said:
Thank you so much for writing this article. =]
This will come in handy when I move out of the states shortly. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. As far as i know you should be able to use your Kindle Fire normally outside of the US, if it has been activated using a real US Amazon account with a real credit card. All services should work.
But of course this won't last if you move to another country permanently (change address) and don't use your US credit card anymore...
The only thing missing now is an official CM9 build and hardware acceleration. Hopefully we will see this soon as it would really push the kindle fire capabilities.
No one seems to want to keep the stock launcher i dont think its bad im still hopeing someone will mod it to fix the thing that are a little annoy ing.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Amazon is bound to get it right with someone.
But most people that post on here are looking for a major change.
You are on a development site we represent probably less than 1/10th of 1% of kindle users
The 'extended settings' app in this thread has some stock launcher mod settings.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37352925
[APP][1/31/2012]KFHD Extended Settings
I'm still running the stock launcher. Like wouldn't describe my relationship to it, but I haven't been terribly motivated once I got root with play and gapps working.
What Are Our Thoughts Around The Kindle Fire HD Or 2
xiro49 said:
No one seems to want to keep the stock launcher i dont think its bad im still hopeing someone will mod it to fix the thing that are a little annoy ing.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xiro49,
This is a very personal question which you will get a thousand or more different answers. I think the best question to ask you is: What do you find annoying with the Kindle? When you replay to this question, I will expand on how to improve what you do not like with the Kindle.
I really think the Kindle is a solid piece of hardware, I do not like the interface but I do love many other aspects of the Kindle like the sound and video, they are both top notch on the Kindle.
My main motivation for rooting was access to Google Play, as I wasn't happy with Amazon's limited selection of apps and having to re-purchase apps. So I guess that puts me in the minority of people who aren't looking for major changes.
xiro49 said:
No one seems to want to keep the stock launcher i dont think its bad im still hopeing someone will mod it to fix the thing that are a little annoy ing.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer the Amazon launcher. When I had the original KF, I did not run the other ports because I think that Google fails at the tablet concept with their launcher. It's ok for a phone but Amazon has a better idea on how to access my stuff. I just wish they had a recent apps button. That would make it much better.
xiro49 said:
No one seems to want to keep the stock launcher i dont think its bad im still hopeing someone will mod it to fix the thing that are a little annoy ing.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually use the stock launcher ---most of the time. It is not bad in what it does. It provides immediate visibility to the most recent things you used or did and lets you get at them very quickly. That is very good if you are like me and use the KFTT again and again for the mostly the same things. What don't you like about it?
For me, I didn't like not having access to the Android Apps I bought on the play store and which I use all the time on my phone. So I rooted my Kindle Fire and added the Play store and now have exactly the Google apps that I want intermingled with the amazon apps that I also use.
Every now and then I do come out of the Amazon Launcher, and use another launcher (ADW, but I have tried Lightning Launcher and Nova launcher) just to see if they would improve my ability to get at what I want to do, or do it faster. Over all there seems no advantage.
So. . . The Amazon Launcher is ok, but I think opening up the Kindle Fire HD to more apps --like those found in the Play store or the 1Mobile Market can enrich the use of the machine. Also adding back flash using the way prokennexusa has recommended in his threads really improved my KF user experience.
But my experience and opinions are based on the fact that I use Amazon Prime a lot --many magazines, some newspapers and many books. Plus the occasional free or paid movie when I need to escape the real world I used to use an Ipad2, but it was too big, too many hard edges and my wife was always taking it with her. . so I am much happier with this -size, content and even how it provides the content is really just what I need!
:victory:
---------- Post added at 01:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:44 AM ----------
gunnyman said:
You are on a development site we represent probably less than 1/10th of 1% of kindle users
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I don't mind the stock home menu I have added some extra touchs like go keyboard and sidebar
sent from my unrooted kindle fire hd
I love the UI. Just needed rooting & Google Play, for me...
Anybody know any rumors / talk of someone working on a stock android Rom for this?? Or kit Kat even... I'm definitely not interested in Fire OS in the least bit.
Thanks
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Bootloader is locked meaning no customs roms until then unless you go with the safe strap method and from what I seen people are having problems with memory and some crashing of the problems and if you have a 8.9 hdx safe strap is not supported but I have faith in this community and belive we will have roms in the future
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Really? Because there's already root tutorials in kindle fire hdx > android development.
Unless those are "safe strap"? Idk I didn't look into it too much because I don't have the kindle yet (got it for Xmas I'm pretty sure lol)
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
So custom ROMs are totally possible, and I'm sure there will be one or two soon, but the issue as stated above is the bootloader is locked. This means no custom kernels which means no AOSP ROMs. This currently rules out Cyanogen, AOKP, Paranoid Android, everything like that. Everything will be Fire OS based until the bootloader is unlocked. Before yesterday there wasn't even working Play Store downloading. Progress is being made, and the bootloader could be unlocked in a couple weeks, or it may never happen. Until then you just got to stick with what we've got, which is pretty nice as far as I'm concerned. The hardware is quite nice, and with a custom launcher and Gapps Fire OS isn't terrible.
Thank you! Good to know
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Well, i have one based on stock almost ready With all amazon stuff removed and full google experience. I still have a few noob problems but i think it shoud be ready after christams.
Also note that any rom could be ported even CM thanks to safestrap. The kernel is not a problem. Im not sure i'll have the time to do so but if so i'll prove it
Merry Christmas !
Sent from my KFTHWI using xda app-developers app
Cpasjuste said:
Well, i have one based on stock almost ready With all amazon stuff removed and full google experience.
I still have a few noob problems but i think it shoud be ready after christams.
Merry Christmas !
Sent from my KFTHWI using xda app-developers app
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Yay thank you!!! ?❤
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
floodingaugust said:
Yay thank you!!! ��❤
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THOR = Hdx 7"
Only working rootable versions are 14.3.1.0 for the 8.9" && 13.3.1.0 for Thor
Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Rooting tut
Kindle Fire HDX 7" Rooting tut
Hashcode's modified TWRP safestrap ONLY FOR Thor
Working Google Play ROM ONLY FOR Thor
Hope this points you in the right direction. Just search the threads.
Anyone know if it's hard / going to take a long time to unlock bootloader?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
May never happen
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
murso74 said:
May never happen
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a reason for that?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
floodingaugust said:
Is there a reason for that?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One reason is Amazon security on the chips they use.
floodingaugust said:
Is there a reason for that?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
these companies are getting better at locking them, and there is less and less incentive for people to break them. look at the bounty thread.. only 145 bucks. i have a Moto X which is over 1000 dollars and that still hasn't gotten cracked. i wouldn't hold on to the kindle hoping it will get cracked... if i didn't have amazon instant i would probably send this thing back (i may anyway, as i'm having wifi issues)
murso74 said:
these companies are getting better at locking them, and there is less and less incentive for people to break them. look at the bounty thread.. only 145 bucks. i have a Moto X which is over 1000 dollars and that still hasn't gotten cracked. i wouldn't hold on to the kindle hoping it will get cracked... if i didn't have amazon instant i would probably send this thing back (i may anyway, as i'm having wifi issues)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if the boot loader didn't get unlocked working google play and a custom loader or exposed is all you really need and all are somewhat working now. I have almost every tablet ever made in this household. Nearly all have boot loaders either bypassed or broken. Already the 7 inch boot loader has been bypassed on this, a new device. The truth is the more popular a device is the quicker it is modded. If sales are high on this device it is likely to get dev attention. Try not to be such a Debbie downer
conan1600 said:
Even if the boot loader didn't get unlocked working google play and a custom loader or exposed is all you really need and all are somewhat working now. I have almost every tablet ever made in this household. Nearly all have boot loaders either bypassed or broken. Already the 7 inch boot loader has been bypassed on this, a new device. The truth is the more popular a device is the quicker it is modded. If sales are high on this device it is likely to get dev attention. Try not to be such a Debbie downer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, thank you!
I have been around Android since the beginning and have to say that out of all devices I have seen or bought.... this one has the least amount of bloat and is one of the best...
Quad core running 2.2ghz, 2gb ram??? nothing I have thrown at it has lagged or been slow!
Best tablet out right now, fast, portable, good battery life and did I mention it is easy on your wallet too? lol
RandumAccess said:
Exactly, thank you!
I have been around Android since the beginning and have to say that out of all devices I have seen or bought.... this one has the least amount of bloat and is one of the best...
Quad core running 2.2ghz, 2gb ram??? nothing I have thrown at it has lagged or been slow!
Best tablet out right now, fast, portable, good battery life and did I mention it is easy on your wallet too? lol
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Click to collapse
Recon that! If only we could have working widgets and some fully working alternative launcher .. Play store doesn't bother me that much, since I get all the apps either from an alternative store or I download them on my phone and sent them to the tablet, so no big deal till now.
Sent from beneath my cloak of magic
conan1600 said:
Even if the boot loader didn't get unlocked working google play and a custom loader or exposed is all you really need and all are somewhat working now. I have almost every tablet ever made in this household. Nearly all have boot loaders either bypassed or broken. Already the 7 inch boot loader has been bypassed on this, a new device. The truth is the more popular a device is the quicker it is modded. If sales are high on this device it is likely to get dev attention. Try not to be such a Debbie downer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the device was a gift I can't just bring it back.
Basically Amazon banned me for some dumb ass reason literally like my neighbor got in trouble so now I can't use it. and when I try to buy **** on the kindle I can't use that store either so I am praying that there is some type of movement on the boot loader because otherwise this going to be one expensive paper weight.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
floodingaugust said:
Well the device was a gift I can't just bring it back.
Basically Amazon banned me for some dumb ass reason literally like my neighbor got in trouble so now I can't use it. and when I try to buy **** on the kindle I can't use that store either so I am praying that there is some type of movement on the boot loader because otherwise this going to be one expensive paper weight.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure you are following. 1mobile market and or side loaded apk's along with a custom loader bypasses all of what you just said right now. Also, in the last few days, the play store has even been made to download on both the 7 inch and 8.9. In other words go to the general section and read, root, and install working play store on kindle and then use apex and wallpaper fix with widgets and you basically have a Google tablet with an Amazon options bar. As people get exposed framework going it will get even better than that. Boot loader crack is not necessary to make this a Google tablet. As for pure Google well that would be great for some, or cm 10.3 for others but in the end all of that is really just ui and a few options. The necessities of downloading from Google market and some customization can all be accomplished right this second. I have very few apps from Amazon on my tablet in fact. Most are Google market apps. As the bright boys spend more time with this tablet it will become even easier for the less experienced users to accomplish these things as well.
conan1600 said:
I'm not sure you are following. 1mobile market and or side loaded apk's along with a custom loader bypasses all of what you just said right now. Also, in the last few days, the play store has even been made to download on both the 7 inch and 8.9. In other words go to the general section and read, root, and install working play store on kindle and then use apex and wallpaper fix with widgets and you basically have a Google tablet with an Amazon options bar. As people get exposed framework going it will get even better than that. Boot loader crack is not necessary to make this a Google tablet. As for pure Google well that would be great for some, or cm 10.3 for others but in the end all of that is really just ui and a few options. The necessities of downloading from Google market and some customization can all be accomplished right this second. I have very few apps from Amazon on my tablet in fact. Most are Google market apps. As the bright boys spend more time with this tablet it will become even easier for the less experienced users to accomplish these things as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? So is the carousel thing on your kindle is gone? Just the top bar? Sweet.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
floodingaugust said:
Well the device was a gift I can't just bring it back.
Basically Amazon banned me for some dumb ass reason literally like my neighbor got in trouble so now I can't use it. and when I try to buy **** on the kindle I can't use that store either so I am praying that there is some type of movement on the boot loader because otherwise this going to be one expensive paper weight.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
How in the hell does one get banned from amazon?!?
They're dirt cheap today but if I can't put my own ripped films on then I'm not going to bother and will just get an Android tablet for a little more. I've seen there is currently no working root method.
Primarily will be for the kids for films so if I have to put up with a tablet on Marshmallow it's not the end of the world.
TIA
You can load anything with a USB connection to your computer. Whether or not you have an app that can access said content is a different story.
However, thanks to this thread, you can install Google Play on it https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603 make sure you head over there to thank the OP
I picked one up on the Prime sale - its a well built little tablet for the money. The Prime OS is pretty ugly, though. Left it stock for maybe an hour before I installed the Google store, LaunchHijack and Nova. I know the Prime stuff is still there, but hiding it under the launcher makes a world of diference.
Taypo2k said:
I picked one up on the Prime sale - its a well built little tablet for the money. The Prime OS is pretty ugly, though. Left it stock for maybe an hour before I installed the Google store, LaunchHijack and Nova. I know the Prime stuff is still there, but hiding it under the launcher makes a world of diference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify, I think the app you are referring to is called:
LauncherHijackV2
and there is a 2.1V
johnjingle said:
Just to clarify, I think the app you are referring to is called:
LauncherHijackV2
and there is a 2.1V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the correction. That's correct.
Over the past two days I have been searching and scavenging unrelentlessly for a solution to my problem. Someone got me a kindle fire 7(7th Gen) for christmas and I decided I wanted it running stock android. It came with FireOS 5.6.0.0 and recently updated to 5.6.1.0, last night I was working on it before it updated and I couldn't seem to root it. The root wouldn't go through or it'd fail right at the beginning. After updating to 5.6.1.0 I came very close to rooting and I think it is a solution in the future.
ThexFlash said:
Over the past two days I have been searching and scavenging unrelentlessly for a solution to my problem. Someone got me a kindle fire 7(7th Gen) for christmas and I decided I wanted it running stock android. It came with FireOS 5.6.0.0 and recently updated to 5.6.1.0, last night I was working on it before it updated and I couldn't seem to root it. The root wouldn't go through or it'd fail right at the beginning. After updating to 5.6.1.0 I came very close to rooting and I think it is a solution in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man that would be great, I hope someone can break Fire OS 5.6.1.0, I would love to run the newest android OS on this Tablet. Would make a great OBDII diagnostic Tool for working on cars. :highfive:
5.6.1.0 can be rooted on the HD 10. I'm told it's rooted with dirty cow via KingoRoot. If the new fire 7s have the same kernel, there might be a possibility. As of now, it appears the HD 10 2017 had an unpatched kernel that allowed for the root. it's something Amazon has yet to fix.
When will we have root?
I have three of these and need root access for them to be worth a damn!!!!
Hello,
I also have a new fire HD7 (7th Gen) with 5.6.1.0.
It is for a kid, so I would like to root it to get amazon stuff away and install Google ones.
Is it still unrootable?
Thanks.
Envoyé de mon SM-G900F en utilisant Tapatalk
capcavern said:
Hello,
I also have a new fire HD7 (7th Gen) with 5.6.1.0.
It is for a kid, so I would like to root it to get amazon stuff away and install Google ones.
Is it still unrootable?
Thanks.
Envoyé de mon SM-G900F en utilisant Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the only rootable Amazon tablet is the HD 10.
Sent from my Amazon KFSUWI using XDA Labs
Looking forward to a root install on mine keep on rooting.
for a 69$ cost, it would be worth it if i could root and get it to do the things from google play that the fire store doesnt have. Tried two 10ionch ones and i had less than desirable results
How likely it is that this device will be rooted in the future? Look like there is no development for this product.
I’m considering to get one for my kids, but without root I prefere to select another device...
Noticed a few people say they want the root so they can install Google Play store, you can without root on the current Fire 7. Just did, you need to install the framework, account manager app, play services and then play store apk. Working, but quite slow, just got the Fire 7 so may be doing a few bits in the background updating so maybe causing the slowness.. or its just been a long time since i used a £30 tablet.. haha.
+1 above. One of the first things I did was put the Play Store on it. It would be useless to me without it.
The reason I want to root it is to see if it can be any faster with stock android. As it stands it is very slow for almost everything.
Should we stop getting updates at 5.6.1? Is that even possible?
yelloguy said:
+1 above. One of the first things I did was put the Play Store on it. It would be useless to me without it.
The reason I want to root it is to see if it can be any faster with stock android. As it stands it is very slow for almost everything.
Should we stop getting updates at 5.6.1? Is that even possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, currently this thread is very old and I have not touched my "7 in a rather long time. It has been left in a drawer, off. Tonight after work I'll be attempting to root and will be posting my results, whether they be inconclusive or successful, I will post what I know here.
ThexFlash said:
So, currently this thread is very old and I have not touched my "7 in a rather long time. It has been left in a drawer, off. Tonight after work I'll be attempting to root and will be posting my results, whether they be inconclusive or successful, I will post what I know here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really hoping you're able to root it.
Just got mine in the mail. Should've researched it a bit more before purchasing but it was only $17 so I jumped on it.
It is extremely slow for a quad core, 720P device with 2GB RAM. I expected it to be much quicker. Does Amazon put that much bloatware or is there another reason it is so slow?
cgregoryou said:
Just got mine in the mail. Should've researched it a bit more before purchasing but it was only $17 so I jumped on it.
It is extremely slow for a quad core, 720P device with 2GB RAM. I expected it to be much quicker. Does Amazon put that much bloatware or is there another reason it is so slow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nearly every amazon app will consume resources. Many will reactivate after a force close. A lot of it is because of the apps.
Ok, thanks for pointing that out. I will probably try that Kindle tool or fire tablet tool, whatever it's called to cancel OTA and remove some Amazon apps.
I've removed most of the stuff etc, but now I got a competely unusable tablet. Tasker etc works, but the lockscreen cant be removed. For motion detection quite bad. Rooting it also doesn't work, but that's nothing new. Should I sell it and buy a 10, should I update it? I was on 5.6.0.0 now I downgraded to 5.4.0.0
TECHNOFAB_11 said:
I've removed most of the stuff etc, but now I got a competely unusable tablet. Tasker etc works, but the lockscreen cant be removed. For motion detection quite bad. Rooting it also doesn't work, but that's nothing new. Should I sell it and buy a 10, should I update it? I was on 5.6.0.0 now I downgraded to 5.4.0.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you screwed up, just so a factory reset. Without root a thing you disabled or 'uninstalled ' will come back to life and you can start over. I love my HD 10 but hate it too. Finding it difficult to get a rom to flash. Woo i guess it all boils down to what you want your tablet to do. If you have a fire 7, you will be very United due to memory and what not. HD 10 is so far excellent with memory when debloated.
DragonFire1024 said:
If you screwed up, just so a factory reset. Without root a thing you disabled or 'uninstalled ' will come back to life and you can start over. I love my HD 10 but hate it too. Finding it difficult to get a rom to flash. Woo i guess it all boils down to what you want your tablet to do. If you have a fire 7, you will be very United due to memory and what not. HD 10 is so far excellent with memory when debloated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to use it just for a home automation dashboard. Just bought it cause it's been 30€, so I thought it could be a good tab for the wall. With unusable, I mean I can't put it on the wall, because the lockscreen is still there. It would be kinda useless to have motion detection with a lockscreen. And rooting doesn't work, or is there a new exploit? I would really love to root it, then I can finally use it. It's just lying around right now, until it can be rooted. I've removed the OTA update thingies, so no updates will be downloaded. Also it's shut down, so no problem there. I'm on 5.4.0.0 like said, if I have to upgrade to root, I'll do that, but for now, I try to stay on the lowest version possible, so when an exploit comes, I'm prepared
I hate this tablet there needs to be a root. it runs incredibly slow and I think it's because Amazon's apps are running please find a root solution