Database Users

Kindle Fire HDX (New Gen.) Discussion Thread

As some know today the kindle Fire HDX has been revealed.
Amazon thing is that it has super powerful hardware.
At 2.2 GHz
2 GB of RAM
Front and Back Cameras
This will certainly will be Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD killer.
I made this thread up for discussions. What do you guys think of this new tablet and do you think you will buy it, because the price is just Amazing!! May even be better than the Nexus 7 FHD.....

404-Not Found said:
As some know today the kindle Fire HDX has been revealed.
Amazon thing is that it has super powerful hardware.
At 2.2 GHz
2 GB of RAM
Front and Back Cameras
This will certainly will be Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD killer.
I made this thread up for discussions. What do you guys think of this new tablet and do you think you will buy it, because the price is just Amazing!! May even be better than the Nexus 7 FHD.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very likely that Amazon has learned from their mistakes, and the next generation of KFs won't be as "easy" to crack. The Original KF forums are still just as active as they were before the 2nd gen devices came out, so I don't think there will be any shortage of development for either any time soon.

soupmagnet said:
It is very likely that Amazon has learned from their mistakes, and the next generation of KFs won't be as "easy" to crack. The Original KF forums are still just as active as they were before the 2nd gen devices came out, so I don't think there will be any shortage of development for either any time soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but probably Amazon might be open development now. Most OEMs are now having Unlockable BLs. Hopefully, this is the same case for amazon. But that might not be a good strategy if they want to make money through the HDX. But let's accept it, things like the Amazon Appstore suck.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app

Even though now I am using Nexus 7 2013 32gb model but when amazon announce new kindle fire HDX, I feel I will take this one.
When cyanogenmod arrived in this HDX,it will be perfect

404-Not Found said:
Yeah, but probably Amazon might be open development now. Most OEMs are now having Unlockable BLs. Hopefully, this is the same case for amazon. But that might not be a good strategy if they want to make money through the HDX. But let's accept it, things like the Amazon Appstore suck.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my doubts that they are open to development mainly because of the article posted in the HD 7” general forums, it said amazon was roughly breaking even on their kindle sales with appstore purchases and such. I hate to be pessimistic, but one can hope, personally I am hoping, think I'm going to see what I can find out about that processor.
Edit: hmmm well I looked it up online here, I don't see any mentions of security implementations, and as usual amazon seems to have slightly underclocked the processor, probably to give more battery lifetime or something. I find it interesting how this processor has the WiFi and Bluetooth and even the lte stuff all in one chip, and there is more than one model of the chip, they make models without lte, some with CDMA, and some with no support, so I'm guessing we might be seeing slightly different models across the devices for the lte versions. If this stuff is common, please excuse my ignorance, I'm more familiar with a PC processor than a phone processor. Interesting that this processor says it handles USB 3.0... Anyone find an article with some kinda security function that this processor might have? I couldn't find any on a basic Google search.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app

stunts513 said:
I have my doubts that they are open to development mainly because of the article posted in the HD 7” general forums, it said amazon was roughly breaking even on their kindle sales with appstore purchases and such. I hate to be pessimistic, but one can hope, personally I am hoping, think I'm going to see what I can find out about that processor.
Edit: hmmm well I looked it up online here, I don't see any mentions of security implementations, and as usual amazon seems to have slightly underclocked the processor, probably to give more battery lifetime or something. I find it interesting how this processor has the WiFi and Bluetooth and even the lte stuff all in one chip, and there is more than one model of the chip, they make models without late, some with CDMA, and some with no support, so I'm guessing we might be seeing slightly different models across the devices for the lte versions. If this stuff is common, please excuse my ignorance, I'm more familiar with a PC processor than a phone processor. Interesting that this processor says it handles USB 3.0... Anyone find an article with some kinda security function that this processor might have? I couldn't find any on a basic Google search.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM10.1 Tablet UI using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there is a FCC link around here
Want a cool place to join? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2458892
Join the Alliance, Join for the Revolution

Hi guys, I've never used any kindle device before but the price and specs of Kindle Fire HDX got me all excited and I wanna buy it but in one condition and that is if it has Google Play. I hate Amazon Appstore it doesn't have 90% of the apps that Google Play has. What's the point of buying this powerful device if I can't play latest & greatest games and use different apps? I heard that kindle fire hd is rootable and can be converted to android? So I just wanna know if it's possible to could get access to all google play apps and games and play them on this device after it get released?
Thank You

Ishan Sardar said:
Hi guys, I've never used any kindle device before but the price and specs of Kindle Fire HDX got me all excited and I wanna buy it but in one condition and that is if it has Google Play. I hate Amazon Appstore it doesn't have 90% of the apps that Google Play has. What's the point of buying this powerful device if I can't play latest & greatest games and use different apps? I heard that kindle fire hd is rootable and can be converted to android? So I just wanna know if it's possible to could get access to all google play apps and games and play them on this device after it get released?
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one is sure, until the device is released. There is Software Spec Sheet line around somewhere but until now, we got wait. We probably will be able to take root and android but that may take some time.
Sent from the 404

I will buy this device for sure, my actual Kindle Fire is getting old and Amazon has put a really nice price in the HDX 7. After all tech need to be updated once a year approximately
Sent from my Galaxy Note II

Can somebody pls tell if they can port the new Fire OS 3.0 to the kindle fire HD 2nd Gen?? The 3rd gen kindle fire HD has been released...... and also what would happen if I just flash the new firmware on the 2nd gen??

karanrcb said:
Can somebody pls tell if they can port the new Fire OS 3.0 to the kindle fire HD 2nd Gen?? The 3rd gen kindle fire HD has been released...... and also what would happen if I just flash the new firmware on the 2nd gen??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
STOP.... DONT FLASH ANYTHING NO ONE IS FOR SURE IT WILL WORK. PROBABLY A HDX ROM WONT WORK ON A KF2 SONCE THEY ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT HARDWARE THE KF2 WONT HANDLE SO MUCH.
Sent from the 404

404-Not Found said:
STOP.... DONT FLASH ANYTHING NO ONE IS FOR SURE IT WILL WORK. PROBABLY A HDX ROM WONT WORK ON A KF2 SONCE THEY ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT HARDWARE THE KF2 WONT HANDLE SO MUCH.
Sent from the 404
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL...Calm down, I am not doing it!! Just asking!!
BTW I was talking about the new HD version with Fire OS 3.0, not the HDX version.....

karanrcb said:
LOL...Calm down, I am not doing it!! Just asking!!
BTW I was talking about the new HD version with Fire OS 3.0, not the HDX version.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just want to watch the world burn don't you?
Lol, no DONT flash, it will brick it due to Hardware issues.
Sent from the 404

404-Not Found said:
You just want to watch the world burn don't you?
Lol, no DONT flash, it will brick it due to Hardware issues.
Sent from the 404
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL.... XD
Nope, I am not flashing anything, but why shoudn't the devs try to port Fire OS 3.0?? I hope they can do it...... It is not much difference in the hardware too.

karanrcb said:
LOL.... XD
Nope, I am not flashing anything, but why shoudn't the devs try to port Fire OS 3.0?? I hope they can do it...... It is not much difference in the hardware too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, but it's a too difficult, and really the KF doesn't have the hardware you need for Fire OS. Its like trying to say a 1998 PC(No Upgrades) will be able to run Windows 8. Devs could port of but its too much work and not really worth it.
Sent from the 404

404-Not Found said:
Probably, but it's a too difficult, and really the KF doesn't have the hardware you need for Fire OS. Its like trying to say a 1998 PC(No Upgrades) will be able to run Windows 8. Devs could port of but its too much work and not really worth it.
Sent from the 404
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm...... I know how hard it is. And yeah a waste of time too!! i would rather see CM on the HDX..... that would be awesome!!

It already has
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire

@androvista Yeah, The last post was from October, we are now in December things have changed....

@androvista Yeah, The last post was from October, we are now in December things have changed....

Amazon announces the Fire TV Stick

Amazon has announced the Fire TV Stick this morning. It is capable of the full Fire TV experience. It's $39, but for 2 days only Prime members can pre-order it for $19. It has 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, a dual-core processor, and dual band MIMO wifi.
It comes with a basic remote that doesn't support voice search, although it is compatible with both the voice remote and game controller. There is no ethernet or optical audio. It cannot be powered through HDMI, so it needs external power.
Here is a comparison chart.

Since xmas is coming...
This could be a too much of a wish, but I was wondering sth:
I have a Motorola Lapdock and I see people use that device with the andorid TV sticks together as a portable laptop/tablet kinda device. I was looking for those sticks but most of them have bad reviews and outdated hardware for today. Amazon's fire stick make me excited, because the very first thing come to my mind, hacking this stick, install an android OS and use with Motorola Lapdock as a portable laptop.
I wonder such thing would be possible with this device. I ordered 2 with this great introduction price, and I am waiting to hear from you if such wish would become true?!?!?!
(santa hear me!)

What's the chance of being able to sideload apps, install Google Play Store, root it, etc?

I ordered one and may order more (even at $40) to replace a couple of ATV2s around the house which are running XBMC. My main hope is for MHL/HDMI-CEC control allowing for at least basic control through the TV remote... otherwise I won't be buying more than the one because I use Harmony remotes in pretty much every room in the house and won't allow the addition of something like LIRC or other IR receivers like the full Fire TV does. Even if I can't sideload full XBMC, I'll be fine running SPMC which is already free in the Fire TV section of the Amazon App Store, or even PLEX as a worst-case as it's already confirmed for the Fire TV Stick.

Would live something like this where i can simply install openelec and boot straight into xbmc.
Also looks like this is only for USA members which sucks lol. I have amazon prime but UK

Pre-ordered. I hope I can get XBMC on it

just ordered 2, $40 is a steal for two of them!! This will look good right next to my FireTv, Ouya, Mojo, chromecast and nexus player.....wait how many ports does my TV have?!?! lol

I would order a few of these if they would ship to Canada but unfortunately they don't. I even have a US prime membership. If anyone would be willing to ship me a couple please PM me. I'll pay for shipping, etc. no problem. I would really like to get in on the 19$ deal they have on right now.

For what its worth, it does run on android. Exactly the same as the Fire TV does apparently.
This is from their Dev Channel: https://developer.amazon.com/public...-in-the-Living-Room-with-Amazon-Fire-TV-Stick

Can this mirror my android screen without wifi present? or with a wifi router that has no internet?
I work at a fire station which has no internet, i have a data signal on my cell phone, but im not leaving my cell phone there when im not there. So can you connect an android device directly or if I have a spare router plugged in but not connected to anything? Or send videos from my GS5 to it?
Thanks!

I don't see it say that you have access to the App Store...do we have any confirmation that you can download/sideload apps to it? That one feature will make this either a great deal or just a good one.

I don't see it say that you have access to the App Store...do we have any confirmation that you can download/sideload apps to it? That one feature will make this either a great deal or just a good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id imagine it has some sort of app store as they mention gaming (200ish games) and i cant imagine they preloaded 200 games onto it with 8GB storage total.
I just ordered 2 @ $40 as well. Might even replace my Vizio Co-Star with one if it works well. Ashame the remote doesnt allow voice control but at $20 for the device and remote i wont complain. Also impressed this is stand alone unlike the Chromecast. Looks like my expected delivery isnt until Dec 10th though, almost a month after release

I just ordered one. Probably end up being a waste of money, I'm hopeful that Google Android TV will be better than FireTV in which case I'll swap out my current Roku/FTV boxes for GATV boxes, but for $20 I figured why not...
edit: My assumption is they are the same OS/functionality as the original Fire TV boxes, just lower hardware specs. If you can run something on the FTV you should be able to run it on the FTV streamer, possible performance issues aside. If you can side-load it on the FTV, you should be able to side-load it on the FTV steamer.

Maybe they add usb mass storage support to the fire tv now as there are not a lot of reasons to buy the fire tv instead of the new stick...

Eat it iPhone said:
Id imagine it has some sort of app store as they mention gaming (200ish games) and i cant imagine they preloaded 200 games onto it with 8GB storage total.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
200 games isn't a lot. It sounds like a reduced library App store.
I guess my line in the sand is whether we can get XBMC/SPMC on it, or not. I tried streaming from my desktop to the Chromecast before, and the latency was no bueno. I couldn't even watch it. Adb/sideloading function would make this thing scream.

My mother in law just picked up 1 for herself and one for me. Can't beat $20 a piece. Hopefully XBMC won't be a problem on the latest firmware.

BonezMontana said:
My mother in law just picked up 1 for herself and one for me. Can't beat $20 a piece. Hopefully XBMC won't be a problem on the latest firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, no kidding. I wish that we knew this before I plunked down my $20 though.

spyder3 said:
Yeah, no kidding. I wish that we knew this before I plunked down my $20 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it even tho I don't need it. $20 isn't anything tbh

spyder3 said:
Yeah, no kidding. I wish that we knew this before I plunked down my $20 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take my chances anyways though because I don't watch tv in the bedroom anyways unless I'm sick lol. I was gonna get the playstation tv until i heard the ps4 streaming sucks. So the roku stick was an alternative, since I have 2 of them in my kids rooms. I just wish I had the knowledge to unlock this thing lol. In regards to XBMC though I'm getting confused as I see that some users were able to get it to work by disabling some setting.

superkoal said:
Maybe they add usb mass storage support to the fire tv now as there are not a lot of reasons to buy the fire tv instead of the new stick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be nice if they add usb storage to the FTV, that's my number one complaint. However, think of the FTV streaming stick like the Roku streaming stick. Cheaper, smaller, lower power cpu, no lan, and in the case of FTV no optical out. If our (my) assumptions about the FTV stick are correct, it will be a better option for a lot of people.

Buyer's remorse?

Hey everybody.
I've been using media streamers for a bit.
Started with a Chromecast, then Amazon Fire stick and now with a Nexus Player.
Previous streamers felt limited but the nexus player felt better.
Now I've been thinking about upgrading to a Apple TV 4 or a Nvidia Shield tv.
My question is: Do you guys feel remorse of having bought this?
Performance aside is a bit expensive compared to other boxes.
I have a pc with a GTX970 and I was thinking maybe this will work to stream some games to my living room.
Another thing, how far away from a Shield TV 2 are we? This will surely have a price a drop when they announce the second gen, although while there is no much competition I think Nvidia will sit a bit.

You've had plenty of views but no replies...so I'll chip in lol
Do I regret buying one....no. The only thing that bothers me is how spartan the app store is for Android TV, obviously this can change in the future. If you already have a Nexus then you're already using Android TV. Is it expensive? Considering the price of the Fire TV gaming bundle...I actually think the 16GB model is priced well. I got the Nvidia remote free when I bought mine, you've literally just missed a promotion to get an extra controller. Perhaps you'd rather wait for another promotion before purchasing to get the most for your money. Buying the 16GB model and upgrading the storage via MicroSD or USB HDD would make the most sense rather than the expensive Pro model with 500GB.
Yes you can gamestream from your PC, this feature is under the SHIELD HUB...you could also try installing Moonlight which might offer slightly better performance. I've tried the Geforce NOW service and the games do play quite well to be fair. Although I will say for best results forget about wifi and hard wire the SHIELD to the router...even if you have to buy some inexpensive homeplug network adapters.
What I have done is install SPMC (KODI). I have customised it to work as a homescreen/dashboard essentially, it auto starts when I power on. This way I can set shortcuts to what I want...my retro arcade (Hyperspin), Shield Hub, Remote Play (PS4), Netflix, Radio, my movie and music collection on my home PC...you get the picture
I have no idea what Nvidia are planning. Although I would guess that we would see the Shield Tablet updated before we see a new SHIELD TV. The tablet still uses Kepler tech...the Shield TV is Maxwell. If there was a new SHIELD TV it would surely be based on Pascal

Do It
I was actually reconsidering the same like you also the apple tv.
Now I'm happy i choose the Shield! Nvidia allows you to unlock the bootloader and root the system without losing warranty, which is a great thing.
I wasn't happy with the Leanback launcher as there is a lot of stuff i don't like and the apps i installed via APK and Aptoide TV didn't show up (only with help of the sideload launcher).
So i rooted it and set a differnt launcher as default! now it is really great! I have adaway, Firefox with several adons and kodi with husham wizard!
The box is extremly fast! I have a logitech usbe mouse and keyboard connected and the box also works with my logitech universal remote.
Alsow with marshmello (shiled os 3.1) you can add a microsd with up to 128 GB to expand the internal storage!
I found an amazing app called "AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO)" that you can use to mirror your tablet/mobile phone screen beside the standard YouTube casting
The only thing i'm not happy with is that it doesn't have a optical/coax audio output.
The apple tv is for sure much more limited and has by far not the game performance of the shield!

extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!

Pion33r said:
Do It
I wasn't happy with the Leanback launcher as there is a lot of stuff i don't like and the apps i installed via APK and Aptoide TV didn't show up (only with help of the sideload launcher).
So i rooted it and set a differnt launcher as default! now it is really great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doe the controllers still work when you root? I Heard some about trouble with that.

Pion33r said:
Do It
I wasn't happy with the Leanback launcher as there is a lot of stuff i don't like and the apps i installed via APK and Aptoide TV didn't show up (only with help of the sideload launcher). So i rooted it and set a differnt launcher as default! now it is really great! I have adaway, Firefox with several adons and kodi with husham wizard!
Maybe try SPMC, it's a fork of KODI. It's being developed with the SHIELD in mind. Unlike KODI, you can actually launch android apps from within SPMC (so you don't really need sideload launcher). It also integrates with the leanback launcher, providing recommendations from SPMC. Voice search from the launcher will also have links to your SPMC library. The voice feature also works with the keyboard in SPMC, so you can speak rather than type in the search box
I found an amazing app called "AirPlay/DLNA Receiver (PRO)" that you can use to mirror your tablet/mobile phone screen beside the standard YouTube casting
Airplay is for Apple devices, the SHIELD natively casts from android devices. I don't buy Apple stuff, so I've never tried it but KODI/SPMC has Airplay built in...just turn it on in the services. I'm glad to hear you're happy with the device...I always enjoy seeing the different ways people set them up and use them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
foomanjackel said:
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in the UK that promotion ended on the 1st of May. If it's still available to you guys "across the pond"...that's great! Good looking out
discocandy said:
doe the controllers still work when you root? I Heard some about trouble with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted my SHIELD. I could be wrong but I think the controller issues were more to do with people flashing a different ROM after rooting...the SHIELD game pad would need to be wired for example, although that may have changed by now. As we are talking about game pads. One of the reasons root would appeal to me, is that it's required for the Sixaxis app. This app will allow the DS4 pad to connect via bluetooth (lag free), as I have the Remote Play app installed this would be nice.
My phone is rooted with a custom ROM and recovery. I don't really feel that I need say an Adblocker on the SHIELD TV to be fair. Of course there are plenty of other good reasons to root the device. In fairness I am at a point now where I know how I want the devices to be, so the thought of wiping it and doing it over "properly" is getting more appealing. Rooting would help me fix a few niggling things...for example I really would like to be able to manually add the MAME 2014 core to Retroarch, I need this core for my Retro Arcade but the buildbot for Retroarch won't add it currently.
Wish you all the best playing with your devices

discocandy said:
doe the controllers still work when you root? I Heard some about trouble with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No trouble at all. I'm on the latest version of Shield os (3.1 Marshmello). What i relly love is that now i can even use Titanium backup
Next step - Xposed

foomanjackel said:
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i actually bought mine @ gamestop in my town about 3 weeks ago. it is the 16gb version w/one controller included.... returned it today for a full refund (they put the amount on a gift card) and have just re-ordered the same unit from their website where it is the same price but now includes 2 controllers. used the gift card as payment and am just paying the shipping fee. should have the new one in a few days.

The controller works fine if you root. However, if you install a custom ROM, you will need to connect the controller to the Shield with a micro-USB cable.
The only real problem I have with the Shield is that Android TV is not nearly as capable as full Android.

Thanks a lot guys.
Hopefully I can sell my nexus player with my x360 pad on it and recoup some money for the shield tv.

foomanjackel said:
extra controller w/purchase @ gamestop. i do not know when the promotion ends, but as of this morning...its still there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that online?
Share a link please.

Silenus21 said:
Is that online?
Share a link please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, online only. Bought mine in store 3 weeks ago with one controller. Returned yesterday for full refund which they put on a gift card. Used gift card at home to purchase online w/the extra controller. I'll be without unit for a few days while waiting for the new one, but I dont mind the wait if I can get a unit with the extra $60 controller
http://m.gamestop.com/browse/search?searchTerm=Nvidia

Thanks.
But sucks they don't take my paypal from outside USA.
And they are expensive on Ebay.
Wait, Amazon has it with the second controller for 200.
http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD...d=1463060240&sr=8-1&keywords=nvidia+shield+tv

Silenus21 said:
Thanks.
But sucks they don't take my paypal from outside USA.
And they are expensive on Ebay.
Wait, Amazon has it with the second controller for 200.
http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD...d=1463060240&sr=8-1&keywords=nvidia+shield+tv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great!! :good:

Using the 16gb model on my Sony Bravia TV with matching home theater setup with TV remote function with all shield apps including Kodi.
Missed out on free remote offer but pleasantly surprised that original TV remote gives me full functionality and more.
My only regret is that I didn't get it sooner. [emoji13]
My roku3 is collecting dust big time.
Have not subscribed to cable since 2010. Before shield was running MK-908 and was happy with setup, but the shield blows everything else out of the water.
Pp.
sent from my stone/stock S6e using microwave technology.

Yes I love mine the only thing I dislike is I bought the Pro model and you don't have full access to the HD unless you do some skull doggery. If it were easy to put a SSD in it and actually be able to hook it up to my pc that thing would be totally awesome 10/10 but alas you can't. I say get the 16GB model and go from there.

Thanks guys, got mine today.
Now to read some guides on rooting this thing.

Silenus21 said:
Thanks guys, got mine today.
Now to read some guides on rooting this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fairly simple guide here:
http://nvidiashieldzone.com/shield-android-tv/nvidia-shield-tv-16gb-root-m/
* be sure to have a usb mouse ready....you'll need it to make the "swipe to flash" when you are in TWRP. i tried a keyboard (with trackpad), the remote and even the phone app....but only the mouse would work for that step.

Thanks.
Rooted it yesterday.
Only having trouble setting up Dolphin, can't configure the shield controller and can't find an ini online.

I bought my shield to run as a Plex server because all Plex could talk about was "Shield is THE server..." It's not until you get it running that you learn that is cannot do a lot of things that my PC server handles easily. Then you find out that there's no Music Plus and missing transcoders and, btw, I hope you still have that PC because you will need it to manage your Shield Plex Server and migrate your media. Oh, and wait until you learn about file sharing with the Shield...allow yourself a little time! The punchline is that performance is tame. I do not serve 4K media, but 1080p was great from the PC that runs as a vm with 4GB.
And I made the mistake of tossing an extra remote and the (very cool and expensive) stand in my cart.
Oh well. I really need to start playing games.

Fire HD 8 7th Gen 2017 - should I grab one?

Hi,
so I am fairly new (tbh: completely new) to Amazon tablets. I just saw the new tablets announced for June and thought about replacing my old-as-f*ck Nexus 7 with a HD7 or HD8. How is the experience so far - is it likely that you can easily root/remove the ads, put on a custom rom and so on? Will this limit the tablet in any way? Or do I need to leave it stock, otherwise not be able to use Kindle/Prime Video and so on? Thanks!

fBx said:
Hi,
so I am fairly new (tbh: completely new) to Amazon tablets. I just saw the new tablets announced for June and thought about replacing my old-as-f*ck Nexus 7 with a HD7 or HD8. How is the experience so far - is it likely that you can easily root/remove the ads, put on a custom rom and so on? Will this limit the tablet in any way? Or do I need to leave it stock, otherwise not be able to use Kindle/Prime Video and so on? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the times as you can clearly see here on xda it takes a while or maybe even a long time, for the amazon tablets to be root able. I would buy a 6th gen right now, when your not connecting it to the internet it should be possible for you to root it right now (if it has the right software version installed).
If you want to buy a 7th gen then there is the problem that you can't connect it to the internet, because it will automatically upgrade you will have to wait until there is a method to root it before you can normally use your tablet....:crying:

Both the 6th and 7th Gen. Fire HD 8 are near if not identical specs wise, as above if your hoping for root buy the 6th Gen. as you may get lucky and get one with a pre-installed lower software version that's rootable, however you may not, the 7th Gen is very likely to come with 5.3.3 which I don't think is currently rootable.
As for custom ROMs, Amazons tablets are pretty locked down and as such there's little to no custom ROM development going on, not in recent years anyway. Go with something else if you like trying new ROMs otherwise the Fire HD tablets are pretty well made and you can sideload the Google Play Store pretty easily too.

Okay, I cross-referenced 2016 and 2017 and it's basically the same specs. Not sure it would be that much of an upgrade. I'll check what a 2016 HD 8 goes for at ebay.

Gilly10 said:
Both the 6th and 7th Gen. Fire HD 8 are near if not identical specs wise, as above if your hoping for root buy the 6th Gen. as you may get lucky and get one with a pre-installed lower software version that's rootable, however you may not, the 7th Gen is very likely to come with 5.3.3 which I don't think is currently rootable.
As for custom ROMs, Amazons tablets are pretty locked down and as such there's little to no custom ROM development going on, not in recent years anyway. Go with something else if you like trying new ROMs otherwise the Fire HD tablets are pretty well made and you can sideload the Google Play Store pretty easily too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it expected that loading Google Play on the 7th gen will work the same way as it did for the 6th? I don't need root or a custom ROM, but I don't want to be limited to the Amazon app store.

I will say that loading google play has worked so far on the latest HD 8. Used instructions and files linked here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603. Was able to load paid version of a couple apps and they worked fine.

joshparr said:
I will say that loading google play has worked so far on the latest HD 8. Used instructions and files linked here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603. Was able to load paid version of a couple apps and they worked fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so just to confirm...
I don't need to root it to get play store working?
just need to get the Google drive suite up and running as it's mostly used for work.
is so, I'm all set to take the plunge and get myself a firehd8!
[my Nexus 7(2013) just died. :crying:]

psychoxman said:
so just to confirm...
I don't need to root it to get play store working?
just need to get the Google drive suite up and running as it's mostly used for work.
is so, I'm all set to take the plunge and get myself a firehd8!
[my Nexus 7(2013) just died. :crying:]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took my HD 8 (7th Gen) straight out of it's box and followed the instructions. Now someone reported in the other thread their Fire 7 (7th Gen) had issues with the versions linked in the thread. Mine was sitting at Amazon OS 5.3.3.0 out of the box and I didn't update that first. The guy with the Fire 7 stated he was at 5.4.0. One other person with the Fire 7 ran into a similar issue, but used newer versions of the Play Store and Play Services to get it working.
I just checked on my tablet and the Play Store and Play Services on the HD 8 just updated in the last 5 minutes, they are within the same build cycles as the one guy listed as working on his Fire 7.

Google play works
I took my tablet (hd 8 2017) straight out of the box in 5.3.3, follow the instructions in the link from this thread, google play works but location services dont. Factory reset, install google play with the files from the link again, and everything works!! after that, the tablet upgrade itself to 5.4, google play and services still works perfectly fine :victory::victory:. So the method and files in the link works, for me at least, if any problem appears just factory reset the tablet and try again. Sorry for my english.

alex192004 said:
I took my tablet (hd 8 2017) straight out of the box in 5.3.3, follow the instructions in the link from this thread, google play works but location services dont. Factory reset, install google play with the files from the link again, and everything works!! after that, the tablet upgrade itself to 5.4, google play and services still works perfectly fine :victory::victory:. So the method and files in the link works, for me at least, if any problem appears just factory reset the tablet and try again. Sorry for my english.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. Did you try the Gmail app from the Playstore? Does it work correctly for you?

trovatrice said:
Thanks for the suggestion. Did you try the Gmail app from the Playstore? Does it work correctly for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Gmail from Google Play work correctly in my HD 8 2017.

so ive just found this site, only a couple days too late by the looks of it. i read (not very carefully) that it would be easy to root a kindle fire hd 8, so i just got one in the mail today (7th generation). i havent connected it to the internet, its got 5.3.3.0 on it, and my goal was to replace the stock OS with regular android. is this not currently an option?
(if not, any suggestions on what i should do/not do with it in the meantime? will connecting it to the internet begin an automatic software update that will render the device even more useless? i thought i read someone post something about that)

Fire HD 8 (2017) here on 8.4.0.0. Google apps sideload just fine. Removed lockscreen ads permanently just by submitting a help ticket.
It's a fabulous tablet for the price. I'm using mine primarily as a retro emulator although I can't find any good compact tablet gamepads (hoping to find a joycon-ish clone).

Fire HD 7thG- Screen cracked... What to do????
my FIRE HD 7th G screen cracked in a SPIDER WEB! I do not have warrenty. What to do? Is there a replacement screen for this new one?

cataldridge said:
my FIRE HD 7th G screen cracked in a SPIDER WEB! I do not have warrenty. What to do? Is there a replacement screen for this new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the difference between the 6th generation and 7th, is pretty much the programming and a few internal tweaks. I am about 90% sure there is nothing different about the physical hardware of the devices. So if you can find an HD 8 that's 6th generation, for real cheap, you can probably swap out the screen. There are several tutorials online if you do Google search, on how to do that. It sounds harder than it actually is. With that said, i am still looking for a cheap HD 7 so I can replace the screen in the one I have tucked away in a drawer.

Fire hd10 9th gen everything but 1 app help

Got a brand new fire hd10 9th gen has the software it shipped with I didn’t do the OTA. Using fire toolbox that I got from xda thanks! I made all the mods I could and got play store set etc. got apps downloaded no big deal.
My problem is specific and strange to me. The app Jurassic world alive is important to the person this gift is for and google play states the app is incompatible with the device.
So I figured ok just side load no big deal I have a good apk of it from a good site and any time I attempt to side load it gets 3/4 through the install bar and abruptly changes to app not installed. No error message or anything else. Any ideas since I can’t root this and change the build prop to download it from the play store.
Thanks.

e739 said:
Got a brand new fire hd10 9th gen has the software it shipped with I didn’t do the OTA. Using fire toolbox that I got from xda thanks! I made all the mods I could and got play store set etc. got apps downloaded no big deal.
My problem is specific and strange to me. The app Jurassic world alive is important to the person this gift is for and google play states the app is incompatible with the device.
So I figured ok just side load no big deal I have a good apk of it from a good site and any time I attempt to side load it gets 3/4 through the install bar and abruptly changes to app not installed. No error message or anything else. Any ideas since I can’t root this and change the build prop to download it from the play store.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - I got this device and then found out its only 32bit userspace - so 64bit cpu and kernel but essentially the OS is 32 bit - So some apps wont work - I guess I should have done more research - I wanted to use it for dolphin emulator but that's a no go for this reason - and also not hackable to put a custom rom on yet

stuben3232 said:
Hi - I got this device and then found out its only 32bit userspace - so 64bit cpu and kernel but essentially the OS is 32 bit - So some apps wont work - I guess I should have done more research - I wanted to use it for dolphin emulator but that's a no go for this reason - and also not hackable to put a custom rom on yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I got annoyed with it and found that none of the rootable fires were on sale so I’m returning it and went to buy a Lenovo m8 tablet instead since it was on sale for pretty much the same price and is true android plus I didn’t realize how much I wouldn’t like the 10 inch form factor
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

e739 said:
Yea I got annoyed with it and found that none of the rootable fires were on sale so I’m returning it and went to buy a Lenovo m8 tablet instead since it was on sale for pretty much the same price and is true android plus I didn’t realize how much I wouldn’t like the 10 inch form factor
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understand - Think I will keep mine - I was also looking at Lenovo and Huawei 8" and 10" formats - Have a Ipega 9083s controller so i could do some retro gaming - PPSSPP works great for PSP games and is fast, also Call of Duty mobile plays fab at medium quality - so is a good fast tablet, just a shame that its not fully 64bit, or hackable (yet
£89 quid isn't a bad price after all for a 10" Octa-core tablet with full HD screen - especially after using Fire toolbox to remove all the amazon stuff - Steam Link/Xbox Game pass etc all work great.
I also have a Linx Windows 10 10" tablet from a few years ago - that i got Android 11 on thanks to the Bliss-OS guys - that was an Atom 64bit processor on a mainboard with a 32 bit bios which meant Windows 32 bit so this mish-mash of tech isn't anything new