Amazon Prime Instant Video on Android tablets - Kindle Fire HDX 7" & 8.9" Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot

Hi there.
I currently own a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and i also happen to be an Amazon Prime member.
I would like to know how to access the Amazon Prime Instant Video streaming service running on my Android tablet please.
Thanks.

gino_76ph said:
Hi there.
I currently own a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and i also happen to be an Amazon Prime member.
I would like to know how to access the Amazon Prime Instant Video streaming service running on my Android tablet please.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy an Amazon tablet, iPad, or a tablet running Android version 4.2 or lower.

GSLEON3 said:
Buy an Amazon tablet, iPad, or a tablet running Android version 4.2 or lower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to buy any of those as i have a tablet already.
Is there a workaround?

gino_76ph said:
... I currently own a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSLEON3 said:
... a tablet running Android version 4.2 or lower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gino_76ph said:
... i have a tablet already.
Is there a workaround?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a Prime member so I might be missing something here, but doesn't the stock Galaxy Note 8 have Android 4.1?
http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote/note8.0/specifications.html
Might inquire in the Galaxy Note 8 forum too--if you haven't already:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8-0
If the Note is rooted, there seems to be a few 4.2 ROMs that might be suitable too... FYI.

tl3 said:
I'm not a Prime member so I might be missing something here, but doesn't the stock Galaxy Note 8 have Android 4.1?
http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxynote/note8.0/specifications.html
Might inquire in the Galaxy Note 8 forum too--if you haven't already:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8-0
If the Note is rooted, there seems to be a few 4.2 ROMs that might be suitable too... FYI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but this isn't my question.
My question is is there a workaround on how to access Amazon Prime Video on an Android tablet?

Yes, there's a workaround...
gino_76ph said:
I'm sorry but this isn't my question.
My question is is there a workaround on how to access Amazon Prime Video on an Android tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer is 'yes', and I found the solution by Googling on the first shot. I would normally share the find but the snarky attitude isn't much motivation to help.

tl3 said:
The answer is 'yes', and I found the solution by Googling on the first shot. I would normally share the find but the snarky attitude isn't much motivation to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:thumbup:
Sent from my KFAPWI using xda app-developers app

gino_76ph said:
I'm sorry but this isn't my question.
My question is is there a workaround on how to access Amazon Prime Video on an Android tablet?[/QUOTE
From what I understand only approved devices hy amazon work. I am not aware of anyone successfully running prime video on a standard android device. I wish we could... http://www.amazon.com/gp/video/ontv/devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Tomen8r said:
... I wish we could...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish no more, it could be done. Verified the workaround on all my Android devices from Gingerbread to KitKat; viewing Amazon Instant Videos works just fine.

tl3 said:
Wish no more, it could be done. Verified the workaround on all my Android devices from Gingerbread to KitKat; viewing Amazon Instant Videos works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? There is NO way to watch HD Amazon content on any KitKat device. KitKat uses the Chomium webkit, so It ain't happening period. Now, you can use a browser that utilizes server-side rendering, but again, you are getting a compressed stream, NOT HD & a less than stellar bitrate at that.
The Note 8.0 released with 4.1, but has since been updated 4.2.2. It may still work using the flash apk (which Amazon tends to break from time to time with every DRM update), but you are still in the wrong forum OP.

GSLEON3 said:
... There is NO way to watch HD Amazon content on any KitKat device. KitKat uses the Chomium webkit, so It ain't happening period. Now, you can use a browser that utilizes server-side rendering, but again, you are getting a compressed stream, NOT HD & a less than stellar bitrate at that.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used to be true, but outdated info now. Works on my Nexus 7 (2012) with 4.4.2, and it's not via HTML5.

tl3 said:
Used to be true, but outdated info now. Works on my Nexus 7 (2012) with 4.4.2, and it's not via HTML5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just wondering how come a company such as Amazon who builds/sells Kindle Fire tablets which are essentially Android tablets albeit forked versions (but still Android by heart) that they don't support other Android tablets in terms of an Amazon Prime Instant Video Android app.
The only workaround i see is watching it on my PS3 (which i can't carry on a train or bus when i'm travelling or when i'm on a holiday on a beach somehwere) or buy an iPad (which for me is not anymore viable as an Android tablet does all jobs for me) or a get a Kindle Fire tablet (which i've sold due to lack of apps albeit third-party stores) or email Amazon and wait till they realize that they need to create such an app.
Just bloody ridi:silly:cks!

Try this http://www.teleread.com/android/watching-amazon-instant-video-on-android-kitkat-devices/
Sent from my LG-V500 using xda app-developers app

tl3 said:
Used to be true, but outdated info now. Works on my Nexus 7 (2012) with 4.4.2, and it's not via HTML5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excuse me sir.
i used the forum search and this was the first thread i was redirected to. and the answer i get hiere: "well i know the answer, but i won't answer it just to tell this particular person a lessen, without facing the fact that other people may come around and would also like to know the anser"
maybe you could think over it and share your information with us
geri

geri.st said:
excuse me sir.
i used the forum search and this was the first thread i was redirected to. and the answer i get hiere: "well i know the answer, but i won't answer it just to tell this particular person a lessen, without facing the fact that other people may come around and would also like to know the anser"
maybe you could think over it and share your information with us
geri
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get the amazon app via the amazon app shop (not from the playstore!) and just try. As i see it, there are now some devices working ok with it, and others are not working. This is the last thing i know. BTW i have an K-R42 (Android TV box) and its NOT working there. i dont know why. Is there anybody not as clueless as we are?!
thank you =)

Amazon Prime Instant Video working on Chinese Tablet
Had a lot of fiddling about to get this working on my Chinese Tablet running 4.4.2 . . .
Teleread had the answer, so I am posting here and hopefully it will help others. The main bit didn't work, but scroll down the page to the posts from users and review the help given by CHRIS on September 17. It was HARD to get my tablet to download the Android Phone app (rather than the default TABLET app) as Google Playstore refused to show the phone app to me. I did a google search and found a link to the app that didn't use either google or amazon. Now I am watching Amazon Prime Videop on my Chinese ONDA iPad look-alike.
HOW TO
and the work-around to get it to work
Quote
Chris says:
September 17, 2014 at 3:45 pm
It was painful but I got it to work on 3 devices – a Samsung Galaxy Note 2, a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (7.0) and an HTC Evo 4G LTE. Not intuitive would be an understatement! Here is what I did on each device in the order I did them.
1. Download and install the Amazon Appstore APK using link above.
2. Download and install the Instant Video (AIV) APK from the Amazon Appstore.
–At this point I got a runaround where the AIV app would direct me to a website which asked for my email which sent me a link to that same website. Frustrating. Turns out the AIV app runs through the Amazon shopping app – for PHONES – and you have to have the most updated version from the Google Play store.–
3. Download and/or update and install the Amazon shopping app from the Google Play store, PHONE VERSION (the tablet version I have on my Tab3 does NOT work but the phone one does).
4. Opened the Amazon shopping app from Google Play and signed in.
5. Opened the AIV app from the Amazon apps store and bingo!
Playback works well on 2/3 of my devices. It is super fuzzy on my HTC Evo 4G LTE but that is still running 4.1, my other two devices have KitKat and it works great.
Once it’s installed it’s nice but a pain in the ass to get up and running. Why Amazon? Why not just make a nice app for the Google Play store like everybody else? With their very nice Roku and iPad apps this antipathy to Android confuses me.
Unquote

Related

Modern Combat 3 On Sale for 49 Cents Today

I know Modern Combat 3 isn't officially supported for our device yet but just wanted to share that it is 49 cents today on the new Google Play Market. Grab it now while its on sale so you are ready for when it is supported :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftM3HM&feature=apps_promotion_2012_03_06_AppsFavorites#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLG51bGwsImNvbS5nYW1lbG9mdC5hbmRyb2lkLkFOTVAuR2xvZnRNM0hNIl0.
It is possible to buy this game with a prime?
I don`t have any other android devices.
Nice joke Gameloft and suport for Asus xD
Nevermind, Delete.
This is killing me because I just withdrew all the money from my card >.< won't get paid again until next week !!!!
I'd like to get it, but Play won't allow me to purchase it as it's not compatible. You'd think they'd let you buy it anyhoo with a disclaimer.
you can purchase it from the web store front if you dont have another android device
ZeroGDarius said:
you can purchase it from the web store front if you dont have another android device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. I personally just use my gingerbread running Droid charge to buy things that aren't compatible yet. Popular apps will get more compatibility as ICS penetration grows
Unfortunately, I have a couple other Android devices - says it's incompatible with all.
I have 3 android devices
prime-not suported
xperia active- not supported
xperia mini-supported
Now we have to wait for prime support
Supported and runs well on my Samsung Galaxy S2 which is on CM9. It seems ICS is supported fine so I wonder what the problem is.
Works well on my SGS2 running latest leaked build of ICS as well. Tried pulling the APK and installing it on my Prime, but I get a not compatible with device when I try to open it. So we just have to wait until Gameloft decides to support it.
Bought it via my Sensation.... cheers! Here's to a .49 cent investment into the future!
Oh come on Gameloft.. How hard can it be to make it available on the Prime. I've got the impression they dont want my money^^ Its as if they're telling me to use other methods than buying...
ZeroGDarius said:
you can purchase it from the web store front if you dont have another android device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by that?
On the web android market, there is also a compatibility check.
Or do you mean something else?
I've downloaded quite a few apps that aren't supposed to be comparable with prime yet not had even the slightest glitch yet, shame i guess people gave already tried with this with no luck
Sent from my LG-P920 using XDA App

Amazing Alex not showing up PlayStore AndroWook2.1

Amazing Alex isn't showing up in the Play Store on my TF201 running AndroWook 2.1. I believe its how the Rom identifies the device in the Play Store. Anyone able to fix this issue? Also is there a thread that someone can point me to concerning getting particular games to play correctly using the AndroWook Rom? Thanks.
chuubaka said:
Amazing Alex isn't showing up in the Play Store on my TF201 running AndroWook 2.1. I believe its how the Rom identifies the device in the Play Store. Anyone able to fix this issue? Also is there a thread that someone can point me to concerning getting particular games to play correctly using the AndroWook Rom? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well you're almost right about identifying the device on the play store
more precisely the build.prop does
chuubaka said:
Amazing Alex isn't showing up in the Play Store on my TF201 running AndroWook 2.1. I believe its how the Rom identifies the device in the Play Store. Anyone able to fix this issue? Also is there a thread that someone can point me to concerning getting particular games to play correctly using the AndroWook Rom? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just FYI it's not AndroWook 2.1 that's causing the game not to show up in Play Store. If you go to Play Store via Web Browser and log into your GMail account and bring up the game for install you'll see the TF201 is listed as not compatible which is very odd given the fact that my old Iconia A500 Tab is listed as compatible.
jeffw111 said:
Just FYI it's not AndroWook 2.1 that's causing the game not to show up in Play Store. If you go to Play Store via Web Browser and log into your GMail account and bring up the game for install you'll see the TF201 is listed as not compatible which is very odd given the fact that my old Iconia A500 Tab is listed as compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its the build.prop that is used with AndroWook's rom as you can still still the stock transformer prime under listed devices before I flashed the rom and its listed as compatible. Guess I need to edit the build.prop; Anyone can point me in the right direction on changing the device identifier in the build.prop file?
chuubaka said:
Yeah its the build.prop that is used with AndroWook's rom as you can still still the stock transformer prime under listed devices before I flashed the rom and its listed as compatible. Guess I need to edit the build.prop; Anyone can point me in the right direction on changing the device identifier in the build.prop file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very odd I have a friend with a stock TF101 and his is also being listed as not compatible and it has Tegra2 just like my old A500 does. Are you certain it was showing up as compatible previously? One other possibility my be like what was seen on Mass Effect Infiltrator which was originally listed as compatible for TF201 and then it got changed.
Anyone can point what to update in build file to make our device looking compatible ?
svladimir said:
Anyone can point what to update in build file to make our device looking compatible ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually another way since you're already on AndroWook would be to download it onto a compatible device like your phone then copy the APK over to your TF201.
jeffw111 said:
Actually another way since you're already on AndroWook would be to download it onto a compatible device like your phone then copy the APK over to your TF201.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have another HD device, already purchased the game for my SGSII.
I've just downloaded a HD apk from another forum (just to try !) and it works flawlessly, so it's not a compatibility issue. Now pls Google let me pay for it
[EDITED]: Actually HD is available for SGSII. Still would rather wait for it available for Prime officially for the sake of future updates.
svladimir said:
I don't have another HD device, already purchased the game for my SGSII.
I've just downloaded a HD apk from another forum (just to try !) and it works flawlessly, so it's not a compatibility issue. Now pls Google let me pay for it
[EDITED]: Actually HD is available for SGSII. Still would rather wait for it available for Prime officially for the sake of future updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well one solution would be to back it up with Titanium and then install it on the TF201 that's what I did with Mass Effect Infiltrator which I purchased for my Infuse. It shows up as an installed app in Play Store and it updates without any issues.
I downloaded off of the amazon app store and have been playing Amazing Alex on wookie rom.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
I just bought the hd version with my epic 4g, backed it up with titanium then sent the backup to google drive and downloaded and restored the backup with titanium on my transformer prime.
chuubaka said:
Amazing Alex isn't showing up in the Play Store on my TF201 running AndroWook 2.1. I believe its how the Rom identifies the device in the Play Store. Anyone able to fix this issue? Also is there a thread that someone can point me to concerning getting particular games to play correctly using the AndroWook Rom? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I emailed Rovio and they basically stated it was not compatible and they had no plans on supporting the device. I just uninstalled all Rovio products and no longer use their products. This probably means it will not run on the Nexus 7 either. A really bone move on Rovio's part.
ROVIO reply
Hi,
This is what I wrote to ROVIO:
"
Hi,
why your game Amazing Alex is not available for Asus Transformer Prime
(TF201)?
Regards
"
And that is whot they reply:
"
Rovio Support Team, Jul 14 07:54 (EDT):
Hi Robert,
and thank you for contacting us!
Unfortunately, while testing the game we found that Transformer devices are not capable of running it smoothly and therefore they are not supported by the game at the moment. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Best Regards,
Veera
Rovio Support Team
"
WTF?! Almost most powerfull mobie chip is not capable of running game smoothly?! How? What it needs to have under the hood to run smoothly? I think that they just don't give a damn about Transformer in general as it works perfectly on TEGRA2 devices.
EDIT:
Also I (just to try) downloaded APK from web... and of course it runs smoothly like you should expect from top Android tablet (Asus Prime). So ROVIO what is your excuse for today?
They are lying. This is insane. The game works perfectly smooth on TF101 (I sideloaded it afer buying for a phone) which only has Tegra 2 - it also is supported on Motorola Xoom and very slow chinese tablet I have. There must be some fight between Rovio and Asus.
Mailed them the facts:
Hello,
why your game Amazing Alex is not available for Asus Transformer Prime
(TF201)?
I downloaded the ap from another source, just to test if it will work.
And it works perfectly! No crashes, no laggs!
Also if it would work on Tegra 2, it will work on terga 3 witch is faster and better.
So please, stop the bullsh*t about not beeing compatible with tegra 3.
It also works on Xoom.
I'm willing to pay for amazing alex, but if you don't give me that option, then i'll have to side load it.
Just like others do on forums. (Meaning downloading the game from a ILLEGAL source).
You really should give a hard kick to you marketing department...
Regards
brantje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a response
Rovio Support Team, Jul 19 05:20 (EDT):
Hello Sander,
and thanks for contacting us!
We apologize for the inconvenience. We've been working hard with this issue and Amazing Alex will be available for Asus Transformer soon.
We have received some contradictory feedback about the game's compatibility with the Transformer devices, so please let us know if there are any problems.
Best regards,
Niklas
Rovio Support Team
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

OUYA > Nexus Q?

So with the recent intro of the OUYA, I'm wondering what would prevent it from getting hacked, running CM9, and essentially serving as a Nexus Q replacement with better specs for a cheaper price?
Maybe its lack of Android Beam, although if I understand Beam correctly, it uses Bluetooth so maybe a workaround could be created?
Thanks for any info, y'all.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Dolfan058 said:
So with the recent intro of the OUYA, I'm wondering what would prevent it from getting hacked, running CM9, and essentially serving as a Nexus Q replacement with better specs for a cheaper price?
Maybe its lack of Android Beam, although if I understand Beam correctly, it uses Bluetooth so maybe a workaround could be created?
Thanks for any info, y'all.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OUYA looks great on paper but until they actually go into production I wouldn't consider it an alternative.
If a Billion Dollar Company like Google can't create a media streaming device for 99$ why should some nonames on kickstarter be able to create it, together with controller and software?
OUYA is a nice idea, but that's it. It most likely will never be shipped.
Here is a good article on that subject: http://www.technobuffalo.com/gaming...a-used-kickstarter-to-build-buzz-not-funding/
greyphil said:
If a Billion Dollar Company like Google can't create a media streaming device for 99$ why should some nonames on kickstarter be able to create it, together with controller and software?
OUYA is a nice idea, but that's it. It most likely will never be shipped.
Here is a good article on that subject: http://www.technobuffalo.com/gaming...a-used-kickstarter-to-build-buzz-not-funding/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if OUYA will outsource or not, but I know that for the Nexus Q, Google decided to keep production in the USA, which explains the high price tag.

[Q] Battlefield 4 commander app

Hey guys!
Can anyone confirm if the Battlefield 4 commander app works on a rooted 7" Kindle Fire HDX?
Would really like to know, as I wouldn't purchase it otherwise
Really no one who can answer this question? Doesn't take much to download the app and try it out (if you have BF4 on any platform)
Why would you base your whole tablet buying decision on a game that will be old news in 1 year?
It doesn't work. I tried it. Needs some google stuff which is missing since this has been customised by Amazon.
Yes its working with a rooted HDX 7, i tested it.
You can use this .apk + data:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47736747
Can also confirm for you the BF4 Commander Mode app works. I know you posted a couple weeks ago but it's as DarkRusher posted, follow the link and go to the latest pages, newest APK and Data for Commander Mode app will be there and you're good to go!
Using a rooted 7" HDX but shouldn't need root at all. Was playing the app on the 1.1 version and worked perfectly on the HDX as well before an update for the app was pushed. It's honestly an addicting app and runs smooth on the device!
Edit: Also don't forget you'll have to download the Battlelog app from another Android device, back it up into an APK and sideload it to the HDX, at leas that's what I did off my non rooted HTC ONE X. The Commander Mode app requires Battlelog app.
milestoneman said:
Why would you base your whole tablet buying decision on a game that will be old news in 1 year?
It doesn't work. I tried it. Needs some google stuff which is missing since this has been customised by Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tablet will also be old news in one year. Almost all apps run on this tablet once you get framework and services working.
That's irrelevant. You wouldnt let your tablet dictate what console or PC games you buy?
A kindle will last a lot longer than a yearly franchised game.
milestoneman said:
That's irrelevant. You wouldnt let your tablet dictate what console or PC games you buy?
A kindle will last a lot longer than a yearly franchised game.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually battlefield still has quite a following so you can get 3 or so years from an online game. And certainly you want all your devices to compliment each other so yes if my budget were tight I would look for which tablet would window my Xbox or PlayStation or vice versa. In my case though a tablet is lucky to go 6 months much less a year, but most people in my area exchange tablets at least every year as well as phone upgrades every year as well.
Old news playing a 3 year old game surely. Anyway this is going offtopic. The question has been answered.
Yes, it's working on mine no issues.

[Q] Kindle Fire HDX To Android

Hello, I'm new here. I just bought 2 Kindle Fire HDX tablets for my kids. The seller mistakenly sent me 2 HD units. I'm sending them back and will wait a few weeks for the seller to get HDX units. Over the last week I was able to use these HD tablets and get a feel for them. My family is pretty familiar with Android OS'es and even my 1 and a half year old uses our Android phones all the time. So, the Amazon OS was a little bit uncomfortable at first. But the main issue I had with these HD's is the way they drive you to download content and make it to where you very easily end up buying stuff you didn't want to buy, as opposed to the Google Play Store approach which seems to be more relaxed.
The Fire HDX's has better processing power than the Google Nexus 7, which is the main reason I went HDX vs the Nexus 7. The speakers are better too and maybe the colors on the screen also. But the rear-facing camera of the Nexus 7 and the portrait mode-design vs the Fire's landscaping mode-design is another consideration.
After spending the last few hours reading on rooting the Fire HDX, I'm not even sure I'll be able to do that depending on which firmware version my HDX'es end up coming with. If they have older FW versions, I guess I should not update anything before first rooting them, but if they have the later FW version, I won't be able to root them at all.
My questions so far are these...
* Once rooted, what can I do with my HDX?
* Do most people install a custom ROM on their HDX once rooted?
* Can I have a fully functional Android OS running on my HDX?
* Do some people leave Amazon's OS on the HDX and only install the Google Play Store?
* If I install an Android OS, would it have full functionality, like the Chrome browser, Voice commands, etc?
Based on the uncertainty of rooting the newer FW on the HDX, do you think it would be better for me to settle with Nexus 7 tablets instead?
Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.
Kind Regards,
Neo
Get the LG Gpad 8.3 don't waste your time here.
Sent from my KFSOWI, 11.3.2.1, rooted, Amazon stuff replaced with Google Services.
Thanks for the reply, but what if the 7" screen and the price-point is more in-line with what I need? Just looked up the LG Gpad and it looks nice, but I guess I'm just surprised to hear such a definitive warning to not waste time here. Do you mean the HDX is a waste of time (rooting and flashing it), or the Nexus 7 is a waste of time?
Thanks,
Neo
NeoRio said:
Thanks for the reply, but what if the 7" screen and the price-point is more in-line with what I need? Just looked up the LG Gpad and it looks nice, but I guess I'm just surprised to hear such a definitive warning to not waste time here. Do you mean the HDX is a waste of time (rooting and flashing it), or the Nexus 7 is a waste of time?
Thanks,
Neo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HDX currently doesn't have any root in the latest update. If you want ROM support immediately, get a Nexus. If you can wait, get a Kindle.
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk
The HDX may never get a real ROM, and if the purchased device comes with an unrootable version 13.3.2.1+ you will be stuck with Amazon's garbage for who knows how long. That is why I recommended the gpad. The G-pad isnt the only alternative. The 2013 Nexus 7 is the same size & price point, has a much better *everything* and is plenty fast.
Sent from my KFSOWI Running The Kindle-Water Beta 1 ROM
I concur with Mineturtle33's advices--Nexus 7 is the hands-down choice if one wants a pure Android experience. I bought the Nexus 7, but I would never spend my own money to buy--nor recommend--a KFHDX. The only reason I have one is that it was given away to me, by someone that was frustrated and dissatisfied with its locked-down portal to Amazon's ecosystem. He wisely replaced it with a Nexus 7, and he's much happier now without any regret. The drawbacks of the FireOS outweigh any possible hardware spec advantages IMO.
Thanks for these great answers, helps flesh out the options for me. It makes sense that though the HDX has better specs in the area of processor and speakers, the Amazon OS's restrictive manner makes it a machine that you will want to flash to Android...and if that is not an easy thing, or may never be as satisfying as a native Android unit, I think going native Android may be the way to go. I appreciate the insight and thank you all for chiming in.
Kind Regards,
Neo
NeoRio said:
* Once rooted, what can I do with my HDX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Safestrap, which makes recovering from oops much easier. THEN you can muck around.
* Do most people install a custom ROM on their HDX once rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't. My current setup lets me play in BOTH worlds... Amazon AND Google Play.
In fact, there is ONE custom ROM, and it's not quite working right.
* Can I have a fully functional Android OS running on my HDX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet. As stated, it's not quite working right, esp. for games.
* Do some people leave Amazon's OS on the HDX and only install the Google Play Store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run both, and apps in both.
* If I install an Android OS, would it have full functionality, like the Chrome browser, Voice commands, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can patch in Google Play without removing Amazon, which will give you chrome and voice commands and Google Now and the rest.
I'm still one of the lucky ones that has root. Mine has never updated itself. I love this little tablet. I spend most of my time in android but then use all the Amazon services that prime offers (like prime video)
Sent from my KFTHWI using xda app-developers app
Often overlooked, a glaring hardware deficiency is the lack of GPS and magnetometer for the majority of KFHDXs (non-4G)--rendering many offline-navigation and location-dependent apps and services useless.
A rear camera is also an essential and standard feature with most tablets nowadays--not available with KFHDXs. Thus, limited to taking selfies only, and scanning QRcodes and barcodes would be awkward and cumbersome if not impossible.
US$200+ for a tablet without these standard capabilities, no matter how good the CPU and speakers specs may be, is just not worthwhile. It's like buying a sports car, without the headlights and reverse-gear, which can only be driven within one particular state. This may be suitable for some, but the KFHDX is way too compromising and restrictive IMO, especially when there are other more capable contenders on the market. Rooting is secondary when the fundamentals are not available in the first place...
tl3 said:
A rear camera is also an essential and standard feature with most tablets nowadays--not available with KFHDXs. Thus, limited to taking selfies only, and scanning QRcodes and barcodes would be awkward and cumbersome if not impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do what? The HDX has a front and rear. Heck the light is even really bright on the rear cam.
Thanks, KSChang, for giving some of the other side of the discussion. Seems there is plenty of good.
kschang said:
Install Safestrap, which makes recovering from oops much easier. THEN you can muck around.
I don't. My current setup lets me play in BOTH worlds... Amazon AND Google Play.
In fact, there is ONE custom ROM, and it's not quite working right.
Not yet. As stated, it's not quite working right, esp. for games.
I run both, and apps in both.
You can patch in Google Play without removing Amazon, which will give you chrome and voice commands and Google Now and the rest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken, it's only the 8.9 version that has a rear-facing camera, the 7 only has a front facing camera.
king_xerxes said:
Do what? The HDX has a front and rear. Heck the light is even really bright on the rear cam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NeoRio said:
Thanks, KSChang, for giving some of the other side of the discussion. Seems there is plenty of good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, if you get it, it will most likely have an unmodifiable software on it that may never be cracked.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Mineturtle33 said:
Again, if you get it, it will most likely have an unmodifiable software on it that may never be cracked.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you are pretty set against the kindle. Now don't get me wrong. I wish I had done more research before grabbing one on a whim, but here's my brief experience so far.
@NeoRio , I picked up a 7" HDX less than a week ago with the intention of rooting it before doing researching on its rootability. Luckily, my brand new HDX shipped with the version that is rootable. I never enabled WiFi on the amazon side, immediately rooted it and installed the Gapps ROM. The newest version has all amazon stuff removed, including auto updates. I never boot into the Amazon side and use all the Google apps just fine (aside from maps...it doesn't work properly for me). Its not perfect but works just fine for me. The issue is, theres no way to know which version of software yours will ship with, but I just wanted to share my experience.
The only reason I'm keeping this thing is because of the amazon instant video. It looks amazing. If I didn't have prime though I'd have gotten rid of this thing long ago. A lot of the apps made for it seem to be buggy and behind in updates. And the lack of gapps really sucks
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
murso74 said:
The only reason I'm keeping this thing is because of the amazon instant video. It looks amazing. If I didn't have prime though I'd have gotten rid of this thing long ago. A lot of the apps made for it seem to be buggy and behind in updates. And the lack of gapps really sucks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do the dual-use setup (both Google Play and Amazon). You can keep Amazon instant... AND use GApps.
---------- Post added at 04:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------
tl3 said:
Often overlooked, a glaring hardware deficiency is the lack of GPS and magnetometer for the majority of KFHDXs (non-4G)--rendering many offline-navigation and location-dependent apps and services useless.
A rear camera is also an essential and standard feature with most tablets nowadays--not available with KFHDXs. Thus, limited to taking selfies only, and scanning QRcodes and barcodes would be awkward and cumbersome if not impossible.
US$200+ for a tablet without these standard capabilities, no matter how good the CPU and speakers specs may be, is just not worthwhile. It's like buying a sports car, without the headlights and reverse-gear, which can only be driven within one particular state. This may be suitable for some, but the KFHDX is way too compromising and restrictive IMO, especially when there are other more capable contenders on the market. Rooting is secondary when the fundamentals are not available in the first place...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's heavily dependent on the intended audience. Kindle Fire HDX is meant as a multimedia machine, and occasional Skype client, not a "do-everything" tablet. It plays games beautifully (both Amazon and Google Play, if patched).
If I want camera and nav I have my smartphone. My tablet is my second screen, with better text entry (bigger keyboard), usually running off my phone's WiFi hotspot.
Or to put it this way: if you want a do-everything (i.e. SUV), buy an SUV (a phablet, perhaps). Don't buy a sports car and moan about lack of cargo and passenger space and how it's not an SUV.
kschang said:
So do the dual-use setup (both Google Play and Amazon). You can keep Amazon instant... AND use GApps.
---------- Post added at 04:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------
It's heavily dependent on the intended audience. Kindle Fire HDX is meant as a multimedia machine, and occasional Skype client, not a "do-everything" tablet. It plays games beautifully (both Amazon and Google Play, if patched).
If I want camera and nav I have my smartphone. My tablet is my second screen, with better text entry (bigger keyboard), usually running off my phone's WiFi hotspot.
Or to put it this way: if you want a do-everything (i.e. SUV), buy an SUV (a phablet, perhaps). Don't buy a sports car and moan about lack of cargo and passenger space and how it's not an SUV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'd need root for that. Plus I only have a 16 gig... safestrap Roma take up too much room
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
murso74 said:
Well I'd need root for that. Plus I only have a 16 gig... safestrap Roma take up too much room
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only 4-6 GB depending on how big you set your partitions. You can put at least ONE ROM slot on there.
Point is I'd rather not. Anyway like I said, I like it for the Amazon videos, however ill probably never buy another. Even if we get root back the OS will always be outdated and we could lose root at any moment
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

Categories

Resources