Related
So I'm an iPhone developer looking to start writing some Android apps. I know what I can get away with in terms of actual device testing in the iOS world, but not the Android world. I don't want a contract or monthly service (so no new phones). I'll initially be building apps targeted for mobile phones, but if possible, I would like to avoid owning a phone just for development, so if I can get away with a tablet, then that would be perfect because I can use it for other things.
With that said, is that a smart idea? I figure I need the following:
- Used, to keep costs down
- wifi since I won't have cellular service.
- 2.1-2.1 for development.
- Used Phone with no contract to save on price.
- hdpi screen for maximum compatibility testing (according to android dev site, looks like 75%+ phones in use are hdpi)
- Not too old, so that with some upgrades my phone doesn't become unbearable to use.
If I were to get a tablet, am I better getting something with 2.1 or 2.2? Or if I got something with 3.0, would I be able to test compatibility with apps targeted for 2.1 or 2.2? On an iPad for example, I can install iOS5, but build apps targeting iOS4 and test on an iOS 5 device.
I'd like to keep my purchase under $300 either way...obviously less would be even better if I can get away with it...
Anyways, any tips would be great!
I'm partially in your shoes, but going the other direction after a few projects (i.e. Android to iOS). I have a Droid X phone and will probably be getting an iPad...just need to sell a few more apps
Android runs on a multitude of devices and none of them are the same. I think the last app I published said it would be compatible with over 200 Android devices. A far cry from iPhone/iPad and just 2 devices.
I would think the phone would be the cheapest path to go....look on ebay. Luckily I have a friend with a xoom tablet and he can test stuff for me. If you're going to be in this (Android) for the long term, I might suggest a tablet as the better way to go
3.0 is only on tablets at this point and the Android SDK will let you set your release level down as required. Android phones should have just gotten an upgrade to 2.2.3
Objective C to JAVA and xml files....lucky you LOL
Is objective C harder?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Tablet. We need more tablet developers and tablet optimized apps.
Rootstonian said:
I'm partially in your shoes, but going the other direction after a few projects (i.e. Android to iOS). I have a Droid X phone and will probably be getting an iPad...just need to sell a few more apps
Android runs on a multitude of devices and none of them are the same. I think the last app I published said it would be compatible with over 200 Android devices. A far cry from iPhone/iPad and just 2 devices.
I would think the phone would be the cheapest path to go....look on ebay. Luckily I have a friend with a xoom tablet and he can test stuff for me. If you're going to be in this (Android) for the long term, I might suggest a tablet as the better way to go
3.0 is only on tablets at this point and the Android SDK will let you set your release level down as required. Android phones should have just gotten an upgrade to 2.2.3
Objective C to JAVA and xml files....lucky you LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated! I'm definitely leaning towards tablet, unless I hear of any reason why it's a bad idea! Again, coming from an iOS world, I'm worried about displays, and things looking their best, and acting properly...but as long as a tablet device can give me a reasonable enough device for testing that isn't an emulator, then I'll be happy...I figure the longer I do this, then much like my iOS development, I will build up a collection of test devices...fortunately for iOS developers, that collection doesn't have to be too big!
iynfynity said:
Is objective C harder?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a former C# and Java developer, I will say that Objective C is generally "harder"...not necessarily because of the language...but because of the environment...Objective C has come a long way, and definitely is getting better, but I would guess that any C based language is generally harder to pick up successfully compared to more managed languages like C# or Java...
Now when it comes to device development, I can't tell you yet if writing Java for Android devices will be easier or harder...but give me a few months and I'll let you know!
SwiftLegend said:
Tablet. We need more tablet developers and tablet optimized apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll say this, I do love writing code for the iPad,...tablets are fun, and open up a world of opportunity...with that said, I'll initially be writing for mobile phones, but I'm sure that will expand eventually to tablets...
Well, I was in your situation just an year ago an I did:
1 - I bought an HTC Magic used from ebay, rooted at 2.2 (payed 150$ more or less)
2 - I used all the suggestions on the web to improve my java coding using Eclipse (i suggest you stackoverflow guys)
3 - Now, I'm looking for a tablet to enlarge the opportunities of my apps.
The emulator sucks, leave it as soon as you can for a device. You will boost your coding and debug.
If you know people with android phones, ask them to test your app. Unfortunately, it seems that the unique manner to be sure your app will work on all devices is to test it everywhere
I can confirm that emulator is ver slow, but as a last resort is ok.
If I were you a would have bought phone first. You don't want to develop applications that work perfectly on tablets that have 1% of a market share only to find out that after publishing they don't work on more popular devices.
Buy one of most popular phones (for example Samsung Galaxy S) and you will be in good shape.
get google development phone from google
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Android tablet
Here is a cheep android tablet to start dev on http://conamee.com/products/wm8850-android-4-0-cortex-a9-1-2ghz-tablet-pc-7-inch-4gb-coffee
Hello everyone!
I will soon (well, not really that soon, but in the future i guess) need to develop an Android app for a university class i will be attending. I'm really interesting in the mobile world and Android looks like a great platform/OS, pretty open and customizable.
Since i do not own any Android device i think i will buy one soon, not only because of the class but also because i want to learn and explore Google's mobile OS. I know i can develop and try the app using the emulator but since the app will be using wireless features i'd like to test it on a physical device.
Keep in mind that i know nearly nothing about Android development; here's the question: what are the hardware limits of installing and testing apps?
I'll explain it a bit better. Since i don't want to spend too much money on the Android phone i'll buy, i was thinking to buy a chinese phone running Gingerbread (2.3.6 or later to be more precise). So my question is: can i test my developed apps potentially on any type of Android phone, with any type of hardware specs, (let's say mid-range device) even if it is not from a famous brand?
P.S. : i'm perfectly aware that very cheap (and also good, why not) phones are available even from famous brands (like Samsung, LG maybe HTC too and so on), but my question is the above and i kindly ask you not to point out the thing i mentioned in this P.S.. Many Thanks to all!
There might be some issues using chinese phones, that might or might not happen on other devices. (Some apps just don't want to work on my Ainol Novo7 Elf for example)
My best bet for you would be to buy an "old" phone from Samsung or HTC.
If you would give us an aproximate price range, we may be able to help you better-ish
nejc121 said:
There might be some issues using chinese phones, that might or might not happen on other devices. (Some apps just don't want to work on my Ainol Novo7 Elf for example)
My best bet for you would be to buy an "old" phone from Samsung or HTC.
If you would give us an aproximate price range, we may be able to help you better-ish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
This is exactly what i want to understand. If we forget about the chinese phone for a moment; how is app compatibility determined? Are there requirements or something else?
In other words, why shouldn't an app (i'm not talking about heavy 3D games, of course) run on a random Android device (which have all working features and stuff, like for example a random Android-based Samsung phone has)?
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
Read the Forum Rules Ref Posting
Moving to Q&A
Thanks. Anyone can help me or suggest something else?
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
My nexus 7 - 2013 just became an expensive paperweight, seems like the internal storage or motherboards went Kaput. I am looking for a replacement and the specs of the Kindle Fire HDX 7 are very impressive, specially buying the 64 GB version, I couldn't find any device with better specs for the price. However, the drawback seems to me all the hassle to try to change the tablet to a truly android experience; people are writing posts about accomplishing simple things on other tablets like using a different launcher, using Netflix, casting to Chromecast, using the Google Play store, side loading apps, etc. Not to mention all the other posts with people bricking their devices after trying to accomplish these tasks. So my question is: Is all that hassle worth it? Is the Kindle really that good that all the hassle is worth it? Thank you very much in advanced for any responses.
chogau1 said:
My nexus 7 - 2013 just became an expensive paperweight, seems like the internal storage or motherboards went Kaput. I am looking for a replacement and the specs of the Kindle Fire HDX 7 are very impressive, specially buying the 64 GB version, I couldn't find any device with better specs for the price. However, the drawback seems to me all the hassle to try to change the tablet to a truly android experience; people are writing posts about accomplishing simple things on other tablets like using a different launcher, using Netflix, casting to Chromecast, using the Google Play store, side loading apps, etc. Not to mention all the other posts with people bricking their devices after trying to accomplish these tasks. So my question is: Is all that hassle worth it? Is the Kindle really that good that all the hassle is worth it? Thank you very much in advanced for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very sensitive device . Unless you are a pro , and or very good at following directions . And patient enough to read whole threads . IMHO. NO Even though there has been a little development the last few months this device is still very very limited . And still no way to fast boot a device to repair brick state . Unless you have previously unlocked the boot loader . Even then things are very tricky . Just some friendly advice and less you are very very good with android devices and some development procedures and don't mind taking risk as far as I'm concerned the device is not cheap enough yet . I own an 8.9 and two 7.0...
After the last year and a half I wished I just had the money or had bought something else
jimyv said:
It's a very sensitive device . Unless you are a pro , and or very good at following directions . And patient enough to read whole threads . IMHO. NO Even though there has been a little development the last few months this device is still very very limited . And still no way to fast boot a device to repair brick state . Unless you have previously unlocked the boot loader . Even then things are very tricky . Just some friendly advice and less you are very very good with android devices and some development procedures and don't mind taking risk as far as I'm concerned the device is not cheap enough yet . I own an 8.9 and two 7.0...
After the last year and a half I wished I just had the money or had bought something else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well stated. An amazing device once tamed but the bar is high with significant (sometimes non-recoverable) consequences for a simple mistake.
Davey126 said:
Well stated. An amazing device once tamed but the bar is high with significant (sometimes non-recoverable) consequences for a simple mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bottom line is how you use a device. Would I bother if I were not an Amazon Prime member? Probably not, not now that I can get AVOD on nearly any Android device. That said, I am a Prime member & being able to download HD movies for watching on longer flights is a great feature.
If you are a novice or a few hundred dollars lost is going to hurt, then consider other options.
would go with something else unless there are specific features you need such as text to speech on kindle eBooks. other wise something easier to work with would be a good idea.
Short answer: NO. The FireOS ruins a wonderful piece of hardware. I bought this device for my wife to use it with her NextIssue magazine subscription. But, Amazon has now decided to remove that app, with no explanation.... and now they are expected to "block" the app from sideloading as well. Bottom line, I have no recourse and their support has been AWFUL for this matter.
I use Amazon for a lot of things, and have Prime... and I STILL wouldn't recommend the device to anyone. They've crippled the "Android-ness" of the device making it very limited in its capabilities. Sure, if you don't mind getting bound to Amazon, it might be ok. But any Android device can do everything this device can do (software-wise).... so you're better off with a regular Android device.
I concur with the cautions posted by several individuals (including myself!). If you are seeking compatibility, a pure android experience or an easy to mod device look elsewhere! Novice users who value a simple UI and need some hand holding may find the HDX attractive. Fire OS isn't horrible and comes with free Mayday support. Perfect for the proverbial grandmother.
The pros are compelling if you have an 'older' device, are willing to invest the time and assume some risks which can be mitigated through care. Fast processor, beautiful screen, great sound, different form factor (personal preference), solid build, long battery life. With a decent rom you can get the best of Google and Amazon plus fantastic hardware in a single device. Unfortunately, most 'newer' devices can not be rooted or unlocked severely limiting potential.
I love my HDX 7" (unlocked) running Nexus (soon CM12). It is easy to live with and accompanies me everywhere. I don't regret the time invested but would NOT recommend it to others unless you are true tinker at heart and have the technical skills to recover should thing go wrong. And they will. Understand what can/can't be done which is highly contingent on the level of Fire OS that is currently installed.
I bought a 32 gb and unlocked with cm 11 rom. It's better than nexus 7
I love mine. I love it more now that I've got rid of the FireOS and am running
straight Android. The hardware is great, and for a 7 inch, it's a fantastic tablet.
I also own the Nexus 7 (2013) and love that as well. Easy to root, lots of development, great
hardware specs....That said, if I had to do it over again, I'd probably get a Samsung Galaxy tab
of some sort for those same reasons.
The HDX is definitely a labor of love. It took some labor to get it set up the way I want it,
but now I really love it. But still, a Galaxy Tab would be the way to go, IMO
I have a HDX 7 on 4.5.2 and I want to use any ROM that makes the UI close as possible to pure or the standard Android I have become accustom to over last few years and have access to the Google play store. My primary use for this tablet will be as a GPS on my 2 motorcycles, one street bike and one on/off road bike. I chose the Kindle because I could get a waterproof case for it and according my research it had a good screen for outside use(I hope that’s correct). I’ve read the forum for a couple of days and it’s not clear to me what I need. I have no need for any of the special Apps the Kindle came with. Do I need to roll the firmware back to earlier version in order to allow boot loader unlock before I can load the Nexus ROM for example or can I just install latest CM11 or CM12 that’s posted in the forum? I have rooted it.
Thanks,
Ken
emgo said:
I have a HDX 7 on 4.5.2 and I want to use any ROM that makes the UI close as possible to pure or the standard Android I have become accustom to over last few years and have access to the Google play store. My primary use for this tablet will be as a GPS on my 2 motorcycles, one street bike and one on/off road bike. I chose the Kindle because I could get a waterproof case for it and according my research it had a good screen for outside use(I hope that’s correct). I’ve read the forum for a couple of days and it’s not clear to me what I need. I have no need for any of the special Apps the Kindle came with. Do I need to roll the firmware back to earlier version in order to allow boot loader unlock before I can load the Nexus ROM for example or can I just install latest CM11 or CM12 that’s posted in the forum? I have rooted it.
Thanks,
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no custom ROMs for 4.5.2, only root + with some luck gapps. You can rollback to 3.2.8, root it, then you can install and use safestrap recovery to create extra rom slot and install Nexus ROM for safestrap 1.0.1. That's it for now. I have no idea if Nexus 1.0.1 support LTE and GPS, you can ask in corresponding thread about that, but developer doesn't have LTE device, so you can get mixed results...
For FW 4.5.3 - 4.5.2 there is only rollback to 3.2.8 and for now only for HDX 7". FW 3.2.6 - 3.2.4 can rollback to lower FW 3.1.0 - 3.2.3.2 from where you can unlock you BL, or install custom recovery TWRP 2.8.5.0 and then you can use custom ROMs like CM11 or CM12 etc.
Edit:
Unfortunatelly even after root kindle is not your average android device, so for people who only need to use tablet for something android way (meaning not with FireOS), this is not the right device (not with latest FW revisions). For what you described as main purpose you will better do with Sony Xperia Z3 tablet
Thanks jeryll, that clears it up for me. I wanted the Xperia 8" tablet but even used ones are bringing over $400 bucks on ebay. I crash sometimes, most likely what ever tablet I choose could have a short life. So I needed something inexpensive, rugged case available that's water proof / resistant if the tablet's not. I did research for weeks. The Garmin Motorcycle GPS are $600 plus and they have a small screen. I want a bigger screen. My first choice was a Nexus 7 2013 because they have bright screens and are inexpensive, but I couldn't find a water proof case. The ziplock sack type won't cut it. An Otterbox water resistance case would be OK but they never made one for the 2013 Nexus 7. So that left me with the HDX. It had good reviews on screen brightness and I got a 64gb LTE HDX 7" and an Incipio water proof case for just over $200. If I can get GApps installed it may work for me. If not maybe we'll get lucky and they will be a break through on the newer firmware. Thanks again for your help.
I may try the rollback that will allow the Nexus ROM, I think that would work for me.
Ken
emgo said:
Thanks jeryll, that clears it up for me. I wanted the Xperia 8" tablet but even used ones are bringing over $400 bucks on ebay. I crash sometimes, most likely what ever tablet I choose could have a short life. So I needed something inexpensive, rugged case available that's water proof / resistant if the tablet's not. I did research for weeks. The Garmin Motorcycle GPS are $600 plus and they have a small screen. I want a bigger screen. My first choice was a Nexus 7 2013 because they have bright screens and are inexpensive, but I couldn't find a water proof case. The ziplock sack type won't cut it. An Otterbox water resistance case would be OK but they never made one for the 2013 Nexus 7. So that left me with the HDX. It had good reviews on screen brightness and I got a 64gb LTE HDX 7" and an Incipio water proof case for just over $200. If I can get GApps installed it may work for me. If not maybe we'll get lucky and they will be a break through on the newer firmware. Thanks again for your help.
I may try the rollback that will allow the Nexus ROM, I think that would work for me.
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it is worth my experience with ggow's Nexus ROM has been nothing short of excellent. Rock solid and feels like AOSP with the proper launcher (I use Nova). Add a few Xposed modules and it's hard to differentiate from stock KitKat and many newer elements of Lollipop. Full access to the Play store...although app selection is limited by Jelly Bean roots (most apps run fine on JB ). Two important caveats: 1) My experience is with v2.0.5 which won't run on your device. As Jeryll mentioned there is a variant from the same developer that runs with Safestrap. Under the covers I believe they are identical. 2) My device is a non-LTE so have no experience with GPS on the Nexus rom (only LTE models are equipped with a GPS chip).
Comment on hardware: I dropped my HDX 7 in an airport. Flew out of my hand onto a tile floor and skidded into a wall. No device should be expected to survive such abuse. Amazingly it came out unscathed with a minimally protective case. Obviously every fall is different and I got very lucky. But in some way it does speak to the durability of this device. Should work well in for your intended application. Not so sure about a Nexus 7 2013 ...
davey126 thanks for your help. I looked through the Nexus ROM thread and it stated the ROM is for WIFI only. I searched the thread for GPS and didn't find any reference. I've looked through the Amazon app store and found some version of Backcountry Navigator and Osmand. Both of these are supposed to be good off road GPS apps. I hope to get the GApps hack working and then I think the HDX will work for me until the Z3 compacts come down in price (even though I'll have build my own ruggedized mount for it) or I maybe totally satisfied with the HDX. I really like the Atlas water proof case. Too bad they don't make cases for more tablets.
Thanks,
Ken
emgo said:
davey126 thanks for your help. I looked through the Nexus ROM thread and it stated the ROM is for WIFI only. I searched the thread for GPS and didn't find any reference. I've looked through the Amazon app store and found some version of Backcountry Navigator and Osmand. Both of these are supposed to be good off road GPS apps. I hope to get the GGapps hack working and then I think the HDX will work for me until the Z3 compacts come down in price (even though I'll have build my own ruggedized mount for it) or I maybe totally satisfied with the HDX. I really like the Atlas water proof case. Too bad they don't make cases for more tablets.
Thanks,
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may not need gapps (and risks/problems associated with some hacks) as most free apps can be side loaded from alternative markets such as 1Mobile. Paid versions, which you'll likely need/want with navigators, are a little more problematic. Sometimes you can purchase directly from the developer. Most times it's just easier to go with gapps.