I just saw Amazon's announcement for the new Fire Tablet lineup, and was very happy to see that the rumors where true, and the new version of Fire OS (5.0 Bellini) is a lot more close to standard Android than ever before. However, i am very worried because after looking all over the internet for a list of supported devices, i found this quote in the Amazon Developer Program page:
"Our new tablets ship with Fire OS 5, with features coming to the 4th generation Fire tablets (released in 2014) as part of free, over-the-air Fire OS updates later this year."
I trully hope that this is a mistake, since at least the HDX 3rd gen (2013) lineup of Fire devices actually have significantly better specs that this new 2015 models. In fact, the 2 Fire devices that i own (Fire Phone & Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 2013) and the ones that i have given as a gift (Kindle Fire HD 8.9 and HD7 2013), have specs that should allow them to run the new Lolipop based OS.
I am not a developer, just a trully grateful XDA fan, and i was wondering if the worst case scenario becomes real, and none of those devices are oficially supported, how realistically possible would be to develop a custom Fire OS 5 rom for them, now that Fire OS is way closer to stock Android? I remember that back in 2011, a gentleman made a great custom rom for the Original Kindle Fire. The name if im not mistaken was "Modaco Custom Rom".... Would something like that be possible now? Thanks in advance.
I just got off the phone with Amazon Customer Support, and it's too early for them to release a full device list. I hope my Fire HDX 7 can get Fire OS 5, it would be odd if there isn't any support for it since Amazon's new line of Tablets are underpowered compared to the HDX versions. But why would they make them all 720p?
I would assume that screens are probably one of the most expensive parts in a smartphone or tablet, so in order to sell them at that price, screen resolution/quality has to be sacrificed. Also, the higher the resolution, the stronger the specs that are needed to run the device. So the price would go even higher.
I hope it will be on 2013 models, this is a big update and it even has wallpapers
Yes I hope the OS 5 update comes to my 3rd gen HDX 8.9 soon. To deny that the update would be perverse and show that Amazon is not taking its tablets seriously in the sense of wanting to encourage users to treat them as something more than just a cheap Amazon content consumption device. The HDX was sold as a serious tablet and potential competitor to the iPad, etc. and yet I keep getting iOS updates for my old iPad 2 (which I am not so stupid as to try to install) but not the latest Fire OS for my 3rd gen HDX.
ms207 said:
Yes I hope the OS 5 update comes to my 3rd gen HDX 8.9 soon. To deny that the update would be perverse and show that Amazon is not taking its tablets seriously in the sense of wanting to encourage users to treat them as something more than just a cheap Amazon content consumption device. The HDX was sold as a serious tablet and potential competitor to the iPad, etc. and yet I keep getting iOS updates for my old iPad 2 (which I am not so stupid as to try to install) but not the latest Fire OS for my 3rd gen HDX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon discontinued the 7" HDX models and seems poised to do the same with 8.9" models given they are no longer presented as an option or in comparison tables when performing a generic search. Regardless of how they were originally marketed Amazon now recognizes cheap/disposable devices are the pathway to clicks and purchases. Gotta remember Amazon's real motivations for producing hardware. If the effort to bring FireOS 5 to legacy devices exceeds the marketing potential it won't happen. BTW - Fire Phone falls into the same category.
But at least with the Fire Phone you can have a selection of wall papers, including your own photos, instead of just the black background you get with the 3rd gen HDX 8.9 and if they will offer Fire OS 5 to the 4th gen HDX - also not shown in the comparison tables - why not the 3rd gen HDX?
When I spoke to Amazon recently about a possible replacement for my HDX which had suddenly stopped working a few months out of warranty, they were offering me a 3rd gen replacement but with no more than 15-20% max discount. Unlike Apple who replaced my old iPad 2 a year or so ago with an identical model for just £5 more than their quoted cost for replacing its battery!
Unfortunately this approach does show, as you indicate, that Amazon have little interest in the devices themselves so long as they can still download content. Since it wouldn't seem to involve too much additional cost to make all their tablets Fire OS 5-able and that would interest consumers who don't want to double up on their non-Amazon use and Amazon tablets, I don't get their reluctance/lack interest in this regard.
I have seen exactly the same lack of interest from Amazon with regards to my Fire Phone (fortunately bought cheap in a sale). It doesn't have "Newstand" (and will only offer books and docs in the Kindle reading app on it) so all the Kindle magazine subscriptions that I have and can read on my iPhone, I cannot read or access on my Fire Phone! Amazon have been looking into this problem for me since June when I first bought the Fire Phone but have clearly given up on it and in fact have told me to stop chasing them about it.
ms207 said:
But at least with the Fire Phone you can have a selection of wall papers, including your own photos, instead of just the black background you get with the 3rd gen HDX 8.9 and if they will offer Fire OS 5 to the 4th gen HDX - also not shown in the comparison tables - why not the 3rd gen HDX?
When I spoke to Amazon recently about a possible replacement for my HDX which had suddenly stopped working a few months out of warranty, they were offering me a 3rd gen replacement but with no more than 15-20% max discount. Unlike Apple who replaced my old iPad 2 a year or so ago with an identical model for just £5 more than their quoted cost for replacing its battery!
Unfortunately this approach does show, as you indicate, that Amazon have little interest in the devices themselves so long as they can still download content. Since it wouldn't seem to involve too much additional cost to make all their tablets Fire OS 5-able and that would interest consumers who don't want to double up on their non-Amazon use and Amazon tablets, I don't get their reluctance/lack interest in this regard.
I have seen exactly the same lack of interest from Amazon with regards to my Fire Phone (fortunately bought cheap in a sale). It doesn't have "Newstand" (and will only offer books and docs in the Kindle reading app on it) so all the Kindle magazine subscriptions that I have and can read on my iPhone, I cannot read or access on my Fire Phone! Amazon have been looking into this problem for me since June when I first bought the Fire Phone but have clearly given up on it and in fact have told me to stop chasing them about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boils down to a simple business decision regardless how 'easy' it might be. When the HDX first came out I saw a tear down that suggested they were barely covering costs at the list price (I'm sure margins improved over time). Amazon gambled higher end devices would generate more revenue. Their latest strategy suggests the data proved otherwise following successful release of the HD 6 at a sub $100 USD price point. If I were making the call I probably would not allocate much resource to a discontinued product line that isn't generating copious clicks. Just say'in (hope I am wrong!).
Davey126 said:
Boils down to a simple business decision regardless how 'easy' it might be. When the HDX first came out I saw a tear down that suggested they were barely covering costs at the list price (I'm sure margins improved over time). Amazon gambled higher end devices would generate more revenue. Their latest strategy suggests the data proved otherwise following successful release of the HD 6 at a sub $100 USD price point. If I were making the call I probably would not allocate much resource to a discontinued product line that isn't generating copious clicks. Just say'in (hope I am wrong!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understand what you are saying and, like you, I hope we're wrong. Still surprised (and disappointed) that Amazon don't see the comparison that will be drawn on this issue with Apple and others, especially for something as basic as the features offered by Fire OS 5. Certainly my experience with the HDX (which was an expensive tablet -£420) and now the Fire Phone will mean I won't be buying any more Amazon "mobile" devices but will rely on the Amaxon apps for Apple/Android devices. You then wonder why they bother investing time and effort into their devices? Perhaps it really is that people will buy them and then start buying Amazon content they wouldn't have with any other devices? I wonder?
ms207 said:
Yes I hope the OS 5 update comes to my 3rd gen HDX 8.9 soon. To deny that the update would be perverse and show that Amazon is not taking its tablets seriously in the sense of wanting to encourage users to treat them as something more than just a cheap Amazon content consumption device. The HDX was sold as a serious tablet and potential competitor to the iPad, etc. and yet I keep getting iOS updates for my old iPad 2 (which I am not so stupid as to try to install) but not the latest Fire OS for my 3rd gen HDX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Just talked to them (Amazon) and this is what they told me: I'd like to inform you, currently tablets of the third generation can not be updated to version Fire OS 5. I really apologize for inconvenience caused to you.
However I'd like to inform you, in future updates tablets of the third generation can be update to version Fire OS 5.
However, considering this as a feedback for further improvements and to make sure that your comments and concern are heard by the right people in the organization, I've forwarded your message along with your comments to our development team and specialists as I know they'll want to read your message, so that they can take notice of it, take them into consideration.
ZUPk34 said:
I Just talked to them (Amazon) and this is what they told me: I'd like to inform you, currently tablets of the third generation can not be updated to version Fire OS 5. I really apologize for inconvenience caused to you.
However I'd like to inform you, in future updates tablets of the third generation can be update to version Fire OS 5.
However, considering this as a feedback for further improvements and to make sure that your comments and concern are heard by the right people in the organization, I've forwarded your message along with your comments to our development team and specialists as I know they'll want to read your message, so that they can take notice of it, take them into consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will contact them again. No harm in sending more requests.
ZUPk34 said:
I Just talked to them (Amazon) and this is what they told me: I'd like to inform you, currently tablets of the third generation can not be updated to version Fire OS 5. I really apologize for inconvenience caused to you.
However I'd like to inform you, in future updates tablets of the third generation can be update to version Fire OS 5.
However, considering this as a feedback for further improvements and to make sure that your comments and concern are heard by the right people in the organization, I've forwarded your message along with your comments to our development team and specialists as I know they'll want to read your message, so that they can take notice of it, take them into consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was worried there
I've seen this update on YouTube and I was really mad when it did not let me get the preview of it
All my system apps have just updated to the new os 5 look
Lukebluetiger said:
All my system apps have just updated to the new os 5 look
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is happened three weeks ago - i collected all ota-apps (amazon underground included) for people who sits at 4.5.2 with OTA blocked - https://yadi.sk/d/uAEAPmOhjzMfH
Lukebluetiger said:
All my system apps have just updated to the new os 5 look
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What model do you have?
JohnnySJ said:
What model do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the hd 3rd gen and it's not HDX. I also noticed only two of my system apps updated(silk and books) amazon store updated too
Let us know if there are any updates about future support of these generations! I would really like an amazon tablet to enjoy all the amazon content, but from the reviews of this latest generation it seems Amazon is steering toward only budget tablets. Even though it's only $149.99, not sure I want to spend that money on a 189 ppi screen when I know I will be using it to watch Instant Video. At the same time, I'm not sure I want to spend $300+ on a quality tablet Amazon isn't committed to supporting! I hope for you owners that this is not the case, but again please keep us updated!
Does anyone have information on Fire OS 5 hitting Saturn?? I'm stuck here waiting....
EDIT: Just went through the chat... I'll call Amazon tomorrow and try for a more definitive answer..
Transcription of Chat, names and other information covered up.
Spoiler
You are now connected to [Rep] from Amazon.com
Me: FireOS Bellini 5 update for Saturn
hello
[Rep]: Hello [Me], my name is [Rep]. I'm here to help you today.
Me: I had a question about the update for FireOS 5 and the release date for my HDX 8.9 2014 codename Saturn
[Rep]: Are you referring to [My] Fire ?
Me: yes
the one with the serial number starting with XXXX
[Rep]: Yes, I checked and see that the device is running ir Fire OS 4.5.5
Me: When will the update to Fire OS 5.x.x be rolling out to my device
[Rep]: Sure, I'll certainly provide the information regarding that.
Since most of these devices, receiving the Fire OS 5.0.1 update wirelessly.
Me: ues
yes*
So WHEN will it be rolled out?
any sort of Date? It is well into Quarter 4, which is when it was supposed to be rolled out
[Rep]: I'm sorry, [Me]. We don't have the exact time and regarding this information.
But very soon, the update will be delivered wirelessly.
I'll forward your concern to our technical team to be answered and will get you if I have the information by following up in a email.
Me: OK Thank you..
So basically.... Next month maybe?
XxD34THxX said:
Does anyone have information on Fire OS 5 hitting Saturn?? I'm stuck here waiting....
EDIT: Just went through the chat... I'll call Amazon tomorrow and try for a more definitive answer..
Transcription of Chat, names and other information covered up.
Spoiler
You are now connected to [Rep] from Amazon.com
Me: FireOS Bellini 5 update for Saturn
hello
[Rep]: Hello [Me], my name is [Rep]. I'm here to help you today.
Me: I had a question about the update for FireOS 5 and the release date for my HDX 8.9 2014 codename Saturn
[Rep]: Are you referring to [My] Fire ?
Me: yes
the one with the serial number starting with XXXX
[Rep]: Yes, I checked and see that the device is running ir Fire OS 4.5.5
Me: When will the update to Fire OS 5.x.x be rolling out to my device
[Rep]: Sure, I'll certainly provide the information regarding that.
Since most of these devices, receiving the Fire OS 5.0.1 update wirelessly.
Me: ues
yes*
So WHEN will it be rolled out?
any sort of Date? It is well into Quarter 4, which is when it was supposed to be rolled out
[Rep]: I'm sorry, [Me]. We don't have the exact time and regarding this information.
But very soon, the update will be delivered wirelessly.
I'll forward your concern to our technical team to be answered and will get you if I have the information by following up in a email.
Me: OK Thank you..
So basically.... Next month maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the update. Hope its true, and i hope the 2k13 model gets the update as well.
I just looks at the hd and HDX on Amazon and now for the 2013 models it says
"Previous generation" and i checked and the 2014 fires dont
Related
Personally I see no reason to get the newer HDX. I don't think it's going to be that much of an difference in performance, and probably will not get rooted for months. While I'm somewhat satisfied with my current tablet, I don't think I'll go for another high end amazon tablet again.
sent from hdx+ with tapatalk
Same here, I'm satisfied with my Kindle HDX 7's performance.
Also probably won't buy another Amazon Tablet unless it's bootloader gets unlocked.
I also won't get a newer generation Kindle, unless its bootloader is unlocked already. I may however update my Kindle's OS to Fire OS 4, since I don't see anything happening soon to unlock the bootloader.
I may upgrade from my Kindle FIre HDX 8.9" 2013 to the Nexus 9 depending on the screen quailty of the Nexus 9 considering the screen on the shield Tablet would be a downgrade from the HDX 8.9"
Basically I want at least a sidegrade in the screen department if not an upgrade
well
Montisaquadeis said:
I may upgrade from my Kindle FIre HDX 8.9" 2013 to the Nexus 9 depending on the screen quailty of the Nexus 9 considering the screen on the shield Tablet would be a downgrade from the HDX 8.9"
Basically I want at least a sidegrade in the screen department if not an upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the hdx series is my first and last kindle....per locked ecosystems. 7.0x2 and 1 8.9... I will not ever buy any more kindles until these are unlocked first .
jimyv said:
the hdx series is my first and last kindle....per locked ecosystems. 7.0x2 and 1 8.9... I will not ever buy any more kindles until these are unlocked first .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right there with you. Sadly, this was my first "Android" device (if that can be said about Fire OS), and even though it has left a bad taste it my mouth, it won't be my last. HDX Nexus has made it so much better, but it may never get to there point of being a pure Android experience. Next time I plan to stick with the Nexus line.
the worst
icedtrip said:
Right there with you. Sadly, this was my first "Android" device (if that can be said about Fire OS), and even though it has left a bad taste it my mouth, it won't be my last. HDX Nexus has made it so much better, but it may never get to there point of being a pure Android experience. Next time I plan to stick with the Nexus line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me the worst part is not even having fastboot capabilities or any break or true brick recovery . These were by far my first android devices I have had many many others . And even the ones with locked up Bootloaders we had some type of brick recovery within the first few months . The first 7 inch one I received as a gift for last Christmas the other 7 inch and 8.932 GB Ibought because the promise of the unlock boot loader for the public look very promising at the time . The whole thing here with Amazon has just made me sick . I have not even been purchasing anything from their sites. I have since shifted any of my online purchasing strictly to eBay.
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
As it says, my kindle 8.9 just gave up the ghost. It reboots over and over and I tried several things but nothing works.
I'm a big amazon user so it will have to be another tablet from amazon. Any recommendations? Thanks
ordered 5th gen 8 inch and hoping for older software for rooting
Oh_wow said:
As it says, my kindle 8.9 just gave up the ghost. It reboots over and over and I tried several things but nothing works.
I'm a big amazon user so it will have to be another tablet from amazon. Any recommendations? Thanks
ordered 5th gen 8 inch and hoping for older software for rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tough break. Think you probably have a handle on the various hardware options from Amazon. Things aren't looking great for 4th gen HDX or 6th gen HD if root is a requirement.
Also consider a refurbished/used 3rd gen HDX (now that all can be unlocked/rooted) which can sometimes be had for cheap on auction sites or Amazon Warehouse.
Nevermind
Oh_wow said:
Davey, what do you think about the 5th generation kindle 8--looks like it has root but no development?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Candidly I would take a 5th gen Fire (7" budget model) over an HD8. While paper specs are ominous device is quite snappy with Nexus or CM 12.1. No root restrictions but must use FlashFire to install custom ROMs (bootloader remains locked so no TWRP). Screen is fine for pics and video; acceptable for casual browsing. I would stay away if you do a lot of text based work. If located in the US look for bargains later this week; price will likely drop below $35 USD for a few days.
HDX is really the best of the crop until (if/when) an exploitable vulnerability is identified for the competitively priced 6th gen HD8. If a stable root solution is found I think that will draw in the development community. Unlike the Fire 7 5th gen HD8/10s were not an especially good value. Good luck!
Hi all.
So, me & my fiancee both still have a 7" HDX, 32GB, LTE version. Is there any benefit to "upgrading" to the new Amazon Kindle HD8?
I know that those don't have an LTE option, but they do support MicroSD, which is nice. I could live without LTE, and tether to my phone.
But - app wise, compatibility with other devices, performance - are they any better than my 4 year old HDX? They ARE cheap, and that's pleasant, but I can't decide whether they are any good.
I wish Amazon had stuck to the high end devices, like the HDX, but I still struggle to find any other tablets that work as well as the Kindle devices. I personally really like Amazon's UI, I prefer it to stock Android.
Thanks for any advice/opinions!
skoop99 said:
Hi all.
So, me & my fiancee both still have a 7" HDX, 32GB, LTE version. Is there any benefit to "upgrading" to the new Amazon Kindle HD8?
I know that those don't have an LTE option, but they do support MicroSD, which is nice. I could live without LTE, and tether to my phone.
But - app wise, compatibility with other devices, performance - are they any better than my 4 year old HDX? They ARE cheap, and that's pleasant, but I can't decide whether they are any good.
I wish Amazon had stuck to the high end devices, like the HDX, but I still struggle to find any other tablets that work as well as the Kindle devices. I personally really like Amazon's UI, I prefer it to stock Android.
Thanks for any advice/opinions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HD 8 is inferior to HDX in terms of screen resolution, brightness, processor performance, memory speed and several important characteristics. Unless you require external storage support or are tied to Alexa and Amazon's eco-system HD 8 offers nothing appealing.
HD 8 can not be rooted (no custom ROMs) if that's a decision factor.
Davey126 said:
HD 8 is inferior to HDX in terms of screen resolution, brightness, processor performance, memory speed and several important characteristics. Unless you require external storage support or are tied to Alexa and Amazon's eco-system HD 8 offers nothing appealing.
HD 8 can not be rooted (no custom ROMs) if that's a decision factor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, custom ROMs are not an issue, as stated, I like the Amazon interface. It's just that quite a few apps will no longer update on the HDX, Facebook being an example. I use the browser version now, but it is annoying.
And I am planning to buy an Amazon Echo & a Firestick, so I will be using Alexa, but I don't necessarily NEED that on my tablet...
Just wanted to revive this thread...
Both me & my fiancée still rock the Gen 3 HDX 7". Still love it. But; app compatibility & updates are getting fewer & slower. Now, I know the new Fire devices aren't as high end as these were - BUT - they are new. The HDX is 4/5 years old now, and the hardware & software make them less & less usable, I find?
Now, I will probably keep mine & root it & install a custom ROM on it, but we both actually LIKE the Amazon UI, and we are heavily tied into the Amazon ecosystem, with e-books, audio books, Amazon Prime, etcetera.
So; are the new ones any better with app support? Worth the €80?
skoop99 said:
Just wanted to revive this thread...
Both me & my fiancée still rock the Gen 3 HDX 7". Still love it. But; app compatibility & updates are getting fewer & slower. Now, I know the new Fire devices aren't as high end as these were - BUT - they are new. The HDX is 4/5 years old now, and the hardware & software make them less & less usable, I find?
Now, I will probably keep mine & root it & install a custom ROM on it, but we both actually LIKE the Amazon UI, and we are heavily tied into the Amazon ecosystem, with e-books, audio books, Amazon Prime, etcetera.
So; are the new ones any better with app support? Worth the €80?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have several copies if both varients. All HDX are fully unlocked, running Lineage 14.1 and are my daily drivers. 8th gen HD 8s remain unrooted but tweaked with Nova and most Amazon apps/services disabled (using easily/fully reversible method). I like the larger panel on the HD 8 but it is decidedly heavier, slower and lower quality than the HDX. They both have their place. If you like Amazon's UI (including launcher) and their app portfolio then the HD 8 might be a good investment.
I've just found a tweak on here that helps keep the HDX usable, by allowing the GApps to be installed. However one of them is 100% NOT detected by Windows when I want to run a few ADB commands. Arse. Not at all. Charges via the USB port, but no data connection. That sucks...
So, the 8 may be coming to replace that one shortly, then. Is the 8 or the 7 a better option? You say it's heavier than the HDX; shame. I would have hoped that a newer device would have been leaner & sleeker. I preferred the 8 over the 7 due to the somewhat better hardware specs...
skoop99 said:
I've just found a tweak on here that helps keep the HDX usable, by allowing the GApps to be installed. However one of them is 100% NOT detected by Windows when I want to run a few ADB commands. Arse. Not at all. Charges via the USB port, but no data connection. That sucks...
So, the 8 may be coming to replace that one shortly, then. Is the 8 or the 7 a better option? You say it's heavier than the HDX; shame. I would have hoped that a newer device would have been leaner & sleeker. I preferred the 8 over the 7 due to the somewhat better hardware specs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire 7 is decidedly entry level; HD 8 is decent albeit no HDX. You can read the specs and reviews. HDX remains the better device once unlocked and equipped with a custom ROM which isn't that difficult. However, if you prefer Amazons ecosystem and FireOS UX the HD 8 or 10 are clearly the better options.
Edit: Installing GApps on FireOS v4 is a disaster. Be happy you encountered a minor technical glitch that prevented a self inflicted wound. ?
I bought a new Kindle Fire HD 7 recently, and after doing a bit of reading online it seemed that "upgrading" to the older HDX version would be a good idea; stereo speakers, better screen resolution, three times faster processor, (or so it seemed from what I read). Now it seems that the tablet is not capable of installing anything recent from the App Store, and everything I try to install gets an "error parsing package" window. Can't install Play Store or any alternative launcher, as I guess the apk files are not compatible with the OS on this model. Can't install Sim City Build It, etc...
Is there a consensus on the best launcher to install on the Fire HDX 7 that has easy to follow install instructions, proven track record ideally, and a way to stop Amazon breaking it with it's security updates. I have read through several threads in this forum and am not sure of the best way to proceed.
Any advice greatfully appreciated. I'm thinking about returning it for a refund at this point as I had no idea the OS was so out of date. I simply saw the specs and assumed it would be an upgrade to my Fire HD 7. Thanks.
deewsee said:
I bought a new Kindle Fire HD 7 recently, and after doing a bit of reading online it seemed that "upgrading" to the older HDX version would be a good idea; stereo speakers, better screen resolution, three times faster processor, (or so it seemed from what I read). Now it seems that the tablet is not capable of installing anything recent from the App Store, and everything I try to install gets an "error parsing package" window. Can't install Play Store or any alternative launcher, as I guess the apk files are not compatible with the OS on this model. Can't install Sim City Build It, etc...
Is there a consensus on the best launcher to install on the Fire HDX 7 that has easy to follow install instructions, proven track record ideally, and a way to stop Amazon breaking it with it's security updates. I have read through several threads in this forum and am not sure of the best way to proceed.
Any advice greatfully appreciated. I'm thinking about returning it for a refund at this point as I had no idea the OS was so out of date. I simply saw the specs and assumed it would be an upgrade to my Fire HD 7. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A 3rd/4th gen HDX will undoubtedly offer a superior user experience over any generation HD varient. The caveat is you must take somewhat technical steps to root the device and rollback the bootloader (low level firmware) so that it can accept a modern OS (ROM) based on pure Android vs Amazon's varient which is restrictive and outdated. If uncomfortable with this approach you should return the device as it's a dianosar in its current configuration.