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I'm using a nexus 7 (2012) at the moment and am looking for an upgrade.
The things that annoy me about the nexus are the speed (very slow/laggy at times), and the screen size, which i feel is juts a little bit low.
i've been looking at the LG G Pad and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, which seems like a very nice unit.
however, i have a lot of purchases in the Play store and i really like cyanogen/aokp etc..
so my question is, what do you think the chances are that in a month or 2 there will be a handful of stable custom ROMs for the HDX that will let me essentially run vanilla android on it without having to sacrifice disk space to having the stock OS installed 'as well'.
any one care to venture a guess? also, are there any other weirdnesses (besides the Fire OS) to the kindle that i might want to consider over the GPE LG G Pad?
henrypootel said:
I'm using a nexus 7 (2012) at the moment and am looking for an upgrade.
The things that annoy me about the nexus are the speed (very slow/laggy at times), and the screen size, which i feel is juts a little bit low.
i've been looking at the LG G Pad and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, which seems like a very nice unit.
however, i have a lot of purchases in the Play store and i really like cyanogen/aokp etc..
so my question is, what do you think the chances are that in a month or 2 there will be a handful of stable custom ROMs for the HDX that will let me essentially run vanilla android on it without having to sacrifice disk space to having the stock OS installed 'as well'.
any one care to venture a guess? also, are there any other weirdnesses (besides the Fire OS) to the kindle that i might want to consider over the GPE LG G Pad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believed that it is only a matter of time (at most 2 months, but don't hold me on this) we already have a semi stable Asop ROM, and multiple people have commented in that thread talking about releasing their ROMs in the rear furture. I am using the gapps update 1 ROM and it is practically stock, even with stock settings, keyboard, launcher ect. The only thing in don't like is kindle navbar, and status bar. But people are already talking about bringing this to the stock rom, also there is a xposed framework module for our device which will bring a lot of options In the future (Google exposed framework and what is for more info on that). So yes I would recomend this device also, if you care about amazon services there is a flashable zip that allows you to have google apps(gapps) and amazon services(I have not tested this, but I'm sure it works)
It also seems that the 7 inch has some more development at the moment but I think the 8.9 will have more in the future
Hope this helps, like if it did!
Thanks! that's very helpful.
I just found out one thing that makes me lean much more over to the G Pad side of the decision - it has an SD card slot! That trumps the snapdragon 800 for me...
henrypootel said:
Thanks! that's very helpful.
I just found out one thing that makes me lean much more over to the G Pad side of the decision - it has an SD card slot! That trumps the snapdragon 800 for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you want to still have storage
get the the kindle for its price and then go to hypershop.com and spend $100 and get a iusbport it allows you to use any storage (thumb drives hard drive sdcards old ipods ect.) as a usb storage that you can access by wifi
then you are not stuck with sd only u will have more options
I myself use them with the thor os as a secondary operating system and besides the system settings being kindle I don't notice a difference I can access all my google play with out any problems
p.s the iusbport can be accessed with just about any device via the web
I use es file explorer with it set as a ftp server on all my androids and Iusbport has a app on apple for theres that I use
best video players ive found for them bsplayer (android) goodplayer (ipad) moliplay (both) based on video formate experences my vary but other apps tend to pick up the format slack
henrypootel said:
I'm using a nexus 7 (2012) at the moment and am looking for an upgrade.
The things that annoy me about the nexus are the speed (very slow/laggy at times), and the screen size, which i feel is juts a little bit low.
i've been looking at the LG G Pad and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, which seems like a very nice unit.
however, i have a lot of purchases in the Play store and i really like cyanogen/aokp etc..
so my question is, what do you think the chances are that in a month or 2 there will be a handful of stable custom ROMs for the HDX that will let me essentially run vanilla android on it without having to sacrifice disk space to having the stock OS installed 'as well'.
any one care to venture a guess? also, are there any other weirdnesses (besides the Fire OS) to the kindle that i might want to consider over the GPE LG G Pad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with the GPad, A stable rom may come, but kernels won't be for some time. Actually, I would wait to see what March & the MWC brings. The HDX is nice & does everything I want, but the Nexus 7 (2013) is my mod/dev toy. A few custom roms may even come, but development in a device like the HDX, which is based on an inferior fork of Android, will never garner as much community support as a developer device, regardless of how wonderful the hardware may be. So, the HDX a a choice of 2 to a half dozen, the GPad & the choice of maybe a dozen or two, or the Nexus 7 (2013) & hundreds of choices. Personally, I considered adding the GPad, but I really am impressed with the SD800/Adreno 330 & have also played with a SD805/Adreno 420 dev board & it is the beast. So, I am waiting to seee what March/April brings before deciding what toy to add to the collection. If you must have something NOW, well the 7" HDX is cheap, but the newest Nexus 7 has a ton more possibilities for little more, especially if you watch for deals or turn to Swappa.
Thanks for all the help eveyone!
I've gone with the gpad and, after using it for a few hours now, i love it! seems so much faster than my Note2, and blows the old nexus 7 out of the water!
Lets pretend I want a lightweight high res tablet for about $150. That leaves me the HDX 7 that just went on sale or the Nexus 7 2013. I started with the factory refurb Nexus and within two weeks suffered the 5 blinks of death. I RMA'd it and bought the HDX new. So far, it seems that the only advantage to the HDX is that it is new so SquareTrade will include accidental damage coverage in the warranty for it. I can't get Open Garden/PDAnet/EasyTether etc to work on the HDX, and I had to load K-9 mail just to be able to send mail from my domain address through Gmail. I also can't use TetherGPS to make up for the missing GPS because the Mock Locations option is blocked. Oh, and I can't even use a background or a widget. Supposedly this thing has a blazing fast CPU/GPU, but Amazon says that it is being wasted on Candy Crush and Angry Birds. Seriously, this thing is amazing on paper, but Amazon locked it down and tore out the heart to the point that I'd rather have the somewhat buggy Nexus unless someone here can point me to some apps showing where it excels beyond the Nexus. I really do want to make the HDX work for me. but so far it is disappointing me at every turn. Oh, why is there so much less variety (and more cost) of accessories for the HDX vs the Nexus?
BerMM said:
Lets pretend I want a lightweight high res tablet for about $150. That leaves me the HDX 7 that just went on sale or the Nexus 7 2013. I started with the factory refurb Nexus and within two weeks suffered the 5 blinks of death. I RMA'd it and bought the HDX new. So far, it seems that the only advantage to the HDX is that it is new so SquareTrade will include accidental damage coverage in the warranty for it. I can't get Open Garden/PDAnet/EasyTether etc to work on the HDX, and I had to load K-9 mail just to be able to send mail from my domain address through Gmail. I also can't use TetherGPS to make up for the missing GPS because the Mock Locations option is blocked. Oh, and I can't even use a background or a widget. Supposedly this thing has a blazing fast CPU/GPU, but Amazon says that it is being wasted on Candy Crush and Angry Birds. Seriously, this thing is amazing on paper, but Amazon locked it down and tore out the heart to the point that I'd rather have the somewhat buggy Nexus unless someone here can point me to some apps showing where it excels beyond the Nexus. I really do want to make the HDX work for me. but so far it is disappointing me at every turn. Oh, why is there so much less variety (and more cost) of accessories for the HDX vs the Nexus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting it and installing google play store + services will solve most of those issues.
derpadoodle said:
Rooting it and installing google play store + services will solve most of those issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought rooting was particularly dangerous on the HDX? I thought I read that it was only recommended if the device was to stay offline since any (otherwise impossible to block) unexpected updates would brick a rooted HDX? Is that outdated? If so, would you please post a link to current rooting instructions?
This seems to be the current root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2665683 . Even if the HDX is rooted and Gapps/framework etc is restored, most launchers, widgets, Google Now, bluetooth tether/VPN etc still won't work correctly?
root it, install supersu and install "prevent update" then you could go with launcher, widget, google service as other android tablet (except google maps and "recent apps" button doesn't work, others are fine). Remember doing it carefully with HDX toolkit.
Both tablets have to be rooted to do what I want. The Nexus only requires it to block the update to KitKat (which breaks VPN). The HDX has a superior screen, CPU/GPU, and SquareTrade warranty. The Nexus has GPS, rear camera, and a warranty that is root friendly. The HDX requires moderate modification to make things like Google Now, launchers, navigation and such work, and the Nexus does it all natively. The Nexus has a fatal flaw that can strike at any time in an unknown number of units, but it is covered by warranty while rooted. I suspect that even attempting root invalidates the HDX warranty. When you add it all up, I think I'm better off with the Nexus. I have to root, and it is designed to be easily modified without bricking. I think I'll use the GPS and rear cam more than I will notice the performance hit, though I prefer the screen and chassis of the HDX.
I really missed the UI of stock Android, but after rooting and installing Smart Launcher, the UI is manageable, and you can barely tell the difference. I do miss Google Play Services, is there a way to get it on Apollo? Other than there, is there any other advantages to using custom ROMs? I'm not too keen on having to delete and redownload all my apps, not to mention I will loose the few Amazon eBooks I downloaded while on Prime forever. (not that I read them a lot, but if I ever wanted to...)
Thanks!
miketh2005 said:
I really missed the UI of stock Android, but after rooting and installing Smart Launcher, the UI is manageable, and you can barely tell the difference. I do miss Google Play Services, is there a way to get it on Apollo? Other than there, is there any other advantages to using custom ROMs? I'm not too keen on having to delete and redownload all my apps, not to mention I will loose the few Amazon eBooks I downloaded while on Prime forever. (not that I read them a lot, but if I ever wanted to...)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom rom frees you from the restrictions imposed by FireOS and Amazon. Your HDX will look and perform much like a 'pure' Android device (think Nexus 7). Google Play services and all associated apps work as intended with no compromises. The books you purchased from Amazon can be read/downloaded using the Android Kindle Reader app. Most apps you purchased from the Amazon store can be restored if you install the Amazon Store app along side the Google Play Store app (they don't conflict).
Downside of a custom rom is the time, effort and risk you assume preparing your device to accept something other than FireOS. The magnitude of each is determined by your skill set and the version of FireOS currently on your device. While generalizations are dangerous I would categorize most of the work as 'moderate'. You probably won't complete it in an evening or two and will need to do a fair amount of reading up front to understand the process and pitfalls.
Davey126 said:
A custom rom frees you from the restrictions imposed by FireOS and Amazon. Your HDX will look and perform much like a 'pure' Android device (think Nexus 7). Google Play services and all associated apps work as intended with no compromises. The books you purchased from Amazon can be read/downloaded using the Android Kindle Reader app. Most apps you purchased from the Amazon store can be restored if you install the Amazon Store app along side the Google Play Store app (they don't conflict).
Downside of a custom rom is the time, effort and risk you assume preparing your device to accept something other than FireOS. The magnitude of each is determined by your skill set and the version of FireOS currently on your device. While generalizations are dangerous I would categorize most of the work as 'moderate'. You probably won't complete it in an evening or two and will need to do a fair amount of reading up front to understand the process and pitfalls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I didn't know you can still do Amazon eBooks and apps. I put a custom ROM on my original Kindle Fire which only took maybe an hour, is it really that much harder that it take 3 evenings to complete? Is the performance a lot better without FireOS? I never owned a Nexus 7.
miketh2005 said:
Thanks! I didn't know you can still do Amazon eBooks and apps. I put a custom ROM on my original Kindle Fire which only took maybe an hour, is it really that much harder that it take 3 evenings to complete? Is the performance a lot better without FireOS? I never owned a Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may take less time if you have prior experience. Amazon hardened HDX devices making them harder to modify. Most steps are manual; there are no click-to-fix utilities. Performance with a custom ROM will be comparable to FireOS; battery life will likely be better. The primary benefit is improved user experience and access to Google services.
What version of FireOS are you currently running? That will determine your options should you choose to proceed.
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
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. ?