Develop Bugs

Will Ouya Have Android Launcher?

Hi everyone im thinking about buying an ouya but i wanted to know if you can acess the android launcher?
Thanks In advance!

Probably not. But since it's hackable I'm sure it's possible one way or another.
Sent from my CM9 powered monster!

Ryan Stampton said:
Hi everyone im thinking about buying an ouya but i wanted to know if you can acess the android launcher?
Thanks In advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they are using a modified version of ics with a completely customised front end as opposed to just a launcher that can be replaced.
However there will be modders who can make it access traditional android launcher and play store but no it won't officially and will only do so unofficially once people have had device to hack it.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

Yes it will
The odk has a launcher with framework. It is available on their website.

didn't they say its fully open source and rooted? im sure someone will bring different launchers to the console, maybe not a day after the release, but im pretty sure that will be possible. Now the question is, most of our launchers are touch-based, i can not imagine how you can use them with a gamepad.

Lol

Chrizzly92 said:
didn't they say its fully open source and rooted? im sure someone will bring different launchers to the console, maybe not a day after the release, but im pretty sure that will be possible. Now the question is, most of our launchers are touch-based, i can not imagine how you can use them with a gamepad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plug in a PS3 or Xbox controller to your Android device and you'll find out Most, if not all, launchers work with a controller. Hitting the navigation pad/stick moves from one icon to the next.

Chrizzly92 said:
didn't they say its fully open source and rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not fully open source.
http://www.ouya.tv/the-o-word/
Please note that we’re still working on releasing the source code for various elements of the ODK — and since some of it is compiled object code, you won’t have access (at least not today) to every single line we’ve written. We want to be sure things are in really great shape before we release code. Also, we will be holding back some sections of the code to preserve the security of OUYA, especially when it comes to payments for developers and gamers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is fully rootable, but it doesn't come rooted.
For hackers: root it. Go ahead. Your warranty is safe. Even the hardware is hackable. Want to get inside? You’ll need a standard screwdriver and nothing more. Go to town. We have standard USB ports and Bluetooth, so you’ll even be able to create your own peripherals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

So it looks like it will be some heavily modified android UI, like the original kindle fire?

It's not locked down in any way so I'm pretty sure someone will code a custom launcher for it. May not be ADW or NOVA but I am sure someone will make one.

i don't know that, but we can wait for the cm stock rom

Do you think they are ever gonna update it to android 4.1 or 4.2? Or is that just a waste.

Chrizzly92 said:
didn't they say its fully open source and rooted? im sure someone will bring different launchers to the console, maybe not a day after the release, but im pretty sure that will be possible. Now the question is, most of our launchers are touch-based, i can not imagine how you can use them with a gamepad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using a keyboard and mouse works well in any launcher so it wouldn't be to hard to work
---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 PM ----------
dwegiel said:
So it looks like it will be some heavily modified android UI, like the original kindle fire?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks like a hybrd of a cross bar system and the old style app menu, looked very nicely done though. is that the one you saw?

I could have sworn that an official from the team said something about stock launchers. The product is supposedly going to be launched with an easily unlocked mechanism for quick and powerful tweaking. This is supposed to be day one. Keep up on their blog, and ask for this on their social channels, my advice. They are definitely involved c:

Could the OUYA launcher be ported to an Android tablet or smartphone?

brakke97 said:
Could the OUYA launcher be ported to an Android tablet or smartphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm hoping on O.O it's no fun having all of the games I like to purchase in a tiny little folder. No es fun :c

Love android
I would love to play an android game on my TV console that too in an Android launcher, preferrably JB

I would pay if ADW, Nova or Apex created a OUYA specific launcher...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

If you want the ouya launcher download the SDK from OUYA.tv and install the framework and launcher via regular side load. Proven to work on the nexus 7 and I can vouch for the Nook tablet 16GB from first hand experience. Does not look good on a phone though. In order to run the latest addition you need android 4.1+
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app

I sideloaded Nova Launcher very easily onto my Ouya. No modification needed. Works great. Little difficult to navigate with the controller, but definitely doable. Can access your Ouya games there and everything. Much more smooth than the Ouya launcher, that's for sure.

[Q] Why is my phone cooler than my tablet?

Why is my phone cooler than my Kindle Fire tablet? I don't mean hardware. My phone has obviously better hardware than the Kindle. What I mean is why do apps behave differently, in fact better, on my phone than on my KF?
As an example, the Kindle Reader app on my phone shows a book browser within the app when I search for books. On the KF when I want to browse books, the app opens up Amazon's web site in a browser (not the nicest of interfaces for a small screen).
Another example is the Dolphin browser. On my phone, pressing the back button (on this web site for example) actually goes to the previous page whereas on the KF I have to press the back button at least twice and often more in order to get to the previous page; sometimes I have to time it just right, too.
There are a lot of little things like those examples that make my phone cooler in spite of its significantly smaller screen.
In case it matters, I have CM10.1 Android 4.2.2 on the KF and the phone has stock Google Android 4.2.2 that came with the phone. All the apps are presumably the same, having been download from the Play Store.
Can anyone explain this difference? Thanks.

pfederighi said:
Why is my phone cooler than my Kindle Fire tablet? I don't mean hardware. My phone has obviously better hardware than the Kindle. What I mean is why do apps behave differently, in fact better, on my phone than on my KF?
As an example, the Kindle Reader app on my phone shows a book browser within the app when I search for books. On the KF when I want to browse books, the app opens up Amazon's web site in a browser (not the nicest of interfaces for a small screen).
Another example is the Dolphin browser. On my phone, pressing the back button (on this web site for example) actually goes to the previous page whereas on the KF I have to press the back button at least twice and often more in order to get to the previous page; sometimes I have to time it just right, too.
There are a lot of little things like those examples that make my phone cooler in spite of its significantly smaller screen.
In case it matters, I have CM10.1 Android 4.2.2 on the KF and the phone has stock Google Android 4.2.2 that came with the phone. All the apps are presumably the same, having been download from the Play Store.
Can anyone explain this difference? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone's hardware was designed with 4.2.2 in mind and the Kindle was designed for a forked rendition of GB.

Guitarman2010 said:
The phone's hardware was designed with 4.2.2 in mind and the Kindle was designed for a forked rendition of GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then perhaps I do not understand what Android is. I was under the impression it was an OS with a defined API such that it would look (theming aside) and behave the same on different hardware (with obvious exceptions like not having bluetooth functionality on KF). Your statement would indicate that it is very heavily hardware dependent and that somehow app developers take into account the plethora of different hardware platforms and choose to behave in different manners on different devices. If this is the case, then it's an illogically designed system.

pfederighi said:
Then perhaps I do not understand what Android is. I was under the impression it was an OS with a defined API such that it would look (theming aside) and behave the same on different hardware (with obvious exceptions like not having bluetooth functionality on KF). Your statement would indicate that it is very heavily hardware dependent and that somehow app developers take into account the plethora of different hardware platforms and choose to behave in different manners on different devices. If this is the case, then it's an illogically designed system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running 4.2.2 on a system that was meant for GB results in some things not working right....

pfederighi said:
Why is my phone cooler than my Kindle Fire tablet?
...
Another example is the Dolphin browser. On my phone, pressing the back button (on this web site for example) actually goes to the previous page whereas on the KF I have to press the back button at least twice and often more in order to get to the previous page; sometimes I have to time it just right, too.
...
Can anyone explain this difference? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The browser thing I think can be explained. If you are zoomed in on a page, if you press the back button, it will zoom out to the whole page. The second tap of the back button takes you back to the previous page.
Does this help / make sense?
sent from The Muffinator (it's a kindle fire running cm10.1)
using Tapatalk 4 beta, and loving it!

jma9454 said:
The browser thing I think can be explained. If you are zoomed in on a page, if you press the back button, it will zoom out to the whole page. The second tap of the back button takes you back to the previous page.
Does this help / make sense?
sent from The Muffinator (it's a kindle fire running cm10.1)
using Tapatalk 4 beta, and loving it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would make sense if it was the same behavior on my phone. Thanks, though.

pfederighi said:
Then perhaps I do not understand what Android is. I was under the impression it was an OS with a defined API such that it would look (theming aside) and behave the same on different hardware (with obvious exceptions like not having bluetooth functionality on KF). Your statement would indicate that it is very heavily hardware dependent and that somehow app developers take into account the plethora of different hardware platforms and choose to behave in different manners on different devices. If this is the case, then it's an illogically designed system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pfederighi said:
That would make sense if it was the same behavior on my phone. Thanks, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're missing the point. The Kindle Fire was never made to run apps from the Google app store, and Google Play apps are rarely made for a modified Kindle Fire, running JB, and a custom kernel made from the ground up. Android is versatile, but it's not perfect. There are many apps that work well on some devices but not others. Looking at the reviews of any app in the Play store should be enough to convince you of that.

Guitarman2010 said:
Running 4.2.2 on a system that was meant for GB results in some things not working right....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? Does the Android code really have such code as:
if (running_on_older_hardware)
{
make_all_apps_less_cool(); // because we only like newer hardware, even if it's possible for the older hardware to function
}
What little I know of OS design is that if you want your OS to be used aon a wide variety of hardware (which seems to be the design goal of Google in their relentless pursuit of world domination), the API should be as hardware independent as possible and that all hardware access should be done through the API. The very fact that (most) apps are written in Java and compiled to bytecode dictate that they have to use the API. Is the functionality difference because there is some sort of proprietary ROM that Android and certain apps know about that doesn't exist on the KF? And this ROM makes apps behave cooler?
Is it a memory issue? Does 4.2.2 expect to have a different memory/segmentation model? Or a different cache model? Or simply ungodly amounts more memory?
The only runtime software difference I could tell between my phone and my KF is that the per app memory limit on the KF is set to 256 MB whereas on the phone it is 512 MB.
Are there dynamic libraries/frameworks/apks on my phone that are not included in stock/CM10.1 4.2.2 that most apps are aware of and use? Can I copy them to the KF?
Thanks.

pfederighi said:
Why? Does the Android code really have such code as:
if (running_on_older_hardware)
{
make_all_apps_less_cool(); // because we only like newer hardware, even if it's possible for the older hardware to function
}
What little I know of OS design is that if you want your OS to be used aon a wide variety of hardware (which seems to be the design goal of Google in their relentless pursuit of world domination), the API should be as hardware independent as possible and that all hardware access should be done through the API. The very fact that (most) apps are written in Java and compiled to bytecode dictate that they have to use the API. Is the functionality difference because there is some sort of proprietary ROM that Android and certain apps know about that doesn't exist on the KF? And this ROM makes apps behave cooler?
Is it a memory issue? Does 4.2.2 expect to have a different memory/segmentation model? Or a different cache model? Or simply ungodly amounts more memory?
The only runtime software difference I could tell between my phone and my KF is that the per app memory limit on the KF is set to 256 MB whereas on the phone it is 512 MB.
Are there dynamic libraries/frameworks/apks on my phone that are not included in stock/CM10.1 4.2.2 that most apps are aware of and use? Can I copy them to the KF?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Proper communication between the API and the hardware is still dependent on the kernel. Considering your phone's kernel was likely produced by a team of paid programmers and the KF's 3.0.x kernel was made by maybe a small handful of people with most of the work done by one man, for FREE, I'm sure there is plenty of possibility for something not working as efficiently as it could.

soupmagnet said:
Proper communication between the API and the hardware is still dependent on the kernel. Considering your phone's kernel was likely produced by a team of paid programmers and the KF's 3.0.x kernel was made by maybe a small handful of people with most of the work done by one man, for FREE, I'm sure there is plenty of possibility for something not working as efficiently as it could.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I truly do appreciate the hard work of the many hackers who put together kernels, boot loaders, recovery programs, apps, etc. I hope someday to join their ranks.
I was under the impression that there was a stock kernel as well as a stock OS and that the only real difference from one system to another was the boot procedure and the selection of drivers (with stubs or emulation for missing hardware/features). I take it that then this not the case.

Have you noticed...

Everyone wants to unlock their bootloader so they can run a custom ROM, the supposed purpose being to improve performance and gain new features. But then, once they get the new ROM on there, they keep posting about all the problems they are having, and how this, that or the other doesn't work as well as stock. After goofing with every, and I mean EVERY ROM available for the Razr M, IMHO there's absolutely no reason to use a custom ROM if you are expecting "like stock" performance. It's fun, it's addicting, it can get crazy sometimes, but don't expect it to ever be "Final". More than likely, it will be abandoned the moment a new phone or Android version comes along, and you'll be left with all those unsolved FCs and "almost works" features left hanging. Sad, really.
And then there's the whole "let's take the stock ROM from some other phone entirely and try to make it work on our phone" thing. I totally don't get that. If you like the Necco Choco-Android-o-rama's OS so well, why not just buy that phone instead? I'm just sayin'...
Rooting? That's totally different. I don't know what they do in other countries for bloatware, but Verizon certainly loads up some stinker software here in the US. Tell me, unless you're really into that sort of thing, why would the average shmoe care about Zappos? I certainly don't! And, if I wanted an app for NFL football, I'm perfectly capable of picking one from Google Play, yeah? Same with all the Amazon shtuff. Yeah I get it, advertising helps cover manufacturing costs, and all that jazz. Sure they do it to every new PC from Brand Name X too, but at least you can uninstall it. So rooting is sort of revenge for hogging my limited storage space and then limiting my ability to do anything about it.
And since I'm on this rant anyway, please... PLEASE!!! No more of this "Let's see if we can make our Android look like an iPhone" crap. Or worse, "Windows 8 Phone" crap! - Ewww! That's like taking a Jaguar and trying to make it look like a Ford Pinto... you might manage it, but who the heck would want it?
This rant has been a Public Service Announcement. The thoughts and views expressed herein are not to be considered... period. :silly:

You said it!
I linked to this from my restore where I have a commentary section.

I totally agree. Don't flash ROMs if your going to complain. Its one thing to report to the devs and quite another to ***** about it. And good on ya for the entire rant.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

I really hope the motox stock can be ported.
It would be a big event if he & others did it.
I thank them on each post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2412427

I originally rooted and unlocked my bootloader on this phone because of the screen shake issue that a Motorola introduced in an update if that didn't happen I may not of rooted the phone its stock ROM has such a good layout its no wonder so many complain. I however knew what I was getting into. Rule of thumb to new flashers backups are your friend and don't piss off the developers.

I like stock... de-bloat it and its good to go... just wish I could find something to mod the navi bar... remove the recent apps button replace it with the menu button and change color of it...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

well, the main reason why folks are not as excited about the new ROMs, is b/c there are not any ground-breaking features on the 4.2.2 or 4.3 operating systems. When I got my first android, I had Froyo. Folks were dying to get to Gingerbread in order to vastly increase performance/battery life.
the deal with Jelly Bean, is that the upgrade from stock 4.1.2 to 4.2.2 or 4.3 is minimal at best - and the changes are mostly aesthetics (although, I read that 4.3 has better bluetooth connectivity). but mostly, 4.2.2/4.3 are primarily geared towards tablets.
the race is on now to see what KitKat can bring to current phone users.
in terms of improvements, just as radorix said, these custom ROMs eliminated the shakes that I was getting on 4.1.2. so for me, while that was not a huge deal, it's enough for me to go custom.
personally, I like the tiles layout of 4.2.2 as well as the AOKP customization, so I'll stick with that for now given that my battery life/performance is stock-like.

*claps* You said it. The Razr M has actually been the first Android phone I owned where I've kept the stock ROM. I think it does fine with 4.1.2 atm, and if I really wanted a change I'd probably just theme it.

The only thing that matters to me is stability and speed. I like a fast phone and I like to o/c, push the phone. I like to test things and try to understand its problems rather than build myself because I don't have the time. If I can find the right medium between speed and stability it becomes my dd, naturally. But stock was built for a reason and every now and then I go back to 4.1.2 because I miss some of the features. Like the far left quick settings menu and Circle Clock. Why have to find a work around to add all these features and fixes to a reimagined custom OS that causes more problems when its already working? We wouldn't have anything to work with if we didn't have the source to start at!

Couldn't agree more. I've had 9 different android devices in the past 4 years. Only ones I haven't rooted are my Sony tablet s (original, don't even get me started with their abandonment of this thing, hey let's leave bugs, make a seemingly unlockable boot loader, not share any code, abandon it after realizing all the bugs exist, then support everything we make after it) and my original nexus 7. I too came back to a stock debloated deodexed ROM for the RAZR M.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

JPHoller said:
Couldn't agree more. I've had 9 different android devices in the past 4 years. Only ones I haven't rooted are my Sony tablet s (original, don't even get me started with their abandonment of this thing, hey let's leave bugs, make a seemingly unlockable boot loader, not share any code, abandon it after realizing all the bugs exist, then support everything we make after it) and my original nexus 7. I too came back to a stock debloated deodexed ROM for the RAZR M.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Not the only Sammy device they've dropped. Heard of the Galaxy Player 4.2?
Oh and ezknives, you do realize the menu button is completely redundant right? Considering it pops up if needed and isn't even supported/required for Holo apps
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

sloosecannon said:
Lol. Not the only Sammy device they've dropped. Heard of the Galaxy Player 4.2?
Oh and ezknives, you do realize the menu button is completely redundant right? Considering it pops up if needed and isn't even supported/required for Holo apps
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for me... with-in various apps it does not... when on different ROMs and I removed the multitasking feature and replaced it with a menu key I was able to utilize features that was other wise inaccessible... like deleting messages in Facebook app for instance... that cannot be done without a menu button or opening your browser and requesting the desktop site... I just need my menu key its never there when I need it...and I don't know what halo apps are nor use it I don't believe...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

ezknives said:
Not for me... with-in various apps it does not... when on different ROMs and I removed the multitasking feature and replaced it with a menu key I was able to utilize features that was other wise inaccessible... like deleting messages in Facebook app for instance... that cannot be done without a menu button or opening your browser and requesting the desktop site... I just need my menu key its never there when I need it...and I don't know what halo apps are nor use it I don't believe...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holo means apps designed for android 4.0+.
It's the ICS+ ui style. There should be a way to access the menu without a dedicated button - either built-in or by telling the system it's a legacy app that needs the settings button to appear
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

netizenmt said:
Everyone wants to unlock their bootloader so they can run a custom ROM, the supposed purpose being to improve performance and gain new features. But then, once they get the new ROM on there, they keep posting about all the problems they are having, and how this, that or the other doesn't work as well as stock. After goofing with every, and I mean EVERY ROM available for the Razr M, IMHO there's absolutely no reason to use a custom ROM if you are expecting "like stock" performance. It's fun, it's addicting, it can get crazy sometimes, but don't expect it to ever be "Final". More than likely, it will be abandoned the moment a new phone or Android version comes along, and you'll be left with all those unsolved FCs and "almost works" features left hanging. Sad, really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh. I disagree. I've been running CM since it went official and I haven't had any complaints. I experience much-better-than-stock performance and battery life, plus it is way more customizable. I love it!

allc0re said:
Meh. I disagree. I've been running CM since it went official and I haven't had any complaints. I experience much-better-than-stock performance and battery life, plus it is way more customizable. I love it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it again. Froze on reboot, wouldn't let me into recovery, same BS as all the 4.3 versions. And I wrote the book, well thread, on how to install it, so yeah I wiped etc.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

i'm enjoying better than stock performance on the stable 4.2.2 branch, and i built a custom kernel for CM10.1 for better performance. I tried the 'stock' life and its boring lol. The custom ROM features and better performance are what makes it worth it in my view. 4.3 will be even better as work is continually being done on it, and it hasn't been out that long. Also, I think we need to give appreciation to the devs for giving us options as far as what we can run on this phone compared to being stuck with only one choice.

CM is getting good. Recently the "display freezing" issue got fixed, also more fixes for cardock audio and wifi. It simply takes a while to get it all done properly (with that what's left is SIM I/O and HDR (works with Moto X camera application)).
@netizenmt: Booting to recovery is not affected by the ROM you have installed, so you screwed up the installation at some point.

Skrilax_CZ said:
CM is getting good. Recently the "display freezing" issue got fixed, also more fixes for cardock audio and wifi. It simply takes a while to get it all done properly (with that what's left is SIM I/O and HDR (works with Moto X camera application)).
@netizenmt: Booting to recovery is not affected by the ROM you have installed, so you screwed up the installation at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you offer a build for a Bluetooth phone user that has the SD swap working?
One that might quiet this thread?

netizenmt said:
I just tried it again. Froze on reboot, wouldn't let me into recovery, same BS as all the 4.3 versions. And I wrote the book, well thread, on how to install it, so yeah I wiped etc.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few tricks to getting 4.3 installed and running but it will never happen if u just quite and go back to stock before u get it up and running correctly. I had a terrible time getting 4.3 to boot, keyboard forcing close, stability etc but I figured all that out and wouldn't think of going back to stock. The amount and way if partions the internal drive alone will keep me from ever going back to stock.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

stanlalee said:
There are a few tricks to getting 4.3 installed and running but it will never happen if u just quite and go back to stock before u get it up and running correctly. I had a terrible time getting 4.3 to boot, keyboard forcing close, stability etc but I figured all that out and wouldn't think of going back to stock. The amount and way if partions the internal drive alone will keep me from ever going back to stock.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You actually just made my whole point.
While it's cool you had time, patience, skill and effort to resolve your issues with 4.3, that's not the point of this thread. So do I. The point is, if you think you're going to slap one of these ROMs on and everything is going to work like stock, forget it. If that's what someone expects, they should stick to stock.
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4

[Q] Realistically, is CM usable or am I better off installing Play Store with Stock

I just got the 8.9 and I am wondering if I should bother to install CM or just keep it stock and install the play store? What advantages / disadvantages would I have for both? Also if I am rooted can I still use Amazon services if I stay on stock? I really wanna watch prime movies / rent from the kindle library. I know I will lose this if I go on CM

DanielAlbert said:
I just got the 8.9 and I am wondering if I should bother to install CM or just keep it stock and install the play store? What advantages / disadvantages would I have for both? Also if I am rooted can I still use Amazon services if I stay on stock? I really wanna watch prime movies / rent from the kindle library. I know I will lose this if I go on CM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root, you will lose no functions of the stock KFHD. Rooting just gives you access to the roots of the system allowing you to add/remove what you please. Adding Google Play (Gapps) just adds those APK's to the system so you can use them. Again, this effects nothing as far as the stock KFHD goes.
Installing any custom ROM will remove the ability to watch prime movies, loose the lending library and any audio books that are not backed up to an audible account.
This was no big to me because I can watch the prime movies on the ROKU, I don't borrow books and had my audible books backed up. A custom ROM is so much better and faster. Sky's the limit for customizing. That choice is yours.

Because I use some of the stock functionality, I went with rooting.
Then installed Go Launcher and set it up as my default launcher.
Installed LMT Launcher to replace the default softkeys.
Changed a config file to remove the softkey bar
Installed Thumbkeyboard from the Google Play (purchased for a previous device), a much better keyboard than stock.
All this took quite of bit of searching around for different tweaks, but I have an experience thats closer to Android, while retaining access to
the Kindle Carousel as an app, so I can access Prime and the lending library.
My point is, if you can define how you're going to use your Kindle, you have a lot of options.
LinearEquation said:
If you root, you will lose no functions of the stock KFHD. Rooting just gives you access to the roots of the system allowing you to add/remove what you please. Adding Google Play (Gapps) just adds those APK's to the system so you can use them. Again, this effects nothing as far as the stock KFHD goes.
Installing any custom ROM will remove the ability to watch prime movies, loose the lending library and any audio books that are not backed up to an audible account.
This was no big to me because I can watch the prime movies on the ROKU, I don't borrow books and had my audible books backed up. A custom ROM is so much better and faster. Sky's the limit for customizing. That choice is yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You can also check out Kinology.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running Paranoid Android using xda app-developers

i thought Kinology was only for the 7 inch tablet? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373292&highlight=kinology

Opps, good catch. This was an 8.9 question. Yes, KFHD7 only.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running Paranoid Android using xda app-developers

its a shame too. b/c that would be awesome on the 8.9

x000x said:
its a shame too. b/c that would be awesome on the 8.9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running Paranoid Android using xda app-developers

LinearEquation said:
...A custom ROM is so much better and faster...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noob Alert!
I've just bought a Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G on eBay.
Is there a noob's guide to installing non-Amazon ROMs? I just want it to be a standard Android tablet. I've looked through dozens of posts, but I seem to be going round in ever-decreasing circles and will soon disappear up my own USB port

nigelmercier said:
Noob Alert!
I've just bought a Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G on eBay.
Is there a noob's guide to installing non-Amazon ROMs? I just want it to be a standard Android tablet. I've looked through dozens of posts, but I seem to be going round in ever-decreasing circles and will soon disappear up my own USB port
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know how many updates I got from you posting all over the forum this same question? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2391776
It's still a work in progress.

LinearEquation said:
Do you know how many updates I got from you posting all over the forum this same question? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2391776
It's still a work in progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies, still trying to find my way around. If that is the only ROM for the HD 8.9" LTE then I guess I'll have to wait until there is progress.

Yes, that's what there is for the 8.9 lte. I'm sure there will be more updates.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM 10.2 using xda app-developers

Pure android Kindle
May I suggest you check out a company called N2Aos. They have developed a
version of CyanogenMod 10.1 especially for the Kindle. They will even perform the upgrade for you remotely. The cost is 20 dollars US. I had this done about a month ago and I now have a fully functioning, pure android tablet. I, sir, am a very happy camper.
And no, this is not a paid endorsement!
dond624

He is looking for the 8.9lte which they can't have because Hashcode is still developing it. For free people can do it themselves. Damn paying someone else.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM 10.2 using xda app-developers

dond624 said:
May I suggest you check out a company called N2Aos...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been considering them for some time, it looks like an easy way to get started. My KHD arrived yesterday, and has a scratch on the base. I complained, and the seller has agreed to a £20 refund, so I've now got some spare cash ...

dond624 said:
May I suggest you check out a company called N2Aos. They have developed a
version of CyanogenMod 10.1 especially for the Kindle...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided to give it a go, rather than keep asking questions here. Very pleased, but no GPS of course.

LinearEquation said:
He is looking for the 8.9lte which they can't have because Hashcode is still developing it. For free people can do it themselves. Damn paying someone else.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM 10.2 using xda app-developers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LinearEquation
I believe N2AOS works on LTE models as well. I don‘t know what Hashcode has to do with it. As a senior member, you must remember that many of us may not be as experienced or as talented as you are. Or, as in my case, although I‘ve been involved with computers for over 50 years, my brain no longer functions as well as it once did. For example, I've been working on this message for almost 30 minutes. Old age kills. Have a nice day.
dond624

dond624 said:
LinearEquation
I believe N2AOS works on LTE models as well. I don‘t know what Hashcode has to do with it. As a senior member, you must remember that many of us may not be as experienced or as talented as you are. Or, as in my case, although I‘ve been involved with computers for over 50 years, my brain no longer functions as well as it once did. For example, I've been working on this message for almost 30 minutes. Old age kills. Have a nice day.
dond624
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hascode matters because his code is the original and only kernel for the Kindle Fire HD series tablet because there was only one exploit for the Kindle Fire HD models. All other ROM's use his kernel as a starting point and fork from it. Hashcode is still trying to get the 8.9lte ROM done right and has not got to the point to where everything works proper. If he has not, it's probable N2AOS can not be there yet either. That is why my statement about the 8.9lte.

Kindle Fire HD 8.9" (8.4.6)

Hi. I have some questions regarding this device, for which I've bought for my son as an Xmas gift.
Firstly I've noticed a few things and confirmed things I've researched about this device:
- It is based on Android, which was obvious as soon as I side loaded es file explorer and checked out the SD contents.
- It is running at around 30-50% of its full potential, due to the super persistent Amazon apps that run in the background, and low amount of customisation options.
- The advertisements on the lock screen... WTF.
- Unable to use mx player pro as a default video player for lovefilm, which sucks.
- The carousel is nice looking but it auto adds things which is highly annoying.
- The parental controls are good.
So that's just a small list and I'm sure I haven't quite listed everything yet but I want to move onto some questions about rooting the device:
1. Does rooting and installing cyanogenmod improve the memory use and performance? May be an obvious answer but it's always good to know people's opinions.
2. Can any of the Amazon apps be used on cyanogenmod, so that the device still feels like a Kindle. E.g. the launcher and carousel, and the parental controls? I like the big HD icons. This will be used regularly by my son so I need strong security controls.
3. Being an unofficial port, does cm come with any usual and/or unusual bugs? Such as rotation bugs, fcs and reboots.
4. Does cm use the full quality of the sound and display? The resolution and sound quality is great as it is, I'd hate to sacrifice those for better memory.
5. Anything else that I might expect or information that would be helpful please.
FYI I've unlocked, rooted and flashed many devices, so I know roughly the benefits and disadvantages.
Sent from the dark side of the moon.
Want to know how to boost your devices performance and battery life? See my thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2495269

- It is based on Android, which was obvious as soon as I side loaded es file explorer and checked out the SD contents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Side loading a file explorer does nothing because you have no file explorer in the first place. You have to regester the Kindle first if you wish to view files without modding/rooting first.
- It is running at around 30-50% of its full potential, due to the super persistent Amazon apps that run in the background, and low amount of customisation options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really there is no way to customize without at least rooting it.
- The advertisements on the lock screen... WTF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to pay Amazon 15 dollars to have them remove them or use Kindle Fire First Aide to remove them.
1. Does rooting and installing cyanogenmod improve the memory use and performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting lets you pull the bloatware out of the system and customize (some) as well as Google Play. A custom ROM gives you the full Android experience. You will lose a few Amazon reature like Prime movie viewing.
2. Can any of the Amazon apps be used on cyanogenmod, so that the device still feels like a Kindle. E.g. the launcher and carousel, and the parental controls? I like the big HD icons. This will be used regularly by my son so I need strong security controls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may want to just root and add Google Play then. This only adds to your abilities without removing the Amazon experience. The Kinology ROM will add much more as well but it not a full Android ROM. A custom ROMed and rooted tablet is not something you want a kid playing with unsupervised. That can go wrong so many ways. Amazon prime, Bookshelf and whispernet are lost with a custom ROM. You can always quick flash a nandroid and be back on Amazon in a couple minutes though.
3. Being an unofficial port, does cm come with any usual and/or unusual bugs? Such as rotation bugs, fcs and reboots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no problems with CM 10.1 or CM 10.2. CM 11 KitKat is still in Beta.
4. Does cm use the full quality of the sound and display? The resolution and sound quality is great as it is, I'd hate to sacrifice those for better memory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See above answer. Some people say they have had some issue. I have not.
5. Anything else that I might expect or information that would be helpful please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: Make sure you read the threads thoroughly and when you do mod, make sure it is for your model Kindle. The mods for the Kindle's are specific to your Kindle. Your's is Kindle Fire HD 8.9" jem.
FYI I've unlocked, rooted and flashed many devices, so I know roughly the benefits and disadvantages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be unlocking this bootloader as this bootloader is not unlockable. You will be flashing a 2nd bootloader and TWRP to be able to flash the ROM.

So by rooting I can install google play and remove some bloatware, this seems like the best option. This also keeps the rom intact, but it's a shame about the carousel icons that'll be low res from google play. I'll still have a good think about it before I make a decision, and thank you for your helpful responses.:thumbup:
Sent from the dark side of the moon.
Want to know how to boost your devices performance and battery life? See my thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2495269

You're welcome.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HD running CM 11 KitKat 4.4 using xda app-developers