Hey guys, I just grabbed a KF HD 8.9 off ebay for my wife for $225. I tried to convince her to go with a Nexus7, but she wanted the larger screen. Our previous phones were Android, so she'd be familiar with the Fire if the answers to my questions are positive. Here's a few questions I have if someone can please help me out:
1) From what I've seen reading on here, we can root the device and add the Google Play store. Is this correct? Are there any caveats to this (i.e., you must to do X or Y to be able to download apps after adding it)?
2) If I can install a customer launcher for her (I don't know what the current options are, but there was Nova, Launcher Pro, GoLauncher, etc when we had Android devices), would this largely cause the device to actually LOOK like normal Android? I don't see why there would be any issues, but I just want to clarify.
3) It appears (again, from reading on here), that you can sideload apps (I used the "allow unknown sources" box on my phone). Is that correct?
4) Is the HDMI out reliable?
I would install CM10 and call it a day, but it sounds like there are currently audio and HDMI issues on it, and those are two things we'll use a good bit.
I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but it was the only one I saw devoted to the 8.9" version. These questions may not really matter for the differences in model, but I wanted to be sure I targeted the right audience,
Thanks for any help provided.
I've done much of what you are asking about using the following thread:-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2096888
It's a long read, but worth it.
I'm using GoLauncher HD, and have live wallpapers up and running too - it looks just like any other android device.
The caveats are that some apps will not install/update from Google play - but will probably work if sideloaded. Added to that, Amazon will update your tablet and remove all your hard work if they get the chance - the thread provides tools to minimise this threat as well.
PS I've got a Nexus 7 too - much better tablet in all respects except screen size - that's why I got the KF8.9 as well.
Good luck
Thanks for the quick reply. If I remember correctly, you could disable updates on previous Android devices, is this not the case with the KFHD? The software wouldn't be the newest, but data wouldn't be wiped, either.
Amazon are pushing un-notified updates through various channels - you won't know until you suddenly lose root and all your google apps.
Very friendly user facing company NOT !!!
praed0r said:
Amazon are pushing un-notified updates through various channels - you won't know until you suddenly lose root and all your google apps.
Very friendly user facing company NOT !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. In that case, I might just sideload a launcher. Didn't know it was all going to be this much trouble
I have the kindle fire hd 8.9 and it rooted fine and I have a launcher on it which makes it look like a normal android tablet with Google apps. Have had no issues yet with Amazon forcing updates but if it happens it can't be that hard to block it.... some apps in play store won't install due to compatibility issues....but market helper app solves that.. or you can install the apk manually
CyCaboose said:
I have the kindle fire hd 8.9 and it rooted fine and I have a launcher on it which makes it look like a normal android tablet with Google apps. Have had no issues yet with Amazon forcing updates but if it happens it can't be that hard to block it.... some apps in play store won't install due to compatibility issues....but market helper app solves that.. or you can install the apk manually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I doubt my wife would require many apps that are unavailable on Amazon anyways (if any).
I confirm that the HDMI works very well on my TV
Related
I'm curious if anyone has tried to load any of the Adobe tablet apps onto the Kindle Fire, and if so, did they work?
I picked up a Kindle Fire yesterday, but haven't opened it yet, mainly because I don't want to find out the hard way that it won't be able to use awesome tablet apps that are currently only available in Google's Android Market.
I've heard that you can sideload apps on the Kindle Fire, but I'm not sure if that would work in this situation since it is a paid app that requires the Android Market. I don't have any other tablets, and when I went to buy the Photoshop Touch app on the Android Market website, it told me it wasn't compatible with any of my devices (only have Android phones so far).
I am guessing it would work, but the resolution is going to cause some of the Gui elements to be cut off, just like the HTC Flyer.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
I tried to install it. It responded with a parsing error. Probably because the Fire is 2.3 and the Photo Shop Touch is only compatable with HoneyComb/ICS
Thanks for the answer. Good to know; I'll just have to wait for a port of ICS to the KF before purchasing Photoshop Touch.
and also, why not just root it? it is really a rather good tablet for it's price once it is rooted.
then you CAN get the android market on it (without having to sideload etc)
The android market website does say that Photoshop Touch is incompatible with the Fire. It says that Photoshop Express is compatible (that one is in Amazon's appstore, but the Amazon appstore says it's not compatible!) but all those other 9.99 Adobe tablet apps say they're incompatible.
has anyone tried sideloading these? if so how did you download/pay for them?
I got it to run using a custom ICS rom. I don't know about side loading tho
It works pretty well on ICS, all gui elements fit thx to fit button in ICS. But you probably will have to sideload it since kf not officially supported
Fit button?
ZyxxeZ said:
It works pretty well on ICS, all gui elements fit thx to fit button in ICS. But you probably will have to sideload it since kf not officially supported
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What fit button? I am running jandycane, a custom jellybean ROM. Also what ROM?
omadhaun said:
I'm curious if anyone has tried to load any of the Adobe tablet apps onto the Kindle Fire, and if so, did they work?
I picked up a Kindle Fire yesterday, but haven't opened it yet, mainly because I don't want to find out the hard way that it won't be able to use awesome tablet apps that are currently only available in Google's Android Market.
I've heard that you can sideload apps on the Kindle Fire, but I'm not sure if that would work in this situation since it is a paid app that requires the Android Market. I don't have any other tablets, and when I went to buy the Photoshop Touch app on the Android Market website, it told me it wasn't compatible with any of my devices (only have Android phones so far).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I was curious as to see if this app worked on the KF. I don't know/care what you do, but to get anything done with a Kindle Fire, you MUST root it. If you have one of the old versions (where/when did you buy it) then it comes with a heavily modded android 2.3, which does no good for anything, so I suggest that you root it with the KFU, install TWRP, and load up Ice Cream Sandwich, or Jellybean on it. I have twa_priv's latest CM10 jellybean custom ROM with the leaked 4.2 Gapps installed, and it does wonders! If you think that you would prefer a more vanilla ROM, I would go with Hashcode's; it is really good too.
Anyway, back to your dilemma/question: can you run Adobe Photoshop mobile products? the answer is yes; however, (at least for me, as my KF is not cloaked as a Galaxy Nexus) the Play store says it is incompatible. So I decided to do a google search of the latest apk, and downloaded it. Once I moved it over to my KF, it took about a minute to install (quite long, so don't worry that it isn't doing anything). I opened it up, and it works just fine. No crashes or anything; and it is a very good app, I think, after just playing with it for about 10 minutes.
So your answer is yes: first root and ROM your KF, then google search the latest apk and install it.
I backed Ouya on Kickstarter, and mine finally arrived today. There have been a lot of questions, a lot of speculation, and not many answers. I will personally be attempting to install a 3'rd party launcher, Google Play apps (store, music, movies) and other games and apps I have bought over the years on the Play Store. The point of this topic is for other people who are interested in buying one or have pre-ordered one to get answers to their questions, like I couldn't.
I have been an Android user since the original Motorola Droid on Verizon, and a Custom ROM Developer for the Samsung Fascinate, HTC Thunderbolt, and Droid Bionic. I will be working on a custom ROM for the Ouya as well once we get some reasonable safety measures to ensure I don't brick it while experimenting. Feel free to ask me anything, about app compatibility, features, user interface, whatever, I'll do my best to answer. I'll also keep this topic updated with my observations and experiences with hacking and modding this console.
Since I've already gone through the trouble of tracking down working apps I figured I'd save everyone else a few minutes and collect the working ones here:
How to install: From your Ouya browser click the link for any apk's you want to download. once the downloads have completed go to: Manage > System > Advanced > Storage > Downloads and select the apk files one by one.
Netflix: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/Netflix_2.1.2 build 787.apk I had audio issues on some shows until I rebooted, and an occasional freeze, but just hold down the "ouya" button on the controller to back out to home and open it up again.
Hulu Plus: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/Hulu Plus 2.6.201000.apk Seems to be working great!
Youtube: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/com.google.android.youtube.googletv-2.apk Works great.
Nova Launcher: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/com.teslacoilsw.launcher-1.apk Works great and opens up additional options in the settings menu. I choose to use this as the default launcher, since I can still access all my ouya games, and the ouya home from it much quicker than from ouya home.
Dropbox: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/com.dropbox.android-2.apk Works great with the controller, I use it to copy apps from my computer or phone easily.
Amazon App Store: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/com.amazon.venezia-2.apk Installed, logged in, and downloaded Angry birds, which didn't work so well.... Well, I mean it worked great, but was very difficult to play with the ouya controller. Time to hook up a bluetooth mouse. EDIT: after the initial time working so well, I cannot get it to work again. the main page opens but any app I click on it just brings up a blank screen. If anyone else experiences this please let me know...
XBMC: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u...f76-Gotham_alpha2_stagefright-armeabi-v7a.apk This is the latest XBMC build with hardware decoding. I didn't try any local/network video yet, but the streaming video from break.com looked fine.
Pandora: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/com.pandora.android-1.apk Works great, but since it's the Android interface you'll have on screen adds unless you pay for prime, and the "X" to close it is very tiny. However on the plus side if you go to Settings > Developer Options > Uncheck Don't keep activities Pandora can run in the background with a 3rd party launcher. So right now I'm listening to Whitesnake and installing the next app on my list to check tonight.
Flixter: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/net.flixster.android-1.apk Works, but not always. Final Destination 5 kept freezing at the same point every time, but I watched several minutes of The Dark Knight Rises on wifi and the quality was good and I had no issues.
Chrome: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7653846/apps/com.android.chrome-1.apk Works great, but due to lack of gapps framework you can't sign in, so no tab/bookmark syncing yet.
Non-working/Glitchy:
Facebook - Installed, logged in with no problem, but the interface is far to large to use. Imagine pictures that are 2 - 3 times larger than the screen, with tiny text and you'll get the idea. plus it crashed for no reason....
Twitter - Installed, could not log on. Got the error "Cannot create account" when trying to log in.
SuperSu - Installed, but once inside it said SU needed an update, and installation of that update failed.
Commenting to subscribe to the thread, excited to hear your plans and glad to see a bit more action around here.
I would suggest talking with Rayman ( posted the OTA download thread) he's also working on some development for it and I know we wanted to get some dumps from another ouya to confirm some things.
Definitely looking forward to the comments here. I received my Ouya today and excited to see what it can do.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
I'm certainly no developer, but I've had the same results regarding the play store, for what its worth. I have superuser installed and working. I attempted to use a similar method to getting the play store on the Kindle Fire, with no luck.
Has anyone dabbled with xbmc yet?
If so how is it performing?
dully79 said:
Has anyone dabbled with xbmc yet?
If so how is it performing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played around with it a little. I was able to stream in HD from icefilms with no major problems. The most glaring issue that I saw was if you have a video playing, and decide to pull up the menu, it can be pretty sluggish. I only played with it for about 10 minutes or so, though.
Ok, time for another update. I'm very pleased with the graphics and performance of the console for the games that are available. Puddle THD looks amazing on the big screen, and aside from the camera issues it always had, I'm loving playing Mario 64 with a wireless controller using Mupen 64.
Back on the hacking side, I was able to sideload Nova Launcher successfully, and it opens up a lot of extra options in the settings menu, but I haven't had time to play with them yet. I was with family from out of town all weekend, but I'll be back home tonight and really try to crack this box open. I'll try XBMC myself tonight, are there any other apps anyone would like me to try loading?
sonofskywalker3 said:
Ok, time for another update. I'm very pleased with the graphics and performance of the console for the games that are available. Puddle THD looks amazing on the big screen, and aside from the camera issues it always had, I'm loving playing Mario 64 with a wireless controller using Mupen 64.
Back on the hacking side, I was able to sideload Nova Launcher successfully, and it opens up a lot of extra options in the settings menu, but I haven't had time to play with them yet. I was with family from out of town all weekend, but I'll be back home tonight and really try to crack this box open. I'll try XBMC myself tonight, are there any other apps anyone would like me to try loading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XBMC works great, but make sure to install the experimental "libstagefright" build for hardware acceleration support. If you could figure out Hulu that would be awesome, someone reported tweaking the APK a bit to get it working but never revealed what they did.
Yeah, I saw his post about it, with no followup. Hopefully the logcat will give me some insight into why it's crashing. It's a shame Ouya removed so much of the android framework that these apps rely on. I wonder if there will ever be an official Ouya release for some of these programs...
sonofskywalker3 said:
Yeah, I saw his post about it, with no followup. Hopefully the logcat will give me some insight into why it's crashing. It's a shame Ouya removed so much of the android framework that these apps rely on. I wonder if there will ever be an official Ouya release for some of these programs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well XBMC and OUYA both promise one for XBMC at least, and I read that they're in talks to have Hulu and Netflix officially supported as well. I imagine it'll all depend on how the reaction at launch goes.
It would be really nice, but given streaming media providers attitude toward root users I wouldn't be surprised if they refused to play nice. I still can't watch an Ultraviolet movie on my Nexus 7 without temp unrooting it...
For Hulu, find the Hulu for Google tv apk, I found it online.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using Tapatalk 2
Thank you! I saw that on an Ouyaforums thread and was going to try it tonight? how well does it work? I also saw somewhere that youtube for google tv works on the ouya as well, can anyone confirm that? I'll gather the apks together tonight, re-host them, and put some links in the OP.
sonofskywalker3 said:
Thank you! I saw that on an Ouyaforums thread and was going to try it tonight? how well does it work? I also saw somewhere that youtube for google tv works on the ouya as well, can anyone confirm that? I'll gather the apks together tonight, re-host them, and put some links in the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the googleTV youtube app works very well.
Updated OP with tons of links to tested working apps.
sonofskywalker3 said:
Updated OP with tons of links to tested working apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Hulu is working great.
Bluetooth not working
My controller and console work but the bluetooth on my console does not want to turn on so it just constantly tries to turn on so my controller can never connect.
Any help?
Do you have a usb keyboard and mouse to navigate with? if so I'd suggest going to the advanced settings menu (stock android settings) and try turning bluetooth on there. If you've already tried that and it doesn't work, your issue can be hardware or software. If it's hardware you're way past what I can help with, but if it's software these steps might work. Go to backup and reset under the same settings menu and do a factory reset. If that doesn't work the final step would be to follow the instructions to flash the latest ota software update through recovery. His instructions say to reboot and hit a key combination repeatedly to get recovery up, but if you have adb access you can just type "adb reboot recovery" in your terminal window and it will boot there directly.
Here's the link, good luck:
https://forums.ouya.tv/discussion/comment/11742/#Comment_11742
Thanks to MBM for the instructions, and Rayman for hosting the OTA downloads.
*disclaimer* I haven't tried this myself yet, but plan to tonight if you'd rather wait for a confirmation. Honestly though MBM has been working on the Ouya a lot longer than I have and his instructions line up with what I've done on other android devices. /*disclaimer*
one note about hulu plus. THe app you posted here 2.6 does not have options for keyboard control (which was indroduced in 2.8, the latest version.) for use with the controller, keyboards etc I have a copy of the apk which i will upload as soon as I have 10 posts and can post links (almost there haha). WHen I installed 2.8 by it self, it force closed but i was able to get it working by installing 2.6 from your post and then upgrading.
sonofskywalker3 said:
Do you have a usb keyboard and mouse to navigate with? if so I'd suggest going to the advanced settings menu (stock android settings) and try turning bluetooth on there. If you've already tried that and it doesn't work, your issue can be hardware or software. If it's hardware you're way past what I can help with, but if it's software these steps might work. Go to backup and reset under the same settings menu and do a factory reset. If that doesn't work the final step would be to follow the instructions to flash the latest ota software update through recovery. His instructions say to reboot and hit a key combination repeatedly to get recovery up, but if you have adb access you can just type "adb reboot recovery" in your terminal window and it will boot there directly.
Here's the link, good luck:
Thanks to MBM for the instructions, and Rayman for hosting the OTA downloads.
*disclaimer* I haven't tried this myself yet, but plan to tonight if you'd rather wait for a confirmation. Honestly though MBM has been working on the Ouya a lot longer than I have and his instructions line up with what I've done on other android devices. /*disclaimer*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Hi everyone!
I have just gotten my Ouya device today and installed apps from my Samsung Galaxy S3 like Netflix, Youtube and XBMC... I did try installing some other apps called Showbox, USTV, and TVPortal but the thing is, they do install and when you launch them it goes back to the Ouya homescreen. Is there a way to run *any* android app on the Ouya even if modding the console itself or the apk file of the app? I would like those certain apps to work. If there is none I guess I will be selling it on the market.
Thank you.
-John
johnsnow5440 said:
Hi everyone!
I have just gotten my Ouya device today and installed apps from my Samsung Galaxy S3 like Netflix, Youtube and XBMC... I did try installing some other apps called Showbox, USTV, and TVPortal but the thing is, they do install and when you launch them it goes back to the Ouya homescreen. Is there a way to run *any* android app on the Ouya even if modding the console itself or the apk file of the app? I would like those certain apps to work. If there is none I guess I will be selling it on the market.
Thank you.
-John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
netflix, look for the 1.8.1 apk I beleive, you can find it on XDA here.
For youtube, I forget which version, Ill have to check mine and get back to you.
XBMC you can get from OUYA itself, you dont need to sideload it.
I found it best to get the amazon app store installed. Most apps on this seem to run good, since the hardware is similar to the kindle and nexus 7.
I used HULU from the amazon app store and it runs fine.
Im seeing more and more the version 1 of the OUYA was a bit of a disappointment and I was a kickstart backer (only 20$ though).
IF (big IF) they create a version 2 Im sure it will be much better but version one buyers and kickstart backers better get something for being R&D
tevil said:
netflix, look for the 1.8.1 apk I beleive, you can find it on XDA here.
For youtube, I forget which version, Ill have to check mine and get back to you.
XBMC you can get from OUYA itself, you dont need to sideload it.
I found it best to get the amazon app store installed. Most apps on this seem to run good, since the hardware is similar to the kindle and nexus 7.
I used HULU from the amazon app store and it runs fine.
Im seeing more and more the version 1 of the OUYA was a bit of a disappointment and I was a kickstart backer (only 20$ though).
IF (big IF) they create a version 2 Im sure it will be much better but version one buyers and kickstart backers better get something for being R&D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's fine. I sold it within 2 days because I don't like I can't install all android apps. It was very good with XBMC though
Currently i have an lg g2 but it has a defective screen. Im looking for another phone on the price range of 200. I can get the fire phone which i actually pretty intrested in or i can get the huawei ascend mate 2 or another lg g2 in brand new condition. I dont mind the amazon fire os and im leaning to the fire phone but what do you guys think ?
It's super easy to install Google services and while we have had to deal with our Google stuff going down for a couple of weeks when they updated, everything has been fine since then. If you use prime services it's a no Brainerd because the current cost is 179 and if u were going to get prime it's basically a 80 dollar phone. I don't regret it and I've been a strictly android user since I got the google g1 many years ago. I don't even mind the Amazon launcher. You just have to get used to the swype up for back and Netflix isn't working with chromecast.
It depends how you are going to use your phone, I'm on my second fire phone, sold the first because it was running android 4.2 and Android Wear needs 4.3 at least to work, now that the KitKat update is here, I gave it another go, bought used cheap on eBay, £95, the reason for this, really like the build quality, screen, specs and camera, really good pics in low light. I had the G2 as well and the fire camera is just a bit better IMO.
Now the negatives
The screen is a bit too tiny, awesome for one hand use, but I prefer the 5"+ screens.
No notifications icon on the status bar, if you have any missed notifications, you have to pull down the notifications to see them, that is why having a android wear device is essential if you don't want to miss any notification.
G2 Battery is better, fire phone does last a full day, but G2 is awesome when it comes to battery life.
This is a big one for me, no custom ROMs, I'm using Google Now Launcher to make it more like a pure android phone, but miss flashing custom ROMs
Tip:
If you are going to sideload Google Play Store, please have this in mind, search first for the app on the amazon store, if you can't find it there, than use the play store, had some issues before by doing this... also disable auto update from Play store, because Facebook for example, it has to be the Amazon App store version, just a couple of things to keep in mind if you want a stable phone =)
So if you want a different phone from most people, great build quality, compact, fast, good camera, this is for you, if you want a phone tried and tested, with a big screen and with with custom ROMs, than go for the G2
I got one brand new for £99 in the Amazon sale recently. It's good spec but I like tweaking my setup with custom launchers etc and it isn't too good for that. I'm using the stock fire OS launcher but I've got a gesture app installed now and a t9 launcher assigned to it and all sorts of other crap. Other launchers generally throw up issues I've found. If you're into Amazon for kindle and prime video it's probably worth it. By the way, do uk users get the one year free prime? I didn't see anything when I ordered!
hugoprh said:
Tip:
If you are going to sideload Google Play Store, please have this in mind, search first for the app on the amazon store, if you can't find it there, than use the play store, had some issues before by doing this... also disable auto update from Play store, because Facebook for example, it has to be the Amazon App store version, just a couple of things to keep in mind if you want a stable phone =)
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Why do you say so? I've installed every app from play store without collateral effects, even Facebook. And i have play store auto updates enabled and working too. What problems did you have with FB taken from play store?
Well amazon took the offer of 179 away so i guess im going for the lg g2. Really wanted the fire phone but i need a phone now and i was going to buy it Friday. Does anyone know how often amazon put the fire phone on sale?
Sent from my LG-D801 using XDA Free mobile app
i love it, but i came from a s2, so it was a massive upgrade for me
FB was one of the apps, the issue I saw with some apps, was the icon would simply disappear from the Amazon launcher and the only way to open the app, was going to play store, search the app and press "open" through there, so I did a factory reset and disabled updates from play store and now all good, weird that you did not experience that and I did...
Wow can't believe it, $450 now. Anyway I love my fire phone. I use Google now launcher with gel customized, software keys via udn app, of course I use the play store and rooted with a proper superuser.