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So I got a kindle fire for my mom for mother's day...need some advice though. *Keep in mind that she used to use a touchpad running CM9, but recently broke her screen...
With that said, she also did occasionally need help with ICS. That *may* have simply been bc cm9 wasnt entirely stable on the touchpad at the time (wifi issues, occasional reboots, etc.)...do you suggest that I give her AOKP/CM9 on her Kindle Fire, or should I just leave it stock? She mainly used the touchpad for reading, simple gaming (puzzle games mainly, angry birds, etc), email, and web, basic news apps (last I know of was Google Currents).
I know most ppl suggest that stock is fine for basic users, but just wanted some other suggestions in my case, since she's coming from a CM9 touchpad...albeit she did not use ics to it's fullest IMO.
Thanks
PredZ said:
So I got a kindle fire for my mom for mother's day...need some advice though. *Keep in mind that she used to use a touchpad running CM9, but recently broke her screen...
With that said, she also did occasionally need help with ICS. That *may* have simply been bc cm9 wasnt entirely stable on the touchpad at the time (wifi issues, occasional reboots, etc.)...do you suggest that I give her AOKP/CM9 on her Kindle Fire, or should I just leave it stock? She mainly used the touchpad for reading, simple gaming (puzzle games mainly, angry birds, etc), email, and web, basic news apps (last I know of was Google Currents).
I know most ppl suggest that stock is fine for basic users, but just wanted some other suggestions in my case, since she's coming from a CM9 touchpad...albeit she did not use ics to it's fullest IMO.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If she's only going to be using it for that stuff then I say go with the MoDaCo Gr8 ROM. It's stable, fast, and has Google Play.
If you want ICS then go with Energy or gedeROM.
Thanks for the suggestion...I did see that, but I wonder how any of Amazon's auto-updates may affect it? I do not live nearby, so if somehow her firmware gets autoupdated, and it breaks things (mainly GAPPS I would assume), I wouldn't be able to fix it asap...I don't want to set false expectations
i would stay on stock with root,with most of the roms not being stable and you don't live close...then stock is best,i'm on stock 6.3.1 with root...if it does updated the only think is she looses root and that very easy to get back...i'm using go launcher and over clock to 1.2 ghz....all i think one would need for basic things...
PredZ said:
Thanks for the suggestion...I did see that, but I wonder how any of Amazon's auto-updates may affect it? I do not live nearby, so if somehow her firmware gets autoupdated, and it breaks things (mainly GAPPS I would assume), I wouldn't be able to fix it asap...I don't want to set false expectations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can modify some file and it will prevent it from updating automatically.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25648278
Here is the file that you need to rename.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25648278
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
PredZ said:
So I got a kindle fire for my mom for mother's day...need some advice though. *Keep in mind that she used to use a touchpad running CM9, but recently broke her screen...
With that said, she also did occasionally need help with ICS. That *may* have simply been bc cm9 wasnt entirely stable on the touchpad at the time (wifi issues, occasional reboots, etc.)...do you suggest that I give her AOKP/CM9 on her Kindle Fire, or should I just leave it stock? She mainly used the touchpad for reading, simple gaming (puzzle games mainly, angry birds, etc), email, and web, basic news apps (last I know of was Google Currents).
I know most ppl suggest that stock is fine for basic users, but just wanted some other suggestions in my case, since she's coming from a CM9 touchpad...albeit she did not use ics to it's fullest IMO.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend AOKP Milestone 5. Remember to remove the unicorns.
HOWEVER, the recovery is extremely easy to get to, and the last time my grandmother accidentally went into recovery she wiped the entire system. Flash stock recovery if possible.
PredZ said:
Thanks for the suggestion...I did see that, but I wonder how any of Amazon's auto-updates may affect it? I do not live nearby, so if somehow her firmware gets autoupdated, and it breaks things (mainly GAPPS I would assume), I wouldn't be able to fix it asap...I don't want to set false expectations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my mother a kindle fire and put MoDaCo Gr8 on it because I figured it would be the best of both worlds: Play Store with no updates but stock Amazon functions intact (only way to still play Amazon Prime Video, which you get free for first month). She also lives to far away for me to maintain it for her, so I decided on MoDaCo because some folks said it is immune to updates. However after reading through the MoDaCo ROM thread, I see that previous versions were not immune to updates and nobody has talked about this version being immune to updates, but some are renaming the file etc/security.otacerts.zip to be doubly sure it will be immune to updates (you dont want updates because it breaks root and Play Store). A few folks who have MoDaCo Gr8 did NOT rename this file and report that they did not get the update.
I would highly suggest the MoDaCo Gr8 ROM because it is really nice, stable, optimized, stock, has location services, rooted with Play Store and other Google services, and possibly immune to updates, but do what I failed to do when I sent mine off to my mother and rename that etc/security/otacerts.zip file. Then I think you can be reasonably sure it will be immune from updates.
You can install GO Launcher, make it the default launcher, configure a wallpaper and lock it (with KFU), and add a shortcut back to "Launcher" (kindle fire launcher) which will launch the stock looking kindle fire interface like an app... home button always brings you back to GO... this way it feels like a fully unlocked android tablet.... VERY SLICK!
something i cant seem to figure out please excuse my ignorance in advance. so i flashed gede rom for example but i use the kindle with amazon's stuff such as newspaper subscriptions that update everyday, amazon's video streaming and so forth running a rom i basically have an android tablet without the amazon features ? can i still have those same amazon capabilities with a rom or do i need to go back to stock?
is there a launcher or app that i can use ?
thanks in advance for any help/ advice
the amazon apps dont work on any ics roms
if you want the best of both worlds (albeit gingerbread-based like the amazon system), look at the modaco rom
you may be able to workaround some of the issues, e.g. you can use amazon video via flash in a browser, use the amazon kindle app, etc
ahha okay i understand now ok great thank you so much i really appreciate it !!
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
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.
I have a Fire TV 2, rooted for a long time now and still on 5.0.5 firmware. My wife noticed the other day she could no longer play content. She could only add items to a watchlist or remove them. We tried rebooting. Today I noticed entire categories no longer have any content in them.
The Home row shows only feature apps and games and more ways to enjoy your TV.
TV shows is empty.
Movies is empty.
Had the same on FTV1, launcher is to old, go grab a newer prerooted ROM from rbox.
That's too bad. I like the menus on 5.0.5. Not looking forward to the new Amazon mess menu system.
Yeah, that's true. I liked the old style too, the new launcher is really a mess
If you think about it, it's not really surprising old ROMs would start having problems. Amazon can reasonably expect that any of their devices would be updated when used, so after a while they wouldn't even bother testing against something as old as 5.0.5
So I wouldn't say they are blocking root users, instead root users are choosing to use the devices differently, and as it says in every ROM thread "at your own risk"