Hello all!
I purchased the Fire Phone (32GB) two months ago when there was the liquidation sale to get rid of the stock, and I jumped on one! For the value, even at the $120 or so I paid for it (not including the free Prime membership), there aren't any (if at all) phones with a Snapdragon 800, 2GB RAM and not gigantic (looking for a phone that's 4.5" to 4.7"). After unboxing it, and playing around for a few minutes, I put it back and haven't touched it since.
I was hoping there would be more ROM development. I've used Cyanogenmod in the past and loved it (previously had Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 all with Cyanogenmod), but I don't think the experience would be the same on the Fire Phone since Cyanogenmod is not officially supported. I read about the camera issues (somewhat important to me) and would hate to jump into flashing a ROM that has so many problems. I use Google Wallet/NFC from time-to-time as well. Finally, I want to use Tasker, and although I already purchased the app in the Google Play store, I want to be able to use it on my Fire Phone and would have to repurchase it, but I need features that require root access (do I have root access or can I easily root it?).
The apps I mostly use are: Viber, Whatsapp, Chrome, Snapchat, Instagram, Tasker, Instwogram, Google Maps (absolutely necessary as I drive quite a bit), Gmail, Google Drive/Sheets/Docs, Flashlight (wish it were a built-in widget like it was in Cyanogenmod), and Twitter. I don't mind keeping the Fire OS if all the above apps work flawlessly. I could care less about the Fire OS theme, because most of my usage is within other apps which I'd assume are identical between the Google Play store and Amazon Fire Store. With that being said, would I have any issues with any of the above apps? Do I even need Cyanogenmod or SlimKat? Would be experience be better with either of the latter ROMs instead?
Finally, does anyone know if hot spotting is allowed? I have Cricket and my Cricket-branded 1st gen Moto G LTE does not allow hotspotting. I know the Cyanogenmod allowed it. I don't expect to do it often, however, it is nice to have that feature. Does anyone know if the non-carrier branded model directly from the Amazon store allows hotspotting?
Thanks for reading!
Tahleel
Based on the apps you're using, you should stick with Fire OS. The custom ROMs can't reach their full potential, because some of the important sources are not available (Camera HAL, NFC).
Therefore, in-app camera usage is a bigger issue:
Snapchat users are basically forced to use Casper as a replacement, because this app is able to access the camera without freezing / stopping.
WhatsApp Web also doesn't work because you won't be able to scan the QR code and lastly: no Fire OS = no NFC.
Periscope and Twitch streaming does not work on the Fire Phone, for now...
You could start with using an alternative Launcher like Nova (+ Tesla UnRead) or Google Now.
The 4.6.3 version and the latest AT&T version (4.6.5) of Fire OS support Google Play services.
You can root the device with Kingroot and replace it with Super-Su afterwards.
Twitch only works if you use the Amazon store version; I don't think the Play store version works still.
Bingo Bronson said:
Based on the apps you're using, you should stick with Fire OS. The custom ROMs can't reach their full potential, because some of the important sources are not available (Camera HAL, NFC).
Therefore, in-app camera usage is a bigger issue:
Snapchat users are basically forced to use Casper as a replacement, because this app is able to access the camera without freezing / stopping.
WhatsApp Web also doesn't work because you won't be able to scan the QR code and lastly: no Fire OS = no NFC.
Periscope and Twitch streaming do not work on the Fire Phone, for now...
You could start with using an alternative Launcher like Nova (+ Tesla UnRead) or Google Now.
The 4.6.3 version and the latest AT&T version (4.6.5) of Fire OS support Google Play services.
You can root the device with Kingroot and replace it with Super-Su afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for the feedback! I just updated my Fire Phone and waiting for the final update (GSM - 4.6.3). Let's say if I wanted to update it to the AT&T version of 4.6.5, would I just download the image from Amazon, and drag and drop it into Internal Storage as they're stating on the site? I have Cricket, and while it runs on AT&T's network, I don't want the typical AT&T bloatware. Would it be advantageous for me and my app uses to update to AT&T 4.6.5? I'm sure I'll probably lose hotspotting (that is if I even have it now). Do you think it might be a better idea to hold off, and wait for the 4.6.5 GSM update (if ever), or dare I say Fire OS 5 update?
Thanks again!
Tahleel
tahleel said:
Thanks so much for the feedback! I just updated my Fire Phone and waiting for the final update (GSM - 4.6.3). Let's say if I wanted to update it to the AT&T version of 4.6.5, would I just download the image from Amazon, and drag and drop it into Internal Storage as they're stating on the site? I have Cricket, and while it runs on AT&T's network, I don't want the typical AT&T bloatware. Would it be advantageous for me and my app uses to update to AT&T 4.6.5? I'm sure I'll probably lose hotspotting (that is if I even have it now). Do you think it might be a better idea to hold off, and wait for the 4.6.5 GSM update (if ever), or dare I say Fire OS 5 update?
Thanks again!
Tahleel
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Click to collapse
I went from 4.6.4 AT&T to 4.6.3 rooted. When I made the move I didn't do a factory reset. I noticed last weekend the phone was trying to connect to an attwifi network in the area. It was never able to connect. And, interestingly enough, I was not able to prevent it from trying to connect unless I disabled the wifi. I use StraightTalk (on AT&T's network).
I've recently started having issues with the GPS so I moved to 4.6.5 unrooted (using adb sideload) so that I could contact Amazon for help. I don't really see any differences between 4.6.3 and 4.6.5 except for the MyAT&T app, an AT&T Wifi app (which doesn't have a launcher icon), and the single APN setting for AT&T (IIRC 4.6.3 had APN settings for other networks).
Once I'm done dealing with Amazon's tech support and the GPS issue is resolved (or I get a new phone). I plan to go back to 4.6.3, factory reset, and root. 4.6.3 was working well for me, and I'm hoping the factory reset wipes the attwifi crap.
Thanks so much for your input! I just got some reassurance that 4.6.3 (GSM) is for me. I was second guessing myself as I was installing and reconfiguring all my Google Store apps last night if this was the right decision or if I'd have to do this all over again if I switched to 4.6.5 (AT&T).
I pay for additional data, but I don't have Hotspot in my Cricket Plan. I see that I have the option to create a WiFi Hotspot with my phone. If I use it occasionally (very occasionally, maybe when my home internet goes down or I'm travelling), will I be charged for it automatically? Or can they not tell the difference without major digging?
Thanks again!
From my experience with Cricket, they only control the Hotspot feature when you use a Cricket branded phone. So for instance, my Nexus 5 and my wife's Fire phone both can use Hotspot, but on my kid's Cricket Moto E, Hotspot does not work because we don;t pay extra for it.
I'm sure there are rules about not using it, but I do quite frequently, and I've not had any problems or warnings.
Using the amazon os and loading google play onto my 4.6.3, everything in the google play store has worked flawlessly. Any of the launcher works great ( i personally use smart launcher ), and google syncing stuff like games work perfectly. Once u have the play store you can grab google maps and it works great as well.
Using Tmobile my hotspot works without any need for modding settings nor any changing of any plans specifically for hotspot ( which is great i dont know how long i dont have to pay extra for wifi tethering for though ), and as im on the 10gb plan it comes int great when i want to do homework with the laptop where there isnt fast wifi.
My snapchat finally has the face filters too, something even pure google phones dont have yet! I am extremely happy with how this phone works out as the next closest thing in performance is a 250 dollar motoG 2015 or one plus X
I have cricket and I'm able to hot spot (4.6.3 rooted with sideloaded google services). There's a flashlight icon available as part of the notification panel (swipe down from the top), so I use that instead of a widget.
4.63
jbatacan said:
Using the amazon os and loading google play onto my 4.6.3, everything in the google play store has worked flawlessly. Any of the launcher works great ( i personally use smart launcher ), and google syncing stuff like games work perfectly. Once u have the play store you can grab google maps and it works great as well.
Using Tmobile my hotspot works without any need for modding settings nor any changing of any plans specifically for hotspot ( which is great i dont know how long i dont have to pay extra for wifi tethering for though ), and as im on the 10gb plan it comes int great when i want to do homework with the laptop where there isnt fast wifi.
My snapchat finally has the face filters too, something even pure google phones dont have yet! I am extremely happy with how this phone works out as the next closest thing in performance is a 250 dollar motoG 2015 or one plus X
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Click to collapse
Hi. Sorry for a dumb question. My daughter has this phone and it's all messed up. Won't open apps, won't always send texts (hangs and says sending). Got a new SIM yesterday and same thing.
Where do I get 4.6.3 so I can reflash it and are there instructions anywhere?
Thanks!
avatar1961 said:
Hi. Sorry for a dumb question. My daughter has this phone and it's all messed up. Won't open apps, won't always send texts (hangs and says sending). Got a new SIM yesterday and same thing.
Where do I get 4.6.3 so I can reflash it and are there instructions anywhere?
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
See this post.
When i try download Android Pay I have message "incompatible with you device" in Play market.
Have you rooted your phone?
I am waiting for an honor 8 pro to be delivered and I would be quite annoyed if Android Pay didn't work. Lack of NFC was one of the reasons I chose to phase out a 5x in favour of a new phone.
There is no working root for now. I tried to download Android pay, but it says to me the 8 Pro is not compatible.
Worrying.... is there anyone from Huawei in the forums who can clarify the situation? Google states that all non-rooted devices with Android 4.4+ are compatible with Android Pay. Even without NFC I could install it on my Honor 5x...
Android pay can be installed and it is working. Build DUK-L09C432B120. However Barclays Mobile Banking (UK) does not work and Huawei / Barclays already aware of it. But I won't wait just between my 14 days cooling off period and will send it back if won't be sorted out before.
Yep it's working for me as well. It can be installed and I have already tested it with a NatWest card.
No idea why the OP gets the error message when trying to install.
Bootloader unlocked mi9 se, RevolutionOS-MIUI ROM.
Google pay and my bank app works fine for few months.
But NFC for pay suddently stop work one day, did not upgrade rom or reacoery or anything, just stop working.
Behavior is efpos no response when put phone close, tried at least 20x efpos same result.
Seems NFC hardware still works because I can use NFC app to read tag or credcard, just can't use pay.
Try to flashed different ROM include relocked the bootloader but still same.
SafetyNet check is pass.
Any idea?
Hello guys,
I'm having problems using Netflix and Amazon Prime, I'm currently on Resurrection Remix 5.8.5 which is working fine, smooth and stable. But I can't find a solution for these two stream platforms, I mean, yesterday I was able to configure Netflix using an add-on on Kodi, I found one for Amazon too, but it doesn't work for me cuz of the 2FA (I know, I can deactivate the 2FA to be able to login, but I was wondering if there's a solution for this).
The problems are:
Netflix: Sometimes it works perfectly, sometimes it stops and say error: 5.10, which following the solution from Netflix support, which is cleaning the cache and restarting the app and, doesn't work.
Amazon: This doesn't work at all, it shows the movies but when I select it to play, it loads but go back to title selection.
So, my point here is more like, what should I do to fix it? In the past I found some people saying that using an old app works, I tried today getting the apk versions made exclusive for Android 7 (API 25) and both doesn't let me even try, I get the message at the beginning that the app is outdated.
I tried both Netflix and Amazon's support, and basically both said: "You need to buy a newer Android device if our solutions doesn't help you", I understand that my tablet may be too much complex to get a newer Android version, since was not ment to it, but my tablet works fine, I never had a problem with it (other than this), and I'm struggling to believe that there's no way around it.
Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to give as many details as I could.
Thanks in advance for any help or ideias.
Hey Folks,
Have a MatePad Pro 10.8 that had GMS and app installed and running via Googleifier and over the past few days the Google Core apps have all stopped running for me.
I have the device ID registered on the uncertified devices page and still no joy.
Nothing has changed with my setup, so I'm assuming that Google are enforcing their license and the US sanctions?
Is there any current way to avoid these restrictions?
Google Apps is working just fine for me on Matepad Pro.
Pulver said:
Google Apps is working just fine for me on Matepad Pro.
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Click to collapse
It was working fine for me too from November and my Googleifier effort up until the 31/5.
Play store had stopped working earlier in May, but since Sunday, Chrome is closing on launch with an uncertified message too.
I'll take some time later this week to roll back the apps to earlier versions and see if that changes things.
Thanks for the input.