What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Amazon's Kindle Fire (1 Viewer)

A number of people have talked about the rooting/ROM/sideloading/etc on this to get more apps and functionality. At this point I'd like to be able to just access Google Play without losing any current functionality. What is the minimum I need to do to get that result?Also, the wife was trying to do GMail on the native Silk browser. Reading emails was easy, but once we hit "REPLY" we couldn't find out where to touch to open up the editor so we could actually type a response. Any help?What are your favorite free apps and what do you use them for?Is there a calendar app that will cause the unit to power up and do an audible alarm for events as a reminder?
I think it's been possible to sideload Google Play in the past but I'm not sure about the most recent Amazon 6.3.1 update that was pushed on 5/4. Usually, Amazon updates break root unless you've blocked it somehow. I guess it could also change whether not sideloading certain apps can work.Somehow, my rooted Fire didn't get the recent update - which is good. Seems as though others using the Modaco ROM like me are reporting similar results.I'm not sure if you could sideload Play on 6.3 either. I think it may have been possible but not sure how easy it is/was.ETA: You'd have to sideload Google Frameworks in addtion to the Play apk file.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A number of people have talked about the rooting/ROM/sideloading/etc on this to get more apps and functionality. At this point I'd like to be able to just access Google Play without losing any current functionality. What is the minimum I need to do to get that result?Also, the wife was trying to do GMail on the native Silk browser. Reading emails was easy, but once we hit "REPLY" we couldn't find out where to touch to open up the editor so we could actually type a response. Any help?What are your favorite free apps and what do you use them for?Is there a calendar app that will cause the unit to power up and do an audible alarm for events as a reminder?
:shrug: For Gmail I just use the built in E-mail client to connect to my Yahoo and g-mails account and everything seems to work just fine for me. Have you tried configuring that instead of going to it through the browser?
 
As for now, she seems fine to use the built in email client. However, if I'm using the Fire I'd rather have the option to use the Gmail app and see how that works. Not sure if I'm able to log her in/out of that built in client.

How do I learn what version (6.3.1, for instance) my unit is running?

What is the best place/way for me to learn how to do this stuff?

Also, any recommendations on apps?

 
As for now, she seems fine to use the built in email client. However, if I'm using the Fire I'd rather have the option to use the Gmail app and see how that works. Not sure if I'm able to log her in/out of that built in client.

How do I learn what version (6.3.1, for instance) my unit is running?

What is the best place/way for me to learn how to do this stuff?

Also, any recommendations on apps?
The Fire Forum is where I go to look for answers..This link will walk you through finding out what version you are using

As for apps.. For games I like

chess

Fling

Jelly Defense

Nice App if you are in to photography and/or like to hike is MyTopo map

and Pandora...

That's about all I have for Apps.. I use mine for reading books, surfing the web while watching T.V. and listening to my music.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
New Questions:

1. So I think I figured out this sideloading stuff with the apk files and all. I installed Dropbox so now I can just find an apk I want, put it in there on the laptop, then pull it up and install it on the Fire. Once I install the app, can I just delete the apk from the Dropbox and not worry about it anymore?

2. Dropbox has a Public and a Pictures folder. Can I create new folders on the Dropbox on my laptop and they'll appear on the KF? Can I only access those Dropboxed files when I have a WiFi or are they downloaded to the KF memory? If only accessible with WiFi, how can I move files I want onto the unit's memory?

3. If I find some ebooks online that I want, when I move them to the Kindle is it preferable to do it via dropbox or the mail@kindle.com delivery system? Will either way preserve the book cover picture?

4. What are the advantages of the Dolphin HD browser over the integrated Silk one?

 
New Questions:1. So I think I figured out this sideloading stuff with the apk files and all. I installed Dropbox so now I can just find an apk I want, put it in there on the laptop, then pull it up and install it on the Fire. Once I install the app, can I just delete the apk from the Dropbox and not worry about it anymore?
Yes. (You may want to occasionally update the apps by getting new apk files and installing again.)
2. Dropbox has a Public and a Pictures folder. Can I create new folders on the Dropbox on my laptop and they'll appear on the KF? Can I only access those Dropboxed files when I have a WiFi or are they downloaded to the KF memory? If only accessible with WiFi, how can I move files I want onto the unit's memory?
You can create new folders. Dropbox on your mobile device is accessible only when you have an internet connection, but you can download any files to your Kindle for offline use. Press the file and hold down and then choose "export" and then "save to SD card."
3. If I find some ebooks online that I want, when I move them to the Kindle is it preferable to do it via dropbox or the mail@kindle.com delivery system? Will either way preserve the book cover picture?
I use both methods for different types of books. With Dropbox, you can have different books in different folders — e.g., one for poker, one for recipes, etc. — if you want to keep them separate. Emailing to mail@kindle.com just puts them all in the Docs folder, I think; but if you don't mind that, that method seems to be easier (and it automatically puts the book on your device, not just in the cloud, if that's how you've got things set up at Amazon.com).
4. What are the advantages of the Dolphin HD browser over the integrated Silk one?
1. Plug-ins (or add-ons or whatever they're called) such as LastPass.2. Bookmarks via customizable gestures.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
3. If I find some ebooks online that I want, when I move them to the Kindle is it preferable to do it via dropbox or the mail@kindle.com delivery system? Will either way preserve the book cover picture?
I use both methods for different types of books. With Dropbox, you can have different books in different folders — e.g., one for poker, one for recipes, etc. — if you want to keep them separate. Emailing to mail@kindle.com just puts them all in the Docs folder, I think; but if you don't mind that, that method seems to be easier (and it automatically puts the book on your device, not just in the cloud, if that's how you've got things set up at Amazon.com).
If I understand this right, I can store stuff in the cloud, and once I click on a book in the cloud it then copies it to the device...is that right? And that is done by emailing to the Kindle.com address, right? So once I'm done reading a book that was sent through the cloud, I can then delete it from my device but it stays on the cloud in case I want to grab it again later. Does the MOBI file type already include the book cover artwork? What about music that I have on my computer...will album artwork automatically transfer or do I need to do something to make that work?
 
3. If I find some ebooks online that I want, when I move them to the Kindle is it preferable to do it via dropbox or the mail@kindle.com delivery system? Will either way preserve the book cover picture?
I use both methods for different types of books. With Dropbox, you can have different books in different folders — e.g., one for poker, one for recipes, etc. — if you want to keep them separate. Emailing to mail@kindle.com just puts them all in the Docs folder, I think; but if you don't mind that, that method seems to be easier (and it automatically puts the book on your device, not just in the cloud, if that's how you've got things set up at Amazon.com).
If I understand this right, I can store stuff in the cloud, and once I click on a book in the cloud it then copies it to the device...is that right?
If I send it by email to @kindle.com, it is stored both in the cloud and on the device (even before I click on the book in the cloud). If I upload it to Dropbox, it is only in the cloud until I open it, at which point it is on the device for at least a while. (I've never looked for it in the file structure of the device, but I've opened & closed an .epub file in a book reader app and then reopened it later with the same app even without an internet connection, and it worked.)
And that is done by emailing to the Kindle.com address, right? So once I'm done reading a book that was sent through the cloud, I can then delete it from my device but it stays on the cloud in case I want to grab it again later.
That's my understanding, although I haven't tried it.
Does the MOBI file type already include the book cover artwork?
Yes.
What about music that I have on my computer...will album artwork automatically transfer or do I need to do something to make that work?
I'm not sure about that. I use Google Music instead of loading music onto the Kindle Fire directly. If the artwork is embedded in the .mp3 or .flac file itself, there shouldn't be a problem with the Fire displaying it, I wouldn't think. But if it's in a separate image file, you might have to do something special to make that work.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
OK, I'm firing up Google Music now. That is only available when you have a WiFi connection, right? Thanks for your patience/help with my (probably) stupid questions.

 
'Polish Hammer said:
OK, I'm firing up Google Music now. That is only available when you have a WiFi connection, right? Thanks for your patience/help with my (probably) stupid questions.
If it works like the phone app - you can have music on the device as well.but to stream from your google music cloud yes you need wi-fi
 
'Polish Hammer said:
OK, I'm firing up Google Music now. That is only available when you have a WiFi connection, right? Thanks for your patience/help with my (probably) stupid questions.
If it works like the phone app - you can have music on the device as well.but to stream from your google music cloud yes you need wi-fi
Right, it will play music both from the local device and from the Google Music cloud, but you need a WiFi connection for the latter.And go to the settings and make sure it's not set to cache the songs, or else it ends up taking up a lot of storage space after you use it for a while.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
When I send a book to my kindle using the @kindle.com address, it shows up on the device under documents but doesn't go to the "books" section. How do I rectify this? I saw that if I put "convert" in the subject line of the email it will convert it to a Kindle format...is that the trick?

When I send something via Dropbox, do I then need to use the ES File Manager to move that do the "Documents" folder to make it available all the time (even when not in wifi) or once DropBox loads it will it always be on the device....just not in the Library?

 
I know when I run my books through Calibre, and then manually drop them into the Books folder, they show up under Books. Never used Dropbox or @kindle.com. :shrug:

 
No problem. I asked the first because my neighbor is thinking of getting one once he saw my refurb and learned the price I got it for.

 
May this sale involve refurbs or new units if it does or does not happen?

Any info on a newer model coming any time soon?
Rumor is the new model will be out this fall.
This report says: "According to Reuters, Amazon would begin shipping a new version of Kindle Fire this July."
Could be. It's all speculation at this point. :shrug:

It's supposdely going to be a little bigger - either 8.9 or 10 inches depending on which report you believe.

 
OK, Calendar Apps

Without rooting, has anyone had success getting the Google Calendar app onto their Fire (via sideloading) and it syncing? Can you still access this and make changes if you are not within a WiFi signal? Any directions here would be helpful.

Outside of that are there any opinions on Calengoo versus Business Calendar as a reasonable replacement that syncs with Google Calendar?

 
I got my wife a Kindle Fire for Mother's Day, and her free month of Prime is running out. She and the kids have used it to stream a few movies and shows but not all that much. Then last night I started playing with it and found that I can watch every episode of ST:Voyager for free so I think I'm going to start using this daily.

Question: Should I stick with Prime or go to Netflix instead? We're not Netflix members right now. Netflix can stream to the Fire, correct? We don't have a PS3 or XBox so I wouldn't be able to stream to my TV (I believe.) This would be pretty much for only for the Fire though if I went with Netflix I could see getting some DVD's queued up and sent to my house.

So - Amazon Prime or Netflix? Any reason to get both?

 
I got my wife a Kindle Fire for Mother's Day, and her free month of Prime is running out. She and the kids have used it to stream a few movies and shows but not all that much. Then last night I started playing with it and found that I can watch every episode of ST:Voyager for free so I think I'm going to start using this daily.Question: Should I stick with Prime or go to Netflix instead? We're not Netflix members right now. Netflix can stream to the Fire, correct? We don't have a PS3 or XBox so I wouldn't be able to stream to my TV (I believe.) This would be pretty much for only for the Fire though if I went with Netflix I could see getting some DVD's queued up and sent to my house.So - Amazon Prime or Netflix? Any reason to get both?
I could be wrong but netflix is a different plan for streaming and dvd no?Me personally PRIME. Their selection is getting better and their rentals are much cheaper than cable (but you only get 24 hours). Now with Xbox and PS3 (I know you don't have one) but it's worth it, imo :shrug:
 
My family ends up buying a ton of stuff from Amazon, so the free upgraded (2-day) shipping is great for us. If you ever buy any big things, the $4 to get overnight for almost anything can end up paying for itself. There is a whole thread here somewhere about what people use Prime for beyond the videos.

 
Lost my Nook Color last weekend at a family resort. Father's Day is coming up and I think the wife is replacing it with a Fire or a Nook Tablet. We are already Prime suscribers so I guess The Fire is the way to go. How do you guys like yours?

 
Can I load Spotify on this thing? I just got it for Fathers Day and it doesn't want to load it. Screen just stays blank when I hit the load button.

 
Can I load Spotify on this thing? I just got it for Fathers Day and it doesn't want to load it. Screen just stays blank when I hit the load button.
I got it on mine after I rooted it. Make sure you have the "Allow Applications From Unknown Sources" option checked in your Application settings.
 
Can I load Spotify on this thing? I just got it for Fathers Day and it doesn't want to load it. Screen just stays blank when I hit the load button.
I got it on mine after I rooted it. Make sure you have the "Allow Applications From Unknown Sources" option checked in your Application settings.
Yeah - just did the "allow apps from unknown ..." and then attempt to load spotify but still got the blank white screen after hitting the load button. I know nothing about rooting. :mellow:ETA: Hey! I kept poking around and got it to load! Unfortunately it loads as a mobile device and will require $10/mo if I want to use it past the 48 hour trial period.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Next question: deleting traces of more adult oriented sites ...just hit delete history each time? Seems awkward - and I keep seeing the websites I visit showing up prominently.

 
What is a decent case to buy that won't bulk up the Fire too much but still gives it protection in case a kid that is using it (mine are 4 and 6) drops it on the floor?

 
What is a decent case to buy that won't bulk up the Fire too much but still gives it protection in case a kid that is using it (mine are 4 and 6) drops it on the floor?
I've been using this one. No kids, but it has worked pretty well for me. It doesn't have a screen protector although I'm sure you can buy a film one and use it in combination if you are worried about the screen.
 
What is a decent case to buy that won't bulk up the Fire too much but still gives it protection in case a kid that is using it (mine are 4 and 6) drops it on the floor?
I've been using this one. No kids, but it has worked pretty well for me. It doesn't have a screen protector although I'm sure you can buy a film one and use it in combination if you are worried about the screen.
I really recommend getting a color one. Its much easier to find when someone carries it off and sets it down, The black is like camouflage in my house.
 
Flipboard has a beta out right now. It's one of my favorite iPad apps & glad it's out for android. The link to download is on the bottom of flipboard.com

 
Amazon has a 1:30 announcement today. New Fire (7" & maybe 10"?) , e-inks and lots of rumors phone/tv box /major content announcements.

A lot has changed in the market since the 1st Fire & I'm interested to see what Bezos had in store today

 
I bought a plain Kindle on August 7, so today is the last day I have to return it. Hope they announce pricing on the new Kindle with their lighting technology (paperwhite?). Pretty sure I'm not in the tablet market though, yet.

Side note, anybody good at fixing sync issues between a Kindle Fire and Kindle app on Android phone?

 
Kindle Team ‏@AmazonKindle

Introducing Kindle Paperwhite, the world’s most advanced e-reader—higher resolution, patented built-in light, and 8 weeks of battery life!

 
It's definitely a move toward the entry level buyer rather than an iPad competitor. I don't know if the lower initial investment is that significant over the life of the product but I'm sure Amazon will sell a bunch of them. A black & white display is fine for eBooks but obviously very restricting for other tablet uses.

8 week battery life is a big deal if you're deserted on an island or something. It's not a huge selling point to me.

 
7-inch Kindle Fire HD: $199

8.9 inch model for $299

Edit: Just beat out by Eephus

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Those are pretty damn impressive prices. Nobody will claim these beat out an iPad head to head, but at that price point my guess is that they push a lot of units.

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top