NOOB ERROR REWRITE: @ 74, and a gray beard, it's to be expected: bought 07/15/17.
Plays everything without screen jitter [NETFLIX & HULU & YOUTUBE + apps for video capture (nope)/then downloaded to the *card] AND has an exceptional app store, an extremely easy set-up, and it replaces the $219.00_09/06/16 boat anchor RECPAD 10 for about 1/3 the cost. WRONG, the app store is centric and fails to understand that a customer may want more than just a reader, as there are NO video capture apps that would do the job for youtube, and the AV values establish that there are no majors involved with this product.
REPOST #2 (2 days later), 14 days in, and it has worked similar to my ROKU 3 and Vizio flat screen from the second day of possession, and has become one of the first things I reach for after breakfast <grins>; so take what you want from the post, and enjoy the latest addition to the tablet world--now that it JUST WORKS:
Just a thought before you start this fun journey, as a sidebar: to search for a program you can't find in the Amazon app store, use your home computer (or the tablet in it's virgin state, grins, only after you install an AV) and go to the web search site you use and do this: playstore (space = and) name of the product. This should be sole directive reason for the entire installation, finding the apps you need to enjoy the tablet to it's fullest. And remember, while you will be gaining TWO GREAT APP STORES, the "playstore" has an ANDROID foundation, while the FIRE OS is an Amazon Fork of the android OS.
If you want to employ ANDROID, fully, use XDA (https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603), and this takes you directly to the GILLY10 reference for using his NO ROOT article: [HOW-TO] Install Google Play Store (Fire OS 5.X) (No Root/PC/ADB). FOUR sequential downloads, from top to bottom, AFTER you download TOTAL COMMANDER (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H4IHJ8M/ -and this one allows you to install TOTAL COMMANDER directly from their site)---and all of which comes AFTER you set-up a gmail.com account, plus go into SETTINGS/SECURITY/ENABLE APPS FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES (sic, and all of those items are mentioned in his dialogue).
Each single download, and #3 has two parts (so read the difference) as the second is expressly for the Fire HD 8 2017, where each will install with a pop-up that shows: "open (until) next (until) install (until) done (tapping each at the bottom of the install window)," which allows you to go to the next of four downloads, in the vertical sequence. And note that #3 is big, so it does take some time to create the file. Do not exit any of the segments of this paradigm until you see and tap "DONE". Then go back (left triangle icon) to the download page for the next one. After you have done all FOUR, shut down, wait about 30 seconds, then restart. It took me about seven minutes, but I'm a graybeard and slow was expected.
And, don't worry if you get it wrong (sic, as I did originally = impatient, didn't wait for the DONE to show); just go back to the beginning and start over, which might include a pop-up = "download again?:" tap YES. You can check whether the progression of downloads has successfully been implemented by going to the (new) PLAYSTORE app/icon (home page) and engaging it. If there is no reaction, it generally means that the dependencies between the four downloads have not been successful, and that is why you FULLY download them in the same progression, again. Simply put, you don't know where the dependency error has occurred, and starting all over solves that unknown problem. The watchword here is PATIENCE, because it is well worth the effort expended.
VOILA, you have a stable and NOT ROOTED tablet. That was extremely worrisome against not only the 90 day period from Amazon, but the two year period that I opted for with SQUARETRADE. Now, if I choose, the tablet can be reverted to factory settings from within the tablet, meaning NO ROOT action occurred. Don't forget to reverse the SECURITY SETTING = DISABLE APPS FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES after you have done this to ensure that vulnerability is closed.
And because the resident engine was only 16G, it is possible to move almost all apps directly to the Micro SD from the settings page. And the card storage slot is protected by a snap/flap, which should eliminate any possible card loss or dirt gaining access to the interior of the tablet.
And as observed during the 64G Samsung EVO card installation: if the softly inserted card starts to go into the receiver at an angle, pull it out and flip it over so the copper data leads are facing the installer like the unit's screen during this act (the top edge/removal rib will be reversed to the screen face): AGAIN, softly so that you don't BRICK either the card port or cause card damage while inserting the card (OOPPSS, Amazon, you goofed), which requires that the thumbnail push/card insertion is accepted by a click value that is felt and close the flap.
Yes, finding all of the Amazon CENTRIC apps at the top of the central page is a nuisance. To make this more amenable, hold a fingertip on an app, when it expands move it into the same space as another you want to reduce the real estate against and you have created a folder. Do this for all of the ones you don't want at the top, then maneuver them to a side and then downwards. You can also make folders for your preferred apps, making it easier to find them. Labor intensive, as it takes patience, but you will be rewarded with a central/home page more to your liking, against what is (initially) counter-intuitive: HORIZONTAL SWIPE (top task bar indicator HIGHLIGHTED) RECENT TO THE LEFT and working to the RIGHT from the HOME PAGE (BOOKS open), etc.
SQUARETRADE: opted for the two year warranty, and was expecting an email so that the tablet could be registered. I had to physically call them about the issue, since it was five days past the supposed delivery date. The individual I spoke with verified my email account with Amazon, and then sent me a registration form (aka, tap this block of type to open the registration area of their firm-online), which I did. I found the missing warranty on the resulting page, after sign-in [sic, use a different password against the primary Amazon account (duh)/name sign-in for their site]. In fact, it's suggested that an account be established with them, after the initial purchase, so that you don't go through the same turmoil I experienced. It seems that their Sales & Customer/Online Server actions don't necessarily update each other.
The AV is now KAPERSKY PREMIUM 5PC license, with the kernel for it from the google playstore. And after all of the various downloads were updated, which took about 18 hours of background/online activity, there was a notice from my AV that SILK is a dated browser. That might have not been germane, against online security, but the merge with BING told me I couldn't allow the precedence to occur. How many times has there been a comment in the news, particularly ZDNet and/or PC Magazine, regarding the various HOLES in either the search engine or software product created by them. I'm too old, and a fixed income dictates that my online activity be very secure (or as secure as humanly possible).
The tablet now runs CHROME, given I have to use my credit card online to pay for some of the product connectors for the tablet, and PAYPAL is very stringent as to how access is used. And because most people use some-kind of hibernation or sleep value (shown below in the MOKO wallet), it is appropriate to occasionally just turn the tablet off. Then a tablet restart triggers CHROME to check, in the background, if there is an update.
ADS were removed by the following method: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200671290&qid=1423353619&sr=1-1. Yes, it cost me $15.00, but I considered it part of the original cost. And, if I'm correct, I can "opt-in" for a modified advertising value (sic, Kindle SciFi or other genre).
Yes, sound was an issue, but using the Amazon appstore, find SOUND BOOST for the Kindle Fire. I can now hear PACMAN at arms length, and only used a 20% boost. Careful, remember the speakers are tablet size so you can ruin the BASS driver if you overload them.
Add the "MoKo Case for All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet (7th Generation, 2017 Release Only) - Slim Folding Stand Cover for Fire HD 8, BLUE (with Auto Wake / Sleep)," and auto off/on pays for itself by sleeping the tablet when closed, yet POPS ON with a simple flap motion. This eliminates any lag from the tablet being OFF, yet has no observed effect on the battery to any degree (sic, tested against several sleep cycles). Only the BLUE so far, but they will probably add others as demand increases, plus the price point is just right. OOPPSS, just looked and it appears that they have harnessed the rainbow.
Add the OMOTON hardened glass (9H) screen, which involves easily understood instructions--almost a "NO FAULT VALUE--ONE TIME INSTALL," and you have protected the most vulnerable piece of real estate for the tablet. And you don't need another screen protector, as the OMOTON does resist fingerprints.
And to simplify adding movies for later viewing, when away from a wifi value, use the following Transcend dongle/USB 3.0 to move from any saved source to the MICRO-SD you are installing in the tablet: Amazon Store, Transcend USB 3.0 SDHC / SDXC / microSDHC / SDXC Card Reader, TS-RDF5K (Black). It's faster than the usb to micro-usb dongle/cable running at 2.0, and allows you to monitor what the children are watching.
- - - - - - - - - FOR FIRST TIME USERS, and that was me 14 days ago <grin>:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST, then:
Hello NEW USER: Simply read what this post suggests against (copy/paste WOULD BE FOR A FULL COMPUTER, while a tablet uses TAP = the action you need): https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603; then the next is: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H4IHJ8M/ and TOTAL COMMANDER can be downloaded and installed directly from their site); and BEFORE you do them, use the SILK *BROWSER (* internet enabled search engine) to find "gmail, where you will create an email account expressly for the installation of pure ANDROID apps (apps = applications at the GOOGLE site); then go to SETTINGS (white gear with a hole in the center and tap), then find SECURITY on the right side and down just a bit, then APPS from unknown sources = slide the dot to the right and the enabled value should glow orange, tap the center icon for the home page, and you are just about ready to really enjoy a very decent piece of hardware.
And just before you start everything mentioned here, please choose an anti-virus = use that name in the Amazon app store. For this purpose I would suggest AVG. It's simple to install and FREE. From there please turn on your wifi (internet = the web) connection, which will allow the program to update in the background (i.e., it works without you seeing the activity, but will pop-up if there is anything "silly" going on. And silly is used to denote something happening that is wrong. If that happens, follow the program prompts; and, if it's confusing, quickly go to the wifi connection and disable it until you understand what is going on). Wait about 30 seconds, then start the JOURNEY.
And if you have a computer at home, and it's anti-virus has multiple license', you should be able to find the KERNEL (sic, base engine) for it in the Google playstore (right facing triangle that uses blue & green & red & yellow).
There are quite a few tricks for further down the road, such as Piriform's CCleaner or an equivalent (removes the history from online activity-stays in memory until erased, and ideally should be removed after every internet excursion), CM Security (which may not be needed initially, just a mention, as the AV should handle everything), plus too many others to discuss at this time.
Note: The two "HTTPS" values are in the dialogue below, but I separated them and show them above (don't use them until after you set-up the "gmail account and after you enable the security codicil mentioned") so that you would know what you are looking for: the first takes you directly to the SITE for the four downloads mentioned below and in the GILLY10 article, and the second allows you to install TOTAL COMMANDER while at that site (i.e., note the ".co.uk," it's a British site--and that's how fast it happens <grins> way over there to here in a flash).
Now there are three icons at the bottom of the home screen: triangle is a "BACK ICON," the circle invokes the "HOME PAGE," and the square shows "TABLET ACTIVITY". Note that you can simply delete the activity value if you swipe down from the top, then continue through the white blocks below it until you see "clear all." Also, read the values for the lateral display against the HEADER task bar (sic, highlight will show you where you are: RECENT & HOME & BOOKS & VIDEO & GAMES & SHOP & APPS & MUSIC, etc.).
Below is the full dialogue, corrected from my error in using TOTAL MANAGER (ooppss, I'm a graybeard (74) noob who has had his tablet for all of 14 days, and enjoyed the learning experience). Now I have a tablet that will do almost everything, and then some: It works just like my ROKU 3 & Vizio flat screen TV, can play games (suggest the "playstore"), and watch OTA (over the air) broadcasts from just about any source in my area (HISTORY, DIY, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and the list goes on and on. Enjoy the experience <grins>:
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Fast and responsive
Enjoy your entertainment with a fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Fire HD 8 offers 50% more RAM than Fire 7 for faster performance.
No more worrying about storage space
With 2x more internal storage than Fire 7, Fire HD 8 comes standard with 16 GB. Expand your tablet’s storage by up to 256 GB using a microSD card, and keep photos, movies, and compatible games and apps with you. Plus enjoy free unlimited cloud storage for all your Amazon content and photos taken with your Fire tablet.
Capture life's moments
Fire HD 8 features a 2 MP rear-facing camera for taking photos or shooting 720p video. The front-facing VGA camera is perfect for Skype calls with friends and family.
Vibrant HD display
Fire HD 8 features a 1280 x 800 high-definition display with over a million pixels (189 ppi) and a bright, vivid picture. Enjoy movies and games in a crisp, clear HD resolution, with less glare and more brightness thanks to a stunning IPS (in-plane-switching) LCD display.
Power when you need it
Now with up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life, Fire HD 8 gives you the flexibility to go where the day takes you.
Stands up to everyday life
Amazon engineers Fire tablets to hold up against everyday life. As measured in tumble tests, Fire HD 8 is more durable than the latest iPad and 2x more durable than iPad mini 4 (and costs a lot less too).
Adjust the backlight for nighttime reading with Blue Shade.
Read
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With millions of songs from thousands of artists, the Amazon Digital Music Store brings all your favorite music to your fingertips. Music you buy on your Fire tablet is saved to Your Music Library for free, and you can play or download it anytime.
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Enjoy all your favorite movies and TV shows on Amazon Video, Netflix, HBO NOW, Sling TV, and more. Discover hundreds of thousands of TV episodes and movies, plus fling Amazon Video content to your TV using Second Screen. Enhance your video experience with features you only get from Amazon, including On Deck for watching videos anywhere, ASAP for fast video streaming, and X-Ray to go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows while you watch.
Watch downloaded videos anywhere with a Prime membership, Netflix plan, or Showtime subscription—on a plane, on vacation, in the car, or wherever you don't have a wireless connection.
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Fire tablets feature instant access to over 600,000 of the most popular free and best-selling games, social media, premium TV and movie provider apps, and so much more.
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Excellent device if you're into the Amazon Echo System and are an Amazon Prime member. If you're one who consume Amazon services daily let it be Amazon music, Amazon video, kindle e-books, audible, Alexa etc this is a good all in one device. It's not the definite device for Amazon services as Alexa is better on the Echo, and e-books is easier to read on a kindle device; but this device is great if you want to consume all of Amazon's content outside your computer. If you're one who are already part of the Apple (iOS) and/or Android echo system then there are some cross over in terms of Apps (although very limited, more on this later), music and video, but the first party services do not pair with the tablet due to legal issues. Some third party apps works like Netflix, Pandora, and Hulu, along others.This tablet mainly centers around Amazon Prime, so if you are not a Prime users; you'll be missing out on a lot and will not take full advantage of this tablet. You can side load Android OS/Google Play Store to this device if you don't consume Amazon services, but note that due to the hardware specs some apps may not work properly on the tablet.Now going to go through some features of the device comparing it to the HD7 and other versions of the HD8:--Which to buy HD8 Vs HD7Similar design choice looking at the exterior to the current fire 7 with differences being:- HD 8 has larger screen size, obviously. With the one inch difference videos look way more immersive especially with the higher resolution the tablet provides compared to the HD7-Smaller horizontal bezels making reading easier in portrait mode, and watching moves are more enjoyable in horizontal orientation. This may be an issue when you hold the tablet in portrait mode. Best as a one handed device in the portrait orientation; when using two hands, at least one hand (mainly the palm) may cover part of the screen activating the touch sensors.-All buttons, mic, 3mm headphone jack and charging port in one convenient location (all on one side of the device). I like this because you don't have to orient yourself all the time. The only port separate from the rest is the expandable memory from SD card slot, which i assume will not be used often less you download tons of movies-Speakers are better than the current gen HD7 (2017), not not as good as the HD7 (2nd gen) 2012** model with dual speakers. If you're close to fans or in a loud environment; the sound may get muffle the speaker sound a bit, so in this situation it's best to switch to wired headphones or bluetooth. **Wished this device had the same speakers as the HD7 2012 model, guess some compromises have to be made to cut cost. A bit disappointed that the budget tablet line has mono sounding speakers instead of Dobly sounding speakers. Yes, Amazon does market this tablet as having Dobly surround sound, but it doesn't sound like it; they probably put the a low grade Dobly sound chip in for lower production cost-Cameras are not the best quality in the world. front facing camera is okay for video chat if you just want to recognize the person on the other line and don't care about having a full 4k resolution of them. Back facing camera...if you already have a current smart phone, you're not going to use this over that. Good to have for immediate use to capture something on the fly if you have your phone charging in the other room i guess. Honestly i think it's not needed, but it's probably there for kids who complain that their tablet doesn't have a camera (and don't know the difference between image quality)The OS is very streamline and simple to navigate with tabs and large icons. Provides easy way to navigate all of Amazon services like ebooks, video, photos, app/amazon store, prime music, etcIf you own a previous Amazon device, everything can be sync automatically along with all purchases you've made through your amazon accountApp library not as diverse as the Google Play or iOS store. You can side load Google Play store, but not all apps are going to be compatible especially those the require GPS (while roaming) or have high hardware requirements. Also you sort of have to be tech savy or able to do research on how to load it in or know someone who does. There are some advantages of the Amazon app store as some full apps/games are free (without micotransactions) compared to the Google Play store which charges a few bucks or have you make purchases in-game with real life money.Battery life. Lasts a few hours more, mixed use compared to the HD7Alexa. Supports Alexa and compatible smart phone devices. The tablet is not available to pick up your voice when you say her name like the Echo devices, as you have to hold on the home button and wait for a visual prompt to say a command.So which one should you buy 7 or 8? I say if you're going to watch video more than reading e-books, shopping, browsing the web, or check e-mail; i'd go with the 8 for a more immersive experience. If you want more battery life out of a single full charge i'd go with the 8. Overall i'd say if you can afford it, 8 is a better option especially for media consumption--Which version to buy: special offers vs no special offersI've own several amazon devices in the past and the discounts for special offers have drastically gone down as most major sales is now aimed towards Alexa voice purchasing via echo devices.You will get some deal here and there, but the deals are not as deep as voice Alexa deals. Most of the time you'll see advertisement for new upcoming movies, tv shows or books. When deals do show up it's close to MSRP and do not have exclusive discount deals you see in the past.Normally i just ignore the ads out of habit, but other times something catches my eye for a second (~99% of the time i dont' buy anything) or it'll just give me a reminder that the new season of Game of Thrones is coming up for example.The only reason i can see you purchasing special offers is if you want to give a generous tip to amazon and/or you have a problem impulse buying stuff (digging deep into your bank account), or if you have children who knows your amazon password and purchase anything they find inciting--Kid edition vs normalSame specs as the regular HD8 but with some software changesBasically a worry-free version2 year warranty/protection planIncludes a rubberized case1 year amazon free-time unlimited which includes parental controls: You can set how much time your kids can spend on a particular application such as reading, viewing videos, playing games etc. unlimited access to a catalogue of child-friendly apps, games, ebooks and videos not present on the regular HD8.Basically the same as the HD8 (aside from the bumper case), but some content unlocked via softwareGreat budget tablet for kids,but if they're really into youtube, there's an app for this device on the Amazon app store, but it's not as intuitive as the one on iOS or Andriod. Had it cash on me sometimes or have issues negativing and saving scroll history. Also there's no picture-in-picture if you want to watch a video while browsing. Either Google doesn't want to do ongoing software/security updates for it or Amazon do not the exact same app on iOS/Andriod it on their store because they want you to use the Amazon Prime Video. It may be the former since Amazon let in Netflix and Hulu, and seeing the small install base compared to iOS/andriod updates may come in slow.--Which memory version to buy?-So there's a micro sd expansion; best to buy the 16gb as oppose to the 32 in my opinion as it's cheaper to buy a micro sd card and insert it into the device. Only reason i see someone purchasing the 32 over the 16 is if1. 16gb is sold out and you can't wait to buy one2. 32gb is on clearance and 16gb is not due to supply issue3. Used vs New pricing4. Have a coupon or credit to purchase the 32gb and a micro sd card isn't applicable with the promotion5. buying as gift to friend and family and want to show you're generous by spending extra money for them6. cheaper in a bundleOverall, best budget tablet for the price if you are a Amazon Prime member despite some negatives (namely the speakers and camera). Most mainstream tablets can range upwards to 5 or 6x more. Yes, they can do more and have better hardware specs, but if you just want a tablet that can do the basics and get the most out of your Prime subscription this is the tablet to get.
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