Install the Google Play Store for More Appsįirst things first: let’s get a real app store on this thing. Amazon’s Appstore is pretty weak, so if you want all the apps you’re used to on Android, you’ll need the full Google Play Store. This guide was written with the 7″ Fire Tablet in mind, but some will also work on the Fire HD 8 and other Amazon tablets. And thankfully, it’s really easy to do-you don’t even need to root your device. You are an intrepid tweaker, and you’re willing to hack your way to a stock-like Android experience on the Fire.
RELATED: How to Get Tons of In-App Purchases for Free with Amazon Underground on Android And Fire OS is so loaded with ads and “special deals” notifications that most people would rather have something with true Android. Amazon’s Appstore may have its advantages, but it doesn’t have near the selection of Google Play.
The biggest downside of the Fire tablet is Fire OS, Amazon’s modified version of Android. In fact, it’s such a great deal, I feel guilty for having spent hundreds of dollars on an iPad when the Fire does most of what I need pretty well. But for $50-$35 if you’re patient-it’s an absolutely killer deal, especially if you’re just using it for media consumption.
Its display is pretty low resolution, it isn’t very powerful, and it only has 8GB of storage (though you can add a 64GB microSD card very cheaply). Google's Android: What's the Difference?ĭon’t get us wrong: Amazon’s 7″ tablet is hardly the best tablet on the market.