Install Android 4.2.2 onto Kindle Fire (original)UPDATE: DONE! SUCCESS!

[Keysplayr]

Can it be done? The Kindle Fire was really nice when it was new, but now that the kindle app can be used on any Android or IOS device, the Kindle Fire interface is truly limited and the tablet could be put to better use with an authentic Google Android build.

Anyone try this? Success? Failure? No point? The hardware isn't a slouch and can be a nice backup tablet.

Tutorials are most welcomed.

Thanks!

UPDATE: DONE. SUCCESS. Opted out of KitKat though. Still buggy CyanogenMod version for tablets so I used JellyBean based Mod 4.2.2. Works very nicely.

 

[Mopetar]

I don't have one, but it looks like it's possible: http://www.cnet.com/news/turn-your-kindle-fire-into-an-android-4-2-tablet/

 

[Keysplayr]

Ok. Turns out I can't do anything without a fastboot cable to trick the Kindle fire into thinking I'm an Amazon technician. So I've ordered the Micro-B USB breakout board and 1k resistor to create my own. I cannot get into any sort of recovery mode or even install TWRP or FFF without this cable. Annoying and wondering if I should even bother at this point. Meh, the breakout board was only 4 bucks so we'll see what happens.

 

[Mopetar]

Can you use that method on the newer models as well? I've been considering getting one of the HD models, but I don't care for Amazon's customized version of Android.

 

[Keysplayr]

Afaict, there isn't any point to buy a kindle anymore. The only thing anyone might miss is amazon streaming movies through prime subscription. Any android or IOS device has access to the kindle app. You would do far better getting yourself an equivalent android tablet. The only reason I'm even bothering with this kindle fire is because it still has very viable hardware in it and still a snappy responsive tablet. It's just that the amazon interface stinks. Dual 1.2 GHz CPU is no slouch.
Anyway, IMHO, unless you have a very specific reason you need a kindle, look for a jelly bean or kit Kat tablet.

 

[zerocool84]

Afaict, there isn't any point to buy a kindle anymore. The only thing anyone might miss is amazon streaming movies through prime subscription. Any android or IOS device has access to the kindle app. You would do far better getting yourself an equivalent android tablet. The only reason I'm even bothering with this kindle fire is because it still has very viable hardware in it and still a snappy responsive tablet. It's just that the amazon interface stinks. Dual 1.2 GHz CPU is no slouch.
Anyway, IMHO, unless you have a very specific reason you need a kindle, look for a jelly bean or kit Kat tablet.

Actually the hardware is extremely old with a small amount of RAM but fun to tinker with.

 

[Mopetar]

The only reason I mention is is because they're likely to refresh the line-up soon and they've been offering fairly good discounts on the older models. I imagine that once the new ones actually come out, the price will drop even more and they'll have some incredible value for their cost.

 

[Keysplayr]

It all depends on what you like and if the price is right. I just bought an ASUS MeMo Pad 8 (ME181C) for 169.00. Quad core Intel Atom (BayTrail) and a 8" screen. 16GB. Android 4.4 (KitKat). There were certainly far less expensive tablets as well. You just have to be careful when you get to 99.00 and below on the no name tablets.
My point: You can probably find an equivalent or better deal on a full android tablet. You can buy a Nexus 7 2013 with Tegra 3 for about 150 now. That is a fine tablet. I got one for my daughter last year for Christmas.

 

[Keysplayr]

Actually the hardware is extremely old with a small amount of RAM but fun to tinker with.

Older. Yes. I have seen it run latest versions of Android though and it does it very well. And yes very fun to tinker with.

 

[Mopetar]

You can buy a Nexus 7 2013 with Tegra 3 for about 150 now. That is a fine tablet. I got one for my daughter last year for Christmas.

Do you mean the 2012 model? The 2012 model has the Tegra in it. The 2013 uses a Snapdragon, which is a big step up in my opinion.

 

[tnt118]

I used to run CM on the original Fire (don't remember which CM/Android version atm) and it was a rather good experience. It couldn't keep up on all games, and of course there are some native hardware limitations, but that little thing chugged along rather impressively.

 

[Keysplayr]

Do you mean the 2012 model? The 2012 model has the Tegra in it. The 2013 uses a Snapdragon, which is a big step up in my opinion.

I'm sorry, yes. It was the Tegra 3 not the snapdragon. So 2012 it must be.

 

[Keysplayr]

I used to run CM on the original Fire (don't remember which CM/Android version atm) and it was a rather good experience. It couldn't keep up on all games, and of course there are some native hardware limitations, but that little thing chugged along rather impressively.

Yeah exactly what I think after observing many you tube vids on how to flash new ROMs on an original Kindle Fire. It appeared quite snappy and the 512MB didn't seem to present any sort of problems. At least non that were reported.
Yes there are no cameras or microphones which does hamper the complete android experience, but for a simple web browser and game player and movie watcher and access to the Play Store, it should be very good. Just waiting on the micro-B USB breakout board.

 

[Mopetar]

I'm sorry, yes. It was the Tegra 3 not the snapdragon. So 2012 it must be.

The Kindle Fire HDX isn't that much more expensive (and probably likely to get even cheaper when Amazon releases this year's model) and has twice as much RAM and CPU power. If all it takes to get around Amazon's security is the same is a cheap part it's probably worth it.

 

[Keysplayr]

The Kindle Fire HDX isn't that much more expensive (and probably likely to get even cheaper when Amazon releases this year's model) and has twice as much RAM and CPU power. If all it takes to get around Amazon's security is the same is a cheap part it's probably worth it.

All things being equal, like cost, performance and features, why choose any kindle over any equivalent android tablet? What is the allure for you to go Kindle over say a galaxy Tab or Asus MeMo, etc. ?

Only thing I could see would the be the tinkerer in all of us.

 

[podspi]

Posting this on an original Kindle Fire running 4.2.2. The hardware is getting a bit old, but still completely usable. I wouldn't buy one today, bit if you have one lying around it's worth the effort (and fun) to mod it up.

That being said, I've found 4.4 to run generally poorly, ditto with 4.3. My guess would be due to the lack of updated TI drivers, but who knows. What I'm running now (sgt7) is basically perfect. Was going to buy a Nexus 7, but I'll wait now to see if the new nexus rumours are true.

 

[dlock13]

I have the latest version of CM (4.4..... whatever it is), and it runs fairly well. I honestly can't remember for the life of me what I did to get it to run on the OG Fire....... I wish I could help you.

The worst part about all of that is it was only a little over a week ago that I did that!

 

[Keysplayr]

I have the latest version of CM (4.4..... whatever it is), and it runs fairly well. I honestly can't remember for the life of me what I did to get it to run on the OG Fire....... I wish I could help you.

The worst part about all of that is it was only a little over a week ago that I did that!

I think as of Kindle firmware 6.3.2 and later, fastboot mode was completely disabled and the use of the fastboot cable is now mandatory. I don't know if Amazon implemented this on the new Kindles, but I don't see why they wouldn't. I should be getting the Micro USB connector in a day or two. I'll update.

 

[Keysplayr]

Well, it worked. I received the Micro-B USB breakout board and soldered it up with the 1k resistor jumped from VCC to ID. Plugged it into my desktop and then the kindle. The Kindle was already rooted with "SAFEROOT" but with this "fastboot" cable installed, I was able to use the Kindle Fire Utility 0.9.9 and command the Kindle to go into fastboot mode, then was able to install Fire Fire Fire and TWRP. Copied JellyBean 4.2.2 Tablet Mod Along with GAPPS and it all worked very well. Pics below.
Any questions I can fill in the blanks.

 

[dlock13]

Good job!

Side note: Do you play the piano? If so, that's awesome. I've always wanted to learn.

 

[Keysplayr]

Thanks!

Yes. Been playing piano and keyboards for over 30 years.

Here is a closeup pic of the Micro-B USB breakout board after soldering.



Red to VCC (Pin1)
White to D- (Pin2)
Green to D+ (Pin3)
Black to GND (Pin5)
And jump a 1k resistor from VCC to ID (Pin1 to Pin4)


I will trim any overhanging wire threads and cover connections on both sides with a glue gun. I've heard this isn't just for Kindles. Seems some other companies utilize this method to try to keep average Joes from tampering.

 

[podspi]

So how do you like it? For such an old piece of hardware (in the mobile world) I think it runs pretty well.

 

[Keysplayr]

It definitely runs smoother and faster than Amazon's ROM. You might call the Kindle old, and compared to what's available only two short years later it sure is, but it still has a Dual 1GHz OMAP CPU. It's pretty snappy. Downloaded the Kindle App from the Play Store and it's like nothing has changed in that regard. I really am pleased with the transformation. I'd like to give props to the folks who created the ROM. I believe it's called "otter". Basically a vanilla JellyBean. But it's a lot better than Amazon's really weird interface. Breathed new life into it. Or at least extended it for a while.

 

[podspi]

It definitely runs smoother and faster than Amazon's ROM. You might call the Kindle old, and compared to what's available only two short years later it sure is, but it still has a Dual 1GHz OMAP CPU. It's pretty snappy. Downloaded the Kindle App from the Play Store and it's like nothing has changed in that regard. I really am pleased with the transformation. I'd like to give props to the folks who created the ROM. I believe it's called "otter". Basically a vanilla JellyBean. But it's a lot better than Amazon's really weird interface. Breathed new life into it. Or at least extended it for a while.

It's not really the CPU or GPU (imho) that holds it back, its the RAM. Frankly, I think if the "mobile revolution" has shown us anything, its that its not processing power that is really important for many tasks, but storage and RAM.

When you compare mobile devices to other devices historically, often the big differentiation is not processing power but storage/ram. Of course there are exceptions to this (especially if you are using your computing device for 'real work') but for many basic tasks this holds.

 

[vailr]

This method only requires a standard USB>miniUSB cable:
How to Root & Convert Kindle Fire HD 8.9 into Pure Android Tablet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUW6KARo8Y4