Are Kindles any good? - General Questions and Answers

I've noticed that sometimes you can get Kindles at a decent price. I've always been curious and have found the hardware specs very nice. Plus I love reading and surfing the web.
I've been accustomed to the Nexus line and stock Android. I have a few questions.
How does the Fire OS compare to Android?
Can Kindles be rooted to block ads?
Do they feature gyroscopes?
Can I use Google services such as Play Music and Play Books with Kindles?
Are the Kindles terribly limited compared to regular Android tablets?
Can I replace the batteries using DIY methods?
Do any Kindles have their bootloaders unlocked and ROM development?

Related

[Q] Any way to access BBC iPlayer's iPad streams?

MyPlayer on the Android market allows downloading of the HQ video streams used by iPhone and iPod Touch through the Safari browser, however on hi res, big screened devices like the Galaxy Tab these downloads look pretty crappy. You can also download a DRM encrypted file from the BBC iPlayer Mobile site but this is also pretty rubbish.
I know that the iPad stream is fantastic quality and just wondered if anyone knew if it is possible to access this stream, or if any developers are working on a means of doing so.
It seems a shame that online videos seem tailored to the iPad but not Android tablets: even Android's own YouTube app doesn't have streams in the same high resolution as the one built into iPad.
leoni1980 said:
MyPlayer on the Android market allows downloading of the HQ video streams used by iPhone and iPod Touch through the Safari browser, however on hi res, big screened devices like the Galaxy Tab these downloads look pretty crappy. You can also download a DRM encrypted file from the BBC iPlayer Mobile site but this is also pretty rubbish.
I know that the iPad stream is fantastic quality and just wondered if anyone knew if it is possible to access this stream, or if any developers are working on a means of doing so.
It seems a shame that online videos seem tailored to the iPad but not Android tablets: even Android's own YouTube app doesn't have streams in the same high resolution as the one built into iPad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's early days yet. I'm an android developer by profession and am focusing on the Galaxy Tab as a primary target alongside the iPad for our applications. In my spare time it's possible I'll write some exclusively for the tab.
Is it possible then? Or is the iPad stream encrypted?
I look forward to development for Galaxy Tab, I don't normally leap in and buy cutting-edge devices at full price, just hoping I haven't made a mistake with the Galaxy Tab.
leoni1980 said:
Is it possible then? Or is the iPad stream encrypted?
I look forward to development for Galaxy Tab, I don't normally leap in and buy cutting-edge devices at full price, just hoping I haven't made a mistake with the Galaxy Tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't think it's a waste. I was bought mine purely because we intent do develop for it, we're just one company but I'm sure there are others like ours.
As for the stream, I have never looked into the video stuff, I don't see why the right app couldn't just get the normal youtube HD vids down.
I find it extremely irritating that the BBC has decided that they only support Android via flash yet fruit themed devices get dedicated apps (and so do Blackberries as an aside!).
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
I find it extremely irritating that the BBC has decided that they only support Android via flash yet fruit themed devices get dedicated apps (and so do Blackberries as an aside!).
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, this is irritating, but we do still have Flash unlike the fruit themed devices
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[Resolved] Netflix?

When is Android getting a Netflix app that supports streaming?
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iOS and WP7 have it? Why not Android?
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I have a Netflix account that begs to be streamed on my 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab.
My Tab works fine with several video streaming sites - but Netflix refuses to install directly from their web site...saying that my device is not supported.
I understand the process. But I'm growing a strong resentment of Netflix's attitude about this whole thing. They imply that they just haven't certified that the Galaxy Tab is compatible with their streaming service. Yet many comparable android devices are. Sheesh, how long could it take to check that out?
I have a feeling that Netflix has made a deal somewhere to delay or obfuscate the use of devices competitive to the iPad (or maybe some other tablet). Who knows?
But it is frustrating to say the least.
i had read somewhere that netflix did not want to release it until all problems were worked out, and since there are many different versions of Android (EVO, DESIREHD, NEXUS) they wanted to have a universal. To say the least android required more from the dev team. Should be out very soon, but if not im sure there are leaks somewhere.

Need Advice, please.

I have 500 bucks to spend and am hesitating between getting either the Surface or a nexus 7 + a chromebook. For those who have had some experience with those devices, what do you think would be a better way to go? I am honestly hesitating between the two choices.
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The Chromebook really doesn't enthuse me...I don't completely think that its existence is justified yet. It depends how you consider the convenience of two devices vs one.
What are you planning on doing? Will you type a lot? Integrate the products into an existing Windows 8/Android phone ecosystem? Watch movies and videos? Games? Travel with it, or are they devices for home? Will you carry a Nexus 7 around alongside your Chromebook?
Personally, I'd look at the range of Atom-based Windows 8 Pro hybrid tablets. They get better battery and performance than the Surface RT, and have access to all Windows applications of the past. There's heaps from every OEM, and I don't know your exact price-point, so I can't really make a recommendation.
I don't agree re: the Atom systems providing better performance and battery than the surface. I've used an Atom Windows machine and it was a dog and the battery life was comparable to a PC.
I do agree regarding understanding just what you are going to use it for.
Are you a student? An office worker?
Are you watching movies? Playing games? Just browsing the web?
Are you going to need any Office document editing?
The Nexus is going to give you the best app ecosystem and access to Google Play books, movies, and music. The Chromebook is basically just an android tablet in a laptop form factor (with some limitations).
The Surface is more of a PC with some restrictions but doesn't benefit from the Google Play Store. It does have access to the XBox ecosystem but it is not as extensive as Google offerings (yet?).
I have Android tablets and an iPad and in the week I've had the Surface I have found the Surface to have more utility than any other tablet I've owned, but I look at things from a work standpoint. I don't play games or use "apps" on a tablet. I need them on my phone (which is why I have an Android phone).
Thanks for your input. I had the transformer prime but returned it because of a screen that went really bad. I am planning to go to school and was wondering which device (surface or chromebook) would help more on the go (I have a 17" Toshiba at home). I don't play much on my tablet but I like to watch movies on Netflix and videos online and browse the web. I am leaning toward the surface, I guess I am looking for assurance that I won't be disappointed.
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Wendemixda said:
Thanks for your input. I had the transformer prime but returned it because of a screen that went really bad. I am planning to go to school and was wondering which device (surface or chromebook) would help more on the go (I have a 17" Toshiba at home). I don't play much on my tablet but I like to watch movies on Netflix and videos online and browse the web. I am leaning toward the surface, I guess I am looking for assurance that I won't be disappointed.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an impossible assurance, but if this is for school, I think Surface is the way to go. They have a no-restock 14 day return policy. Worst case scenario, you can buy it, use it, and if you don't like it, return it.
Surface already has Netflix, Hulu, Kindle, and supports Amazon Instant Video via the web browser.
If you need Office, then get the Surface. I've tried just about every word processor/spread sheet app on android and none of them come close to the real thing. The Touch Cover and the way it's integrated is also vastly superior to any keyboard peripheral I've used on my android tablets.
If you do work with a lot of PDF's though be warned that right now you're pretty much stuck with converting them into office docs for now, the pdf reader that comes with the Surface barely has any functionality beyond the ability to open and read them, and there aren't any alternatives on the market yet.
As for netflix, hulu and web surfing it's all there. The Surface uses the desktop version of IE10 and as far as I know, it's the only new tablet to have flash support. Subjectively speaking I've found it to be just as fast as Chrome on Android 4.1.1, while I like the way Chrome renders some websites better, IE10 will always pull the desktop version of websites and does a much better job with animated gifs and embedded video.
hoodoomagic said:
If you need Office, then get the Surface. I've tried just about every word processor/spread sheet app on android and none of them come close to the real thing. The Touch Cover and the way it's integrated is also vastly superior to any keyboard peripheral I've used on my android tablets.
If you do work with a lot of PDF's though be warned that right now you're pretty much stuck with converting them into office docs for now, the pdf reader that comes with the Surface barely has any functionality beyond the ability to open and read them, and there aren't any alternatives on the market yet.
As for netflix, hulu and web surfing it's all there. The Surface uses the desktop version of IE10 and as far as I know, it's the only new tablet to have flash support. Subjectively speaking I've found it to be just as fast as Chrome on Android 4.1.1, while I like the way Chrome renders some websites better, IE10 will always pull the desktop version of websites and does a much better job with animated gifs and embedded video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find the built in pdf reader more than capable. I work with large pdfs for work and with the options menu at the bottom I can search , find bookmarks, highlight and add notes. What else do you want from a reader?
The only other thing I need is a pdf driver to create pdfs on the go but that is a different app.
guitar1969 said:
I find the built in pdf reader more than capable. I work with large pdfs for work and with the options menu at the bottom I can search , find bookmarks, highlight and add notes. What else do you want from a reader?
The only other thing I need is a pdf driver to create pdfs on the go but that is a different app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I was a too quick to judge and missed a lot of things that the stock reader is capable of doing. I'm used to using ez-pdf on android and that throws a lot of options in your face and was thrown off by the cleaner interface of the ms reader. I still can't figure out how to quickly get to a page though, and a night mode would be nice.
hoodoomagic said:
I still can't figure out how to quickly get to a page though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pinch to zoom out.
mk1151 said:
The Chromebook is basically just an android tablet in a laptop form factor (with some limitations).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that it isn't that at all!
No Android whatsoever in the Chromebook.
Regards,
Dave
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foxmeister said:
Except that it isn't that at all!
No Android whatsoever in the Chromebook.
Regards,
Dave
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct, chromeOS doesn't share app stores with android, so no apps aside for the ones built specifically for that OS (which is just a fullscreen chrome browser)
aside from the rock bottom pricing for a basic use computer, i don't see the point of the chromebook at all.

Any Tegra 3 Mini PC coming out similar to Ouya?

I really like the idea of Ouya gaming console. Ive been toying with the idea of buying one as they say that it will be very easy to customize. The problem is that there will be no play store available. This means no gba/gbc/psx/n64/sega roms unless ouya comes out with their own version. This limits its ability to be a game console which will fit my needs. Is there anything similar coming to market?
Do you think the ouya will be hacked to allow custom roms?
You can always sideload apps on the Ouya.. Play Store can be easily installed on it if it is half as dev friendly as they claim..same goes for custom ROM's..
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What is the BEST i can get for 60$+-?

Hi,
I'm looking 2buy a straemer for kodi.
I made a big research upon that question read a lot.
Found some reccommandtions such as:
* NEXBOX A95X
* BEELINK GT1
* ZIDOO X9S
* Xiaomi Mi Box (maybe wont be relevant due to lack of RJ45 Ethernet? *important
What is for your opintion is the best for around 60$? Not only from the follwing...
Thansks!
Bro! Thanks for putting that initial list together. I was also considering some of those.... following this thread to see if any further input on affordable boxes similar to above.
Lets cross our finguers to responces
The new NVidia Shield TV dropped also. But that beast is $199 for standard and $299 for a pro. Heck for that much money might as well get an Intel mini-pc.
Cannot find a single reasson of buying a media pc (streamer is so 2010)
I personally am buying a T95Z box, specifically the easytone package off amazon.
The T95Z and the S96 boxes are loaded with newer chips and decent memory/storage and most are around $60. Check em out.
Sent from my OnePlus One using XDA Labs
Unless you need the video features the s905X supports, stay away from it..
It's billed as "the new SoC" by the sellers but it's over-all slower than the S905 - all it has is those few video feature extras... but generally slower all around.
OK
So it better choosing a S905 device.
But which one/s??
All around XDA, with around 7 MILLION membes - not any single recommandation?
Tnx!
So looking at the new zoomtak Uplus I might hold off and get that when more vendors start selling it. Check it out
h t t p ://www .zoomtak.net/product-item/4k-hd-tv-box-zoomtak-amlogic-s912-uplus/
As for right now, at that price point, best bet would be a sunvell t95z. It has the newer Amlogic S912 and better mali gpu than most. It'll handle 4k no problem.
Thanks
Also heard about the sunvell t95z.
Guess it supposed to be good...?
How is it compare to Beeling GT1?
Hardware wise they are identical. The launcher/ui's will be different, but is always customizable. If choosing between those two I'd say it would come down to price, accessories, and visual appeal. Since both will offer similar performance.
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mibox is the only answer, other ones are running ****ty android tablet version
A bit late shabydog, but give this video a watch. Might answer most of your questions.
h t t p s://youtu.be/VAMHe6eQQO8
This may be obvious, but did you consider a Fire TV stick? They're only 40 for the basic model and they're more than powerful enough to run Kodi. if that's all you're looking to do. they can also be rooted without problem and have custom ROM's in case you want a more traditional Android feel. I've got two running Kodi without any issues. You don't even need to go for the upgraded version with the voice search remote as you can download the fire tv remote app free from the Play store on any Android device and it has voice search built in. Unless you are looking to set up a PVR with Kodi, in which case the six gig storage would be an issue.
Guys have a look at this.
It might help you, especially if your main goal is to use KODI / SPMC / etc:
http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252916
The Xiomi Mi Box 4K seems like a no brainier at ~$70. I've had it for maybe 6 months and it's very good. Runs Kodi v17 awesome, runs RetroArch awesome for gaming emulators, plus all the usual Android TV stuff like Chromecast, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, etc. It still runs Android 6.0.1 but hopefully it'll get Android N soon. Some of the 4K/HDR stuff isn't perfect I've heard, but have mine set to 1080p, don't have a 4K TV anyway. I'd definitely buy it again though at this price point: http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/

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