yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Very true. The "exemption" allows users of non-complying devices to access their Google account, if blocked. But I don't think it guarantees that GPS will be bug-free on those devices. That's what "full" Play Protect is for. Going this route probably wouldn't make any difference to you Fire tablet since you already have access to your Google account.

This where it gets "squishy" with Fire tablets. Amazon won't support GPS but won't entirely block it. Goggle "de facto" allows GPS install/access but won't it support when things go sideways. @Datastream33 and FTB are caught in the middle with no control over either. "Catch-22" anyone?

Reports of numerous GPS app probems with Fire8.

Doubly ironic if Amazon ever opened-up Appstore !
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] i.REN:
We should be permitted to put whatever software we want on our hardware in that case, but no Amazon has to block us from doing so by stopping us from unlocking the bootloader. Bad form. I think my next tablet will be one of those head wolf tablets. They don't look half bad.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Exactly . FireOS 7 is locked-down pretty tight with each iteration ... Probably worse with FireOS 8 ... I'm afraid to look. If the XDA devs can't find a "root" process , it must be REALLY hard !

That might be worth a short "whine" LOL 😎
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Ivorin:
I seem to remember that Play Protect certification is necessary for certain video streaming apps to be available and/or functional from GPS, things like Netflix or cable TV apps? Anyway, that was my main motivation for suggesting that someone submit the form to Google.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] 0s1ride:
I don't think Amazon for Tablets actively checks if OTAs are disabled, nor that it was somehow recently updated by Amazon to make it stop working (I've disabled OTAs since 7.3.2.1 and the app is not available in the Amazon App Store). Most probably the app simply had a time bomb or it's a server-side check.

The Amazon for Tablets that comes preinstalled with our tablets has the same package name and signature as the Play Store version, but it has an higher versionCode, so it cannot be updated through the Play Store; it can be only be updated via OTA. Apkmirror and most similar websites only have the Play Store version, which cannot be installed because its internal versionCode is lower (cf the INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE error mentioned a few posts ago).

The solution is to sideload the APK from an up-to-date (i.e. with OTA enabled) Fire Tablet or find a website that also archives Amazon APKs. So far I've found this: I've installed it on my Fire HD 8 2020 yesterday and it still seems to work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Thanks @0s1ride so VERY much. This is the precise technical explanation we've all been looking for ... (mine were just a feeble non-tech diagnostic mind exercises).

Here's the link to full Amazon for Tablet archive in English used

by @0s1ride

Amazon for Tablets (Android)

Download the APK of Amazon for Tablets for Android for free. The Amazon app specifically for Android tablets. Amazon for Tablets is an app that lets you enjoy...

amazon-for-tablets.en.uptodown.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
I sideloaded the apk that you provided and installed without OTA updates enabled and was successful in restoring Shop Amazon on my HD 10 2021 tablet. I actually used the English version that @Jumbo100 provided. I guess we'll see how long it lasts. Thank you.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
So you are suggesting that someone else should be the guinea pig and submit the form to Google to satisfy YOUR curiosity? Why not submit the form yourself?;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Ivorin:
I'm not skilled with ADB, so I figured someone else would much more easily be able to extract the data the form needs.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I liked that idea. I own 1 tablet from 2019 with OTA's blocked on which Shop Amazon was not functioning. I own another tablet that has v7.3.2.3 on it and has all it's updates. I copied the .apk on the newer tablet and installed it on the older tablet. It works fine now! The version I have is dated July 7, 2022. This seems to be a way around that problem. Thanks @0s1ride and @Jumbo100 .
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Nor am I Ivorin. I was just teasing you a bit, no offense intended. I would rather let sleeping dogs lie as the saying goes. I came to this site after purchasing my tablet on Prime Day. I knew absolutely nothing about how to do any of these modifications. The Fire toolbox that @Datastream33 has created has done all the legwork making it simple for a novice like myself to get the best bang for the buck out of my device. @blaacksheep also was an enormous help to me. This is a wonderful site with so many helpful people, you included(y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] lewmur:
It is NOT bad form. Amazon sells these tablets at such low prices because they consider them "marketing tools". Without the income they derive from their bloat, they couldn't sell them at the prices they do. Yes, we own the tablets and thus have the right to do our best to limit the bloat, but that doesn't mean it is bad form for them to try to prevent it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
I think most tablet owners are also Amazon customers. Speaking for myself, I have been a Prime member for many years and still am. I spend quite a bit on Amazon purchases. Trying to make the tablet more functional is my objective. I've even made it easier for Amazon by "fixing" the shop Amazon app that they disabled. Getting rid of apps from Amazon that I will never use or have no need for is my objective. Amazon is not losing any money on me. I can assure you of that.:)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Davy49:
Hi Everyone,

As I've stated previously I think I'm about ready to buy a 'real' android tablet. I found this one on a site that up until now I've never bought anything from. What do you think of this one : https://m.aliexpress.com/item/3256804305144048.html

I just wanted to apologize for not adding the link to the android tablet that I was referring to properly. I guess I must have been having a super old folks moment when I posted it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] lewmur:
If you read most post, I stated that we have every right to attempt to debloat. My objection is to saying it is bad form for them to make it as difficult as possible.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Now THAT'S quite the link!! 21 lines of link on my browser. I'm not sure where you're located, but ordering direct from China is something I prefer to stay away from with shipping delays what they are and the questionable quality of some things. I'd order the headwolf tablet before I ordered from aliexpress.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] i.REN:
Yes it is. It's our device, not Amazon's. We have a right to do with it as we please not them. The license is for the software not for the device.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] i.REN:
Same here. I'd rather have a custom rom but FTB is good enough. I only by Amazon tablets because the deal is too good. My 2021 I got for even cheaper than normal price due to a sale, a discount for turning in the 2019 (screen cracked) plus store credits I had and also paid for no lockscreen ads (so they are getting my support from that as well as in addition to Prime and all the times I've purchased from them).
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] i.REN:
Bad form to block us from installing a custom rom.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] lewmur:
Try telling that to Apple. Or unlocking the bootloader of a Samsung phone made for the US//Canadian market.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] i.REN:
I don't care about Apple and phones don't matter to me as long as they are based on Android. I just disable what I can. Tablets are different since they can be more functional than a phone, at least for me. The larger screen is also better for me since I have a few disabilities.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adahm:
I can't find my Fire 8 OS version 5.6.7.0 on adb. I have developer options turned on and all adb drivers installed as well. Was the adb neutered somewhere along the previous versions?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] i.REN:
Thanks so much both of you. Annoyance with Amazon dissipated.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You say you've turned on developer options, but have you also enabled ADB Debugging?

Enabling ADB Debugging:

Turn on your tablet and go to Settings > Device Options and tap on the Serial Number until you unlock Developer Options.

Find the new Developer Options and toggle it on.

Scroll down till you find ADB Debugging and enable it.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adahm:
Yes, I have another HD 8 the 2018 8th gen and is detected and working fine with the toolbox.

The 2017 version is not detected when I plug it into the same cable. I double-checked the ADB option in developer options and it is called "Enable ADB" which is turned on.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You can try unplugging your tablet from the USB cable, turn off "Enable ADB", then look below "Enable ADB" for "Revoke USB debugging authorizations" (it might be labeled differently on FireOS 5) and select that. Now turn "Enable ADB" back on. Reconnect your USB cable and fire up Toolbox again. Hopefully now you will see the request for authorization on the tablet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adahm:
Still no luck.

Maybe the usb connector on the tablet is buggered? It starts charging as soon as I plug the cable in. But the toolbox does not detect the connection.

Also, I notice in the windows 10 devices dialog that when I plug in the 2018 HD8, I see a device called KFAWI pop up when connected, but the 2017 version does not create any new entities.

Maybe it's time to research adb over wifi ...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Try switching the USB connection mode to PTP (camera) mode. Swipe down to show the notifications, tap the USB connected as xxx notification, tap again and choose PTP (camera) mode. Alternately, try File transfer mode. Might just be that.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Ó ko

Possibly a glitch in USB polling not picking up device id.

Try any of following:

- using a different USB cable . Goofy, but it sometimes solves my USB data related problems. Don't ask me why.

- reinstalling Anfroid USB drivers for Windows

- refreshing FTB install and letting FTB do the work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adahm:
I don't see a notification. when connecting the cable, but I changed the usb computer connection to PTP mode in Develop options, and still no connection.

Tried to connect with wifi on TCP 5555 and the connection times out.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Can annoyances with Amazon EVER be fully dissapated?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I'm fresh out of ideas now. I believe that ADB over WiFi can only be done on a Fire tablet after first connecting through USB and issuing a command. (I don't know what it is though.) I tried on my tablet typing "adb connect 192.168.0.52" and it was actively refused. Maybe you need to double check your device manager for exclamation marks. You might need another device driver for your other tablet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] adahm:
Thanks for all the help!

Maybe time to trade this for the new HD8 22 bucks out the door ...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] glitchbit:
I can't even seem to properly search this thread all of a sudden. Any ways, I don't think this has been mentioned before but since it seems no one has suggested a good fix for the areas of this app that does not properly resize automatically or allow you to resize the window manually.. I will suggest a working solution.

Downloard winexplorer from NirSoft and find the Fire Toolbox window name inside that app and then manually type in a large width and height for the window and hit Modify. That will allow you to use this app properly under Windows even when the window sizes themselves don't allow for it and make the app unusable in certain areas.

Good luck! And hopefully the dev behind this app will fix that and get the source into github or somewhere too where people can submit actual PRs to the guy instead of however they are doing updates to this app currently.

WinExplorer v1.30
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] DB126:
Might agree if device was sold at market price or alternatives were not readily available. Amazon positions Fire tablets as a captive ecosystem portal, not a general purpose Android gizmo for use with competitors products/services. Willing buyer, willing seller.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] pmckay:
Does casting Netflix from a Fire work? When I click the cast button, and click the target Chromecast, the resulting icon just spins and it never connects. Does this not work on a Fire HD10, firmware 7.3.19? I thought it used to...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] derekisthematrix:
Need some help here. I have 2 2020 HD8's. Both on 7.3.2.4 and one stopped installing or updating any app from the Play Store while the other still works fine. I've tried using Toolbox V28.9 to remove all Google Services, accounts, etc. from the device and then re-installed them. I can log back into the Google account via the Play Store but no apps will install or update. Any ideas?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
If you haven't already tried this, Google suggests the following standard Android troubleshooting sequence:

- Clear cache & data from Google Play Services​

- Remove & re-add your Google Account​

- Clear the cache & data of the Play Store​

- Clear cache & data from Download Manager
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] derekisthematrix:
Thanks but I tried all that prior to using Fire Toolbox to try to remove and re-add all 4 Google-related apps. After doing this, I can log into the Google Account, search and see apps in the Play Store, but I can't install or update existing apps.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Just to confirm, which 4 apps are the "trouble-makers" ?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] derekisthematrix:
Sorry, the 4 apps I was referring to are: Google Play Services, Google Account Manager, Google Play Store, and Google Services Framework. These have been added and removed via Toolbox to try to correct the original problem which was NO app could be updated nor installed from the Play Store (e.g. Minecraft). After removing the 4 Google apps, re-adding them, re-logging into the Google Account and Play Store, existing apps still can't be updated and new apps won't install from the Play Store.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Maybe the Aurora App Store would better suit your needs.?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Ahh, now it's clearer. It appears that GPS suite of apks are installed but might not be the "right set". As you are already know, for each Fire tablet model, GPS requires a specific set of the 4 GPS apk, installed in a defined order.

Recently, FTB has had glitches serving and coordinating the GPS apks. Something to do with the pointing of links which keep changing.

Suggestting, as a last resort, manually sideloading GPS set for your Fire 8 HD 2020. You know GPS works for your other Fire 8 tab.

Sometimes doing it "by hand" trumps the "convenience" of software.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] joey112uk:
Hi, I have a new Amazon Fire 7 16GB 2GB RAM 2022 12th generation, with Google Play Store added using Fire Toolbox V28.9, with thanks to Datastream33, allowing me to run Google Chrome, Google Maps and a few more apps not available in the Amazon app store. I discovered that I can only open and run an app if I first clear the cache and memory of both Google Play Store and Google Play Services. Clearing the memory of Google Play Services actually crashes the Amazon Settings app. The clearing of memory seems to be the only way to run my apps. I wish I could expand the 2GB RAM! I can run all apps but this is a little tedious. Does anyone know a fix for this?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] jinx100:
Just curious, I don't believe any Amazon tablet includes a GPS location sensor so how is Google Maps useful?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Interesting! Others have reported the same problems with the new 12th gen tablets. It's interesting that clearing the cache and memory of Google Play Services makes it work once. I found a similar result with Shop Amazon which no longer worked on blocked OTA devices - clearing the cache and memory allows it to work for one use. It's as though some flag or marker is being set in these apps which FireOS uses to refuse to launch them. Hmmm...:unsure:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
You know those Google "Street View" trucks that crawl the streets taking Street View pictures? Well, they're also mapping all the WiFi signals and SSID's that they receive. Although they don't publish THAT map, I'm sure it's VERY comprehensive. As an experiment, I turned on location in the quicksetting tiles and fired up OsmAnd, a freemium offline mapping app. On one tablet, it had my location down to <50 ft. On the other, it had my location at ~100 ft. Pretty accurate without GPS! I live in a city so it's easier than out in a more rural area. I'm sure there it would be lucky to get <1000 ft.

Google knows who and where you are. Even without GPS!! 😲
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
You're correct. Fire tablets don't have a GPS "chip" ... but many apps can use "Location Sevices" over WiFi. WiFi geographic resolutions aren't as good as using cellular data. Can set Google Map to use WIFI only.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
androidauthority.com has a nice explanation of RAM utilization by OS ... “available” RAM cf “free” RAM optimization:

Does Android use more memory than iOS?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] flaviocc:
Guys,

one question: It's possible to use Alexa outside USA and in another language?

I'm from Brazil. Tks.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
It may depend on the "regional" version of FireOS installed.

Fire tablets registered in Canada have Alexa DISABLED ... same tablet registered in USA works. Depends on where your Amazon account is resident.

More generally, Alexa IS supported in Brazilian Portuguese (see https://www.onesmartcrib.com/can-amazon-alexa-speak-brazilian/) , but maybe not on Fire tablets.

Check your Fire tablet specs with Amazon Brazil to see if Alexa is implemented.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] flaviocc:
Tks Jumbo....I read about that and since last firm update Alexa stop works here (just on tablet, since amazon dont sell tablets here....)

The workaround before the update was change the region in your account, reboot, new apps shows in dashboard, configure your alexa, change to Brazil again and everything works in PT-BR. After the update Alexa just work in English.

I bought a Fire 8 plus today, brand new and not activate. I don't know what OS came in. What I need to check before any update??

Tks.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
1. Good to know that Alexa works in Brazil. Looks look like Alexa got desynched from PT-BR on the last update. PT-BR is one of the default languages in the Americas on current Fire tablets.

If Alexa app is still responding to English, easiest to try:

“Alexa, speak English and Portuguese” (Alexa goes bilingual), then

“Alexa, stop speaking English”

2. For your new Fire 8HD, turn off WiFi to avoid “accidental” registration/activation before you do anything else ... temporarily turning off your WiFi router/modem is the fool-proof way.

To check Fire OS version open Settings/Device Options/System Updates/current OS at top of display
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] flaviocc:
Since Amazon debut here in BR, Alexa works. I was a beta tester before the official launch (with a echo).

Amazon is very strange with devices that not sells here. Before the fire 4K debut here Alexa didn’t work too, but in normal fire works.

I will try what you said when I get the fire hd.

After I check the firmware, what I have to look ?? I want to stay on the ‘best friendly firmware ‘.

Tks so much and sorry my English errors.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Take a look Fire Toolbox Post #1. Lots of options to customize and add functions to your Fire tablets. Gives you access to Google Play Store and more. @Datastream33 makes it all easily accessible.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Nice job @seanmachine documenting the process of installing Fire Toolbox and Google Play Services on your new Fire HD 7. Gives us all good insight into what to expect with this new tablet and Fire OS 8.

Your experience is similar to other post in the thread ... GPS installs with FTB fairly normally, but running non-Amazon apps is inconsistent and erratic.

Several general trends are emerging:

- GPS can install, but not running as well on Fire OS 8 cf FIre OS 5/7.

- incompatibility of some non-Appstore apps, especially Google apps.

- problems Fire OS 8 managing RAM cache with GPS and GPS-installed apps.

- non-Appstore apps accessing "web" resources may be problematic.

- general "sluggishness" of non-Appsrore apps.

Looks like Amazon has really "locked-down" new Fire tablets to GPS "foreigners".

Stay tuned for more developments.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
sudo ./make me a sammich
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] stripealipe:
Heya dude, ok... yeah, Google Play Books, which my wife uses, is very unstable and crashes frequently, quitting either the bookback to the app when launching it, or the app itself quits when launching back to the desktop. It's random too, as you can keep trying and eventually get a book loaded. Not ideal when you wanna read a few pages before you go to bed! ;)

Any ideas? I know Google Books is probs not registering a lot of complaints and the web ain't giving me much..

ta
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Thanks for the report.

Adding "Google Play Books & Audiobooks" to the "misbehaving" list.

No resolution yet. Sigh.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
As if LOL
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] seanmachine:
yep, exactly. installing GPS was a serious pain, though, due to the activity I mentioned above. once it was up and running, however, the store and calendar worked great, while google news works... occasionally. it seems to be an "all or nothing" proposition with that one.

I think I'm going to re-enable Amazon updates. it occurred to me that maybe the latest FireOS release is in itself broken, right out of the box? like, it couldn't update it's OWN apps LOCALLY, which is why I started fiddling with it in the first place. hardly any wonder then that there would be issues with "foreign," as you say, apps. (love that term, btw.)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
IMO it's not "sloppy" FireOS coding ... it's more "purposeful". With each previous FireOS update, it's been progressively harder to maintain a stable GPS setup within the FireOS infrastructure. Fire OS 8 appears worse.

FireOS runs very well IF you stay within the Amazon Appstore boundaries ... I haven't heard any major complaints about "stock" Fire tablets other than boredom.

This situation is a residual legacy of the 2017-2019 Amazon/Google corporate fueds.

It's not malicious ... It's Amazon "protecting the franchise", as they probably should, as a business practice. "Crazy like a fox".

Fire tablets are pretty good within their own limited framework ... step "outside" at your own risk!