yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
If your apps need updating, then get a copy of the apk files from someone who's tablet has already been updated. I've posted a link to Shop Amazon and Prime Video from my post-7.3.2.2 tablet because those apps won't update by themselves. The pre-7.3.2.2 Shop Amazon app no longer works on current tablets, so if you want to use it, you must update the apk. I don't know how long those links are going to be up here due to legalities, so search the thread and get them before they get taken down.

To answer your questions

As Jumbo100 says, DO NOT turn on OTA updates. If you do that, your tablet will update to the latest version and there's no going back. You will lose the ability to block further updates unless you constantly watch for them and delete them. Your launcher replacement will become much more involved than just a one-click solution. Some things that were previously removable will become "protected apps" and unremovable. Basically, you're giving control of your tablet back to Amazon to load with more ads and they'll make it back into an Amazon consumption device.

No older tablets HAVE FireOS 8. It is only on the new 2022 HD7's so far. Amazon will likely leave the older tablets on their current FireOS version as they have in the past.

I doubt that some new way to disable OTA updates will be found. They've made the OTA Update app into a "protected app" that cannot be disabled without root access. No one has found any root exploits for 2019 and beyond tablets except for the very early ones on 7.3.1.0.

No. FireOS 8 tablets are still a problem installing Play Services. All we have is workarounds like Aurora or sideloading from apkmirror.

TLDR: Leave OTA Updates disabled. If you need an app updated, post here and someone will direct you to an update file. Always remember "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ParadoxGBB:
@blaacksheep , @Jumbo100

Thanks for the help and advice. Somehow in my head I conflated the OS8 issues on this thread and all of the issues with people upgrading. I also had assumed Amazon would try to consolidate their users to a single platform.

Thanks for the heads up on the APK. Another one I've been having problems with is Discord and I grabbed a copy via APKMirror and that's fine I think. The last one I could use a pointer to is the Kindle app since that was installed natively on the Fire via the Amazon app store and not through the Google Play Store. Any recommendations on that, I'd be much obliged.

Thanks again!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
I started having issues with the Amazon app and tried the latest updates with no luck. Then I found this link and had success. https://amazon-for-tablets.it.uptodown.com/android/download/69541553 It also reports to GPS as updated to the current version.... Even though it is not...

I also had discord issues but uninstalling and installing from the GPS solved the issue.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Great update ... You've been busy! Hope all is well in your part of this world!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Glad you like it my friend! Really means a lot!

Everything's A-OK over here! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] PhilipF8_2010:
Nice, an update! :)

Play Store app notifications still don't work?

Don't see much of a reason to connect my tablet, it's fine as it is (well, minus the issue above). Fire HD 8 does have some lag although not a deal-breaker, imo. It happens when there's too many apps running
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hey Datastream33!

Nice new additions to the Toolbox. The Backup additions sound impressive, along with the new lockscreen ad removal method. I'll be checking those out in the next few days. I also like that you've found a way to manage the vanishing home button issue with Custom Navbar Key. You've been really busy!!

I hope you saw the post that I tagged you in. Someone else has a problem with the home button not functioning during media playback. I thought you could help them.

Thanks again for bringing us an updated Toolbox to work with. You've outdone yourself again. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
The backup package state is exactly what I was asking about a few days ago. This is awesome!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Yeah, it is! I didn't think that was possible. Bravo!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hey @Datastream33

Would it be possible to revoke, say read/write permissions to the local drive from the OTA Updater app, like I think you've done with the lockscreen ads? Just a thought... :unsure:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Aymon_star:
Ok thanks 😊
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ooonimrodooo:
Thanks for the info @blaacksheep . This does seem very similar. Its more of an annoyance than anything. Its my son's tablet and he has gotten used to it, but it would be nice to figure it out.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I mentioned it again in a post to Datastream so he'd be sure to see it. Hopefully he, or someone else who's more familiar with key mappings can let us know what can be done.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ToflixGamer:
If I buy a Fire-Tablet as of now, can I still use the FireToolbox with a "up to date" Fire-Tablet? I'm thinking of buying a Fire HD 10 Plus for Media-Streaming and a bit of internet-use - but I like to customize my experience.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

Yes, Toolbox still works on newer tablets, but you'd propbably not want a 2022 tablet for now. I think the HD7 (2022) is the only one so far, but I could be wrong. The 2021 and earlier tablets all have FireOS 7 and the 2022 tablets have FireOS 8. FireOS 8 tablets are having problems with Google Services but FireOS 7 tablets still work fine. The new restrictions of firmware (7.3.2.2+) are more difficult to get around, but progress is being made with each Toolbox update. Ideally, you'd want a slightly older model with 7.3.2.1 or earlier firmware on it for maximum flexibility. If you're willing to go the slightly older route (I'm talking 2019 or 2020), then see my post here. It has some recommendations on how to proceed and what tablets you might want. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
BTW FYI Amazon is having another Prime Day October 11-12, 2022 . Fire tablets are always on sale then at a deep discount.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Bob1221:
Hello, It's been a while since I've interacted with this community. But I just wanted to stay up to date with everything happening.

1. I noticed an ongoing problem with the google play store (from previous threads). For me, I've had my Fire HD 8 plus for a few months now and everything seems fine. Should I be worried?

2. I don't know if this is a normal feature with the fire tablet, but every time I watch or play a video full screen, the brightness goes down.

3. What are the new features of the fire toolbox?

4. I installed the Nova Launcher on my tablet and noticed that there are some glitches. Sometimes it takes a while for it to load (the screen goes black and then refreshes) after pressing the "home button". As far as I know, the "re-routing" function on the toolbox did not work and I found a small workaround for it. There is an app called "Simple Control" that basically gives you a second home button; you could create a shortcut to open the nova launcher and make it act like the new home button. Maybe this is the reason for it acting this way?

A while back, I posted a problem with my fire toolbox. I was not able to open it and a warning popped up. I don't know if this has been fixed but I will check. Hope this helps with anyone.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Probably no easy workaround for "missing" GPS app notifications.

Google Android app devs use Google's Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to facilitate "push" notifications from their apps. FCM is cross-platform and is used on Android, iOS and the web.

Amazon (of course) has it's own propitiatory "push" notification service, AWS Simple Notification Service (SNS) , for apps developed for the Amazon eco-system.

FCM and SNS are not inter-operable; I doubt that Goggle is in any hurry to make the GPS infrastructure SNS compliant.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gguerra:
Sorry if this has been asked but it's like a maze here sometimes, can't find anything on this.

I have a "fully" modded HD10 2021 on 7.3.2.1 with OTA updates disabled.

My Amazon shopping app is broken now. Came up with a message the other day that it is no longer supported, that I have to shop Amazon from a browser. I am using Chrome for this as a workaround. Pretty sure this is related to the blocked system updates.

Should I disable Amazon shopping with Tool Box and install the google version or am I stuck using a browser?

No big deal either way, I can still use my PC or phone. Just asking. TIA.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] PhilipF8_2010:
I'd use the Play Store version if I'd have to, but personally, I just use the website myself. I don't see much point using the app.

However, with marketplace apps like eBay I do as I sell on there so it's easier.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Problem goes back the June/22 OTA update of Amazon Shooping app.

Fix was to sideload an updated "non-Goggle" version of app.

See @Jumbo100 post #9,708 for download link to apk and explanation of situation. Also @blaacksheep has a direct download of file.

Alternatively, can also copy Amazon Shopping apk from a Fire tablet that has current OTA updates.

This is a problem that will affect most FTB users who have OTA Updates disabled prior to July/22.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
This apk for the amazon app worked for me.

https://amazon-for-tablets.it.uptodown.com/android/download/69541553
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] gguerra:
Is this from google and did you disable the Amazon provided app first?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
I didn't disable the amazon app it disabled itself. None of the amazon or gps store amazons worked until I tried this one.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I sent @gguerra a link to the .apk file pulled from a newer Amazon tablet. ;)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Sounds good, my friend! Please let us know how it goes! :D
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hmm, can't say for sure to be honest. Might have to get me a 12th gen tablet on Prime Day and look into it further...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Hmm, I'm sorry to hear that, my friend. Doesn't sound fun!

Looks like media apps are consuming the keyevents. Looking into a workaround.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
I'm wondering if the tablet is running Android 11. Perhaps it handles media buttons differently and the apps are consuming the key presses? My OnePlus is running a custom Android 12 rom... going to try it on that.

EDIT: It looks like the keyevents are being consumed by media apps. Hmm...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ooonimrodooo:
Thanks for your reply!

I have the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro. Bought it during Prime Day this year. Unfortunately the it was already updated to Fire OS 7.3.2.2 when I received it. I think I used Fire Toolbox v 28.4? maybe 28.6? Whichever was out right around prime day. So the flow was imported on one of those versions. So I went through the custom launcher option in 29.0 yesterday, but it did not seem to make a difference. The home button has also done this since I first imported it. Just thought it was a limitation that I had to deal with. But I decided to look into it again. He only has YouTube, YouTube Kids and Disney+ on the tablet as far as media goes. They all seem to have this issue when watching a video.

He is currently using the tablet, but I can grab the nav bar layout tomorrow and update you.

​
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Datastream33:
Thank you so much for the response. I really do appreciate it!

Doing a little digging, it's been discovered that in a large majority of the media apps, It appears that they are consuming (reading the event and responding to it by not performing any action) the keyevents sent by the home key. Because the events are being consumed, Automate isn't picking up the event. Looking into a workaround.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Some general "catch-up" comments:

- if your Fire Toolbox set up stable and working for you, you're in a good position and you haven't missed much. A lot of the angst you see is from users of the new 12th Gen Fire tablets with FireOS8. Major incompatibility/instability with Google Play Services and related apps. HeartBreak city.

- try turning off "Adaptive brightness" and manually setting screen brightness. Adaptive brightness seems to have a mind of its own sometimes.

- check out @Datastream33 roll out announcement earlier this week (post #10,056) for new Fire Toolbox v29.0. Details some exciting new functions. v29.0 should cleanup some of the nagging interconnect bugs.

- Nothing new on alternative launchers. Custom Launcher "workaround" with Nova unchanged and stilt a little "klugy". New Dark mode in v29.0 may help "disappearing" Home button.

@Datastream33 has always been making frequent "micro" updates, so it's probably good idea to check for FTB updates if you encounter any problems.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ooonimrodooo:
Wow I can't believe no one has reported this issue. I feel like I am helping this awesome app get even better! If there is anything else I can do to help. let me know!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Helping, sharing. contributing ... that's what makes the Fire Toolbox community so special!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ChrisMili:
Ok, thanks for the update
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] chris-89:
Hey guys, today i've got my HD 8+ (2020). Sadly, it has the Fire OS version 7.3.2.3.

So now my questions are:

- Is it no longer possible to disable OTA with this Fire OS version?

- Can i disable ads on lockscreen with this Fire OS version?

- Can i install Google Play Services and Store on this Fire OS version? And does it run without problems on this Fire OS version?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
The Fire HD 8/HD 8+ (2020) are arguably the "sweet spot" of the Fire tablet portfolio, and are prime candidates for Fire Toolbox modifications. The firmware pre-7.3.2.2 has the most flexibility to make changes but the newer f/w will still give you a great experrience.

Specific to your questions:

1. No, you cannot diable OTA updates with Fire OS 7.3.2.3

2. Yes, you will be able to disable Lockscreen Ads; especially easy with new FTB V29.0

3. Yes, you can install the full Google Play Services suite and have full access to the Google Play Store. Problems with GPS currently apply only the new 12th Gen Fire tablets (Fire 7 2022) with Fire OS 8.

Be sure to check out the new features on FTB V 29.0 ... you may be surprised at what you can do.

As always, the caveat to carefully follow the FTB installation protocols will give you a trouble-free experience.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] chris-89:
Thank you very much for your answer.

Do you know or anybody else which domains are used for OTA on the fire tabs?

The same like on fire tv:

d1s31zyz7dcc2d.cloudfront.net

amzdigital-a.akamaihd.net

amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net

softwareupdates.amazon.com

updates.amazon.com

I would then block the updates in this way.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Current DNS block list per Fire Toolbox protocol provided by @blaacksheep

# Amazon Update Servers

127.0.0.1 localhost

::1 localhost

127.0.0.1 d1s31zyz7dcc2d.cloudfront.net

127.0.0.1 amzdigital-a.akamaihd.net

127.0.0.1 amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net

127.0.0.1 softwareupdates.amazon.com

127.0.0.1 updates.amazon.com

127.0.0.1 arcus-uswest.amazon.com

127.0.0.1 arcus-useast.amazon.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] RiCkLaR:
That "arcus" IP is how Amazon sneaked one update by my blocks, using RethinkDNS app now on my tablets, cause RethinkDNS app has an incredibly nice FIREWALL feature, and I just firewall all the update system apps now.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] chris-89:
Which "update system apps" do I have to block?

And yes, RethinkDNS is a great app (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] RiCkLaR:
Use RethinkDNS>>Firewall>>All_Apps>>Search, and block these App Names (4 total):

DeviceSoftwareOTA, Forced OTA, System Updates, System Updates

Note: There is 2 "System Updates" shown because 2 different packages in the /root system.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
The newer ones didn't work for me for some reason. This was the only one I could find that worked.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Ummm, which newer "ones"? Which file did you use? Do you need a copy as well?

Edit: I see. I looked back in the thread and it seems that you used the file you linked to from uptodown.com. I have working files for any built-in Amazon apps that no longer work, I pulled them from a 7.3.2.3 tablet, if you need them.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
A little confusion here.

Does the "Amazon for Tablets" APK you downloaded from uptodown.com link work or not work ?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I think he was responding to my response to someone else with the same problem. It just wasn't clear what he was trying to say until I went back and reread the thread. I think he was just saying that the file he found on uptodown worked, where the other ones from apkmirror and the like, did not. I just don't trust uptodown because I don't know how curated the files there are. But then, I realize that when I say that my files were pulled from a 7.3.2.3 tablet, for all anybody knows they could be malicious.

I would encourage anyone who gets update files for the non-working Amazon apps to scan them first. They could probably be verified by their signatures, too.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
Yes, it is the one that worked for me.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
Yes I was apprehensive about it as well but saw several people vouching it and that it had a large download base. It is also from an Italian website but the app is in English. Very odd..... but it works.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
From my understanding, uptodown.com (based in Spain) is a major "pure" Android app repository and is the "go to" APK source for many Android users avoiding the Google ecosystem. They apparently work directly with the originating devs and curate the APKs to ensure "clean" original software. But as you caution, ANY software download should be inspected for malware regardless of source.

Sad when we can't think of @blaacksheep as a "trusted" source. LOL
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
uptodown.com (based in Spain) is a major "pure" Android app repository outside of the Google ecosystem "influence". The main en.uptodown.com main site is multi-lingual; the link you were using is copied from the Italian page translation.

As you have seen, the recent Amazon app APK updates downloaded form aplmirror, apkpuree and Google Play Store (of course) have been "tainted" by Google and won't work well with Amazon devices. The Amazon APKs on uptodown.com are apparently direct from from Amazon.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] darbNator:
This is good to know. I wonder if they have more of the firetablet specific versions of prime video, audible, and the kindle app since we have to update those manually. So far I've been able to find them on apkmirror but it can be a chore matching up the version numbers for Amazon tablets.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Things are getting complicated with the Amazon apps.

As of June 1/22, Google imposed that all Play Store apps must use the Google Pay billing to charge for “in-app features and services” including digital content, subscription services, “for-pay” upgrades to “free” apps and upgraded “cloud services” like additional on-line storage. Google is taking 15% cut of all transactions using Play Store billing.

Amazon immediately pulled all its in-app purchases and digital content off the Google ecosystem.

One of the knock-on repercussions is that Amazon now distributes TWO version of its apps; one with in-app payments and digital content purchases, and one without.

Apps affected include Kindle, Amazon Music, Audible, Prime Video and Amazon Shopping

The current Amazon apps on Google Play Store don’t have any digital content or in-app payments

The Amazon apps updated OTA on Fire devices or downloaded from the official Amazon Store app are “full function” with all payments directly to Amazon.

The Amazon Shopping/Amazon for Tablets was the most obvious casualty of “app update conflict”; the other Amazon app app aren’t crashing … yet.

Most people consuming “free” content would never notice the difference in app versions unless they actually want to buy something. The Kindle for Android folk are REALLY upset.. they feel betrayed as loyal Amazon customers and are very vocal on the literary sites.

Kindle, Audible, Prime Video and Amazon Music are posted on uptodown.com but I can’t tell if they are the pay or no-pay versions.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Bob1221:
Thank you for your reply, I have done everything from your response and wanted to update you on the changes.

1. My problem with the brightness, I have turned off the adaptive brightness and the problem still occurs. When I play any video, the screen dims, and when I exit the video the whole screen brightens. I do not believe adaptive brightness is responsible for this as it was originally turned off.

2. I was able to update my fire tool box and use its new features. I used the custom nav bar and as of right now it works. I also used the wallpaper feature (with the automate app). Now there are a few issues: Sometimes the image I use for both the home and lock screen gets "zoomed in" and will not display the whole image. I have fire HD 8 and its resolution is 1280x800. I tried downloading images both 1280x800 and their original size and it's been a gamble. Then as I was turning on my tablet, it restarted and both the home and lock screen became the stock images. Everything was there and then automate ran its commands and the wallpapers were back to normal. I have no idea why this happened.

3. What is the lock screen password input method? Will it give me a different way of putting in a password?

Personally, I have OTA updates on as my tablet does not contain anything that will be affected regardless if it's on or off (as far as I know).

Its only been a day but I will stay up to date as the days go on.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I think the problem you are having with your video player is there's probably a separate brightness control in the settings of the app or in the UI itself that only affects the screen when it's playing. After you shut down the app, it reverts to the setting in the top panel. Have a look through the settings of your app and also try swiping up or down on the left or right of your video app.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
RE: Screen brightness settings.

If Adaptive Brightness setting has no effect, then the video player is reverting to a default level of brightness. I use VLC for Fire which has a "Save Brightness Level" setting; most video players shuld have something similar.