yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] LordUnderling:
Has anybody else run into a strange little bug that I find while running Google Maps on my 12th-gen fire HD 8 running 8.3.1.3? I did find a workaround though.

It seems that Google Maps is unable to calculate any route from wherever my current location may be to any destination anywhere. Maps can indicate where my current location may be on the map but apparently can't pass that information to whatever algorithm may be used for calculating a route.

The workaround is to change one of the end-points from "Your location" to "Choose on map". Tap on the cross-hair icon towards the lower-right-hand corner used for centering the map around your current location. This will automatically place the red location icon directly on top of this location. Tap "OK" and a route will now quickly be found.

Very strange. I suspect that whatever misstep happening here may be responsible for the problems I've found with a number of map apps.

Turns out the map apps that I've found to work well are those that can be found both on Amazon's App Store and on Google Play Store.

I've been trying to avoid both amazon AND Google when possible and use Aurora Store only if I can't find what I need on F-Droid.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
When I revisited this issue with another Firestick yesterday I noticed a comment concerning the DNS server method of blocking updates. In that method the static IP that you give your Fire tablet or a stick must use a DNS lookup that blocks the updates.

This is fine until a VPN kicks in and the same issue of Amazon's servers pushing an update while on VPN ruins the blocking method. However, I read also that some VPN services (Nord VPN was mentioned) allow the user to designate a specific DNS lookup server.

So the double barreled DNS designation on your device's connection to your own router plus a DNS. designation on your chosen VPN should block the updates.

See the DNS method here.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Just remember that once you activate an actual VPN, you've just punched a hole through your router's filtering of websites and anything you've blocked at your router will now become accessible again.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] martytoo:
You are right and that is how one of my Firesticks was updated behind my back - so to speak. And it is also the reason I kept looking for a way to block the updates with a VPN.

The generous guy running this DNS claims to be blocking Amazon successfully. For the 4K Firestick with the accidental update I want to continue to run a VPN AND I think this is my best shot at preventing further updates. This method only works if the VPN used allows the user to designate the DNS.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Erenkasymaliev:
Hi friends, can anybody help me with parental control on tablet fire?

Is it possible to sync and use Google Family Link on it?

Wanna make tablet with some restrictions for kids.

I registered kid's google account on Google Play market but when it's trying to chk updates, it fails and closes google play app. any ideas what to do?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Sorry to disappoint ... Google Family Link (and much of Google parental controls) won't work on Fire tablets. The necessary code is "missing" from FireOS to function properly. A lasting legacy the the Amazon/Google corporate wars ca. 2017-2019 .

Ref @Datastream33's FTB FAQ OP#1:

Google Family Link won't work on my tablet?

Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, we still haven't been able to get Family Link to work correctly on the tablets. The Family Link app fails to install, and the Child account refuses to login. No matter what we tried, we couldn't get a Child account to work on the tablets.

We believe this has to do with missing dependecies, and the tablets not being certified through Google's Play Protect platform. We're still activly looking into getting the issue resolved. Until then, it's recommended that you use an alternative such as Amazon's FreeTime, Eyezy, or another third-party family managing software.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
... so you think Amazon Fire tablets have a lot of blostwrare?!

Bloatware on the Galaxy S23 series inflates Android 13 to 60GB (Updated)

Reports suggest Samsung's version of Android 13 on the Galaxy S23 is four times bigger than Android 13 on the Pixel 7.

www.androidauthority.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] dogsandcars:
Quick query if that's okay, got refurbed Fire HD this week, all went well with Fire Toolbox (thank you!).

If I connect to my girlfriend's wifi (rather than my own) will that likely let in the updates?

If yes would that matter much, given the changes have been made, although I do appreciate anyting can happen in the future...

Many thanks

Scott
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

That all depends on what version of FireOS you are running. You can find out through Toolbox by running it, and clicking on the description of your tablet in the lower-left.

If your FireOS version in the 3rd line down on the right is 7.3.2.1 or below, and you disabled OTA updates with Toolbox, then you have one of the "golden" versions and you are safe from unwanted updating no matter what network you are on.

If you are on 7.3.2.2 or later, then it depends on what you did to prevent further updates. If you ran RethinkDNS or DNS66, then you could be safe from updates on any network. If you added the Amazon blocklist to your firewall in your router then you are only safe on your home network.

If you have a Fire HD 7 or 8 (2012), and you have FireOS version 8.3.1.4 or below, and you disabled OTA Updates, then you are also safe.

If you have an older Fire tablet with FireOS v5.x.x.x then I think you are safe because I don't beleive they are updating these anymore.

I think that covers it. :)

Edit: To answer the second question, updates can always revert changes you've made with Toolbox and remove features you've added. They can also block your ability to reapply those changes so it's a good idea to block or disable them.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] dogsandcars:
Very much appreciate the response!

I have 7.3.2.3, automatic updates disabled and OTA updates 'restricted'. It looked like the Toolbox restriction routine marked my connection as metered (I think - maybe it was more complicated than that?) and presumably thus less likely to update on the sly. I'm guessing my girl's wifi won't be tagged as metered and so OTA might indeed kick in. Not a deal-breaker, I bought it mostly as an ereader and typically have my laptop at my girl's house so I'll play safe / stay off her wifi.

Loving everything else though, great work and super-pleased with the Fire!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
If you use her Wifi, first connect to it. Pull down the menu from the top. Long tap the WiFi icon. Tap the gear at the end of her network name. Tap the (un)metered line. Select "treat as metered". You've now restricted access on her network. (y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] luizborges:
Is there a way to make the Fire HD use the users Amazon account, but the Prime Video app use another?

I'm setting up my wife tablet, and in Brazil we don't Amazon Household, so I can't share my Prime Video subscription with her.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Amazon makes it difficult to share Prime Video accounts without using Amazon Household.

Can always access your Prime Video account from any web browser @ www.primevideo.com (supports Brazilian Portuguese). Less convenient than using app, but a safe alternative.

Would not recccomend the many Prime Video modded apps on the web, as they may/will expose your personal information to hackers.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] luizborges:
I tried this today before posting but when clicking on some title it opens the standard app (which is logged on my wife account). I think I will simply disable the app using Fire Toolbox and it should work...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I think you're right that disabling Prime Video may be the cure to the problem. I think Prime Video sets itself to be the default handler of any Prime Video links and will always open when you click one, unless it's disabled. I had a look around my tablet and I couldn't find any way to shut that feature off. It may be possible to do with ADB, but that is beyond what I know how to do.

If your current launcher allows, you could make a homescreen shortcut directly to a bookmark of Prime Video's page and it would behave more or less like an app, saving you some trouble launching it. :)

BTW, welcome to XDA!!
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Temporarily disabling native Prime Video app by "Force Stop" doesn't do much; app reactivates when opening video from primevideo.com. Can't diable app from from "Settings" ... Is Prime Video app now a protected system app?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Hello, I haven't checked in here in 6 months as my hd 10 was running fine.Lately I've been noticing a small box in the upper left corner of the homescreen that i have never seen before. I plugged in my tablet which is running V28.9 yet I see the toolbox is up to version 30.2. I thought it would autoupdate, but that didn't happen. What am I missing?Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, just hoping I don't have to sift thru hundreds of posts.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Amazon's Early Valentine's sales on Fire tablets and more!

Daily Deals (2-08-2022) - Liliputing

Daily Deals (2-08-2022)

liliputing.com

Also see woot.com for new shipments of refurb Fire 7 (2019)s
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
No, but it's a system app. Force stopping it won't work because it's still set to launch as the default handler of Prime Video links. You have to use Toolbox or ADB to disable Prime Video to return those links to the browser you're using AFAIK.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I'm not sure what box you're talking about. Could it be Device Dashboard, the home automation controller? The ability to remove that was added around that time. But then, if that icon appeared on your homescreen, I fear you might have had an unplanned OTA Update. You had better check to see if they are still disabled.

I'm not certain why your Toolbox won't update automatically, but you can always go to the OP and grab the latest copy and install it. after that, check to see if there are any micropatches needed to bring it up to date.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] arronkray:
Hi all :)

I am struggling to install Google Play on a 2022 Fire 7. I have installed Google play on countless devices before, but this time Google Play continually crashes when first opened. I have tried multiple times. I have also tried reinstalling Fire Toolbox and downloading mico patches. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling. Deleting data/cache, but no luck.

Device is running OS 8.3.1.2 and not pre linked to any account.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

FireOS 8.3.1.2 is known to not work with Google Services. However, the updated 8.3.1.3 or 8.3.1.4 both DO work.

My best suggestion is to completely remove Google services with Toolbox, re-enable OTA updates, and then on your tablet go to Settings > Device Options > System updates. Allow the update. Once updated, use Toolbox to once again disable OTA updates and finally reinstall Google Services. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Hello blaacksheep. The little box says new items above it and when I put my finger on it,it says interested and not interested. I choose not interested and it goes away only to reappear next time I go to use the tablet. OTA updates have been disabled from the start. I manually updated the toolbox and applied a micro patch but didn't see anything related to this new item box I was talking about.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
What version of FireOS is your tablet running? (FireOS 7.3.2.1 or below?)

It sounds like you kept the default Amazon Launcher. You have no control over what their launcher looks like or what they decide to add to it. If you want control over it, you'll have to replace your launcher with something more vanilla like Nova Launcher.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Yes 7.3.2.1
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Yeah, just replace your launcher using Custom Launcher in Toolbox.

Nova Launcher works very well.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
You are correct, I kept default launcher. Tried others but preferred default one. Guess I will just have to live with this minor issue, it's not really a big deal. Thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Nova Launcher is fairly vanilla in operation. Niagara Launcher is very lightweight. Some people prefer Microsoft Launcher or Evie Launcher. Also, if you install one of the included launchers and disable the Amazon Launcher, you can now download most other launchers from the Play Store and use one of them instead. You just need to have another launcher installed before you disable the Amazon Launcher.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
I downloaded and installed latest toolbox version but didn't uninstall previous one first. Now I have V28.9 and V30.3 on my computer. I tried to uninstall thru windows but can't. Am I going to run into any issues with 2 versions running?
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
No, I don't think it's a problem. I have about 10 versions of Toolbox installed on my computer. Each goes in it's own folder. If you want to remove an old version, just delete the folder it's in.

Edit: If you made any backups, you'll want to save the bin/SystemBackup folder.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.(y)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] it00x32:
same here ;-(
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
While looking at latest version, under manage google services, if I choose disable automatic app updates, I get a popup window saying a problem occured while reading the window dump. Not sure what that means.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
If you're speaking of Google's Autoupdate, you can disable it in the Play Store. Tap your avatar. Tap Manage Settings. Tap Network Preferences. Tap Auto-update apps. Select Don't auto-update apps.

Google likes to change this setting back, so you'll have to check it weekly.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Don't see that option. Under manage apps and devices just shows installed or updates available,nothing about network preferences.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
It's under Settings when you tap your avatar.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
when I tap on my avatar there is no option for settings. Says manage apps and devices.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] arronkray:
Yes! This worked.

Thank you so much :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
View attachment 5832023
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
I'm a dummy. I didn't scroll down. Got it now. Thanks again.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] exlr8:
Hello Jumbo. How have you been? Still sharing your knowledge I see. You guys show a lot of patience with folks like me. In my haste I didn't think to scroll further down for more options. The settings one was hidden just below. All good now. Stay well...
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Hey @blaacksheep

Have to you seen enough user reports to safely recommend FireOS 8.3.1.4 update for reliable FTB mods on 12th Gen Fire tablets? Would remove a lot of update angst if it's "good".
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
I just know that so far, all reports of 8.3.1.3 and 8.3.1.4 have been good. It's a gamble, though because of so few reports, but I just recommended the OTA update to @arronkray , and he reports success with Google Play. I suppose you just have to weigh the possible pros and cons of any updates.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Just as long as it's not a f/w 7.3.2.2-like "ambush" ... 🤞
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ra[g]e:
When using gboard on 8.3.1.3, I keep on getting the error message that it can't run without Play Services installed.

But I have it installed and disabled battery optimization. Any suggestions for a fix? Gboard was loaded via Toolbox
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ForForkSake:
Happy to test - Kubuntu 22.10 KDE Plasma is what I use

give me a shout on telegram if

Model KFQUWI

ID: RS8313.1247

Product: quartz

Incremental: 0021072502660

FIngerprint: Amazon/quartz/quartz:11/RS8313.1247N/0021072502660:user/amz-p,release-keys,

In short I have the Fire HD 7, 12th Gen on 8.3.1.3 >

managed to get playstore and services installed manually, then tried various combinations of Shizuku / LADB and package managers , app managers etc... none of them allowed to disable system apps / debloat.

I then connected to via usb instead... and in adb shell I have managed to have success by using

pm disable-user --user 0 #com.package#

Spoiler content hidden.

Correction: pm clear #com.package# is what I used after pm disable-user user 0 ...

previously only mentioned clear (missing the pm)

no more ads on lock screen, just plane old amazon launcher.

Your app would be great for the fiddly bits with automate etc.

daughter is happy for now though woop
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Ongoing incompatibility issues with FireOS 8 and some Google-branded apps, notably YouTube Kids and Gboard.

A suggested workaround for YouTube Kids was to use an older version ca. December 2021.

No solution for Gboard yet.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Nice work @CFKod ! ... very comprehensive! (y)

Confirms that FireOS 8.3.1.3 is totally amenable to "deep" debloating with ADB commands.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ra[g]e:
Thanks for this, wondering if I did something wrong in the setup lol.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Scary thought for the day ... Could ChatGPT really replace programmers/coders ?!

I'm using ChatGPT to help me fix code faster, but at what cost?

ChatGPT certainly saves me time, but does that make up for what's lost in the process?

www.zdnet.com

I asked ChatGPT to write a WordPress plugin I needed. It did it in less than 5 minutes

I wrote a short description of what I needed and ChatGPT wrote the whole thing: user interface, logic, and all.

www.zdnet.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] anthony9122:
Tried to install play store on my Fire 8 2022 Fire OS 8.3.1.3. and this screen has been showing for more than 1 hours. Do you have the same problem? What might be the fix for this? thanks
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ForForkSake:
I couldn't tell you if updates are blocked or anything.

Not sure what would need to be blocked / disabled

Once thing I failed to mention. Amazon have made USB debugging so tricky to get going...

It took around 10 attempts of enabling debugging.. Plugging in USB... Sending an adb query from pc.. (debugging disabled on its own).. repeat...

For it to finally pop up the debugging authorisation box

It appears to disable USB debugging in a matter of seconds

As soon as I approved my pc for debugging, it stayed connected..

Even though the slider itself in developer options, had changed to disabled again.

Weird.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!

Hrmm. It looks like the download got interrupted or corrupted somehow. You could try closing Toolbox, reopening, and starting again. If that fails, close Toolbox, right-click on your Toolbox shortcut on your desktop, select "Open file location". In the window that pops up, open the "bin" folder. Open the "Google Services" folder. Delete all contents of this folder. Close the file browser and try Toolbox once again. It should restart the download from scratch. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Some computer/tablet combos seem to require more fooling around with this sometimes troublesome connection than others. I'm glad you were persistent and got things sorted. :)
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] ForForkSake:
Indeedy. Just noticed your signature links, will take a look shortly.

I'll be getting the tablet away from amazons launcher, once I have access to it from my daughter.

she clicked the "for you" widget, which took her to another home page.. With my prime membership and a big pennywise picture.. Doh. Lesson learnt
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
That's the main reason I won't share my Amazon Prime Video with anyone here. Once they're logged in as me, they can find who knows what in my purchase history and what I've been looking at in the Amazon store. Uh-uh.

The links in my sig are for mostly those with 7.3.2.2 or greater tablets. The main link is just a setup guide for using RethinkDNS to block updates since the ability to disable that service was removed. For those with earlier "golden-age" firmware, they try to force you to re-enable OTA updates by deprecating older versions of their apps that only update via OTA. I pulled the updated apps off my newer tablet and put them on Google Drive so that people can update their apps without re-enabling OTA updates. I've also added FireOS v8.3.1.3 images from Amazon for archival purposes. FireOS v8.3.1.2 would not work with Google services. They only have the latest updates available and they're bound to disable features in newer firmware versions.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] cdlight:
Thanks, @Jumbo100 . I've run across this problem as well and you just saved me a lot of time and frustration trying to get it to work.
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] Jumbo100:
Maybe why Amazon doesn't seem to make sense in recent times ?

Why Does It Feel Like Amazon Is Making Itself Worse?

The “everything store” has gotten junkier and more chaotic. But, for the company, it’s only good business.

nymag.com
[Fire HD 8 and HD 10 Android Development] blaacksheep:
Good article! (y)