droidros

My daughter gave me a 7" KFHD for Christmas and so far I love it - great picture and sound quality. It even has a camera, although front-facing only, and we didn't know that.

My only disappointment is the limited Amazon app store and the inability to use the Google Play Store. I downloaded Get Jar, but I have not been able to download any apps (e.g., Talking Tom) from it - it just tells me that it's incompatible with my device - even though I've allowed installation from unknown sources.

I keep seeing reference to "side loading" in this forum. What do you mean by that? Do you have to root to do this?

I don't really need all these apps because I have a Razr Maxx HD to play with as well., but I don't like the fact that the Amazon app store is so limited.

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Tapros on Tapfish and Pocket Frogs
TaprosPC1 on BlueStacks Tapfish

txrose72

There is info in this thread for adding two other secure app stores. I use both.
Nook App - Help from someone who owns an HD
Side loading is discussed in threads in this forum plus the Amazon KF forum. DropBox is a good app to move apps from other Android devices to the KF.

droidros

Update: I went to the kindle fire forum and saw the thread about using the 4shared.com site. I did manage to download Talking Tom from there. Also downloaded Play Store but it wouldn't open.

Inksaver

If you have an app working on another device You can copy it to your (non-rooted) Kindle using my guide here:
Idiots guide to installing apps on incompatible devices

You would need to root your device to get the google Play store working properly. If you are familiar with working with PCs and Android devices use the excellent guide here:
[ROOT] Kindle Fire HD 7"

Or if you are completely new to the idea I produced a more detailed version here:
Idiots Guide To Rooting Kindle Fire HD 7" 7.2.3

droidros

Thanks very much, Inksaver.

I did root my first Android phone, Droid X, but I am going to hold off on my new phone, Razr Maxx HD and the Kindle.

rich6661

To side load "most" apps there is no need to root the device.
But you will have to change a setting.
Settings>Device>Allow Installation of Applications>On
Then download ES File Explorer or a similar file app from Amazons App Store
You can then download .apk files and install.