Is the Kindle Fire HD 16Gb android or not?

OnAndUp

Sorry if it seems like a thick question.......

I have decided to buy a new tablet to replace my trusty HP Touchpad and this seems to be a good deal. I want one that is compatible with most things as the touchpad wont do some stuff like bbc iplayer etc. and am hoping the screen will be a bit more responsive etc.

Can't seem to see the name of the operating system on Amazon but on Tesco it says It's a Android Ice Cream Sandwich?

So is it Android or not and if not do people find that most things websites / downloads / apps work fine on it?

Not really gonna be using it as an E-reader just everything else!

Nilrem

IIRC the Kindle HD fire uses a modified version of Android, I'm not sure but suspect it's locked out of the Google store as Amazon want you buying the content from them.

JamesWMH88

The kindle fire tablets definitely run android, but Amazon but a "skin" on it, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have access to Google Play.

If you're not going to use it for e-reading then it might be worth looking else where.

The Nexus 7 will likely get a price drop next week when it's successor is rumoured to be released.

mummyroysof3

The kindle fires use the amazon store which I find rubbish in comparison to iTunes or the google play store. It's ok for the kids but I don't use it unless I have too

ballyblack

Google Nexus 7, 32gb now £179

very responsive tablet . google play, BBCi player etc

download from google play the 'Kindle App'


http://www.tesco.com/direct/asus-google-nexus-7-inch-32gb-android-41-black-tablet/101-4534.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=101-4534





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JJ_Egan

Can use Google Play store on a rooted Fire HD .
( root voids warranty )

jje

macman

It's a fairly heavily customised and restricted version of Android. As you would expect, it's a portal designed to sell you more Amazon product, hence the subsidised price.
If you want a tablet that can also be used as a Kindle/e-reader, then just buy a conventional Android tablet and install the Kindle app on it.
Another vote for the Nexus 7.

OnAndUp

thank you all!

Think I will get a nexus then, I didn't really want to go over £150 16Gb storage would be fine for me so I will wait and see what happens to prices if/when the new version comes out!

almillar

Not quite clear whether you've got Android installed on your Touchpad, but I've got it and and runs iPlayer nicely. You'll also not find a tablet with speakers as good as the Touchpad.
As above, yes the Kindles ARE Android, but customised by Amazon. This includes the Amazon app store, with plenty of apps, but no Google Play store, without rooting the device. If you can find a 'nook' (Currys had them cheap) that would be worth considering and has added the Play store.

OnAndUp

Thanks allmillar

No - I'm still on the HP software, I know that you can put android on it I think I could probably manage it normally but I'm not very well at the moment & my concentration is terrible so that will have to be for the distant future!

Also would like a 7" one to be lighter and more portable too!

OnAndUp

Hhhhmmmm not sure whether to wait a couple of weeks now for the new nexus or just get the 16gb current one from Currys!