So you wakened Christmas morning to discover a brand-new Fire Tablet sitting underneath the tree, and now you are questioning — what do you do first? Underneath some Amazon-branded software program, the corporate’s slate of tablets run Android, making them good for all types of customization. If you do not know the place to begin, listed here are the seven things it is best to do straight away with your Fire gadget.
Install the Play Store
The Amazon Appstore is ok, particularly when mixed with internet apps via the Silk browser. But let’s be sincere — there is not any changing the Play Store, particularly if you’re making an attempt to set up must-have apps like Gmail and YouTube. You will not discover any of Google’s functions on the Play Store, making this a necessary step for energy customers and Android newcomers alike.
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Luckily, putting in the Play Store on any of Amazon’s Fire tablets is tremendous easy, solely requiring about ten minutes of your time and 4 downloaded APKs. We have a super-handy walkthrough that takes you thru each step of the method, so be sure that to test it out after unboxing your tablet. The Amazon Appstore works in a pinch, however for many of us, the Play Store is totally important.
Get all of your favourite apps and video games
Once you may have the Play Store put in, it is time to begin downloading apps. Whether that is your first Android gadget otherwise you’re a seasoned professional, you in all probability have a good suggestion of what software program you need on your tablet.
Google apps are a no brainer — YouTube, Gmail, Chrome, and Google Photos are all day-one downloads for us, however you may need your personal listing too. If you are utilizing a Fire Tablet for varsity, be sure that to seize apps like Drive, Docs, and Sheets. (*7*), Google Meet and Calendar are important for anybody working from dwelling. Don’t overlook to seize Google Opinion Rewards, which might internet you some free Play Store credit score simply by filling out some surveys.
That mentioned, you understand what’s higher than some boring outdated productiveness apps? Games — and the Play Store is chock stuffed with them. We haven’t any scarcity of guides rounding up the most effective video games on Android proper now, with alternatives like Baba is You and Dead Cells that you will by no means discover on Amazon’s Appstore. If you are out of Play Store credit score, no worries — there are many unbelievable free-to-play video games price trying out as properly, together with Pokemon Unite and Among Us.
Switch up your dwelling display screen
Amazon’s dwelling display screen does not look very like some other Android gadget — nevertheless it does not have to keep that manner. The Play Store is crammed with launchers, good for bringing that basic feel and look again to your new tablet.
If you are in search of as shut to a “inventory Android” expertise as doable — no matter meaning in 2021, anyway — Nova Launcher could be price your time. Lawnchair can be a fan favourite, thanks to its Pixel-inspired design. However, should you’re wanting to strive one thing new, Niagara Launcher is properly price your time. Its simplified tackle the house display screen works rather well on a tablet-sized show.
Unfortunately, Amazon does not enable you to set a default launcher inside its settings menu, which suggests some additional steps are needed to get this to work. Using ADB instructions to set a default launcher on Fire tablets is not tremendous onerous, and our information walks you thru each step of the method. It makes use of Lawnchair to display how to exchange your dwelling display screen, however with an extra third-party app, transferring to providers like Nova or Niagara is tremendous easy as properly.
Or profit from Amazon’s expertise
Setting a default launcher is a number of work, and should you aren’t comfy utilizing ADB instructions to modify your Fire Tablet, it won’t be price it. Amazon’s dwelling display screen expertise might not really feel like basic Android, however should you take a couple of minutes to customise it, it is really not too unhealthy — particularly should you’re a Prime subscriber.
With three tabs — For You, Home, and Library — Amazon’s setup is completely simplified for a big-screen expertise. You can eliminate any commercials or prompt content material on the highest of the Home tab by tapping, holding, and deciding on “Not Interested,” leaving simply your listing of put in apps. It won’t be instantly obvious, however you’ll be able to simply create folders by dragging apps on high of one another or uninstall undesirable (most) undesirable software program by urgent and holding on an icon.
The Library tab is the place you will spot synced Kindle purchases, apps and video games from the Appstore, Prime Video content material, and even Audible alternatives — and you’ll customise all of it utilizing the button on the backside of this web page. There’s additionally a filter to solely show downloaded content material, simply in case you are offline for an prolonged interval.
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For You provides prompt content material from Amazon-owned providers, alongside with trending movies and app solutions. You’ll both discover this web page extraordinarily helpful or by no means use it, with just about no in-between. Ultimately, your dwelling display screen is what you make of it, and even with out a third-party launcher, there’s loads of room for personalization.
Make positive you head into the settings menu to toggle off dwelling display screen content material you won’t need to see. This listing contains calendar occasions, information, photograph highlights, recipes, and extra. Some of it could be of curiosity to you, but when it is not, there is not any purpose to hold it on your dwelling display screen. And hey, whilst you’re within the settings menu, it is a good time to test off some fundamental changes, like font dimension and blue gentle filters.
Sync your sensible dwelling devices
You may’ve observed just a little icon displaying up within the lower-left nook of your show. This toggle enables you to entry Amazon’s “Device Dashboard,” the right technique for controlling all of your Alexa-compatible sensible dwelling devices. If you have already synced some gadgets with Alexa, they will present up right here, prepared for your use. Everything else might be added within the pre-installed Alexa app, regardless of whether or not it is one other Amazon-made gadget or a third-party utility from firms like TP-Link.
You can assign favorites, flick thru particular classes, construct routines, and even management all of your lights with a single toggle. Device Dashboard is a must-use for anybody obsessed with making their dwelling just a little smarter, and it solely takes a few minutes to arrange.
Set up profiles
Amazon does an ideal job with profiles, providing a customized expertise regardless of how many individuals share the gadget. You can arrange profiles within the settings menu of your tablet, including each grownup and child-friendly accounts. Family Library makes it straightforward to sync bought content material with each other, whereas Amazon’s helpful display screen time instruments assist to hold your child centered with out too many distractions.
Unfortunately, the Play Store is not shared between profiles, although you’ll be able to repair that with some spare time and just a little little bit of elbow grease. We have some easy-to-follow directions on how to get the Play Store engaged on all accounts, however be warned — this course of is just not for the faint of coronary heart.
Make it the right Echo Show different
Last however actually not least, Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10 gadgets can double as Echo Show alternate options, making them the right gadget to throw within the kitchen, front room, or anyplace else round your home. Just seize a stand for your tablet to prop it up on the floor of your selecting, then swipe down from the highest of the gadget to open the short settings menu. Toggle on “Show Mode,” and proper earlier than your eyes, your Fire Tablet will rework into an Echo Show.
To use “Show Mode,” you will need to allow Alexa on your gadget. It works finest when “Hands-Free Mode” can be turned on — in any other case, issuing voice instructions is an entire lot more durable. You can entry Show-specific settings by tapping on the gear icon within the notification panel whereas this mode is enabled.
If you have already got an Echo Show in your home, you will really feel proper at dwelling with this UI. A swipe to the best opens a management panel with fast instructions whereas your dwelling display screen rotates between the clock, climate, information, and extra. Whether you are making an attempt to load up a Prime Original or search for cookie recipes to begin baking, “Show Mode” offers you the whole lot you want to use your Fire Tablet hands-free.
We’re solely scratching the floor on what your Fire Tablet is able to engaging in. As restricted as this expertise may appear from the beginning, an entire world of prospects open up with simply a few additional steps. Who is aware of — you may even overlook it is not working inventory Android after just some days.
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About The Author
Will Sattelberg
(770 Articles Published)
Will has been an Android fanatic since he acquired his first smartphone in 2011. He loves watching films, has a endless backlog of video video games, and produces a comedy podcast in his spare time. He lives in Buffalo, NY and is prepared to offer you rooster wing suggestions at any time. Just ask.
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