Amazon Fire and KGS

[malweth]

+1 Kindle Fire user... I just got one for Christmas.

I read this thread about a month ago, but I can't remember if it was mentioned... $200 is a lot different than $400+ This was absolutely the #1 reason I asked for the Fire. (#2 is due to Amazon media).

The IGS app (beta) does work and needs to be sideloaded. I haven't tried playing a game - maybe when my stylus arrives. Unfortunately it's the only app I could find as an .apk - I'd love to try some of the pay for apps in the android market (gogrinder, etc) but access is a problem unless I root the Fire. I also wouldn't be the first one to buy the KGS app at $15 just to see if (and how well) it works.

[oren]

Unfortunately it's the only app I could find as an .apk - I'd love to try some of the pay for apps in the android market (gogrinder, etc) but access is a problem unless I root the Fire.

I'd be curious to see a review after rooting the Fire. I was thinking of buying it just for that purpose.

[malweth]

My problem with rooting is that I supposedly lose access to the Amazon services (Prime streaming video and MP3), which I have and use... so unless that is resolved I'll probably keep the device locked up.

I don't understand why they don't just allow Fire uses to install the Google store. That seems to be the only real issue. I suppose it's a matter of Amazon retaining control of the device (but sideloading IS allowed).

[hyperpape]

My problem with rooting is that I supposedly lose access to the Amazon services (Prime streaming video and MP3), which I have and use... so unless that is resolved I'll probably keep the device locked up.

I don't understand why they don't just allow Fire uses to install the Google store. That seems to be the only real issue. I suppose it's a matter of Amazon retaining control of the device (but sideloading IS allowed).

I have a vague thought that they need Google's permission (which is supposed to be handed out in a non-capricious manner) to get the Google store. But I wouldn't trust me on that one.

The other point is that Amazon is making a bid to be the source for Android apps, and effectively supplant Google. They have their own app market (with unbelievably bad terms for developers), so why shouldn't* they try to force developers onto it using their market share?

* Should being understood in the deviant sense of "what's in my self interest?"

[phrax]

Slightly OT, but kgs on the nook color w/ cyanogenmod7 works like champ Granted I lose the bn store, but gained the Android market... and kgs

Also I think the deal with the Google app store is it can't be distributed w/o permission (presumably involving licensing), but Google is fine with a individual installing it. So I suspect it is a control the supply chain thing for Amazon.

[gurujeet]

Slightly OT, but kgs on the nook color w/ cyanogenmod7 works like champ Granted I lose the bn store, but gained the Android market... and kgs

Also I think the deal with the Google app store is it can't be distributed w/o permission (presumably involving licensing), but Google is fine with a individual installing it. So I suspect it is a control the supply chain thing for Amazon.

You can get the cyanogenmod by installing a n2a (nook-to-android) card in the micro-SD slot http://www.n2acards.com. Nook warranty is still valid. I like the local storage on the Nook as opposed to the cloud option on the Fire and also the epub support.

- gurujeet

[shimari]

I haven't tried this yet, but my understanding is you can enable third party apps on the Fire without rooting it. From there, you just need the APK file, and you can install an app via USB. Details are here: http://www.technipages.com/kindle-fire- ... files.html Several of the people who make Go apps are on this forum, so they can get you an apk file pretty easily. I know anDGS is available for download from Mike's site.

After thinking seriously about the Fire, I ended up buying the new Samsung Galaxy Player. I absolutely love it. The 5 inch screen is the perfect size for recording games, and I can still fit it in my pocket. It is also super fast, looks great, and has GPS even when you aren't hooked up to wireless. Very cool device, I paid $260 for it with tax.

[wms]

I haven't tried this yet, but my understanding is you can enable third party apps on the Fire without rooting it. From there, you just need the APK file, and you can install an app via USB. Details are here: http://www.technipages.com/kindle-fire- ... files.html

That won't work for KGS. As a paid app, when it runs it contacts Google to make sure that the device is is running on has paid; if not, it dumps out.

I expect I'll be putting KGS officially in the Amazon market before too long. Unless Amazon announces that Google Market will be supported on the fire first.

[Mivo]

the real question is: is it really comfortable to spend long hours on a device like ipad? I mean it because of the retro-ilumination should tire your eyes...

This was one of my concerns when I bought an iPad 2. I was relatively sure that I would not enjoy reading books on it, based on my experience with reading long texts on a LCD/TFT monitor. I was wrong. It is surprisingly pleasant, when you adjust the brightness a little, depending on what's comfortable for you. With the right font, I actually find reading ebooks on the iPad more enjoyable than on an e-ink reader, especially in the evening when the room you're in is not daylight-lit.

The whole experience was pretty much the opposite of what I had expected, so I think this is something everyone probably needs to test for themselves. I also never thought the tablet would become such a constant companion for a wide variety of tasks and uses, and had fully expected I'd regret the purchase within a few weeks. Luckily, I wasn't right.

[wjamie]

Well, with the growing market share of the Kindle Fire, I reckon that it will be only high time that they start with an application for it already and true to that, the demand is ever growing.

I have to agree though that the hindrance would be how that size of display is going to keep up with it. Probably wait when it gets a revamp in terms of size.

[kirkmc]

This was one of my concerns when I bought an iPad 2. I was relatively sure that I would not enjoy reading books on it, based on my experience with reading long texts on a LCD/TFT monitor. I was wrong. It is surprisingly pleasant, when you adjust the brightness a little, depending on what's comfortable for you. With the right font, I actually find reading ebooks on the iPad more enjoyable than on an e-ink reader, especially in the evening when the room you're in is not daylight-lit.

I agree. I find reading on a Kindle very tiring for my eyes. With the iPad, I adjust the brightness as needed, and change the font size so it's big enough that I don't have to force my eyes.

This said, any back-lit e-book reader fails in outdoor light. The Kindle is great in the sun.

[SCWillson]

I agree. I find reading on a Kindle very tiring for my eyes. With the iPad, I adjust the brightness as needed, and change the font size so it's big enough that I don't have to force my eyes.

This said, any back-lit e-book reader fails in outdoor light. The Kindle is great in the sun.

The Kindle Fire has a fully-adjustable backlight and the texts can be adjusted from quite small to six-words-on-a-page hugeness; plus it offers black on white, white on black ánd brown on sepia ink/paper combinations. I doubt the iPad is vastly superior in that regard.

No it's not particularly easy to read in sunlight but it's not bad in shadow and indoors it rocks. You're right though; for reading in sunlight the e-ink screen on the earlier Kindles are vastly superior.

My biggest compaint about my Fire as opposed to my earlier Touch is it is noticibly heavier. But the use of a supporting case which allows the Fire to be essentially "hands free" mitigates that irritation, but that would only be worse on the (still heavier) iPad.

[SCWillson]

BTW, don't get me wrong: The Kindle Fire is hardly the ideal platform to play Go on. Engine options are small and many standard apps won't work without significant workarounds and/or sideloading, but it does work. Had I rediscovered Go before I bought my Fire tablet I'd probably have bought a standard Android tablet or even an iPad, but that isn't how things worked out. I can still play Go on GoShrine and DGS without difficulty. KGS is a non-starter though.

[Gohst]

OK, so I'll revive this thread.... any new news on KGS, et al on a Kindle Fire? I just got a nice big Fire HDX, and would love to use it for stuff like this. I have PC's that will work just fine, if there still is no Kindle Fire option.

A quick browse through the Amazon App Store seems to show that "Go" by AI Factory is still the only app that is available. [EDIT] And yes, there are side-load apps from the Google Play store, like ElyGo, and some others. There is also a GP app called Go Online that is an IGS client.

I can well appreciate why WMS might not want to do this.... I've developed software for decades, and it is a PITA moving an app to another platform. Besides the obvious work involved, there is also the opportunity cost (i.e. what else you could do with that time) to consider.

I don't suppose that WMS would be open to having a small (unpaid) development team help him out, since KGS is pretty much a one-man show (and a fine one, at that), but I'm game to help, if that option is available. What do I get out of it, besides another way to get to KGS? Some experience programming for Android, is about it.

Anyway, just tryin' to think outside the box, is all.

[Nagilum]

Although there is no client, this may be a workaround for you: Look for a VNC-Client in your App-Store and follow the instructions from http://www.hilolens.com/kgs.html
The Connection is very stable but there is actually no sound.

Have fun!