Kindle and Fire Tablet Guides

With the release of Fire OS 8 on the 12th Gen Fire 7 (Fire 7 2022) and Fire HD 8 (Fire HD 8 2022), Dark theme on Fire tablets is now available in these devices and the coming 13th Gen Fire HD 10.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains the advantages of the Dark Theme on Fire tablets, the difference between the Night Mode, Blue Shed, and Dark Theme, how to turn on/off the Dark Theme on Fire tablets with Fire OS 8, and how to schedule Dark theme on Fire tablets.

Dark Theme was introduced in Fire OS 8. So, this guide applies to Amazon Fire tablets with Fire OS 8.

Why do you need the Dark Theme on Fire tablets?

Dark Theme, aka system-wide dark theme, was officially introduced in Android 10. It allows you to show content in a dark background on the screen.

Fire OS 8, which is based on Android 10, implemented the Dark Theme on Fire tablets without messing it up.

The advantages of using the Dark Theme include the following:

• Reduce eye strain, especially in a low-light environment.
• Make the screen more comfortable (arguable) for most users in most situations.
• Improve visibility for users with low vision and those who are sensitive to bright light.
• May reduce battery usage (therefore, increase battery life) if adaptive brightness is available and enabled.

Fire 7 (all generations) does not have a light sensor, therefore, it will not benefit from the longer battery life when enabling the Dark Theme. Fire HD 8 (including Fire HD 8 Plus) and Fire HD 10 (including Fire HD 10 Plus) support adaptable brightness.

For most Fire tablet owners, you may just leave the Dark Theme on in most situations.… Read the rest

The post How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8? appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

Quick Settings on Fire tablets lets you enable or disable some features instantly without going through the Settings app.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains what the Quick Settings on Fire tablets is, how to access the Quick Settings panel on a Fire tablet, the differences in Quick Settings among Fire OS 5, Fire OS 7, and Fire OS 8, and how to use and customize the Quick Setting buttons.

Although the illustration and screenshots are based on Fire OS 8, this guide applies to most Fire tablets.

What is Quick Settings on Fire tablets?

Quick Settings on Fire tablets is simply a special panel which lets you turn on/off some frequently used features without fiddling around the Settings.

For example, if you want to turn on (or off) Bluetooth on a Fire tablet without Quick Settings, you need 5 steps.

1. Navigate to the Home screen (you may have to leave the app you are using).
2. Locate the Settings app.
3. Open the Settings app.
4. Tap Connected devices.
5. Tap Bluetooth

With Quick Settings on Fire tablets, it will take you two steps to turn on/off Bluetooth:

1. Without leaving the app you are using, swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers.
2. Tap the Bluetooth button.

So, it is a matter of “efficiency” if you can use Quick Settings on Fire tablets. The Quick Settings is even available when you are on the lock screen.

Like all other Android devices (although Amazon tried hard to hide “Android” in Fire tablets), all Fire tablets offer the Quick Settings feature. So, if you are also an Android user, you will find it is almost identical to the Quick Settings on your Android devices.… Read the rest

The post How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets? appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

You can use two different methods to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains the two methods to easily take screenshots on a Fire tablet: the power button + Volume down key method on all Fire tablets and using the power-off menu in Fire OS 7 and 8. The guide also shows you how to edit and share screenshots on Fire tablets.

The results are identical. The two methods will take the same screenshots.

This guide covers all generations of Fire 7, Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HDX 7, and Kindle Fire HDX 8.9.

Why do you need to take screenshots on a Fire tablet?

Occasionally, you may need to share what's shown on the screen with others or keep a record for yourself.

Sometimes, you may want to show the game progress or show others how to use some apps (or ask for help).

Or you find some interesting illustrations/info in a magazine or a book and want to check them later.

In all these cases, you may need to take screenshots on a Fire tablet. Taking photos for a screen with another device is always a challenge. Screenshots make it easy.

There are at least two methods to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps. We now go through them one by one.

Method 1: Use the Power button + Volume down button to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet

Like on any Android phone or tablet, you can simultaneously press and hold the power button and the Volume down button to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet, as shown in the picture below.… Read the rest

The post How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro? appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

Fire Tablet Buying Guide helps you make informed decisions when considering buying an Amazon Fire tablet or buying accessories for your Fire tablet.

There are too many options for buying a tablet. But everyone may have unique expectations, and therefore, you may feel you cannot find the tablet you want.

Similarly, when coming to accessories for your Fire tablet, you may also be overwhelmed by the choices. But you cannot find one for your tablet.

This Fire tablet buying guide page lists our in-depth guide explaining each Fire tablet's differences, pros and cons and some accessories to help you get the right device based on your needs, budget, and expected usage.

Various types of Fire tablet buying guides are listed here to cater to different groups of readers. For example, some may consider a Fire tablet or other non-Fire tablets. Some may consider the model or generations of the Fire tablet. Some may want to get suggestions on accessories. Some may have questions about some Amazon services, for example, Kids+.

So, the format and length of each Fire tablet buying guide may differ significantly from others.

New Fire tablet buying guides will be added regularly. So, you may check back later if you cannot find the buying guides you need. You can also leave your questions in the comment box below. The community will help you.

Here is the list of released and coming-soon Fire tablet buying guides

#7. Fire Tablet Buyers' Guide 2022

This Fire tablet buying guide first explains the difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet, when to consider buying a Fire tablet, and when not to consider the Fire tablet. The current (2022) models of Amazon Fire tablets are compared to explain the differences among these available models in 2022.… Read the rest

The post Fire Tablet Buying Guide appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

Get a new Fire tablet? These how-to guides are for you.

Set up a Fire tablet for your kids? these how-to guides will help you.

This page lists our how-to guides on using the Amazon Fire tablet or settings up the tablet for your kids. All guides are packed with detailed, step-by-step instructions so that anyone can follow them easily.

We mainly focus on frequently used features of the Fire tablet, instead of the “advanced” features, to help all types of users, from new to seasoned Amazon Fire tablet users.

Each guide is normally self-sustained and independent from others. It solves one problem or demonstrates one feature. So you can quickly find the solution you need. There are no “prerequisites” for any of the Fire tablet how-to guides.

Currently, the following devices are covered by the Fire tablet how-to guides:

• Fire 7
• Fire 7 Kids
• Fire HD 8
• Fire HD 8 Kids
• Fire HD 8 Kids Pro
• Fire HD 8 Plus
• Fire HD 10
• Fire HD 10 Kids
• Fire HD 10 Kids Pro
• Fire HD 10 Plus
• Fire HDX (legacy)

We release and update these Fire tablet how-to guides after we test them or when there are some changes in the said feature.

So, the list will be updated regularly. You may check back later if you cannot find the guide you want. Alternatively, you can leave your question in the comment box below. We will try to help you answer the question. We may also speed up the release of the relevant guides.

Here is the list of the released and coming-soon how-to guides for Fire tablets.

#12. How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?

… Read the rest

The post How-to Guides for Fire tablet appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

Fire OS 8 is the latest (2022) Operating System (OS) for Fire tablets. It was announced on May 18, 2022.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains everything you need to know about Fire OS 8: relation to Android versions, new features (and how to use them), supported devices, and about sideloading Google Play Store.

This guide applies to all models (standard, Kids, Kids Pro, Plus) of Fire 7 2022 (12th Gen) and Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen)

Relation to Android versions

Fire OS is essentially a fork of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). And each version of Fire OS has parity with a specific version of Android. So, you can run most Android apps on Fire tablets even if they are not available in Amazon Appstore.

Of course, Amazon removed almost all Google services, including Google Play Store, and replaced them with their own offering. Therefore, technically speaking, Google services are NOT supported on Fire tablets. Even worse, Amazon tightened the controls of the Fire OS. It is almost impossible to make Google Play Store and other Google services work on Fire OS 8 (read on).

Unlike previous versions of Fire OS, Fire OS 8 is based on two versions of Android: Android 10 and Android 11. It is unclear why Amazon did not move the whole code base to Android 11. FYI, Fire OS 7 is based on Android 9 (Android Pie).

As the current Android version is Andriod 13, apps that require Android 12 or higher generally cannot run on Fire OS 8. You must be aware of this limitation when sideloading Android apps to Fire tablets.

New features of Fire OS 8

The UI of Fire OS 8 may look similar to that of Fire OS 7.… Read the rest

The post Everything about Fire OS 8 appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

Amazon announced the Fire HD 8 2022, which is the 12th Gen of the Fire Tablet, on September 21, 2022. You can get your hands on it from October 19.

Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) shares a similar size and design, almost identical display, and identical RAM, compared to the previous generation of Fire HD 8 (Fire HD 2020/10th Gen).

So, what is new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)?

This Fire tablet buying guide explains the six changes or improvements in the Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen), including Fire OS 8, a Hexa-core processor, 13-hour battery life, swapped locations for the power and volume buttons, 5MP rear camera for the Plus model, and $10 price hike.

1. Fire OS 8

Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) is the second Fire tablet with the latest Fire OS: Fire OS 8.

As explained in this post, Fire 7 2022 (12th Gen) is the first Fire tablet shipped with Fire OS 8.

You can use all new features and improvements in Fire OS 8 with the new Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen), e.g.,

• Improved security and privacy options.
• Native screen recorder.
• System-wide dark theme. You may check this guide on how to use and schedule the Dark Theme.
• High-efficiency image file (HIEF) support.
• Restricted background activities

Please note Fire OS 8 does NOT work with the Google Play store. You can NOT sideload Google Play Store on the 12th Gen Fire HD 8, as you did for previous generations of Fire tablets.

You may refer to this guide on how to use the new features in Fire OS 8.… Read the rest

The post What’s new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)? appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

Amazon Fire tablet (Fire 7, Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10) is the most affordable Android tablet on the planet. Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022 help you decide:

• Is a Fire tablet right for me?
• Which Fire tablet is for me?
• How to get the best deal on a Fire tablet.

In this Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022, I will first explain the difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet, when you may consider buying a Fire tablet, and when you should not consider the Fire tablet at all. The current (2022) models of Amazon Fire tablets are compared to explain the differences among these available models in 2022. You can then decide whether you should get the 7″ Fire 7 or 8″ and 10″ HD tablet based on your budget usage, portability, and special needs.

Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022 also explains what are the additional features or upgrades in the Plus version for Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10. Kids edition is also discussed in detail so that you may know whether you should consider it.

This Fire tablet buyer's guide 2022 finally explains why you should not buy a Fire tablet of the old generation and why you should avoid the refurbished Fire tablet.

Difference between the Fire tablet and the Android tablet

Amazon Fire tablet is not exactly an Android tablet, although it is often quoted as the most affordable Android tablet.

Amazon Fire tablet differs from a “normal” Android tablet in a few aspects, including:

• No official Google Play Store access. The official app store is Amazon's Appstore, whose app pool is less than 1/10 of Google Play.
• No Google-related apps, for example, Gmail, YouTube, Photos, and Chrome.

… Read the rest

The post Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2022 appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

After about 3 years, Amazon finally refreshed the most affordable Android tablet on the planet, Fire 7. The 12th Gen Fire 7 (2022) was announced in May and released in June. Many Fire tablet owners wonder about the difference between Fire 7 2022 and Fire 7 2019.

As a successor to the 9th Gen Fire 7 (2019), Fire 7 2022 offers some valuable upgrades and changes.

This Fire tablet guide explains the top 10 new features and improvements of Fire 7 2022 vs Fire 7 2019, including

1. Fire OS 8
2. Faster CPU and GPU
3. More (double) RAM
4. USB-C
5. WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
6. Bluetooth 5.0
7. Longer battery life
8. VP9 codecs
9. Widevine DRM L1 support
10. Inflation tax (just to make it 10)

Some comparison was also extended to the current Fire HD 8 (10th Gen) and Fire HD 10 (11th Gen) to help you decide whether Fire 7 2022 is the right tablet for you.

Fire OS 8

Fire 7 2022 is the first Amazon device that ships with Fire OS 8, which is based on Android 11.

As a comparison, Fire 7 2019 (9th Gen) was updated to Fire OS 7, which is based on Android 9. The latest Fire HD 8 (2020, 10th gen) and Fire HD 10 (2021, 11th gen) are also running on Fire OS 7.

Although the latest version of Android is Android 12, Android 11 is still a major leap from Android 9 (Android Pie).

Some of the Android 10 and Android 11 features will benefit all users. For example,

• Improved security and privacy options.
• Native screen recorder.
• System-wide dark theme.

You may check this guide on using new features in Fire OS 8.… Read the rest

The post Fire 7 2022 vs Fire 7 2019: top 10 new features and improvements appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.

The official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus) is one of the most useful accessories if you need to type a lot on the Fire HD 10 tablet. But some owners are confused about the 15 special keys and are not aware of the keyboard shortcuts that can improve their productivity greatly.

This Fire tablet how-to guide explains the meaning and usage of the 15 special keys on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus). The available keyboard shortcuts are also explained to help you improve your productivity.

If you want to know how to pair or configure the keyboard, please check this guide.

You may check Fire Tablet Buyers' Guide to see whether you should buy the Bluetooth keyboard as a productivity bundle.

What are the 15 special keys on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)?

There are 15 special keys on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus). 13 of them are located in the top row, and the other two are left to the space bar, as illustrated below.

These special keys offer a few unique features and functions for Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus).

Please note, these special keys work for Amazon Fire HD tablets only. If you pair the keyboard with tablets of other brands, some of them may not work.

Now, let’s go through these 15 special keys one by one.… Read the rest

The post How to use the 15 special keys and 11 keyboard shortcuts on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)? appeared first on Kindle Fire For Kid.