Side-Loading Apps on the Kindle Fire

[weatherman]

I'm an Android noob, and maybe this is a better question for an Android forum, but does anyone know how to download apps from the Android Market to use on the Kindle Fire? It seems you have to have a "registered device" to use the Market, and the Fire doesn't count.

I've found the basic how-to on side-loading apps to the Fire, so I can probably handle that, I just need to be able to download it!

[monkeyluis]

Amazon has it's own Android Market.

[Jessica Lares]

Going to the developer's websites, most will have manual downloads. I was able to get things like Spotify that way.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by weatherman

I'm an Android noob, and maybe this is a better question for an Android forum, but does anyone know how to download apps from the Android Market to use on the Kindle Fire? It seems you have to have a "registered device" to use the Market, and the Fire doesn't count.

I've found the basic how-to on side-loading apps to the Fire, so I can probably handle that, I just need to be able to download it!

You will need to find the apk file for the program. You could could try to google for it. The only way to get Market apps is with the Market installed. I get mine through my phone then back up the apk file using ES File Manager and send it to the other device that way. There is a way to emulate an android device using your PC but I've never tried it.

[sadievan]

I too am an android noob. A couple of questions.

1. Are the android apps tied to the user like Apple's are. Meaning you cannot share the free apps even.

2. My SIL has an old android phone she is no longer using. Can I use that to get android apps even though there is no carrier anymore. Can you access the market through WiFi.

Carol

[weatherman]

@monkey; The Fire app store is missing a lot at this point, even mainstream stuff like the NPR app for instance.

@blossom; thanks. That's a little disheartening, but I guess I'll just have to work around it.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by sadievan

I too am an android noob. A couple of questions.

1. Are the android apps tied to the user like Apple's are. Meaning you cannot share the free apps even.

2. My SIL has an old android phone she is no longer using. Can I use that to get android apps even though there is no carrier anymore. Can you access the market through WiFi.

Carol

If her phone allows WiFi you can go that route. Just install the app on her phone then use ES File Explorer to back up the app into an apk file. Move the apk file to your Fire and install.

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by Blossom

If her phone allows WiFi you can go that route. Just install the app on her phone then use ES File Explorer to back up the app into an apk file. Move the apk file to your Fire and install.

Thanks Blossom.

Carol

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by Blossom

If her phone allows WiFi you can go that route. Just install the app on her phone then use ES File Explorer to back up the app into an apk file. Move the apk file to your Fire and install.

She has a Fire on order too. If we both want an app (the free one) do I have to register the phone on one account (mine) then de-register and then register on hers.

Carol

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by sadievan

She has a Fire on order too. If we both want an app (the free one) do I have to register the phone on one account (mine) then de-register and then register on hers.

Carol

If you talking about Android Market apps no you don't if all you're doing is getting the apk installer file for it. It will go on both devices.

If you mean Amazon apps then yes you do because it contains DRM.

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by Blossom

If you talking about Android Market apps no you don't if all you're doing is getting the apk installer file for it. It will go on both devices.

If you mean Amazon apps then yes you do because it contains DRM.

Thanks. Yes we were thinking about the bejeweled one that is free today at Amazon.

Carol

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by sadievan

Thanks. Yes we were thinking about the bejeweled one that is free today at Amazon.

Carol

I got that one it looks nice on the Fire. So far I have sideloaded ES File Explorer. The lastest version not the outdated one in App store. I had to slideload Mantano. It's now block. Mantano and ColorDict work fine on the Fire. It fact it looks great and will be my primary reading app as the Kindle one is too hard on my eyes. I've also sideloaded Dropbox and it works wonderfully! I've already put Opera Mini on here as Silk is too restrictive and does not seem to load correctly.

So far Mantano, Dropbox, ColorDict and it custom dictionaries and Opera Mini all work fine.

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I got that one it looks nice on the Fire. So far I have sideloaded ES File Explorer. The lastest version not the outdated one in App store. I had to slideload Mantano. It's now block. Mantano and ColorDict work fine on the Fire. It fact it looks great and will be my primary reading app as the Kindle one is too hard on my eyes. I've also sideloaded Dropbox and it works wonderfully! I've already put Opera Mini on here as Silk is too restrictive and does not seem to load correctly.

So far Mantano, Dropbox, ColorDict and it custom dictionaries and Opera Mini all work fine.

I was able to get the Bejeweled for both me and her.

I downloaded the ES File Explorer from Amazon. Didn't know there was a newer one. O well. Now I have to search for your post on how to back up the apps.

Wish I would have had her old phone the other day for the QuickOffice Pro free app. Maybe they'll offer it again.

Thanks for your help.

Edited: Figured out the backing up of the apps.

Carol

[Blossom]

I found an app that works like Screen filter but for WiFi toggle. It's called Wi-Fi Switch by friedflow. It sits in your notification bar making it easy to toggle WiFi on and off. You can also just hit the icon of the app to toggle WiFi.

Why? Makes it easier to save battery.