Is Android Marketplace worth the root?

**fat_overactor** · 01-21-2012, 11:06 AM

Hi all!

I am loving my Kindle Fire stock and the apps available for it. (I come from BlackBerry, so it is a WHOLE NEW WORLD havings good apps available!)

Pardon a noob question, but what apps are out there on Android Marketplace that are not on the Fire Marketplace? (I.e. what are the MUST Have apps?) Is it worth rooting my Fire for these apps?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

**milominderbinde** · 01-21-2012, 03:01 PM

Welcome to Android Central!

Here is the help just for BlackBerry converts: BlackBerry User's Guide to Android.

And YES, I think you will be amazed at all the apps not in the Amazon Appstore.

**skulldroid67** · 01-21-2012, 03:22 PM

why i rooted...#1. Control (i like it) #2 Amazon Apps selection...horrible (IMO) #3 Android Market selection...endless.. Well worth Rooting..oh and welcome to Android

**pistolpetefan23** · 01-22-2012, 09:27 PM

Honestly, none of that answers the question though (which I've posed several times as well). What specific apps are worth rooting the Fire to install Android Market? What apps are only available there with no comparable app in the Amazon App Store?

**skulldroid67** · 01-22-2012, 10:47 PM

Honestly it really comes down to a matter of personal choice. Research it yourself and make up your mind about what apps work for you. Then if you decide to root...then root.

That clear it up any?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

**ScottiePP7** · 01-23-2012, 03:35 PM

Personally, the only reason I want to root is Google Currents.

You can sideload apps on kindle w/o root. Just search for the apk of whatever you want (or download GetJar). You need the google framework to get currents and other google apps working.

If you plan on installing a ROM then you would need root but personally until ICS is stable I have no use for that.

It really is personal preference

**mikeisnowonfire** · 01-23-2012, 05:31 PM

I think that is a question a lot of people with Kindle Fire's are asking themselves. Basically it comes down to how badly you want the Android Market on your Fire. If I had one I wouldn't because Amazon has expanded their app catalog a lot in the last few months (though mostly with the crappy part of the Android Market) but still.

**skulldroid67** · 01-23-2012, 05:45 PM

I'm sure that Amazon will continue to improve their app selections. The Fire is still a great device with loads of potential.

**BigKenW** · 01-23-2012, 06:43 PM

I struggled with this same issue. I made the conscious choice to use the Amazon Appstore months before the Fire was announced because of all the rumors surrounding the tablet. If I am going to buy an app, I look in the Amazon Appstore first. If it isn't there, then I go to the Android Market. Why? Because Amazon's plan is to have their apps (Kindle, Appstore, etc.) on as many devices as possible. In addition, my wife and I share an Amazon account. So if I buy an app, she can use it and vice versa. We don't however share Gmail accounts, hence our Android Marketplace apps are separate.

I have a fire and rooted it. It was cool to a point. You can't run Amazon Instant Video if you are rooted, so after installing the market, you need to unroot. You also need to run a custom launcher to start the Market (I used ADW EX). This is a problem because Amazon pushes updates that tend to wipe out the market. So you need to keep re-rooting your device and updating it. This is a PITA in my opinion.

That said, if you aren't into the Amazon "stuff" you can ROM it and get a full Android tablet. You will loose Amazon Instant Video though (I know there are workarounds, but it isn't perfect).

EDIT - PS. If you don't like the email app, Download K-9 mail on the Fire.

**jazzyjames** · 01-23-2012, 07:05 PM

I can run Amazon Video with Root, well semi root, you can use OTA root keeper to move Super User so Amazon video doesn't see it. I work I 4 Elementary Schools and 3 of the teachers recently got them, and I have rooted all 3 of them and got the market on them, no issues so far with them.

**Dan29466** · 01-23-2012, 07:07 PM

I love all of the rooting fanboys saying that you need to root but they can't give even one example of an app that you can only get from the android market. Can you guess why that is? It's because many of them have no clue. Most of the responders probably don't even own a Fire. Of the ones who do own one, most of them probably rooted immediately without ever checking out the Amazon market because rooting is what the cool kids do and they're far too cool to be stuck with the Amazon market. If they use THAT, somebody might think they're a noob.

If you're curious, just read the app reviews on Android Central or one of the other Android blogs. Whenever you're bored, go read a couple of app reviews. If you see an app that looks like you want/need it, go look for it in the Amazon market. If it's there, you win. If it's not there, then you have your first data point. Start making a list of all of the apps that you notice like that. If you find one that makes you scream "WANT!!!!", then it's time to root your fire. When you finally have a big list of apps that you would like to have but don't absolutely need, then it's time to root your Fire. The definition of "big" is totally up to you. Maybe you'll find 3 apps that are making you drool and you'll be rooted by tomorrow night. Or maybe it'll be a couple of weeks from now and you'll do it because you've filled an entire sheet of paper with games that you're dying to try.

The biggest thing is that you're going to have to base it on your opinion, not somebody else's opinion. For example, there are a couple of million people who think that "Beautiful Widgets" is amazing. When I downloaded it, I kept trying to figure out what I was missing. I don't have any problem with other people liking it, and I hope that it makes them love their droid. For me, it was distinctly meh.

So, what's the must-have app that doesn't exist on the Amazon Market? Beats me. They have Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, and The Moron Test. Does anybody actually run anything else?

Dan

p.s. My DroidX is rooted because otherwise the damned button lights are psycho and won't turn off. My Galaxy Nexus is not because why bother? My GTab is rooted because the stock firmware is beyond sad. My Archos is not because it's mostly just a remote control for the Squeezebox and a way to do quick google searches from the couch.

**Died4u525** · 01-23-2012, 07:15 PM

I've only been rooting my devices since September or October but there's no going back now! I had my Kindle Fire rooted using the Kindle Fire Utility, and had TWRP recovery, Go Launcher EX and the Android Market all installed within 1 hour of the device arriving. I bought the Kindle Fire with the intention of rooting it. In fact I wouldn't have purchased it if I couldn't have rooted it.

I rooted it for more than the Android Market, although in my opinion the root process was so simple that its worth doing even if all you want it for is the Android Market. When you root, you can take screenshots, you can backup all of your apps with data so that in case you ever have to hard rest the device you wont have to start over in Angry Birds our anything else, you can install Roms (such as CyanogenMod 7, which I love), you can even re-partition the memory to give you more room for apps. In the CM7 rom you get softkeys embedded in the status bar and you can apply themes that change the look of the buttons and the clock, battery indicator and WiFi indicator. Mine looks like Ice Cream Sandwich.

Having said all that, if you're happy with the stock Kindle Fire ui (with the bookshelf and everything) and you totally don't mind wasting time sideloading apps and you don't want full customization then don't bother with root.

Oh and another problem with the Amazon App Store is that they is extremely slow with app updates, so when you have an app that has problems and the Android Market comes out with an update, Amazon won't put the update out for usually 1-3 months. That's probably my biggest problem with the Amazon App Store.

Sent from my Kindle Fire with CM7 using Tapatalk

**jazzyjames** · 01-23-2012, 07:20 PM

In response to those people who say there is no need for the Android market.

Just to name a few
Gmail
Google Docs
Google+

**Died4u525** · 01-23-2012, 07:26 PM

To add to @jazzyjames list:

Button Savior (root only)
YouTube
Talk
Facebook
AirDroid

Also if you want WhatsApp on your Fire you need to be rooted from what I've read. Oh and that app isn't on Amazon either.

Sent from my Kindle Fire with CM7 using Tapatalk

**jazzyjames** · 01-23-2012, 07:37 PM

Now don't get me wrong I think for the price the kindle fire is a kickass tablet, and for your average joe the amazon market is great, but for me who I want the whole Android Experience, rooting it and getting the market is where it is at.

**isaacmc** · 01-23-2012, 07:49 PM

I am definitely not a "rooting fanboy" and the main reason I rooted mine is for the convenience. I do not like seeing the Appstore and the Market showing me the same app twice on my phone. Also, I cannot really purchase the same app twice. If I had the money, I would not mind supporting the developers though.

I like to keep most of my apps in one place, which is the Android Market.

Some of the apps I use constantly like Tasker or Titanium Backup, are what made me root the Fire. I want automated settings, like volume and brightness. Or being able to backup my apps. Also being able to install a home replacement app without having to sideload, which can become a pain.

Another one would be a different browser. Silk is decent, but it doesn't have the same features as Dolphin HD, for example.

And of course a keyboard. The stock keyboard is okay, but I'm too used to SwiftKey or the Thumb Keyboard, which is great for tablets.

I don't use Amazon Prime, since I have Netflix and Hulu Plus. So the video is not an issue for me.

In the end, it really is just a matter of preference; but in my case, I'm much happier with a rooted Kindle Fire.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

**sscinokc** · 01-23-2012, 08:52 PM

Rooted my thunderbolt....and love it. Had all intentions of doing the same with the Fire. However, after sideloading the primary apps from my thunderbolt, I saw absolutely no reason to. I loaded a different Launcher, still have access to kindle launcher, and love it just the way it is. Now, if and when ICS comes out....I may reconsider.

**omnirage** · 01-23-2012, 09:11 PM

ICS on my Kindle Fire = Win.

**hrbib21** · 01-23-2012, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by skulldroid67

why i rooted...#1. Control (i like it) #2 Amazon Apps selection...horrible (IMO) #3 Android Market selection...endless.. Well worth Rooting..oh and welcome to Android

This. After root and CM7 install, this thing is much more responsive and I simply like it better. In all honesty, I wouldn't have bought this if I couldn't root.

**alpha752** · 01-23-2012, 11:00 PM

I was disappointed with my Kindle Fire when I first received it, although to be fair, I got it with the intention of rooting. After a few days with the clunky, restricting Amazon software on it, I rooted, flashed CM7, and have loved the Fire ever since.

Rooting the stock Amazon software... I dont see much need for that personally, unless you NEED GApps.

Rooting with the intention of flashing a new ROM... definitively worth it. Running CM7 makes this $200 tablet worth much more IMO.

I love my CM7 Fire... cant wait for CM9!

**skbgiants** · 01-23-2012, 11:06 PM

100 percent worth the root! Yes, it takes a bit of "geekery" to really get the Fire to function as a great Android Tablet, but sooo worth it.

I'm using Go Launcher EX and it's fantastic. I have access to most apps on the Android Market (the ones I really want that don't "appear" on the Market because of the build prop, I just download on my EVO 4G, use App Saver to rip the .apk and then sideload to my Fire.) Games run fantastic, I've got the entire suite of Google Apps, Gmail, Maps, G+, Docs etc. It's nice to have access to the Amazon App Store, Android Market and Getjar for all my app needs, PLUS all my purchased apps on my EVO 4G are on my Fire. Here are some screen shots.

**mercado79** · 01-23-2012, 11:16 PM

Pocketcasts is another one that I love and is only available on the Market (due to what the devs explained to be an awful experience with Amazon). It's one of my go-to apps. Other apps I use all the time include CNN, NPR News, all the Google Apps like Google Voice/Google Currents/Google Music, and alternate keyboards like Thumb Keyboard.

Also, like Died4u525 mentioned, apps are always up to date on the Market. Not so on the Appstore, though I wouldn't say months behind necessarily. GrooveIP is one that was broken for a bit until the update was approved. Pocketcasts had been available and then they decided Amazon Appstore was not worth their time, aggravation, and loss of income. There are others (though I can't think of them off the top of my head).

Still, unless you're willing to stay on top of the relevant updates and patches required to work around future updates from Amazon, it's best you stay stock. And yes... this comes from a "rooting fanboy". (love the tone, btw)

**fat_overactor** · 01-24-2012, 01:27 AM

Thank you everyone for your responses so far, you have definitely given me some food for thought!

This is my first Android device. Probably the main thing that keeps me from rooting is that I'm not very tech savvy and Im afraid I might mess up some code and brick my Fire. I guess like everything else it's always hardest the first time!

**misfit410** · 01-24-2012, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Dan29466

I love all of the rooting fanboys saying that you need to root but they can't give even one example of an app that you can only get from the android market. Can you guess why that is? It's because many of them have no clue. Most of the responders probably don't even own a Fire. Of the ones who do own one, most of them probably rooted immediately without ever checking out the Amazon market because rooting is what the cool kids do and they're far too cool to be stuck with the Amazon market. If they use THAT, somebody might think they're a noob.

If you're curious, just read the app reviews on Android Central or one of the other Android blogs. Whenever you're bored, go read a couple of app reviews. If you see an app that looks like you want/need it, go look for it in the Amazon market. If it's there, you win. If it's not there, then you have your first data point. Start making a list of all of the apps that you notice like that. If you find one that makes you scream "WANT!!!!", then it's time to root your fire. When you finally have a big list of apps that you would like to have but don't absolutely need, then it's time to root your Fire. The definition of "big" is totally up to you. Maybe you'll find 3 apps that are making you drool and you'll be rooted by tomorrow night. Or maybe it'll be a couple of weeks from now and you'll do it because you've filled an entire sheet of paper with games that you're dying to try.

The biggest thing is that you're going to have to base it on your opinion, not somebody else's opinion. For example, there are a couple of million people who think that "Beautiful Widgets" is amazing. When I downloaded it, I kept trying to figure out what I was missing. I don't have any problem with other people liking it, and I hope that it makes them love their droid. For me, it was distinctly meh.

So, what's the must-have app that doesn't exist on the Amazon Market? Beats me. They have Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, and The Moron Test. Does anybody actually run anything else?

Dan

p.s. My DroidX is rooted because otherwise the damned button lights are psycho and won't turn off. My Galaxy Nexus is not because why bother? My GTab is rooted because the stock firmware is beyond sad. My Archos is not because it's mostly just a remote control for the Squeezebox and a way to do quick google searches from the couch.

Considering the entire reason to go Android is googles own app selection, there alone is about 20 apps you'll never find on the amazon market that I personally can not live without. There are also apps such as the remote desktop app that while you can find it on the amazon market, I don't want pay $20 for it twice!