USB-C

Limitations and Missing Features of Amazon Fire Max 11

Last updated on: November 3, 2023, first published on: November 3, 2023 2 Comments

Amazon Fire Max 11 is the first “premium” model of the Fire tablet product family after Amazon discontinued the Kindle Fire HDX 7 and HDX 8.9 in 2015, although it only costs less than $230 (usually on sale for as low as $150). There are some interesting features, for example, fingerprint ID, active pen support, and an official keyboard case, as explained in this post. However, at the same time, there are some limitations and missing features of Amazon Fire Max 11.

This Fire tablet guide explains the top 7 limitations and missing features of Amazon Fire Max 11, including no DisplayPort Alt Mode, no wireless charging, no fast charging, no headphone jack, lack of Google Play store support, limited multitasking capabilities, and outdated Android version.

Now, let's go through these 7 limitations and missing features of Amazon Fire Max 11 one by one.

1. No USB-C Alt Mode support

USB-C Alt Mode allows USB-C ports to transfer data (e.g., video) via multiple interfaces, including the DisplayPort video interface. So, with USB-C Alt Mode support, you can instantly connect your tablet to a monitor or projector with a USB-C to HDMI cable to share the screen or work on the large screen.

Unfortunately, Amazon Fire Max 11 does NOT support USB-C Alt Mode. This means you cannot easily hook the tablet to a big screen.

This is one of the most disappointing missing features of Amazon Fire Max 11 if you need to share the screen or want to work on a big screen with the tablet.

Please note Amazon Fire Max 11 (and Fire HD 10 2023) does support screen mirroring through Miracast, which is only available on some TVs.… Read the rest

Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021: What’s New in Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen)?

Last updated on: November 3, 2023, first published on: September 26, 2023 2 Comments

Amazon Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen) was announced on September 18, 2003, and will be shipped from October 18. You may wonder what's new in Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen).

This Fire Tablet Guide explains the top 10 new differences between Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021, including a faster chipset (Mediatek MT8186A), 5MP front-facing camera, 13-hour battery life, stylus (active) support, lighter and thinner, Fire OS 8, new button layout, Bluetooth 5.3LE, no plus version, and $10 cheaper. We also explain some key features and specs remain unchanged.

Please do not confuse Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen) with Fire Max 11 (2023). The latter is not in the Fire HD 10 series.

What's New in Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen): Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021?

Now let's go through these differences between Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021 one by one.

1. Stylus (active pen) support

Fire HD 10 2023 (13 Gen) now becomes the 2nd device with active pen support in the Fire tablet product line (after Fire Max 11). This is one of the most practical (especially for note-taking users) new features of Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021.

You can use any USI 2.0 pen on the Fire HD 10 2023, including the one for Fire Max 11.

Please check this guide on what the active pen can do on Fire HD 10 2023, how to use it, and whether you need to get it or not.

2. A faster chipset (Mediatek MT8186A) in Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen)

In each generation of Fire HD 10, Amazon bumped up the processing powers moderately.… Read the rest

What’s new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)?

Last updated on: November 3, 2023, first published on: October 9, 2022 4 Comments

What's new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2022 (10th Gen)?

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, similar micro SD card support, 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 work with the Google Play store. You can 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

Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2022

Last updated on: July 10, 2023, first published on: July 17, 2022 Leave a Comment

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.

The 2023 updated version of this guide is available: Fire Tablet Buyer's Guide 2023.

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.

… Read the rest

Fire 7 2022 vs Fire 7 2019: top 10 new features and improvements

Last updated on: September 16, 2023, first published on: July 11, 2022 Leave a Comment

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.

Fire OS 8
Faster CPU and GPU
More (double) RAM
USB-C
WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth 5.0
Longer battery life
VP9 codecs
Widevine DRM L1 support
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

Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Fire HD 10 2021 vs. Fire HD 10 2019

Last updated on: November 3, 2023, first published on: June 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

As a refreshed version of the Fire HD 10 tablet, Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen) offers a moderate update over Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen).

Fire HD 10 Plus is the first “Plus” version of the Fire HD 10 series, apparently inspired by the moderate success of the Fire HD 8 Plus.

This Fire tablet guide explains the new features of Fire HD 10 2021 (11th gen) compared to Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen) and the difference between Fire HD 10 Plus vs. Fire HD 10 2021 to help you decide whether you should get the new Fire HD 10, or the new Fire HD10 Plus. The productivity bundle for the 11th Gen Fire HD 10, Fire HD 10 Kids, and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro are also explained.

Update: Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen) was released. Please check this guide on the new features(e.g., Fire OS 8 and active stylus support) and improvements in the 13th-generation Fire HD 10.

Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen) vs Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen): what's not changed?

The 11th Gen of Fire HD 10 is not a significant upgrade to the 9th Gen. A lot of key features and specs (and the price) still remain unchanged.

Chipset (CPU/GPU)

The tablet is still powered by the same MediaTek MT8183 (64-bit octa-core). It is a decent entry-level mobile chip and is probably still the fastest processor for a tablet under $150.

Anyway, for most Fire HD 10 tablet owners, the chipset should be sufficient. You may get a bit frustrated if you play heavy games or render videos on the tablet.

Fire OS 7

Both Fire HD 2021 (11th Gen) and Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen) were released with Fire OS 7, which is based on Android Pie (Android 9).… Read the rest

The ultimate guide of USB-C fast charging on Fire HD 10 2019, Fire HD 8 2020, and later devcies

Last updated on: October 29, 2023, first published on: October 14, 2020 9 Comments

The addition of a USB-C port on Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen), Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen), Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen), and Fire HD 8 Plus makes these Fire tablets support 15W USB-C fast charging and be compatible with more USB accessories. This Fire tablet how-to guide explains what USB-C fast charging (PD) is, how to use it to charge your Fire HD tablets faster, and known problems and caveats of using fast charging on Fire HD tablets. Please note, that this guide only applies to Fire HD tablets with a USB-C port. Currently, Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen), Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire HD10 2019 (9th Gen), Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen), and Fire HD 8 Plus, Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen), Fire HD 8 Plus (2022), Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen), and Fire Max 11 (13th Gen) have the USB-C Port. Older generations and Fire 7 only have a micro USB port. Fire 7 2022 (12th Gen) has now also switched to the USB-C port, and therefore, this guide also applies to the 12th Gen Fire 7 (2022)

What is USB-C fast charging (USB PD)?

For the 10th gen Fire HD 8 (Fire HD 2020), Amazon stated:

Fully charge in under 5 hours using the USB-C cable and 5W power adapter included in the box. Fully charge in under 4 hours with 9W adapter (sold separately), and under 3 hours with 15W adapter and USB type C to C cable (adapter and cable sold separately).

Essentially, you can fully charge Fire HD 8 2020 or Fire HD 8 Plus (and Fire HD 10 2019 and Fire HD 10 2021) within 3 hours with fast charging.… Read the rest

Fire HD 8 Plus (2020) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2018 (8th Gen)

Last updated on: September 16, 2023, first published on: September 11, 2020 4 Comments

Fire HD 8 Plus (2020) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2018 (8th Gen) Amazon announced two models for the 10th generation of Fire HD 8: Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus, instead of the traditional one, as the successor of Fire HD 8 2018 (8th Gen).

So, what are the differences between Fire HD 8 Plus (2020) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2018 (8th Gen)?

This Fire tablet guide explains the significant differences among Fire HD 8 Plus (2020), Fire HD 8 2020 (10th gen), and Fire HD 2018 (8th Gen) to help you understand the benefits of the improvements.

Update: there is a newer version of Fire HD 8: Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen).

Fire HD 8 Plus (2020) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen)

Fire HD 8 Plus and Fire HD 8 2020 share identical dimensions and ports. So, the cases for these two tablets are interchangeable. The hardware inside these two tablets is almost identical, with two exceptions (read on).

Both tablets also run identical software with almost identical Fire OS 7.3 (which is based on Android Pie/9.0). This also means it is very easy to add Google Play Store to both tablets.

You can also use the micro SD card as internal storage on both devices as well.

There are two major differences between Fire HD 8 Plus (2020) and Fire HD 8 2020.

Difference 1. Fire HD 8 Plus has a 3GB RAM

Amazon increased the RAM in Fire HD 8 (10 gen)to 2GB (from 1.5GB in previous generations). And Fire HD 8 Plus further increases the RAM to 3GB.

So, Fire HD 8 Plus is the Fire HD tablet with the largest RAM currently. Remember, the latest Fire HD 10 (Fire HD 10 2019) only has 2GB RAM.… Read the rest

Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen): everything you need to know

Last updated on: November 3, 2023, first published on: November 23, 2019 18 Comments

Fire HD10 2019 (Fire HD 9th Gen) is an updated model for Fire HD 10 2017 (7th Gen). It is a significant update with some new features and improvements and at the same affordable price.

As Amazon stopped the Fire HDX series of tablets, Fire HD 10 is the “flagship” tablet from Amazon. And Amazon now refreshes the tablet every two years. Fire HD 10 and Fire 7 were updated from 7th Gen to the 9th Gen in 2019. Update: Amazon Fire Max 11 is now the “flagship”.

This Fire tablet buying guide explains everything you need to know about Fire HD 10 9th Gen: the new features, pros and cons (review) of Fire HD 10 2019, alternatives to this tablet, and answers to questions you may have about this tablet.

Please note, the successor of Fire HD 10 2019 is Fire HD 10 2021 (11th Gen). You can find the updated features here.

Top 9 new features of Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen)

The 9th Gen of Fire HD 10 looks similar to the previous 7th gen Fire HD 10. Actually, the ports, buttons, cameras, and speakers are located almost in identical locations. The dimensions are also almost identical.

But don't be fooled by the look. There are some excellent new features. Here are the top 9 new features (compared to Fire HD 10 2017).

USB-C port

Finally, Amazon ditched the vintage micro USB port with the future-proof USB-C port on Fire HD 10 9th Gen.

The USB-C port offers numerous advantages. For example:

The connector is symmetric. You can easily insert the cable into the port without turning on the light.
More protocols can be supported.

… Read the rest

USB-C

Limitations and Missing Features of Amazon Fire Max 11

1. No USB-C Alt Mode support

Fire HD 10 2023 vs. Fire HD 10 2021: What’s New in Fire HD 10 2023 (13th Gen)?