Engineering:Fire HDX

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Short description: Amazon Fire tablet computer
Amazon Fire HDX
Fire HDX 7" Front.jpg
Fire HDX 7 (3rd gen, 2013)
DeveloperAmazon.com
TypeTablet computer
Release date7" model October 18, 2013
8.9" model November 7, 2013 (USA)
Operating systemFire OS 3, upgradable to Fire OS 5
System on a chipQualcomm Snapdragon 800
CPUQuad-core 2.2 GHz ARM Krait 400
Memory2 GB
Storage16/32/64 GB
Display7" model:
1920 × 1200 px 323 PPI
7 in (18 cm) diagonal
8.9" model:
2560 × 1600 px 339 PPI
8.9 in (23 cm) diagonal
GraphicsAdreno 330
SoundStereo speakers
InputGPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor
CameraFront; 8.9" model only: 8 MP Rear
ConnectivityMicro-USB 2.0 (type B)
3.5 mm stereo socket
Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi
4G LTE
Bluetooth 4.0
Online servicesAmazon Prime, Amazon Cloud Storage, Amazon Cloud Player, Amazon video, Amazon Silk, Amazon Appstore, Amazon Kindle Store
Dimensions7" model: 186 mm × 128 mm × 9.0 mm (7.32 in × 5.04 in × 0.35 in)
8.9" model: 231 mm × 158 mm × 7.8 mm (9.09 in × 6.22 in × 0.31 in)
Mass7" model:
WiFi 303 g, 4G 311 g
8.9" model:
WiFi 374 g, 4G 384 g
PredecessorFire HD
SuccessorFire HD
WebsiteAmazon Kindle Fire HDX

The Fire HDX, formerly named Kindle Fire HDX, was a high-end model in Amazon Fire line of tablet computers. It was announced on September 25, 2013, and was available in two models, 7 inch and 8.9 inch. The 7 inch WiFi model was released on October 18, 2013, and the 8.9 inch WiFi model was released on November 7, 2013, in the United States.

In September 2014, Amazon released the second generation of the Fire HDX 8.9 model that has a faster processor and a more powerful graphics processing unit. In addition, the name "Kindle" was removed from all of the Fire tablets' names.

The Fire HDX tablets were discontinued, and the Fire HD tablet line now includes the most powerful versions of Amazon Fire devices.

Design

Hardware

Both the 7 inch and 8.9 inch LCD models contain a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor that has an Adreno 330 GPU. The models also have a 1.2 megapixel front camera that shoots 720p HD video. The 8.9 inch model has an 8 megapixel rear camera that shoots HD 1080p video. The exterior surface has angular, raised plastic edges with the power and volume buttons located on the backside. The Fire HDX features Dolby Digital Plus audio engine powering the two attached speakers. A normal user will get about 12 hours of battery life from a full charge.[1]

The Fire HDX 8.9" refresh in 2014 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor with an Adreno 420 GPU.[2] The sound system features Dolby Atmos speaker technology and the Wi-Fi version weighs 13.2 ounces (370 grams).

Software

Both models use Fire OS 3 which is a proprietary fork of Android 4.2.2. It features "Mayday", a button for free tech support available any time, "Silk", a cloud-accelerated browser, the Amazon Appstore for games and apps and Amazon.com services for media content purchases.[3] The tablets can send video content to a supported TV, game console or through a device like a Wireless Display HDMI adapter wirelessly using "Second Screen", but cannot send content via a HDMI cable like its predecessor, the Kindle Fire HD.

The 2014 refresh uses Fire OS 4 "Sangria", which features profiles so each user on the tablet can have their own settings and apps.[4]

Mayday feature

Sascha Segan of PC Magazine mentioned: "Press the Mayday button, and within 15 seconds, a live Amazon operator appears in a video chat window on your screen to answer all of your Kindle Fire questions. He or she will even tell you what apps to download. I've never seen anything else like it on a tablet."[5] In his review of the Kindle Fire HDX 7" he called the Mayday remote video support feature as "revolutionary" and "Amazon's most exciting feature".[6]

In June 2018, however, Amazon "quietly" discontinued the Mayday feature.[7]

Fire OS UI

The Fire HDX's UI has a "Carousel" which contains the most recent apps used and ones that have been updated or purchased recently.[8] The Carousel also holds documents, videos, music, and books. The Fire HDX also has a favorites tab in which the user can access the users apps from any other application.

Models

Overview on generations and models for all Fire tablet devices:

Detailed specifications for all Fire HDX tagged tablet devices:

Generation
(within Fire tablets*)
3rd Generation
(2013)
4th Generation
(2014)
Model Kindle Fire HDX (7") Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Fire HDX 8.9
Code name Thor Apollo Saturn
Modelnumber KFTHWA (WAN)
KFTHWI (Wi-Fi)
KFAPWA (WAN)
KFAPWI (Wi-Fi)
KFSAWA (WAN)
KFSAWI (Wi-Fi)
Release date Wi-Fi October 18, 2013 November 7, 2013 October 21, 2014
+Cellular November 14, 2013 December 10, 2013 December 2014
Status Discontinued Discontinued Discontinued
OS Fire OS 4 (or 3.2[9]) Fire OS 5 (or 4.5.2[9])
Fire OS (latest) 4.5.5.3[10][11] 5.6.7.0[12]
Screen Size (diagonal) 7 in (18 cm) 8.9 in (23 cm)
Resolution 1920 × 1200 2560 × 1600
Density 323 ppi 339 ppi
CPU Maker Qualcomm
Kind Quad-core Snapdragon
Model 800[13] 805
Cores 4x Krait 400 @ 2.2 GHz 4x Krait 450 @ 2.5 GHz
Width 32-bit
GPU Designer Qualcomm
Kind Adreno
Model 330 420
Clock 450 MHz[13] 600 MHz[13]
RAM 2 GiB
Storage Internal 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB
External N/A
Camera Back N/A 8 MP
Front 1.2 MP HD 720p still and video camera
Microphone Yes
Bluetooth BT 4.0 + EDR (HID and A2DP profiles only)
Wireless Wi-Fi Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
MIMO + HT80
+Cellular adds 4G LTE
Location Wi-Fi Wi-Fi based
+Cellular adds GPS and aGPS[13][14]
Proximity Wi-Fi N/A
+Cellular Yes N/A
Compass Wi-Fi N/A
+Cellular Yes
Light sensor Yes
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Barometer N/A
Weight Wi-Fi 303 g (10.7 oz) 374 g (13.2 oz) 375 g (13.2 oz)
+Cellular 311 g (11.0 oz) 384 g (13.5 oz) 389 g (13.7 oz)
Dimensions 186 mm × 128 mm × 9.0 mm
(7.32 in × 5.04 in × 0.35 in)
231 mm × 158 mm × 7.8 mm
(9.09 in × 6.22 in × 0.31 in)
Battery 4500[15] mAh Up to 12 hours
{{{2}}}

The Model number consists of three parts: first the KF prefix for 'Kindle Fire', second one or two letters derived from the code name, third WI for Wi-Fi or WA for cellular interface.

Reception

Engadget gave the Fire HDX an 85 out of 100, saying that it may be the most compelling case for Amazon's tablet ecosystem. While advanced users may be turned off by the limited app selection, the display's gorgeous color accuracy may make the tablet a good buy for everyone else, especially Amazon Prime members.[16]

PC Magazine gave the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7" (Wi-Fi) edition 4 out of 5 and rated "Excellent" while following pros were noted: "Sharp screen. Fast processor. Extremely easy to use. Amazing live tech support."[5]

The Fire HDX's screen has high color accuracy and high pixel density at 339 PPI, and as of early 2013 was one of the highest of tablet devices commercially available.[17] However, CNET pointed out that no Google Play access means limited app selection compared to other Android tablets and some users may be bothered by an additional $15 to remove ads on the lock screen, while ads on the home screen can be removed with a system setting.[18]

Timeline

See also

References

  1. Kingsley, Adrian (2014-01-27). "Five ways the iPad is lagging behind the Kindle Fire HDX | Page 4". ZDNet. http://www.zdnet.com/five-ways-the-ipad-is-lagging-behind-the-kindle-fire-hdx_p4-7000025630/#photo. 
  2. Jason Hidalgo, RGJ (24 September 2014). "Technobubble: Sizing up Amazon's new Kindle Fire HDX 8.9". http://www.rgj.com/story/life/2014/09/24/2014-kindle-fire-hdx-89-preview-technobubble/16140103/. 
  3. Wilson Rothman (2013-09-24). "Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX tablets pose real threat to iPad dominance". NBC News.com. http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/amazons-kindle-fire-hdx-tablets-pose-real-threat-ipad-dominance-8C11252610. 
  4. "What's new with Amazon's Fire OS 4.0 "Sangria"?". AndroidGuys. http://www.androidguys.com/2014/09/17/whats-new-amazons-fire-os-4-0-sangria/. 
  5. 5.0 5.1 Sascha Segan. "Hands On With the New Kindle Fires". PC Magazine. https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2424815,00.asp. 
  6. Sascha Segan. "Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7" (Wi-Fi)". PC Magazine. https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2425068,00.asp. 
  7. Hughes, Matthew (18 June 2018). "Amazon has discontinued the Mayday button on its Fire tablets". https://thenextweb.com/tech/2018/06/18/amazon-has-discontinued-the-mayday-button-on-its-fire-tablets/. 
  8. ""Using the Carousel, Favorites, and Content Libraries"Amazon.com Help". Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_201008200_content?nodeId=201008200#content. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Redirect | None". https://developer.amazon.com/de/docs/fire-tablets/ft-specs-custom.html. 
  10. "Help: Kindle Fire HDX Software Update". https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_v4_sib?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201357190. 
  11. "Help: Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Software Update". https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_v4_sib?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201357220. 
  12. "Fire HDX 8.9 (4th Generation) Software Updates". https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_cn?nodeId=201596890. 
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 "Device and Feature Specifications - Amazon Apps & Services Developer Portal". https://developer.amazon.com/appsandservices/solutions/devices/kindle-fire/specifications/01-device-and-feature-specifications. 
  14. "Fire HDX 8.9 product page". https://www.amazon.com/Fire-HDX-8-9-Display-Wi-Fi/dp/B00HCNHDN0. 
  15. Kindle Fire HDX 7″ (2013-10-14). "Kindle Fire HDX 7" Teardown". iFixit. https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Kindle+Fire+HDX+7-Inch+Teardown/18351/. 
  16. Engadget. "The year in reviews: 2013's best and worst gadgets scored and scrutinized". Engadget.com. https://www.engadget.com/2013/12/31/2013-engadget-reviews/. 
  17. "Flagship Tablet Display Technology Shoot-Out". Displaymate.com. http://www.displaymate.com/Tablet_ShootOut_3.htm. 
  18. Franklin, Eric. "Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. http://reviews.cnet.com/amazon-kindle-fire-hdx-7-inch/. 

External links