Amazon’s move into eBooks, MP3s and
movie streaming leaves few pies for the company’s fingers to get in, and with
the Kindle Fire HD it’s combined all its services into one mega-pie of quality
media consumption.
The Kindle Fire HD is a chunkier tablet
than its 7in rivals, and a rather nondescript one too, but the lightly
rubberized back panel does make it comfortable to carry and a little less
likely to slip from your grasp than some others. It’s solid too, although we
wouldn’t expect to see it come out on top from a fight with the pavement.
Amazon
Kindle Fire HD
A well-stocked walled garden
Although it’s an Android tablet, the
operating system has been heavily modified to make it more user-friendly. That
also means the Fire HD doesn’t connect to the Google Play app, movie and music
store, but it does have alternatives.
Amazon curates its own version of the full
app store, and it covers most bases (TuneIn, Sonos, plus many popular games),
but still misses some big-hitters (YouTube and Sky’s apps, for example).
MP3s
from Amazon are stored in the Cloud for free and can be downloaded to the
Kindle, or you can opt for TuneIn or transfer your own files
A click on the Videos tab takes you to the
integrated streaming services. The services are beautiful and let you stream
thousands of movies, although the catalogue is still light on some of the newer
blockbusters and you can’t download movies to the device to watch later.
You can transfer files from your PC at
least, and wherever they come from the Kindle delivers them with lovely
contrast and detail, and vibrant but natural colors.
For music you’ve far more options. MP3s
from Amazon are stored in the Cloud for free and can be downloaded to the
Kindle, or you can opt for TuneIn or transfer your own files (lossless FLAC is
supported, too).
Amazon curates its own app store, and
it covers most bases, including TuneIn, Sonos and IMDb
We like the Kindle’s sound quality: it’s
fairly rich and full-bodied with decent punch in the mid-range and treble and
good clarity. Even the speakers are decent.
If you’re all about media, the Kindle Fire
HD makes a compelling case for itself, especially if you’re a keen Amazon
shopper.
Amazon
curates its own app store, and it covers most bases, including TuneIn, Sonos
and IMDb
Stripped down
If you’re after full-fat Android and the
breadth of content it contains, the Kindle isn’t for you. But its simplicity is
also its strength.
… After these messages
The price quoted above is for the version
‘with special offers’, which means whenever you turn the screen on from sleep
you’ll see an advert, usually for something Kindle-related. These aren’t too
intrusive, and can actually point you in the direction of something good – but
an addition to the price will buy you the version without them if you wish.
Killer apps: Don’t leave home without
these…
VLC Player ($free): This popular video
player will play a wider range of audio and video formats in greater clarity
and definition, mind you – than the Fire HD’s own video app. Cut the
Rope ($1.5): The cartoon graphics of this
cute, taxing puzzler look lovely on the vibrant screen, and the game is just as
much fun the fifth time as the first four.
Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals ($2.5): Videos and
shopping lists make this a must-have app for the kitchen. Especially if you or
your significant other is fans of British cook Jamie Oliver.
Rating: 4/5
For: Sharp, vibrant video; smooth,
enjoyable sound; user-friendly; streaming integration
Against: Ring-fenced system; no option to
download videos; bigger than rivals
Verdict: A great option for heavy media
consumers, Amazon fans and those looking for a first, user-friendly tablet
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Specifications
·
Operating system: Custom Android
·
Screen size: 7in
·
Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
·
Processor: 1.2GHz
·
Storage: 16GB, 32GB
·
Expansion card slot: No
·
HDMI output: Yes
·
Battery life (music/video): 10 hours
·
Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n
·
3G: No
·
Bluetooth: Yes
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 19 x 14 x 1cm
·
Weight: 395g
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