Amazon has always used a heavily augmented version of Android for their tablets. They do this because it makes their products distinctive in the marketplace and locks people into the Amazon ecosystem. If you want to load in a vanilla version of Android on the Fire HDX tablet, you are in luck. A new tool has been released that unlocks the bootloader and gives advanced users more flexibility to craft their own experience.
Xda-developers forum member dpeddi has posted tools and instructions for using them. The instructions also assume you have a PC running Linux , although it might be possible to modify the steps to have them work on OS X or Windows. Rumor has it these tools can also be employed to unlock the new Fire TV.
The Fire HDX lineup are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processors coupled with 2GB RAM. The resolution is also fairly solid, but the Dolby Audio is likely the most compelling factor. Few tablets on the market have the great sound quality that the Kindle Fire HDX employs.
Honestly, it might be cheaper to just buy a cheap Android tablet, rather than take the risk and void your warranty. Obviously if you decide you want to unlock the bootloader do so at your own risk and only advanced users need apply.
Michael Kozlowski is the Editor in Chief of Good e-Reader. He has been writing about audiobooks and e-readers for the past ten years. His articles have been picked up by major and local news sources and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times.
