Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Lenovo Duet Chromebook

I've been eyeing this for a while now.  Most (practically all) of the reviews (including YouTube reviews) have been favorable.  But first I wanted to get some stuff out of the way (like trimming my tree in the back).

This is a 10" Chromebook that can double both as a computer and a tablet.  I would say it's more of a tablet because it's 10", but it can act as a computer and comes with a keyboard/cover included.  And since I was looking for a replacement for my old iPad Mini (which can no longer run some of the apps I use -- like YouTube TV), I thought this might fit the bill.  Plus I've never had a Chromebook, so it be something new to experience.

The regular price is $299.00 which most people say is a bargain.  But I saw Best Buy had it down to $249.00 -- which was the first time I had seen it on sale.  I had seen it even lower as an Open Box item, but this was for a brand new one.  And I took the bait and ordered it on Monday (10/25/20) morning and picked it up in the afternoon.  (I was surprised that the Best Buy parking was pretty full, but the store didn't look like that it had that many people inside.)

In the meantime, I had picked up a Fire HD 8 (which had been also on sale at Best Buy) which actually looks to be the more-direct replacement for iPad Mini.  But this was something I could stuff into my bag and haul out when I wanted something more substantial to work on.

I might not have been so keen to buy this if my HP Pavilion x360 is flakey (the cursor just starts acting up sporadically).  So we'll see if this can be a replacement for that as well.

So now I'll be armed across the board.  From this Acer 15+" laptop I'm typing on, to the 10" Lenovo Duet, to the 8" Fire HD, to the Google Pixel 3a XL (which is 6" -- it doesn't look that big to me, but I guess it is).

Stay tuned for the unboxing.

*** 10/29/20 ***

The unboxing begins!

After opening the box, the first I see is the tablet on the top.

Then inside the long rectangular box on the right is the USB-C to USB cable, the power brick, and an adapter for a headphone jack.

Lifting up the boxes reveals the back cover and the detachable keyboard.  All wrapped in translucent plastic bags.

And there's a little Quick Start Guide in the bottom of the box.

OK, let's see if this thing has any charge in it.

Press the power button.  It's on the right, below the volume buttons.

Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up.

Chrome OS is missing or damaged.
Please remove all connected devices and start recovery.

[Not a good start.]

I must say the screen is nice and bright.

What do I do now?

For help visit https://google.com/chromeos/recovery

It says I need another Chromebook, or a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome installed

Turn it off, then turn it back on.

This time I got the "chrome" on the screen.

Then it got to the Welcome! screen  [whew]

Let's go.

Connect to network

To restore your data, connect to the internet

Google Chrome OS Terms
Accept and continue

Checking for updates (very quickly)

Sign in to your Chromebook
[using my Google account]

Please wait...

You're signed in!

Chrome sync
Your bookmarks, history, passwords, and other settings will be synched to your Google Account so you can use them on all your devices.

Personalize Google services
Google may use your browsing history to personalize Search, ads, and other Google services.  You can change this anytime at myaccount.google.com/activitycontrols/search

[x] Review sync options following setup

Accept and Continue

Choose your PIN [hmm...  6 digits... Let me think]

[Hey what happened to the PIN screen?]

Google Play apps and services
[] back up to Google Drive (I'll uncheck this)

More

[x] Use location
[x] Review Google Play options following setup

Accept

Install apps from your other devices

We found 11 apps from your account that can be used on this device

Speedtest  Tunein                      Roku
Netflix      Amazon Prime Vid  Pluto TV
Instagram  Peacock                   Google Home
Smule        Messenger

Skip

Meet Your Google Assistant

Turn on

Google partners work with your Assistant to help you

Continue

Access your Assistant with Voice Match

Voice match lets you access your Assistant directly by using your voice.

No thanks [what if somebody wants to use it?]

Your Assistant is ready

When your Chromebook is set up, press the Assistant button or say "Ok Google" to get help anytime.  Go to Assistant settings to make changes.

Done

Connect to your phone

Your Chromebook and Android phone work better together.  Connect them so you can text from your computer, share your internect connect, and unlock your Chromebook with your phone.

Select a device
Google Pixel 3a XL

When you connect your devices, you agree that your Chromebook can:

Send you notifications and default to remember this computer for Messages.

Automatically install apps

Offer new features as they become available

Accept & continue

Then it went to the Settings screen

Smart Lock is turned on
Next time, your phone will unlock your Chromebook.  You can turn off Smart Lock in Settings.

[I think I'll turn this off.]

Change Settings

Settings / Connected devices / Google Pixel 3a XL / Smart Lock (toggle to off) [I might try turning it on later]

I guess it's set up.

Swipe up and select Chrome

Gmail is disabled
To re-enable it, accept the new perrmissions
Display notificatons
Accept permissions

Swiping up I see seven icons.  Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Play, Messages, Settings.

How do I go to the desktop?  Or is there one?

Then someone I got into YouTube

There you go.  Tap on the left arrow to get to the desktop.

At the top there a searchbar: "Search your device, apps, web...

Then five small icons in a row: YouTube Docs Play Store Messages Chrome

Then twenty icons on the main screen

Chrome Play Store Files Gmail Gmail  [the first Gmail is through the Chrome browser]
Docs  Slides Sheets Google Drive Google Keep...
Calendar  YouTube  YouTube Play Movies Play Music [the first YouTube is through the browser]
Play Games Play Books Camera Photos Duo

Then I can swipe up to the next screen which has only one icon
Entanglemen  [I guess that's a game]

Then swipe up to the third screen
Maps Settings Get Help Calculator Chrome Canv [a paint program?]
Text [which looks like a Text editor]  Web Store Messages [text on your computer with Message for web]

Let me try put on the cover and keyboard now

The back cover has a fabric feel, but I think it's hard plastic underneath.
It's magnetized and pops right on.

Now for the keyboard.

It's magnetized and pops right on the bottom.  It positions itself, no need to adjust it.

There's a little plastic sheet taped over the track pad.  I guess you can leave it on because the track pad works with it there.

There's a little play with the keyboard cover moving around.  The excuse is that's it's cheap.

Now where'd the desktop go?  Now it's blank.

Press the little dot on the lower left.

A pane pops up with the upper part of the desktop (with the row of five icons) and an up arrow at the top of the pane.  Swipe up to see the desktop.  Actually just touch the arrow.

OK I'm getting used to this.

I wonder if I should install YouTube TV?  Well it probably works with the browser.  So let's go with that.

Looks like it has the url history ported over from my account.

Go to tv.youtube.com

https://tv.youtube.com/ wants your device's identify to be verified, but Google, to determine eligibility for enhanced playback of protected content.

It's working, but the sound is disappointingly tinny.  Even my Fire HD 8 sounds a lot better.

It's now 9:00 AM.  Let me see how long the battery lasts.

I guess no need to install a lot of apps since I can use the Chrome browser.

....

After using it for a little while, got a notification that Chrome OS update available.  Restart to Update.

OK, let's do that.  [tap it]

screen blanks out

Your system is applying a critical update.  Please do not turn off

Screen blanks

chrome logo

get to the log in screen
tells me to enter password.  is it my google password?
I guess so
I think I want to add a PIN

How do that?

Settings. Personalization.  People.  Security and sign-in.
enter password
show lock screen when waking from sleep
lock screen from sleep mode
password only
or PIN or password
let's switch it to PIN or password
Set up PIN

Hmm.  The PIN I chose is actually longer than my password.  But at least it's all numbers.  I can change it later I guess.

How do I shut down the Chromebook.  Unlike Windows, where you click to shut down, you press the power button.  Well, actually there's several options.  You can also click on the time on the bottom right and the power button.

But first, another update..

Entered the PIN.  Apparently with the keyboard attached, you have to do it with the keyboard rather than tapping the numbers on the screen.

OK, turned it off by tapping the clock on the lower right, then the power button.  It shut off fast.

Turn it back on by pressing the power button.  Apparently you have to hold down the power button, not just press and release.

This time I could tap my PIN on the screen.  The keyboard also worked.

Got a bunch of notifications from gmail.  I think I'll turn those off.

Went to notifications.  Went to the gmail app.  Got an option to turn on notifications for only important email.  I guess it's a setting in gmail?  Not sure where it it though.

***

Let me change my wallpaper.  Settings.  Personalization.  Wallpaper.  Open the wallpaper app.  Right now, it's kind of a purplish lava lamp like display.  For some reason, that's what's in My images.  Let's see what else they got.

I think I'll try Landscapes, Daily Refresh.

I don't like the one it chose.  I'll choose another one.  OK, the one with the stream.

***

Waiting for the Chromebook battery to die...  1% remaining, 2 minutes left at 6:29 PM.  Running YouTube TV on Chrome browser.  So it's been about 9-1/2 hours.

OK, it died at 6:36.  Then a red battery icon showed up in the middle of the black screen and disappeared.

Let me plug in the USB-C to USB-C cable going from my laptop.  It's now 6:37 PM.

closed the cover and opened it

A dim login screen appeared.

The screen is dim.  Putting the mouse cursor over the battery.  It says1% 3:17 until full.  So maybe it'll be charged by 10:00 PM?

Had to manually turn up the brightness.  It's now about at 50% brightness.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Fire HD 8

[10/22/20] I couldn't resist.  With my iPad Mini no longer able to run YouTube TV (because it doesn't support the latest iOS) and with my Fire Tablet 7" never being able to run YouTube TV, I was entertaining a replacement on which to watch YTTV.

I'm currently using my Google Pixel 3a XL which is a bit small (but not that bad) and my HP Pavilion x360 which is flakey but works for stretches at a time.

So anyway, I saw this discussion on Facebook about cheap tablets that can run YTTV and a lot of the respondents say they use the Fire Tablet.

Then I saw that Best Buy was having a sale on Fire Tablet that looked even cheaper than Prime Day for the Fire HD 8 for only $54.99 (was $89.99).  I had been considering the Fire HD 10 as well, but I'm still considering getting a Lenovo Duet which has a 10" screen, so this would fill gap between the Google Pixel and the Lenovo.

Anyway I ordered it today and I was surprised that they said it would be delivered by tomorrow.  I just got notice that it was shipped, so we'll see if it arrives tomorrow.

*** 10/24/20

Sure enough the Fire HD 8 arrived in the mail yesterday.

I opened it up and it was packed neatly in the cardboard box.

The first thing I noticed is that it's exactly (or almost exactly) the same size as my iPad Mini.  In fact, I'm wondering if the iPad Mini case would fit.  But even if it does fit, I notice that the power and button volume buttons are placed differently.  So the iPad case would cover up the volume buttons.  Better to spend the $12 for the cheapie Fire HD case.

...

This Plum is Amazon's choice (designed by Amazon).  It has a fabric texture and supports vertical in addition to horizontal standing.  But it's $29.99.  4.6 stars (5290 ratings)

This Famavala looks promising.  $11.99 (list $19.99).  4.5 stars (730 ratings).

This Moko is $12.99.  Looks like a leather-like texture with elaborate stitching and a handstrap.  4.6 stars (1084 ratings).  This Dadanism looks similar at $13.95.

This Moko is $10.99 (list $29.99).  Soft TPU translucent frosted back cover.  Soft shell/shock absorption.  The Rose Gold is $10.99.  The Black is $11.99.  4.7 stars (454 ratings).

This TiMOVO looks exactly like the Moko and is $10.95.  The black is $13.95.  The picture shows that tablet seems upside down (as a comment for Moko explained).  The camera hole is at the bottom when using the stand, whereas you would think it would be at the top (like on my laptops).  4.7 stars (154 ratings).

The JEtech is $11.98.  The camera hole is at the top when standing it.   [Checking Famavale, the camera hole is on the bottom.  Maybe bottom is better?]  4.6 stars (442 ratings).  JEtech sounds familiar.  I think I ordered a case from them before.  Let me check.  Yeah, I bought it for my iPad Mini four years ago.  It's still holding up OK (if that's the same case).  In the meantime, the Infiland case for my Fire 7 is kind of peeling off.  Then again, it was only $6.95.  The JeTech was $9.99.     

Android Central reviewed some cases.  This Dadanism looks similar to the Famavala.  But it also has a flexible TPU translucent back shell, so maybe it's more like the MOKO.  It also has the camera hole on the bottom.  $10.99 for Rose Gold.  $13.99 for black.  4.7 stars (602 ratings).

The Fintie Folio Case (black) is $14.99 and also has the camera hole at the bottom.  So maybe that's the thing now.  4.7 stars (536 ratings).  Save a dollar with the Z-Love Tree design.

I'm leaning toward the Moko black case.  I like the idea of having a TPU case.  I think that's what I have for my Google Pixel 3a XL.  Yeah, it says combination of TPU and polycarbonate.

OK, tried putting the Fire HD 8 into the case for my iPad Mini.  Doesn't quite fit.  The Fire HD 8 is just a bit bigger.

Another thing I noticed is that the speakers for the HD 8 are on the same side as the camera hole.  So if the case has the hole at the bottom, the speakers will be muffled by the bottom of the case.

But looking at the photo, I can see the speakers at the bottom.  So the speakers aren't covered and there's space for the sound to bounce off the table (or where ever).
....

Pressing the power button.  Sure enough it turned on.

Asked what language.  I chose English (U.S.)

Then it needed to connect to my wireless network to set up.

now at Christie's house

log on to the router

updated software (didn't take long)

log in with Amazon account

Restoring your Fire? (it would restore from my old tablet)

Do Not Restore

Enable location services
auto-save photos and videos
save wi-fi passwords to Amazon (no)

goes to an intro video
demos what Alexa can do

Enable Alexa [OK]

Make this Fire kid-friendly
Not now

Get More out of your Fire tablet with Goodreads
Not now

Audible
Start you 30-day Audible Plus free trial
No Thanks

Kindle Unlimited
Start your 30-day free tiral
No, Thanks

Enjoy videos already included in your Prime membership!

Add recommended TV to your Wathlist
Add recommended movies to your Watchlist
Not Now

Get apps and games for free
Not Now

Finally got to the Home screen
doesn't have my apps

Here are the default apps in the Home section

Shop Amazon   Silk Browser Appstore     Prime Video FreeTime
Utilities     Books        Music        Audible     News
Amazon Photos Games        Amazon Alexa Goodreads   Email
Camera        Settings     Newsstand    Files       Wash Post

Books has my books

Video has my videos that (my watchlist plus what I bought)

Games & Apps has suggested apps

Shop has previously viewed items and based on my browsing history

Music has my selections from my Prime Music

Audible has my one audible book that I borrowed or bought

Newstand has the Washington Post and the one magazine that I borrowed

Battery says 65% -- About 1 day, 7 hr left

...

Installed some apps.  Facebook.  Facebook Messenger.  Pluto TV.  YouTube.  Netflix.  Disney+.

I wanted to install YouTube TV but it's not in Amazon's app store.  Nor can you run it from the Silk browser (it asks you to install it from the Google Play Store).

Thus I now want to install the Google Play Store.

I found these instructions which have been updated to include the 2020 edition (10th generation) of the Fire HD 8 (which is what I have).

Enable installation from unknown sources.

Settings.  Security & Privacy.  Apps from Unknown Sources.

It said install unknown apps.  And listed Facebook and Silk Browser.  

If tapping 'Apps from Unknown Sources' brings up a list of apps, then you don't need to do anything. You may receive a popup when installing APKs, but you'll just have to tap the 'Allow' button when prompted.  [So I'm good.]

Now you're ready to download and install the APKs needed to get the Google Play Store running.

First find what model I have.

Settings.  Device Options.  About Fire Tablet.  Device Model.

I have the Fire HD 8 (10th generation).

Then I need to find out my Fire OS version.

Settings.  Device Options.  System Updates.

Your device is running Fire OS 7.3.1.3.  [But 7.3.1.6 is ready to install]

Now I need to Download APK

Go to http://andp.lc/firetabletplay on the Silk browser of the tablet.

For some reason I don't see the mobile data connection now

Settings/Internet only shows Wi-Fi / Data usage / airplane mode

That's because it's not my phone (dummy)

OK, let me connect to my wi-fi.

OK, now go to andp.lc/firetabletplay

cick on the link for Google Account Manager v7.1.2
then tap the Download APK button

Silk needs storage access to download files
Continue
Allow Silk Browser to access photos, media, and files on your device?
ALLOW

This type of file can harm your device.  Do you want to keep com.google.android.gsf.login_7.1.2-25_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.apk anyway?
OK

Your download will start immediately.  If not, please click here.
then pretty much instantaneously a window saying com.google.android.gsf.login_6.1.2-25_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk.
Open

Don't open it.
X the window instead

Next is the Google Services Framework
click on Google Services Framework v9-4832352
DOWNLOAD APK
This type of file can harm your device.  Do you want to keep com.google.android.gsf_9-4832352-28_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.apk anyway?
OK
then a window appeared saying com.google.android.gsf_9-4832352-28_minAPI28(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
Don't open it.

Back to the first tab with tab with the guide to installing the Google Play Store.
Next is section Google Play Services
click on Google Play Services (64-bit ARM, nodpi, Android 9.0+)
look for the first version that doesn't say beta
That would be Google Play services 20.39.15 October 3, 2020
tap on the download link (the down arrow I presume)
an Ad came up, x it out
scroll down to DOWNLOAD APK and tap that
got the message that this type of file can harm your device.  Do you want to keep [the long file name]
OK
Your download is starting
Window below says Downloading file (114.52 MB)
waiting for the download to finish (took a little while)
don't open it

back to the web page on the first tab

Now for the Google Play Store
tap on Google Play Store (universal, nodpi)
There are different versions for different versions of Android.
I'll just choose the top one which is for Google Play Store 22.4.28-21 [0] for Android 5.0+
tap the down arrow
scroll down and tap DOWNLOAD.APK
Your download is starting
This type of file can harm your device (etc.)
tap OK
Your download is starting
Downloading file (32.68 MB)
took several seconds (much faster than the previous file)
again don't click on Open

Back to the first tab.  Actually back to my computer with the same page as on the first tab with the instructions.

Now it's time to install the apps.

Find the files app on your tablet (it might also be called Docs or Documents) and open it.

Press the home circle to get back to the Home screen.

I see a brown folder called Files.  Tap that.

I see seven files.

Open the apps in the below order.  Installing the apps out of order will cause the Play Store to not work.
1. com.google.gsf.login

I can't see the entire file name.  Tap on the list icon in the top right between the magnifying glass and the three vertical dots.  OK, now I can see the file names.

Tap on com.google.gsf.login_7.1.2-25_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.com

You table and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps.  By installing this app, you agree that you are responsible for any damage to your tablet or loss of data that may result from its use.

Continue
do you want to install this application?  It does not require any special access
Install
App installed
Done (not Open)

Next is com.google.android.gsf

OK its the one called com.android.gsf_9-4832352-28_minAPI128(nodpi)_apkimirror.co
Tap
Continue
Install
Done

Next is com.google.android.gms

The file name is com.google.android.gms_20.39.15_(100400-335085812)-203915028...
Tap
Continue
Install (taking a several seconds)
App installed
Done

Finally is com.android.vending
The file name is com.android.vending_22.4.28-21_0_PR_338099147-82242810_minAPI...
Tap
Continue
Install
Installing...
Done

Once you have installed all four apps, hold down the power button, and tap Restart to restart your tablet.

Let me close all the background windows first.

Restart
OK, there's is now a Play Store icon on the bottom of the home screen

Tap
Sign in
Checking info...
took a little while, then got to the Sign in screen
enter email or phone
entered my email
enter your password
enter password
Hi Mike [followed by the legalese)
I agree
getting account info
Back up to Google Drive
turn off
Accept
And now I'm into the Google Play Store

Now for the point of all this.  See if I can install YouTube TV.
Search for it
Install
Installing...
Open
Already A Member?
Accounts with my name on it appeared
I guess I tap on my name? [yep]
And I'm in

Let's see if it plays.
Yep, it's working :)

I see a reason why I might want to get a stand that orients the camera hole on the top.  I'm used to putting the table on the left side of the computer.  With the camera hole on the top, the USB-C port is on the right side which is the side facing the computer.  So the cable from the computer wouldn't have to go across the table face to reach the port.

But I think the speakers actually sound better facing down vs. facing up.  The sound seems to bounce off to the table and toward my ears vs. being dissipated at the top.

*** 10/25/20

Now that I was able to do it.  I want to see if these 2019 instructions from How-To-Geek work my 2020 Fire HD 8 tablet.

First of all let me check what version of the Play Store was installed.

Settings.  Apps & Notifications.  Under recently opened apps, tap See all 49 (in my case) apps .   Scroll down to Google Play Store.  Tap.  At the bottom of the screen it says version 22.4.28-21 [0] [PR] 338099147.

OK now to reset the tablet and start from scratch.

Settings.  Device Options.  Reset to Factory Defaults.

Reset

Now my Fire HD 8 went blank.  Waited a few minutes, then pressed the power button.

OK.  Got to Welcome screen.

Choose English

Connect to my Wi-Fi

Updating Your Fire...
Downloading  the latest Fire software
Installing Your Updates

It remembered my account as it asked me to enter my Amazon password.
It also gives the option to switch accounts.
Enter my password
Sign In
Just a sec...

Restoring your Fire?
Do Not Restore

Enable Location Services yes
Auto-Save Photos and Videos yes
Save Wi-Fi Passwords to Amazon no
Continue

Meet Your Fire Table
hit the play button to play the welcome video
1:49 video / don't see a way to bypass this video / so let it play
I guess I could manually move the progress circle 
try asking Alexa, "just say Alexa to get your tablet's attention" (but what if you have more than one Alexa device around?)
OK, here's how to disable/enable Show mode

Make this Fire kid-friendly?
Not now

Goodreads
not now

Audible
No thanks

Kindle Unlimited
No Thanks

Enjoy videos already included in your Prime membership!
Not Now

Get apps and games for free
Not Now

Welcome!
Continue (to see the tutorial)
Finish

Alexa is Hands-Free
but when I tried speaking to it, nothing happens
Continue
Get Started with Alexa Hands-Free
Enable Alexa
Try it now.  Just ask.
Alexa, what's the weather?
that worked
You can also press and hold the home button and ask
that worked too
Continue

Customize Hands-Free in Settings
Hands-Free allows access to Alexa even if your tablet is passcode-locked.  You can changed this in Settings.
The wake word is set to "Alexa" by default.  You can change it in settings.
Turn Hands-Free off in Quick Actions or in Settings.  You can still press and hold the Home button to speak to Alexa.
Finish

OK, everything looks set back to how it was the first time I set up the Fire TV.  None of the apps I installed last time are there.

OK, let's go to the Howtogeek guide.  It's much simpler than the Android Police guide since it doesn't mention all the different Fire table models.  My worry is that it was written in 2019, whereas my Fire HD 8 (10th generation) was released in 2020.  Apparently it was released in June or July since this review from Tom's guide is dated 6/26/20.  According to this CNBC article, they were announced on 5/13/20 and were to be launched on June 3.

The first thing is to go to Settings, Security & Privacy, Apps from Unknown Sources.

The article says to enable.  But it just had Silk Browser listed.  The Android Police article said if an application is listed there, then it's OK (and apparently the option is always enable on the new tablets).

The tablet keeps going to sleep too soon and the screen blanks out forcing me to press the power button.  Settings.  Display.  Sleep.  Change it from 1 minute to 5 minutes.

Next, there are four .APK files you'll need to download.  The easiest way is to open up this tutorial in the Silk browser and click on the links below, which will take you to the download pages.

OK, go to the Silk Browser.  Type in Install Google Play on Fire HD 8.

The first article that came up was the Android Police article.  The second article was from tiliputing dated 6/5/20.  This article is also less complicated than the Android Police article since it was written specifically for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) model.

The third article is the How To Geek article written in 2019.  I'll go back to this one because I'm curious to see if it works.

Google Account Manager APK.
scroll down and tap Download APK
Silk needs storage access to download files
Continue
Allow Silk browser to access photos, media, and files on your device?
Allow
This type of file and harm your device
OK

back to the web page
Google Services Framework APK
scroll down, Download APK
harm?
OK

back to the web page
Google Play Services APK
Scroll down.  Download APK
harm?  OK
downloading file 36.42 MB (wait a while until the bottom window appears with the name of the file.  don't tap Open)

back to the web page
Google Play Store APK
this is version 7.0.25.H-all [0] (80702500)
uploaded October 11, 2016
Download APK
wait I see there's a more recent version available below!
the latest version I see is the Google Play Store 22.4.28 dated October 22, 2020
I'll just download the old one and see if it works
Harm?  OK
Downloading file (16.34 MB)
file name appears.  Don't Open

Back to the web page
close out the silk browser
The instructions say to go to Docs, but from the Android Police article I know it's Files
tap list icon at the top right so I can see the file name

You need to install the APKs in order.  You can tell by the time they downloaded which one was downloaded first.  The order is:

com.google.android.gsf.login
com.google.android.gsf
com.google.android.gms
com.android.vending

Your tablet and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps.
Continue
Do you want to install install this application?
Install
Done
do this for all for APKs

Go to Home Screen and see if it's there.  It is.

"It may not appear to work normally after you sign in, but just give it some time.  The Google Play Store and Google Play services will automatically update themselves in the background.  This may take as much as ten minutes.

Let me check the version number of the Play Store.

Settings.  Apps & Notifications.  See all xx apps.  Google Play Store.  Version 7.0.25.H-all [0]

Let me see if it opens.
Checking info...
Sign in
I agree
Back up to Google Drive [disable]
Agree
Get Started
OK, looks like I'm in

type in YouTube TV
the first result says YouTube TV - Watch & Google LLC
I assume that's the one
Install
23.28 MB
Installing...
Open
Update Google Play services
YouTube TV won't run unless you update Google Play services
Update
notice went away then the notice came back
Update
Went to Google Play services in the Google Play store
Update
32,31 MB
tap the arrow at the top left to go back to Google Play
search for YouTube TV again
Open
Already A Member?
tap on my account
tap on a video
asks to verify your home area
play another video

checking the version for Google Play Store, it's now 22.3.15-21.  So it updated, but not quite as new as the first install.

So I'd say the How-to-Geek article works even though it was downloading old files.  However there are a few things to note.

Applications from unknown sources is apparently the default on the Fire HD 8.  There is no option to disable or enable it.

After the APKs are downloaded, go to Files instead of Docs.  And tap on the List view icon at the top right, so you can see the file names.

The final difference is that it'll ask you to Update Google Play services (twice).

After that it worked.  The Android Police and Liliputing articles say to reboot after installing the APKs.  But it worked without having to reboot.

***

OK, let me try the Liliputing article now.

Settings.  Device Options.  Reset to Factory Defaults.

Erasing...
that went pretty fast
then the Amazon logo
then the fire logo
[waiting...]

Got to the Welcome screen
English (United States)
connect to Wi-fi
Just a sec
Updating your Fire...
Installing Your Updates
Just a sec
Register Your Fire
interesting, it didn't ask last time
enter my email and password
Registration error
the password, email address, or mobile number entered is incorrect.  Please try again.
OK
yeah typed in my email address wrong, correct it
Continue
Registering your fire
Just a sec...
Restoring your Fire?
Do Not Restore
don't save wi-fi passwords
Meet Your Fire Tablet
slide the video forward
kid-friendly?
Not now
goodreads
not not
audible
no thanks
kindleunlimited
no, thanks
Enjoy videos already included
not now
Get apps and games for free
not now
Welcome
Exit
Alexa is Hands-Free
Continue
Enable Alexa
Continue
Customize Hands-Free in Settings
Finish
OK back to square one
I no longer see Washington Post on the home screen

change sleep to 5 minutes
Silk
Google Play Fire HD 8
let's try the liliputing article this time
again no option to install unknown apps
go to the Liliputing article on Silk
Google Account Manager (use the latest version which is 7.1.2)
tap the download icon
the arrow changed color
I guess it downloaded
let me check on Files to see if it did
nope
OK, had to tap it again to get to Google Account Manager 7.1.2
scroll down to All Releases
Google Account Manager 7.1.2
tap the down arrow
and it goes back to the same page
scrolling to the comments, Maria NoGames says "This puts you in an infinite loop and never downloads a thing"
Freshtek replies You gotta click "see available apk's" then scroll down to the download box & click the file # on the left & that will then take you to the real DL page

OK, tap on Available APK's.
Scroll to Download
I see 25 in red under the column Variant
tap that
that opened another window
scroll down and tap Download APK
Silk needs storage access to download files
Continue
Allow Silk Browser to access
Allow
This type of file can harm your device
OK

Then instructions say "After you download each file, you should see a pop-up alert asking if you want to install the app. Tap the OK button, choose Install, and then Done at the end and then proceed to the next app."

I don't see any pop-up alert asking if you want to install the app.  I just see the file name with the options to Open or to X out.

Let's try Open (I can always reset to default if this doeesn't work)
For your security, your table is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source.
OK, I see
From Settings, Security & Privacy, Install on unknown apps
tap on Silk Browser
then Allow from this source

try again
tap on the 25
Download APK
Download
Open
Install
App installed
Done

Back to the article (keep hitting the back arrow at the bottom)
Google Services Framework 9
tap on the download button
See Available APKs
tap on the red 28
Download APK
Harm?  OK
Open
Install
Done

Back to the article
Google Play Services
Not sure which one to pick
I'll just choose the one at the top which is the latest one
See Available APKs
I'll choose the second one listed since it says Android 6.0+ whereas the first one listed says Android 5.0+.  Probably both will work.
Tap on the red 62844.
Download APK
Harm?  OK
Open
Install
App Installed
done

Back to the article
Google Play Store
tap the download arrow on the first one on the list
See Available APKs
scroll to the Download section
tap on the red 82232908
Download APK
Harm?
Your download is starting...
don't see an option to click
X out
Your download will start immediately.  If not, please click here
Harm?
OK
Downloading file (30.35 MB)
Open
Install
App installed
Done

OK, supposedly they are all installed
Go to the Home Screen
Now I see Wash Post and Play Store on the Home screen
let me restart anyway, just in case

Play Store
This version of the app isn't compatible with your device.  To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app.

Forget it.

I think reset to default and go back to the HowtoGeek article.

I notice the tablet didn't ask for confirmation after I hit reset.  I would have thought it would say something like Are You SURE you want to reset?  But it didn't.

Asks to Register Your Fire
Buffering on the Welcome video
No Washington Post on the home screen yet

OK, let's go back to the How-To Geek article
Settings, Security & Privacy, Apps from Unknown Sources
tap on Silk Browser
then turn on Allow from this source

Now go to the How-To Geek article on Silk

Google Account Manager APK
Download APK
Silk needs storage access to download files
Allow Silk Browser to access photos
[so apparently the Allow earlier for the Silk Browser didn't do anything]
Harm?  OK
Don't open when the file name windows open

Back to the article (in the first tab)
Google Services Framework APK
Download APK
Harm?  OK

Back to the article
Google Play Services APK
Download APK
Harm? OK
Downloading file (36.42 MB) [takes a while on my slow internet]
window with the file name finally appears

Back to the article
Google Play Store APK
Download APK
Harm? OK
Downloading file (16.34 MB)
window with the file name appears

Close the Silk browser
Go back to the Home screen
Go to Files (the article says Docs)
change to List view so you can see the file name

tap on com.google.android.gsf.login
Your tablet and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps
Continue
Google Account Manager
Install
Done

Back to Files
tap on com.google.android.gsf
Continue
Google Services Framework
Install
Done

tap on com.google.android.gms
Continue
Google Play services
Install
Done

tap on com.android.vending
Continue
Google Play Store
Install
Done

Go to Home Screen
Play Store appears at the bottom

This article doesn't say to restart your Fire HD 8, but the other two do.  So I restarted anyway.

Go to the Play Store.
Checking info...
Sign in
I agree
Back up to Google Drive [disable]
Get Started
search for YouTube TV
YouTube TV - Watch & Google LLC [the first result]
Install
there was a delay before it started downloading
Downloading [taking a while]
Installing...
Open
Update Google Play services
Update
Update
Downloading 47.78 MB

There it is.  YouTube TV on my home screen
Already a member?
Finds my account somehow, probably because I'm signed into the Play Store.
Tap on my account
And I'm in.

Tapped on a local channel.
Asks to verify your home area
Next
Allow YouTube TV to access this device's location?  Allow
Next
Finding your current area...  Flashing
I guess I didn't turn on location services on the Fire?
exit out of the app
Settings, Security & Privacy, Location-Based Services'
it's on?

Go back to YouTube TV
turn into Youtube TV
Finding your current area...
Keeps flashing

Let me look at this article

Exit out of YTTV.  There's a lock icon on my local channels.  

Settings.  Location settings.  Current playback area looks correct, but update anyway.

You've successfully updated your current playback area.

Click my profile icon and tap on my account again.  The lock icon disappeared.  Let's see if I can watch a local station.  Yep, it works.

All in all, I'm happy with my purchase of the Fire HD 8.  Yes, the splash screen at the beginning is annoying and I'm sure it's not as good as an iPad Mini.  But it's much more responsive than my original iPad Mini and my old Fire 7.  And the screen display seems fine to me.

And it was only $55 (plus tax) at Best Buy.  It's back up up to the regular price of $89.99.  I would imagine it might get back down to that price on Black Friday.  (Oddly camelcamelcamel doesn't show this price on Prime Day.) At this price, this has to be a loss leader for Amazon.

*** [10/25/20]

OK let's write this up for posting on Facebook.

OK, I couldn't resist.  With my original iPad Mini no longer being able play YTTV, I was resorting to playing YTTV on my phone when using my computer (the TV is in the other room).  Then with Best Buy having a post-Prime Day sale on Amazon devices, and after looking at some reviews, I took the bait and bought a Fire HD 8.

I received the tablet in the mail the next day.

I believe I had read earlier that YTTV works on the Fire HD Silk browser.  So I tried that and it didn't work.  It asked to install it from the Google Play Store.  Which of course isn't on the Fire tablets.

Searching for "Google Play on Fire HD 8" brings up three main articles.  The articles are from Android Police, Liliputing, and How-to Geek.  I tried all three.

I first tried the Android Police article.  This is the latest article, dated Oct 3, 2020.  This is the most comprehensive article as it touches on all the different models of the Fire tablet.  It was slow-going because I was careful to follow the instructions and write down what I was doing.  But I finally got it working.

Next was the How-To Geek article.  I was a little worried because it was dated Mar 4, 2019 and the Fire HD 8 came out in 2020.  But I went ahead and tried it and got it working.

I also tried the Liliputing article which was written on 6/5/20, not long after the Fire HD 8 was released.  This was the hardest to do and it directed to confusing web pages which didn't exactly follow what the article was describing.  I had to sometimes guess on what to do, and at the end it didn't work.  It probably would have worked if I had done it differently, and I think I know what to do now.  But I still recommend skipping this one.

Though both articles worked, I would probably recommend the How-To Geek article since it was simpler to follow, especially if you have done it before.  The main functional difference is that it directs you to download older files, whereas the Android Police article has you downloading the latest files.  But it still worked.

A couple things I noted while I did the installs.  You don't need to change the settings for Install unknown apps.  Silk will later ask for access to download files anyway.

After downloading the APKs, go to Files, not Docs as the How-To Geek article says.  Then I would change the view from icon mode to list mode in order to see the complete file names (click on the List View icon at the top right).

After I installed YouTube TV, it asked to update Google Play Services.  I didn't get this request when using the Android Police article.

I also had a problem accessing my local channels at first.  I had to update my Current playback Area, then go to my profile picture, then go back into my account.  But everything seems to be working OK now.

If you don't want to worry about the little quirks of the How-to Geek article, you might want to go with the Android Police article instead as it's more up-to-date and complete.

All in all, I'm happy with my purchase of the Fire HD 8.  Yes, the splash screen at the beginning is annoying and I'm sure it's not nearly as good as a current iPad Mini (for example).  It's not super fast, but it's noticeably more responsive than my original iPad Mini and my old Fire 7" tablet.  It's almost exactly the same size as my iPad Mini (the actual viewing area is slightly wider and less high than the iPad Mini) and of course a little bigger than my Fire 7".  The screen display looks fine to me, though more reflective than my iPad Mini.

It was only $55 (plus tax) at Best Buy.  It's now back up to the regular price of $89.99.  I would think it might get back down to that price on Black Friday.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

et tu, live streaming service?

Cable TV has been steadily losing subscribers to streaming services for some time now, and it’s not expected to slow down. Newly revised projections show that 1 in 4 households plan to drop their pay-TV subscription in 2020, and nearly 40% of subscribers will drop service by 2025 That means 14 million U.S. broadband households are expected to drop traditional pay-TV packages.

These numbers come from The Diffusion Group, a syndicated research company. TDG analysts had previously forecasted US households with pay-TV subscriptions to fall in the 83.5 million to 87 million range by 2020, but the actual numbers are lower than that with pay-TV households falling to 81 million at the end of 2019.

And it’s not just cable subscriptions that are falling short of TDG’s projections. Live streaming options like Fubo, Sling, YouTube TV, Philo, and others are also unexpectedly dwindling. It seems like consumers are less concerned with watching TV live as it happens and leaning more toward video-on-demand options.