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.
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