Kindle Fire: how to prevent automatic updates

Amazon’s latest update for the Kindle Fire is said to remove root access and disable the SuperOneClick root method – something that definitely upset a number of Kindle Fire users. The worst part is, Amazon doesn’t give you a choice when it comes to updating the tablet – they push it out automatically as long as you’re connected to WiFi.

Well, if you’re one of those people who would like to keep root access more than update your tablet, you’re in luck. The folks over at Gizmodo have come up with a solution to the problem: by using an app from the Android Market called DroidWall.
All you have to do is install the app on your tablet, set the mode to White list, and manually select which apps to give WiFi access to. In this case, you can give access to your email, browser, Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand etc. Hit apply, and that’s it. You should be able to re-enable WiFi and not receive automatic updates from Amazon anymore.

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Developer Gets Android 4.0 Up and Booting On The Amazon Kindle Fire [Video]

This is the moment many brand new Kindle Fire owners have been waiting for. The day a developer would successfully port Android 4.0 to the affordable little tablet. I don’t have many details regarding the developer, G1011999‘s work (will update the post once I dig around a bit), we can see Ice Cream Sandwich is up and booting. It’s all still very much a work in process and aside from the touchscreen, not much else is working. The dev did get up a quick video of his feats in action and while it did seem a bit laggy, I’m sure it’s something that can be optimized in the future. For now check out the video for some Android 4.0 pr0n.

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Kindle Fire Won’t Run All Android Apps, Amputates APIs

I’m a huge fan of the upcoming Amazon Kindle Fire: priced at ridiculously low $200 (and available for pre-order), it’s sure to be one 2011′s holiday sensations. It’s rare you find an Android device that affordable, and when you do, it’s usually some overseas wannabe tablet they sell in a drug store. The Amazon Kindle, though, is fully featured. Almost.

Amazon has already stated there will be thousands of Android apps available on the Fire through the Amazon App Store and told us that they have been especially approved for the Kindle Fire itself to ensure a great Fire-proof experience. But a recent Robert Scoble comment on G+ shows that the reason all apps won’t be on the Kindle Fire goes well beyond Amazon being picky about quality:

I interviewed one company today that has an awesome Android app (millions of downloads already). They went through and demoed their new thing to me. Made me want to turn in my iPhone and go with the Android, but can’t talk about it until next week. Then they pulled out a Samsung Tablet and said “it works here too.”
That was all great, until I asked them “what about the Amazon Kindle Fire?”
They said “nope, Amazon is keeping our app from running.”
“Huh?”
Turns out that Amazon has turned off many APIs that are available on other Android devices, so many Android apps won’t run on the Amazon Kindle Fire.

This may disturb the hardcore Android fan but I don’t anticipate it will slow sales. It’s Amazon. It’s a Kindle. It’s an Android. And it’s only $200. Now matter what way you slice the pie that’s a pretty darn good offer. Not to mention, I’m sure the masses at the Kindle Fire Forums will be painstakingly assist each other to get the absolute most out of the Fire by any means necessary.
Did you plan on buying the Kindle Fire for yourself or as a gift? Does this affect your decision at all?

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