Tips for Getting Started with the All-New Amazon Fire HD 10
Amazon’s new Fire HD 10 tablet is a more affordable and much-improved version of its predecessors. Here are some tips to get you started.
Amazon’s new tablet, the Fire HD 10, is a more affordable version of its predecessors and offers a much-improved experience. It includes an improved 1080p display, Hands-Free Alexa, and a new low price. It runs on a forked version of Android that Amazon calls Fire OS. Here is a look at a few tips to get you started and get more out of the device.
Note: The Fire OS interface has been updated since this article was initially released. The interface on your device may vary, but the idea and concept of the steps are virtually the same. The UI may look slightly different.
Get Started with Hands-Free Alexa
One of the most notable new features is Hands-Free Alexa. This allows you to use Alexa as you would on the Echo devices with only voice commands. Then, if you add the tablet case, your Fire HD 10 is now a “poor man’s Echo Show” of sorts. You don’t get the same microphone array, and the speakers aren’t as good. But, you’ll have a larger display, and it’s more portable. It is also easy to turn Alexa on or off as you need it.
With a case and Alexa Hands-Free, the Fire HD 10 can act as an Echo Show.
Download Movies and TV Shows
If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can load it up with movies and TV to enjoy while offline. Just tap into the movie or TV show you want, and tap the download button. If you subscribe to Netflix, you can download videos from that service, too. And, if you install a microSD card, you’ll have plenty of content to keep you entertained while on a plane or anytime you’re offline. For detailed steps, check out our article on how to download videos to your Fire tablet.
It’s easy to download movies and TV shows from Amazon Video or Netflix to watch offline.
Set Up Email
While a Fire tablet is a great entertainment device, it’s not much for productivity. But you can manage a couple of quick email messages in between watching your favorite movies or TV shows. Just set up your email on the tablet and use it like any other mobile email app. For more on getting started, read out our article on setting up email on your Fire tablet.
You can link your business and personal email accounts to the Fire and shoot off messages while binging on Stranger Things.
Manage App Notifications
Apps on your Fire tablets are sent to send you notifications by default. They appear in the Notification shad that you can access by swiping from the top of the screen. If you don’t care to receive notifications all the time, it’s simple to turn them on or off. Check out our article on how to manage app notifications on the Fire tablet.
App notifications are enabled by default, but you can easily turn off those you don’t need.
Uninstall Apps and Games
Just like other devices, you might want to declutter your Fire tablet from time to time by deleting apps. With the latest version of Amazon’s Fire OS, the process has become much easier. Just tap and hold an app icon, and an Uninstall bar will appear at the top. Go through and tap each app you want to get rid of. A white checkmark will appear on the app. Then press the Uninstall icon at the top and OK on the verification window that pops up.
Like other modern versions of Android, uninstalling apps from Fire HD 10 is easier than ever.
These are just a few tips to get you started on getting more from the Amazon Fire HD 10, and most of these tips will work with other recent Fire tablets as well. What are some of your favorite things to do with the Fire entertainment tablets? Leave a comment below and let us know.
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
Sam Crenshaw
Got one as a gift! Every bit of information helps, thanks a lot. Sam
Dana Ferguson
I found out a while ago that I can listen to an audible book or music and play a game or use my coloring app at the same time. It’s much more convenient than using 2 devices and works well. One thing to remember is: before starting a game that has sounds with it, turn the sounds off or your book or music will be interrupted often. I am a long time Fire user and I love it. I suppose I could be considered an addict. I stay up late at night and play on the Fire and I do not disturb my husband at all. I used to try to read in bed and then I had to use a light of some kind and turn pages. That never worked very well. Now, we are both happy. So is Amazon, since I am on my 4th Fire. lol
Herb Dershowitz
It is not possible to uninstall Amazon apps that come preinstalled on the Amazon Fire HD 10. I also read an article on how to load the Google Play Store onto the tablet That also doesn’t work on the Amazon Fire HD 10.
Duck McKrush
There are some Alexa skills that play only on Echo devices but will not play on Fire HD 10 (7th Gen). Jeopardy, Magic Door, Twenty Questions and much much more. I spent time with Amazon support and they said most of the skills were not supported on Fire HD 10 but works for weather and time. I’m going to return my tablet. Very disappointed.