Using Google Apps on Fire Tablet: Gmail, YouTube, Maps & More
Google Apps and the Amazon Appstore: A Compatibility Overview
The Amazon Appstore features a selection of popular applications, notably including offerings from Microsoft. However, Google has not made its suite of apps directly available within the Amazon Appstore.
Despite this, access to Google’s services remains achievable through alternative methods. It is also feasible to utilize genuine Google Android applications on Amazon Fire tablets.
Understanding Fire OS and its Relationship to Android
Amazon’s Fire OS is fundamentally built upon Google’s Android operating system. Specifically, it represents a “forked” version, meaning it operates under Amazon’s governance rather than Google’s direct control.
Google does not actively support or promote these forked versions of Android. This stance contributes to the absence of native Google applications within the Amazon Appstore.
The Impact of App Availability
The limited availability of Google’s applications is frequently cited as a primary drawback of the Amazon Appstore experience. Users accustomed to seamless integration with Google services may find this a significant difference.
However, workarounds exist for those wishing to access Google’s ecosystem on their Fire tablets, offering a degree of flexibility despite the inherent incompatibility.
Key takeaway: While direct access isn't provided, Google services and apps can still be utilized on Fire tablets through alternative installation methods.
Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts on Fire Tablet
Amazon Fire Tablets are marketed as being compatible with Gmail functionality. While the Gmail application itself isn't directly available through the Amazon Appstore, accessing your email remains possible on these devices.
Initiate the process by launching the pre-installed "Email" app icon from your tablet’s home screen. The app defaults to the "Add Account" screen; simply input your email address and select "Next."
If you have previously configured accounts, navigate to the menu button located in the top-left corner of the Email application. From there, choose "Add Account" to begin setting up a new email connection.
You will then be asked to authorize access for Amazon to your Gmail account. This includes your Google Calendar events and associated contact information.
Following authorization, the integrated "Email" app will provide access to your Gmail inbox. Similarly, the "Calendar" application will display your Google Calendars.
Your Google account contacts will also be accessible through the tablet’s "Contacts" app, ensuring a synchronized contact list.
Key Features Enabled
- Gmail access via the pre-installed Email app.
- Synchronization of Google Calendar events.
- Access to Google Contacts within the Contacts app.
These features allow Fire Tablet users to maintain connectivity with their Google services despite the absence of dedicated Google apps in the Amazon Appstore.
Accessing Google Apps on Amazon Fire Tablets
The Amazon Appstore offers a way to utilize certain Google applications, albeit indirectly. By opening the Amazon "Appstore" application and conducting a search for services like "Gmail," "YouTube," "Google Maps," or "Google Calendar," users will discover installable options.
These aren't traditional apps, however. Instead, they function as "bookmarks" that direct users to mobile-optimized versions of the respective Google websites.
While the experience may not perfectly mirror native Android applications, these web apps provide functional access to key Google services. They are suitable for tasks such as viewing YouTube videos or navigating Google Maps.
Upon installation, these web applications are granted their own dedicated icons on the device's home screen. This represents a significant benefit compared to simply accessing these services through the Silk web browser.
Third-Party Options
The Amazon Appstore may also feature unofficial, third-party applications designed to provide access to Google's services, including YouTube. Similar to the situation with Windows 10, the quality and reliability of these apps can vary considerably.
Exercise caution before making any purchases, as the performance of these third-party apps is not guaranteed. It's important to assess their functionality before committing to a financial investment.
- Consider the source and reviews before installing any third-party app.
- Be aware that functionality may be limited or inconsistent.
- Prioritize official solutions whenever possible.
Utilizing Web-Based Google Applications
Alternatively, the pre-installed "Silk Browser" application on your Fire tablet allows access to the web versions of Google services via Google.com.
For streamlined future use, bookmark frequently accessed Google services by tapping the bookmark icon located within the address bar. These bookmarks can then be quickly accessed through the Silk Browser by opening the app and selecting "Bookmarks," followed by the desired website.
It's important to note that the Silk Browser does not support the creation of home screen icons for websites; therefore, access always begins within the browser itself.
Modifying the Silk Browser's Default Search Engine to Google
The Silk Browser, by default, is configured to utilize Bing as its primary search engine for web queries. However, users have the option to switch this to Google.
This adjustment can be made by accessing the browser's menu, located in the top-left corner. From there, navigate to "Settings" and then select "Search engine". Finally, choose "Google" from the available options.
Available Search Engine Choices
Alongside Google, the Silk Browser also provides Yahoo as an alternative search engine. These represent the totality of the choices offered within the browser’s settings.
Selecting your preferred search engine is a straightforward process, allowing for a customized browsing experience. The available options cater to common user preferences.
Accessing Google Play Store and Apps on Your Fire Tablet
Related: A Guide to Installing the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire Tablet
The Fire OS operating system, utilized by Amazon, permits the "sideloading" of applications originating from sources outside of the Amazon Appstore. Consequently, installing applications developed by Google becomes feasible. However, a significant number of these applications rely on Google Play Services for proper functionality, and will not operate as intended without it.
Instead of individually installing Google’s applications, a more efficient approach involves installing the complete Google Play Store alongside essential supporting packages, such as Google Play Services. Following this installation, the Play Store can be launched directly on your Fire Tablet, enabling the installation of Android applications from that platform.
Dual App Store Access
Users will then have the option to choose between Amazon’s Appstore and Google’s Play Store. This provides access to the entire range of Android applications available within the Play Store, including core Google applications like Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Calendar, and Hangouts.
It’s important to note that this process is not officially endorsed by either Amazon or Google, yet it remains a viable method for installing the Google Play Store on your Fire tablet.
Despite Google not currently offering its applications natively for Fire OS, a satisfactory user experience with Google’s services on a Fire Tablet is still achievable. Accessing Gmail and viewing YouTube videos can be done without complex modifications.
However, if a broader range of Google applications – or other Android applications – is desired, installing the Google Play Store is recommended. This should replicate the experience of using Google’s apps on a standard Android tablet.
- Installing the Play Store provides a comprehensive Android app experience.
- Users gain access to a wider selection of applications.
- Google Play Services are essential for app compatibility.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and preferences regarding application availability and functionality.