This app is completely worth the $2.99 purchase price. I've tried other "Launchers" with little to no success. After all, the Kindle is more of a "tablet" than a "phone."
PROS:
1. Extremely easy to install with an instant "tutorial" when you first open the app
2. You can set your own background image! Note: This image is only for the Mobile Desktop -- NOT for the "screen saver" when you lock/close your Kindle.
3. The Mobile Desktop remains "on top" (default) as long as it was open when you closed your Kindle Fire cover. In other words, when you "unlock" your Fire, you'll be taken to the MD screen first -- not the Kindle carousel.
4. Swithing from MD to the Kindle carousel is EASY (another reviewer mentioned difficulty getting books to open in the default Kindle mode). Do the following:
- Install MD and add it to your Kindle "favorites"
- Make sure you have the "Kindle Launcher" app on the main screen of MD
- From MD, choose "Kindle Launcher" to switch to the regular Kindle interface (carousel)
- From the Kindle carousel, access your favorites (swipe up from bottom) and choose MD
- There ya go... Now you can read a book from the "carousel" and then go back to MD when done.
5. Adding folders/apps is extremely easy, and MD can automatically search for new apps when installed
CONS:
1. You are only allowed so many "icons" on the MD desktop-view screen. 18, I think. Would be nice if the row and column settings could be changed, as well as removing the text labels.
2. The background image changes/stretches if you have a "folder" set up on the desktop and then open it up to view items contained in that folder. Minor issue, but not pretty depending on your picture. :)
3. The "delete" function (to remove a folder/icon) is odd. It's not difficult, mind you, just more steps than necessary. I should be able to long-press an icon and delete it. Instead, I have to go into an entirely separate "delete" menu.
Admittedly, I'm an Amazon "geek", so have zero issues with the actual Amazon interface. I'm okay with the carousel, and I'm probably one of the few who likes the "suggestions" from Amazon (I've found many good books/movies/apps that way). Also, the apps I access often can easily be added to my "favorites" and a quick "swipe up" lets me access them. Unfortunately, until I'm allowed to tweak the carousel and/or change my background images, MD is a great option.
Mobile Desktop for Kindle Fire
3.5 | 312 ratings
Price: 2.99
Last update: 08-25-2024
Latest updates
What's new in version 1.1- Updates
Product Details
Release Date: 2013
Date first listed on Amazon: July 17, 2013
Developed By: Digital Media Revolutions
ASIN: B00DZ0PMOG
Customer reviews:
3.5 out of 5 stars312 customer ratings
3.5 out of 5 stars312 customer ratings
Developer info
- http://fireapps.blogspot.com
- More apps by this developer
Product features
- A Windows-Style Desktop
- Ability to Create Folders and Move App Icons into Place
- Set Wallpaper with Any Image from Your Device
- 3 Ways to Organize: Desktop View, Grid View, and List View
Product description
The most-advanced app organizer on the market is now available for the Kindle Fire!Turn on your device, open the Mobile Desktop app, and leave the carousel behind with a Windows-style desktop screen that puts all of your apps right at your fingertips. Tap once to open or tap and hold to drag items anywhere on the screen you want, just like on your phone or computer. You can create folders to store specific items, and you can set your desktop wallpaper to any image of your choosing on your device.
In addition to the Desktop view, you can also organize your programs into Grid and List view, allowing you to quickly sort through your apps in any manner of your choosing. The opportunities are endless. And of course you can tap any app to open it, and hit the Back button to return to the Mobile Desktop app.
If you're tired or scrolling through a long carousel, the Mobile Desktop app will breathe new life into your Kindle Fire!
**TROUBLESHOOTING and TIPS**
Looking for your app? Remember that apps need to be manually downloaded to the Kindle Fire by going to the apps tab, tapping Sync, and then tapping the icon to make the installation.
How do I access my email and other functions?
Go to +Add, and you'll see Email, Calendar, and other functions available for you to place on your desktop.
How can I access my ebooks?
Mobile Desktop is inherently an app organizer, but you can check out ebook organizing apps by clicking on Digital Media Revolutions up top near the title. Once you've got one, you can add that to your Mobile Desktop and use that to access your books.
Want a quick way to return to the main screen from inside folders or settings? Tap the Mobile Desktop icon in the top left of the screen!
Want to quickly return to Mobile Desktop after using it to open other apps? Use the Back Button instead of the Home button!
Tip: If you want your device to wake up with Mobile Desktop open, have it up before you put it to sleep and you'll return right there when you turn it on again.
User Data Privacy
Information not provided by the developer.Technical details
Size: 16.3MB
Version: 1.1
Developed By: Digital Media Revolutions
Application Permissions:
(
Help me understand what permissions mean
)
- Access the vibration feature
- Write to external storage
Minimum Operating System: Android 2.3.3
Approximate Download Time: Less than 3 minutes
Top reviews from the United States
Matty C
Great App (and a Few Suggestions/Hints...)
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2013
Bobo burgers
Great program, but seems relatively bugged at times
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2013Tennessee
crashes and loses everything
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2013
Pastor David McGee
Good App
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2014
Loves Greyhounds
The Cadillac of App organizers!
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2013