14 DAY TRIAL // Amazon launched its latest batch of Kindle Fire tablets not so long ago, but some users still prefer the original Kindle, even without the fancy features we see with the more recent variants.
Most interestingly, even if the Kindle runs Amazon’s own customizable OS, hackers have been getting busy installing different Android ROMs on the device, ever since it came out.
And now with the Android 4.4 KitKat update out, a new challenge appeared, getting the latest build on the original Kindle. Developer FuZZ has apparently succeeded in the endeavor and he has posted an unofficial build of CyanogenMod 11 for the first Amazon Kindle Fire on the xda-developers forum. He calls his creation Kitkang.
The simplest way to bring KitKat to your old Kindle is to use the Kindle Fire Utility to install a custom recovery (like TWRP 2.6.3.1) that will in turn be used to load the OS. Also make sure to install Google Apps so you can have access to the Play store and all the other Google services you crave for.
Once you get KitKat onboard, you’ll probably notice that performance is not yet perfect and the stock browser doesn't work extremely well, but you can try installing Firefox or something else.
There is still a lot of work to be done here, but considering the fact that the Amazon doesn't support Android software and there’s no official compatibility with the hardware, it’s quite amazing to see the latest KitKat build become functional on a device launched back in 2011.
Please note this is an official release and should not be used by those who are not comfortable with pre-released software that might contain bugs and possibly even void the device warranty.
Get the KitKat 4.4 update for your original Kindle off the xda-developers forum.