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Features
The Kindle Fire HD is a multimedia, Internet-accessible tablet comparable to Apple's popular iPad. To compete with
the iPad, the Kindle Fire HD offers features to enhance the user's experience at a price much lower than that of an
iPad.
High-Definition Display and HDMI Output
The Kindle Fire HD has a high-definition touchscreen and is able to display video content at 1080p, which is the same
resolution quality of movies and TV shows released on Blu-ray Discs. The display also has built-in sensors that detect
the light levels around the device and adjust the screen brightness for optimum viewing. You can further utilize the
high-definition capabilities of your device by using a Micro-HDMI cable to connect it to an HDMI-enabled TV or
computer monitor and stream high-definition videos from the Internet to the other screen through the Kindle Fire HD.
Enhanced Sound
The Kindle Fire HD has onboard Dolby Digital Plus technology, which helps make music, dialogue in videos and
other audio playback clearer and more robust. To help create a virtual surround sound experinece, the device has
stereo speakers located on the right and left sides of the back case (when oriented horizontally). If you're using
headphones with your device, the onboard sound processor will adjust the audio ouput to better suit a close-to-the-ear
listening experience.
Dual-Antennae, Dual-Band Wi-Fi
Unlike some competitor devices, the Kindle Fire HD's internal Wi-Fi technology has two antennae and can switch
back and forth between two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5.0 Ghz. The two antennae help ensure that downloads to
your device take less time and that a connection to a Wi-Fi access point is more stable. The ability to switch between
two frequence bands also helps to ensure fast, uninterrupted downloading and streaming of content as well as stable
Internet connectivity.
Android OS
The Kindle Fire HD runs the Android operating system (OS), which runs about 75% of the world's smartphones.
However, not all of the operating system's features and functions are enabled in the version of the OS installed on the
Kindle Fire HD. These limitations do not impact the device's use or usefulness to any noticeable extent. Perhaps the
one time you may notice the impact of the "forked" Android OS installation is when you are attempting to install a
made-for-Android app that relies on some feature of the OS that Amazon has not enabled. Many app developers now
release a version of their products that are compatible with Amazon's version of Android, and even release versions
specifically for Kindle Fire HD devices that make use of its HD features.
Camera and Microphone
The Kindle Fire HD's digital camera is installed in the front of the device. Because of its front-facing position, you
will be hard-pressed to use it as a traditional still camera. Instead, think of the camera as an onboard webcam. Used
in conjunction with the device's built-in microphone, located between the USB and HDMI ports on the bottom bezel
(when the device is oriented horizontally with the camera at the top), you can use your Kindle Fire HD to participate
in video chats. The device comes installed with Skype, a popular video chat program.
Micro-USB Type B Connectivity
Using the Micro-USB cable packaged with the Kindle Fire HD, you can charge your device using your computer
or the Kindle PowerFast plug-in charger (sold separately). The Micro-USB type B port and cable also allow you to
sideload compatible content from a computer to your device.