What is a Kindle Fire?

Are you wondering what a Kindle Fire is or what it can do? Then you've come to the right place! As you can see from the name of this site, I love my Kindle Fire and am here to help you learn all about this amazing device.

So let's start with the basics: What is a Kindle Fire? And what's required to use one?

Which Kindle Fire Do You Have (Or Want)?

First thing's first! If you already own a Kindle Fire then it will really help you to know what version your Kindle Fire is, so check out that page along with the awesome infographic I made!

However, if you're not yet a Kindle Fire owner and are just interested in learning more then keep reading. Also, be sure to see my FAQ of my tablet buying suggestions if you would like my help with choosing one.

And don't miss my article - How to Use a Fire Tablet

What is a Kindle Fire?

Briefly, a Kindle Fire is an electronic media tablet made by Amazon.com. A tablet is kind of like a cross between a smart phone and a laptop.

The Kindle Fire uses an android platform which is what most non-Apple and non-Windows "Smart phones" use.

Having an android platform means these fun tablets from Amazon can use android apps, like these popular games you've most likely heard of or seen others playing:

• Angry Birds
• Candy Crush Saga
  
• Cut the Rope
• Fruit Ninja
• Plants vs Zombies
• Temple Run
  
• Words With Friends
  

Here's a picture of me playing one of my favorite (aka addictive) games, Triple Town, which is also the winner of my Best Unique Kindle Fire Game:

Of course, playing apps and games isn't the only thing this tablet can do! But we'll save that for another article. For now, let's continue on with more basics about what a Kindle Fire is.

From the First Kindle Fire - to the Present

The first Kindle Fire was released in November 2011, and then in the Fall of each subsequent year (2012, 2013) newer versions of Amazon's tablet have been released and sold.

You can find more about each version on my Kindle Fire page for specific stats, sizes, price, and links as well as help understanding what Kindle Fire has which features by going to each tablet's individual page.

However, here's a visual progression of what the first Kindle Fire looked like along with it's successors:

What are the Kindle Fire Requirements?

To be able to use a Kindle Fire you're going to need some basic things:

• Live in a country where Amazon supports the Kindle Fire
• An Amazon account where you will register your tablet
  
• Own a debit or credit card with an address for that country where you live
  
• Access to a local Wi-Fi signal (Internet)
  

I'll explain more about each of the above before we get to the really fun stuff!

Country Restrictions:

Currently, the Kindle Fire is available to buy and use (permanently) in over 150 countries. See Amazon's help to know which Countries are Eligible to Purchase a Kindle Fire.

However, apps can be purchased from the Amazon App Store in almost 200 countries so if you can't buy a Kindle Fire for your country maybe you can get apps for another tablet or phone. See Amazon's help for Countries and Territories Eligible to Shop for Apps.

For more information on using a Kindle Fire outside of the US, or which digital content can be purchased from Amazon in other countries, see these help pages from Amazon:

• Use Kindle Fire HD Outside of the United States
• Use Kindle Fire HDX Outside of the United States
  
  

Amazon Account with Registered Credit Card

As mentioned above, Amazon requires you to setup an account with them which is where you will register your Kindle Fire. You'll also need to enter an active credit/debit card which is used for any digital purchases, including "Free" purchases.

More About WiFi:

To fully enjoy your Kindle Fire you really need to have regular access to Wi-Fi, which is an Internet signal broadcast by an Internet Service Provider (ISP, where you get your Internet).

Now-a-days it's very easy to get Wi-Fi in your home for most countries, depending on where you live. Contact your ISP as they can help you with the technical specs. If you're already paying for Internet then all you need is a router to broadcast the signal for you.

Most likely you have family members or friends who already have WiFi in their homes, which they can help you connect to and register/use your Kindle Fire if you don't have WiFi setup in your own home.

You can also find free WiFi spots at many public locations such as:

• Airports
  
• Book stores
  
• Coffee shops
• Hotels/Motels
  
• Restaurants
  

However, Amazon does sell a few 4G versions of their tablet so you can pay for constant Internet access where available.

What Can a Kindle Fire Do & How Do I Use It?

If you've already got one of these babies in your hot little hands and are itching to fire it up (pun intended) see my tutorial on how to use a Kindle Fire and I'll help you get started, 'cause I'm sweet like that. ;)

Once you've got the basics down of what a Kindle Fire is and how to use it, it'll be time to get to the good stuff, which is the main reason you have/want one, right? Alright here it is: Everything a Kindle Fire HD/HDX can do!