How-to: Install the latest Instagram update on the Kindle Fire.
In just 3 days after Instagram's launch on the Android platform, they've released their second update which comes with several bug fixes. The most notable feature included in this update is the ability to install the app on Android tablets and wifi devices. This is even before an official Instagram iPad version is available. The update also allows users to move the app to their SD card which is a fanfare with android users.
So now that you can install Instagram on a tablet I bet you're itching to put it on whatever device you might have. But not all devices are compatible. If you are the proud owner of Amazon's Kindle Fire, you'll quickly learn that the app will not appear in the amazon store. And even if your Fire is rooted and you have Google Play installed, you will still find that it is not available for your device.
Well, I will take you step-by-step on how I got the latest update from Instagram running on my rooted Kindle Fire. The process is quit simply really and only involves a few apps, an android smartphone and a process called "side loading", which if you own an android device, you will surely be familiar with. I must say that with the update, Instagram actually runs smoother and a lot faster on my Kindle Fire then on my HTC Thunderbolt. Don't expect to load photos from a gallery though. The app crashes once you hit the camera button inside Instagram, but it does make for pretty smooth surfing through photos and the UI looks amazing. So lets getting started.
The apps I used to get this baby running were:
Instagram for Android Update v1.3 - Google Play
Astro File Manager and Browser - Google Play, FREE
Box.com (cloud service used to upload backed-up apps for storage) - Google Play, FREE
Before you get started make sure you have the lastest version of Instagram downloaded to your Android smartphone of choice. You will need to download and install both programs listed above. You will also need to create a free account with Box.com and you will receive 5GB for free. You can also use alternative methods to get the app to your Kindle Fire if you have them. Such as using a USB cable and desktop. The process I am about to show you keeps you untethered to a desktop and at the same time, backs up your apps. But you will need to be on a network with internet access.
STEP ONE
- Open up Astro File Manager and select 'Application Backup'. - Scroll down to the Instagram app and 'check' it, then click the 'Backup' button. AStro will store that file on your SD card under a folder called 'backups'. Inside that folder will be another folder called 'apps'
- Once the app is backed up, go back to the home screen on Astro File Manager. This time we will click the 'File Manager' button.
- Scroll to the following folder: /mnt/sdcard/backups/apps.
- inside the 'apps' folder, scroll until you find the 'Instragam.apk' file (Instagram-103)
- Click and hold the icon and you will be presented with a menu, click 'send' and in the options to send, choose 'Box'.
- Here you will be given a location to save the file within your Box.com account. I created a folder called 'apps' on my account and this helps me keep my files organized. where ever you place it is up to you.
- Once it is uploaded you are complete with the Android smartphone or whatever device you used to backup your file. You are now ready for the next step.
STEP TWO
- On your Kindle, go to 'Settings' and select 'device'. Toward the bottom you will see the option 'Allow Installation of Applications', you will want to make sure that it is switched to 'ON'.
- Open up Box app on the Kindle Fire and go to the location of where you uploaded the 'Instagram.apk' file. Click on the app.
- You will be presented with the option to 'open' send file' etc. You will click on the name of .apk file at the top. This will start the download process to your Kindle Fire.
- Once the file is downloaded, you will presented with the usual install page. Go ahead and click install.
You should now have the latest version of Instagram for Android installed on your Kindle Fire. Don't expect to go and start importing photos and using the filters presented in Instagram. The app will crash once you hit the camera button inside Instagram. If I come up with a work-around, I will definately post it. In the meantime you can enjoy Instagram on the larger screen. Also note: Instagram is only available in the Portrait mode. It does not recognize landscape mode yet. Hopefully in future updates.
Join the Forum discussion on this post
14%
Click to share thisClick to share this
