You’ll want to install some extra apps in order to watch things such as UK catch-up TV and – because this isn’t an Android tablet – YouTube. If the tablet is for a child, here’s how to enable parental controls on a Fire tablet. There are also plenty of great games you can install including: Candy Crush Saga, Roblox, Real Racing 3, Minecraft and more. If you’re reading this article on your Fire tablet, simply tap the name of the app and it will direct you to the app store to install it.
YouTube
Google – currently – doesn’t allow its official YouTube app to be installed on Fire tablets, but there’s an alternative that’s pretty much as good. It has a blue logo with YouTube.com so you’ll recognise it straight away. It’s free and it allows you to sign into your account and get all of your subscriptions.
Netflix
If you’re not, and you don’t have Prime Video, you may want to install Netflix. You’ll have to subscribe and pay, of course, but arguably Netflix has a better (and wider) selection of films, TV box sets and documentaries.
BBC iPlayer
iPlayer is the Grandad of TV catch-up apps and it’s available on Fire OS too. You can download programmes, but only to internal storage currently, not a microSD card.
ITV Hub
If you’re a Corrie fan, you’ll want to install ITV Hub on your Fire tablet immediately. As with other platforms, there’s no way to download anything: it’s just streaming.
All4
With the All4 app you can watch live TV, stream box sets (including the awesome IT Crowd) and also download some shows to watch offline.
Spotify
In fact, you don’t need to be a subscriber: Spotify is free to use on the Fire tablet if you’re happy to put up with adverts and a slightly lower streaming quality. With a Premium subscription you get better quality and the option to download music to listen offline.
ES File Explorer
AccuWeather
Fire tablets come with a weather app, but AccuWeather’s own app is even better. It updates every 15 minutes and has a useful MinuteCast feature which shows when it’s going to rain in the next two hours (and yes, that’s an intentional when, not if).
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Skype
The Fire tablet cameras aren’t known for their greatness, but they’re fine for Skyping.
TuneIn Radio
If you want to listen to radio stations on your tablet, then TuneIn is what you need. As well as UK radio, you can listen to just about any station around the world that has an internet stream. Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
