Hack shows Android Ice Cream Sandwich on the Kindle Fire

By Andy Boxall Published December 27, 2011

While manufacturers begin to announce their own official Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update schedules, hackers are hard at work modifying the source code to function on other devices.

In this case it’s Android developer JackpotClavin who has squeezed Ice Cream Sandwich on to the Amazon Fire tablet, and although it’s not quite ready for everyday use, it’s not far off. Based on CyanogenMod 9, the developer hopes the build and accompanying video will inspire others to get involved with the project.

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On the positive side, the homescreen and widgets work, plus you can install the Android Market as well as download apps. However, those apps don’t always respond as you’d hope, and video doesn’t seem to work at all. There are also issues with the internal storage, with apps unable to write to the required section.

If you love tweaking Android, or are curious as to what the very latest version looks like on the Fire, give it a try. If you’ve already installed CyanogenMod 7 or a different custom ROM, then the process sounds similar. Liliputting.com has further instructions if you’re interested.

For those who would rather wait for a more stable, working build for Amazon’s popular little tablet, you can see ICS in action in the video below.

Former Senior Mobile Writer

Andy has written about mobile technology for almost a decade. From 2G to 5G and smartphone to smartwatch, Andy knows tech.

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