Tablet for Hik App - Amazon Fire or Alternative

[Q1984]

Hi All,

Im looking to get a android tablet and install the hik connect app, to allow me to view 4 of the Hik Cameras on 2x2 constant display, baiscally like a monitor but portable and able to stick it on a wall - Any idea what would be a good one to go for at a reasonable price but not too over priced?

I've not considered the aspect around powering as the official hik tablet had a RJ45 POE so I assume i'll have to feed a constant power via a plug.

 

[Q1984]

Just to add I've seen the below,

LENOVO Tab 10.1" Tablet - 64 GB - £98.00 or Amazon Fire HD 10 - 32GB - £79

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Not sure if the GB should be considered or even a 32GB would suffice?

 

[JB1970]

Just to add I've seen the below,

LENOVO Tab 10.1" Tablet - 64 GB - £98.00 or Amazon Fire HD 10 - 32GB - £79

​

Not sure if the GB should be considered or even a 32GB would suffice?

I would go with the Lenovo tablet. Amazon Fire's use their own Fire OS which is based on Android, but the version it's based on is usually a few behind. Also, unless it has changed, Hik-Connect is not available from the Amazon App Store so you need to either side load it from an apk file, or chew around side loading files to get the Google Play Store added. I've had it working on my Fire's but it didn't work great and notifications were hit and miss.

 

[Q1984]

@JB1970 What about teh constant power that would be required to the tablet, ie if i had it up on the wall, ive been reading not good ie battery can overheat etc? any way around that, as the only tablets that have POE are the Hik officail tablets it seems. I did read a article on here i think where someone suggested removing the battery but the tablets are smart to know its not there and wont power up evne if its got direct power.

yeah read about the FireOS, yep would need to download APK and install so a bit of a headache but is a lot more cheaper, but if it means it'll run a bit luggish and the lenovo wins on this, can opt for lenovo.

 

[JB1970]

@JB1970 What about teh constant power that would be required to the tablet, ie if i had it up on the wall, ive been reading not good ie battery can overheat etc? any way around that, as the only tablets that have POE are the Hik officail tablets it seems. I did read a article on here i think where someone suggested removing the battery but the tablets are smart to know its not there and wont power up evne if its got direct power.

yeah read about the FireOS, yep would need to download APK and install so a bit of a headache but is a lot more cheaper, but if it means it'll run a bit luggish and the lenovo wins on this, can opt for lenovo.

I’ve also read about battery issues but never had a problem. I’ve 4 wall mounted Fire HDs around the house used to display my Hubitat dashboards, including a stream for one of my cameras; they’ve been permanently connected to the chargers for 4 years without issue.

 

[Q1984]

Thanks for your take on it and also the fact you've been using it without an issue is re-assuring think i'll go down this route then..

One last one the Lenovo Tab 10 or Galaxy A9 as they both are £99?

 

[JB1970]

Thanks for your take on it and also the fact you've been using it without an issue is re-assuring think i'll go down this route then..

One last one the Lenovo Tab 10 or Galaxy A9 as they both are £99?

It doesn't need to be anything too flash to run Hik-Connect. I'm no expert on Android tablets but I'd probably go Lenovo, which is what I'd get to replace my Fire's when the time comes. Aren't Samsung devices known for being full of bloatware? Also I recall hearing that Samsung were slower to roll out Android updates.

 

[Q1984]

Oh yeah good point about bloatware! didn't think of that... I think i'll go for the Lenovo for the main room that'll have the hik cameras on. constant view, then maybe a Fire 8 for the passage near door, which will have a view of the doorbell (Ajax)..

 

[Q1984]

@JB1970 a side question, as I've recieved the Amazon Fire 8 (to be used for the Ajax doorbell), seeing as you have these, is there a way to unlock or get the display back on without having to always pressing the side power button?

Had a google and it seems to say only way officially is having to press the button to wake up the screen

 

[JB1970]

@JB1970 a side question, as I've recieved the Amazon Fire 8 (to be used for the Ajax doorbell), seeing as you have these, is there a way to unlock or get the display back on without having to always pressing the side power button?

Had a google and it seems to say only way officially is having to press the button to wake up the screen

There’s lots you can do with Fully Kiosk browser. I was using that with my dashboards to keep the screen awake, return to a specific screen etc. You can also use that to wake the screen using motion from the camera. It might be worth a look. A lifetime device licence was about £8 I think.

 

[Q1984]

@JB1970 , sorry for the late reply, I've finally got around to looking into getting this Kiosk browser added on the Amazon Fire HD, however am struggling, it doesnt appear in the Amazon Appstore, so I browsed via Silk browser and click install, logging into Playstore via the browser, says it will install but nothing - Am I doing something wrong?

 

[JB1970]

@JB1970 , sorry for the late reply, I've finally got around to looking into getting this Kiosk browser added on the Amazon Fire HD, however am struggling, it doesnt appear in the Amazon Appstore, so I browsed via Silk browser and click install, logging into Playstore via the browser, says it will install but nothing - Am I doing something wrong?

On the Fully website you just download and run the apk file to install it. Playstore is not needed.

 

[trempa92]

i bought myself 16 inch PoE OEM android fully rooted with PLC output control. Working great.