(sorry for the response delay)
By "locked", I actually just mean that the device comes with nothing that would let you install third party apps: there's no browser or app store preinstalled, and the launcher only has static links.
But thankfully, the device retains developer mode, and sideloading .apks is done the usual way. After installing a custom launcher and basics like a browser, the device functions pretty much like any other Android device.
In addition, there's a bootloader unlock toggle in developer mode, so no exploits are required to root the device (and install play services, etc). I needed to port TWRP to do so, (available here), but that's only a one-time thing.
If you didn't want to root however, you can also install Locus from the Amazon marketplace, which sideloads just fine.
(jajaballard hopefully that's enough info to point you in the right direction--otherwise, the process is standard enough that looking things up on xda will help)
By "locked", I actually just mean that the device comes with nothing that would let you install third party apps: there's no browser or app store preinstalled, and the launcher only has static links.
But thankfully, the device retains developer mode, and sideloading .apks is done the usual way. After installing a custom launcher and basics like a browser, the device functions pretty much like any other Android device.
In addition, there's a bootloader unlock toggle in developer mode, so no exploits are required to root the device (and install play services, etc). I needed to port TWRP to do so, (available here), but that's only a one-time thing.
If you didn't want to root however, you can also install Locus from the Amazon marketplace, which sideloads just fine.
(jajaballard hopefully that's enough info to point you in the right direction--otherwise, the process is standard enough that looking things up on xda will help)
