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Supported Android Intents (Fire Tablets)

Fire tablets support Android intents for launching activities. The Android platform defines a standard list of intents. For more information, see the Android documentation, Intent.

Introduction

Fire tablets as supplied, without any user-installed apps, respond to the intents listed below. Note that many of these intents are supported only for specific values in one or more of the intent fields. Required values are listed in the table for each intent, along with the results that you can expect from the intent.

  • ACTION_ATTACH_DATA
  • ACTION_CALL – Not supported by Kind Fire (1st Generation/2011)
  • ACTION_CHOOSER
  • ACTION_CREATE_SHORTCUT
  • ACTION_DIAL – Not supported by Kind Fire (1st Generation/2011)
  • ACTION_EDIT
  • ACTION_GET_CONTENT
  • ACTION_INSERT
  • ACTION_INSERT_OR_EDIT
  • ACTION_INSTALL_PACKAGE
  • ACTION_MANAGE_NETWORK_USAGE – Not supported by Kind Fire (1st Generation/2011)
  • ACTION_MANAGE_PACKAGE_STORAGE
  • ACTION_PICK
  • ACTION_PICK_ACTIVITY – Not supported by Kind Fire (1st Generation/2011)
  • ACTION_POWER_USAGE_SUMMARY
  • ACTION_SEARCH
  • ACTION_SEND
  • ACTION_SEND_MULTIPLE
  • ACTION_VIEW
  • ACTION_WEB_SEARCH

This list is not exhaustive. Activities may respond to an intent regardless of the extra, category, or MIME type. If your app calls a listed intent with an extra, MIME type, URI, or category other than what is listed in the table for that intent, the result may or may not be as expected.To ensure the result you want, always check which activities have registered to respond to the intent with the field values you intend to use. Do this by calling the queryIntentActivities method of the android.content.pm.PackageManager, as shown in the following example:

PackageManager manager = context.getPackageManager();
List<ResolveInfo> infos = manager.queryIntentActivities(intent, 0);
if (infos.size() > 0) {
    //Then there is an Application(s) can handle your intent
} else {
    //No Application can handle your intent
}

Some intents in combination with certain field values require permissions that are not available on Kindle Fire tablets. For a list of these permissions, see the "Capability Testing" section of the Kindle Fire Pre-Submission Assessment Guide.

Some intents, in combination with certain field values, do not cause a system error but also do not open an activity:

  • ACTION_CALL
  • ACTION_CALL_BUTTON
  • ACTION_CHOOSER
  • ACTION_SET_WALLPAPER

Supported Intents

Fire tablets support the following intents for the field values listed in the table for each intent. Each table also lists the expected result.

ACTION_ATTACH_DATA

Attaches data. On Fire tablets, the data must be an image. Constant value: android.intent.action.ATTACH_DATA

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
MIME Type: image/* Opens Contacts. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or QuickOffice.
Data URI: file: <_file_path_and_name_> MIME Type: image/*
 Opens Contacts. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or QuickOffice.
Data URI: content: <_content_path_and_name_> MIME Type: image/*
 Not supported. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or QuickOffice.
Data URI: calendar MIME Type: image/*
 Not supported. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or QuickOffice.

ACTION_CALL

Transmits a voicemail number or telephone number. This intent is not supported on Kindle Fire (1st Generation).
Constant value: android.intent.action.CALL

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: tel: <_telephone_number_> Not supported. Adds the number to Contacts. Adds the number to Contacts. Not supported.

ACTION_CREATE_SHORTCUT

Creates a shortcut to an activity.
Constant value: android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Prompts the user to select category for settings shortcut. Prompts the user to select Contact or Settings shortcut. Prompts the user to select Contact or Email account settings for shortcut. Prompts the user to select Contact or Email account settings for shortcut.

ACTION_DIAL

Transmits a telephone number. This intent is not supported on Kindle Fire (1st Generation).
Constant value: android.intent.action.DIAL

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: tel: <_telephone_number_> Adds the telephone number to Contacts. Adds the telephone number to Contacts. Adds the telephone number to Contacts. Not supported.

ACTION_EDIT

Opens a Calendar event as editable.
Constant value: android.intent.action.EDIT

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: calendar Not supported. Not supported. Creates a new Calendar event. Creates a new Calendar event.
Data URI: content: <_content_path_and_name_> MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.dir/event
 Creates a new calendar event. Creates a new calendar event. Creates a new calendar event. Creates a new Calendar event.

ACTION_GET_CONTENT

Retrieves a type of content.
Constant value: android.intent.action.GET_CONTENT

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
MIME Type: image/* Opens Photos. Prompts the user to select OfficeSuite or Photos. Prompts the user to select OfficeSuite or Photos. Opens QuickOffice, but generates an exception.
MIME Type: video/* Opens Videos. Prompts the user to select OfficeSuite or Personal Videos. Prompts the user to select OfficeSuite or Personal Videos. Opens QuickOffice, but generates an exception.
MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/person Opens Contacts. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Opens QuickOffice, but generates an exception.
MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/phone Opens Contacts. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Prompts the user to select Contacts or OfficeSuite. Opens QuickOffice, but generates an exception.
MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/event Opens file browser. Opens OfficeSuite. Opens OfficeSuite. Opens QuickOffice, but generates an exception.
MIME Type: appication/eml Opens file browser. Opens OfficeSuite. Opens OfficeSuite. Opens QuickOffice, but generates an exception.

ACTION_INSERT

Inserts data.
Constant value: android.intent.action.INSERT

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: content: <_content_path_and_name_> MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/event Creates a new calendar event. Creates a new calendar event. Creates a new calendar event. Creates a new calendar event.
Data URI: file: MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.dir/person Creates new contact in Contacts. Creates new contact in Contacts. Creates new contact in Contacts. Creates new contact in Contacts.

ACTION_INSERT_OR_EDIT

Opens an existing item for edit or inserts a new item opened for edit.
Constant value: android.intent.action.INSERT_OR_EDIT

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: content: <_content_path_and_name_> MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/person Opens Contacts for insert content. Opens Contacts for insert content. Opens Contacts for insert content. Opens Contacts for insert content.
MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/contact Opens Contacts for insert content. Opens Contacts for insert content. Opens Contacts for insert content. Opens Contacts for insert content.

ACTION_INSTALL_PACKAGE

Launches the app installer.
Constant value: android.intent.action.INSTALL_PACKAGE

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: file: <_file_path_and_name_> Installs the package in the file. Installs the package in the file. Installs the package in the file. Installs the package in the file.

ACTION_MANAGE_NETWORK_USAGE

Shows the network settings. This intent is not supported on Kindle Fire (1st Generation).
Constant value: android.intent.action.MANAGE_NETWORK_USAGE

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Prompts the user to select Email, or Email/Contacts/Calendar. Prompts the user to select Email, or Email/Contacts/Calendar. Opens Email settings. Not supported.

ACTION_MANAGE_PACKAGE_STORAGE

Opens package storage activity.
Constant value: android.intent.action.MANAGE_PACKAGE_STORAGE

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Opens Storage. Opens Storage. Opens Storage. Opens Storage.

ACTION_PICK

Allows the user to select an item.
Constant value: android.intent.action.PICK

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: content: <_content_path_and_name_> Not supported. Not supported. Opens Photos. Opens Photos.
MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.dir/person Opens Contacts. Opens Contacts. Opens Contacts. Opens Contacts.
MIME Type: video/* Opens Videos. Opens Videos. Opens Videos. Opens Videos.

ACTION_PICK_ACTIVITY

Allows the user to select an app. This intent is not supported on Kindle Fire (1st Generation).
Constant value: android.intent.action.PICK_ACTIVITY

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets 2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Opens a list of apps. Opens a list of apps. Opens a list of apps. Not supported.

ACTION_POWER_USAGE_SUMMARY

Displays the device’s power usage.
Constant value: android.intent.action.POWER_USAGE_SUMMARY

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets 2011)
Opens Power Usage Info. Opens Power Usage Info. Opens Power Usage Info. Opens Power Usage Info.

Searches for data.
Constant value: android.intent.action.SEARCH

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Prompts the user to select a location to search, for example, the web, installed apps, Contacts, and so on. Prompts the user to select a location to search, for example, the web, installed apps, Contacts, and so on. Prompts the user to select a location to search, for example, the web, installed apps, Contacts, and so on. Prompts the user to select a location to search, for example, the web, installed apps, Contacts, and so on.

ACTION_SEND

Sends data.
Constant value: android.intent.action.SEND

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: content: <_content_path_and_name_> Opens Email. Opens Email. Opens Email. Opens Email.

ACTION_SEND_MULTIPLE

Sends multiple data items.
Constant value: android.intent.action.SEND_MULTIPLE

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: file: <_file_path_and_name_> MIME Type: vnd.android.cursor.item/phone Opens Email. Opens Email. Opens Email. Opens Email.

ACTION_VIEW

Opens an activity for viewing.
Constant value: android.intent.action.VIEW

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Opens a list of apps. Opens a list of apps. Opens a list of apps. Opens a list of apps.

Initiates a search of the web.
Constant value: android.intent.action.WEB_SEARCH

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Extras: android.intent.extra.TEXT Opens default web search engine. Opens default web search engine. Not tested. Not tested.

Intents Without Activities

The following intents with the specified field values do not generate a system error, but they also do not carry out the expected action.

ACTION_CALL

Transmits a voicemail number or telephone number. This intent is not supported on Kindle Fire (1st Generation). Constant value: android.intent.action.CALL

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Data URI: voicemail: <_voicemail_number_> Not supported. Not supported. Not supported. Not supported.

ACTION_CALL_BUTTON

Supported but does not open an activity.
Constant value: android.intent.action.CALL_BUTTON

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
No action. No action. No action. No action.
No action. No action. No action. No Action

ACTION_CHOOSER

Opens a dialog box for the user to select an app.
Constant value: android.intent.action.CHOOSER

Fields Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Extras: android.intent.extra.TEXT No action. No action. No action. No action.

ACTION_SET_WALLPAPER

Sets an image as wallpaper. This intent causes an error on all Fire tablets, except the Kindle Fire (1st Generation).
Constant value: android.intent.action.SEND_MULTIPLE

Result for Fire Tablets (2014 and later) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2013) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2012) Result for Kindle Fire Tablets (2011)
Not supported. Not supported. Not supported. No action.

Comparison with Other Android Devices

In comparison with a stock Google Mobile Services (GMS) device, Fire tablets do not support the following intents:

  • ACTION_APP_ERROR
  • ACTION_SEARCH_LONG_PRESS
  • ACTION_SET_WALLPAPER
  • ACTION_VOICE_COMMAND

Last updated: Oct 29, 2020