AMAZON HAS PLACED A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON THE SERVERS TONIGHT for all Kindles earlier than the Kindle-3 model but later than the Kindle 1, and it further refines the large update last summer which introduced Collections ('virtual folders" or category "tags") plus Pan & Zoom and several other features. This would be primarily a performance enhancement or maintenance update, as they have recommended this update privately to Kindle owners who reported a glitch or two at times, Amazon is now making it available for download if you want to get it earlier than you would if waiting for it to be slowly distributed over wireless globally during the next few weeks.
They don't say what the update includes and they seldom do with the smaller updates. For now, their explanation is:
' Software version 2.5.7 includes performance improvements to software version 2.5. We welcome your feedback about this latest software version.
Please send us an e-mail. '
The Kindle Community forums already have reports that the Kindle seems faster to some who have tried it and that the screen contrast seems improved.
Instructions at their Update page are detailed, and for convenience I'll include the bulk of it here, but you should bookmark that page and also go there to see troubleshooting procedures if you don't see the update starting. The page also summarizes the new features of v2.5 when it first came out last summer.
' Applying Kindle Software Updates
If you have a software version prior to 2.5 [Andrys' note here: or up through 2.5.6], you can download the latest Kindle software update, version 2.5.7, to your computer and transfer it to your Kindle via USB.
To determine your Kindle software version, press the Home button, then press the Menu button. Navigate to "Settings" by moving the 5-way controller down, then press the 5-way controller to select. The version information is located at the bottom of the screen:
Here's how to download version 2.5.7:
- Determine which type of Kindle you have: Look at the first 4 digits of the serial number located on the back of your Kindle or from Home, select Menu, then Settings. On the Settings screen you will see the Kindle version at the bottom of the screen. If you see "Version Kindle 2.5" or earlier, please proceed with the steps below to update your Kindle to the latest software.
Note: If your Kindle is in a cover, please follow the instructions that came with the cover to ensure you carefully remove your Kindle before attempting to check for the serial number on the back.
- Download your software: Visit the appropriate link below to download the Kindle 2.5.7 software update file directly to your computer:
[Andrys here: In the future, go to the Amazon Update page to do the downloads as they may update the files there again, later on.]
Kindle (U.S. Wireless): Download 2.5.7
Your serial number will start with "B002"
Kindle Free 3G: Download 2.5.7
Your serial number will start with "B003"
Kindle DX (US Wireless) : Download 2.5.7
Your serial number will start with "B004"Kindle DX (Free 3G) : Download 2.5.7
Your serial number will start with "B005"
Kindle DX (Free 3G) Graphite: Download 2.5.7
Your serial number will start with “B009”Software version 2.5.7 includes performance improvements to software version 2.5. We welcome your feedback about this latest software version. Please send us an e-mail.
- Transfer software to your Kindle: Turn your Kindle on and connect it to your computer using the USB cable. Drag and drop the new update file from your computer to the Kindle drive. (The drive contains a number of folders - such as "audible," "documents," and "music" - and is typically displayed as a "device" icon).
- Monitor file transfer and disconnect: Check your file transfer progress to ensure file transfer to your Kindle is complete before disconnecting. After the file transfer is complete, eject the Kindle to safely disconnect Kindle from your computer. Disconnect the USB cable from your Kindle and your computer.
- Start the software update: Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select "Settings." Press the Menu key again, and then select "Update Your Kindle." (This option will be grayed out if the most recent update has already been installed.) Select "Ok" when prompted if you want to perform an update. Your Kindle will restart twice during the update. After the first restart, you will see "Your Kindle is Updating."
- Once the update is complete: Your Kindle will automatically restart the second time. When you go to the Settings page, you should notice “Version: Kindle 2.5.7” at the bottom of the screen. Once you see this, your update is completed. '
Kindle 3's (UK: Kindle 3's), DX Graphite
Check often: Temporarily-free late-listed non-classics or recently published ones
Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources. Top 100 free bestsellers.
Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.
Thanks for the post, I usually keep 3G off for battery reasons, not sure I would have gotten this update. For what it's worth, my update sequence seemed a bit different than described -- after selecting "Update Your Kindle," it went through two runs of the progress bar, then just one restart sequence, with another progress bar. Didn't restart twice. But seems to have worked. FYI, have a Kindle 2 US Wireless, B002xxxxx.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for your blog, I've learned quite a bit, free stuff, etc.
-Peter
Peter, I have the same type of Kindle 2, the earlier U.S.-only model. Glad that the blog entry today was useful. I actually lost 10 hours of work on something else in a strangeness involving doing an rtf on Open Office, which lost 95% of a file. So it was good to get an update from Amazon for Kindle owners who've not heard that much from the company since the Kindle 3.
ReplyDeleteMy Kindle 2 continues to work well but it'd be nice if it does get better contrast with this, though I won't be doing the update until tomorrow.
Thanks for taking the time for the nice feedback.
Sorry to hear about your Open Office issues -- remember, you get what you pay for ;-)
ReplyDeleteHaving been awfully tempted (like you?) by the Kindle 3, but my Yankee Frugality is holding me back. I'll certainly be first in the queue for Kindle 4.
Pretty early here on the East Coast, even earlier where you sit. At least I assume it is not snowing like it is here (Cape Cod, MA)?
-Peter
I think this just adds to some of the outrage all of us Kindle DX-G owners feel for being left in the dust. Our device came out like 3 weeks before the Kindle 3, has the newer screen, yet is being treated like a second-gen device for software purposes.
ReplyDeleteAmazon still does firmware updates for the Kindle 2? Very nice! I'm heartened that I picked the right e-reader even more now!
ReplyDeleteOcto,
ReplyDeleteI'm a DXG owner and it's my personal take that there is something going on there but that if they updated the 2's and earlier DX they'd need to do the same for the DXG. Bear in mind they've been developing for all the various Kindle apps too.
There's no reason the DXG can't have the PDF enhancements as it has that Pearl screen and of course is more expensive, being so large (and no other e-ink companies are creating high-volume production needs for it) so I think they're catching as many people as they can, and the 2's and older DX needed the attention and I think something will happen with the DXG.
But that's just me and a personal feeling. I've heard nothing to substantiate it.
Stores were told the DX would be there for holiday sales and it wasn't. So, we'll find out soon, I think.
Peter,
ReplyDeleteI own a copy of Microsoft Word but can't find my discs to put it on my Netbook (I'm allowed two machines) and people rave about OpenOffice so I thought I'd try it. Just an awful experience.
I haven't lost anything in two decades or more since I am always backing up but I was backing up a weird process that was truncating the data. GADS. The basic raw data is in the file but 4 recovery tools w/good reps found there was something missing that means they can't recover or repair it.
Re the Kindle 3, yes I was tempted back in August and I love the little thing. Fantastic clarity and very light.
I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't release a supplementary LCD color Android tablet for the many who are looking for that, for magazines, travel books, etc., before they do a new e-Ink K3.
No, no snow here hardly ever but we've had a liquid version of it for awhile. Thee days are often gorgeous though.
Amy, totally agree. I sometimes loan my earlier ones out so I like that they keep these more or less up to date.
ReplyDeletethanks for the info, andrys.
ReplyDeletei did the update, but can't see any difference. would love the font choices available for the k3 on my older dx. am i missing something?
amanda
did this update include update to the internet browser so that it browse like kindle 3 and not in basic mode
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteThe font choices for the K3 are available currently under Kindle software version 3.0.x
It remains to be seen whether they do this for any of the earlier models, but they should for the DXG, which uses the same new Pearl display capable of faster response time on the screen.
It'd be nice if they add that kind of choise to earlier models later.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe webkit browser in the Kindle 3 is altogether different.
However, you've probably not explored your earlier Kindle's web browser very much if you haven't found the "Advanced" mode setting.
See http://bit.ly/kwebhow, which has tips about how to make the most of your Kindle 2 and DX browsers.
It's slower with those but actually MORE READABLE than with the Kindle 3 often because it treats the web pages as text that can have fonts enlarged rather than only as images to be zoomed.
It doesn't have the Kindle 3's article mode but also doesn't need it as much either. Try the tips out. Hope they help.
Anyone has any idea how to enable normal "fast forwarding" when listening to audio books on the kindle (have the kindle 2 3g international). It is serverely annoying that I can only do 30 second steps... I often listen in bed. Sometimes I fall asleep and the whole book plays along. It takes about 10 minutes of pressing the skip 30s button...
ReplyDeleteI have updated to 2.5.8 and it seems unable to update to 3.1. Is there another patch that I need first? When I snyc, it says no new updates so i feel like I am missing something.
ReplyDeleteBam, 2.5.8 was the latest update for Kindle 2.
DeleteV3.1 is for Kindle 3 models. Sorry to reply so late, as am just getting back to more regular blogging after vacation.
I have a Kindle "Boo3" and tried to update to 2.5.7 on my way to 2.5.8. all went well until I needed to select "Update your Kindle". I did not have this on my Kindle. I had nothing to indicate anything of an "update nature" . Now what do I do? Help!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteOn the Kindle 2, I think you have to press Menu/Settings and then Menu again to find the "Update your Kindle" choice. Let me know if this isn't so... Don't have it nearby right now.