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Software Update for Kindle Fire HD 8.9" tablet
As usual, this update-alert blog entry also includes links to earlier articles with tips on the updated device.
The v8.1.4 update is, for most, being received over-the-air without much notice by Amazon. I've seen no discussion of this update in the Kindle Community Forums
The new update -- v8.1.4 for Kindle Fire HD 8.9" -- will automatically download and install for most Kindle Fire customers. My Kindle Fire HD 8.9" did receive this update (I also happened to "Sync" my device (by swiping from the top and tapping "Sync"), which will synchronize it with the server, for last-page read, annotations, items purchased or subscribed to, or if Amazon has readied an update for your device during a roll-out. Rollouts like this can be slow, with some getting an update after others have. Normally, it takes a while to deliver these huge files and they're installed when the Kindle is idle and the Kindle is on.
Amazon notes that the update includes the following changes.
' This software update will add the option to subscribe to Kindle FreeTime Unlimited on your Kindle Fire HD 8.9". For more information about Kindle Freetime Unlimited, see www.amazon.com/kindlefreetimeunlimited.
This software update also includes performance and feature improvements for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9". '
Checking which software version you have.
I checked by swiping down my Top Menu, then clicking on "More" and then "Settings," where I looked at "Device," then "About" and saw that I now have System Version 8.1.4.
If you're not experiencing problems with it, you might want to wait for it to be delivered automatically rather than get the file and manually install it.
For those who prefer to do the updates via USB cable because you don't have WiFi, the update files are at the Amazon server locations linked above.
If Downloading Version 8.1.4
Reminder: This update automatically downloads and installs for most Kindle Fire customers; however, you can initiate the software update from your Kindle or manually download the software update via USB (some use the excellent WiFi File Explorer PRO app rather than the USB cable hookup).Again -- before you begin, confirm your current software version:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap More.
- Tap Device, and then tap About.
NOTE that when it does update, your Kindle Fire will reboot and sometimes it does that twice, so don't be alarmed when it happens while it's idle and you're nearby.
Kindle for Android app software update v3.8.1
UPDATE Dec. 23 - Software version now at v3.8.2.4
In an earlier blog article, I cautioned against jumping on update v3.8.0, as I saw some unhappy reactions to it (Dec. 7).
Our heavy-info commenter, Tom Semple updated us the other day on this, as Amazon updated the Kindle for Android app. Tom wrote the following addition (comment) to that blog entry:
' Kindle for Android 3.8.1:
- tuned line spacing options to be more compact
- bug fixes for Galaxy Note 10.1 and Japanese Nexus 7 customers
- customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan returned to an English experience '
An added update from contributor Tom Semple came in late Saturday.
Kindle for Android is now up to version v3.8.2.4. Tom explains:
'The latest fixes a crash on ASUS TF201.
Also, I missed something that showed up in 3.7.0: "Send PDF, DOC, DOCX, and image files to your Kindle using the share buttons in popular Android apps like Adobe Reader, Documents To Go, ES File Explorer, and many others."
So they've actually built SendToKindle into the Kindle app for Android. It shows up as one of the choices when you 'share'. Neat. Just tried sending a PDF to K4Android, and it worked. '
Thanks much to Tom and the several other contributors who help keep us up to date.
Changes for the earlier update for Kindle for Android v3.8.0 included:
. Support of Simplified Chinese, including dictionaries
. Font sizes up to Kindle scale '11'
. Reading of print replica textbooks on Android tablets.
. Several bug fixes at the time.
EARLIER posts on Kindle Fire HD 7" which relate also to the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" (reviews of Kindle 7" features will apply to the HD 8.9" model also).
. Getting non-Amazon apps on Kindle Fires (non-HD Kindle Fires have storage space limitations)
. More comparisons on iPad mini and Kindle Fire HD
. Basic Features Comparison Table for iPad mini, Google Nexus 7", Kindle Fire HD 7"
. Comparison reviews of the Kindle Fire HD 7" and Google Nexus 7" tablets
. Step-by-step guide for installing a working Adobe Flash player when needed.
. Google Maps, Street View and other apps on my Kindle Fire, via enabling one device setting
. Downloading and playing YouTube videos on Kindle Fire HD
. Using the camera and Video, Panorama mode, Time Lapses
. Add Wi-Drive pocketable disk/stream'g for Kindle models and for other tablet or phone devices,
or, Portable wireless 320G Patriot Gauntlet drive/stream'g for 7" & 8.9" devices.
. App for WiFi file transfers w/o cable.
Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
NOTES on newer Kindles.
| US: Updated Kindle Fire Basic 7" tablet - $159 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$249 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $299/$369 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $499/$599 Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139 Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $179/$199 Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free but slow web Kindle DX - | UK: Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69 Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - £89 Refurb'd Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149 Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - £109 Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK - £169 Kindle Fire 2, UK - £129 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK - £159/199 | OTHER International Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89 Kindle Touch WiFi - $139 Kindle Keybd 3G - $189 Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB France Boutique Kindle Deutschland - Kindle Store Italia - Kindle Store Spain - Tienda Kindle |
Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources. Top 100 free bestsellers. Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.
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Kindle for Android is now up to version '3.8.2.4'. The latest fixes a crash on ASUS TF201.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I missed something that showed up in 3.7.0: "Send PDF, DOC, DOCX, and image files to your Kindle using the share buttons in popular Android apps like Adobe Reader, Documents To Go, ES File Explorer, and many others." So they've actually built SendToKindle into the Kindle app for Android. It shows up as one of the choices when you 'share'. Neat. Just tried sending a PDF to K4Android, and it worked.
Also I read that Amazon Instant Video is now available for LG Google TV. Maybe we're getting closer to an Android version for more general release.
Tom, you're an amazing info gatherer. Thanks for making sure we know about these excellent new features (and fixes). Invaluable. Will add these to the body later tonight (for those who don't read down to the comments...)
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