Amazon announces software update for the Kindle Fire HD 7", 8.9" and Kindle Fire 2nd generation models
The notice was in a forum post, dated May 27, which I looked for after seeing a reference in a news article to a new feature we've been waiting for: the ability to read Kindle books that contain audio and/or video clips (formerly possible only with the iPad and other iOS devices).
There are a number of new features for each, including some that were introduced with the Kindle Paperwhite, (which Forbes described yesterday as "the consensus best e-reader on the market."
I'll include the full forum post here (boldface for emphasis and bracketed notes are mine).
Am also adding UK software pages:
' Initial post: Mar 27, 2013 2:18:39 PM PDT
Kevin G. - Community Manager says:
Amazon Official
We have a new, free software update available for Kindle Fire HD 8.9", Kindle Fire HD 7" and Kindle Fire (2nd Generation). The software update will be delivered wirelessly and includes several new features and performance enhancements.
Kindle Fire HD 8.9":
* Change your device language - Set your default device language to one of eight languages, including English (U.S.), English (U.K.), German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese (Simplified).
* Track your reading progress with Time To Read - Kindle Fire HD 8.9" calculates your reading speed to let you know when you'll finish a chapter or book.
* Support for Kindle Editions with Audio/Video - You can now read books that contain audio and/or video clips.
* Print Replica Textbook Enhancements - Scroll through thumbnails at the bottom of the screen to preview pages and jump quickly between chapters, and mark important notes and highlights in your Notebook for easy reference.
Please see the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Software Update page for more information:
[v8.3.0 here] [UK software page].
[XRay for textbooks isn't mentioned for the 8.9" model -- maybe an oversight.]
Kindle Fire HD 7":
* Support for X-Ray for Textbooks - Explore the "bones" of your textbook, and access all the most important terms and concepts, with glossary definitions and links to relevant textbook pages.
* Simplified Chinese Support - In addition to the other languages offered, you can now change your device language to Simplified Chinese.
* Track your reading progress with Time To Read - Kindle Fire HD 7" calculates your reading speed to let you know when you'll finish a chapter or book.
* Support for Kindle Editions with Audio/Video - You can now read books that contain audio and/or video clips.
* Print Replica Textbook Enhancements - Scroll through thumbnails at the bottom of the screen to preview pages and jump quickly between chapters, and mark important notes and highlights in your Notebook for easy reference.
Head over to the Kindle Fire HD 7" Software Update page for more details:
[v7.3.0 here]. [UK software page].
Kindle Fire 2nd Generation:
* Support for X-Ray for Textbooks - Explore the "bones" of your textbook, and access all the most important terms and concepts, with glossary definitions and links to relevant textbook pages.
* Simplified Chinese Support - In addition to the other languages offered, you can now change your device language to Simplified Chinese.
* Track your reading progress with Time To Read - Kindle Fire 2nd Generation calculates your reading speed to let you know when you'll finish a chapter or book.
* Support for Kindle Editions with Audio/Video - You can now read books that contain audio and/or video clips.
* Print Replica Textbook Enhancements - Scroll through thumbnails at the bottom of the screen to preview pages and jump quickly between chapters, and mark important notes and highlights in your Notebook for easy reference.
The Kindle Fire 2nd Generation Software Update page contains information on how to manually install the update if you'd prefer:
[v10.3.0 here]. [UK software page].
If you need assistance with one of these updates, please visit the Kindle Help Forums. '
IF Choosing to Manually Download This Version
(instead of waiting for it to arrive via WiFi)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:
- KF: Tap the top of the device -- KFHD: Swipe down from the top of the screen.
Then tap More. - Tap Device, and then tap About.
NOTE that when it does arrive, 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.
EARLIER posts on Kindle Fire HD
. 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
. App for WiFi file transfers w/o cable.
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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