Amazon's product pages are showing software update for the Kindle Fire HD 7", 8.9" and Kindle Fire 2nd generation models
There was no notice of this, but at about 5pm Wednesday, I just noticed, there were notes in the Kindle forum that a couple of Kindle Fire owners saw updates happen on theirs.
My Kindle Fire HD tablet hasn't received the update, so I checked the product pages. However, there have been reports of glitches on the three software updates x.3.0 made to the three models on March 30.
The sofware update pages that the changes include: "bug fixes and performance enhancements."
As usual, am adding UK software pages to the info here, though their pages haven't been updated. The link will go to whichever is the current software version for that model.
Here are the software update pages for each model:
Kindle Fire HD 8.9":
[v8.3.1 here] [Probably soon: UK software page].
Kindle Fire HD 7":
[v7.3.1 here]. [Probably soon: UK software page].
Kindle Fire 2nd Generation:
[v10.3.1 here]. [Probably soon: UK software page].
If you need assistance with one of these updates, please visit the Kindle Help Forums. '
IF Choosing to Manually Download the Latest 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
. Follow-up info on v7.3.0, v8.3.0, and v10.3.0 updates (Apr 9)
. Software Updates for v7.3.0, v8.3.0, and v10.3.0 updates (March 30, 2013)
. 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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I think they fixed a battery drain bug. My Kindle would be fully powered when I went to bed and dead by the morning. That is horrible standby time. I saw the update install yesterday and tested the standby time overnight and still had the majority of my battery.
ReplyDeleteI still don't know if I like the automatic updates, though. I'd like to be able to opt in or out.
Jazz, thanks for that. That battery problem was primary (along with some freezes that hadn't happened before that update). Great to see, re your own battery and charging.
DeleteWow. They need beta testers. I wouldn't mind automatic updates so much if they'd offer us step-backs in case the new update proved problematical...
I just checked my KF89, and it's at 8.3.1.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I'd like to have on my KF's is a collections facility. Two companies have developed "collections" apps that are in Amazon's Android store. Neither was particularly well reviewed when they first appeared. I kept an eye on them -- hoping that updates would improve the apps, and the reviews.
One of the two has not been updated in a while -- the other has been updated right along, and the reviews were gradually improving (they even developed a "free" version -- "free" only if you agreed to take an email subscription from the developer).
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Collections-for-Kindle-Fire/dp/B00B5E6YHI/ref=sr_1_4?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1366351298&sr=1-4&keywords=collections
When the x.3.0 updates came out, this app stopped automatically updating collection content, and the reviews went right down to 1-star. Recently, the developer updated the app to fix the breakage, and the latest reviews are better.
Anyhow, I wonder if the x.3.1 update might also address whatever issue caused the collections app to break in the first place?
According to the app store, this app is compatible with my KF89, and my KF1. I guess I'll give it a try :grin.
Thanks, Edward. I've, for the most part, not been around... Am behind again on the blog. The Collections app that is most popular is probably by Mike Gallagher, whose free-book blog has topped the charts of Kindle-editions of blogs...
DeleteI don't think the developers prioritize updates to make them compatible with 3rd party apps, but they'd have reason to make an exception in this case, maybe.
Let me know what you think. The problems noted kept me away... The guy is very smart though and very good with customer relations on his blog.