Kindle firmware update promises 85 percent battery boost, native PDF reader
By Donald Melanson 
posted November 24th 2009 2:47PM
posted November 24th 2009 2:47PM
We're not quite sure what sort of black magic it's worked to make it happen, but it looks like Amazon is really taking the art of firmware updates to a new level with the latest upgrade for the Kindle. Not only does it finally add native PDF support (which would have gotten folks rightly excited on its own), but it promises to boost battery life by a full 85 percent. That translates to about seven days of use with the wireless on, and is apparently the result of a six month firmware improvement and testing program -- can we get these folks working on other devices? Naturally, the latest firmware will be shipping on all new Kindles right away (just not the DX, it seems), and it will be pushed as a free update to existing Kindle 2s via Whispernet, although there's no ETA on that just yet.
@ZeroCorpse The original Gameboy Color wasn't like your typical LCD. It had no backlight. I can't say for sure that it's e-ink but it had color. Reading a comic book on a HVGA screen is ridiculous when a single panel can span 2 full pages.
I'm new to the Kindle; just got mine yesterday (Canada) and I'm loving it and still trying to find my way around things. How does one know when a firmware update is available or done? Is there a way to check firmware version/date?
@Rob On the Kindle Site, I imagine.
Question, I'm from Canada as well, does the wireless work? Which version do you have?
Who did the Kindle marry?
Barbie.
Just talked to Amazon, 2.3 is down already. They're having problems with it.
So now they just gave me false hopes of native PDF support than took it away already!
Better cropping of PDF files: In landscape orientation, white margins of PDF documents are automatically cropped to maximize the amount of content shown on the screen.
Option to convert PDF files to Kindle format. If you prefer to have your personal PDF documents converted to the Kindle format (so that they can reflow), type "Convert" in the subject of the e-mail when you submit your personal document to your @kindle.com address.
View pages longer: We've extended the time before Kindle DX switches into screensaver mode — from 5 minutes to 20 minutes — giving you more time for reviewing your content.
People gripe about how bad the original design had been. But to some degree the newness of a device that rarely needs to connect by cell may have played a part.
Phones need to always maintain contact. Data cards are also more persistent when connected. But with this there are a lot of efficiencies to be learned in how to best down-throttle during the frequent and long dead periods.
We loyal Kindle 1.0 early adopters deserve upgrades and updates, too!
I'm so getting one now. This was the only thing holding me back. : D
If they really want to wow me with an update, they can get rid of that butt-ugly picture of Emily Dickinson on the random screen saver.
@webdoubt Seriously.. it's those eyes.. they REALLY creep me out.
I'm waiting for the update now. I just checked which version my firmware currently is, and it's 2.0.3. I'm guessing I've missed quite a few updates, since I don't keep the wireless on.
Anyway, I was hoping the next update would have the new organizational system they brought up a few days ago, but I guess PDF support is a good step in the right direction. Hopefully they crank out the next update soon!
I've already installed the update and pdf support works great!
This is absolutely amazing. Thank you amazon.
This is good news!
Does anyone know if this means we'll be able to open and read password encrypted .PDF's now, with the new firmware?
Thanks
The battery portion of the update is only for the Global edition, not the US Wireless edition.
Also, native PDF support means you keep the original formatting, not always a great option for free ebooks. You can still convert (for free) your PDF ebook to Kindle format by emailing your PDF to Amazon for conversion to yourname@free.kindle.com and putting Convert in the subject line.
Amazon confirmed with a news source that the Battery update portion does work on the US Wireless edition, too, contradicting what they said initially. Awesome.