kindle 2
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Savory for Kindle 2 automates PDF and EPUB conversions, doesn't make James Patterson any more enjoyable
We've seen surprisingly few Kindle 2 hacks 'round these parts, and therefore few apps that run on the beloved e-reader itself. One notable exception is Savory, which monitors the device's Documents directory for files sporting either the .epub or .pdf extensions -- when one of these guys rears its ugly head, it's converted to a Kindle filetype. The only hitch is that the program (as currently available) chokes on image-based PDFs -- according to the author, images in PDFs are fine, as long as there is some text to extract. Sure, the software doesn't do anything that Amazon doesn't already do for free -- but it does make the conversion quick and painless. Ready to give it a go? Hit the read link for the files, and you'll be mere moments away from all those terrific Left Behind books someone scanned and posted on The Pirate Bay. You're welcome.
How would you change Amazon's Kindle 2?
Right around 13 months ago, we were asking you fine readers how you'd change Amazon's original Kindle. Now that it has had some time to think about things and deliver a refined version of its hit e-reader, we're giving early adopters the chance to fire off yet another round of criticism. Did Bezos & Co. address all of your gripes with the first iteration? Are you still bummed by anything? Is the screen sharp enough for your tastes? Battery life up to snuff? Do you still want more freedom when it comes to using that built-in EV-DO connection? What could Amazon do to make you even more stoked about being a Kindle 2 owner? You never know what the next firmware update could bring, so choose your words wisely.
Kindle 2 gets its first firmware update
Looks like Amazon's widely rolling out the first Kindle 2 update -- we've actually been getting sporadic tips about it for a couple days now, but our unit didn't have an update option until today. Nothing huge to report here, but we're guessing that 2.0.2 allows publishers to selectively disable text-to-speech, which isn't exactly thrilling news. Anyone notice anything happy we should know about?
Video: Kindle 2 sees the wrong end of a laser, recommends you don't panic
If there were anything a frequent traveler needs more than a towel (and money, and identification, and maybe a cellphone...) it's a Kindle 2. To celebrate its ability to provide free access to the world's great information repository from absolutely anywhere (within in the United States that has cellular access), Adafruit Industries has turned the K2 into something of an ode to Douglas Adams's great epic: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. After a little burning action courtesy of its Epliog 35 watt laser (which we've seen in action before), the e-book reader now sports the most valuable advice ever given to a man (or alien). Sadly it still won't give you directions to the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, but it will at least let you download and start reading it in under a minute. Ford Prefect would be proud.
Engadget Podcast 136 - 03.06.2009: Who nerds the Nerdmen?
Yes folks, it's finally, really happening... again. The Engadget Podcast returns with Josh Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay Patel, and a phantasmagoria of totally awesome awesomeness. Hear the guys wax excited about CeBIT, dish on the latest Apple spec bumps, reveal their innermost desires on the camcorder / DSLR front, and get seriously serious on a number of other heart-wrenching items of importance. Don't miss out -- listen now! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: Forgot About Dre 00:01:50 - Jimmy Fallon and Engadget: together again, March 9th 00:05:21 - ASUS' morning CeBlitz roundup 00:06:30 - ASUS Eee PC 1008HA hands-on 00:11:55 - Hands-on with ASUS' Eee Keyboard 00:16:28 - MSI Winki eyes-on: it's an instant-on OS, but for desktops 00:17:32 - MSI X-Slim X320, X340 and GT725 hands-on 00:23:05 - MSI Wind NetTop CD130 eyes-on 00:23:40 - MSI Wind NetOn AP1900, Wind Top AE line eyes-on 00:26:30 - MSI WindBOX dismounts LCD, acts all proper at CeBIT 00:27:40 - Apple morning roundup, few Mac products left unscathed 00:29:12 - New Airport Extreme and Time Capsule juggle two networks simultaneously 00:37:15 - Apple axes the numeric keypad on iMac's standard wired keyboard 00:45:14 - Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-GH1 does 1080p video in a Micro Four Thirds form factor 00:54:58 - JVC's new Everio X GZ-X900 does 1080p video, 9 megapixel stills, 600 fps slow motion 01:02:50 - Amazon's Kindle for iPhone hits the App Store 01:08:05 - Amazon sorta capitulates, will let publishers decide text-to-speech availability 01:09:10 - Hearst to launch wireless e-reader, potentially revolutionize print media Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
Kindle 2 hacked for tethered web browsing, but not the way you think
Looking to hook your laptop up to your Kindle 2 and do a bit of free-riding on its built-in 3G modem? Then this is not the hack for you. If, on the other hand, you've been pining to browse the web on your Kindle and eschew the convenience of wireless connectivity, then you're in luck! Apparently, the Kindle 2 has a few surprises in its debug mode that the original Kindle didn't have, one of which is a USB networking facility that will let you bypass the usual 3G option and instead take advantage of the internet connection on a connected computer. Not the most practical option, to be sure, but it also probably won't cause Amazon to start breathing down your neck (as the other, as yet not possible option, likely would). Hit up the link below for the complete how-to.[Via SlashGear]
The Engadget Interview: Tom Glynn, the voice of the Kindle 2
It looks like Amazon and the Authors Guild have reached a compromise regarding text-to-speech -- for now, at least. One person who's been ironically silent during all of this is the voice of the e-reader itself, Tom Glynn. We've just had a little chat with the musician, broadcaster, hardcore Kindle fan, and voice of Nuance's text-to-speech technology, which we'd like to share with you -- and while you're at it, be sure to check out some of his tunes on MySpace or at tomglynn.com.
Amazon sorta capitulates, will let publishers decide text-to-speech availability
While affirming its stance on the legality of Kindle 2's text-to-speech feature -- and in fact stating it'll actually get more customers interested in buying audiobooks -- Amazon's announced that it'll now let the books' rights holders decide on a title-by-title basis whether or not they'll let TTS be enabled. No word on when the update'll be fed to the devices, but we bet somewhere right now, Paul Aiken's cracking a tiny smile. Full release after the break.
Is this the voice behind Kindle's text to speech feature?
The controversy surrounding the Kindle 2's text to speech functionality continues unabated, and as we delve further into the legal back 'n forth between Amazon and the Authors Guild, we wonder if we haven't discovered the true identity of "Tom." According to David Pogue, the New York Times journalist has received an email from a certain adult contemporary heartthrob named Tom Glynn, claiming to be the source of the mysterious voice. What do you guys think -- would you pay $359 for this guy to read you a bed time story?
The Engadget Interview: Paul Aiken, Executive Director of the Authors Guild
As you're no doubt aware, this week's launch of the Kindle 2 came complete with copyright controversy -- the Authors Guild says that Amazon's text-to-speech features will damage the lucrative audiobook market. To be perfectly frank, we're of two minds on on this debate: on one hand, we're obviously all for the relentless progression of technology, and on the other, we sussed out the fundamental reasons for the Guild's objections almost immediately. It's pretty easy to find the first set of arguments online, but we wanted to make sure we weren't missing anything, so we sat down with Authors Guild executive director Paul Aiken and asked him some burning questions. Read on!
Amazon Kindle 2 review
Having already handled the Kindle 2 at its launch in New York City, we had a pretty good idea of what we'd be getting into after it arrived at the bunker. Once we actually had a little time to spend with the device, it really started to sink in how much those minor tweaks can add up to make a big difference. Jumping from Amazon's original attempt at an ebook reader to its latest iteration isn't exactly like day and night, but it's definitely a positive shift in the experience, though one that leaves us wondering how they failed to make some of these choices the first time around. Read on for a full look at the Kindle 2.%Gallery-45760%
The $41,916 Kindle book is just 1-Click away
Either Amazon's $41,916 list price is a mistake or Malcolm Barnes is finally about to buy that BMW. At $137 a page, we'd recommend you read and re-read the sample for Practical Variable Speed Drives and Power Electronics a few times before pulling the trigger, Sparky.Update: Sadly, it's been fixed -- Barnesy's varispeed thrills will now set you back just $42.36.
Jeff Bezos chats up the Kindle 2 with Jon Stewart
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos showed up at Jon Stewart's pad the other day to discuss the Kindle 2, and Jon seemed fairly unimpressed. They were just finally getting into a groove when Bezos dropped the price bomb, and then their fleeting segment was over. It's embedded after the break. Amazon VP Ian Freed has also been chatting up the device, but in a more technical nature. On designing the Kindle he reiterates the "invisibility" design ethic surrounding the device, about making it "disappear" for the user. They also improved the cellular modem for improved reception, and also fended off features like a color screen that would shorten battery life, up the price and cause the device to generate more heat and make its presence known. As far as text to speech goes, he thinks it's good for short stretches of reading, and notes that it covers the vast majority of titles that aren't available in an audio format, but didn't speak specifically to the possible infringement of author rights. Read - Jeff Bezos on The Daily ShowRead - Designing the Kindle 2
Further signs point to an international Kindle
If last night's unveiling of a suspiciously SIM-shaped blank space on the Kindle 2's circuit board wasn't enough proof for you that our little reader is set for a big international journey, this might just be the ticket. Lab126, the company that developed the Kindle -- which also happens to be owned by Amazon -- has posted a job listing for a "Wireless Software (Firmware) Manager" with "competency in 3G wireless technology (HSPA, EVDO)," experience in "working with one or more 3G wireless chipset solutions and Linux-based devices," and who doesn't mind engaging in a little overseas travel themselves. Granted, this could be in regards to some other wireless, Linux-powered mobile device under development by the company, but we'll let you draw your own conclusions. Oh, and if you're a globetrotting wireless guru you'd better hurry up and get that resume in -- haven't you heard we're in a recession?
Kindle 2 dissected, found to contain space for a SIM card
The Kindle 2's only been in our hot little hands for a few hours, but the screwdriver-happy scamps at iFixit couldn't resist -- they've already ripped theirs into its many component pieces. Interestingly, the teardown revealed an empty space for a SIM card slot, which might indicate Amazon's got firmer plans for the Kindle's international debut than they were willing to talk about at the launch. Don't get too excited for any VAIO P-style SIM-slot hacks, though, since the US edition of the reader only has a CDMA radio for Whispernet in it. Oh well, it's gotta happen sometime -- for now we're off to find a screen protector, since the teardown also revealed that the E-Ink screen doesn't have anything over it at all.
Kindle 2 unboxing and hands-on
We've already gotten a chance to play with the Kindle 2, but there's nothing like getting one delivered to your door and cracking it open. As with the first version, Amazon has done a masterful job with presentation and packaging. We're going to be delivering a full review of the device in just a bit, but for now, feast your eyes on the galleries below!Update: Added a few pics of the case it comes with after the break!%Gallery-45760%%Gallery-45770%
Amazon's Kindle 2 listed as "in stock" -- for now, anyway
We heard that Amazon was already prepping the earliest Kindle 2 orders for shipment, but now we're seeing a flood of shipment notifications head our way. So far as we can tell, the second iteration of the Kindle e-reader is shipping en masse, and Amazon even lists the thing as "In Stock" on its website. Of course, the original Kindle had that status for about 3.87 (okay, 5.5) hours before slipping into backorder land for far too long, but we're hoping the supply chain's a bit more ready for the rush this go 'round.[Thanks, Dan]
Amazon posts Kindle 2 user manual
We know, you can't wait to cuddle up with your Kindle 2 and have Tom read you a bedtime story while you turn pages 20 percent faster than before -- and it looks like Amazon wants to alleviate your pain, because it's just posted the entire user manual online for you. A quick skim didn't reveal anything too revolutionary, but we're sure you're itching to pore it over yourselves, so we won't hold you back -- the read link awaits.[Thanks, Michael]
Kindle's text-to-speech feature voiced by "Tom"?
The controversial text to speech feature of the Kindle 2 has also been one of its most touted. Well, a dedicated investigator over on the KindleBoards has unearthed the purported true identity of that buttery smooth Kindle 2 voice: and he's called "Tom." Tom seems to have been developed by Nuance Technology, and if you hit the read link, you can hear comparisons of the actual Tom, and the Kindle 2 voice, then form your own opinion -- have we found him out, or is he still shrouded behind a thick curtain of mystery?
Engadget Podcast 133 - 02.13.2009: Pre-MWC edition
You know it people. It's the Engadget Podcast, back on the most terrifying Friday in February (or any month for that matter) -- the 13th. This week you get to hear the dudes discuss the Kindle 2 / Stephen King encounters, new offerings from Garmin on the mobile front, predictions for Mobile World Congress (which starts next week), and so, so, so much more. Settle in and get ready to glide on the gentle sounds of Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, and special guest host Chris Ziegler. We guarantee you'll love it. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel Special guest host: Chris Ziegler Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: Friday the 13th theme 00:02:00 - Kindle 2 first hands-on! 00:07:25 - Know Your Rights: Does the Kindle 2's text-to-speech infringe authors' copyrights? 00:16:33 - Palm's done with PalmOS, plans to get Pre on other carriers in 2010, speaks to patent issues 00:22:27 - Sprint Treo Pro getting delayed into a bleak, uncertain future? 00:31:45 - Data tethering is a go on Palm Pre 00:37:40 - Garmin-Asus announces Windows Mobile-based nuvifone M20 00:38:50 - Garmin slips out a few more nuvifone G60 details 00:50:15 - An Engadget adventure with TeleNav's G1 GPS software: hands-on, impressions, and video 01:00:30 - Samsung Acme i8910 gets caught flashing its S60 5th Edition 01:05:25 - MWC predictions Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
