For those of you on Facebook or Twitter last night, you may have heard me gushing about the 2.5 firmware update for the Kindle. Well…this update was one of the main reasons I decided to go with a Kindle, so when it didn’t download automatically, and it seemed like I was the only one on the planet that did not get the update, I decided to download it manually.
So here’s the deal, if your hasn’t downloaded automatically, go here for the manual download instructions. You can check to see what version you currently have by going to Menu > Settings (version will appear at the bottom of the screen).
If you’re wondering what the big deal is, check out what’s included in the upgrade:
- Collections: Organize your books and documents into one or more collections.
- PDF Pan and Zoom:Â Zoom into PDFs and pan around to easily view small print and detailed tables or graphics.
- Password Protection: Password protect your Kindle when you’re not using it.
- More Font Sizes & Improved Clarity: Enjoy two new larger font sizes and sharper fonts for an even more comfortable reading experience.
- Facebook & Twitter Posts: Share meaningful book passages with friends on Facebook and Twitter directly from your Kindle.
- Popular Highlights: See what the Kindle community thinks are the most interesting passages in the books you’re reading.
I tested the Facebook and Twitter feature and it’s awesome!! Being able to share fave passages with just a few clicks is going to be really useful. What really floats my boat though, is the ability to create collections. Now I can easily organize all of my Kindle books. Yay!
So if you have a Kindle and it hasn’t downloaded the new update, do it yourself. It took me 3 minutes to do.
Book Chatter 
I just turned on the wireless on my Kindle and am waiting to see if I get the auto update. Thx for the directions on the manual (may have to use that, we’ll see).
This update was sorely, sorely needed and I’m so glad they did it….Kindle was just falling behind in the e-reader race without it. Especially the categories feature….I’ve been yearning for that.
This update has been rolling out for about a month now but on Facebook, I asked users on the Kindle page if anyone didn’t have the update yet and I swear, I was the only one. Everyone else got it automatically so I left mine in sleep for a few days but still no update. I couldn’t wait any longer! LOL.
It doesn’t seem like mine is downloading, so I am going to do it manually here in a minute. It drives me crazy that I can’t arrange my books in folders, so this is very exciting!!!
It hasn’t appeared on mine yet either. I’ve always waited patiently for upgrades – mostly because I’m afraid I’ll screw up doing it myself. But if you say it’s easy, I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the heads up!
I’m starting to think I really NEED a kindle…
Thanks for the info! I hadn’t even heard about the upgrade, and I am sure mine didn’t do it automatically. We get about zero reception here at my house (this was not the case during the winter months which makes me wonder if the fact that we now have lots and lots of leaves in our wooded area that we didn’t have in the winter has reduced our signal to nothing) so I will probably have to do the update manually.
I manually downloaded my update a couple of nights ago too, and I love the folders so much. I am even more in Kindle heaven!
I’m going to do it now!!! Thanks for the info!
I was out of town last week and just skimmed through my Reader when I came home and I missed this post. I’m glad Jenners highlighted it today! Thanks, Ti!
Good review! 🙂