Comments on: Why there will be fewer Kindle firmware updates in the future http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/ Daily News about Amazon's new e-book reader Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:27:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Edge http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3705 Edge Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:42:44 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3705 Updated my Kindle 2 International to 2.3 today, and all the hacks still work (for the International version)!!!! Updated my Kindle 2 International to 2.3 today, and all the hacks still work (for the International version)!!!!

]]> By: admin http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3697 admin Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:03:42 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3697 Yep. It looks like I'll have to eat my words :) Yep. It looks like I’ll have to eat my words :)

]]> By: Edge http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3695 Edge Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:57:37 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3695 While your reasoning made sense, it seems it was all pure conjecture and opinion as an update was just released (for the DX, K2 and K2i). Funny how it's all basic just guess work eh? http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200324680 Now, my question is, will the new hacks work with the new firmware? I really like some of these new features (especially native PDF), but also like the screen-saver hack and Unicode Font Hack (using the Georgia font). While your reasoning made sense, it seems it was all pure conjecture and opinion as an update was just released (for the DX, K2 and K2i). Funny how it’s all basic just guess work eh?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200324680

Now, my question is, will the new hacks work with the new firmware? I really like some of these new features (especially native PDF), but also like the screen-saver hack and Unicode Font Hack (using the Georgia font).

]]> By: David B http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3692 David B Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:30:17 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3692 http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/amazon-promises-update-to-better-organize-kindle-libraries/ Looks like something is coming... http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/amazon-promises-update-to-better-organize-kindle-libraries/

Looks like something is coming…

]]> By: Andre T http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3557 Andre T Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:50:05 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3557 This post makes perfect sense in terms of reasoning and such, but all its conclusions are based on one single thing: the fact that amazon pays 0.12$ per 1Mb. If this is not true (which it could be easily, I would rather believe that telcos are charging amazon fixed price per connected kindle, as per megabyte billing would be a nightmare with an enormous overhead to maintain. Or a percentage of the price of item purchased. Or they bill amazon per session), the whole theory of high update price and consequent lack of updates suddenly flops. Which leads us to the case where the applicability of this idea depends on amazon making not particularly smart business arrangements in the past. Which is very, very risky assumption. This post makes perfect sense in terms of reasoning and such, but all its conclusions are based on one single thing: the fact that amazon pays 0.12$ per 1Mb.

If this is not true (which it could be easily, I would rather believe that telcos are charging amazon fixed price per connected kindle, as per megabyte billing would be a nightmare with an enormous overhead to maintain. Or a percentage of the price of item purchased. Or they bill amazon per session), the whole theory of high update price and consequent lack of updates suddenly flops.

Which leads us to the case where the applicability of this idea depends on amazon making not particularly smart business arrangements in the past. Which is very, very risky assumption.

]]> By: David Brush http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3424 David Brush Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:28:02 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3424 I purchased a Kindle 2 refurb, knowing it didn't have pdf support. I am a seminary student and as such like the convenience of the ebook format for research and the like. I think PDF support is a nice-to-have for certain segments of the population, I would appreciate it for reading academic journals for instance, or the various class notes that are made available in pdf format. But my primary use for the Kindle is long-form reading, PDF's seem to me to be shorter format. I say all of that to point out that the Kindle demographic isn't monolithic in it's needs for an ebook reader. I think it may be in Amazon's best interest to promote a kind of application store similar to Apple's that will address some of these niche concerns such as a better pdf viewing experience. This would take the pressure off of Amazon to provide large updates, but give users the flexibility to adapt the kindle to their specific needs. I purchased a Kindle 2 refurb, knowing it didn’t have pdf support. I am a seminary student and as such like the convenience of the ebook format for research and the like. I think PDF support is a nice-to-have for certain segments of the population, I would appreciate it for reading academic journals for instance, or the various class notes that are made available in pdf format. But my primary use for the Kindle is long-form reading, PDF’s seem to me to be shorter format.

I say all of that to point out that the Kindle demographic isn’t monolithic in it’s needs for an ebook reader. I think it may be in Amazon’s best interest to promote a kind of application store similar to Apple’s that will address some of these niche concerns such as a better pdf viewing experience. This would take the pressure off of Amazon to provide large updates, but give users the flexibility to adapt the kindle to their specific needs.

]]> By: admin http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3397 admin Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:29:23 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3397 even before RSA signature there was MD5 hash check for update packages. Making some of the updates optional might create a version hell Amazon wouldn't want to be in. Say there were 3 optional updates. That yields 8 possible combinations of what users might have. They'll need to make sure that critical update will install and work properly on all of these. Add another optional update and you have 16 combinations... even before RSA signature there was MD5 hash check for update packages.
Making some of the updates optional might create a version hell Amazon wouldn’t want to be in. Say there were 3 optional updates. That yields 8 possible combinations of what users might have. They’ll need to make sure that critical update will install and work properly on all of these. Add another optional update and you have 16 combinations…

]]> By: lh128 http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3374 lh128 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:05:04 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3374 Maybe Amazon will deploy critical updates(such as by court order, like you said) by wireless, and put optional updates on the Web so that users can download and transfer updates to their device via USB? Kindle 2 International already requires a signature to install update - a guess that it might be used to prevent from partial or incorrect downloaded files, rather than to deal with hacking, as they could have done so since K2 or DX. There is no reason to wait until K2i. So very likely, when update for K2i releases, there will be a note on Web says: International users who want to update their kindle, just download this file and save to root.... Maybe Amazon will deploy critical updates(such as by court order, like you said) by wireless, and put optional updates on the Web so that users can download and transfer updates to their device via USB?
Kindle 2 International already requires a signature to install update – a guess that it might be used to prevent from partial or incorrect downloaded files, rather than to deal with hacking, as they could have done so since K2 or DX. There is no reason to wait until K2i. So very likely, when update for K2i releases, there will be a note on Web says: International users who want to update their kindle, just download this file and save to root….

]]> By: kdsvs http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3341 kdsvs Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:06:31 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3341 Wow, that would be a shame - and very stupid if they don't do something to support the dx better. Amazon is ok (for a short period of time) with the dedicated kindle2 users who don't want all the new stuff to come over this year. The DX, however, is a totaly a different story. It doesn't live up to its real intended use (In my opinon of course). I bought it for PDF and to have tons of ref docs. The DX just can't cut it with the way the software is currently setup (no folders...horrible pdf support etc). I do read some fiction books and the large screen is nice (but I could have done that on a k2 for less $$). No updates...bye bye dx and welcome to one of the many many current and new models comming out this year. Wow, that would be a shame – and very stupid if they don’t do something to support the dx better. Amazon is ok (for a short period of time) with the dedicated kindle2 users who don’t want all the new stuff to come over this year. The DX, however, is a totaly a different story. It doesn’t live up to its real intended use (In my opinon of course). I bought it for PDF and to have tons of ref docs. The DX just can’t cut it with the way the software is currently setup (no folders…horrible pdf support etc). I do read some fiction books and the large screen is nice (but I could have done that on a k2 for less $$). No updates…bye bye dx and welcome to one of the many many current and new models comming out this year.

]]> By: admin http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3316 admin Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:11:43 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3316 2.0.4 was deployed to some devices but not all. Newly sold Kindles are likely to have 2.0.4 Amazon doesn't want to waste money on deploying this patch. I don't believe that there is anything important in it. 2.0.4 was deployed to some devices but not all. Newly sold Kindles are likely to have 2.0.4
Amazon doesn’t want to waste money on deploying this patch.
I don’t believe that there is anything important in it.

]]> By: Mike Z http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3315 Mike Z Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:06:20 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3315 I'm confused about this reference to 2.0.4 in the post which seems to indicate it's been rolled out starting on September 3rd.. My Kindle2 as of November 1st is still indicating 2.0.3 and the software updates page on Amazon still indicate 2.0.3 as the latest. Should 2.0.4 be present on my kindle and how would i download the update since I don't see it on Amazon for download and manual update? Thanks, Mike I’m confused about this reference to 2.0.4 in the post which seems to indicate it’s been rolled out starting on September 3rd.. My Kindle2 as of November 1st is still indicating 2.0.3 and the software updates page on Amazon still indicate 2.0.3 as the latest.

Should 2.0.4 be present on my kindle and how would i download the update since I don’t see it on Amazon for download and manual update?

Thanks,

Mike

]]> By: Mike http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3296 Mike Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:36:44 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3296 And don't froget the Kindle 1. Early adopters shouldn't be forgotten. And don’t froget the Kindle 1. Early adopters shouldn’t be forgotten.

]]> By: Gabor Lenard http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3295 Gabor Lenard Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:25:22 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3295 Thanks for clarifying this. I can better understand the situation now. Thanks for clarifying this. I can better understand the situation now.

]]> By: Jim http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3284 Jim Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:42:52 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3284 I'd be willing to pay for feature updates that would actually make money for Amazon. Folders, PDF, etc., sure! I’d be willing to pay for feature updates that would actually make money for Amazon. Folders, PDF, etc., sure!

]]> By: Matt http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3280 Matt Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:27:36 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3280 Hopefully they'll feel a need to compete with B&N, and will start releasing feature updates to keep up. Yes, it costs money to push a feature, but it costs even more money to lose. Hopefully they’ll feel a need to compete with B&N, and will start releasing feature updates to keep up. Yes, it costs money to push a feature, but it costs even more money to lose.

]]> By: admin http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3279 admin Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:10:09 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3279 Ah, as I was typing the post I forgot to add that last paragraph - about USB updates - it would kill the simplicity - the main selling point of Kindle or would require to install and app that also breaks one of their main selling features. Believe it or not, there are many people out there who don't know how to unzip and archive. Ah, as I was typing the post I forgot to add that last paragraph – about USB updates – it would kill the simplicity – the main selling point of Kindle or would require to install and app that also breaks one of their main selling features. Believe it or not, there are many people out there who don’t know how to unzip and archive.

]]> By: Jeffrey http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3277 Jeffrey Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:55:18 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3277 Or they could simply require that the update be applied via USB like Apple does with everything. Or they could simply require that the update be applied via USB like Apple does with everything.

]]> By: John http://blogkindle.com/2009/10/why-there-will-be-fewer-kindle-firmware-updates-in-the-future/comment-page-1/#comment-3270 John Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:30:06 +0000 http://blogkindle.com/?p=2434#comment-3270 Couldn't they just post updates on their website so people can download and install them via usb? Couldn’t they just post updates on their website so people can download and install them via usb?

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