Software update could turn Kindle users into a cloud-based book club


Amazon has posted an overview of what Kindle owners can expect in its version 2.5 software update slated for late May, and a key feature of the update will integrate online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, BetaNews reports. This will be the first major feature upgrade to Amazon’s e-Book device line since the launch of the Kindle DX last year. After the launch of that model, there was a single software update, which moderately improved a user’s experience by stretching battery life and adding native PDF support. But with that update, one hand gave while the other took away: It also turned off the default text-to-speech option, amid the disputes it caused with the Author’s Guild. Now, version 2.5 of the software will add long-overdue features to the device. For instance, users will be able to share their highlighted passages with the rest of the world directly from their Kindle. These will be able to be posted on Facebook or Twitter, or will be counted in Amazon’s “Popular Highlights” of e-Books. In other words, users will be able to see what the Kindle community thinks are the best lines from their books or books they’re looking to purchase. There also will be more font sizes, improved image clarity, and a password protection option in the update…

Click here for the full story

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.