also @ TechSpot: Apple's iOS 7 to be "black, white and flat all over"

Kindle update brings 85% more battery life, native PDF support

By

On November 24, 2009, 8:00 PM

Amazon announced today that a new update for its Kindle e-book reader brings two significant enhancements. The company has timed the introduction of these new features perfectly to influence holiday shoppers who are undecided between purchasing the Kindle or a competing gadget, like Barnes & Noble's Nook.

With the latest firmware version, the Kindle has an 85% longer battery life, which is quite an improvement. The device can now last for up to seven days on a single charge with the wireless turned on. Additionally, the Kindle has finally received a native PDF reader, something customers have been after for a while. With built-in PDF support, users can simply transfer the files via email or locally through USB, rather than having to covert them.

The company took a moment to brag, saying the Kindle is already the best selling, most wished for, and most gifted product on Amazon.com. Is the Kindle or another e-book reader on your shopping list?

No tags on this story

User Comments: 38

Got something to say? Post a comment
  1. A Kindle can't be as easily ruined by a few coffee stains, or have the pages torn out. Nobody can dog-ear a Kindle, and you can read even when it's dark and you don't need to waste extra electricity by using a bedside lamp. It won't bother someone else in the same room who might be trying to sleep. A Kindle won't have any trouble with turning pages because your thumb is too dry and can't separate the pages. A Kindle can't give you paper cuts. It's a bit less bulky than carrying around the full size book, and saves paper which means it's more eco-friendly besides the electricity needed to charge it. There are any number of little benefits to this little piece of technology. I don't see why anyone wouldn't want one.

    I'm not doubting the benefits of this technology, I just prefer the look, feel, and smell of a paper book. I spend enough time everyday staring at computer screens as it is.

  2. amazing. i'm a battery-life freak and this definitely increases the appeal of this device.!!

  3. just another way to spend $400 to read a book.

  4. Wow, 85% more battery life with a simple firmware update! The previous firmware must have been really bad... How come they didn't figure this out before the device was even released? How long did the battery last before this update?

  5. Well I'm not a big fan on the kindle, but I do like that it now has a native PDF reader thats something I was actually looking forward to, meaning thats something I hoped they do in the future and they have. I'm sure it'll sell the new improvements talk for itself, one thing I've learned from purchasing gadgets and technological-like things is there is always going to be something better than the first or newer- always another version thats why I've started not purchasing all the new an latest gadget like things. Anyways I'm fine with my PSP there's an app that allows me to read .pdf files and thats all I need, I don't see the Kindle no where on my shopping list.

  6. 85% more from a firmware upgrade? man someone must have been asleep doing the previous firmware coding, and PDF should have been there from the get go, big oversight on Amazons part.

  7. Bug or they lost some of the market share and they wanted to add a plus to their device?

  8. Wait...an 85% improvement with a software update...can anyone proove this please that seems a bit overwhelming, although if true quite amazing. As for the PDF support, about friggin time, it has only been the international standard for documentatin for two years running now...

    My only complaint about the kindle would have to be the black on grey, if they can fix this to a more black on white I will be much impressed and more inclined to get one.

  9. I'm interested in getting this product when the price fall bellow 199 USD. The 85% increase in power is awesome thought.

  10. oh my God they must have messed up the firmware soo bad the time before or blocked its full funtionality otherwise there is no way that this particular firmware can bring about soo much battery life.

  11. @Jerry: The only things that comes to my mind is that they figured out a way to optimize the 3G connection and that is the main battery saving.

  12. I genuinely like this. I think it's a great idea. I'd rather lug this around than all my books which weigh like 20 pounds each.

  13. interesting gadget but probably not one I would ever use. If prices came down it would be interesting for schools since you could download your new books each semester. At the same time I have several college text books I use as reference material in my job so it is nice to have a physical copy.

Recently commented stories

Post a new comment

Social Login & Guest Posting TechSpot Members
Login here or sign up for free,
it takes about a minute.
Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.
TechSpot on:

Subscribe to TechSpot

Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.