WHICH KINDLE SOFTWARE VERSION IS THE ONE FOR YOUR KINDLE?
No one outside Amazon knows, I imagine. But as long as you have Kindle software update v2.5.x (the “x” meaning any number), you can use the new Kindle features such as Collections, Pan & Zoom, Sending of highlighted passages to Facebook and/or Twitter, etc.
The Amazon Kindle software-update files currently on their servers for download are all labeled v.2.5.2 within their long filenames and should be chosen for the Kindle model you have, which is explained there.
See Intro and Guide to Software version v2.5.x for information on:
1. how to tell which software version is on your Kindle
2. how to get the newer files to install the latest update yourself if you want
Normally, new software updates come over the air via Amazon Kindle Whispernet, the cellular or mobile wireless network used by Amazon. Sprint is used for Kindles that have wireless access only in the U.S. (pre mid-October 2009 for the 6″ Kindle and pre-mid-January 2010 for the 9.7″ DX model).
AT&T’s network and partners worldwide are used for the International or Global Kindle models that came later.
Lately, the forums have reports of Kindles being up-numbered to v2.5.3 or receiving software versions with higher numbers, such as v2.5.4 and v2.5.5.
THE FOLLOWING IS WHAT I’VE SEEN
The U.S. Kindle 2 (6″ model)
These stayed at v2.5.2 after the general software update until the last week or so.
As of last week, SOME U.S. Kindle2 owners are receiving, via Whispernet, software version update v2.5.4.
There’s no word from Amazon why that is. The U.S. K2’s were apparently not assigned to get v2.5.3 at all, however. Many of these models are still showing v2.5.2, including my own.
The Kindle 2 6″ Int’l/Global model
These tended to receive software v2.5.3 by Whispernet just a few days or so after v2.5.2 was installed.
The 9.7′ DX’s (white models, 2nd generation, U.S. AND International)
Most of these seem to get software v2.5.3 eventually.
The new Graphite Kindle DX
These are being delivered with software version 2.5.5 on them.
There is NO word on what the various update numbers mean. Many have asked why they don’t have this or that number on their Kindle, so I’m providing the version numbers that have appeared on various models and these would tend to be “maintenance updates” to adjust something for a particular type of Kindle model or modem.
It would be good if Amazon had a status page letting us know what it all means. But they don’t. For now, I wouldn’t worry about these numbers.
If you have not received any version of software update v2.5
AND you have checked the current software version on your Kindle by pressing MENU button, selecting “Settings” and then checking the version number at the lower right (status line)
AND if you don’t want to install it yourself (it is actually less difficult than many think — (the steps are shown at the Intro mentioned above)
then do call Kindle Customer Support, who can either force an update through or walk you through the procedure, so you can start using Collections, etc.
U.S. customers, call 1-866-321-8851
Outside U.S.A., go to the Kindle Support page, click on the gold button at the right that says “Contact us,” choose the TAB that says “Phone” and type in the name of your country and your phone, and Amazon Kindle Support will call you within a short time, sometimes a few minutes. Those outside the U.S. can also call 1-206-266-0927 but that would likely mean long distance charges.
The above won’t clear up very much but I’m hoping it clears up a little 🙂
