Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) says that Kindle customers need to update the software of old Kindle e-readers before Tuesday 22. Otherwise, their devices will be disconnected from the internet, so users won’t be able to download new books unless they manually install the latest software version with a computer.
This update is just required for the original Kindle Paperwhite that was presented in 2012, and prior Kindle models. Amazon Customer Service has said in a public post that users who do not update their devices by March 22, will receive the following message:
“Your Kindle is unable to connect at this time. Please make sure you are within wireless range and try again. If the problem persists, please restart your Kindle from the Menu in Settings and try again.”
However, if the message persists on or after March 22, users will still have the opportunity to manually update their devices to the latest software version, by using a computer to transfer the software via USB.
Technically, Kindle devices are programmed to download and install updates automatically when they are connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, if a Kindle runs out of battery or has not been turned on in a long time, it could just ignore the update.
Here is the list of devices that need to be updated:
- Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
- Kindle 2nd Generation (2009)
- Kindle DX 2nd Generation (2009)
- Kindle Keyboard 3rd Generation (2010)
- Kindle 4th Generation (2011)
- Kindle 5th Generation (2012)
- Kindle Touch 4th Generation (2011)
- Kindle Paperwhite 5th Generation (2012)
The company founded by Jeff Bezos, who is also the owner of the private space company Blue Origin, has sold more than 20 million Kindle e-readers worldwide since it was launched in 2007, according to Forbes. Last year, Amazon presented the 7th generation Kindle Paperwhite, which can be acquired for $129 with ads and $139 without ads.
This new Paperwhite version comes with a high-resolution 300 ppi screen that results impressing for reading electronic books, and 4GB of local storage. Moreover, customers can acquire a model with a built-in 3G radio for $70 extra.
Source: Amazon Customer Service