Notes - on New Kindles. From the Amazon press conference, with UPDATES 9/8/12-4/11/13 - Links to Flash workarounds

These began from raw notes that I expanded as I gathered info and received confirmations.
  So it can be confusing to read, and is here as raw-form reference for those interested.

Updated to put all Kindle Fire HD info in the same layout for details and to add other notes, including Kindle Fire in Europe now as well as listing several features not found in other 7" tablets


Notes added chronologically, 9/8/12-4/11/13:
  1)  Kindle Fires are arriving in Europe: Links to those below also.
  2)  Kindle Fires are partially ad-supported unless an opt-out (for $15) is chosen.
  3)  Kindle Paperwhite has no audio/text-to-speech.
          This reduces cost of hardware and mp3 licenses, but those using an earlier Kindle
           to read with auto-page turns using text-to-speech should keep those models if
           buying the Paperwhite.
  4)  The Kindle Forum FAQ mentions that the  Adobe® Flash®  Player function
           is no longer supported on the new Kindle Fires nor on Google Nexus.
           Adobe is no longer supporting Flash on mobile browsers, but I was told that
           YouTube is using a different video implementation and that
           it works well on Kindle Fire HD in 'automatic' mode.
  5)  While the Kindle Paperwhite has no speakers for text-to-speech,
          The Kindle Forum FAQ confirmed it IS available in the new Kindle Fires
          where enabled by the publisher (along w/ new voice-sync feature).
  6)  Added several special features not found in other 7" tablets
  7)  Added general information re workarounds for Adobe's now dropped Flash support for
          advanced mobile devices like the Google Nexus and Kindle Fire, w/ network tv full-episode video.
  8)  Added links recommended by Amazon Kindle forum members for
          the Flash workaround. (See #21 below instead.)
  9)  Added a link to an alternate file manager and to the now
           ~18 Kindle classics being offered w/free audio temporarily
  10) Added a footer that includes older Kindle models as well.
  11) Paperwhite: First reports & reviews
  12) Paperwhite: Bottom-area unevenness in the dark - Is it normal?
  13) My videos Sept 6 of a Paperwhite demo and Kindle Fire 8.9" magazine feature demo
  14) Reviews that compare 7" Kindle Fire HD vs Google Nexus
  15) Amazon advisory on Paperwhite limitations and recommended light settings.
  16) Paperwhite video comparison wth Nook Glowlight
  17) Step-by-step: How to install Flash Player on Kindle Fire HD
  18) Features Comparison table - Kindle Fire HD 7", Google Nexus 7", iPad mini
  19) More comparisons on iPad mini and Kindle Fire HD
  20) Using the KFire camera and Video, Panorama mode, Time Lapses
  21) How to download Youtube videos to be played on your Kindle Fire
  22) Getting non-Amazon apps
          when not connected to the Net.  Includes a free video player
          that plays almost every video format w/o problems.
  23) Google Maps, Street View and other apps on my Kindle Fire,
          via enabling one device setting
  24) Add Wi-Drive pocketable storage & streaming for Kindles and other devices,
          Or, Portable wireless 320G Patriot Gauntlet drive/stream'g for many mobile devices.
  25) Showing Kindle Fire content on your HDTV
  26) WiFi Explorer Pro for WiFi file transfers to/from PC w/o cable.
  27) Lookout Mobile Security app, for Kindle Fire HD.  A free app - anti-malware,
          can "scream" to help you find it.
  28) Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Reviews, thoughts.
  29) Two favorite Kindle Fire apps for downloading from Youtube and
          for playing almost any video format
  30) The Kindle Fire is a popular tablet choice in survey.
          Gets a multi-player gaming hub system before GooglePlay does.
  31) Lowered pricing on Kindle Fire HD 8.9" now produced for Europe and Japan also.
  32) The Kindle Fire HD 7" 32G model is $229 ($20 lower) eff. 4/11/13.

---

The Updated Kindle Basic (No Touch, No physical keyboard)
  Now $69 and $89 rather than $79 and $109
  15% faster page turns and darker fonts


Kindle Paperwhite
  $119, $139 w/o special offers on sleep-screens.  No audio/text-to-speech (see Note #3 above)
    Has 25 levels of extremely even, diffused lighting, it's said to have 25% more contrast.
   212 ppi (pixels per inch) -- 62% more pixels for better readability in the smaller font sizes
       and the ability to make more complex fonts
   New capacitive touch screen. (Earlier models used infrared.)
   ~8 weeks on a battery charge w/ Wireless Off , with lighting at level 10
   A new feature estimates how many minutes it'll take to finish the current chapter.
      The estimate will be at the left-bottom of the page.
   To be released Oct. 1.   Can be ordered now.

  Things buyers should know
  The Paperwhite has less storage space than the Kindle Keyboard and Kindle Touch -
  2GB vs previous 4GB.   1.25 GB for user content.

  Why? I suspect that lowest possible price for top quality product was a focus.
    Another, stronger reason - The more books people placed on the Kindle,
      the slower it ran, due to indexes of keywords for each book and handling arrays in memory.

   At that, it can hold "up to 1,100 books," they say. That will depend on how graphics-intensive a book is.  But any book removed from the device is always downloadable again at any time when it's wanted, which is similar to finding and taking a book from your shelf and putting it back when you've finished reading it.

    The ability to organize your books via Collections feature.  Besides a reassuring screenshot circulating from a video on the Paperwhite, Amazon confirmed that the Collections feature IS included for Paperwhite and they updated the product page.

Kindle Paperwhite 3G
  $179, $199 w/o special offers on sleep-screens.  No audio/text-to-speech
   See all the info above for Paperwhite without 3G.
     3G version allows free downloading of books from Kindlestore via cell phone networks,
        which is convenient when you're away from WiFi network access.
     3G models have always also included  free 3G access to Wikipedia - a great feature.
         The Paperwhite product page didn't mention this free 3G Wikipedia access at first,
          but Amazon confirmed it's still included, and they updated the product page.
     To be released Oct. 1.   Backordered.
   Also see Amazon's advisory on light-setting recommendations and some limitations.



The Updated Kindle Fire Basic
  $159. Released Sept 14
  The memory has been increased from 512 MB to 1 GB
      40% faster with longer battery life.
  Storage space is 8GB as before.
  Can be ordered now.  I guess they can all be pre-ordered, actually
    so, no more notes on pre-ordering.


7" Kindle Fire HD 16/32 GB storage
  $199   16GB KFireHD  Released Sept. 14
  $229   32GB KFireHD  to be released Oct. 25. [ 32G reduced by $20 4/11/13 ]
  7" HD display, Dolby Audio, Dual-Band Dual-Antenna Wi-Fi + MIMO
  Battery lasts about 11 hours with Wireless Off
  1280 x 800 display in up to 720p high definition display - duo core processor
  216 ppi (pixels per inch)
  Front-facing camera for use with Skype
  An HDMI port for direct connection to an HDTV.
  Bluetooth
  X-ray for Movies -- Pause a scene, see the actors' names, brief bios, movie history.
  X-ray for Books -- See a character's bio, appearances in chron order in the book
  Whispersync for Voice -- Read a book on KFire, Continue on associated,
    discounted audio book w/ professional narration
    ~18 Free Kindle Classics w/ Free Audible audio - Amazon promo offer
      Immersion Reading -- see highlighted text while listening to Audible.
  Basic text-to-speech is also available

  Despite a dual-core processor rather than a quad-core like Google's Nexus, this is said to have:
  "High performance 1.2 Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics core for fast and fluid performance
  Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi for 40% faster downloads and streaming"
    (compared to iPad 4)

  Has "an advanced polarizing filter" applied "directly to the LCD panel.
    This results in a display that shows the same deep contrast
    and rich, detailed color when viewed at any angle."

  ALL Kindle Fires come with Dolby Digital Plus and Stereo speakers with virtual surround sound.

  Adobe's new lack of Flash support for mobile browsers - a workaround
  The new Kindle Fires (and Google Nexus) don't support the Adobe Flash<® Player function.  When I saw this in the Kindle forum FAQ, I asked how this might affect YouTube sessions and network TV re-runs.   The answer was that Adobe is no longer supporting Flash on mobile browsers but that YouTube's video implementation works very well on Kindle Fire HD.

  Kindle forum regulars have found an easy workaround for this, also used for the Google Nexus and other advanced Android-system tablets -- Here's the step-by-step guide.

  I stick with the Kindle Fire's Silk web browser ('Web' on the top menu) for everything else (especially Amazon's excellent 'Article View' feature for Web articles -- it presents more readable web-article text devoid of ads (when you tap the eyeglasses icon at the top), and the tablet gives us a choice between browsers for activities like videos.

  Forum members, including Kindle Forum Pros explain that those who want to use these two files, should FIRST get, from Amazon Apps store, the file manager, ES File Explorer [or File Expert], used to manage files and install an Android app file.

  A Setting that must be done before doing any of this
  Amazon allows users to choose to install apps from "unknown sources" and you can "enable" that (do this only with files recommended by people you trust) by going to 'Home' screen and swiping down (lightly pressing and pulling down) from the top of the screen, to see the Quick Settings Menu; then click on "More" at the right, and go down that Settings list to "Device" to Check the box to allow installation of applications from 'unknown sources.'

  Also, when Android devices don't have rights to view some video material, the Dolphin browser has a "user agent" setting and you can then be seen by the video webpage as using an iPad or a Desktop instead, which usually solves the problem.  Remember to switch back to Android later.

  I switch between the Dolphin browser and Amazon's "Silk" browser, using Dolphin when Flash is needed, and can now see the videos that require Flash.   (B&N does not allow 'unknown source' app files on the Nook tablet, so Amazon is just more open re non-company-store apps, although obviously they prefer users to use their store's apps if they have the file.  Someday, websites still using Flash will catch up and have to use another method to show videos, as Youtube now does for most of its offerings.

  NOTE: When you're browsing YouTube using Amazon's Kindle Fire "Silk" browser, make sure the Web menu-setting for "Requested website view" is set to "Automatic," rather than "Desktop, to get all the YouTube videos w/o requiring a flash player.

The most helpful customer review - "You get what you pay for" includes points many have found useful vs reading only the marketing materials.

  Reviews that compare 7" Kindle Fire HD vs Google Nexus 7" tablets



8.9" Kindle Fire HD 16/32 GB storage
  $269/$299.  To be released Nov. 20 Started shipping 11/15/12.
      (the equivalent iPad 10-inch tablet is $600 for 32GB storage
      while the Kindle Fire 8.9" 32GB model is ~$300.
  8.9" HD display, Dolby Audio, Dual-Band Dual-Antenna Wi-Fi + MIMO
  Battery lasts about 11 hours with Wireless Off
  1920 x 1200 display in up to 1080p high definition - duo core processor
  254 ppi (pixels per inch -- Retina range)
  Front-facing camera for use with Skype
  An HDMI port for direct connection to an HDTV.
  Bluetooth
  X-ray for Movies -- Pause a film, see the actors' names, brief bios, movie history.
  X-ray for Books -- See a character's bio, appearances in chron order in the book
  Whispersync for Voice -- Read a book on KFire, Continue on associated,
    discounted audio book w/ professional narration
    ~18 Free Kindle Classics w/ Free Audible audio - Amazon promo offer
      Immersion Reading -- see highlighted text while listening to Audible.
  Basic text-to-speech is also available

  Despite a dual-core processor rather than a quad-core like Google's Nexus, this is said to have:
  "High performance 1.5Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics core for fast and fluid performance
  Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi for 40% faster downloads and streaming
    (compared to iPad 4)"

  Has "an advanced polarizing filter" applied "directly to the LCD panel.
    This results in a display that shows the same deep contrast
    and rich, detailed color when viewed at any angle."

  Here's the resolution on an image from the Kindle Fire HD Jeff Bezos was using
    as seen when projected onto the large screen in the hall.

  All Kindle Fires come with Dolby Digital Plus and stereo speakers with virtual surround sound.


Kindle Fire HD 8.9" w/ "ultra-fast 4G LTE wireless" 32/64 GB storage
  $399/$499.  To be released Nov. 20 Started shipping 11/15/12.
(See above for the features that apply to all Kindle Fire HD 8.9" models.)

For $399, what does the basic Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G/LTE have?
  It has 32 gigs of storage plus 3G/4G cellular network capability.
  The $499 iPad4 has only 16 gigs of storage and NO 3G/4G capability.

  Apple charges an additional $130 for that 3G/4G capability, making the Apple iPad cost $629 for the 16GB storage space model,
    before the cost of a monthly data plan for an iPad 4.
  Apple's iPad -- when you add 16 GB to equal KFire HD 8.9" -- costs yet another $100. $729 total.

  Minimal Data Plan: 250MB with 20GB Cloud Storage and $10 Appstore Credit
    The Kindle Fire's basic low-cost plan for 250 MB etc. costs $ 50 total for the first year.
    The Apple iPad's basic low cost plan for 250 MB etc. costs $230 per year.

  3G/4G LTE models (Using basic 32GB for Kindle Fire and iPad)
  Year 1 Total Costs:   iPad4 - $959     Kindle Fire 8.9"- $449


  An added Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G LTE feature: 20GB of additional Cloud Drive storage "for your photoas and more, plus a $10 Amazon Appstore promotional credit."

How much data will 250MB per month cover though?
  NOTE - They say you wouldn't have to rely on WiFi and could use the 4G that comes with a plan at $50/yr, but it's important that you know it's extremely limited data and would be good mainly for checking text email while away or reading text. That's when you wouldn't need to rely on WiFi without using all your 3G access in a day or two, because in no way would it be nearly enough for one normal video of course.

  Their product pages mention elsewhere that a STANDARD definition video is around 500 MB and an average HD movie is 2GB (I've seen higher figures than these though).

  But again, it  would help for reading pure text in a book, from time to time while out where there's no WiFi available.  At $50/year, for mainly quick e-mail and some book-reading, this is VERY good.  Apple has a minimum plan for the 250MB of data but charges $230 per year for their plan, while Amazon somehow is offering that for $50 per year.

---

ALL KINDLE FIRE HD's
  Audio -
  Re the exclusive Dolby Digital, "Dolby Digital Plus includes technology used to adjust volume, create virtual surround sound, and deliver easier-to-understand dialogue in movies and TV shows.  Kindle Fire HD is designed to automatically optimize the audio profile based on what you're doing."

  They tuned them to reproduce deeper bass, with an emphasis on no hearable distortion (there's always a small amount).

  A Kindle Fire HD was used to drive some large speakers during the presentation.  I'll eventually upload video from the live audience perspective.

  Speed
The following is worth quoting from the product page.

' The TI OMAP4470 processor in the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" has 40% more memory bandwidth than Tegra 3, enabling faster web browser JavaScript performance.
  ' And Kindle Fire HD 8.9" has an Imagination SGX544 3D graphics core that can process over 12 billion floating-point operations per second, so even graphically intensive games run smoothly and render stunning scenery.
  ' We also tuned the graphics pipeline and touch handling software to eliminate delays between when you touch the screen and when the application responds.  This means the home screen scrolls more smoothly, videos start playing faster, and games respond nearly instantaneously.

  Audible audiobooks sync'd with Kindle books
  ' Kindle Fire HD can now synchronize Kindle text with companion Audible audiobooks with real-time highlighting... ' called "Immersion Reading." This feature is part of Whispersync for Voice -- so far, ~15,000 Kindle/Audible combos include the sync'd text highlight, but it's not available on all Audible audio with Kindle books.

  Also, Amazon also said customers can add available professional narration of a book for a reduced price of $3.95 on certain books when you buy the Kindle book.  [Somewhat like bundling, but at a discount rather than free]

    While Amazon currently offers a few free examples of Kindle books with Audible Audio Whispersync for Voice, the average pricing of a limited set of combo purchases when available is $3.95 or less, per Amazon's product pages.  The regular offerings are more expensive.


NOTE:  Kindle Fire HD tablets are partially ad-supported with "Special Offers" (unless you opt out) in that:
  "Your offers display on the lock screen and the lower left hand corner of the home screen -- they don't interrupt use of the device."

  Many have actually preferred to get the special offers/Amazon discounts, which can be considerable, but the idea is anathema for many.  Initially, there was no option available,  probably because they went for best hardware & processes this time and, apparently, are relying on advertiser revenue to help support the cost.  I had this added caution here in case, but Amazon has quickly decided to offer an opt-out choice for $15, which can be chosen at the Manage Your Kindle page.


Whispersync for Games
  "GameCircle titles with Whispersync automatically store your progress in the cloud, so you'll never lose an unlocked level or saved game, even if you delete the game from your device."

Audible books using Whispersync
  Add the professional narration of [whatever book] for a reduced price of $3.95 after you buy this Kindle book. [Somewhat like bundling, but at a discount rather than free]

  There are also free narrations for free Kindle books.   See details on Whispersync for Voice


UK, Italy, France, Germany to get Kindle Fires
The first to get these outside the U.S..   These will start at £129 In UK, €159 In France.

  TechCrunch added: "Along with Amazon’s big tablet announcements earlier today, it’s finally also unveiled the first markets to get the Kindle Fire tablets — both the new Kindle Fire and the HD version — outside of the U.S. The news first trickled out in a forum announcement on Amazon.co.uk, which also announced availability of the new Kindle e-reader."

  [Update 9/10 - These were announced as available in the Uk, France, and Italy last night.]
Links to those stores: Italia, Deutschland, France

Canada and China Amazon-stores were quietly launched in Dec. 2012.
  See Current Kindles - Listing



RESOURCES
Excellent Live Blogs of the announcements with pictures and good details.
TechCrunch's Live Blog with commentary
Their Event coverage
All Things D's Live Blog, narrative style


Video
Excerpts or highlights of the Amazon presentation (WSJ)
Video of full presentation

  My videos Sept 6 of a good Paperwhite demo and a Kindle Fire 8.9" magazine feature demo

Also, My Photo Log of points made at the announcements will be enlarged later to show more of the atmosphere and crowd at these events, for anyone interested.


More detailed reports
  CNet's Danny Sullivan explains Amazon's parental controls (AKA parental support) and the multi-user aspect of it.


And in one Amazon Singles book, Len Edgerly of The Kindle Chronicles describes the entire launch event in an entertaining and very informative way with unusual context and depth and has links to further reading and media.
  Details here.  The book is also available in the Prime Lending Library.

  Len also had a 20-minute interview with Jeff Bezos in Seattle, in July 2012, which is a fun read and reassuring in many ways for avid readers.

  I've listened to his podcasts for 3 years and communicated with him in email but had never met him until the media event Sept. 6.  Despite the gray in his hair, he is a mass of youthful energy that belies the calm you hear when he speaks.
  But most of all he brings an intense thoughtfulness to his research and reports and is one of the most balanced reporters I've read.

---

Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.

US: Updated Kindle Fire 2 Basic  7" tablet - $159 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$249 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $269/$299 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $399/$499 Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $179/$199 Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free slow web Kindle DX - $379 $299 Discontinued

UK: Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69 Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - ~£89 Refurb'd Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - £109 Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK - £169 Kindle Fire 2, UK -  £129 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK - £159/199 Canada - Kindlestore, CDN-$ Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $139 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi+3G - $199

*OTHER International* Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89 Kindle Touch WiFi - $139 Kindle Keybd 3G - $189   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Paperwhite WiFi - $139 & 3G/Wifi - $199 France Boutique Kindle Deutschland - Kindle Store Italia - Kindle Store Spain - Tienda Kindle Brazil - Amazon Brazil China - Amazon China Japan - Amazon Japan

  For daily free ebooks, check the following links:

Temporarily-free books - Non-classics USA: by:    Publication Date      Bestselling   High-ratings UK: PubDate   Popular The Kindle Daily Deal What is 3G? and "WiFi"?       Battery Care Highly-rated under $1,  Newest: $1-$2, $2-$3

Most Popular Free K-Books U.S. & Int'l (NOT UK):    Top 100 free UK-Only:    Top 100 free Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources. USEFUL for your Kindle Keyboard (U.S. only, currently):   99c Notepad 1.1,   99c Calculator,   99c Calendar,   99c Converter

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

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Amazon's Year-End Deals on Kindle books and Other categories + "Big Markdowns"

2-1/2  more days
on Amazon's Year-End specials

I haven't emphasized Amazon's many Year-End specials in individual blog entries but have included them in the Reference-info column on the right side of the blog.

  Since there are only a couple of days remaining, I'll add an alert here on the various End-of-Year deals for those who don't hit Amazon's website daily.

  These will include the daily and monthly deals, to have them viewable in one alert.

  The monthly deal on 100 books will change in a couple of days, so catch any of those books you might want before January 1.

  These are in the format used for the reference column:

Books:
  Year-End Deals - fairly large discounts - Books
  Current Kindle Daily Deal   (Changes at midnight~)

  Sunday only, Dec. 30.  "50 mysteries and thrillers are each just $1.99 or less, including 14 James Bond novels and suspenseful books by Frank Wheeler Jr., Andrew Peterson, T.R. Ragan, and more.
Deal Price: $1.99 or less (up to 80% off)"

  Monthly Kindle Deals  - 100 selections 1.99-$3.99  (Changes Jan. 1)

Amazon - general:
  Year-end Deals
     Overstock and clearance
     Electronics - general
        NEW  "Big Markdowns" (in TV, Video & Audio)

Amazon UK
   Boxing Day Deals - UK
   Warehouse Deals - UK

(Other Ongoing - U.S.)
    Select-Outlet Deals
    Goldbox & Lightning Deals


If  I see any more of these over the next two days, I'll add them here via an update.

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Kindle Tip: CNET's "Mastering the Kindle Fire" How-to-guide FREE thru' Dec. 26. Update

"CNET's holiday gift: Our first CNET How To e-book -- free!"

Today, CNET published their first digital How To book and are making Sharon Vaknin's guide, Mastering The Kindle Fire, free through the 26th.

CNET describes the book as a compilation of their very best Kindle advice, tips, and tricks.  Free, then, through December 26, it will be $4.99 starting December 27.

They show (as does this blog over and over again, hoping it'll "take" when so many tech sites hold fast to the mantra that Amazon doesn't allow non-Amazon apps on its Kindle Fires), how to install Amazon-"banned" apps.

 Actually Amazon does not "ban" apps -- they just don't choose to sell competitor-focused apps in their own store; it would be tantamount to expecting Barnes and Noble to have a little Amazon area in their own stores.

  Android apps allow us, though, to find other-bookstore apps in the secondary appstores like 1mobile.com, apknew.com, getjar.com, slideme.org, handango.com, and others.  So, in fact, we can find the B&N Nook app and read our Nook books (if we have any, and I do) on the Kindle Fires.

  But, as regular readers here know, Amazon enables the Android setting which lets the Kindle owner decide whether to allow installation of apps from non-Amazon ("unknown") sources.  It's a setting that Barnes and Noble has hidden because they don't want that done for their own tablets.
  This allows Kindle Fire owners to install apps like Mantano and Aldiko, which legally read DRM'd ePub books from other stores.

UPDATE: - I just took a look at the section in the book, and the solution for installing a Flash Player on the Kindle Fire HD may not work reliably for tablets with v4.x.x Android operating system versions.
  There are specific files recommended for more stable functioning with
Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean versions.  If you have any problems, see How to install a working Flash Player on the Kindle Fire HD (works for Google Nexus also.)

  CNET says that if you prefer to take it slower than indicated above, you can "glide through eight chapters offering more than 75 tips."

  Thanks to Nate Hoffelder for the early alert.

---

Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
NOTES on newer Kindles.

US: Updated Kindle Fire Basic  7" tablet - $159 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$249 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $299/$369 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $499/$599 Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139 Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $179/$199 Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free but slow web Kindle DX - $379 $299, Free, slow web

UK: Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69 Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - £89 Refurb'd Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - £109 Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK - £169 Kindle Fire 2, UK -  £129 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK - £159/199 Canada - Amazon Canada Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $89

OTHER International Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89 Kindle Touch WiFi - $139 Kindle Keybd 3G - $189   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB France Boutique Kindle Deutschland - Kindle Store Italia - Kindle Store Spain - Tienda Kindle Brazil - Amazon Brazil

---

Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

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Kindle Tip: For e-Ink Kindles, Audible offers a free Grinch (Walter Matthau) until Christmas

Audible's Facebook area has a special offer until Christmas:
  "How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss -
    Download the Audiobook FREE
    Expires December 25, 2012


Commenter John Sauter sent a tip on the free download being offered by Audible (owned by Amazon) if you click to get an invite/offer from Audible's Facebook page to "purchase the book for free" until the 25th.

  Audible has also had a similar offer on their main Audible.com site but last night it required a trial membership for a subscription.  Some commenters at the Facebook page report not being able to download the book without accepting a trial membership.  Others, though, say there was no problem.

  Audible's customer support at the Facebook area responded to those having trouble getting the file and said to report any problems to social-support@audible.com ."

  I've registered at Audible in the past, for a Whispersync audio book that was on a free promo and have no subscription membership of any kind at Audible.  I was able to just claim the deal.

  The audiobook was deliverable, though, only to my Kindle Touch and Kindle Keyboard and the audio format is automatic - 'Enhanced' for Kindle, which means that file is not likely to work as-is on other devices.  Kindle Fire tablets were X'd out.  On the other hand, they have files in mp3 format also, but this may have been designed as a special for Kindle owners only.

  A change - When I was at Audible's main Grinch page last night after taking the 'offer' via email, the small audiobook was shown as almost $4.00 as the regular price.
  Today when I go to THAT Audible page, it's showing a "Regular Price" of $0.00 instead (and has no deadline on that price either) -- but that could change.

  It may be that the problems that many experienced and reported at Facebook caused Audible management to choose the simpler route of just making it available as a Christmas welcome, unconditionally.
  Today, there's no longer any language, at the main page, about requiring a free trial -- very unGrinch-like of them! :-)

  I've now listened to what's normally a piece for kids, but Walter Matthau is just hilarious and a wonderful actor in this 12-minute (unabridged) piece.  His delivery of the lines had me smiling at what he did with each one.



  For daily free ebooks, check the following links:

Temporarily-free books - Non-classics USA: by:    Publication Date      Bestselling   High-ratings UK: PubDate   Popular The Kindle Daily Deal What is 3G? and "WiFi"?       Battery Care Highly-rated under $1,  Newest: $1-$2, $2-$3

Most Popular Free K-Books U.S. & Int'l (NOT UK):    Top 100 free UK-Only:    Top 100 free Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources. USEFUL for your Kindle Keyboard (U.S. only, currently):   99c Notepad 1.1,   99c Calculator,   99c Calendar,   99c Converter

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

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Kindle News: Kindle Fire HD 8.9" gets s/w update v8.1.4. Kindle for Android app updated to v3.8.1 v3.8.2.4. Blog update.

2-page Kindle book layout on Kindle Fire HD 8.9"

Comparing Kindle and iPad limited data-plan costs.

Software Update for Kindle Fire HD 8.9" tablet
As usual, this update-alert blog entry also includes links to earlier articles with tips on the updated device.

The v8.1.4 update is, for most, being received over-the-air without much notice by Amazon.  I've seen no discussion of this update in the Kindle Community Forums

The new update -- v8.1.4 for Kindle Fire HD 8.9" -- will automatically download and install for most Kindle Fire customers.  My Kindle Fire HD 8.9" did receive this update (I also happened to "Sync" my device (by swiping from the top and tapping "Sync"), which will synchronize it with the server, for last-page read, annotations, items purchased or subscribed to, or if Amazon has readied an update for your device during a roll-out.  Rollouts like this can be slow, with some getting an update after others have.  Normally, it takes a while to deliver these huge files and they're installed when the Kindle is idle and the Kindle is on.

Amazon notes that the update includes the following changes.

' This software update will add the option to subscribe to Kindle FreeTime Unlimited on your Kindle Fire HD 8.9".  For more information about Kindle Freetime Unlimited, see www.amazon.com/kindlefreetimeunlimited.

This software update also includes performance and feature improvements for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9". '

Checking which software version you have.
I checked by swiping down my Top Menu, then clicking on "More" and then "Settings," where I looked at "Device," then "About" and saw that I now have System Version 8.1.4.
  If you're not experiencing problems with it, you might want to wait for it to be delivered automatically rather than get the file and manually install it.

  For those who prefer to do the updates via USB cable because you don't have WiFi, the update files are at the Amazon server locations linked above.

If Downloading Version 8.1.4

Reminder: This update automatically downloads and installs for most Kindle Fire customers; however, you can initiate the software update from your Kindle or manually download the software update via USB (some use the excellent WiFi File Explorer PRO app rather than the USB cable hookup).

Again -- before you begin, confirm your current software version:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap More.
2. Tap Device, and then tap About.

The instructions for manually downloading, if needed, the update via USB are at the software update page for the 8.9" Kindle Fire HD.  Most will find it more convenient to have it arrive via the automated download.

NOTE that when it does update, your Kindle Fire will reboot and sometimes it does that twice, so don't be alarmed when it happens while it's idle and you're nearby.

---

Kindle for Android app software update v3.8.1
UPDATE Dec. 23 - Software version now at v3.8.2.4

In an earlier blog article, I cautioned against jumping on update v3.8.0, as I saw some unhappy reactions to it (Dec. 7).

Our heavy-info commenter, Tom Semple updated us the other day on this, as Amazon updated the Kindle for Android app.  Tom wrote the following addition (comment) to that blog entry:

' Kindle for Android 3.8.1:
- tuned line spacing options to be more compact
- bug fixes for Galaxy Note 10.1 and Japanese Nexus 7 customers
- customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan returned to an English experience '

An added update from contributor Tom Semple came in late Saturday.
  Kindle for Android is now up to version v3.8.2.4.  Tom explains:

'The latest fixes a crash on ASUS TF201.

Also, I missed something that showed up in 3.7.0: "Send PDF, DOC, DOCX, and image files to your Kindle using the share buttons in popular Android apps like Adobe Reader, Documents To Go, ES File Explorer, and many others."

So they've actually built SendToKindle into the Kindle app for Android.  It shows up as one of the choices when you 'share'.  Neat.  Just tried sending a PDF to K4Android, and it worked. '

Thanks much to Tom and the several other contributors who help keep us up to date.

Changes for the earlier update for Kindle for Android v3.8.0 included:
  . Support of Simplified Chinese, including dictionaries
  . Font sizes up to Kindle scale '11'
  . Reading of print replica textbooks on Android tablets.
  . Several bug fixes at the time.

---

EARLIER posts on Kindle Fire HD 7" which relate also to the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" (reviews of Kindle 7" features will apply to the HD 8.9" model also).

  . Getting non-Amazon apps on Kindle Fires (non-HD Kindle Fires have storage space limitations)
  . More comparisons on iPad mini and Kindle Fire HD
  . Basic Features Comparison Table for iPad mini, Google Nexus 7", Kindle Fire HD 7"
  . Comparison reviews of the Kindle Fire HD 7" and Google Nexus 7" tablets
  . Step-by-step guide for installing a working Adobe Flash player when needed.
  . Google Maps, Street View and other apps on my Kindle Fire, via enabling one device setting
  . Downloading and playing YouTube videos on Kindle Fire HD
  . Using the camera and Video, Panorama mode, Time Lapses
  . Add Wi-Drive pocketable disk/stream'g for Kindle models and for other tablet or phone devices,
      or, Portable wireless 320G Patriot Gauntlet drive/stream'g for 7" & 8.9" devices.
  . App for WiFi file transfers w/o cable.

---

Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
NOTES on newer Kindles.

US: Updated Kindle Fire Basic  7" tablet - $159 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$249 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $299/$369 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $499/$599 Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139 Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $179/$199 Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free but slow web Kindle DX - $379 $299, Free, slow web

UK: Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69 Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - £89 Refurb'd Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - £109 Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK - £169 Kindle Fire 2, UK -  £129 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK - £159/199

OTHER International Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89 Kindle Touch WiFi - $139 Kindle Keybd 3G - $189   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB France Boutique Kindle Deutschland - Kindle Store Italia - Kindle Store Spain - Tienda Kindle

---

Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

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Kindle Tips: Last full day on Amzn's 2-day holiday shipping schedule. Deals on Kindle accessories. Wireless bluetooth keyboards that work with Kindle Fire HD, portable tablet stands, expanded Kindle Daily Deal

Last days for Holiday Markdowns on Kindle accessories:

Amazon's pages have had these for awhile, in December, but today is the last day for the Prime program's free 2-day shipping for arrivals before Christmas. "Save up to 30%"


In addition to these special deals, I'll note some highly-rated but economical options for cases for Kindle Fire HD and for Kindle Paperwhite:

Roocase for Kindle Fire HD 7"

amCase leather case for Kindle Paperwhite

MoKo case for Kindle Paperwhite

Wireless Bluetooth Keyboards - for use with Kindle Fire HD models

Logitech Keybd for Android 3.0+ for Kindle Fire HD 7"	Motorola WirelessKeyboard	Trent Wireless Keybd

Logitech
There's also now a newer Logitech model that is also good for Windows8 and RT as well as Android, but I really like the concentration on Android-feature keys on the one specifically for Android 3.0 Plus.

  There are no instructions (unless you go onto their web page) that alert you to the fact you need to press a button on the *back* of the keyboard in order to connect with another bluetooth device.

  The stand for the Logitech is very stable for either Kindle Fire Hd 7" or 8.9" tablets and is also a hard-protective case when unfolded.

  The older Logitech I bought offers a feature that the Motorola doesn't have -- the ability, when using Dolphin browser on the Kindle Fire HD, to edit with options of going to beginning or end of a line and movement by words.   It also allows a direct move to the top or bottom of a page, using Ctrl and Alt keys.

  Those editing key-combos don't work with the default 'Silk' browser though.
 Here's a quick how-to on using non-Amazon apps on the Kindle Fire,

  The function keys also provide PgDn & PgUp movement with the arrow keys.

Motorola
The Motorola Wireless Keyboard with trackpoint and Stand.

  Here's the larger image showing the unusual number of keys for a light device.  The Logitech is heavier but simpler and more straightforward (and less expensive).  They both make very fast typing possible.

The Motorola, with a central trackpoint and a full keypad, is expensive, but I bought it on Woot! a month ago for a one-day sale at $35 and the price has gone up at Amazon since then (Amazon owns Woot!), maybe because it's lighter than the Logitech and it has a tracking pointer and other unusual features.

  Its cover/stand is usually a mystery at first, because it seems likely to break if you use force to open it, but force is what's needed and it's fine but is not the smoothest operation.

  The little stand that the Motorola has is also, as mentioned, the cover and works better as a stand than expected but, being much less wide than the Logitech one, it doesn't provide as much support for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" though I do use it for that often as it's easy to pick up and use for a smart phone too.  The function keys on this Motorola (at least on mine) don't work for PgUp/PgDn though.

  However, its trackpoint in the center (acting as a mouse) means I don't have to have the screen right by me to be touching it all the time, and the full bottom KeyPad with left and right mouse-clicker equivalents works well, working with both Windows and Android 3+.

New Trent
  The New Trent iShuffle Multifunctional Wireless Bluetooth keyboard and stand combo works with iPad, Android, and Windows OS tablets, and the company claims it's the only keyboard with a "touch pad" compatible with Android and Windows Tablet and has three switchable models - iOS, Android, Windows.  I have no experience with this one, but the pull-out number pad, which seems to also work as mouse/cursor support somehow, doesn't work with the Apple iOS devices.

Apple Wireless Keyboard
  The Apple Wireless Keyboard is said to work well with the Kindle Fire HD also.  Its function-based keys are geared toward Apple users, with Cmd rather than Ctrl and Option rather than Alt.


Small, Portable Stands
Here's the fairly popular Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand, with 813 customer reviews as of today and an average of 4.8 stars,

  Also, the Amazon Basics Mini Travel Stand, which costs less, with 99 ratings, averages 4.3 stars.



EXPANDED Kindle Daily Deal page
The Kindle Daily Deal now includes deals in genres such as daily romance and science fiction & fantasy.

---

Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
NOTES on newer Kindles.

US: Updated Kindle Fire Basic  7" tablet - $159 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$249 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $299/$369 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $499/$599 Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139 Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $179/$199 Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free but slow web Kindle DX - $379 $299, Free, slow web

UK: Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69 Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - £89 Refurb'd Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - £109 Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK - £169 Kindle Fire 2, UK -  £129 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK - £159/199 Canada - Amazon Canada Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $89

OTHER International Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89 Kindle Touch WiFi - $139 Kindle Keybd 3G - $189   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB France Boutique Kindle Deutschland - Kindle Store Italia - Kindle Store Spain - Tienda Kindle Brazil - Amazon Brazil

---

Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

Read More

Kindle News: Story links - Amazon smartphone, Amazon China hurdles, new Instant Prime Video agreements, Instant Video app for iPhone, iPod touch, Cloud Player for Samsung Smart TVs and for Roku, EU price-fixing settlement

Since I don't blog about everything but do come across some stories that will be of interest to most readers here, I'll provide a listing of links to those from time to time.


Today's, with some catch-up involved

. CENS.com - "Foxconn Allegedly Manufacturing Amazon's Smartphone Model"
  It wouldn't be ready until 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2013, at a price between US$100-$200.  Details are at this Taiwan Economic News site.

. Morning Whistle reports that China officials are giving Amazon grief about the opening of its Kindle store there.  The store, launched Dec 13, is operated by Chinese publishing organization ChineseAll.com -- so, it seems Amazon is using ChineseAll.com's licenses to operate its store, which is a no-no, "per an unnamed source in the publishing industry."

. Amazon announces an "exclusive content licensing agreement with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution to add TNT drama series Falling Skies and the Warner Bros. Television-produced TNT series The Closer to its Prime Instant Video catalog," which will be appreciated by Prime members who will then get instant access to these titles at no additional cost.

That includes all seven seasons of The Closer plus the current as well as future seasons of Falling Skies on Prime Instant Video.

. "Customer Favorites: Best-Selling Books of 2012" page (or the latest one) was another announcement by Amazon.  These include Adult plus Kids and Teens Kindle books.

. "Amazon Instant Video App Now Available for iPhone and iPod touch" -- it was ready for the iPad some time ago, and one hasn't been announced for Android so far.

. "Amazon Cloud Player App Comes to Samsung Smart TVs" -- good news for those of you who have one...

. "Amazon Cloud Player" Now Available for Roku Streaming Players"

. Mashable's Lauren Indvik on "EU Settles Price-Fixing Investigation with Apple, Publishers" (posted 3 days ago).
  "Apple and four of the publishers -- that is, all but Penguin -- have agreed to terminate agency agreements that may have unfairly inflated the prices of e-books...The publishers have promised that retailers will have the freedom to discount e-books, subject to unidentified conditions, over the next two years."
  The settlement was accepted Thursday.

. Apple customers elated over Google Maps being available on iPhone again after much unhappiness with Apple Maps.

  Note that owners of Kindle Fire HD and Basic Kindle Fire can also put Google Maps on their tablets (but on the Basic Kindle Fire (non-HD), this would depend on how much storage space is left since that tablet has less storage space and also less memory to handle processing of movement around complex maps).

---

Current Kindle Models for reference, plus free-ebook search links.
NOTES on newer Kindles.

US: Updated Kindle Fire Basic  7" tablet - $159 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB - $199/$249 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16/32GB - $299/$369 Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G 32/64GB - $499/$599 Kindle NoTouch ("Kindle") - $69/$89 Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - $119/$139 Kindle Paperwhite, 3G - $179/$199 Kindle Keybd 3G - $139/$159, Free but slow web Kindle DX - $379 $299, Free, slow web

UK: Kindle Basic, NoTouch - £69 Kindle Touch WiFi, UK - £89 Refurb'd Kindle Keyboard 3G, UK - £149   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB Kindle Paperwhite, WiFi - £109 Kindle Paperwhite 3G, UK - £169 Kindle Fire 2, UK -  £129 Kindle Fire HD 7" 16/32GB, UK - £159/199 Canada - Amazon Canada Kindle Basic, NoTouch - $89

OTHER International Kindle NoTouch Basic - $89 Kindle Touch WiFi - $139 Kindle Keybd 3G - $189   Keybd: w/ Free, slow 3G WEB France Boutique Kindle Deutschland - Kindle Store Italia - Kindle Store Spain - Tienda Kindle Brazil - Amazon Brazil China - Amazon China

---

Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

Read More

Kindle tips: Avoid Google Earth v7.0.2.x (slow). 320GB portable wireless drive. Anti-Aging book free for 2 days. Boost speaker sound. Updated 7/11/13

Google Earth: San Francisco, on KFire HD 8.9"

Google Earth: Golden Gate Bridge, on KFire HD 8.9"

Google Earth: Golden Gate Bridge, on KFire HD 7"

  Earlier I'd shown images of Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth, on my Kindle Fire HD 7" and 8.9" tablets.
 That was mainly to illustrate that tech-site reviewers who lament that the Kindle Fire tablets are limited to apps from the Amazon store, are 100% wrong and just have not actually looked at normal Android settings, which include enabling installation of non-Amazon apps if needed, by just marking a checkbox to turn 'On' the ability to install apps from 'unknown sources.'

  That's right - you just go to other app-stores if an app you need is not at the Amazon store.  Amazon ENABLED this feature. (Barnes and Noble does not allow it.)

  However, a caution on the latest version of Google Earth (v7.0.2)   It is SLOW, choppy, and useless on the Kindle Fire (one wonders if Google optimized it for their Nexus instead).  While the second most recent update, v7.0.1.8239 runs very smoothly on both Kindle Fire HD's,  the new v7.0.2 is just ridiculous, crashing all the time.

  This latest unruly Google Earth update is affecting other Android devices in the same way, you'll see from feedback at googleplay if you go there.

  Since the version from the last few months has been working well on the Kindle Fire HD's, I did a google search for that now older install-file and found it (the atest link I'm using was updated July 11, 2013 for this blog) at the ApkNew appstore, and after removing this week's new Earth update and installing this older file, things are good again.
  ( Link: bit.ly/g-earth-7018239 )

I went there while on the Kindle Fire HD and downloaded it directly, using the green Download offer in the right column, top (which worked better for me).  Download it direct to your device.  Unlike Google Play store, other app stores recognize the Kindle Fire.

  As before, the following steps listed may help if you want apps from elsewhere (make sure they've been up for awhile w/o problems) but are uncertain about how to do this:

  One click on one settings-box is all it takes.

  It's much easier than people would guess.  At the Top Row Toolbar of the Kindle Fire,
  Swipe down to get Settings / More / Device / and then merely CHECK the box that says:
  Allow Installation of Applications from unknown sources

    That's it! Then you can go to other app stores that are recommended when Amazon does not have a particular app, such as 1mobile.com, androiddrawer.com, getjar.com, iapktop.com slideme.org, handango.com, and others, to find and download the app.

  To install a non-Amazon downloaded app (by clicking on that downloaded file), use either ES File Explorer or Easy Installer from Amazon's Android App store.  Easy Installer hunts down your downloaded app-install files (*.apk) so it's very useful if you can't find one that you know you downloaded.

  I always recommend though that people wait a few days before getting apps from any other sites, to see if anyone is having problems with malware (even at Google Play market, when Google allows access, but Google doesn't acknowledge Kindle Fire devices).  Google doesn't take the time to vet apps as Amazon does, to test for both malware or incompatability.

  Amazon's appstore should be supported though
  Of course, if Amazon carries the app, it's definitely best to get it from Amazon because they do a strong vetting of the apps they offer and because it's the way they make revenue from tablets sold at cost.  They also keep it in your Amazon Cloud area, which is useful when you are getting another Kindle tablet or if you just need to re-install the file.  I think it's important to support the Amazon Android app store, but I also think it's important that Amazon make more good apps available to us at a faster pace, and maybe they should have a suggestion box for the more popular requests.



The Keys to a Long Life: An Anti Aging Guide for both Men and Women -  $0.00 until December 19, 2012.

"Explore anti aging nutrition, supplementation, and exercise.  Learn about the best anti aging supplements to include in your diet to slow the aging process and promote health and wellness."

Caution for when it's no longer free: This was from a press release and looked like an interesting free book.  However, most of the one-name reviewers have a history of only that one product review.  I also see that two others sign off by promoting their own health product.


Patriot Gauntlet 320G Portable Wireless External Drive (PCGTW320S)
Newish, this small external drive has 320GB of add'l space and streaming to several devices at a time + sharing of Internet WiFi.   Already it has 10 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.  That's mainly a heads-up.  I use the pocketable or purseable Wi-Drive


Speaker Booster has been recommended by several at the Amazon Kindle Community Forums this week, and should be useful for the original basic Kindle Fire released a year ago, which had very low volume.  It could be useful for other tablets also.  I've tried it on the Kindle Fire 8.9", which has output not quite as strong as the 7" model but considered by many stronger than other tablets and it definitely boosts it.

  However, in my hearing you hear quite a bit more treble than anything else, which at least means that in a movie, you'd hear the speech (or sibilants) better.   Note that, for a Kindle Fire HD model,  it is boosting frequencies while the Dolby is doing its own adjustments for that.

  The app creator recommends not boosting the sound more than 40% (the basic double adjustment is  reachable via the Navigation swipe-down), to prevent injuring your speakers or your ears (very important).  I have my "maximum" set for anywhere from 20-50 and it does help, but it is not the most gorgeous sound.   The normal volume will take the booster into account when you adjust that volume as usual.

  However, it doesn't actually noticeably distort otherwise until past 60%, and I wouldn't go any higher.   It's too easy to harm your ears with unnaturally high volume (and not pleasant to hear with that big a boost) when you have earbuds on and possibly even harm more fragile speakers on a tablet.

  If you access this double volume control often to adjust it while in another app (like music), it can freeze on you.  I had to go into the Kindle Fire Menu/Settings/Apps to find the Speaker Booster app and then do a 'Force Stop' on it twice.  But if I don't overdo the adjustments while in another app, it has been ok.  Mainly just do a max setting and then use only the normal volume control.

---

Check often: Temporarily-free recently published Kindle books
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published free books, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.

  *Click* to Return to the HOME PAGE.  Or click on the web browser's BACK button

Read More