Today (actually, I just realized it is now after midnight, so…yesterday), Amazon announced a firmware upgrade for Amazon Kindle 2 devices.  the new upgrade features some welcome changes, including improved battery life, better handling of pdf formatted documents, and auto-rotation of the screen.  Amazon will be pushing these updates out to Kindle users over its Whispernet, but if you are one of those people who absolutely, positively, must have it now, then Amazon also includes instructions to load the new firmware manually from your computer.  Read on for the full release from Amazon.

Kindle Software Update Version 2.3

The latest update brings several improvements to Kindle (Global Wireless), Kindle (U.S. Wireless), and Kindle DX devices.

Kindle (Global Wireless) and Kindle (U.S. Wireless)

• Longer battery life for Kindle (Global Wireless): You can now read for up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to 2 weeks.
• Built-in PDF reader: Your Kindle can now display PDF documents without losing the formatting of the original file. Send PDF documents directly to your Kindle (via your @Kindle address) or drag and drop PDF files from your computer to your Kindle (when connected via USB). Learn more.
• Manual screen rotation: The Kindle screen can now manually rotate between portrait and landscape views so you can see the entire width of a web page or magnify the page of a PDF file. The page-turn buttons work the same in either orientation, and the 5-way controller movements are switched to match the orientation. Learn more.
• Option to convert PDF files to Kindle format. If you prefer to have your personal PDF documents converted to the Kindle format (so that they can reflow), type "Convert" in the subject of the e-mail when you submit your personal document to your @kindle.com address.

Kindle (U.S. Wireless) and Kindle (Global Wireless) users can go to Archived Items on their Kindle and download the Kindle User’s Guide, 4th Ed., which now documents all the features of Kindle Software 2.3.

Kindle DX

• Better cropping of PDF files: In landscape orientation, white margins of PDF documents are automatically cropped to maximize the amount of content shown on the screen.
• Option to convert PDF files to Kindle format. If you prefer to have your personal PDF documents converted to the Kindle format (so that they can reflow), type "Convert" in the subject of the e-mail when you submit your personal document to your @kindle.com address.
• View pages longer: We’ve extended the time before Kindle DX switches into screensaver mode — from 5 minutes to 20 minutes — giving you more time for reviewing your content.

Look below for information on how to get the update manually.

Automatic Wireless Updates

All Kindles are designed to automatically check for and download updates when one is available. If an update is available, your Kindle will download and install the update the next time the wireless connection is activated and Kindle goes into sleep mode.

During the update, you’ll see screens that show the update progress. The update should take less than 10 minutes and is complete when Kindle displays the Home screen. Do not power off or reset your Kindle until the update is complete.

If you want to get the update immediately, or if you don’t have wireless connectivity, you can download the software manually by following the steps below.

Applying Kindle Software Updates Manually

If you have a software version prior to 2.3, you can download the latest Kindle software update to your computer and transfer it to your Kindle via USB. Here’s how:

1. Visit Amazon.com and make sure you’re logged into the Amazon.com account to which your Kindle is registered.
2. Determine which type of Kindle you have: Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select "Settings." Look in the bottom right corner of the screen. The version number will correspond to the kind of device:
   • Kindle (U.S. Wireless) devices begin with: 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.0.3, and 2.0.4.
   • Kindle (Global Wireless) devices begin with: 2.2, 2.2.1, and 2.2.2.
   • Kindle DX devices begin with: 2.1 and 2.1.1.

   If your version number begins with 2.3, you’ve already received the update and don’t need to take any further action.

3. Visit the appropriate link below to download the Kindle software update file directly to your computer:
   • Kindle (U.S. Wireless)
   • Kindle (Global Wireless)
   • Kindle DX
     
4. Turn your Kindle on and connect it to your computer using the USB cable.
5. Use your computer’s file browser to copy the update file from your computer to the Kindle root directory. (The root directory contains a number of folders — such as "audibles," "documents," and "music" — and is typically denoted by a "device" icon).
6. Check your file browser’s file transfer progress bar to ensure that file transfer to your Kindle is complete. When you’re confident the file has transferred successfully, you can use your computer’s unmount or eject function to safely disconnect Kindle from your computer.
7. Disconnect the USB cable from Kindle and your computer.
8. Go to the Home screen, press the Menu key, and select "Settings."
9. Press the Menu key again, and then select "Update Your Kindle." (This option will be grayed out if the most recent update has already been installed.)
10. Select "Ok" when prompted if you want to perform an update.

[Via Amazon, with special thanks to everyone who posted this on Facebook.]

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