New Kindle Update
Highlights from the latest Kindle Update (5.13.7)
I just got a Kindle Oasis early this month and I am literally obsessed with it. As someone who works with Tech, I am also quite a nerd when it comes to cool gadgets. So, when the new update came out just a week ago, I was thrilled.
I did not get the update automatically, so I followed the instructions here for the update. And I am so glad to say that I am very happy with the changes on this new update.
Here are some of the highlights that I found:
Home Screen
There are a couple of changes made to the home screen in the 5.13.7 firmware update.
Few of the big ones are:
1. Separate tabs for Home and Library:
If you’ve been doing a little reading on your own, you must already know about this one. The Home tab shows your current read as well as other recommendations from Amazon. I know a lot of kindle users do not really like this feature, but I love it. I like getting to know more about new books in the genre that I enjoy.
2. Search Bar:
As opposed to having just an icon, now the search bar occupies most of the area in the toolbar.
3. Menu options:
As you can see on the screenshot I have attached, the only menu option on the toolbar happens to be the shop. For visiting Goodreads, Web Browser you will have to click on the three dots.
4. Settings Menu:
This is a big one, at least in terms of experience if not in terms of looks. The icon on top is for the settings options. And as is intuitively suggested by the icon, the settings page can also be opened by swiping down. I really love this update.
Browser Updates
I think it is the first time in a decade that the Experimental Browser FINALLY got updated. And now it is just called the Web Browser.
If you love reading articles on your kindle you will LOVE this new feature which is a mode called Article Mode. It converts any webpage into a readable kindle format.
Personally, I read a LOT of content from medium and other websites on my kindle so I am really looking forward to using this feature a lot.
There are also additional features like bookmarks and history.
Navigation
I used to find it really annoying to come back to the home-screen whenever I am exploring Goodreads or the store, for example. Now, this has been fixed by the 5.13.7 update in which they have introduced an X icon which will take me directly to the home screen from any other page.
Auto Brightness
After I have updated I have noticed that my auto brightness feature almost works real time. It is extremely fast and it changes with the angle I am holding the device even when I am in the same room and the same seat.
Although, to be very honest, I am kind of worried it might end up being annoying sometimes. I guess then I will just have to turn it off.
Other changes
There are other small changes, like the home button on top when you are reading, the date being displayed along with the time, as well as other slight clean ups in terms of font, spacing etc.. I can’t directly point a finger to all these minor changes, but it definitely is much more pleasing to the eye.
I have also noticed that when you are reading a doc, now instead of showing you the generic screensaver in lock mode, it shows you the title of the article in a clean black background. A simple change, and it looks very classy.
In all, I really love this update and I cannot be more happy that it happened in the same month that I chose to purchase my Kindle Oasis. Have you updated your kindle yet? If yes, what are some of the features that you really like from the update? And if not, why so? Do let me know in the comments, I would love to hear from you.
disclaimer: the links to Kindle Oasis, and books: Verity and Show Your Work are affiliate links.
