Kindle Fire Update: Amazon Releases Fix For Some Software Problems

As promised, Amazon has issued an over-the-air software update for the Kindle Fire. The fix should address some of the common complaints users have raised since the device went on sale.

Software version 6.2.1 aims to patch glitches with the Fire's touchscreen, which some said could be more responsive and could offer better precision.

Amazon states that update also "enhances fluidity and performance." Previously, Josh Topolsky of The Verge had slammed the Kindle Fire OS for being "stuttery and sluggish." Topolsky went on to write that he had noticed "odd visual bugs, and things like the keyboard are slow to respond."

Amazon has also been listening to users' privacy concerns. After downloading the Fire update, users will be able to control what items appear in the desktop carousel, a widget that displays users' recent browsing and download history. Some had worried that the feature could expose potentially sensitive browsing habits, since anyone could view a device's carousel when the device was turned on. Update 6.2.1 also lets users add a password lock when browsing via WiFi.

"This update has been needed from the moment the Fire hit the scene," TechCrunch notes.

Amazon told the New York Times earlier this month that a software update was imminent for the $199 tablet.

To download the update manually, visit Amazon's Help Desk, where you'll find step-by-step instruction on how to install 6.2.1 before it rolls out to your device.

Comments

[FreelanceWriter]

06:26 AM on 12/23/2011

>> ThePericles: "What is really funny is that iHuffPo ran a front page tech article about the Kindle Fire "problems,­" and now the update article is buried on a sidebar."

Actually, what made me laugh out loud is the other day (as you've noted) they ran a front page article which discussed all of the Fire's so-called "problems"...

...But even better was the fact that it was placed RIGHT NEXT to an article that was exhuberantly titled (I kid you not): iPad 2 vs iPad 3: Should you wait or just buy now???"

LOL gee, can you guess which device they're pulling for around here?

[authorized-user]

06:54 PM on 12/22/2011

Amazon has made this item an even better deal, sorry apple.

[ThePericles]

01:32 PM on 12/22/2011

What is really funny is that iHuffPo ran a front page tech article about the Kindle Fire "problems," and now the update article is buried on a sidebar.

[SillyMammo]

09:44 AM on 12/22/2011

I've posted this before and never really gotten a real answer. Why do iPad users feel the need to go on every Kindle Fire article and post that their iPad is better then the Fire? This is an article about an update for the Fire, it has nothing...absolutely nothing to do with the iPad. Yet here the Apple fanboys are... I think it's been well established that the Fire is not a substitute for the iPad.

[Gudrun]

10:11 AM on 12/22/2011

I have both the iPad and the Kindle Fire. I like the Fire's size because it's more portable, easier to read a book. For magazines, the iPad is still preferred, for now.

[Sad But True]

10:38 AM on 12/22/2011

Fanboys are fiercely defensive and embarrassingly loyal.

[Nevervotesrepublican]

09:43 AM on 12/22/2011

I'm going to buy a Fire. I like what they offer for 200 bucks, but I never buy first generation because there are always bugs to work out.

[Sad But True]

10:39 AM on 12/22/2011

Don't believe all of the forced negativity. It's a great device already. If this update fixes some minor sluggishness and the silly carousel, then great!

[middledge]

09:40 AM on 12/22/2011

i've have an i-pad for 18 months...i love it....i've had a my first kindle, a kindle fire for a month.,..i am learning to love it as well....want that 6.2 update....
both fantastic products...

[ThePericles]

09:20 AM on 12/22/2011

The Kindle cult is just as batty as the the iPad cult. They are also more inclined to read literature. Also, many Kindleists are buying the Fire AND readers like the Touch. It's all very bizarre. Have you seen as much tension between any other tablet?

(Note: I do not own a Kindle or an iPad, but I have bought Kindles as gifts and used iPads. I have set up two Kindle Fires for friends. They are pretty cool. My preference... I would like a Wi-Fi only 32gb Toshiba Thrive Tablet -- full size USB -- full size HDMI

[Cj Medina]

09:05 AM on 12/22/2011

I bought one.....BIG MISTAKE....It FN SUCKS! I love my Ipad!

[SillyMammo]

09:33 AM on 12/22/2011

I think we got it with the 1st post you made:

You love your iPad! You don't like the Fire! Thanks for sharing your indepth insight.

[David Gomez]

07:23 AM on 12/22/2011

iPad, Ischmad - I had an iPhone and got rid of it when I changed service. I have the HTC and love it - same with the Fire v iPad. If you want to throw money away at the latest gadget okie dokie but I've seen the iPad and it doesn't knock my socks off.

[Tunghoy]

09:09 AM on 12/22/2011

Are you serious? My iPad 2 has become an appendage, and my loaded, honkin' laptop is getting jealous. I'm writing this on my iPad right now.

[David Gomez]

07:21 AM on 12/22/2011

What is everyone going on about? I'm middle aged and not on a fixed income but I have money because I don't spend it foolishly. I like the Fire. It does what I need it to do plus I am able to download many books, check my stock prices , email, watch Netflix and read the Walking Dead comics all at an affordable price. I also had a question and Amazon customer service was great. I just wish I could use my Nook on this as well. The app that folks talk about downloading doesn't work. But, no big deal. Come on in, the Fire's fine.

[CaptainObvvious]

07:37 AM on 12/22/2011

Yea, its "fine".... It doesn't compare to the iPad 2 or even other high end tablets because it isn't supposed to.

Don't compare it vs. the iPad 2 because it isn't as good and again, isn't meant to be.

[elicourey]

12:27 AM on 12/22/2011

There's still one big problem with the Kindle Fire after installing this update....it's still not an iPad.

[ewj1]

01:47 AM on 12/22/2011

and it still does not cost $850.

[elicourey]

02:10 AM on 12/22/2011

neither does the $499 iPad...

[Sad But True]

10:40 AM on 12/22/2011

Owned.

[mjredder]

06:36 AM on 12/22/2011

Only a problem if you're a tech snob, which the 4-million-and-growing Kindle Fire buyers aren't.

[dbw53022]

08:24 AM on 12/22/2011

Hey! I'm a tech snob and I own a Fire... (and a Macbook Pro and an iPhone 4)..

[GirlInNYC]

11:16 PM on 12/21/2011

Another toy for non tech-savvy seniors.

[JeanRR]

07:00 AM on 12/22/2011

And tech-savvy seniors who are on a fixed income.

[Gudrun]

10:15 AM on 12/22/2011

Is a book a toy? I mostly use the Kindle Fire for reading. Do I need to provide some kind of computer programming experience in order for it not to be a toy?

[mjredder]

09:22 PM on 12/21/2011

Love my Fire, but I'd like to see a feature that lets you lock it so that only you can open it.

[Paul Maheux]

08:32 PM on 12/21/2011

The Kindle is like à bag of Halloween chips, you will never be happy with What's inside.

[Edbeason]

09:07 PM on 12/21/2011

For whom do you speak exactly? Can we assume this is just your opinion? Are you referring to the 10's of thousands of people who have already documented their delight with this product, and hundreds of thousands more who are just enjoying it, and not bothering to try to convince people like you, or is this just more Apple fan folk delusions, totally unnecessary when they are happy with their own iPads? Why do Apple butt folks need to try (failing miserably) to tear down the success of a product that has little to do with the iPad, which is an excellent product that multi-mlllions of people simply do not want, or need at that price point. Even many iPad users don't really need it. Not many people need a tablet at all so there will be millions who, while they may still want one to pay around with, will not pay the iPad price point merely to show off a status sympbol that has lots of features they will never use.

[MsRainyDay]

11:04 PM on 12/21/2011

Sorry, but I LOVE my Fire! Does everything I want it to. Why should I pay $500 plus for an iPad for features I'll never use. Those complaining about the Fire didn't do their homework before buying it.

[CaptainObvvious]

07:39 AM on 12/22/2011

Smooth operation, polish and build quality aren't features you're never going to use.

[whinenot]

07:44 PM on 12/21/2011

Fantastic..they actually listened to their customers!

[acatlett6]

05:58 AM on 12/22/2011

Agree. IPAD 3 is scheduled to be out in February. Instead of Apple fixing IPAD and IPAD 2, they make you buy IPAD 3.

[CaptainObvvious]

07:40 AM on 12/22/2011

LOL

There have been many software updates to the iPad 2... There was just a massive one two months ago.

Apple releases a new iPad once a year, something Amazon will do with the Fire too..