Kindle 2: Linux eBook from Amazon
Kindle eBooks have been around since the '90's, and although sales are still uncertain, Amazon has now upped the ante by not only releasing version 2, but also publishing parts of the Linux source code.
Linuxdevices.com has taken a closer look at the device. First of all, it looks good and is thinner than Kindle 1.While the display hasn't changed that much, the device now has 16 gray shades which help greatly with contrast adjustment. Pages turn 20% faster and thanks to the new user interface, turning the page, making notes and skipping pages has become a lot easier.
Hardware:
The SoC (System on Chip) is a Freescale I.MX31 processor, based on ARM11 architecture with a 532 MHz tact. Kindle 2 has 32 MByte RAM and 2 GByte memory with 1.4 available to the user. Large enough for 1.500 books, says Amazon. The original SD slot of its predecessor has been replaced by a mini USB 2.0 port and a 3.5 mm audio line-out has been added. Improved battery performance should keep the device running for four to five days.
Presently aimed exclusively at the US market, Kindle 2 will cost 360 USD, with downloads available via the 3G wireless Whispernet.
Source Code:
The source code for Kindle 2 can be downloaded here. The 138 MByte TAR.GZ archive contains a U-Boot 2.6.22 Linux kernel, Alsa, Busybox, Powertop, Gstreamer, Bootchart and other popular open-source programs. Developers are calling attention to the short boot-time and energy saving functions of the device. More information on Kindle 2 can be found here.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.