Kindle 2 Hacks
The Kindle 2 was released in early 2009 and is one of many e-ink based readers. The e-ink technology is currently only capable of displaying grey-scale representation of media.
Kindle 2 is based on a ARM6 processor and is running Linux with a Java-based front-end. Wireless connectivity is provided by a cellular network, including roaming for international use of the device.
Tricks
Recovery mode
To enable the recovery mode, reboot and hold the Home-botton when the screen is flashing from black to white.
Connect via USB to a computer and manage the files on the device. Press R to reboot.
Reference:
Log dump
When a custom package is installed (see below) it has to be removed else a firmware update will exit with an error. Use the commands below to create a log file on the USB-drive with information about the error.
Press HOME and any keyboard key to bring up the search field, enter the following:
;debugOn ;dumpMessages
Connect via USB to a computer and check the log file.
An example:
ota_install: C def:patch:patchinfo="/opt/amazon/ebook/config/netfront.ini":checksum failure
References:
- Uninstall packages - thread
Force reboot
Sometimes it's not possible to use the menu to reboot the Kindle. Hold the slider for 15 seconds to force a reboot of the device.
Hacks
A note about hacks, firmware updates performs a checksum on vital system files and if one fails the update will halt. Therefore an uninstall package is usually also available together with the main installer.
USB Network
A USB-network makes it possible to send the data traffic over the USB-cable to a computer and further out to the Internet. And also access to the Amazon book store if the Kindle is pre-registered via the cellular network.
Works on Kindle 1, Kindle 2, Kindle 2 International, and Kindle DX.
References:
Downloads:
- usbnetwork v0.7 - Includes installer and uninstaller
- usbnetwork (for 2.3) v0.9 - Includes installer and uninstaller
- usbnetwork (for 2.3) v0.10 - Includes installer and uninstaller
Savory Document Processor
This background daemon will automatically convert any pdf, rtf, file into mobi format that the Kindle can display.
Unicode Font Hack
Screensaver Hack
Firmwares
Official firmwares:
- Kindle2 v2.3 update - US 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.0.3, and 2.0.4
- Kindle2 v2.3 update - Global 2.2, 2.2.1, and 2.2.2
- KindleDX v2.3 update
References:
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200226050 Kindle1 1.2 Instructions]
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200324680 Kindle2 2.3 Instructions]
