Amazon has announced two updates to its latest generation eBook reader. Jude and I were discussing last night how we wish that the Kindle supported PDF file format natively. For me one of the biggest uses with the Kindle is to have all my books, manuals and white papers available to me on the device. Up until now you had to send your file to Amazon to have it converted from native PDF to a format that could be used on your Kindle. The Kindle DX already had this feature in it.
The earlier versions of the Kindle will get this an update through Whispernet. You will be able to add PDF Files to your Kindle via connection to your PC using the USB port on the device. This update will also provide programming changes to make better use of the battery to give the Kindle better battery life. This appears to be in direct response to the newly releasing Barnes & Noble Nook eBook Reader that offers native PDF support in 10 days of battery life without using wireless connection.
Regarding the battery life boost, Amazon states, "Battery power management for portable wireless devices is a complex technical area, and the battery life improvement announced today is the result of a six month firmware improvement and testing program." With 3G connection active on the Kindle, users can enjoy reading books for up to a week.
Remember, sometimes dreams do come true!