Kindle Update 5.7.2.1 Released: Amazon Addresses Faint Text Issue [UPDATE]
Update: Things can move quickly. Yesterday, Amazon announced that another update would be coming, and today it’s already available. The new firmware version 5.7.2.1 is now available for the Kindle Paperwhite (2 & 3), Kindle Voyage, and the basic Kindle model.
- Firmware 5.7.2.1 for the Kindle Paperwhite 3
- Firmware 5.7.2.1 for the Kindle Paperwhite 2
- Firmware 5.7.2.1 for the Kindle Voyage
- Firmware 5.7.2.1 for the Kindle (Basic Model)
However, it remains unclear what’s been changed, as the changelog is the same as for version 5.7.2. At least, I can’t detect any differences in the fonts on the home screen or the general user interface and in eBooks (with Helvetica Font). So it doesn’t appear to be the hoped-for contrast update, but more likely a patch for the last software.
For those who find the new font’s weak contrast troubling, the wait continues (or a delay in updating is recommended).
Original Message: A few days ago, Amazon released a new firmware update with version number 5.7.2 for the current Kindle series (Paperwhite 2 & 3, Voyage, and Kindle Touch 2), which has revamped and modernized the look of the interface significantly.
In addition to the redesign, a few features have been adjusted (e.g., font adaptation), a new font (OpenDyslexic) has been added, and book recommendations have been improved. In my opinion, the update is a great success and presents the Kindle eBook reader software in a new light for the first time in several years.
But as they say, every rose has its thorn. A few days ago, questions emerged in our forum regarding font contrast. Some users felt that the font had become lighter and less readable with the new update. For dedicated e-reader users, this is quite problematic, as uncompromised readability is crucial for an eReader.
Modernization vs. Readability
The background to this lies in the use of the “Helvetica” font. This font was thinned in almost all areas of the user interface. The previously bold font was replaced by a slimmer one. From a modernization standpoint, this is quite understandable since fine fonts are often preferred for many UIs and websites even outside Kindle devices.
What makes sense on a computer monitor, tablet, or smartphone is not necessarily the best choice on an eBook reader. Amazon has already received this feedback from several customers because, in response to a request from Teleread, the Amazon press office stated that they are aware of the issue and will fix it soon:
“The difference you noticed with the weight of the Helvetica font is an issue that we are aware of, (…) and we are correcting it before the update is rolled out broadly to customers. (…) The link to the web post will be updated with this new version, and customers that have already installed the web-posted update can either download it or just wait for the automatic over-the-air update.”
In German: “The difference you noticed in the Helvetica font weight is an issue we are already aware of (…) and we will fix it before the update is fully rolled out. (…) The link on the homepage will be updated with the new version and customers who have already installed the current update can either download the new one or wait for the OTA update.”
Waiting and Patience
Since there is currently no way to downgrade to the older firmware version 5.6.5, affected customers must wait until Amazon releases the updated software.
It’s currently unclear what the fix will look like since not all users have issues with the new font. Therefore, it would make sense for the online giant to include an option to adjust font weight to satisfy all tastes.
Historically, Amazon has focused on keeping its software as user-friendly as possible with limited modification options, so I wouldn’t bet on that happening. Instead, I assume that the thin Helvetica font of the 5.7.2 firmware will simply be replaced with a slightly heavier one.
As soon as the new update (with version number 5.7.3+) is available, you’ll of course find out here. Then we’ll also take a look at what changes Amazon has made or undone.
