Run Kindle 3 Software on Kindle DX and Kindle 2 (Video)

It turns out that it’s possible to get the Kindle DX, both generations, and the Kindle 2 to successfully run the Kindle 3’s software, and smoothly too.

This comes with several benefits because the Kindle 3’s software is superior to its siblings’ in many ways. The web browser is a lot more advanced, PDF support is much better and adds several new features, there are more font options, and other enhancements.

I found out about this by somehow stumbling across this thread at MobileRead with the directions on how to run the Kindle 3 software on the Kindle DX and Kindle 2.

The process isn’t for the technically wary, however. It requires jailbreaking both the Kindle 2/DX to be modified and a Kindle 3 to get the proper files. The description for the Kindle 3.X Updater package explains more:

This is a script that allows you to install the latest Kindle software (3.X) on an older Kindle (Kindle 2 and DX). You need a jailbroken Kindle 3 to obtain the files legally (I will not distribute them) and the Kindle 2/DX must also be jailbroken. Detailed installation instructions are found in README.txt.

Judging from poll on the aforementioned thread, switching the software has a pretty high success rate: 41 votes for Yes it works, 5 votes for No. Reportedly not everything works with software change, though. Sound can sometimes get fuzzy and Kindle Active Content does not work properly.

I’m just surprised that this is even possible. It makes you wonder why Amazon never updated the Kindle DX’s software to add all the better features after the Kindle 3 was released when it is so obviously possible. It’s like they are purposely abandoning the Kindle DX, yet continue to sell it.

Kindle DX Running Kindle 3.1 Software

Directions at MobileRead