Last week an easy jailbreaking method for the Kindle Paperwhite 2 surfaced over on MobileRead. The script has since been updated and now works as part of the jailbreak package for the Kindle Touch and Kindle Paperwhite 1.
The jailbreak is even compatible with the new 5.4.2 software update that Amazon issued early last week, which is surprising.
The download and directions for the jailbreak package can be found on this thread at MobileRead.
Personally I’ve never jailbroken an E Ink Kindle before. I can root and install custom ROMs on an Android-powered Kindle Fire tablet with no problems, and I’ve hacked the Sony PRS-T1 and Nook Touch ebook readers repeatedly, which also run Android, but I’ve never hacked a Linux-driven E Ink Kindle before.
The main crux is that it’s often hard to follow what the developers are talking about without having any programming knowledge or understanding of the vernacular.
The reason I came across the jailbreak package for the Paperwhite 2 is I was trying to find some info about using alternate fonts on the Paperwhite 2. I really like the new Kindle but I hate the fonts, and miss being able to sideload alternate fonts like the original Paperwhite allowed.
I thought maybe jailbreaking the Kindle Paperwhite 2 could enable that to work again, but I have yet to determine that or not. Not being a developer, I’m not sure exactly what goodies jailbreaking the Paperwhite 2 unlocks. There’s a thread at MobileRead discussing compatible apps and tools with the Paperwhite 2, and the font hack is mentioned, but right now the developer is advising not to try it yet until further testing is done.
Once the font hack is confirmed as working I might have to give the jailbreak package a try. It seems kind of ridiculous that a person has to jailbreak a device just to be able to use the fonts they want. But you know Amazon, they don’t like allowing users to have any kind of customization options whatsoever. It’s their Kindle, after all. Not yours.
Nathan, I too have been desperately missing my custom fonts. The old method was so easy. I can’t believe Amazon would knowingly shut out users like that (or can I).
From what I understand, the main benefit to jailbreaking a Kindle is to install little apps that do things like delete the advertisements at the bottom of a special offers Paperwhite and other tricks.
Jailbraking allows you to add other reading apps (for epub) like Coolreader.
Mmm, do these jailbreaks also allow me to install the latest version of the Paperwhite 2 firmware on a Paperwhite 1????
I kinda like this feature in the KPW2 to flip back and forward in a book without leaving the page,… but I don’t like it enough to replace my KPW1 with a 2 🙂
I don’t think anything like that is ever going to happen, but Amazon might surprise us someday with an update for the 1st gen Paperwhite to add the new features.
You could just install the latest firmware update on the Kindle Paperwhite 1. For me this is 5.4.4.2, but as far as I know this was also at least possible since the firmware update before that.
There is a special gesture to call up the overlay to page through the book without leaving the current page, but I have it working on my Kindle Paperwhite 1.
Else please enlighten me as there the difference is between this on the PW1 and the PW2. Also the Goodreads-Link is there for US-Users (not for me though, as my Kindle registered to my German Amazon-Account).
Sorry, just realized how old the article & comments where before I made mine. Amazon is actually quite good in keeping older hardware up to date with firmware updates.
I only use my Paperwhite for book reading. I don’t have any issue converting Epub to Mobi via Calibre. I don’t have an issue with the standard fonts. Are there any other benefits to jail-breaking the device?
Can the Amazon screensaver/opening page be deleted for a custom piece? (had that app on my Fire). Thanks!