Abstract
- A brand new jailbreak known as WinterBreak permits customers to change Kindle e-readers launched since 2013, doubtlessly opening them as much as extra customization and options.
- Jailbreaking a Kindle permits customers to put in different e-reading apps, customise sleep screens, and even play textual content journey video games.
- Nevertheless, jailbroken Kindles can not obtain firmware updates, and Amazon might quickly patch the exploit that WinterBreak depends on.
The holy grail of e-readers is a tool that’s hooked up to a sturdy, totally featured ecosystem, has the flexibleness to customise it to your wants, and is comparatively cheap. The one factor that has been maintaining Amazon’s superior Kindle e-readers from checking all of these packing containers is how completely Amazon locks down its gadgets, however because of an enterprising MobileReads discussion board person named “HackerDude,” that might be about to vary.
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WinterBreak is right here
However for a way lengthy, we don’t know
On the primary day of the brand new yr, HackerDude launched WinterBreak, a Kindle jailbreak that can work on any mannequin of Kindle launched since 2013’s Paperwhite 2 and with any present firmware (by way of Notebookcheck). There are different jailbreaks accessible, however they solely work with older firmware. That is the primary jailbreak that can work with the most recent technology of Kindles.
If you wish to give this a shot, there’s a tough information over on the Kindle Modding Wiki that walks you thru the fundamental steps. Primarily, you’ll want a PC, a Kindle, and an internet-connected Wi-Fi connection. When you comply with the directions and handle to not brick your Kindle (not going, however it’s at all times a chance), you’ll have an E Ink Linux pill operating a Kindle launcher. Neat!
Why jailbreak your Kindle?
Is it value doubtlessly bricking your machine?
So what’s the purpose of all this? There are a couple of causes you would possibly wish to jailbreak your Kindle. Probably the most outstanding one is to put in the KOReader app. It’s an e-book studying app with tons of customization choices (apply your personal CSS kinds) and options (sync with Calibre and between gadgets no matter machine maker) not discovered on the Kindle reader.
One other widespread pastime of Kindle jailbreakers is customizing the machine sleep display screen. As an alternative of being caught with the photographs Kindle preloads, you may add your personal photos to make your machine extra private. Some adventurous souls even set up textual content journey emulators to play traditional textual content video games like Zork on their machine.
The most important downside to utilizing the WinterBreak jailbreak is you may’t obtain any firmware updates to your Kindle. WinterBreak depends on a software program exploit to work and Amazon is probably going busy making a patch as we write this. In different phrases, if you wish to jailbreak that new Kindle you bought for Christmas, it’s best to most likely get on it.