Amazon Promises to Fix Kindle Fire Problems
Hot-selling tablet has some glitches that Amazon says it can fix quickly
12/19/2011 | By Truman Lewis
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ConsumerAffairs.com
| Computers
The hot-selling Kindle Fire tablet has been taking a lot of heat from users about software glitches but Amazon says it will be fixing many of those problems with a software upgrade within the next few weeks.
"In less than two weeks, we're rolling out an over-the-air update to Kindle Fire," an Amazon spokesman told The New York Times, in a story published Sunday.
Amazon wasn't specific about the update but said it would improve overall performance and navigation and would also add a feature that will let users delete their browsing histories, a concern that has been raised by privacy advocates.
Users have also complained the Fire's audio volume is somewhat anemic and have said the device is prone to unpredictable lock-ups that require a full restart.
The initial problems aren't hurting sales of the new tablet. Amazon says it expects to sell nearly 4 million by year's end, which would give it nearly 14 percent of the global tablet market, second only to Apple's iPad, with nearly 66 percent. Samsung is expected to end up around 4.5 percent with its Android-based Galaxy Tab.
The Fire's low price -- $199 -- makes it highly competitive with the iPad, which starts at $499. The Fire includes many high-end features including an LCD screen that displays 16 million colors in high resolution.
Catherine Osborn (Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:53:18 +0000): Anybody got a new Kindle Fire and are experiencing problems with it?
Jon Singer (Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:40:47 +0000): Catherine. The speaker is as they say anemic but overall... When listening to the headphone that is not a problem. The keyboard ok, even for my monstrously huge fingers. Can you go wrong for $200? JON
Ian Glenday (Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:30:49 +0000): I agree with Jon Singer. My big fingers were a problem initially until my son gave me a stylus. I have enjoyed the Fire with no problems. It works exactly as Amazon claimed. Websiites load very fast, videos work very well. Speaker volume is limited but I use a headset anyway. I have no problems reading books indoors. I'll use my Kindle 2 when I am outdoors or not in WiFi range for Internet use. 
Brenda Gregory (Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:21:03 +0000): No problems ag all. I'm actually very impressed with all that it does. I am overly impressed.
Velma Wiley (Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:33:06 +0000): I've one that I normally use to browse and almost everything else I need to do...except tonight I'm on my notebook uploading photos from a memory card. I <3 KF! :)
Kristen Villa (Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:52:52 +0000): I absolutely love mine. No problems what-so-ever.
Neil Hall (Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:49:48 +0000): Ours had problems with not being able to access google--just get a blank screen. But could get on my email on-line fine. Took it to the Geek squad at best buy, where I had purchased it. they said it was a glitch with Amazon not being able to handle all the traffic. Nothing could be done to fix it until Amazon fixed the problem--weeks away. I decided to get my money back, as my main use was internet searches with google. Be warned all potential buyers! Major problem that I think no one is telling the consumer about.
Charles G Tucker (Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:50:38 +0000): Works like a champ. Who needs a camera?
Randy Gloyd (Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:21 +0000): I just bought one of these for my son for Christmas, how do I get the updated software to fix these problems?
Darby Tatchie (Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:40:21 +0000): I have had mine for about a week and I am loving every minute of it! No problems as of yet; fingers crossed and if there are any troubles, I have complete confidence that Amazon will make it right. I love Amazon...
Philip J (Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:51:05 +0000): On mine right now its the best! Ipad too big phone too small this thing is a God send!
Jim Daggett (Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:33:58 +0000): I just got a Kindle Fire as a Christmas gift. Nothing but a problem. Can't even rgister to Amazon.com where I have an account already. I also already own a Kindle but this new one does obviously have some big problems. I connect to WiFi but can't get it to connect to the internet. Have even spent an hour with Customer Support and they can't fix it. I will return it.