Kindle Software Update 2.5

Listen up fellow Kindlers, Amazon has just released a major software update, revision 2.5.
New features include:

• Collections: Organize your books and documents into one or more collections.
  
• PDF Pan and Zoom: Zoom into PDFs and pan around to easily view small print and detailed tables or graphics.
  
• Password Protection: Password protect your Kindle when you're not using it.
  
• More Font Sizes & Improved Clarity: Enjoy two new larger font sizes and sharper fonts for an even more comfortable reading experience.
  
• Facebook & Twitter Posts: Share meaningful book passages with friends on Facebook and Twitter directly from your Kindle.
  
• Popular Highlights: See what the Kindle community thinks are the most interesting passages in the books you're reading. 

So far, I have organized all my books (343) into collections or categories. You can put the same book into many different collections if you want, but you can't place one collection within another, a la "folders". The process takes a little bit of time, but it is worth it to have only 2 pages in lieu of 35 to scroll through.

The PDF zoom and pan looks pretty good, now I can actually read my PDF files.

Not sure why I would need password protection since no one else touches my Kindle.

There are 2 new larger font sizes for the visually impaired. This is a great improvement! My co-worker's wife has macular degeneration, so now, after I showed him the new fonts, he's actually thinking of getting her a Kindle.

I've already registered Kindle with Facebook and Twitter, but have not tested the highlight post feature. I'll get back to you on that. Update: This is a nice feature. I have posted a few highlights to both Facebook and Twitter. It seems there is a limit to both the highlighted passage and the note that can accompany it, the note being much more limited (140 characters including link for twitter). Could be very useful for online book clubs.

Popular Highlights is an interesting feature. You can see the most highlighted passages for a given book. This would be nice if it led to direct communication between Kindles.

Overall, this is a hefty update from Amazon, though we're still waiting for those Kindle shared apps that Amazon mentioned a while back