Shortly after announcing kid-friendly service FreeTime for the Kindle Fire line, Amazon has released a matching software update for the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD. The most prominent addition is support for the aforementioned FreeTime Unlimited, a monthly service that grants access to a library of books, video, and apps for children. There are also, however, a couple of changes that invite comparison to the competing Nexus 7 tablet. Amazon has now added support for typing system Swype, something that was previously available only through unofficial channels. The change echoes the addition of gesture typing in Android 4.2. The company has also added a long-absent app for taking pictures with the front-facing camera, something Google has avoided with the Nexus 7. The update should come over the air, though further instructions can be found on Amazon’s site.
With latest update, Swype and official camera app available on your Kindle Fire HD 7
is a senior tech and policy editor focused on online platforms and free expression. Adi has covered virtual and augmented reality, the history of computing, and more for The Verge since 2011.
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