Amazon Releases Sources for Kindle DX
Online bookdealer Amazon has released parts of the source code for its youngest Kindle DX e-book device.
The new files for the Linux-based device are joined to the code that Amazon has already put on the Web for its Kindle 1 and 2 devices.
Apart from the relevant disclaimers, the download site has no further licensing stipulations. The tar.gz archive for Kindle DX does have a gplrelease library containing a kernel based on Linux 2.6.22 and further GPL software.
A closer analysis of the source code is still pending. At first glance, it seems to use Amazon subsidiary Lab126's u-boot bootloader and the E-Ink driver was made for the latter's older Apollo architecture. The source archives also include the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) sound system and the Gstreamer multimedia framework. MP3 codecs unfortunately seem to be missing. Apparently the developers also worked with Intel's PowerTOP tool to reduce the device's energy consumption, since they also include the sources for it.
The Lab126 Amazon subsidiary has also recently announced some job openings, among them for Linux kernel developers.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.