Amazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitch
A bug in the e-reader app update erases users' Kindle libraries from their Apple devices. Amazon releases another update that it says fixes the issue.
The online retail giant this morning warned iOS users not to download the latest update to its Kindle app because of a glitch that wiped an existing customer's entire library from the device. However, Amazon had released another update by this afternoon that resolved the issue.
After downloading the initial update, existing Kindle users were logged out of their accounts, and everything they had downloaded was deleted from their devices. They also lost bookmarks and other settings, according to angry comments on iTunes. Users then had to log back in to Kindle and redownload their books from the cloud. Some complained that they had to delete the app entirely and download it again.
Here's the warning, which was posted on the mobile app and in the online iTunes App Store: "Note: There is a known issue with this update. If you are an existing Kindle for iOS user, we recommend you do not install this update at this time."
While the Kindle app came with a warning, it was easy for users to overlook. It was posted in the area where the "What's New" information was included. Some apps are updated so frequently and changes are so minor that users don't even bother reading the details about what's included before they hit download.
Kindle user ShannonNoel posted on iTunes this morning that the update erased all saved settings.
"Now I have to go through my hundreds of books to find the ones I haven't read and change all of my screen settings," the user wrote.
An Amazon spokeswoman told CNET earlier today that the company had identified the issue with the app update that caused the app to become deregistered. She noted that to register again, users had to enter their Amazon account e-mail address and password and all content would be available in the cloud.
At that time, she said the company had submitted an update fix for the issue and was working with Apple to release it.
The glitch had been resolved by this afternoon, with the Kindle update most recently saying that it included a "fix for registration issue" and "various bug fixes and security fixes."
Updated at 7:20 a.m. PT with comment from Amazon and again at 3 p.m. PT with details about the app being fixed.
(Via Tuaw)