Upcoming Kindle Update Integrates Facebook, Twitter

So Apple has already sold over 600,000 iPads in less than a month, and a spate of other tablets will soon begin flooding the marketplace. All of these threaten to shake things up in the ebook reader market, but don't go counting Amazon's Kindle out of the game. Further blurring the line between standalone ebook readers and multifunctional Internet devices, Amazon's upcoming 2.5 software update will introduce a handful of new features, including Facebook and Twitter integration.

Kindle owners will be able to post book passages with friends on Facebook directly from their ebook reader, which will come in handy when you run across a witty quote or inspirational tidbit you feel compelled to share with your friends and followers. But the emphasis isn't only on social networking. Version 2.5 will also introduce the following:

• 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 Fonts and Improved Clarity: Enjoy two new larger font sizes and sharper fonts for an even more comfortable reading experience.
• Popular Highlights: See what the Kindle community thinks are the most interesting passages in the books you're reading.

All of these will come as welcome additions, which will not only help the Kindle stay relevant as tablets begin to come out, but will also heat up the rivalry between Amazon and Barnes & Noble's Nook.

Do you own a Nook? Which one of these updates are you most excited about? Could you see yourself using the social networking features?