Well, that didn't last long. However, when Amazon debuted Fire OS 5, it removed the device encryption option, leaving security-conscious users to choose between leaving their data unprotected or running outdated software on their devices.

Removing encryption from low-priced tablets and readers had the potential to damage Amazon's brand at a time the company is marketing new voice-enabled "personal assistants", including its popular Echo speaker, as prominent fixtures in households to help people play music, dim lights, and order pizzas by voice command.

Amazon's reasoning for the removal of encryption was supposedly related to the fact that few customers were using it. "In the fall when we released Fire OS 5, we removed some enterprise features that we found customers weren't using", Amazon told Mashable on Friday.

"We will return the option for full disk encryption with a Fire OS update coming this spring", reads a new statement from Amazon.

Amazon is changing its mind when it comes to privacy.

Studies add more evidence of Zika's risk to pregnant women
The cells died or failed to divide normally, which in a fetus would stall brain development - the hallmark of microcephaly. They sent the cells and a pair of experienced graduate students to Florida and then to Emory to assist in the research.

Amazon is reversing course and will let customers resume encrypting locally stored data on their Fire tablets.

Amazon is one of several major tech companies that has supported Apple's encryption fight.

Resist the urge to read anything into the unfortunate timing of Amazon's move and any perceived stance the company has about encryption.

"Amici often compete vigorously with Apple-and with each other". The devices aren't intended for communication of sensitive data, although they can be used to access the Internet and e-mail.


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