Tag: Kindle

  • New Kindle Update Adds Recaps and Double Tap Page Turn Feature

    New Kindle Update Adds Recaps and Double Tap Page Turn Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Recaps Feature: Provides brief refreshers on storylines and characters for book series, helping readers catch up easily.

    2. Double Tap Gesture: Allows users to tap the side or back of the Kindle to flip pages or browse the library, enhancing one-handed reading.

    3. Supported Devices: Recaps feature available on Kindle Scribe, Paperwhite, Oasis, and basic Kindle models; Double Tap feature is limited to specific devices.

    4. Update Version: The new features are part of update version 5.18.1, rolled out as an over-the-air (OTA) update.

    5. Manual Installation Option: Users can sideload the update manually if they prefer not to wait for automatic installation.

    Amazon is introducing a fresh software update for its Kindle e-readers that includes two new features designed to enhance your reading experience. The new Recaps feature aims to help you quickly catch up on storylines and characters when starting a new book in a series. Additionally, a convenient Double Tap gesture will allow you to tap the side or back of your Kindle to flip pages or browse through your book library.

    New Recaps Feature

    Amazon describes its Recaps feature as similar to the “Previously on…” segments that you might see before a binge-watch of a series. This is intended to help tackle that common feeling of confusion when returning to a book series after some time away. Recaps provide brief refreshers on characters and storylines for thousands of popular series in English. You can identify if recaps are available by checking for a “View Recaps” button on the series page in your library. Another exciting addition is the Double Tap to Page Turn feature, which enables you to double-tap the sides or back of the device to turn pages or scroll through your Home and Library sections. Amazon mentions that this feature can be turned on or off in the device settings (Settings > Device Options), making it easier to read with one hand.

    Supported Devices

    The new Recaps feature will be available on Kindle Scribe, Paperwhite, Oasis, and basic Kindle models. Amazon also states that the feature “will soon be available on the Kindle app for iOS.” Here’s the complete list of devices that support Recaps:

    On the other hand, the Double Tap to Turn Page feature will only be available on two specific devices.

    Update Details

    The update, version 5.18.1, is being rolled out as an over-the-air (OTA) update for eligible Kindle devices. Your Kindle should automatically download and install the update when it is connected to Wi-Fi. If you can’t wait to try out these new features, you can sideload the update manually. To do this, download the correct update package for your Kindle model from this page and follow Amazon’s instructions for installation.

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  • Amazon to End Local Backups for eBooks Purchased in Store

    Amazon to End Local Backups for eBooks Purchased in Store

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starting February 26, Amazon will no longer allow users to create local backups of eBooks purchased from the Kindle store.
    2. Users can only download eBooks directly to their Kindle devices, losing the ability to maintain a local library.
    3. The change raises concerns about Amazon’s control over users’ eBook libraries, reminiscent of past controversies like the deletion of “1984.”
    4. Users will no longer be able to convert Kindle eBooks to other formats for use with different e-Readers.
    5. This decision reflects a broader trend towards rental and licensing models in digital services.

    In a world where digital services are increasingly leaning towards a rental and licensing approach, Amazon’s new policy will limit the options users have for handling their purchased content.

    Changes to eBook Management

    Starting on February 26, Amazon will stop letting users create local backups of eBooks bought from the Kindle store. This move effectively hands Amazon more authority over how individuals can manage the books they have bought for their Kindle devices.

    Currently, buyers on Kindle have the choice to download a local copy of their eBooks and transfer them to their Kindle using a USB cable. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor internet connectivity, providing a reliable way to maintain a Kindle library without the constant need for a network connection.

    The New Limitations

    However, after this Wednesday, users will no longer be able to download eBooks. The only method for getting an eBook onto a Kindle will be through a direct download to the device. Consequently, this means that users will lose the ability to maintain a local library of their purchased eBooks.

    The announcement of this change has sparked considerable backlash from Kindle users. Many fear this decision will lead to tighter control over their libraries by Amazon. It also brings back memories of the controversial deletion of George Orwell’s 1984 more than 15 years ago. In that incident, Amazon removed the book from customer libraries after discovering that the seller lacked distribution rights, even erasing it from users’ devices despite them having paid for it.

    Effects on eBook Formats

    The ability to download eBooks purchased from Kindle has also allowed users to convert their books into other formats for compatibility with different e-Readers, such as the Kobo Clara, currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon. This option is likely to vanish soon. Essentially, it seems that after the 26th, any eBook acquired from Amazon will only be accessible on a Kindle and solely through a direct download.

    If you wish to download local backups of your Kindle eBooks before the deadline, you can find the guidelines on how to do so here.

    Amazon’s decision underscores a growing trend in the digital marketplace.

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