All articles tagged with #kindle
Amazon will end Kindle Store access for most pre-2013 Kindle models on May 20, meaning those devices can no longer purchase or download new books; they’ll still open and read existing titles, but users should preload content in advance. Workarounds like sideloading or jailbreaking exist but violate Amazon’s terms. For ongoing access, consider upgrading to a newer e-reader and check current top options.
Amazon is ending official support for pre-2013 Kindles and 2012-era Kindle Fire tablets, meaning no new Kindle Store purchases or firmware updates for these devices, though downloaded ebooks remain readable and USB sideloading continues. Some owners are jailbreaking or unlocking firmware to add features or run alternative software, but this may violate Amazon’s terms and carry risks of bricking. DRM considerations persist, and alternatives include donating or recycling old devices and seeking DRM-free ebooks.
Hackaday's April 19 links cover: Voyager 1's LECP shutdown as RTG power fades, Amazon retiring Kindle PC software with a new Windows 11 client in the works, researchers extracting GPS logs from a wrecked car's ECU, Škoda's ANC‑busting bike bell designed to alert pedestrians, and PBS's Artemis II: Return to the Moon documentary.
As Amazon plans to drop support for older Kindle models in 2026, Lifehacker explains how jailbreaking can remove Amazon’s control, enable KOReader and native EPUB support, and allow customization, while warning of risks like data loss, brick risks, and malware from unofficial sources.
As Amazon ends support for older Kindle models, readers are urged to jailbreak the device to install alternative e-reading apps, transfer content via Calibre, and switch to DRM-free ebooks from sources like Project Gutenberg and Cory Doctorow, arguing that buyers own their content and can read it on non-Amazon devices.
Amid Amazon’s move to discontinue software support on 13 devices, including several Kindles, readers are weighing a switch to Kobo. Kobo often matches Kindle on speed and usability and adds features Kindle lacks—page-turning buttons on the Libra Colour, Libby/Overdrive integration, and lower color-model prices—but switching isn’t a guaranteed fix for obsolescence: both brands periodically retire devices and stop updates, and you can’t transfer Kindle purchases to Kobo due to DRM (your books stay tied to the Kindle ecosystem or the Kindle app). If you stick with Kindle, you can still use older devices offline or consider a used Kindle; otherwise, Kobo offers strong advantages with the caveat of future updates and DRM constraints.
Amazon will discontinue software support for Kindle devices released in 2012 or earlier starting May 20, 2026, meaning owners can read titles already on the device but cannot purchase, borrow, or download new books after that date; deregistering or factory resetting will render the device unusable. Affected models include Kindle 1st/2nd Gen, Kindle DX/DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle 5, Kindle Touch, and the first Paperwhite. The policy underscores planned obsolescence of aging hardware, with no explicit reason given, and readers may seek alternatives or newer devices to continue seamless access to content.
Amazon will sunset software support for Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 or earlier on May 20, ending the ability to download new content from the Kindle Store (existing titles remain readable; Send to Kindle and Libby/OverDrive integrations will stop). Amazon is offering a 20% discount toward a new Kindle plus a $20 e-book credit valid through June 20. Affected models include several 2011–2012 Kindles and Fire tablets. Options include upgrading to the newer Kindle (2024) or Kobo Clara BW, or trading in old devices through Amazon’s program (values may be low). Some users can sideload DRM-free titles, but this isn’t ideal. Security/maintenance costs and e-waste concerns accompany the sunset, which affects a subset of users (~less than 3%).
Amazon will stop updating Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier from May 20, 2026, cutting off access to new content purchases and updates for about two million devices, though users can still read downloaded ebooks and access their libraries on mobile or desktop apps; the company is offering discounts to upgrade, while critics warn the move could generate e-waste and 'soft-bricking' otherwise functioning devices.
Amazon will discontinue software support for Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier starting May 20, 2026, preventing purchases, borrowing or downloading new content on those models. Owners can still read already downloaded books and use their Kindle libraries, but some devices may become unusable after a factory reset; Amazon says this move reflects aging hardware and security needs, while critics warn it amounts to deliberate obsolescence and risk contributing to e-waste, despite discounts to upgrade.
Amazon will end Kindle Store access for devices released in 2012 or earlier on May 20, 2026, meaning those Kindles (and some Kindle Fire ebook access) won’t be able to download new ebooks even if they still work. Users can read downloaded books, transfer files via USB, or use the Kindle app/Kindle Cloud Reader to access libraries; Amazon is offering a 20% discount + a $20 ebook credit for upgrading, while alternatives like Libby or Bookshop.org exist for new purchases.
A Washington Post columnist explains how Amazon’s Kindle locks e-books to a closed ecosystem, argues you don’t own downloaded titles due to licensing and DRM, and describes switching to Kobo and other open e-readers for greater control over his library.
Mashable provides live updates on Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026, highlighting record-low prices across Apple products (AirPods Max 2, MacBook Air M4, AirPods Pro 3), DJI drones, Kindle e-readers, and related accessories, with the sale running through March 31 and frequent stock changes as deals roll out across TVs, power stations, and other gadgets.
Mashable tracks Amazon’s Big Spring Sale 2026 (Mar 25–31) with a flood of record-low prices across tech categories: Apple MacBooks and iPad Air discounts, DJI drones including the Mini 3 at a new low and the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo, Kindle deals starting at $94.99, Echo devices discounted up to 38%, Fire TV Stick 4K Select at $14.99, and various power stations and TVs among daily live updates as stock fluctuates through the event’s end.
Mashable tracks live updates on Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026, highlighting record-low prices across Apple laptops and tablets, DJI drones, Kindles, Echo devices, power stations, and more, with new deals rolling out daily and the sale running through March 31.