Tag

Obsolescence

All articles tagged with #obsolescence

technology1 day ago•5 min saved

Old Kindles Lose Access: Amazon Ends Updates for Pre-2012 Devices

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.

via Business Insider|

#amazon #ereader #kindle

technology2 days ago•2 min saved

Amazon ends updates for legacy Kindles, prompting upgrades and sparking e-waste concerns

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.

via The Guardian|

#amazon #e-waste #kindle

technology3 days ago•4 min saved

Amazon Shuts Kindle Store Access for 2012-Era Kindles

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.

via WIRED|

#amazon #e-readers #kindle

technology1 month ago•57 min saved

When Tomorrow Fades: 25 Tech Promises That Vanished Overnight

BuzzFeed collects 25 technologies once pitched as futureproof—from pagers, Palm Pilots, GeoCities, Zip drives, and TiVo to 3D TVs and early smartphones—only to show how quickly they faded as smartphones and cloud-based services dominated, compelling a shift away from standalone devices toward always-connected ecosystems. The piece blends reader anecdotes and nostalgic reflections on how rapid obsolescence reshaped everyday tech, and invites further examples of misfired futurism.

via BuzzFeed|

#consumer-electronics #history #nostalgia

technology3 months ago•3 min saved

Bose Opens Source for SoundTouch Speakers Amid Support Extensions

Bose is shutting down cloud services for its SoundTouch speakers in May 2026, but the devices will remain functional via Bluetooth, AirPlay, and AUX, with an API provided for third-party app support, demonstrating a customer-friendly approach to product obsolescence.

via TechRadar|

#bose #cloud-services #obsolescence

technology7 months ago•1 min saved

Apple Marks Obsolescence of Older MacBook and iPhone Models Ahead of New Launches

Apple has officially declared the last 11-inch MacBook Air model obsolete, marking the end of an era for the compact, affordable, and highly portable laptop that was popular among first-time Mac users and portability enthusiasts since its debut in 2010.

via 9to5Mac|

#apple #laptop #macbook-air

music2 years ago•5 min saved

"Unlocking Affordable Opportunities in the Organ Market: A Guide for Savvy Buyers"

The author, a self-proclaimed bad guitarist and hoarder of guitar toys, finally acquires a Leslie speaker, a musical implement introduced as an organ accessory in the 1940s. Despite the challenges of obtaining a Leslie in the past, the author finds one for free from a woman giving away her deceased musician father's instruments. While the market for organs and pianos has dwindled, the author is excited about his new acquisition. However, he now faces the task of figuring out how to use the Leslie with his guitar, which requires additional investment.

via Defector|

#guitar-toys #hammond-organ #leslie-speaker

real-estate2 years ago•2 min saved

The Obsolescence of Office Buildings: Impending Losses for Banks and Investors

Many office buildings, particularly lower-tier Class B and lower-grade Class A buildings, are at risk of becoming competitively obsolete, leading to potential losses for banks and investors, according to Scott Rechler, CEO of RXR Realty. The US office vacancy rate has reached an all-time high, and distressed office space is being acquired by banks such as Goldman Sachs. Rechler predicts that more distressed inventory will hit the market, potentially causing prices to drop. However, regional banks face a greater risk from multifamily properties than office buildings. Experts warn of a potential commercial real estate crash, with office prices possibly plunging 35% in the coming decades.

via Markets Insider|

#banks #commercial-real-estate #investors