Kindle Ereader vs Nook GlowLight

2024. New Kindle e-readers no longer connect as USB drives



The latest generation of Kindles, including the illustrious Kindle Paperwhite, the poetic Kindle Scribe 2 and 1 and the rumored Kindle Colorsoft (which may or may not be able to interpret hues you can’t even see), all share one curious trait: they no longer appear as external drives when you plug them into your PC or Mac. No, Amazon has quietly guided them away from the freedom of USB file transfer, much like a chaperone at a particularly rowdy school dance. The purpose? Probably to keep DRM in its rightful, invisible place and to discourage you from gallivanting off with files to dubious pirate websites. Meanwhile, the old guard—venerable 9th-generation Kindles and the like—still proudly show up as drives when connected, happily helping their owners sideload and backup ebooks as if this whole "new file system called MTP" business were nothing more than an annoying rumor.


2024. Kindle software update re-introduced Book Lists



In a move that might be described as "thoroughly over-engineered," Amazon’s Kindle e-readers are receiving yet another software update, this time lumbering under the gloriously cumbersome name of firmware version 5.16.10.0.1. Targeting the 10th and 11th generation Kindles—including the illustrious Kindle Scribe—this update performs the breathtaking feat of renaming "Your Reading Lists" to the slightly snappier "Your Lists," where your carefully hoarded Amazon books and samples now reside, accessible via the Samples filter in your Library. Alongside this monumental rebranding effort come the usual suspects: performance improvements, bug fixes, and "general enhancements" (whatever those might be). For those who can’t wait, the update is available for manual download from Amazon’s Kindle Software Updates page; for the more laid-back among us, it will waft its way automatically into devices during one of those serendipitous moments when the Kindle is plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and entirely unsuspecting—over the course of weeks, naturally.


2024. Kindle e-readers cannot access Overdrive Books anymore



The Amazon Kindle content system, in a manner not unlike a hyperactive Vogon bureaucrat with a grudge, has descended into chaos. Users, brimming with the innocent hope of diving into their freshly purchased books, are instead greeted with a void of technical ineptitude. The trusty *Send to Kindle* feature, which many had come to rely upon like a digital towel in the vast galaxy of reading, has been sulking inoperably for three weeks, steadfastly refusing to function. Meanwhile, Overdrive and its sprightlier cousin, Libby, have been locked in a peculiar tango of dysfunction with Amazon for months, leaving frustrated librarians, including yours truly, to witness patrons hurl their Kindles into existential despair as their devices stubbornly refuse recognition. This kerfuffle, affecting both Android and iOS Libby apps as well as the Overdrive website, is rendered doubly exasperating by the fact that sending library ebooks to Kindles is a privilege only extended to U.S. users, thanks to a licensing deal that feels as obtuse as a Krikkit warship treaty.


2024. Kindle update improves settings adjustment



In the unfathomable expanse of the Kindle universe, where e-ink pages hold dominion over the written word, Amazon has unfurled firmware update 5.16.7 for its sleek array of modern e-readers—an illustrious troupe featuring the latest Paperwhite, the rather clever Scribe, and the stalwart base Kindle. While this update, in the grand tapestry of technological evolution, might appear as thrilling as a Vogon poetry reading, its mission is clear: to quietly bolster performance, exterminate pesky bugs, and polish the device experience to a state of nearly ineffable functionality (as per the mysterious scribblings in the change log). Contrast this with the previous update, which paraded through the digital cosmos with such novelties as a reimagined settings menu for navigational bliss, a "Date and time" setting that, against all odds, lets you set them, and even a special little nook for screenshots to call their own. One can only hypothesize, in the speculative manner of pan-galactic hitchhikers, that version 5.16.7 serves to tidy up the loose ends left in its predecessor’s wake—possibly even extending battery life, as whispered in hushed tones by a few users who’ve ventured into its post-update reality.


2023. Amazon improves internet browser on Kindle e-readers



Amazon quietly introduced an improved internet browser for 10th and 11th-generation Kindle e-readers as part of the new 5.16.4 update. Although Amazon didn't officially announce the enhanced browser functionality, they did mention improvements made to Goodreads for better performance on E INK screens. Good e-Reader conducted various tests since Amazon didn't disclose specific details about the browser changes. Notably, the updated browser now loads websites faster, enhances text readability and allows users to interact with cookie-acceptance popups. Layouts and CSS issues on websites like Wikipedia have been resolved and users can now access email services like Google Mail. Amazon has also added new bookmarks for social media networks, including X.


2023. Send to Kindle is losing MOBI support



In the kind of language that might make even a Vogon pause and scratch its head in bemusement, Amazon has commenced the herculean task of reminding its customers—with a most ominous "Final Reminder"—that the beloved but arcane MOBI file format (.AZW, .MOBI, .PRC) will no longer be welcome in the sprawling universe of their Send to Kindle service as of later this Earth-year. This wasn’t entirely unanticipated; after all, Amazon did declare, with as much solemnity as one can muster while talking about file formats, that MOBI support would fade into the mists of "late 2022." Naturally, this timetable wandered a bit, lurching toward "early 2023," then whistling jauntily along until an unexpected September 2023. Now, however, with all the vigor of an advanced bureaucracy, Amazon is—probably—determined to "phase out support" for the ancient MOBI files starting November 1st, 2023, when the proverbial curtain finally descends on a format older than most people’s email passwords.


2023. Kindle e-readers get List view option for Collections



The latest firmware update for Kindle has bravely ventured into the Collections view and, with the kind of understated drama typically reserved for teabags refusing to sink, introduced List mode. Up until now, the Library section had been happily flaunting both Grid view and List view, while Collections stubbornly stuck to Grid view for reasons that might make sense only to the higher-dimensional beings working at Amazon. But lo! The update now allows Collections to bask in the glory of a List view as well, enabling users to shuffle their digital tomes with all the precision and flair of a librarian juggling invisible Dewey decimal cards. While some users might shrug and go back to flipping pages, others will find a peculiar joy in arranging their e-books in tidy lists within their collections. However, the Kindle Scribe, that illustrious device of note-taking ambition, seems to have been left out of the party. For now, the Scribe continues to view Collections with the same monolithic Grid perspective, perhaps hinting at Amazon’s mysterious plans for it. Optimists can only hope that, in some future update, the Scribe will not only join the List-view club but also gain a few Scribe-specific tricks to flaunt at family gatherings.


2023. Nook firmware update adds useful FAQ and custom book sorting



Barnes & Noble has recently rolled out a new firmware update, version 8.13.160, which introduces a new FAQ system in the support section of the settings menu. This update addresses many of the questions and concerns that new users may have about the Nook brand, eliminating the need to use a computer or visit the Nook website online. Now, you can access this information directly on the e-reader. The Nook also features a new system for custom sorting of shelves, allowing users to reposition shelves or books within a shelf in their preferred order. Select the custom option from the sort-by menu to begin. Essentially, content and shelves now have arrow keys that can be used to adjust the layout. Finally, you can now sort and view all your notes and annotations made in ebooks directly from the search bar. This makes it convenient to look up notes you’ve just taken without having to open the book and find them manually.


2022. New basic Kindle offers premium Paperwhite features for under $100



Amazon has introduced a new 6-inch Kindle, touting it as its "lightest and most compact" e-reader to date. Although this device is the latest addition to Amazon's standard Kindle lineup, its features are more comparable to the $139.99 Paperwhite model. It incorporates several attributes from the premium range, including a 300ppi high-resolution display for "crystal-clear text and images" (up from 167ppi), a dark mode and USB-C charging. Additional enhancements include a battery life of up to six weeks per charge and 16GB of storage, which is twice the capacity of its 2019 predecessor. The adjustable front light has also been reinstated. Notably, this new Kindle is priced at $99.99 — just a $10 increase from the previous generation, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to upgrade from an older model that lost the capability to browse, borrow, or purchase books directly from the Kindle Store last month.


2021. Nook Glowlight 4 gets smaller and lighter design



Barnes & Noble has launched a new Nook Glowlight 4 and it’s now available for order on B&N’s website. The new Nook is a 6-inch model with 32GB of storage, USB-C and features a new, smaller and lighter design (though the exact weight reduction isn't specified). Like its predecessor, it still has page buttons on both sides of the screen (now positioned closer to the edge) and includes a frontlight with adjustable color temperature, referred to by B&N as Night Mode. It boasts a 300 ppi E Ink display, which likely incorporates the newer E Ink technology with deeper blacks, as B&N notes it has “enhanced contrast.” It is powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz CPU and the software is based on Android 8.1. The price is $149.99.


2021. Kindle update brings new navigation options



Amazon has launched another software update for Kindle e-readers that introduces further adjustments to the navigation system for reading e-books. The new software version is 5.14.1, an upgrade from 5.13.7 from the previous update, which made significant changes to the user interface. Now, they are addressing some issues caused by the removal of the back button in that update. Essentially, they have added a "go back" box that appears at the bottom of the screen whenever navigating to a different section of a book.


2021. Kindle Special Offers no longer show ads on the home screen



Various Kindle models feature a Special Offers program. This subsidizes the price of a new Kindle by around $25 to $30 and in return for the discount, advertisements are displayed on the lock screen and home screen. Amazon recently rolled out the 5.13.7 firmware update that completely overhauled the home screen. One of the improvements is that all ads have now been removed from the home screen, so ads are only shown when the Kindle is in sleep mode. The home screen now displays the book you are currently reading and your progress within it. It also features cover art of a few other books and some text-based information. Below that, you'll find your recommended reads—books Amazon promotes based on your previous purchases. There is simply not enough space in the user interface to display ads anymore.


2021. Kindle 3G internet will no longer work since 2022



Amazon initially provided 3G internet access on the original Kindle released in 2017. This feature allowed Kindles to connect to the nearest cell tower offering 3G data, enabling users to access the bookstore and Wikipedia. Beginning next year, this will become obsolete. Telecommunications companies worldwide are beginning to shut down their 3G networks and reallocate the frequencies to 4G/LTE and 5G.


2021. Kindle can now display book covers on the lock screen



Amazon released a new firmware update that enables the Paperwhite, Oasis and entry-level Kindle to show ebook cover art on the lock screen while the e-reader is in sleep mode. This is a feature that users have been requesting for over a decade and one of the primary reasons many people resort to jailbreaking their Kindle. Which covers will it display? According to initial reports, it will show the ebook you are currently reading. It functions with content bought from Amazon, as well as sideloaded ebooks.


2018. Barnes and Noble unveiled charging dock and keyboard for Nook 10.1



Barnes & Noble launched their new Nook Tablet 10.1 this week and has now introduced two accessories. The Charging Dock keeps the tablet powered continuously while you listen to audiobooks or watch movies. It is priced at $34.95 and includes a limited 20% discount with the code STACKED. The Smart Folio Cover with Keyboard features a magnetic clip that attaches to your tablet without the need for pairing. You can use it to take notes or write that great American novel. It is priced at $39.95 and also includes a 20% discount with the same promo code as the charging dock. The Nook Tablet 10.1 runs on Google Android 8.1, allowing you to install all your favorite apps from Google Play.


2018. Nook e-Readers stop working without security update



Barnes and Noble has announced that their Nook e-readers will stop functioning after June 29th if the required security update is not installed. You will be unable to make any purchases, or download and manage your NOOK Content from your NOOK Device. Barnes and Noble is enhancing the security system for all of their websites and servers that handle customer data and process payment information. The e-readers affected by this new security system include the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight, Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD, Nook HD+ and Nook Glowlight.


2017. Barnes and Noble released Nook Glowlight 3



Barnes and Noble has just launched their first new e-reader in two years, named the Nook Glowlight 3. This device boasts several cutting-edge features, including page turn buttons that can skip to the next chapter with a double tap or swiftly turn the pages of an e-book by holding them down. It also introduces a comfortlight system that adjusts the white screen to a softer orange hue. The Nook Glowlight 3 operates on Google Android, similar to their other e-readers. It features a highly advanced front-lit display system. Among the notable elements of the new Nook are the physical buttons, with two page turn buttons on both the left and right sides. The primary Nook Reading app is well designed, offering fast page turns and an innovative Copy/Paste feature for notes.


2015. Barnes & Noble created waterproof Nook



More than a year after phasing out the Nook and Nook HD+, Barnes & Noble is finally updating its flagship GlowLight e-reader with the GlowLight Plus, the company's first waterproof e-reader. It is the first Nook to feature user profiles, because, after all, couples who read together stay together. Named the Nook GlowLight Plus, the new model costs $130 and is now available. The Plus boasts a 300ppi display with twice as many pixels as its predecessor, an aluminum body that is slimmer but slightly heavier than the GlowLight. Most importantly, the Plus is waterproof, so Nook enthusiasts can read their favorite e-books in the bathtub.


2014. Kindle Update for e-readers lets enables sharing books with your family



Amazon introduces a new update to Kindle e-readers, bringing the latest e-reading features of the Kindle Voyage to older Kindle models. The new features include Family Library (allowing users with linked Amazon accounts to access books downloaded by family members), Word Wise (which automatically displays definitions for challenging words above them), Enhanced Search (now retrieving results from your library, Goodreads and the Kindle Store) and About This Book (providing details such as author biographies and additional titles in the series as you begin reading). The update will be available for the 2nd generation Paperwhite, Kindle Voyage and the latest entry-level Kindles.


2014. Amazon unveils $199 Kindle Voyage and new simple Kindle ereader with touchscreen



Amazon today unveiled the 7th generation of Kindle: Kindle Voyage, the premium, most advanced e-reader yet and the new basic Kindle e-reader, featuring a 20% faster processor, double the storage and now with a touch interface. The Kindle Voyage is priced at $199. Should you purchase it? It depends on how important page turns are to you. On each side of the reader's face are two slim lines. A light press along these lines advances or reverses a page. Amazon has even included a subtle bit of haptic feedback to indicate the action is taking place. Pages can also be turned by swiping on the touch screen. Additionally, it features a flat glass, high-resolution display and a brighter, self-adjusting light.