Kindle Ereader vs PocketBook Touch

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.


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. 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.


2020. Pocketbook Touch Lux 5 gets more storage and lighter case



The 5th generation of the Pocketbook Touch Lux e-reader is being released and will be priced at $129.99. This device is very cost-effective, features a dual-core processor, a good battery life and supports a wide range of formats. It also includes support for ABBYY Lingvo dictionaries (24 language combinations), English-German and Webster’s Dictionary 1913. It has a 6-inch E INK Carta HD capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024×758 and 212 PPI. The device includes a front-lit screen and a color temperature adjustment system. Under the hood, it is equipped with a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, with an SD card slot supporting an additional 32GB. It features micro USB, Wi-Fi and is powered by a 1,500 mAh battery. Its dimensions are 161.3 × 108 × 8 mm and it weighs 150g.


2019. Pocketbook released Touch Lux 4 Limited Edition



Pocketbook has just released a new limited edition of the Touch Lux 4 for the holiday season. The e-reader has an elegant gold finish on the front, sides and back. This device comes with a complimentary gift box and a custom cover. It is priced at $149. The Pocketbook Touch Lux 4 features a six-inch E Ink Carta screen with a resolution of 1024×758 and uses a capacitive touchscreen. It includes a new front-lit display with higher quality LED lights compared to previous models, though it lacks a color temperature adjustment system.


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.


2013. Pocketbook announces Pocketbook Touch 2



PocketBook has been relatively silent over the past year while the company underwent business restructuring. Today, PocketBook unveiled a new six-inch device, the PocketBook Touch 2. It features the same HD E Ink Pearl display found on the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo. The resolution is 1024×758 and includes a front-light, which is ideal for reading in low light conditions. It also comes with 256 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal storage and supports SD cards up to 32 GB. Battery life is expected to be sufficient for up to 7,000 page turns. Additionally, it has an audio jack for listening to audiobooks and music. While PocketBook retains significance in Eastern Europe, it has limited presence in the North American market.


2012. Amazon unveils Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle 5



The e-reader competition continues unabated these days. Today, Amazon has introduced two new e-ink e-readers—the budget-friendly Kindle 5 and the "frontlit" Kindle Paperwhite. Naturally, the latter is set to rival the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight and the Kobo Glo. All these e-readers enable reading in the dark, but the Paperwhite seems to outshine the competition. The display appears almost flawlessly white, whereas the Nook still has a hint of gray. Additionally, Amazon has enhanced the battery life, boasting eight weeks of use even with the light on (compared to the Nook’s one month). The Kindle Paperwhite features a touch screen, effectively replacing the Kindle Touch in Amazon's e-reader lineup.


2011. Amazon launches Kindle 4



The new Kindle 4 features a 6-inch, 600x800 E Ink Pearl screen, similar to the previous model, but most hardware similarities end there: the keyboard, a staple of earlier Kindles, has been removed and replaced with four physical buttons and what Amazon terms a “five-way controller,” a directional pad surrounding a button. Typing is now done using this controller and an on-screen virtual keyboard. Despite the inconvenience of text input, the removal of the keyboard significantly reduces the Kindle’s size and weight. It remains comfortable to hold in one hand for prolonged reading sessions. Internally, the Kindle is designed economically to meet the $79 price point. It supports Wi-Fi speeds up to 72.2 Mbps, has 256MB of RAM and 2GB of flash storage. All of this is powered by an 890mAh 3.7 V battery, which Amazon claims lasts about a month.