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Amazon confirms end of support for old Kindles from May 20th

Kindle
Photo: Kindle @Charday Penn /Istock.com

Quarenta devices that helped popularize digital reading in the country still work for those who have local files. The change announced by Amazon changes access to new content.

Amazon will end support for versions of Kindle released in 2012 or earlier. From May 20th, owners of these models will no longer be able to buy, lend or download books through the official store. Device registration in accounts will also be blocked in cases of reset or cancellation. The company confirmed the decision in a statement to users.

Modelos affected by Amazon’s decision

The list includes nine e-ink readers and four tablets from the Fire line. Entre e-readers include the first generation Kindle, from 2007, the Kindle 2, from 2009, and the Kindle DX and DX Graphite, launched between 2009 and 2010.

  • 1st generation Kindle (2007)
  • Kindle 2nd generation (2009)
  • Kindle DX (2009)
  • Kindle DX Graphite (2010)
  • Kindle Keyboard (2010)
  • Kindle 4 (2011)
  • Kindle Touch (2011)
  • Kindle 5 (2012)
  • 1st generation Kindle Paperwhite (2012)

The first and second generation Fire tablets, in addition to the 2012 Fire HD 7 and HD 8.9, also lose full access to the book store. Amazon advises that devices continue to read content that has already been downloaded, as long as the registration is not removed and the device does not undergo a factory reset.

The Kindle 5 was present at the Brasil as one of the first models officially sold in the country. Muitos readers keep these devices because of the durability of the screen and battery. The limitation does not delete books already present, but prevents new direct acquisitions on the device.

What can you still do after May 20th?

Livros transferred via USB are still available. Usuários can copy files from old computer to Kindle using cable. Essa option maintains basic usage of the device for those who prefer to manage the library manually.

Amazon offers credit on e-books and a 20% discount on new models for those who decide to exchange their device. The promotion is valid until June for affected customers. Muitos owners report that old devices still display good reading quality, even after more than a decade of use.

Impacto for Brazilian readers

The Brasil received the first official Kindles around 2012. The Kindle 5 was one of the initial highlights on national store shelves. The decision mainly affects those who purchased in the initial phase of Amazon’s expansion in the country.

Quem has large collection of digital books can feel more cut. The impossibility of purchasing new content directly from the device forces a migration to other methods. Alguns readers plan to keep the old device as a secondary reader and use a current model for purchases.

The company reinforces that the measure follows the natural hardware update cycle. Dispositivos over 14 years old no longer receives connectivity with the store’s servers. Isso avoids compatibility issues with newer systems.

Alternativas for those who don’t want to exchange Kindle now

Aplicativos from Kindle on smartphones and tablets allows you to continue shopping and reading. The app syncs your existing library, although the reading experience differs from the e-ink screen.

Quem prefers dedicated hardware and can look for current models with adjustable lighting and larger storage. The current Paperwhite line, for example, offers weeks of battery life and more fluid integration with the store.

Transferir files via computer solves the immediate problem for many. Basta connect the old Kindle to the PC and copy the files in the compatible format. Essa practice was common before the popularization of wireless connection.

Ficha technical of affected models

The devices on the list share common technical limitations for the time. Most have a 6 or 9.7 inch screen, storage between 2 GB and 4 GB and only Wi-Fi or 3G connection in some cases.

  • Tela: 6-inch e-ink on most e-readers
  • Armazenamento: 2GB to 4GB internal
  • Conectividade: Wi-Fi or 3G in old versions
  • Bateria: up to a month of moderate use, according to data at the time
  • Formatos supported: AZW, MOBI, PDF and others via conversion

Amazon reminds you that full technical support also ends. Atualizações firmware stops, which may cause future incompatibilities with the user account.

Muitos owners express attachment to devices. The blue light-free screen and lightweight design still please those who read for long periods. Amazon’s decision reignites the debate about planned obsolescence in electronic products.

The company says the move frees up resources to develop new features in current models. Affected Clientes receive an email with direct guidance. Quem has not yet received the notification you can check in the devices section of the Amazon account.

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