Amazon has officially begun ending software support for a group of Kindle e-readers released before 2013. This decision, which affects devices that have been operational for more than a decade, prevents users from purchasing or downloading new books directly via the Amazon store, sparking criticism regarding the increase in electronic waste resulting from encouraging users to constantly upgrade.
Affected Devices and Current Status
The devices that have lost support include the first Kindle versions, Kindle 2, Kindle DX, Kindle Keyboard, in addition to Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, and the first generation of Kindle Paperwhite. While Amazon justifies this step by rapid technical development, asserting that it affects only about 3% of its active users, the challenge lies in how to utilize this hardware that is still technically functional.
Practically speaking, the devices will not stop working immediately; users can continue reading previously downloaded books, provided they do not log out of the device or perform a factory reset. However, the devices will lose the ability to access direct download features from the Amazon library.
How Can You Continue Using Your Device?
Despite the store restrictions, there are still effective ways to keep the device useful:
- Sideloading: Users can manually transfer files via a USB cable using a computer. It is recommended to use the open-source tool Calibre, which allows for easy formatting and transferring of e-books and PDF files.
- Open Sources: Free books in compatible formats can be obtained from digital repositories such as Project Gutenberg or Internet Archive.
Innovative Ideas for Recycling the Device
If you have already moved to a newer model, there is no need to throw away the old device. Since E-ink screens consume very little power, a Kindle can be converted into other useful tools:
The device can be converted into an electronic clock, a calendar, or a dashboard for a smart home. This requires connecting the device to a small computer such as a Raspberry Pi and using software scripts available on the GitHub platform, where the device pulls updated images via Wi-Fi to continuously display the time or weather status without consuming battery power.
If you decide to dispose of the device permanently, a "Factory Reset" must be performed to protect your privacy, while ensuring disposal through approved electronic waste recycling channels.