Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Scribe

2023. Kindle Paperwhite gets new Kindle Scribe features



Amazon has rolled out a fresh firmware update, labeled as version 5.16.2.1, for the 7th generation Kindle, 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite, and the Signature edition. To obtain and install the update, users can navigate to the settings menu and check for available updates. In case the update is not yet accessible in a particular region, it is expected to be released within the next few weeks. The update incorporates a range of Kindle Scribe features, including drawing, notebook management, and sticky notes. However, these features are presently disabled and non-functional. This deliberate decision by Amazon enables them to maintain a unified code base for both their e-readers and the Kindle Scribe. Consequently, whenever an update is released for one model, it can be applied to all of them simultaneously.


2023. Kindle Scribe can now convert handwritten notes to text



Kindle Scribe has recently received the latest firmware update and one notable feature of this update is the ability to convert handwritten notebooks into text when exporting them. This allows users to conveniently edit and share their notebooks with friends, family, or colleagues via email. Within the Share menu, customers now have the options to "Convert to text and quick send" or "Convert to text and email" their standalone notebook as a .txt file. With the latter option, users can preview, review, and make edits to the converted text before sending it to up to 5 email addresses. Additionally, the new firmware introduces the lasso select tool, which can be used in notebooks, sticky notes, and PDFs uploaded to the Kindle library via the "Send to Kindle" feature. Furthermore, there are improvements in PDF reading capabilities, and a wider selection of books and titles that support direct on-page writing.


2023. Kindle Scribe's notebook gets web-interface



Amazon has introduced a new feature that allows you to access your Notebooks from the Kindle Scribe on the Web. Your Notebooks automatically appear on the webpage when your Kindle Scribe syncs, without any additional steps. The webpage displays all your folders, subfolders, and any notes added to them. To navigate through the notebook pages, you can use the mouse wheel or onscreen arrows. At the top right, there is a sync button to refresh the page, as well as a toggle to switch between list and grid view for the Notebooks. It's worth noting that the newest Notebooks are added to the bottom of the list, unlike the Scribe where they appear at the top. Perhaps sorting options will be added in the future. However, on the webpage, you can only view your notes and cannot edit or reorganize them. It's not possible to right-click and download them as images. Although you can save them as an HTML or PDF file, the functionality is not entirely reliable.


2023. Kindle Scribe now allows to send word documents to Kindle



Amazon recently unveiled numerous new features for its Amazon Kindle Scribe e-note, including the ability to Send to Kindle from Microsoft Word. This function allows users to send documents straight to their Kindle library and read and review them on any Kindle device. However, the feature is particularly useful on the Kindle Scribe, as it allows customers to add annotations directly to the documents. The update means that Microsoft 365 users with a personal, school, or work account can now utilize the Send to Kindle function in Microsoft Word on the desktop app. Those with free Microsoft accounts can access the feature through Word on the web. While Mac users will need to wait for a timeline to be released for Send to Kindle's compatibility with Word for Mac.


2023. Amazon releases new colors and covers for the Kindle Paperwhite



Amazon has recently introduced two fresh color options, Denim and Agave Green, for their Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. These new colors will be available for both the 16GB Kindle Paperwhite and the 32GB Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition models. Alongside the color variations, Amazon is also launching an Agave Green leather and fabric cover designed to complement the Agave Green device. It's worth noting that last fall, Amazon expanded the Kindle Paperwhite lineup by introducing a 16GB version alongside the existing 8GB model, allowing customers to enjoy increased storage capacity and carry a larger library while on the move. Building upon this success, the Kindle team decided to incorporate some playful color options into this popular e-reader.


2022. Kindle Scribe brings writing to Amazon’s popular e-reader



Amazon has introduced a noteworthy new feature to its Kindle lineup with the Kindle Scribe, allowing users to write directly on the device using a stylus. Priced at $340, this marks the first time Amazon has incorporated this capability since the initial launch of the Kindle in late-2007. While Remarkable and Sony have already introduced similar products such as the DPT-CP1 and DPT-RP1, the Kindle Scribe stands out with its own magnetically attachable stylus, resembling the design seen in many tablets. The stylus operates on electro-magnetic resistance (EMR), eliminating the need for charging and potentially enabling compatibility with other stylus options, although Amazon advises against this, emphasizing their stylus's tailored performance for the Kindle.


2022. Kindle Paperwhite is now available with 16GB of storage



Amazon has introduced a new variant of the Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB of storage, available with or without ads. Priced at $149, the 16GB version carries a $10 premium over the 8GB model. It is worth noting that Amazon has previously increased storage capacity on Kindles without increasing the price, making this seem like an attempt to charge extra for additional storage that many users may not require. Interestingly, the latest basic Kindle now offers 16GB of storage and is priced at only $99. Given this, it seems illogical for Amazon to offer an "upgraded" Paperwhite model with only 8GB of storage for $139, which explains the introduction of the 16GB option.


2021. Amazon launches Kindle Paperwhite for kids



Amazon has introduced the Kindle Paperwhite Kids, a version of the Kindle Paperwhite specifically designed for children. This kid-friendly e-reader includes software enhancements to ensure a safe reading experience. Notably, it possesses an IPx8 rating, indicating its ability to withstand accidental water exposure, an important feature for a device aimed at children. Additionally, the Paperwhite Kids offers tools like Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to aid children in improving their English language skills. It also supports the Open Dyslexic font, benefiting those with dyslexia. To further enrich the reading experience, the Paperwhite Kids comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, granting access to a vast library of over a thousand eBooks and Audible audiobooks tailored for kids.


2020. Amazon issues new update for Kindle Paperwhite 3



The long-awaited update has finally arrived for the Kindle Paperwhite 3, bringing along a host of new features that were previously missing. This particular model had not received a firmware update since December and there were even rumors of its discontinuation. One of the notable additions is an enhanced search experience, allowing users to effortlessly navigate through search results within the book without losing track of the page they were reading. To begin, simply search for a term in the book and tap on a search result. Furthermore, the Page Flip feature has been updated to display recently read pages as dots on the progress bar, including the most recent page read from another device. For those with a Freetime Unlimited subscription, children will now enjoy a revamped layout, improved search functionality, book details, and Audible support. In select markets, children with access to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited will find recommended age-appropriate eBook and Audible content conveniently displayed in rows.


2020. Amazon has ended support for the Kindle Paperwhite 3



Amazon has recently discontinued support for the Kindle Paperwhite 3, meaning that this e-reader will not receive any future firmware updates unless Amazon introduces a new version of TLS in their Kindle Whispersync program and Kindle Store. The 7th generation Kindle Paperwhite 3, which was launched in 2015 and enjoyed significant success, had been actively promoted for four years before being replaced by the Kindle Paperwhite 4 in late 2018. The most recent firmware update received by the Paperwhite 3 was in 2019, currently running version 5.12.2, while the other modern Kindle models are running version 5.13.1.


2020. You can now delete Kindle Books directly from Kindle



Previously, the only method to delete an ebook from your Kindle e-reader was by accessing your Amazon account via the website and removing the book from there. However, with the introduction of the 5.12.5 firmware update, you now have the ability to completely delete an ebook from your entire Amazon account directly on your Kindle device. Simply navigate to My Library and locate the title you wish to remove. Press and hold on the cover art for approximately two seconds, triggering a prompt that asks for confirmation of the deletion process. Once the removal is confirmed, the ebook will be entirely eradicated from your Amazon account, and you will no longer see it listed in the cloud section. It's important to note that if you accidentally delete the wrong book, you will need to repurchase it.


2020. Kindle ereaders get new font menu system



Amazon has released a new firmware update (5.12.4) for modern Kindle devices, introducing a revamped Aa menu that enhances users' reading experience by providing greater flexibility and control. The update primarily reorganizes the menu, consolidating additional settings into a single section instead of navigating through multiple menus and sub-menus. Upon accessing the Aa menu, users will find several sections, including themes, font, and layout options. The themes section allows users to create personalized themes or choose from various presets such as standard, compact, and large. In the font menu, users can select different fonts from a dropdown menu and adjust font boldness and size using slider bars. With fewer font options displayed on the screen, more text becomes visible in the book being read, allowing users to gauge the appearance of font settings as they make adjustments.


2019. Amazon heavily discounts the Kindle Paperwhite 4



Amazon has recently reduced the price of the Kindle Paperwhite 4 by $30, offering customers a chance to purchase the base model with 8GB storage for $99, or the 32GB WiFi version for $129. For those seeking an e-reader with 4G/LTE internet access, Amazon has discounted this model by $40, making it available for $209. However, it's important to note that this deal is exclusively available to customers in the United States. The Kindle Paperwhite 4 is not only waterproof but also includes access to the Audible audiobook store, allowing users to enjoy audio titles through wireless headphones or portable speakers. With its bezel-flush screen design, turning pages with swipes and gestures becomes even easier and more convenient.


2018. The new Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and waterproof



Kindle Paperwhite has recently received several upgrades, enhancing the overall user experience while maintaining its affordable starting price of $130. One of the most exciting upgrades is the addition of waterproofing, boasting an impressive IPX8 rating. This means that the device can be submerged in water up to two meters deep for up to an hour without any damage. Similar to its predecessor, the Oasis, the Kindle Paperwhite now features a flush front design, eliminating the raised bezels found in older and more economical models. This change not only enhances the device's premium feel but also provides added protection against water infiltration. Additionally, this upgrade contributes to making the Paperwhite the thinnest and lightest version to date. Another noteworthy improvement is the increase in the number of LEDs from four to five. Although seemingly minor, this enhancement significantly improves the uniformity of the front lighting, eliminating the patchy consistency observed in previous models.


2018. Kindle adds new search features



A firmware update has been rolled out by Amazon for all Kindles manufactured within the last five years. Notable additions include an enhancement to the in-book search feature, which now incorporates results from your personal notes and highlights. Furthermore, a clock has been introduced at the top of the screen while reading a book, but if desired, this feature can be disabled through the settings menu. The update, known as 5.9.4, is expected to be distributed to all Kindles over the next few days, automatically installing while the device is in sleep mode. Upon using the Kindle after the update, users can anticipate a noticeable reboot, accompanied by a notification window that provides details on the recent changes.


2016. Amazon released Kindle Paperwhite USB Audio Bundle



Amazon has introduced a new USB audio bundle designed to enhance the accessibility features of Kindle e-Readers. This bundle enables users to receive audio prompts when interacting with menus and utilizes text-to-speech functionality for listening to e-books. The VoiceView for Kindle feature employs Amazon's natural language text-to-speech voices, providing visually impaired customers with the ability to enjoy Kindle books. By connecting the USB audio dongle to headphones or speakers, users can not only listen to books but also navigate the user interface using audio cues. Currently, the adapter is only compatible with the latest generation Kindle Paperwhite, but Amazon has plans to expand its availability to other models, such as the Kindle Voyage and Kindle Oasis, in the future.


2015. New $119 Kindle Paperwhite will be easy on your eyes



Amazon has unveiled its latest offering, the new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, priced at $119. This upgraded device features a 6-inch display with an impressive 300ppi resolution, providing a high-quality reading experience. Alongside the enhanced display, Amazon has introduced a new font and book layout system, specifically designed to make reading books like "The Martian" more enjoyable, especially during summer vacation. The Kindle Paperwhite is currently available for pre-order and is set to be shipped on June 30. While the overall design of the device remains unchanged, featuring a sleek black plastic exterior with a glare-free screen, this updated model boasts twice the number of pixels compared to its predecessor, resulting in laser-quality text. Font enthusiasts will also appreciate the introduction of a new typeface called Bookerly, carefully crafted by Amazon to offer improved readability. Additionally, a new typesetting engine has been incorporated, ensuring superior book layout, even when using larger font sizes.


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



Amazon has released an update for Kindle e-readers, bringing new e-reading features previously exclusive to the Kindle Voyage to older Kindle models. The update introduces several enhancements, including Family Library, which enables users with linked Amazon accounts to access and read books previously downloaded by family members. Additionally, the Word Wise feature automatically displays definitions for challenging words above them, aiding comprehension. The Enhanced search function now provides results from not only your library but also Goodreads and the Kindle Store. Lastly, the About This Book feature offers valuable information such as author biographies and other titles in the series as you commence reading. The update is compatible with the Paperwhite 2nd generation, Kindle Voyage, and the most recent low-end Kindles.


2014. Kindle Paperwhite gets twice more internal storage



Amazon has recently made a subtle update to the Kindle Paperwhite 2nd generation hardware. The latest version of the device is virtually identical to the one released last year, with one notable change: the internal storage capacity has been doubled. The international product page for the Wi-Fi Kindle Paperwhite was updated earlier this summer, featuring a banner directing users to the "current version" product page. Members of the MobileRead forums, who are avid Kindle fans, have confirmed that the new page refers to a 4GB Paperwhite, which was previously only available in Japan. It is important to note that Amazon clarifies this is not a completely new product, but rather an upgraded version of the previous Paperwhite model, now offering more storage capacity.


2014. Amazon adds Goodreads integration to Kindle Paperwhite 1



Amazon has commenced the rollout of a software update for the first-generation Kindle Paperwhite, introducing various new features to the e-reader, including Goodreads integration. The second-generation Paperwhite, which is already available, acquired Goodreads support in November of the previous year. Additionally, the update incorporates Kindle FreeTime, an element that curates books for children and enables parents to allocate dedicated reading time. It also introduces Cloud Collections for efficient organization, Page Flip for seamless content scanning, and quicker access to the Bookmarks, Highlights, and Notes feature. The update will progressively reach devices in the United States, Canada, and Australia within the next few weeks. For more information, refer to: Why you need Kindle collection manager.