Latest news with #AmazonKindles
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
This Super Useful Kindle Feature Will Vanish Next Week. You'd Better Do This While You Can
I'm quite the bookworm. I am an active member of two monthly book clubs, and I fly through two or three books per week, depending on length and, well, how invested I am in the story. This means I've read thousands of titles over the years. And one of my favorite tools to assist with this hobby is my Kindle. I love that I can take it anywhere, especially when I'm traveling, and I have access to hundreds of stories without having to pack hundreds of heavy books. If you're a Kindle lover like me, then you need to be aware of some changes coming to Amazon's e-reader. On Wednesday, Amazon will permanently remove a key Kindle feature: the ability to download and transfer copies of books to your computer. For over a decade, we users have been able to download copies of books on Kindle devices, and then use a USB cable to transfer them to a computer to control ourselves and share from there. Starting next week, this will no longer be possible. Below, we'll break down how to save your books -- while you still can. Read more: Best E-Reader for 2025 After Feb. 26, users will still be able to buy books on the Kindle Store and download them to a Kindle via Wi-Fi or a cellular network. If you mostly read Kindle ebooks on a reader or in the app, you won't be impacted by the removal of this feature. This is simply Amazon's way to eliminate users' ability to download ebook files and convert those files to other formats compatible with non-Kindle e-readers. And why would you want to do that? Well, if you bought a book on Kindle, but Amazon eventually loses the license to that title -- or if it's banned or removed -- you'll no longer be able to read it. That is, unless you download it and keep it on your computer. If you'd like to transfer your Kindle books to your computer before Feb. 26, visit sign in to your account and go to Accounts & Lists > Content Library > Books. Find the title you wish to download, then click More actions > Download & transfer via USB. A pop-up will appear asking you to select your Kindle. This doesn't mean you need to connect a Kindle device; it's a required step to activate the Download button, which you'll need to click once you've selected a Kindle. After you click Download, your book will be saved to your computer in Amazon's AZW3 format, which is designed specifically for Amazon Kindles, so it won't open on other devices without additional software. From there, you'll have the file permanently saved to your computer, and can convert it to other formats like PDF. Note that you can't download multiple Kindle books at once, meaning that this process can be time-consuming if you have hundreds of titles you wish to save. After this download and backup feature is discontinued, you'll still be able to manually transfer ebook files and other documents to your Kindle via USB using Amazon's apps or third-party tools, such as Calibre, an ebook management software. You just won't be able to download copies of purchased books from your Kindle to your computer anymore. Read more: How to Get Free E-Books From Your Local Library
Chicago Tribune
20-02-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Best e-reader
Which e-readers are best? Few things can beat the smell of a new book. Fingering through the untouched pages can give you a lot of joy of the upcoming journey, but the convenience and ease of an e-reader has moved books into the 21st century. Compact and with enough storage space for thousands of reading hours, e-readers have become a widely popular gadget. Here's a complete look at the best e-readers available. What to know before you buy an e-reader Storage capacity The main point of an e-reader is that you can have thousands of books available at the touch of a button. Running out of space will be highly disappointing, so you need to consider the amount of reading you'll be doing. The more reading you enjoy, the more storage you would want for various digital books. Display quality Electronic screens, such as computer monitors, televisions and smartphones, can damage your eyes when used for a long period. To a somewhat lesser degree, e-reader screens can be used if you don't have the correct display. Consider which display technology will be best for your eyes and compare the different kinds of displays available. Some e-readers allow you to customize the screen, changing the brightness that's best for you. Online store for downloads Electronic books can be downloaded onto your e-reader or mailed directly from your desktop computer. But many e-reader companies have online stores as well where you can browse for books and buy them. Consider which online marketplaces will have the most books that interest you. What to look for in a quality e-reader Battery life E-readers generally have incredibly long battery lives. On a single charge, e-readers can easily still have some battery power after several months of use. Because they draw so little power, they can also fully charge incredibly fast. Size When using an e-reader, it has to be comfortable in your hand. It will be distracting if you have to shift positions constantly. A good quality e-reader will have a great feeling when held with minimal effort, and there should be some area to hold it and not touch the display. Waterproof E-readers are great for any situation, whether it is on a train, next to the pool or in the bath. So with that, you certainly don't want to get it wet. But, a good quality e-reader will be waterproof, or at the very minimum, splashproof. Several protective covers are also available if your device isn't waterproof. How much you can expect to spend on an e-reader The average price for an e-reader will depend on the manufacturer, model and storage capacity. Most Amazon Kindles can retail for $80-$150, while other brands can retail for $100-$200. E-reader FAQ How do I get books onto an e-reader? A. There are several ways to get more electronic books onto your e-reader. All e-readers are Wi-Fi-enabled so that you can easily connect them to an online store for downloading more. You can also transfer books from your desktop computer through a USB cable, or you can email downloaded books and documents to your e-reader. Are there any accessories for e-readers? A. You won't need a lot of accessories with your e-reader. However, the most critical one is a protective cover. This prevents the outside casing from being damaged and protects the display when not in use. If you have an e-reader with audiobook capabilities, you'll want to get some earbuds. What's the best e-reader to buy? Top e-reader Amazon Kindle Paperwhite What you need to know: This is a popular choice that's perfect for any occasion. What you'll love: Available in four different colors, the Kindle Paperwhite comes with a 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited. It has a glare-free, 7-inch display, which is also waterproof from splashes. It has an internal storage of 16 gigabytes, which is more than enough for plenty of books. A single battery charge will last you for weeks. What you should consider: Some people wish the bezel was bigger for more screen protection. Top e-reader for the money Amazon Kindle What you need to know: Lightweight and compact, the original Kindle does not disappoint. What you'll love: With 16GB of internal storage and a 6-inch screen, the original Kindle is still the perfect companion for reading on the train, bus or the beach. It has a display resolution of 300 pixels per inch and is compatible with Audible audiobooks. What you should consider: There's no cellular connectivity option. Worth checking out Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids What you need to know: This kids' e-reader has all the kid-friendly features needed to help it last a long time. What you'll love: It has 16GB of storage and a large, 7-inch screen. It's waterproof and scratch-resistant, so it holds up to wear and tear. It comes with parental controls and 6 months of Amazon Kids+, with thousands of titles for kids to enjoy. What you should consider: You can turn off the kids mode, but you'll get ads if you do. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Associated Press
04-02-2025
- Associated Press
San Diego Youth Non-Profit Tech-Angels Bridges Generational Gaps with Technology and Tutoring for Senior Veterans
Teenagers Providing Devices and Training to Empower Veterans in the Digital Age 'We're really excited about this initiative so that we can give back and serve those in our community that have served us in the most meaningful way possible' — Jaiden Seeliger SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, February 4, 2025 / / -- Tech-Angels, a youth-based nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California, is proud to announce the launch of its new partnership with the VA Medical Center-San Diego aimed at supporting senior veterans with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world. Through donated technology devices and personalized tutoring, the organization is empowering veterans to stay connected with loved ones, improve their digital literacy, and enhance their quality of life by reducing social isolation. As technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, many seniors find themselves struggling to adapt to the digital landscape. The digital divide has left many veterans without the necessary skills or resources to take advantage of modern technology, leaving them isolated and disconnected. Tech-Angels is addressing this gap by providing veterans and senior citizens across San Diego with donated tech devices, such as Apple iPads, Amazon Kindles and Samsung Galaxies, as well as offering one-on-one tutoring and training in digital literacy. The new initiative with the VA is designed not only to help veterans learn how to use these devices, but also to ensure they can confidently navigate social media platforms, access healthcare and veteran services online, and maintain communication with family and friends. 'This partnership between Tech-Angels and the VA is a great intergenerational activity that can help establish communications across generations. The younger generation gets to hear the Vets' stories and the Vets feel the respect and compassion from the next generation, all while helping address technology skills that are often a challenge for those of us that don't live in the tech world day-to-day,' said Kim Elliott, director of Recreation Therapy in the VA Spinal Cord Injury Service. 'The mission of Tech Angels is to empower connection for our senior citizens through donated technology devices and tutoring. We're really excited about this initiative so that we can give back and serve those in our community that have served us in the most meaningful way possible,' said Jaiden Seeliger, Co-Founder of Tech-Angels. Tech-Angels continues to seek volunteers and donations to expand the initiative, ensuring that all senior veterans have the opportunity to benefit from the resources and support they deserve. For more information about how to get involved or to donate, please visit About Tech-Angels: Tech-Angels is a youth-led nonprofit organization that works to bridge generational gaps and create a more inclusive and connected society by providing senior citizens with donated technology devices and personalized technology tutoring. Since its inception, Tech-Angels has served over 500 individuals in nursing homes, senior centers and long-term care health facilities. Contact Information: Keanu, Jaiden, Milaan Seeliger [email protected] Keanu Seeliger +1 858-722-3423 Instagram Legal Disclaimer:
