BIG UPDATE: Amazon makes major change to popular product (users are upset)
In 2024, if you’re an internet-savvy user, you’ve likely placed an order online, with Amazon being a go-to for many. The retailer’s 200 million Prime members enjoy exclusive deals and innovations, from Alexa to the Kindle e-reader. However, even non-Prime members can benefit from Amazon’s extensive offerings, especially its popular devices.
Kindle’s Popularity and Recent Promotions
Amazon’s Kindle e-reader remains a favorite among book lovers, allowing users to store thousands of titles without the glare of traditional screens. During Amazon’s July Prime Days, the Kindle Scribe was discounted by around 30%, showcasing the retailer’s strategy to attract customers with appealing deals. With estimates of sales between 20 million and 90 million units, Kindles are among Amazon’s best-selling hardware.
Controversial Firmware Update
Despite their popularity, Kindles aren’t without issues. The recent firmware update, version 5.16.10.0.1, has caused confusion and frustration among users. Key changes to the Kindle interface include:
- Reading Progress: Altered font and slower updates, which may impact margin sizing and page formatting.
- Time Display: Now in military format, with no option to change it back.
- Battery Performance: Some users report quicker battery drain post-update.
Many users have taken to platforms like Reddit to voice their grievances. One user described their once perfectly functioning Kindle as now “insufferable,” highlighting issues like unresponsive touch screens and laggy performance. Others echoed similar frustrations, mentioning the need for frequent restarts and slow responses when trying to navigate or highlight text.
While some users appreciate the clock and time changes, they argue that customizable options would cater to varied preferences.
Amazon’s Response
As of now, Amazon has not publicly addressed the specific complaints regarding the latest update. Historically, the company has responded to customer feedback by issuing software updates to rectify issues, suggesting that further changes may be on the horizon.
As Kindle users navigate these changes, they continue to express a strong desire for functionality improvements, ensuring their beloved reading devices remain effective and user-friendly.
