Amazon will discontinue the „download & transfer via USB“ option for Kindle purchases on February 26, 2025. This feature allowed users to download e-books directly to their computers and transfer them to older Kindle devices that lack Wi-Fi connectivity.
The removal of this option primarily impacts users who rely on third-party software like Calibre to manage their e-book libraries or those who wish to download their Kindle purchases for use on other platforms. Previously, the option also helped users store copies of their e-books, safeguarding against potential changes by Amazon.
Customers can still transfer e-books to their Kindles using USB if they have already downloaded the files. However, downloading files directly from Amazon’s website will no longer be available after the cutoff date. Users need to have an older Kindle or Fire device linked to their account to access this feature before it ends.
For those with extensive libraries, a command-line tool called the Amazon Kindle eBook Bulk Downloader can automate the download process, allowing users to retrieve multiple files at once without bypassing any DRM protections.
Although Amazon has not provided specific recommendations for users of older Kindles, it continues to support reading previously downloaded books and accessing new content through the Kindle app and Wi-Fi enabled devices.
The discontinuation of this feature reflects Amazon’s ongoing transition towards modern Kindle devices, which primarily use Wi-Fi for content access. While the company does offer trade-in options for older devices, no special incentives are currently available for those affected by this change.
For more details, visit the original article on Ars Technica.