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What is Kindle?
Kindle is a series of portable, wireless e-readers designed and marketed by Amazon. Modified versions of Kindle’s e-reader software are available as free iOS and Android mobile apps.
Amazon also offers a free browser-based version of Kindle. The web app used to be called Kindle Cloud Reader, but it is now known as Kindle for Web.
Key Takeaways
- Kindle is the brand name for a series of e-readers developed by Amazon.
- The brand name is also used for the platform Amazon developed to sell ebooks directly to consumers.
- Kindle software allows users to purchase, browse, download, and read digital content from a Kindle e-reader or Kindle mobile app.
- Amazon Whispersync synchronizes reading progress, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across all Kindle devices and apps.
- The Kindle ecosystem helped popularize e-reading and disrupted the publishing industry.
Kindle History
Kindle was developed in 2007 by Lab126, Inc., a small subsidiary of Amazon.com. Over the years, Amazon has iteratively improved Kindle e-readers by improving screen resolution, adding more memory, and introducing new features like touchscreens to improve the user experience (UX).
Key Features of Kindle e-Readers
There have been so many Kindle versions over the years that it’s challenging to list every feature that Amazon has introduced. The key Kindle features that each version has in common include a lightweight and portable design, an E Ink display for a paper-like reading experience, long battery life, access to the Kindle store, and wireless connectivity for downloading books and syncing reading progress.
Additional features that can enhance the reading experience include:
- Built-in dictionary
- Bookmarks
- Reader highlights
- Adjustable fonts
- Bluetooth connectivity for audiobooks
- Parental Controls
- Integration with Goodreads
How the Kindle Differs from Other Tablets and E-Readers
The Kindle line of e-readers stands out from tablets and other e-readers primarily because of its E Ink display, which mimics the look of physical books. Kindle’s E Ink display is non-reflective, which makes it readable in direct sunlight. E Ink is also low-power, which means that Kindle’s battery can last for weeks without needing to be charged.
Kindle Competitors
While Kindle remains the market leader in the e-reader space, several competitors offer compelling alternatives:
- Kobo allows users to sideload ebooks from various sources and supports the EPUB format natively.
- Nook e-readers allow users to turn pages with physical buttons.
- Boox e-readers are available in high-end versions that use color E Ink technology.
- reMarkable Paper Pro e-readers tend to be expensive, but they feature a Canvas Color display and support external keyboard hardware.
How Does a Kindle E-Reader Work?
Kindle devices use Whispernet to access the Kindle bookstore and Whispersync to synchronize reading progress, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across all Kindle devices and apps. Both features require an Internet connection, but users do not need it to read content that has already been downloaded.
Kindle Types
Amazon offers several different models of Kindle e-readers. The Kindle (2022 release) is currently the least expensive and most basic model.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Amazon Scribe, which comes with a stylus and offers note-taking capabilities, is the most expensive.
It’s widely believed that the Kindle Paperwhite, which is Amazon’s mid-level e-reader, is currently the best-selling Kindle model.
Which Kindle Should I Buy?
The best Kindle for you depends on your personal preferences and budget. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right Kindle is to compare the different available models.
| Kindle | Kindle Paperwhite | Kindle Stylus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6 inches | 6.8 inches | 10.2 inches |
| Storage | 16 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB |
| Resolution | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi |
| Front light | 4 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 35 LEDs |
| Waterproof | No | Yes | No |
| Auto-adjusting light | No | No | Yes |
| Auto-adjusting page orientation | No | No | Yes |
How to Use Kindle
Kindle books, meaning those digital books that use Amazon’s proprietary formats .azw3 (also known as KF8) and .kfx, can be purchased from the Kindle store on Amazon.com.
To use Kindle, you have a few options. With a dedicated Kindle e-reader, you can simply purchase digital content from the Kindle Store directly from the device. If you prefer reading digital content on your smartphone or tablet, you can install the Kindle app, sign in with your Amazon account, and access your entire Kindle library from your phone or tablet.
Finally, if you don’t have a Kindle e-reader or don’t want to use the mobile app, you can read Kindle content in a web browser with Kindle for Web.
Kindle e-Reader Pros and Cons
Overall, Kindle e-readers are a worthwhile investment for avid readers, but they do have some limitations.
- Long battery life
- Portability
- Distraction-free reading experience
- The E ink displays reduce eye strain
- Easy access to books through the Kindle store and other digital content through Kindle Unlimited
- Limited functionality compared to tablets
- E ink displays are black and white (no color)
- Price
- Deliberate vendor lock-in
The Bottom Line
Most Kindle definitions stop after explaining that Kindle is a line of e-readers developed by Amazon. To understand the full meaning of Kindle, however, it’s important to understand Jeff Bezo’s vision of Kindle as a business model.
By integrating a dedicated e-reading device with an online digital bookstore, Amazon changed how people purchased and consumed books and revolutionized the publishing industry.
