Amazon just killed a useful Kindle USB feature –leaving me stuck with less flexibility for ebook downloads and backups
Posted by:
Olivia Smith
Title: Amazon to Discontinue USB Download & Transfer Option for Kindles
In an effort to combat ebook piracy, Amazon is set to eliminate the Download & Transfer via USB feature from its Kindle devices. The function, which allows users to download purchased ebooks and transfer them to their Kindles using a wired connection, will be phased out by February 26. While the latest Kindle models do not support this feature, older models will be impacted.
This move by Amazon is aimed at preventing users from bypassing Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection on ebooks purchased from the platform. With the removal of this feature, users will lose the ability to conveniently back up their ebooks on computers or transfer them without a Wi-Fi connection, limiting flexibility.
Although users can still transfer ebooks via Wi-Fi and through software like Calibre, the direct download option from the Amazon website to a computer will no longer be available. Additionally, the shift towards the newer KFX format for Amazon ebooks signifies a more robust DRM system, making it challenging for piracy.
While this change may hinder the convenience for Kindle users, it underscores Amazon’s continued efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights in the digital age.
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