Amazon is Disabling Old Kindles... Buy One of These Instead
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Thanks to Meter for sponsoring this video! Go to meter.com to book a demo now! GO BUY STUFF AT LTTSTORE AND GET FREE SHIPPING! US: lmg.gg WW: lmg.gg $150 Minimum for US and Canada $225 Minimum worldwide If you want to get an even better offer, sign up for our Supporter Plus tier on floatplane at: lmg.gg Amazon will end support for pre-2013 Kindle eReaders on May 20, 2026. Unfortunately, that means these perfectly fine devices will be all but useless. So what Kindle alternatives are out there, and how can you still get some use out of your unsupported Kindle? How to use Calibre: calibre-ebook.com Kindle Modding Wiki: kindlemodding.org ZDNET Guide: zdnet.com Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com
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Check out our Channel Partners: Secretlab - Grab a TITAN Evo ergonomic gaming chair: lmg.gg PIA - Get the VPN of our choice: piavpn.com dbrand - Buy a "Circuit" series skin for your device: dbrand.com ► SHOP LTT PRODUCTS: lttstore.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► DIVE DEEPER ON THE LTT LABS WEBSITE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Affiliate links powered in part by affilimate.com Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc and HexOS by Eshtek. CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 2:17 What's happening? 2:48 Kobo is more open 4:40 Android-based Boox eReaders 5:44 Sideloading to Kindle 7:07 Jailbreaking Kindles 7:59 Ending support isn't the problem 10:25 Outro
The video begins by describing Amazon's plan to end support for pre-2013 Kindle eReaders, effective May 20, 2026. The host emphasizes that while 14 years is a long lifespan for a device, the decision reveals the inherent limitations of a closed ecosystem. He notes that affected devices will still be able to read books already downloaded, but deregistering or factory resets will prevent re-registration or any meaningful use, effectively bricking the device for most practical purposes. The discussion then pivots to open alternatives, highlighting Kobo and Android-based eReaders like Books Go 6 as compelling options that diverge from Amazon’s restrictive approach. The host argues that Kobo offers a more open DRM model with guidance for reading DRM ebooks on third-party devices, and that libraries via Libby integrate more smoothly than Kindle’s ecosystem, making migration appealing for many users. The segment closes with practical options for users who want to preserve their libraries, including sideloading Calibre-managed ebooks, jailbreaking older Kindles, and considering other manufacturers that maintain more open file handling and transfer methods, such as Kobo and Books, as well as even more open devices like Books Go 6 and PocketBook.
Topics · technology · gadgets · consumer_electronics · digital_rights · right_to_repair
Questions answered
- What happens to pre-2013 Kindle devices when support ends?
- They can no longer be registered or re-registered, and will be difficult to use for new purchases or downloads, effectively bricking the device for most practical purposes.
- What alternatives does the video propose to Amazon Kindles?
- Kobo eReaders and Books Go 6 are highlighted as open, DRM-aware options with easier file transfer and library integrations, plus other brands like PocketBook and Nook as additional choices.
- Is sideloading or jailbreaking a viable workaround after the sunset date?
- Sideloading via Calibre can still work on some devices, and jailbreaking older firmwares may expand compatibility, but these methods are not officially endorsed and outcomes can vary.