Amazon removes your right to download Kindle books

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses Amazon’s upcoming decision to remove the option to download Kindle books to your computer, which will impact how users can manage their digital libraries. This move eliminates a key workaround for stripping DRM and transferring books to other devices, emphasizing the loss of ownership over digital content. The creator urges viewers to download their Kindle books and consider other e-readers, such as Kobo, to retain control of their digital purchases. The video reflects concerns over the growing dominance of Amazon in the ebook and e-reader market and its implications for consumer rights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amazon will be removing the option to download Kindle books to your computer on February 26th, 2025.
• 😀 This change will impact users who previously downloaded Kindle books to strip DRM and transfer them to non-Amazon devices.
• 😀 After February 26th, you won't be able to download Kindle books to your computer and use them freely outside of Amazon's ecosystem.
• 😀 Users should download and strip DRM from their Kindle books before the deadline if they want to retain full control over their content.
• 😀 The change highlights the issue of digital ownership, as buying a Kindle book is more like purchasing a license rather than owning the book outright.
• 😀 E-books, like games and movies on platforms like Steam and Amazon, are typically licensed rather than owned by the buyer.
• 😀 Some readers rely on e-readers for accessibility, including those with poor eyesight, making this move especially concerning for certain users.
• 😀 The removal of the download option raises concerns about potential future changes to digital content, like altered book covers or content updates.
• 😀 The speaker encourages viewers to consider using alternative e-readers like Kobo, which integrates with library services like Libby.
• 😀 Readers are advised to support authors directly through their personal websites or by buying physical copies of books when possible.
• 😀 The speaker expresses frustration with Amazon’s system and suggests users consider alternative platforms for purchasing e-books to avoid being locked into Amazon's ecosystem.

Q & A

Why is Amazon removing the option to download Kindle books to your computer?

Amazon is removing the option to download Kindle books to your computer as part of a shift away from allowing users to keep local copies of their e-books. This will impact users who want to store books on devices outside of Amazon's ecosystem.

What happens to the ability to transfer Kindle books to a physical Kindle device?

While the ability to transfer Kindle books to a physical Kindle device via USB will also be impacted, the core issue revolves around losing the option to download and store these books on your computer, which makes it more difficult to manage and back up your content.

What is DRM, and why is it important in the context of Kindle books?

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a protection mechanism used to control how digital content, like e-books, can be used. For Kindle books, DRM prevents users from transferring their books to other devices or reading apps unless they strip it using software like Calibre.

What was the workaround for DRM-protected Kindle books before the change?

Before the change, users could download Kindle books to their computers, strip the DRM using software like Calibre, and then transfer the books to any device they chose, thus removing the lock on the file and allowing broader use.

What is the deadline for downloading and stripping DRM from Kindle books?

The deadline is February 26. After this date, the option to download Kindle books to your computer will be removed, making it impossible to use the workaround of downloading and stripping DRM.

Is stripping DRM from Kindle books legal?

Stripping DRM from Kindle books is generally considered legal, as it allows users to access their content on different devices they own. However, this can vary by jurisdiction, and users should check the laws in their specific location.

Why does the speaker consider Kindle books more like a 'long-term loan' rather than ownership?

The speaker compares Kindle books to a long-term loan because when you buy an e-book, you are actually purchasing a license to read the content, rather than owning it outright. This means Amazon can remove access to the book at any time, which is not the case with physical books.

What concerns does the speaker have about moving to a cloud storage model for e-books?

The speaker is concerned that cloud storage models give users less control over their content, as publishers or Amazon could make changes to the books, such as updating covers or modifying content. This could happen without the user's knowledge or consent.

What is the speaker's stance on Amazon's role in the e-book market?

The speaker is critical of Amazon's control over the e-book market, highlighting how the company limits users' rights to own the books they purchase. The speaker advocates for alternatives that provide more ownership and control over digital content.

What alternatives does the speaker suggest for e-readers and e-books?

The speaker suggests considering alternative e-readers like Kobo, which integrates with library services like Libby. Additionally, they recommend purchasing e-books from platforms other than Amazon or directly from authors to support creators more fairly.